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In a milestone for commercial aviation, Airbus’ A320 family has now surpassed Boeing’s 737 to become the most-delivered jetliner in history. When the tires of Saudi low cost airline Flynas latest A320neo came to a screeching halt in Riyadh just minutes past midnight on October 7th, aviation history was made. Perhaps not so much because of the handover of the aircraft itself. Nothing suggests that the roughly 6.5 hour long delivery flight out of Airbus delivery center in Toulouse had been anything but uneventful for the aircraft registered as HZ-NS95. But, as the all-Airbus fleet of the Riyadh based carrier grew by one, Airbus had an even bigger reason to celebrate. With it, the European aerospace giant had reached 12,260 cumulative deliveries of its A320 family of aircraft, effectively overtaking Boeing’s long-standing record for the 737 series. This according to the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Airbus bigger than Boeing?However, as data from Flightradar24 shows, the scale started to tip in Airbus’s favor earlier than that if you consider other data points. Aircraft deliveries aside, if we instead compare actual aircraft movements, the European workhorse overtook its American equivalent as early as during the early 2010s. Crunching numbers covering the month of September this year unveils a substantial lead for the A320 family in terms of performed flights. The Airbus A320 family completed 1,414,516 flights, while Boeing 737s racked up 1,102,536 flights.

Statistics be damned, but surely therein lies something to be considered.

A rivalry for the agesAirborne for the first time in 1967, the Boeing 737 was developed as a supplement to the 727, with shorter and thinner routes in mind. Multiple iterations followed, eventually leading European rival Airbus to launch the A320 in 1984 to combat its prevalence and success. Given its roughly 20 year long headstart, Boeing has remained steadfast in pole position in the highly competitive narrowbody market. It’s been quite the dance, seeing both aircraft families jockey for dominance across global airspace, the gap closing slowly but steadily.

The latest round of this decades-long push-pull rivalry saw Airbus leaping into action as the year 2010 came to an end, airing plans for a modernized version dubbed the A320neo (New engine option). Boeing responded just months later, announcing refinements to an airframe design that by then had been roaming the skies for close to half a century. The 737 MAX too promised vastly improved economics due engineering wizardry in the dark art of engine design. Again, aircraft lessors and airlines looking to expand or upgrade their fleets, found themselves with two primary alternatives when it came to 150+ seat capacity, single aisle aircraft. Headscratching among decision makers ensued, orders were eventually placed, the dance continued. Then disaster struck.

Grounding of the MaxTwo horrific crashes involving 737 MAX aircraft within a narrow timespan just shy of six months spurred authorities worldwide to ground the entire fleet. Confidence with the manufacturer swayed, to say the least. The Renton production line came to a halt, deliveries were paused, lawsuits commenced. Set against a backdrop of a global pandemic that in itself put the entire industry in financial malaise, recertification eventually came to happen and with green lights being given from civil aviation authorities across the globe, Boeing again started to fulfill orders. The damage, both from a human standpoint as well as purely reputational, however will take time and serious effort on Boeing’s behalf to alleviate.

What the future holdsAirbus now having passed Boeing when it comes to delivered aircraft of course in no way marks the end of this decades old rivalry. Far from it. Rather, it signals changing tides in the aerospace duopoly and sets the stage for interesting developments ahead. One thing is certain, the pressure now is on Boeing to respond. That may be through a shift in strategy or even by accelerating plans for the next generation of mid-size aircraft. The latter however may be further ahead than one would spontaneously assume—development of new aircraft after all is a costly venture and both Boeing and Airbus are likely keen on emphasizing refinements in engines, materials, and systems rather than rushing headfirst into creating brand new jetliners.

Then there’s the competition making their presence known. Brazil’s Embraer, who in the past couple of years have been inching their way into the mid-size market with stretched versions of the E-jet family of aircraft, are rumored to consider an outright competitor to the A320 and 737.

Meanwhile in China, an important market for both Boeing and Airbus, domestic manufacturer COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) is vying for influence with their partly (foreign parts after all make up a significant portion of the end product) homegrown C919 model that entered into commercial service in 2022.

For now, the A320 may have surpassed the B737 as the most sold aircraft in its category (and performed flights). One thing however is certain—the last word on the subject is far from having been uttered.

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On this episode of AvTalk, we discuss last week’s collision between two Endeavor Air CRJ-900s at La Guardia and what new video tells us about how it happened.

Similar to last time the US federal government shut down, focus is on the actions of air traffic controllers. While ATC work slowdowns are widely credited with ending the previous shutdown, there’s reason to believe the situation is different this time around.

An Air India 787’s ram air turbine deployed on approach to Birmingham, even though the jet’s engines were functioning normally. The Federation of Indian Pilots is calling for inspection of all Indian 787s as some commentators attempt to draw parallels to the crash of AI171.

Spirit Airlines is asking the court for approval to reject 87 more aircraft leases. The rejections, which would take place by the end of the month, would take the airline out of the A320neo family of aircraft entirely.

And the Airbus A320 family has just passed the 737 as the highest selling aircraft of all time.

Helpful links for this week’s episode* CRJs collide in New York — data and video of the collision * FAA National Airspace status page * Air India RAT deployment flight * Airbus A320 family vs Boeing 737 family operations, 2018-2025 * JetBlue’s new special “Isla del Bluencanto” special Puerto Rican heritage livery * JSX “retro” livery

Thank you for listening!Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review or comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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Air Niugini (PX/ANG) made history by adding its first state-of-the-art Airbus A220-300 to its fleet, which arrived in Port Moresby brand new from the Airbus factory in Montréal on a long delivery flight that lasted four days.

Airbus aircraft returned to the Air Niugini fleet, with Papua New Guinea-registered aircraft, after 23 years, being the last two Airbus A310-300s, which served between the early 1990s and early 2000s (P2-ANA and P2-ANG). From 1984 to 1989, it operated an Airbus A300B4-203 with registration P2-ANG.

In addition, between December 2007 and May 2008, White’s Airbus A310-304 CS-TDI operated for Air Niugini, retaining its Portuguese registry and the airline’s livery.

Papua New Guinea’s main airline is based in Port Moresby, the country’s capital and economic hub. As you can see in our database, Air Niugini has an important network of connections in Oceania and Asia, as well as a diverse fleet that includes both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

This Airbus A220, the first brand-new Airbus to be incorporated by a Papua New Guinea airline, is part of a firm order placed by Air Niugini for almost a dozen new Airbus A220s.

The trip to Papua New GuineaOn September 11th at 17:54 local time, Air Niugini’s Airbus A220-300, registration P2-PGA, departed from Montréal-Mirabel International Airport bound for Vancouver, thus beginning its delivery flight to Papua New Guinea. It arrived at 19:53 local time after a 4-hour and 59-minute flight.

The next day, at 08:55 local time, the A220 commenced its journey across the Pacific Ocean, taking off for Honolulu. This was a 5-hour and 58-minute flight, following to Nadi after a brief stopover in Honolulu, which lasted around 6 hours and 30 minutes, the longest leg of the journey.

At 13:46 local time on September 12th, the aircraft departed from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and landed at 18:16 local time on September 13th in the Fijian city.

After making a low pass over the airport and part of the city, Air Niugini’s brand new Airbus A220-300 touched down in Port Moresby on September 15th at 10:30 local time, landing from Montréal via Vancouver, Honolulu, and Nadi. It was unveiled following its arrival, and the next day it started operating test flights around Papua New Guinea, as you can see through our data.

Delivery flight

| Date | From | To | Flight time | Distance | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 11SEP25 | Montréal | Vancouver | 4h 59m | 3,664km | | 12SEP25 | Vancouver | Honolulu | 5h 58m | 4,354km | | 12SEP25 | Honolulu | Nadi | 6h 30m | 5,089km | | 15SEP25 | Nadi | Port Moresby | 5h 47m | 3,392km | | - | - | - | 23h 14m | +16,500 km |

The airline entered into a lease agreement with US lessor Azorra for the addition of three Airbus A220-300s, with P2-PGA being the first of these three. Furthermore, in May 2025, Air Niugini expanded its initial order with Airbus for eight Airbus A220s, announcing the acquisition of two additional Airbus A220-100s. Air Niugini currently plans to have three Airbus A220-300 and eight Airbus A220-100.

From Montréal to Port MoresbyThese Airbus A220s will be incorporated with the aim of modernizing the fleet, which currently consists of a variety of aircraft, including Boeing, Dash, and Fokker models.

According to our database, Air Niugini’s fleet comprises 20 aircraft, being 18 narrow-body aircraft focused on domestic and regional operations, and two wide-body aircraft, scheduled for long-haul flights to Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, all from/to Port Moresby.

Fleet

| Aircraft | Registration | Config | Age | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A220-300 | P2-PGA | C8Y130 | Brand new | | Boeing 737-860 | P2-PXA | C12Y150 | 13 years | | Boeing 737-81M | P2-PXB | C12Y150 | 11 years | | Boeing 737-86Q | P2-PXC | C12Y150 | 22 years | | Boeing 767-341(ER) | P2-PXV | C28Y160 | 26 years | | Boeing 767-383(ER) | P2-PXW | C28Y160 | 34 years | | Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 | P2-ANP | Y50 | 30 years | | Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 | P2-PXQ | Y74 | 18 years | | Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 | P2-PXR | Y74 | 18 years | | Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 | P2-PXS | Y74 | 16 years | | Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 | P2-PXT | Y74 | 15 years | | Fokker 70 | P2-ANR | Y80 | 29 years | | Fokker 70 | P2-ANT | Y80 | 29 years | | Fokker 70 | P2-ANU | Y80 | 31 years | | Fokker 70 | P2-ANV | Y80 | 30 years | | Fokker 100 | P2-ANC | C8Y93 | 32 years | | Fokker 100 | P2-ANE | C8Y93 | 35 years | | Fokker 100 | P2-ANF | C8Y93 | 34 years | | Fokker 100 | P2-ANH | C8Y93 | 35 years |

As per Air Niugini, its Airbus A220-100 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft will be based at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby, offering domestic flights in Papua New Guinea. Port Moresby – Lae will be the main route for Air Niugini’s A220s, with almost a daily flight, and they will also operate to Kavieng and Lorengau from the country’s capital.

Port Moresby – Kavieng – Lorengau – Port MoresbyWednesday

PX 220 Port Moresby POM 06:45 · 08:15 KVG Kavieng
PX 220 Kavieng KVG 08:55 · 09:45 MAS Lorengau
PX 291 Lorengau MAS 10:25 · 11:45 POM Port Moresby

Saturday

PX 220 Port Moresby POM 13:00 · 14:30 KVG Kavieng
PX 220 Kavieng KVG 15:10 · 16:00 MAS Lorengau
PX 291 Lorengau MAS 16:40 · 18:00 POM Port Moresby

Port Moresby – Lae – Port Moresby PX 100 Port Moresby POM 06:00 · 06:55 LAE Lae (Mon/Thu/Sat) * PX 102 Port Moresby POM 09:30 · 10:25 LAE Lae (Mon/Sat) * PX 104 Port Moresby POM 13:00 · 13:55 LAE Lae (Wed/Thu) * PX 106 Port Moresby POM 16:30 · 17:25 LAE Lae (Wed/Sun) * PX 101 Lae LAE 07:35 · 08:35 POM Port Moresby (Mon/Thu/Sat) * PX 103 Lae LAE 11:05 · 12:00 POM Port Moresby (Mon/Sat) * PX 105 Lae LAE 14:35 · 15:30 POM Port Moresby (Wed/Thu) * PX 107 Lae LAE 18:05 · 19:00 POM Port Moresby (Wed/Sun)*

Port Moresby – Lae – Lorengau – Lae – Port MoresbySunday

PX 292 Port Moresby POM 08:45 · 09:40 LAE Lae
PX 292 Lae LAE 10:20 · 11:20 MAS Lorengau
PX 293 Lorengau MAS 12:00 · 13:00 LAE Lae
PX 293 Lae LAE 13:40 · 14:35 POM Port Moresby

Air Niugini will begin operating international flights with its Airbus A220 aircraft soon.

