News Roundup Week Ending January 4th 2025
Air France connects Europe to the Caribbean
Air France leads in linking Europe to Caribbean destinations like Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Martin, leveraging its historical ties for seamless leisure and business travel. Competitors like TUI Airways and British Airways also cater to this thriving market, driven by high tourism demand.
United Airlines 757 loses tire on takeoff
A United Airlines Boeing 757-200 lost a tire during takeoff from Los Angeles on January 2, 2025, en route to Newark. The flight returned safely to LAX without injuries among the 129 passengers. The aircraft is undergoing maintenance.
Hunnu Air upgrades fleet with Embraer E195-E2
Mongolian airline Hunnu Air will receive its first Embraer E195-E2 in March 2025, upgrading its modest fleet. This move supports its international expansion and enhances passenger comfort.
United Airlines updates 787-8 livery
United Airlines’ first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has been repainted with the “Evo Blue” livery, symbolizing the airline’s innovation and sustainability efforts.
British Airways loyalty program backlash
BA’s switch to a revenue-based loyalty system has angered frequent flyers, who describe the move as a “betrayal” and a “kick in the teeth.”
Low-cost carriers debate fleet strategies
Budget airlines face a trade-off: invest in fuel-efficient aircraft or rely on older, cheaper models. Airlines like Ryanair prioritize newer fleets, while Allegiant Air benefits from lower upfront costs with older planes.
Wizz Air grounds aircraft due to engine issues
Wizz Air has grounded 40 Airbus A320neo family aircraft through 2026 due to Pratt & Whitney engine inspections. The airline plans to mitigate disruptions by taking delivery of 50 new A321neos and growing capacity by 20%.
China’s COMAC targets global markets
COMAC aims to position its C919 jet as a rival to the A320neo and 737 MAX. While the jet awaits U.S. and EU certifications, it offers an alternative for markets seeking to diversify from Western manufacturers.
SWISS crew member critical after emergency landing
A SWISS Airbus A220 emergency landing in Graz, Austria, following smoke in the cabin, left one flight attendant on life support. Investigations into the incident’s cause are ongoing.
Emirates launches 2025 pilot recruitment
Emirates will start recruiting pilots in Amsterdam on January 20, 2025, offering competitive salaries, housing, and education allowances. Positions include Captains, First Officers, and CRM Instructors.
Breeze considers A220 flights to Hawaii
Breeze Airways is exploring the possibility of launching Hawaii services using Airbus A220 aircraft.
KLM Boeing 737 runway excursion in Norway
A KLM 737-800 made an emergency landing at Torp Sandefjord Airport due to hydraulic failure, skidding off the runway. No injuries were reported.
Airbus Delivers Over 765 Jets in 2024:
Airbus provisionally delivered over 765 aircraft in 2024, narrowly missing its target of around 770 due to supply chain challenges.
Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash:
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024, resulting in 179 fatalities. The crash is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting a possible bird strike.
Boeing’s Stock Decline in 2024:
Boeing ended 2024 as the largest loser in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, with a 31% drop in its share price, amid production issues and leadership changes.
China Urges Aviation Safety Assessments:
Following a deadly year in commercial aviation with 318 fatalities, Chinese authorities are calling for enhanced safety assessments and adjustments to flight routes to ensure safer operations.
Passengers Experience ‘Time Travel’ Flight:
Passengers on Cathay Pacific Flight 880 took off from Hong Kong on January 1, 2025, and landed in Los Angeles on December 31, 2024, due to crossing the International Date Line.
South Korea’s Silent New Year:
South Korea marked the New Year in silence, mourning the 179 victims of the Jeju Air crash and dealing with recent political turmoil.
Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Investigation:
An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 was reportedly downed by Russian air defenses near Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities. Investigations are ongoing.
Delta Air Lines Emergency Landing:
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 en route from Atlanta to São Paulo experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff on January 1, 2025, prompting a return to Atlanta. No injuries were reported.
IndiGo Expands International Routes:
IndiGo announced new flights from Bengaluru to various international destinations, continuing its expansion into global markets.
Air India Express Emergency Landing:
An Air India Express flight from Kozhikode to Dubai made an emergency landing due to technical issues. All passengers and crew were safe.
Ryanair Calls for EU Aviation Reform:
Ryanair released its 2025 manifesto, urging the European Union to implement reforms in the aviation sector to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Airbus Awarded Eutelsat Contract:
Airbus secured a contract to build an extension for Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit satellite constellation, enhancing global connectivity.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Milestone:
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made history by completing its closest pass to the Sun, providing unprecedented data on solar phenomena.
South Korea Extends Boeing 737-800 Inspections:
Following the Jeju Air crash, South Korea extended inspections of Boeing 737-800 aircraft to ensure safety and prevent similar incidents.
Airbus Nears Delivery Target:
Airbus came close to its delivery target of 770 aircraft for 2024, reflecting strong demand and production capabilities.
Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Details Emerge:
New reports suggest that the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 was hit by Russian air defenses, leading to its crash near Kazakhstan.
Airbus H145 Delivered to Yorkshire Air Ambulance:
Yorkshire Air Ambulance received a new Airbus H145-D3 helicopter, enhancing its emergency response capabilities.
Philippines Orders A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft:
The Philippines is set to acquire six new A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, bolstering its air force capabilities.
ICEYE Expands Earth Observation Capabilities:
ICEYE launched two new SAR satellites, enhancing its ability to provide detailed Earth observation data for various applications.
Recruitment openings:
FLY4 Airlines – UK is seeking qualified and experienced pilots and cabin crew to join their team in the UK. They offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to explore various destinations worldwide. (fly4airlines.com)
British Airways is recruiting individuals passionate about delivering outstanding customer service to join their cabin crew team. Comprehensive training and excellent benefits are provided. (careers.ba.com)
Jet2.com, based at London Luton Airport, is looking for individuals to ensure customer safety, comfort, and satisfaction onboard their aircraft. The role involves providing a VIP service to passengers. (jet2careers.com)
TUI Airline is seeking pilots and cabin crew who are passionate about delivering customer-centric service. They offer opportunities to work with a state-of-the-art fleet and support continuous improvement in operations. (careers.tuigroup.com)
Wizz Air UK is hosting recruitment days for individuals interested in joining their cabin crew team. They seek candidates who enjoy being on the go and meeting new people. (allflyingjobs.com)
Ryanair is offering a partly-sponsored type rating programme for cadet pilots in the UK. This is an opportunity to join Europe’s leading airline and gain experience on the B737 aircraft. (allflyingjobs.com)
VistaJet is recruiting UK licensed Captains and First Officers to operate their Citation XLS/XLS+ aircraft. These are permanent, full-time positions with remote work bases. (allflyingjobs.com)
Emerald Airlines is seeking experienced ATR 72 Captains for their Belfast base. The airline offers competitive salaries and benefits. (allflyingjobs.com)
Fly4 is looking for First Officers to join their team. Given the nature of ACMI operations, flexibility is key to embracing this thrilling journey. (allflyingjobs.com)
Jet2.com is offering opportunities for experienced A320 Series Training Pilots, including Type Rating Examiners, Type Rating Instructors, and Line Trainers, to join their team. (allflyingjobs.com)