Routes

| Country | Destination | Airline | Flights | Aircraft | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Australia | Brisbane | Air Niugini | 7 weekly | Boeing 767 | | Brisbane | Qantas | 6 weekly | Boeing 737 | | Cairns | Air Niugini | 8 weekly | Fokkers | | Sydney | Air Niugini | 2 weekly | Boeing 767 | | China | Guangzhou | China Southern | 3 weekly | Boeing 737 | | Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Air Niugini | 4 weekly | Boeing 767 | | Papua New Guinea | Buka Island | Air Niugini | 2 weekly | Fokker 100 | | Daru | Air Niugini | 4 weekly | Dash 8 | | Daru | PNG Air | 1 weekly | ATR 72 | | Goroka | Air Niugini | 12 weekly | Dash/Fokker | | Goroka | PNG Air | 11 weekly | ATR/Dash | | Gurney | Air Niugini | 12 weekly | Dash 8 | | Gurney | PNG Air | 4 weekly | Dash 8 | | Hoskins | Air Niugini | 9 weekly | Dash 8 | | Kavieng | Air Niugini | 2 weekly | Airbus A220 | | Kiunga | Air Niugini | 2 weekly | Dash 8 | | Kiunga | PNG Air | 1 weekly | Dash 8 | | Lae | Air Niugini | 28 weekly | A220/738/Dash | | Lae | PNG Air | 27 weekly | ATR/Dash | | Lihir Island | PNG Air | 1 weekly | ATR 72 | | Lorengau | Air Niugini | 3 weekly | Airbus A220 | | Madang | Air Niugini | 13 weekly | Dash/Fokker | | Madang | PNG Air | 1 weekly | Dash 8 | | Mendi | PNG Air | 1 weekly | Dash 8 | | Mount Hagen | Air Niugini | 24 weekly | Dash/Fokker | | Mount Hagen | PNG Air | 25 weekly | ATR/Dash | | Popondetta | Air Niugini | 8 weekly | Dash 8 | | Popondetta | PNG Air | 2 weekly | Dash 8 | | Rabaul | Air Niugini | 17 weekly | Dash/Fokker | | Rabaul | PNG Air | 5 weekly | ATR 72 | | Tabubil | Air Niugini | 3 weekly | Dash 8 | | Tabubil | PNG Air | 1 weekly | Dash 8 | | Tari | Air Niugini | 4 weekly | Dash 8 | | Tari | PNG Air | 3 weekly | ATR 72 | | Vanimo | Air Niugini | 1 weekly | Fokker 70 | | Wapenamanda | Air Niugini | 1 weekly | Dash 8 | | Wapendamada | PNG Air | 1 weekly | ATR 72 | | Wewak | Air Niugini | 16 weekly | Dash/Fokker | | Philippines | Manila | Air Niugini | 4 weekly | Boeing 737 | | Manila | Philippine | 3 weekly | Airbus A321 | | Singapore | Singapore | Air Niugini | 5 weekly | Boeing 767 | | Solomon Islands | Honiara | Air Niugini | 4 weekly | Boeing 737 |

Regarding Air Niugini’s first scheduled flight using its Airbus A220, the inauguration took place on October 4th, with flight PX100 between Port Moresby and Lae.

The aircraft departed from Port Moresby International Airport at 10:20 local time bound for Nadzab Airport in Lae, where it landed at 11:02 local time with passengers and guests after a 42-minute flight.

Air Niugini plans to add its second Airbus A220 in early 2026.

First regular flight with A220

Cover photo: © Airbus Newsroom

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we chat with Eliska Hill, Senior Vice President of Cargo for the UK and the rest of the world at Air Partner about the state of the cargo market, where recovery has come post-COVID, and how companies with something to ship are beginning to expect a different level of service.

In the Nordics, business is not booming with airlines PLAY and BRA’s Airbus division ending flights and the Greenland airports authority introduces restrictions that cripple Air Greenland’s operations in Nuuk.

Boeing begins thinking about possibly at some point, maybe, eventually building a new narrow body airplane. As for aircraft that are real, the FAA now says that Boeing can issue airworthiness certificates for some aircraft, some of the time.

After a gear-up landing by a SKYhigh Dominica E190 in Santo Domingo, we learn about the airports recent development of the runway’s adjacent taxiway for takeoffs and landings. And we probe the mystery a revived A380.

Helpful links for this week’s episode* Wall Street Journal article on planning for Boeing’s new plane * Spirit’s restructuring plan with lease rejections * NTSB report on jammed printers and distracted controllers * A whale of a mystery: what will happen to MSN 114?

Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 339: What the Nuuk!? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On the evening of October 1, two Endeavor Air CRJ-900s operating for Delta Connection collided during low speed taxiing at New York’s La Guardia Airport just before 22:00 local time. Thankfully, only one minor injury was reported by a flight attendant on EDV5155.

EDV5047 was taxiing to the gate after landing at La Guardia (LGA) from Charlotte, while EDV5155 was taxiing to the runway for departure to Roanoke. EDV5047 taxied on TWY B to TWY M and was crossing TWY A when it was struck by EDV5155 on TWY A. Based on visual evidence the departing CRJ’s right wing struck the nose of the arriving aircraft. The FAA in a preliminary statement says, “Air traffic control instructed flight 5155 to hold short and yield to the other aircraft.”

Video of LGA ground collision earlier this week
byu/palestmoonlight666 inaviation

The below photo was captured by a CBS News producer who happened to be onboard flight 5047.

View playback on Flightradar24Aircraft informationBoth flights were operated by Endeavor Air CRJ-900LR aircraft. Endeavor Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, operating flights under the Delta Connection brand.

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Late last week, our custom alert for “A380s near Tarbes” pinged with an interesting movement. MSN 114, the 100th A380 built and formerly operated by Malaysia Airlines, turned its transponder on for the first time in nearly three years.

Why is it MSN 114, but only the 100th A380 built? Manufacturer serial numbers are assigned early in the production process and changes can result in aircraft being built out of sequence. For instance, the first A380 originally destined for FedEx was assigned MSN 037 before the airline canceled their order in 2006.

A380 MSN 114MSN 114 first flew in late 2012 was delivered to Malaysia Airlines as 9M-MNF in March 2013. The aircraft flew with Malaysia Airlines until 2020 when the airline placed its entire fleet of six A380s into storage due to the pandemic. After trying to sell its A380 fleet from July 2021 onward, Malaysia was able to get Airbus to take the aircraft back as part of the airline’s purchase agreement for 20 A330-900neos.

9M-MNF departed Kuala Lumpur for storage in Tarbes, France on 19 December 2022. Now owned by Airbus Financial Services, MSN 114 remained in deep storage at the Tarmac Aerosave facility from December 2022 until September 2025.

Bringing MSN 114 back to lifeOn 25 September 2025, MSN 114, now wearing the registration 2-JAYN, turned its transponder on for the first time in nearly three years and performed a rejected take off, reaching a maximum speed of 107 knots. The following day, the A380 conducted a two hour, 55 minute long maintenance test flight, climbing up to 43,000 feet.

Now it gets interestingOn 1 October, MSN 114 was ferried to Abu Dhabi where Etihad Airways has a large A380 maintenance facility. Upon landing, the aircraft taxied to the Etihad Engineering area of the airport.

We’ve previously visited Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hangar to see how the airline maintains the world’s largest passenger aircraft. You can view that video below for a behind the scenes look at A380 heavy maintenance.

What’s next for this A380?With the aircraft now in Abu Dhabi, presumably for additional maintenance, what happens next? Well, an absolutely massive amount of maintenance.

UPDATE: We asked Airbus about the plans for this aircraft and they tell us that after heavy maintenance it will go through even more modifications to serve as a future flight test aircraft for the manufacturer. Stay tuned for more information on exactly what modifications the aircraft will receive as well as when it will begin flying.

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China Eastern Airlines has announced that it will operate regular flights to Latin America for the first time starting in December, with services from/to Shanghai.

On December 4th at 02:00 local time, China Eastern’s inaugural flight will depart from Pudong International Airport bound for Buenos Aires, where it will arrive the same day at 16:55 local time after a 29-hour flight. The entire route, Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires, around 19,700 kilometers, will be operated twice a week with Boeing 777-300(ER) aircraft configured for 316 passengers in three classes (6 seats in First, 52 seats in Business, and 258 seats in Economy).

As per our database, China Eastern Airlines already operates flights from Auckland to Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Sydney. With the addition of Buenos Aires, the airline will have more than 13 weekly services across all its routes effective December.

Shanghai – Auckland – Buenos AiresMonday

MU 745 Shanghai PVG 02:00 · 18:30 AKL Auckland
MU 745 Auckland AKL 20:30 · 16:30 EZE Buenos Aires

Thursday

MU 745 Shanghai PVG 02:00 · 18:30 AKL Auckland
MU 745 Auckland AKL 20:55 · 16:55 EZE Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires – Auckland – ShanghaiTuesday and Friday

MU 746 Buenos Aires EZE 02:00 · 08:40+1 AKL Auckland
MU 746 Auckland AKL 10:40+1 · 18:00+1 PVG Shanghai

Argentina will regain connectivity with Oceania following almost six years, as the last flights were operated by Air New Zealand between Auckland and Buenos Aires in March 2020.

Furthermore, after the launch of China Eastern, Buenos Aires will once again be the only Latin American city linked to all five continents.

Cathay PacificAs of March 30th, 2026, Cathay Pacific will begin services to Seattle from Hong Kong, offering five weekly frequencies on Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured for 280 passengers in three classes (38 seats in Business, 28 seats in Premium Economy, and 214 seats in Economy).

Seattle will become Cathay Pacific’s seventh destination in the United States, all of which are served from/to Chek Lap Kok International Airport (HKG/VHHH).

Daily except Friday and Sunday* CX 852 Hong Kong HKG 13:30 · 10:10 SEA Seattle * CX 853 Seattle SEA 11:50 · 16:45+1 HKG Hong Kong

Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco are its destinations in the United States, also providing cargo flights to Anchorage, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Portland, among others.

DeltaDelta Air Lines has confirmed the addition of many new routes between the United States and Europe in 2026, starting first with Boston, which will be conducted by Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured for 282 passengers in three classes.

Both services, already available for purchase on Delta’s website, will operate during Summer 2026.

Boston – Madrid · May 16th, 2026Daily

DL 62 Boston BOS 18:40 · 07:40+1 MAD Madrid
DL 63 Madrid MAD 15:10 · 17:05 BOS Boston

Boston – Nice · May 16th, 2026Daily

DL 276 Boston BOS 20:00 · 09:35+1 NCE Nice
DL 277 Nice NCE 11:45 · 14:25 BOS Boston

In addition to Boston, Delta will launch other three routes in the US-Europe market, flying to/from New York with Boeing 767-300(ER) aircraft.

Olbia · May 20th, 2026Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DL 216 New York JFK 18:25 · 09:00+1 OLB Olbia
DL 217 Olbia OLB 11:00 · 14:35 JFK New York (Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat)

Porto · May 21st, 2026Daily

DL 114 New York JFK 22:25 · 10:30+1 OPO Porto
DL 115 Porto OPO 12:25 · 15:15 JFK New York

Malta · June 7th, 2026Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DL 148 New York JFK 18:25 · 09:00+1 MLA Malta
DL 149 Malta MLA 10:20 · 14:50 JFK New York (Mon/Thu/Sat)

Air CanadaAir Canada will initiate three new services between Canada and the United States.

Two of them will be offered from/to Montreal Trudeau International Airport, and the other to/from Toronto Pearson International Airport, using Embraer 175 and Airbus A220 aircraft.

Montreal (YUL) – Cleveland (CLE): 7 weekly · May 1st, 2026 · Embraer 175
Montreal (YUL) – Columbus (CMH): 7 weekly · May 1st, 2026 · Embraer 175
Toronto (YYZ) – San Antonio (SAT): 3 weekly · May 1st, 2026 · Airbus A220-300

Aer LingusRaleigh-Durham, Aer Lingus’ new destination in the US.

Starting April 13th, 2026, the Irish airline will commence flights from Dublin with Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which are configured for 184 passengers (16 seats in Business and 168 seats in Economy). These services, which will take approximately eight and a half hours westbound and over seven hours eastbound, will operate five times a week with the following schedule:

Daily except Wednesday and Saturday* EI 85 Dublin DUB 15:25 · 18:55 RDU Raleigh-Durham * EI 84 Raleigh-Durham RDU 20:25 · 08:45+1 DUB Dublin

Furthermore, Aer Lingus will increase its weekly flights to Boston, Indianapolis, Nashville, New York, and Orlando beginning in April 2026.

Aerolíneas ArgentinasFor the first time in its history, Aerolíneas Argentinas will fly to Aruba, as of January 2026, during the 2025/2026 South American summer. The airline will have a significant operation between Argentina and Aruba, with three seasonal routes to be performed by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Córdoba – Oranjestad · January 1st, 2026Thursday

AR 1394 Córdoba COR 14:30 · 20:40 AUA Oranjestad
AR 1395 Oranjestad AUA 22:15 · 06:40+1 COR Córdoba

Mendoza – Oranjestad · January 2nd, 2026Friday

AR 1398 Mendoza MDZ 13:00 · 19:35 AUA Oranjestad
AR 1399 Oranjestad AUA 22:30 · 07:20+1 MDZ Mendoza

Buenos Aires – Oranjestad · January 3rd, 2026Monday, Saturday and Sunday

AR 1374 Buenos Aires EZE 23:55 · 07:00+1 AUA Oranjestad
AR 1375 Oranjestad AUA 08:30 · 16:55 COR Córdoba (Mon/Tue/Sun)
AR 1375 Córdoba COR 17:25 · 18:45 EZE Buenos Aires (Mon/Tue/Sun)

The Oranjestad-Buenos Aires leg will include a stopover in Córdoba, as Argentine aircraft are not allowed to fly over Venezuelan territory, imposed by the Venezuelan government, meaning that the 737 MAX cannot operate AUA-EZE non-stop.

airBalticairBaltic expands its operations in Europe and Asia.

The airline has announced the launch of three new routes, as well as three restarts, which will take place in 2026, all from Vilnius International Airport. At the time of publication, airBaltic operates Airbus A220-300 aircraft configured for 145 or 149 passengers, having 50 in its fleet.

Kaunas (KUN): 5 weekly · March 29th, 2026
Oulu (OUL): 5 weekly · March 29th, 2026
Belgrade (BEL): 2 weekly · May 1st, 2026
Antalya (AYT): 2 weekly · May 2nd, 2026
Yerevan (EVN): 3 weekly · May 2nd, 2026
Aberdeen (ABZ): 2 weekly · June 2nd, 2026

HiSkyHiSky arrives in Chicago.

The Romanian carrier will initiate a new route to the US effective June 4th, 2026, Bucharest-Chicago O’Hare, to be operated twice-weekly on Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Chicago will become HiSky’s second destination in the United States after New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, served four times weekly with the same aircraft.

Thursday and Sunday* H4 103 Bucharest OTP 09:00 · 11:50 ORD Chicago * H4 104 Chicago ORD 13:20 · 07:10+1 OTP Bucharest

HainanStarting November 22nd, Hainan Airlines will inaugurate the Chongqing-Brussels route, which will be flown three times per week with 292-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Chongqing will become the Belgian capital’s fourth connection with China, after Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, all of which are operated by Hainan. Juneyao Air is Hainan Airlines’ only competitor in this market, on the Shanghai Pudong-Brussels route.

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* HU 469 Chongqing CKG 02:50 · 07:35 BRU Brussels * HU 470 Brussels BRU 11:20 · 05:10+1 CKG Chongqing

IndiGoThe Indian airline will commence flying between Delhi and Copenhagen on November 15th, marking its first-ever entry into Denmark. In accordance with its website, IndiGo will serve three times weekly with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 338 passengers, belonging to Norse Atlantic Airways.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* 6E 43 Delhi DEL 04:05 · 09:55 CPH Copenhagen * 6E 44 Copenhagen CPH 12:40 · 02:10+1 DEL Delhi

Denmark’s capital will join Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Manchester, its current destinations in Europe.

QantasAt 11:07 local time on September 25th, Qantas’ first scheduled flight with an Airbus A321XLR took off from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. The aircraft, registered as VH-OGB, operated flight QF645 to Perth, arriving at 13:39 local time following a four-hour flight.

Perth will be one of the regular destinations for Qantas’ A321XLRs, which are configured for 197 passengers in single class. Brisbane and Melbourne will also be part of the schedule, with flights to/from Sydney.

At present, Qantas has two Airbus A321XLR in its fleet (VH-OGA and VH-OGB).

Sky MaliOn October 1st at 09:00 local time, Sky Mali’s inaugural flight will depart from Bamako (Mali) bound for Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). With Boeing 737-400s and Boeing 737-500s, the airline will operate three weekly frequencies on this route, which will be its first and only service in this market.

BKO – ABJ ML 301 Bamako BKO 09:00 · 10:40 ABJ Abidjan (Wednesday) * ML 301 Bamako BKO 13:00 · 14:40 ABJ Abidjan (Friday and Sunday)*

ABJ – BKO ML 302 Abidjan ABJ 11:40 · 13:20 BKO Bamako (Wednesday) * ML 302 Abidjan ABJ 15:40 · 17:20 BKO Bamako (Friday and Sunday)*

CVsky (Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde)Two new domestic routes in Cape Verde.

CVsky (Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde), operated by Cabo Verde Airlines aircraft, has announced the launch of two new connections between the islands of Cape Verde, using ATR 72-600s with a capacity for 72 passengers. As per its website, these will be the new services.

Boa Vista (BVC) – Maio Island (MMO): 1 weekly · October 27th · ATR 72
Espargos (SID) – São Filipe (SFL): 2 weekly · October 29th · ATR 72

EtihadFrom May 30th, 2026, Etihad Airways will commence the Abu Dhabi – Palma de Mallorca route, to be carried out by 194-seat Airbus A321neo LR aircraft, three times a week.

So far, flights to Palma de Mallorca will be seasonal during Summer 2026, with operations scheduled to end on September 24th, 2026. It will join Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga, its current routes from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates-Spain market.

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday* EY 115 Abu Dhabi AUH 02:55 · 08:15 PMI Palma de Mallorca * EY 116 Palma de Mallorca PMI 10:30 · 19:00 AUH Abu Dhabi

Fly ChamOn September 6th at 23:34 local time, Fly Cham’s inaugural flight departed from Damascus airport to Mersin, a route it will provide two times weekly with Airbus A320-200 aircraft configured for 180 passengers in single class.

DAM – COV XH 481 Damascus DAM 10:30 · 11:30 COV Mersin (Wednesday) * XH 483 Damascus DAM 23:00 · 23:55 COV Mersin (Saturday)*

COV – DAM XH 482 Mersin COV 12:30 · 13:30 DAM Damascus (Wednesday) * XH 484 Mersin COV 01:00 · 02:00 DAM Damascus (Sunday)*

Fly Cham, Syria’s newest airline, began operations on June 5th, 2025, and currently has five Airbus A320-200 in its fleet.

New aircraft during September

| Aircraft | Registration | Airline | | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A321-271NX | SX-NAR | Aegean Airlines | | Airbus A321-253NY(XLR) | EI-XLU | Aer Lingus | | Airbus A321-253NY(XLR) | EI-XLW | Aer Lingus | | Airbus A320-251N | A6-ARA | Air Arabia | | Airbus A321-251NX | 9M-VAJ | Air Asia | | Airbus A321-252NX | B-32ME | Air China | | Airbus A330-941 | TU-TRG | Air Cote d'Ivoire | | Airbus A220-300 | F-HPNV | Air France | | ATR 72-600 | ZK-MZH | Air New Zealand | | Airbus A220-300 | P2-PGA | Air Niugini | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | TC-OHC | AJet | | Embraer E175LR | N333RQ | American Eagle | | Embraer E175LR | N334CR | American Eagle | | Airbus A220-300 | YR-GUN | Animawings | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | HI1133 | Arajet | | Airbus A320-251N | VP-BAK | Azerbaijan Airlines | | Airbus A220-300 | N254BZ | Breeze | | Airbus A320-251N | G-TTSB | British Airways | | Airbus A320-251N | G-TTSH | British Airways | | Airbus A321-251NX | B-32NK | China Eastern | | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | B-227J | China Eastern | | Airbus A320-251N | B-32N3 | China Southern | | Airbus A321-251NX | B-32MN | China Southern | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | B-20D6 | China Southern | | Airbus A320-271N | D-ANCL | Condor | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | HP-9809CMP | Copa Airlines | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | HP-9812CMP | Copa Airlines | | Airbus A321-271NX | N597DT | Delta Air Lines | | Airbus A321-271NX | N598DN | Delta Air Lines | | Airbus A330-941 | N437DX | Delta Air Lines | | Airbus A330-941 | N439DX | Delta Air Lines | | Boeing 777-F | D-AERA | DHL | | Boeing 777-F | D-AERB | DHL | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | HL8716 | Eastar Jet | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | HL8717 | Eastar Jet | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | SP-EXD | Enter Air | | Airbus A321-251NX(LR) | A6-LRC | Etihad | | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | A6-BNK | Etihad | | Boeing 767-300F | N248FE | FedEx | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | PS-GRM | GOL | | Airbus A320-251N | A9-CTG | Gulf Air | | Airbus A321-251NX | VT-NCV | IndiGo | | Airbus A321-251NX | VT-NHA | IndiGo | | Airbus A321-251NX | VT-NHB | IndiGo | | Airbus A321-251NX | VT-NHE | IndiGo | | Airbus A321-251NX | VT-NHG | IndiGo | | Airbus A321-251NX | G-SUNR | Jet2 | | Airbus A321-251NX | G-SUNV | Jet2 | | Airbus A321-251NX | G-SUNW | Jet2 | | Airbus A220-300 | N3269J | jetBlue | | Airbus A220-300 | N3272J | jetBlue | | Airbus A320-271N | CC-DIX | JetSMART | | Airbus A321-251NX | VH-OIR | Jetstar | | Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner | PH-BKR | KLM | | Embraer E195-E2 | PH-NXX | KLM Cityhopper | | Embraer E195-E2 | PH-NXZ | KLM Cityhopper | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | HL8567 | Korean Air | | Airbus A321-272NX | HL8711 | Korean Air | | Airbus A330-941 | 9M-MNM | Malaysia Airlines | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | SE-RTZ | Norwegian | | Airbus A320-251N | JA219P | Peach | | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | A7-BHX | Qatar | | Airbus A321-251NX | A7-AJB | Qatar | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | EI-ILA | Ryanair | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | EI-ILB | Ryanair | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | EI-ILC | Ryanair | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | EI-ILE | Ryanair | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | EI-ILH | Ryanair | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | EI-ILJ | Ryanair | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | EI-ILM | Ryanair | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | UP-B3744 | SCAT | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | UP-B3745 | SCAT | | Airbus A320-251N | B-32NA | Shenzhen Airlines | | Airbus A320-251N | B-32N9 | Shenzhen Airlines | | Airbus A320-271N | B-32NT | Sichuan Airlines | | Airbus A320-251N | SX-IOD | SKY express | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | N8967Q | Southwest | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | N8969S | Southwest | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | N8970Q | Southwest | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | N8971L | Southwest | | Boeing 777-F | B-227U | Suparna Airlines | | Airbus A320-251N | CS-TVP | TAP | | Airbus A350-941 | TC-LHG | Turkish Airlines | | Airbus A321-271NX | N14548 | United Airlines | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | N17413 | United Airlines | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | N47412 | United Airlines | | Embraer E175LR | N786YX | United Express | | Boeing 767-300F | N912UP | UPS | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | VH-8VB | Virgin Australia | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | VH-8VC | Virgin Australia | | Embraer E195-E2 | VH-E2A | Virgin Australia | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | G-GSWJ | WestJet | | Airbus A321-271NX | 9H-WMH | Wizz Air Malta | | Airbus A321-251NX | 9H-WMK | Wizz Air Malta | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | B-20DY | Xiamen Air | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | B-227A | Xiamen Air |

PLAYThe Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY Airlines, based at Keflavik International Airport, has announced the cessation of operations on Monday, September 29th. PLAY commenced services on June 24th, 2021, with flight OG802 between Reykjavik and London Stansted, operated by the Airbus A321neo with registration TF-AEW.

This closure follows a restructuring process that was unable to mitigate the financial difficulties that the low-cost airline had been experiencing since last year. Recently, it had withdrawn its Airbus A321neo aircraft from service, as well as flights to Canada, and continued to reduce its presence in the United States and other European markets.

At the time of cessation, PLAY had six Airbus A320neo aircraft in its fleet (TF-PPA, TF-PPB, TF-PPC, TF-PPD, TF-PPE, and TF-PPF).

Cover photo: © CAF168 – JetPhotos (Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China)

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Condor Flugdienst GmbH (DE/CFG) has announced that in November 2025 it will operate the last scheduled flight in its history with a Boeing 757-300, closing a 35-year service of the 757 in its fleet, including the -200 and -300 versions.

Boeing 757-200Starting in 1990, Condor began to modernize and expand its fleet, adding its first Boeing 757-200 and Boeing 767-200 aircraft, initially operated by the production company Südflug, a subsidiary of the airline, which was fully integrated into Condor in the Fall 1992.

The German airline’s first Boeing 757, registered as D-ABNA, made its maiden flight on February 26th, 1990. This Boeing 757-230, produced in Renton, was added to Condor’s fleet on March 19th, 1990, entering regular service a few days later.

By March 1994, Condor had already added 20 Boeing 757-200s to its fleet, all of which were of the -230 version. In late 2006, the last 757-200 was withdrawn from its fleet, ending 16 years of operation of these aircraft by Condor.

Frankfurt Airport – November 1992Boeing 757-300At the 1996 Farnborough Air Show, an order was placed that marked a milestone in the history of Condor, as well as for the Boeing 757-300.

Condor Flugdienst GmbH, on its 40th anniversary, confirmed a firm order for 12 brand new Boeing 757-300s, scheduled to be delivered in early 1999, with regular service commencing in Q1 1999. Thus, the airline became the launch customer for the 757-300, operating its first scheduled flight on March 19th, 1999.

The Boeing 757-300s are seven meters longer than the Boeing 757-200s, being able to carry 20% more passengers, plus 50% more cargo volume. During the early years, Condor configured its Boeing 757-300s with 252 seats in single class, later modifying them to a high-density configuration with 275 seats.

Hannover Airport – February 1997FarewellIn a press release, Condor has stated it will perform the last flight in its history using a Boeing 757-300 on November 5th, with an exclusive farewell flight between Frankfurt and Vienna. Condor employees will be traveling on board the flight, as well as “Boeing 757 fans,” as Condor will be selling up to 75 tickets on its website for those who want to take part in this unique flight.

This will mark the end of an era at Condor, by retiring its last Boeing aircraft from its fleet following nearly 56 years of uninterrupted operations, including the Boeing 737-100, Boeing 737-200, Boeing 737-300, Boeing 737-400, Boeing 747-200, Boeing 747-400, Boeing 757-200, Boeing 757-300, and Boeing 767-300, all Boeing aircraft that were part of the German airline.

Condor’s first 757-300 at Renton – December 1998Until late October, Condor plans to operate between six and seven Boeing 757-300s, based in Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, flying from/to Antalya, Corfu, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Jerez, Hurghada, Palma de Mallorca, and Rhodes.

The last scheduled flight from Düsseldorf will be on October 29th, on the Düsseldorf – Palma de Mallorca – Düsseldorf route, while the last flight from Frankfurt will be on November 2th, on the Frankfurt – Hurghada – Frankfurt route.

Condor’s last flight from Hamburg with a Boeing 757 – April 2023According to our database, these are Condor’s current routes conducted with its Boeing 757-300 aircraft.

Routes

| From | To | Flight(s) | Flight number | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Antalya (AYT) | 1 weekly | DE202/203 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Corfu (CFU) | 1 weekly | DE3664/3665 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Hurghada (HRG) | 7 weekly | DE68/69 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Jerez (XRY) | 1 weekly | DE1556/1557 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Olbia (OLB) | 1 weekly | DE1826/1827 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | 1 weekly | DE1514/1515 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | 7 weekly | DE1774/1778 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | 5 weekly | DE1778/1779 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | 5 weekly | DE1848/1849 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Rhodes (RHO) | 1 weekly | DE1622/1623 | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | Tenerife South (TFS) | 3 weekly | DE1428/1429 | | Frankfurt (FRA) | Fuerteventura (FUE) | 3 weekly | DE1402/1403 | | Frankfurt (FRA) | Gran Canaria (LPA) | 4 weekly | DE1404/1405 | | Frankfurt (FRA) | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | 7 weekly | DE1498/1499 | | Frankfurt (FRA) | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | 7 weekly | DE1504/1505 | | Frankfurt (FRA) | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | 7 weekly | DE1772/1773 |

“Wir lieben Fliegen” livery – December 2006FleetAfter the retirement of its Boeing 757s, Condor will operate an all-Airbus fleet, consisting of Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Airbus A321, and Airbus A330 aircraft, serving European routes with narrow-body aircraft, while operations to Africa, Asia, Canada, Central America, and the United States are mainly carried out by wide-body aircraft.

The German airline has 2 Airbus A319-100s, 21 Airbus A320-200s, 4 Airbus A320neos, 13 Airbus A321-200s, 6 Airbus A321neos, and 18 Airbus A330neos, for a total of 64 aircraft, not including the 7 current Boeing 757-300s.

Frankfurt International Airport is Condor’s main hub in Germany, with flights to several countries in Europe, as well as intercontinental flights. In line with our data, these are Condor’s intercontinental flights at the time of publication:

Condor’s intercontinental routes

| Country | Destination | Flights | Aircraft | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Canada | Toronto (YYZ) | 7 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Vancouver (YVR) | 7 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Dominican Republic | Puerto Plata (POP) | 2 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Punta Cana (PUJ) | 6 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Egypt | Hurghada (HRG) | 2 weekly | Airbus A320neo | | Hurghada (HRG) | 7 weekly | Airbus A321neo | | Jamaica | Montego Bay (MBJ) | 1 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Kenya | Mombasa (MBA) | 3 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Maldives | Male (MLE) | 2 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Mauritius | Port Louis (MRU) | 3 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Mexico | Cancún (CUN) | 5 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Morocco | Agadir (AGA) | 1 weekly | Airbus A321-200 | | Panama | Panama City (PTY) | 2 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Seychelles | Victoria (SEZ) | 1 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | South Africa | Cape Town (CPT) | 3 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Johannesburg (JNB) | 3 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Thailand | Bangkok (BKK) | 5 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Phuket (HKT) | 3 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Turkiye | Antalya (AYT) | 7 weekly | Airbus A321-200 | | United States | Boston (BOS) | 4 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Las Vegas (LAS) | 3 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Los Angeles (LAX) | 6 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Miami (MIA) | 3 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | New York (JFK) | 7 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | San Francisco (SFO) | 6 weekly | Airbus A330neo | | Seattle (SEA) | 7 weekly | Airbus A330neo |

Armenia, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland are part of Condor’s schedule in Europe, mainly operated by Airbus aircraft, and some routes with Boeing 757s.

SkyLine Express, a Ukrainian airline, currently has five Boeing 757-330s in its fleet, four of which come from Condor and keep part of the German airline’s livery. They are registered as UR-AZN, UR-AZO, UR-SLB, and UR-SLE, also still having the same seat configuration. The 757 with registration UR-AZP previously operated for Arkia Israel International Airlines and Azur Air.

SkyLine’s 757-330 UR-SLB at Munich – May 2025Currently, 758 Boeing 757 aircraft are registered in our database, including 703 Boeing 757-200s and 55 Boeing 757-300s. All flights can be tracked via Flightradar24 by clicking on the following link.

To follow Condor’s Boeing 757-300 on Flightradar24* D-ABOG · Boeing 757-330 * D-ABOH · Boeing 757-330 * D-ABOI · Boeing 757-330 * D-ABOJ · Boeing 757-330 * D-ABOK · Boeing 757-330 * D-ABOM · Boeing 757-330 * D-ABON · Boeing 757-330

Cover photo: © Ismael Lopez – JetPhotos (Palma de Mallorca, Spain)

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Nouvelair flight almost lands on top of an easyJet A320 in Nice. In Aalborg, Copenhagen, and Oslo, reported drone sightings put a halt to flights. And we spend a lot of time in the low cost segment of the industry with fresh bad news for Spirit Airlines, Frontier’s CEO hitting back at United’s CEO and Ryanair’s move to all-digital boarding passes. Plus, Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren and Jason are back from their schnitzel-stop tour of European low-cost carriers to fill us in on the state of long-haul, low-cost across the Atlantic.

Helpful links for this week’s episode* Nouvelair and easyJet in Nice * FAA SAFO on cabin baggage * N302PQ — Delta’s new tail CRJ-900

Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.

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A Nouvelair A320 and easyJet A320 came incredibly close Sunday night in Nice when the arriving Nouvelair jet passed just a few feet above the easyJet plane lined up on the runway. Nouvelair performed a go-around and landed safely a short time later, while the easyJet flight returned to the gate and the flight was subsequently canceled. The French BEA has opened an investigation, classifying this as a serious incident.

What the data tells usAt approximately 21:32 UTC on 21 September, Nouvelair flight BJ586 from Tunis to Nice overflew easyJet flight U24706 as easyJet lined up to depart on Runway 04R. The Nouvelair A320 passed over the runway threshold and the easyJet flight descending through 50 feet. Nouvelair commenced a go around and landed safely 16 minutes later.

Departing traffic was using Runway 04R all evening, while arriving traffic to Nice was using Runway 04L exclusively. Nouvelair flight 586 lined up with 04R on its first approach. Air traffic control audio for Nice is not readily available to confirm the correct runway assignment, but the second approach by Nouvelair and subsequent arrivals also used 04L.

Altitude, height, and margin of errorWhen dealing with such small tolerances between aircraft, it is important to keep in mind the limitations of ADS-B data. ADS-B data is reported in 25 foot increments, so a reported value of 50 feet is 50 feet ± 25 feet. The following values should then be taken with those qualifications in mind.

The altitude reported by the Nouvelair flight as it passed over the easyJet A320 was 50 feet. Both the Nouvelair and easyJet flights were operated by Airbus A320-214s. The A320 has a tail height of 38 feet, 7 inches.

Flightradar24 data available for downloadThere are two CSV files available for download below. The data for the Nouvelair flight is granular ADS-B data saved at higher frequency intervals. The file for the easyJet flight is standard frequency.

Nouvelair CSVeasyJet CSVAircraft informationBoth flights were operated by Airbus A320-214 aircraft. Nouvelair’s TS-INP began service in 2004 with now-defunt Ryan International Airlines. It then flew with Iberworld Airlines, Go Air, ArkeFly, and Koral Blue Airlines, before finding its way to the Nouvelair fleet in 2011.

easyJet took delivery of what is now OE-IJZ in 2015 new from Airbus. The aircraft was transferred to easyJet Europe and the Austrian registry in May 2018.

Weather information The METAR at Nice indicated the presence of thunderstorms in the vicinity of the airfield at the time of the incident and the weather radar overlay confirms the location the storms.

LFMN 212130Z 12004KT 070V140 9000 -TSRA FEW023 FEW030CB BKN063 BKN090 24/19 Q1013 TEMPO VRB20G35KT 1500 +TSRA BKN014 BKN030CB

Weather radar overlay showing thunderstorms in the area around Nice at approximately 21:30 UTC 21 SeptemberInvestigative updatesThe French BEA has issued an investigative update on 26 September clarifying that the Nouvelair flight was cleared to land on Runway 04L.

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Cathay Pacific strengthens its U.S. operations with a new route between Hong Kong and Dallas. Services will begin on April 24th, 2025 and will be conducted by Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, configured for 334 passengers in three seating classes (46 Business, 32 Premium Economy and 256 Economy).

Dallas Fort Worth airport, as mentioned in our USA/Canada report, will become the airline’s sixth passenger destination in the United States and eighth in North America, including Canada. All of its flights are carried out from/to Hong Kong, on Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s.

At the time of publication, Cathay will have four services a week to Dallas, offering 1,336 weekly seats per leg with this schedule. Hong Kong will be DFW’s sixth destination to Asia, following Doha, Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo (Haneda and Narita).

Schedule between Hong Kong and DallasMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

CX 897 Hong Kong HKG 16:05 · 17:55 DFW Dallas
CX 898 Dallas DFW 23:55 · 05:05+2 HKG Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific Senior Vice President for the Americas Chris van den Hooven said: “It is with tremendous pride and excitement that we announce the arrival of Cathay Pacific at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2025, a major milestone in the airline’s growth within North America. Our new flight is a further testament to the airline’s mission to connect passengers to our home city of Hong Kong and beyond.”

“Connecting the cultural and commercial opportunities between DFW and Hong Kong with a nonstop flight is crucial for these two globally influential regions,” said Sean Donohue, DFW’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to welcome Cathay Pacific as our newest international airline, with service that will grow DFW’s connectivity throughout Asia and beyond.”

Cathay routes to North AmericaIn accordance with our database, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver are its regular destinations in the region, as well as several cargo operations to/from Anchorage, Atlanta, Calgary, Columbus, Houston, Miami and Portland.

Considering the seven passenger routes, Cathay operates 79 flights per week in the Hong Kong – Americas market, of which 55 are to the US and the remainder to Canada.

Boston (BOS): 6 weekly · Airbus A350-1000
Chicago (ORD): 5 weekly · Airbus A350-1000
Los Angeles (LAX): 13 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)
New York (JFK): 21 weekly · A359/A35K/77W
San Francisco (SFO): 10 weekly · Airbus A350-900
Toronto (YYZ): 14 weekly · Airbus A350-1000
Vancouver (YVR): 10 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)

Map by gcmap.comCathay offers more than 25,000 weekly seats between Hong Kong and North America, being approximately 16,650 to the United States.

In addition, by 2025, Cathay Pacific plans to increase the frequencies of its passenger services to the Americas. Starting in May, the airline will operate 108 flights a week from Hong Kong, using Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 planes. As well as the new service to Dallas, it will include three daily flights to New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and a daily operation to Boston and Chicago. Cathay also continues to expand its services to Canada, with 14 flights per week to Vancouver and 13 weekly flights to Toronto.

This will be Cathay Pacific’s schedule to the United States and Canada as of April 2025 Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 * Chicago (ORD): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 * Dallas (DFW): 4 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 * Los Angeles (LAX): 21 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * New York (JFK): 21 weekly · A359/A35K/77W * San Francisco (SFO): 21 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Toronto (YYZ): 13 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 * Vancouver (YVR): 14 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Seats offered will increase by 36% (from 25,000 to approximately 34,000).

We review Cathay’s major destination network, with its countries and cities, operated mainly from its hub in Hong Kong. The airline has an important presence in Asia, along with flights to Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania.

Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam are the regular markets served by Cathay Pacific.

AfricaJohannesburg.

AmericaAnchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, Guadalajara, Houston, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver.

AsiaBangkok, Beijing, Bengaluru, Cebu, Chengdu CTU, Chengdu TFU, Chennai, Chongqing, Colombo, Delhi, Denpasar, Dhaka, Dubai DWC, Dubai DXB, Fukuoka, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Nagoya, Nanjing, Ningbo, Osaka, Penang, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Qingdao, Sapporo, Seoul ICN, Shanghai SHA, Shanghai PVG, Singapore, Surabaya, Taipei, Tokyo HND, Tokyo NRT, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Xi’an, Xiamen and Zhengzhou.

EuropeAmsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, London LHR, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Paris CDG and Zurich.

OceaniaAuckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Including passenger and some cargo operations, at publication time.

Cathay Pacific’s fleet is composed as follows:

| Aircraft | Total | Average age | | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A321neo | 14 | 2 years | | Airbus A330-300 | 43 | 16 years | | Airbus A350-900 | 30 | 6.5 years | | Airbus A350-1000 | 18 | 5 years | | Boeing 747-400(F) | 6 | 16 years | | Boeing 747-8(F) | 14 | 12 years | | Boeing 777-300 | 53 | 16 years |

According to our database, Cathay has 178 jets, averaging 12 years old. Twenty of the total are cargo-only aircraft.

Other reports we have published

Play makes a play for Portugal
Turkish adds Sydney with a stopover for now
American Airlines focuses on Europe for summer 2025
East and West: Edelweiss adds new North American routes
Reconnecting capitals: Air Canada to restart Ottawa-London flights

Cover photo: JJ Wang – JetPhotos (Hong Kong).

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In the USA alone last year (2023) there were 2,075 cases of disruptive passengers. That led to 512 investigations and 402 enforcement actions. That probably doesn’t sound like that many until you realize it amounted to some $7.5 million in fines being imposed against the disrupters. Yes, causing issues on an aircraft is a big deal and can be very costly.

The FAA actually has an entire page dedicated to the disruptive passenger problem. So does EASA, who reckon an ‘unruly’ person causes safety concerns on flights roughly every 3 hours! But one of the biggest issues is whether or not, if the passenger is really disruptive, the aircraft should divert.

We do see a few diversions on Flightradar24 because of it, so let’s see what happens when passengers start kicking off.

What counts as “disruptive”?Disruptive, or unruly, can mean a whole bunch of things from being drunk onboard to becoming verbally or physically aggressive. But someone can also get labeled with it if they are just not complying with crew instructions – smoking or vaping onboard, refusing to turn your phone off, not putting your window blind up after being asked, or even just acting in a way that disrupts the cabin crews’ duties.

This is because, despite popular belief, cabin crew are there primarily for safety. OK, safety and service, but safety first! This means they have a lot of procedures, regulations and checks to abide by. They aren’t telling you to put your seat up or to stow your laptop just to be annoying, it’s part of their role and if you disrupt that… well, then you’re being disruptive.

So how do crew deal with this, and what could happen on your flight if someone takes it too far?

The level of disruptiveness is rated according to severity of impact on safety, and is broken into 4 categories:

Level 1: Non-compliance with crew instructions, irrational or disorderly conduct.
Level 2: Physically disruptive behavior which may include damage to property or the aircraft, physical assault of Crew Members or other passengers.
Level 3: Behavior which threatens the life of others on board the aircraft, including threat or actual use of any weapon and /or attempts to open aircraft exits.
Level 4: An attempted or actual breach of the flight deck door, which may include violent action against the cockpit door itself.

Level 1 is common and in general the cabin crew will attempt to de-escalate behavior by talking with the person, refusing further alcohol and also warning them their behavior won’t be tolerated. We can all have a bad day and airports, airplanes and the whole stressful travel experience can cause people to act out, so if they calm down and stop, it ends there.

But if it escalates to level 2 then the captain is going to get involved… Not literally.

At no time will pilots leave the flight deck to deal with disruptive passengers. This is a huge safety risk, and since the tragic events of 9/11, flight deck crew have strict procedures in place to make sure the flight deck always remains safe. This includes the use of double flight deck doors, door locking procedures and things like security cameras.

On the double door topic – these are actually known as flight deck barriers, and the FAA ruled on them not that long ago saying all new aircraft over a certain size will be required to have them installed. They look like a cage, and are securely closed anytime the flight deck door is going to be opened, forming a sort of cattle gate type system. A good idea given since 9/11 there have actually been some 52 hijacking attempts around the world.

How is it handled?So, what can the captain do? They can issue a warning in written form. Think of it like a yellow penalty card. One more strike, and you’re out! These cards state various regulations and rules at the passenger, warning them what will happen in terms of legal repercussions if their behavior does not cease.

Unfortunately, though, this does not always work either. The combination of drink, other substances and high altitudes often does lead to further disruption, and when these start to threaten the safety of the crew or other passengers, then the person may need to be restrained.

The Tokyo Convention gives the commander of an aircraft the power to protect the safety of the aircraft and anyone onboard, and to maintain good order and discipline… and to do this, they have the right to use reasonable measures, including restraint. The convention also provides the commander with the right to request assistance from any crew or passengers and protects them against action if they do assist, obviously with that caveat still palling that it must be done in a reasonable way.

So what does ‘restraint’ look like? Well, in general, it will involve the use of specialized handcuffs or wrist restraint devices to subdue the passenger and prevent them from further violence, and they will then be placed in their seat for the remainder of the flight. That means even if they need the toilet!

Cabin crew are trained in how to safely restrain passengers, and often receive a level of self defense training as well. Like I said, don’t assume they are just there to serve tea and coffee – the main responsibility for any cabin crew is safety and security, and they know what they’re doing when it comes to that!

In the cases of a very long flight, or if the person continues to be a potential threat, then the crew will need to decide whether or not to divert. In any case, whether they reach the intended destination, or divert, the disruptive passenger is going to be met by police on arrival and arrested.

The final level, level 4, is when someone attempts to gain access to the flight deck itself. Known as ‘interference’ this is a huge safety threat and will more than result in the flight declaring an emergency and diverting immediately. Crew utilize the transponder to alert ATC about this threat – squawking 7500. 7500 is the international code for interference (7600 alerts ATC to serious communication problems and 7700 to emergency situations).

DiversionsFlights where cockpit breaches have been attempted might be escorted by military aircraft, particularly if the security of the cockpit is unknown. If the cockpit remains secure, but the cabin is compromised they may get diverted to an airport with dedicated services and support. One such example, in the UK, is EGSS/Stansted airport. They have a dedicated area away from the terminal, which enables security services to gain access in the case of hostage situations, or other threats such as bombs.

Pilots will treat a serious disruptive passenger situation similarly to a medical emergency. They will assess the risk of continuing with the person restrained, and will consider the level of support available at the planned destination. If well-being and safety is compromised, they will discuss the most appropriate diversion destination with their company, involving the security department.

ATC will be alerted and a plan will be made for the diversion, and for the removal of the passenger on arrival. In order to minimize disruption to the operation, every attempt will be made to continue onwards afterwards, and considerations as to flight time limitations for the crew will be included in the decision planning.

Advance warningSometimes, passengers are accepted in advance who may pose some disruption risk though. These are divided into several groups. Inadmissible passengers are people who have not been allowed entry into a country – usually because of incorrect paperwork or visa issues. These are not ‘criminals’, in fact, I have had an ‘inadmissible’ baby on a flight in the past.

Deportees are people who have been ‘ejected’ from a country, while prisoners are, well, exactly that. Both these groups of passengers can be carried on commercial aircraft, but whether they are comes down to the operator and the crew on the day and are only accepted if the risk assessment shows the to not be a risk.

How big a problem is this?As of 2024, the FAA has referred some 313 cases to the FBI since 2021. These cover everything from vaping incidents to serious assaults, and even some attempted flight deck breaches. This is actually a drop though, with Covid seeming to have brought the worst out in folk.

On September 9th, Ryanair flight FR2626 heading to Ibiza was diverted to Toulouse, France, after a group of passengers started attacking each other. This was a fairly simple one to deal with given the number of airport options in the vicinity.

In 2022, Virgin Atlantic flight 141 was heading from London to Los Angeles – an 11 hour flight – but diverted to Salt Lake City after crew and passengers had to restrain an unruly passenger. This year, 200 passengers onboard United Airlines flight UA998 heading the opposite way found themselves making an unplanned pitstop into Dublin due to a disruptive passenger and a medical emergency happening onboard (albeit unrelated).

There have also been some notable hijacking attempts. The most bizarre one—Ryanair flight 4978 was diverted to Minsk under ‘false bomb threat pretenses’ so Belarus could arrest a dissident who was onboard. A more recent one from 2023 actually involved an off duty pilot who attempted to pull the engine fire handles in flight.

What is the cost?In case you’re wondering, that off duty pilot was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and 1 count of endangering an aircraft, so one count for every person onboard!

Hijackings are still a rare event though. For your standard unruly passenger, if serious enough, arrest is pretty likely, as is a big fine. Typically, a diversion can cost anywhere from $15,000 to around $100,000, and this is charged to the person causing it! But even if a diversion doesn’t happen, they will probably still face a hefty fine for causing disruption. Acts of drunkenness can see a charge of around $8000 (£5000) and up to 2 years in prison. If you endanger the safety of the aircraft, you may face up to 5 years in prison.

These are European figures. Other countries, particularly ones with strict alcohol laws, may take an even sterner view on it all. You will also probably be blacklisted from airlines.

Disruptive passengers are a big problem and something airlines and operators take VERY seriously. So, behave yourself onboard!

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss Iran’s missile attack on Israel and the consequences (so far) for commercial aviation. The NTSB shakes its fist at the FAA over moist rudders, while the FAA’s investigation into United’s safety system turns up nothing. Qatar Airways is taking a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, with an interesting twist. A WWII-era bomb long-buried under a taxiway at Miyazaki Airport in Japan explodes. And NOAA is getting a new pair of hurricane hunter aircraft.

Plus, we sit down with Capt. David Surridge, American Airlines’ director of air traffic management to learn more about ADS-B IN and how the airline is working with the FAA to gain operational efficiencies and save money in the process.

Helpful links for this week’s episode* NTSB’s urgent safety recommendation on 737 rudder assemblies * WWII bomb explodes under Japanese airport taxiway

Thank you for listening!Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.

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We are delighted to announce that the Flightradar24 API is now available. Our REST API grants you immediate access to real-time flight data.

What do you get?The API gives you live access to real-time aircraft flight movement information including latitude, longitude, speed, and altitude alongside key flight and aircraft information such as origin, destination, callsign, registration and equipment type. All powered by the largest independent ADS-B surveillance network in the world. You also get real-time data on airlines and airports.

What are you waiting for?Here are the simple steps you need to follow to get started with the Flightradar24 API.

Get access to the APILog in using your Flightradar24.com account and subscribe to one of our available plans to unlock access to the API, or use the Sandbox environment to test the API for free.

Get started2. Secure your API tokenAfter gaining access, you can visit the Key management page to generate your first API token.

Explore the documentationOur comprehensive API Documentation will help you to familiarize yourself with the endpoints, parameters, and responses, setting the stage for smooth API interactions.
Discover the API playgroundAccess our API playground through the documentation and start making requests. Experiment with different parameters and see real-time responses to get a feel for what our API can do.
Leverage our code samplesFor a quick start, browse through our collection of code samples. These snippets will inspire you and provide a solid foundation for integrating our API seamlessly into your own applications.

A Flight Tracking API, shaped by youWe want you to be part of shaping our flight tracking API. As a user, we want you to share your experience with us and help us make it the best it can be. Your feedback and suggestions will shape the future development of the Flightradar24 API.

Explore the Flightradar24 APIWhat do you think of our new API? Let us know in the comments.

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Delta Air Lines announced a major international expansion to Europe by summer 2025. These new services will be performed from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis and New York JFK, on Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 767-300(ER) aircraft.

The company is set to fly its largest-ever trans-Atlantic summer schedule in 2025, providing over 700 weekly flights between 33 European destinations. In addition, it will increase its premium seat offerings, with more services by Airbus A330 and Airbus A350, featuring Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin options.

Regarding cities in Europe, Barcelona, Brussels, Catania, Dublin, Naples and Rome will have new flights, being Italy the main market on the continent with new operations.

Detroit – Dublin · May 7th, 2025Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DL 292 Detroit DTW 21:15 · 09:30+1 DUB Dublin
DL 293 Dublin DUB 11:30 · 14:30 DTW Detroit (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat)

Boston – Barcelona · May 22nd, 2025Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

DL 250 Boston BOS 17:50 · 07:15+1 BCN Barcelona
DL 251 Barcelona BCN 09:50 · 11:55 BOS Boston (Wed, Fri, Sun)

New York JFK – Catania · May 22nd, 2025Daily

DL 244 New York JFK 17:25 · 08:35+1 CTA Catania
DL 245 Catania CTA 10:35 · 14:45 JFK New York

Atlanta – Naples · May 23rd, 2025Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DL 278 Atlanta ATL 15:50 · 07:30+1 NAP Naples
DL 279 Naples NAP 09:30 15:00 ATL Atlanta (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat)

Boston – Milan · May 23rd, 2025Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DL 186 Boston BOS 17:20 · 07:05+1 MXP Milan
DL 187 Milan MXP 09:20 · 11:55 BOS Boston (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat)

Minneapolis – Rome · May 23rd, 2025Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DL 298 Minneapolis MSP 19:25 · 12:00+1 FCO Rome
DL 299 Rome FCO 12:30 · 16:15 MSP Minneapolis (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat)

Atlanta – Brussels · June 10th, 2025Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

DL 140 Atlanta ATL 17:55 · 08:40+1 BRU Brussels
DL 141 Brussels BRU 10:45 · 14:50 ATL Atlanta (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat)

Delta’s first flight to Naples – May 2024Aircraft by route Atlanta (ATL) – Brussels (BRU): Boeing 767-300(ER) – 216 seats * Atlanta (ATL) – Naples (NAP): Airbus A330-200 – 223 seats * Boston (BOS) – Barcelona (BCN): Boeing 767-300(ER) – 216 seats * Boston (BOS) – Milan (MXP): Boeing 767-300(ER) – 216 seats * Detroit (DTW) – Dublin (DUB): Airbus A330-200 – 223 seats * Minneapolis (MSP) – Rome (FCO): Airbus A330-300 – 282 seats * New York (JFK) – Catania (CTA): Boeing 767-300(ER)* – 216 seats

Other increases New York (JFK) – Stockholm (ARN): from 5 to 7 weekly · May 7th, 2025 * Atlanta (ATL) – Zurich (ZRH): from 4 to 7 weekly · May 8th, 2025 * Atlanta (ATL) – Barcelona (BCN): from 7 to 11 weekly · June 13th, 2025 * Atlanta (ATL) – Rome (FCO): from 14 to 17 weekly · July 2nd, 2025*

Alaska completes acquisition of HawaiianIn mid-September, Alaska Airlines confirmed the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, following approval by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Alaska Air Group will reach a total of 350 aircraft in its fleet, including 2 Boeing 787s, 24 Airbus A330s, 18 Airbus A321neo, 235 Boeing 737s, 19 Boeing 717s, 44 Embraer 175s and 8 freighters (3 737-700s, 2 737-800s and 3 A330s).

The Group will have almost 1,500 daily flights and more than 140 destinations, among its 29 international markets in the Americas, Asia, Europe and South Pacific. Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego and Anchorage will be the hubs, with Seattle and Honolulu as the main ones.

Alaska commented in a press release that both brands, which together will employ more than 33,000 people, will be maintained.

“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique. Among Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon Air, we have more than 230 years of history flying guests and serving communities. I know we will build on that legacy and become stronger together – providing the excellent operation guests have come to expect, expanding options to seamlessly travel nearly anywhere in the world, and securing the financial stability and value that inspires investment.”, stated Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group.

Icelandair to start services to NashvilleThe Icelandic carrier will reach its 18th destination in North America, with the launch of Nashville, Tennessee.

Flights will commence on May 16th, 2025, being performed four weekly times. At the time of publication, Icelandair will operate this route until October 2025, as it will be conducted during 2025 summer season.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* FI 825 Reykjavik KEF 17:10 · 19:30 BNA Nashville * FI 824 Nashville BNA 20:55 · 08:40+1 KEF Reykjavik

Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Halifax, Minneapolis, New York JFK, Newark, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington DC are its North American destinations.

Furthermore, shortly before the announcement, Icelandair and Southwest had confirmed a new bilateral agreement, which will allow connections at Baltimore to other Southwest Airlines destinations, as well as on Icelandair’s operations to Europe.

We review other highlights of the U.S./Canada marketAdvanced AirThe airline schedules new flights within New Mexico, beginning December 19th. Advanced Air will offer four services a week to Angel Fire from Albuquerque with Beechcraft aircraft.

Angel Fire will enter Advanced’s network, while the carrier will reach four destinations to/from ABQ.

Map by gcmap.com Angel Fire (AXX): 4 weekly · Beechcraft * Carlsbad (CNM): 12 weekly · Beechcraft * Las Cruces (LRU): 6 weekly · Beechcraft * Silver City (SVC): 17 weekly · Beechcraft*

AeromexicoAs of December, the Mexican company will have a major expansion in the USA, with the start of eight new routes. Four will be from/to Guadalajara, and the remaining four to/from Monterrey.

Map by gcmap.com Guadalajara (GDL) – Las Vegas (LAS): 6 weekly · December 19th * Guadalajara (GDL) – Miami (MIA): 7 weekly · December 19th * Guadalajara (GDL) – Orlando (MCO): 7 weekly · December 19th * Monterrey (MTY) – Las Vegas (LAS): 6 weekly · December 19th * Monterrey (MTY) – Miami (MIA): 7 weekly · December 19th * Monterrey (MTY) – New York (JFK): 6 weekly · December 19th * Monterrey (MTY) – Orlando (MCO): 7 weekly · December 19th * Guadalajara (GDL) – Denver (DEN): 1 weekly · December 21st*

Aer LingusIn Q2 2025, the airline will expand services between Ireland and the US, by increasing operations to Denver and Minneapolis. Aer Lingus, in addition, will change the aircraft used on its DUB-MSP route.

Map by gcmap.com Minneapolis (MSP): from 4 to 7 weekly · April 5th, 2025*

Switches from A330-200 to A321neo

Denver (DEN): from 4 to 6 weekly · May 1st, 2025 · Airbus A330-200

As announced, Aer Lingus will commence flights between Dublin and Las Vegas from October 25th. For more information, you can click this link.

Air CanadaThe company will boost its operations to Thailand from 5 to 7 weekly flights on the Vancouver – Bangkok route during winter season.

According to its website, Air Canada will offer services between the two cities on 298-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners effective October 27th, moving to daily in January 2025.

Daily* AC 65 Vancouver YVR 22:45 · 06:15+2 BKK Bangkok * AC 66 Bangkok BKK 08:35 · 06:55 YVR Vancouver

Air Canada will initiate this seasonal route with three flights per week, increasing to five weekly in December.**

Two new routes to the United StatesOperations will begin in 2025, and will be conducted using CRJ-900(ER) aircraft seating 76 passengers.

Map by gcmap.com Montreal (YUL) – Cincinnati (CVG): 7 weekly · May 22nd, 2025 * Toronto (YYZ) – Jacksonville (JAX): 7 weekly · May 22nd, 2025*

Allegiant AirOn September 9th at 16:35 local time, the first Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 of Allegiant Air arrived at Phoenix (AZA) from Seattle Boeing Field. This is Allegiant’s first Boeing aircraft in 7 years, scheduled to enter regular service effective November, in accordance with the latest flight update.

The airplane is currently undergoing test and certification flights prior to the launch of operations. Allegiant plans to incorporate three more 737 MAX 8-200s by the end of the year.

Allegiant fleet Airbus A319-100: 34 * Airbus A320-200: 92 * Boeing 737 MAX 8-200:* 1

AmericanAmerican Airlines will add five new routes to Europe by summer 2025.

Map by gcmap.com Chicago (ORD) – Madrid (MAD): 7 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Philadelphia (PHL) – Edinburgh (EDI): 7 weekly · May 23rd, 2025 * Philadelphia (PHL) – Milan (MXP): 7 weekly · May 23rd, 2025 * Charlotte (CLT) – Athens (ATH): 7 weekly · June 5th, 2025 * Miami (MIA) – Rome (FCO): 7 weekly · July 5th, 2025*

To see the schedules and other information, you can read this post.

aviancaThe Colombian company will increase services to Toronto from Bogotá starting October 27th. Avianca will boost from 7 to 11 weekly operations on this route, which serves Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A320neo jets.

Daily* AV 204 Bogotá BOG 14:50 · 22:15 YYZ Toronto * AV 205 Toronto YYZ 23:50 · 04:50+1 BOG Bogotá

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday · new frequency* AV 254 Bogotá BOG 00:05 · 06:35 YYZ Toronto * AV 255 Toronto YYZ 08:00 · 14:10 BOG Bogotá

Toronto and Montreal are avianca’s destinations in Canada.

BermudAirMore flights to White Plains.

As of October 9th, the carrier will expand its operations between Bermuda and White Plains (from 4 to 5 weekly). The services are performed by Embraer 175s with capacity for 88 passengers.

Daily except Tuesday and Saturday* 2T 223 Bermuda BDA 15:55 · 17:00 HPN White Plains * 2T 224 White Plains HPN 18:00 · 21:00 BDA Bermuda

New service on Wednesdays

Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Halifax, Orlando, Toronto and White Plains are BermudAir destinations.

BreezeWashington DC entered Breeze Airways’ regular schedule.

The company will operate four routes from/to IAD, to be carried out on 137-passenger Airbus A220-300s.

Map by gcmap.com Ogdensburg (OGS): 7 weekly · September 27th * Provo (PVU): 3 weekly · October 1st * South Bend (SBN): 2 weekly · November 8th * Vero Beach (VRB): 2 weekly · November 21st*

Cathay PacificThe airline will inaugurate flights to Dallas effective April 24th, 2025.

In accordance with its website, Cathay will have a frequency of four operations a week from Hong Kong by Airbus A350-1000s.

Dallas will become Cathay Pacific’s eighth North American destination.

Map by gcmap.comCanada Toronto (YYZ): Airbus A350-1000 * Vancouver (YVR): Boeing 777-300(ER)*

United States Boston (BOS): Airbus A350-1000 * Chicago (ORD): Airbus A350-1000 * Dallas (DFW): A350 · as of April 24th, 2025 * Los Angeles (LAX): Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-300(ER) * New York (JFK): Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-300(ER) * San Francisco (SFO): Airbus A350-900*

Cathay also performs several cargo flights to/from Anchorage with Boeing 747(F) planes.

Cape AirCape Air, the largest independent regional carrier in the United States, began services between Hyannis and New York in early September, using Cessna aircraft configured with 9 seats.

Hyannis, Massachusetts, is located 310 kilometers from New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport.

Daily* 9X 100 Hyannis HYA 09:35 · 11:00 JFK New York * 9X 101 New York JFK 11:55 · 13:10 HYA Hyannis

From Hyannis, the airline operates to Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and New York JFK.

Contour AirlinesEffective October 1st, Contour will fly between Chicago O’Hare and Manistee. Services will be with CRJ-200 and Embraer 135 jets.

Daily* LF 3020 Manistee MBL 08:40 · 09:00 ORD Chicago * LF 3027 Chicago ORD 10:05 · 12:15 MBL Manistee

Daily* LF 3024 Manistee MBL 13:00 · 13:15 ORD Chicago * LF 3029 Chicago ORD 17:00/18:30 · 19:10/20:40 MBL Manistee

DeltaAs well as the major international expansion, Delta Air Lines will resume operations between Atlanta and San Diego using widebody aircraft. The first flight with Boeing 767-300(ER) will take place on November 10th and will be offered daily.

Daily* DL 712 Atlanta ATL 15:55 · 17:55 SAN San Diego * DL 762 San Diego SAN 08:15 · 15:25 ATL Atlanta

The company currently serves 46 weekly flights on this route by Airbus A321 and Boeing 757-300 planes.

Denver Air ConnectionJackson, Tennessee, will be added to the airline’s schedule.

On December 2nd, services will start, which will operate on Embraer 145s for 50 passengers from Atlanta and Chicago.

AtlantaDaily except Wednesday

KG 5870 Jackson MKL 07:30 · 09:50 ATL Atlanta
KG 5872 Atlanta ATL 10:25 · 10:45 MKL Jackson

ChicagoDaily except Wednesday

KG 5880 Jackson MKL 11:15 · 13:05 ORD Chicago
KG 5882 Chicago ORD 12:40 · 14:30 MKL Jackson

FrontierFrontier Airlines, as of December, intends to begin 14 new domestic routes, to be carried by Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft.

New routesMap by gcmap.com* Boston (BOS) – Tampa (TPA) * Cincinnati (CVG) – West Palm Beach (PBI) * Cleveland (CLE) – West Palm Beach (PBI) * Eagle (EGE) – Dallas (DFW) * Eagle (EGE) – Denver (DEN) * Eagle (EGE) – San Francisco (SFO) * Los Angeles (LAX) – Houston (IAH) * Los Angeles (LAX) – Portland (PDX) * Los Angeles (LAX) – Salt Lake City (SLC) * Los Angeles (LAX) – Seattle (SEA) * Orlando (MCO) – Burlington (BTV) * Tampa (TPA) – Burlington (BTV) * Tampa (TPA) – Portland (PWM) * Washington DC (IAD) – Tampa (TPA)

jetBlueThe airline will increase capacity on selected routes, changing from 162-seat Airbus A320-200s to 200-seat A321-200s:

Map by gcmap.com Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Santo Domingo (SDQ): 7 weekly · February 13th, 2025 * Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – San José (SJO): 7 weekly · February 25th, 2025 * New York (JFK) – Cartagena (CTG): 7 weekly · February 25th, 2025 * Raleigh-Durham (RDU) – San Juan (SJU): 7 weekly · February 25th, 2025 * Boston (BOS) – Bermuda (BDA): 7 weekly · April 30th, 2025 * Hartford (HFD) – San Juan (SJU): 14 weekly · April 30th, 2025 * New York (JFK) – Willemstad (CUR): 7 weekly · April 30th, 2025*

LATAMLATAM Airlines will expand services between Punta Cana and Miami in November and December.

Currently, the airline operates once per week with Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets for 247 and 313 passengers, respectively.

Map by gcmap.com As of November 6th: from 1 to 2 weekly flights * As of December 6th: from 2 to 3 weekly flights*

Bogotá, Cancún, Fortaleza, Lima, Quito, Santiago and Sao Paulo are other LATAM destinations from Miami.

MokuleleOn October 1st, the carrier will add more inter-island operations in Hawaii.

Mokulele Air, based in Kahului, will launch the Kahului – Waimea – Kailua-Kona route and vice versa. Flights will be conducted with a daily frequency on 8-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.

Daily* 9X 640 Kahului OGG 18:20 · 19:13 MUE Waimea * 9X 640 Waimea MUE 19:25 · 19:55 KOA Kailua-Kona * 9X 641 Kailua-Kona KOA 20:30 · 21:00 MUE Waimea * 9X 641 Waimea MUE 21:10 · 21:58 OGG Kahului

PAL Airlines/Air CanadaAir Canada will modify its operations in Halifax, switching the aircraft used on two of its regular routes.

As per our database, effective October 1st, PAL Airlines will begin covering Air Canada flights from Halifax to Boston and Newark, which will be carried using the 76-seat, single-class Dash 8s, on a daily basis each.

Boston, Deer Lake, Gander, Goose Bay, London Heathrow, Montreal, Newark, Ottawa, St. John’s, Toronto and Vancouver are served by Air Canada from Halifax.

QantasThe airline will start a new route from Sydney to Honolulu, to be operated by 255/271-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Qantas will replace Jetstar’s current flights on Airbus A321neo jets between the two cities.

Jetstar current scheduleDaily except Thursday and Sunday

JQ 3 Sydney SYD 16:20 · 05:50 HNL Honolulu
JQ 4 Honolulu HNL 08:20 · 14:40+1 SYD Sydney (ex Mon/Fri)

Qantas’ schedule (eff May 1st, 2025)Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

QF 105 Sydney SYD 17:05 · 07:40 HNL Honolulu
QF 106 Honolulu HNL 09:40 · 17:15+1 SYD Sydney

SASSeattle, new destination for Scandinavian Airlines System.

The first scheduled service from Copenhagen will be on May 21st, 2025. SAS will perform five flights a week with 300-seat Airbus A350-900s.

Daily except Tuesday and Wednesday* SK 937 Copenhagen CPH 13:05 · 13:50 SEA Seattle * SK 938 Seattle SEA 16:00 · 10:30+1 CPH Copenhagen

Currently, Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London Heathrow, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Reykjavik are the connections from Seattle to Europe.

SouthwestSouthwest Airlines will launch six new routes from Nashville, plus two more from Orlando:

Map by gcmap.comNashville Albany (ALB): 7 weekly · April 8th, 2025 * Albuquerque (ABQ): 7 weekly · April 8th, 2025 * Jackson (JAN): 7 weekly · April 8th, 2025 * Memphis (MEM): 7 weekly · April 8th, 2025 * Providence (PVD): 7 weekly · April 8th, 2025 * Tulsa (TUL): 7 weekly · April 8th, 2025*

Orlando Richmond (RIC): 5 weekly · April 10th, 2025 * San Diego (SAN): 5 weekly · April 10th, 2025*

SpiritThe low cost carrier is expanding its domestic operations, with new routes starting in October, and more to begin during 2025:

Map by gcmap.com Dallas (DFW) – Albuquerque (ABQ): 7 weekly · October 2nd * Los Angeles (LAX) – Albuquerque (ABQ): 7 weekly · October 2nd * Charlotte (CLT) – New Orleans (MSY): 5 weekly · October 10th * Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Milwaukee (MKE): 7 weekly · February 12th, 2025 * New York (LGA) – New Orleans (MSY): 7 weekly · February 12th, 2025 * Charlotte (CLT) – Fort Myers (RSW): 7 weekly · March 5th, 2025 * Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Memphis (MEM): 4 weekly · March 6th, 2025*

UnitedUnited Airlines will introduce the Boeing 777-200 on the Denver – Orlando route for peak season. Services will start on January 7th, 2025, and will have a daily frequency through mid-February 2025.

Daily* UA 1451 Denver DEN 09:40 · 15:13 MCO Orlando * UA 531 Orlando MCO 15:50 · 17:56 DEN Denver

VolarisThe Mexican company will add a new route to the United States from Mexico beginning April 1st, 2025. Based on its website, Volaris will operate between Monterrey and Denver on Airbus A320s.

Daily* Y4 5524 Monterrey MTY 08:50 · 11:45 DEN Denver * Y4 5525 Denver DEN 13:25 · 16:20 MTY Monterrey

We review the new aircraft added by U.S. and Canadian airlines during September Alaska Airlines * Allegiant Air * Delta Air Lines (x4) * Porter * Skywest (Delta Connection) * Southwest (x3) * Spirit (x4) * United Airlines (x4) * United Parcel Service* (UPS)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8932Q | BFI-PHX | September 3rd | | Airbus A330-941 | Delta | N430DX | TLS-MSP | September 4th | | Embraer 175LR | Skywest | N327SY | SJK-MAO-SJUSJU-XNA-BOI | September 4thSeptember 5th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N725NK | XFW-KEFKEF-DTW | September 4thSeptember 5th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N17341 | BFI-RFD | September 4th | | Airbus A350-941 | Delta | N524DN | TLS-ATL | September 7th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Allegiant | N811NV | BFI-AZA | September 9th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N47298 | BFI-PDXPDX-GYR | September 10thSeptember 24th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | United | N77582 | BFI-SEASEA-GYR | September 10thSeptember 16th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N585DN | BFM-MSP | September 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8931L | BFI-PHX | September 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N47343 | BFI-RFD | September 11th | | Boeing 767-300F | UPS | N387UP | PAE-SATSAT-SDF | September 11thSeptember 18th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N732NK | BFM-DTW | September 16th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N584DN | XFW-KEF-MSP | September 18th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N730NK | XFW-KEFKEF-DTW | September 19thSeptember 20th | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXT | SJK-BGIBGI-YOW | September 23rdSeptember 24th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska | N723AL | BFI-OAK | September 25th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N17356 | BFI-SEA | September 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N737NK | BFM-DTW | September 27th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8933Q | BFI-PHX | September 30th |

Other reports we have published

Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East

Cover photo: Joop Stroes – JetPhotos.

The post Delta to fly its largest-ever trans-Atlantic summer schedule in 2025 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Budget-friendly air travel has opened up the skies to millions of passengers worldwide, largely thanks to the rise of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers. While both offer more affordable flights compared to traditional full service airlines, the distinctions between these two models are not always clear (and sometimes fuel for an interesting conversation).

We have had a go at breaking what we see as the key differences between low-cost carriers (LCCs) and ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs), which airlines fall into each category, and what you might expect when flying with each. Will you agree with us?

Defining Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)Low-cost carriers, sometimes referred to as no-frills or budget airlines, operate with a business model that focuses on reducing operational expenses while providing lower fares than legacy airlines. LCCs like Southwest Airlines (WN/SWA), JetBlue (B6/JBU) and easyJet (U2/EZY) achieve this by employing cost-saving measures such as operating a single aircraft type and using secondary airports, where landing fees are lower.

Despite the focus on affordability, LCCs do typically offer some basic services. Some passengers may get a full size trolley bag, or even carry-on luggage included in the ticket price. Some short-haul flights may come with light refreshments. Additionally, LCC sometimes combine point-to-point travel with the traditional hub-and-spoke model used by full-service airlines. This structure helps to keep operations efficient and fares low.

What Makes ULCCs Different?Ultra-low-cost carriers take the cost-cutting measures of LCCs even further, offering the absolute lowest base fares by unbundling almost every aspect of the flying experience. ULCCs like AirAsia (AK/AXM) Spirit Airlines (NK/NKS), Allegiant Air (G4/AAY), and Frontier Airlines (F9/FFT) sell tickets that cover only the seat and the flight itself. Anything beyond that, from carry-on luggage to seat selection and in-flight refreshments, comes with an extra fee.

Spirit is an example of an Ultra Low Cost Carrier, where base fares cover only the flight and the seatThis “bare-bones” approach allows ULCCs to offer some of the cheapest fares available, but the trade-off is that passengers pay for additional services that may have been included with an LCC. ULCCs also maximize revenue through higher-density seating, quick aircraft turnarounds, and a heavy reliance on ancillary fees to keep ticket prices low while maintaining profitability.

Asia has seen a significant proliferation of both LCCs and ultra-low-cost carriers ULCCs, transforming the region’s aviation landscape. The demand for affordable air travel, driven by rising middle-class populations and increasing tourism, has led to rapid growth in budget airlines. Carriers like AirAsia (AK/AXM), Lion Air (JT/LNI), and IndiGo (6E/IGO) have expanded their operations across Southeast Asia and beyond, offering low fares and point-to-point service that bypasses traditional airline hubs.

Key Differences Between LCCs and ULCCsWhile both types of airlines aim to offer more affordable travel, the experience differs in several key areas:

Pricing Structure: LCCs provide lower fares compared to traditional airlines, often with some services included, such as carry-on baggage. ULCCs offer the lowest possible base fare, but nearly everything else—baggage, seat assignments, and refreshments—comes at an extra cost.
Ancillary Fees: ULCCs generate more of their revenue from additional fees. LCCs, while also charging for certain services, tend to have more included in the base fare.
Comfort and Service: Passengers flying with an LCC might experience more comfort and fewer fees than with a ULCC, where the priority is keeping costs down and squeezing as much efficiency from the operation as possible. ‘Hybrid’ airlinesIt’s important to note that there is some crossover between these two categories. Some airlines that identify as LCCs may incorporate ultra-low-cost elements, such as charging for certain add-ons or prioritizing ancillary revenue. For example, Ryanair (FR/RYR), which is typically categorized as an LCC, operates with many ULCC practices by charging for seat selection, baggage, and priority boarding. This blurring of lines means that passengers may encounter aspects of both models within a single airline, depending on the route and the region.

PreviousNextSome airlines have even taken the term ‘Hybrid’ to heart, with Korea’s newest airline Air Premia (YP/APZ) calling itself “the First and Only HSC (Hybrid Service Carrier) Airline in Korea”. Its ticket offering and pricing structure broadly replicates that of other low-cost-long-haul carriers. If we compare a basic economy fare with Norse Atlantic (N0/NBT), we find that Premia includes 23kg of checked baggage compared to a 10kg cabin bag on Norse, but both carriers charge for advance assigned seating.

What are your experiences of flying with low cost, ultra low cost, and hybrid carriers? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: HA-KLS, JetPhotos.

The post What’s the difference between a Low-Cost Carrier and an Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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As we commented in the Europe report, Virgin Atlantic will expand its international operations with the start of Accra and Riyadh, in both cases from London Heathrow. The services will begin in 2025 and will be provided with Airbus A330-900neo and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 262 and 264 passengers, respectively.

Riyadh will become Virgin’s first destination in Saudi Arabia, while Accra will be its second route to the African continent. Currently, the carrier operates to Tel Aviv in the Middle East, and Lagos in Africa.

Riyadh · March 30th, 2025Daily

VS 242 London LHR 14:45 · 23:35 RUH Riyadh
VS 243 Riyadh RUH 01:25 · 07:00 LHR London

Accra · May 1st, 2025Daily

VS 403 London LHR 22:30 · 05:00+1 ACC Accra
VS 404 Accra ACC 09:15 · 17:25 LHR London

In addition to Accra and Riyadh, Toronto will be another new Virgin Atlantic destination. Flights will commence on March 30th, 2025.

Virgin Atlantic routes to/from LHR (currently + new additions)Map by gcmap.comBahamas

Nassau (NAS): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9

Barbados

Bridgetown (BGI): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Canada

Toronto (YYZ): 7 weekly · effective March 30th, 2025

China

Shanghai (PVG): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9

Cyprus/Israel

LHR – Larnaca (LCA) – Tel Aviv (TLV) – LHR: 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Ghana

Accra (ACC): 7 weekly · effective May 1st, 2025

India

Bengaluru (BLR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9
Delhi (DEL): 14 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9
Mumbai (BOM): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9

Jamaica

Montego Bay (MBJ): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9

Nigeria

Lagos (LOS): 7 weekly · A333/A35K

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh (RUH): 7 weekly · March 30th, 2025

South Africa

Johannesburg (JNB): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9

Turks and Caicos Islands

Providenciales (PLS): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9

United States

Atlanta (ATL): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000
Boston (BOS): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-900neo
Las Vegas (LAS): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9
Los Angeles (LAX): 21 weekly · A35K/789
Miami (MIA): 12 weekly · Boeing 787-9
New York (JFK): 42 weekly · A333/A339/A35K
Orlando (MCO): 14 weekly · A333/A35K
San Francisco (SFO): 14 weekly · Boeing 787-9
Seattle (SEA): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9
Tampa (TPA): 7 weekly · A333/A339
Washington DC (IAD): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9

TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola takes delivery of its first Airbus A220The aircraft will perform its delivery flight to Luanda, the country’s capital and TAAG’s hub, in the near future. This Airbus A220-300, registered D2-TAA, is currently located in Montreal (YMX).

TAAG Linhas Aereas had planned to incorporate its first A220 earlier this year, but delivery was delayed. To date, the airline has an order for 15 Airbus A220s, which are scheduled to be added during 2024 and 2025.

The company’s aim is to gradually replace the Boeing 737-700s with modern A220-300s. In accordance with our database, TAAG has 8 737-700s in its fleet, averaging 18 years old.

TAAG’s fleet Boeing 737-700: 8 * Boeing 737-800: 1 * Boeing 777-200: 3 * Boeing 777-300(ER): 5 * Dash 8*: 6

As part of its fleet renewal process, TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola will also add Boeing 787-9s and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, which will replace the 777s.

Airbus, via LinkedInEmirates’ first Airbus A350 made its first test flightOn Wednesday, September 25th, the A350, still with provisional registration F-WGZA (to be registered A6-EXA), made its maiden flight, taking off from Toulouse at 11:27 local time. After 3 hours and 55 minutes, it landed back at Aéroport Toulouse Blagnac (TLS).

Emirates plans to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 in October and four more by the end of the year. The airline’s order is for 65 A350s, with deliveries scheduled through early 2028.

At the time of publication, Emirates Airline intends to commence regular operations by Airbus A350-900s on December 2nd, on the Dubai – Edinburgh route.

Other highlights of the Africa and Middle East market:Air Arabia MarocStarting October 27th, the Moroccan company will fly between Casablanca and Madrid. Services will be operated four weekly times with Airbus A320-200 planes (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday).

Air Arabia Maroc, at publication time, has six flights per week to Madrid from Morocco (4 from Tangier and 2 from Tetouan).

Air BotswanaDuring October and November, Air Botswana will expand its operating schedule, with seven new routes. The airline will serve on Embraer 170s and Embraer 175s.

Map by gcmap.com Gaborone (GBE) – Durban (DUR): 3 weekly · October 1st * Gaborone (GBE) – Windhoek (WDH): 3 weekly · October 1st * Kasane (BBK) – Cape Town (CPT): 3 weekly · November 1st * Kasane (BBK) – Nelspruit (MQP): 3 weekly · November 1st * Kasane (BBK) – Windhoek (WDH): 3 weekly · November 1st * Maun (MUB) – Cape Town (CPT): 3 weekly · November 2nd * Maun (MUB) – Windhoek (WDH): 3 weekly · November 2nd*

Air Botswana has 2 ATR 72, 1 Embraer 170 and 1 Embraer 175 in its fleet.

AirlinkThe airline adds services between Johannesburg and Dar-es-Salaam.

According to our database, Airlink began on September 21st its eighth weekly flight on this route, which offers using 98-seat Embraer 190 jets.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (new flight – Sat 21st)* 4Z 32 Johannesburg JNB 09:40 · 14:10 DAR Dar-es-Salaam * 4Z 33 Dar-es-Salaam DAR 14:50 · 17:35 JNB Johannesburg

Daily except Tuesday/Wednesday and Saturday/Sunday* 4Z 36 Johannesburg JNB 22:45 · 03:15+1 DAR Dar-es-Salaam (ex Tue/Sat) * 4Z 37 Dar-es-Salaam DAR 04:10 · 06:55 JNB Johannesburg (ex Wed/Sun)

Air SénégalEffective October 27th, the company plans to launch three new international routes in Africa.

Map by gcmap.comDakar DSS Abidjan (ABJ) – Cotonou (COO): 4 weekly · Airbus A319 * Bamako (BKO) – Abidjan (ABJ): 3 weekly · Airbus A319 * Bamako (BKO) – Ouagadougou (OUA): 4 weekly · Airbus A319*

Air Sénégal fleet consists of 8 aircraft (2 ATR 72, 2 A319, 2 A321 and 2 A330), although it has 4 operational planes (one of each type).

AirSialThe Pakistani carrier will commence operations between Islamabad and Riyadh on October 30th. AirSial will perform two services a week.

Wednesday and Friday* PF 768 Islamabad ISB 00:35 · 03:15 RUH Riyadh (Wed) * PF 768 Islamabad ISB 20:00 · 22:40 RUH Riyadh (Fri)

Wednesday and Saturday* PF 769 Riyadh RUH 04:30 · 10:30 ISB Islamabad (Wed) * PF 769 Riyadh RUH 00:00 · 06:00 ISB Islamabad (Sat)

AnimawingsFor winter season 2024/25, Animawings will start flying between Bucharest and Marrakech. The first service on this route will be on December 29th, being offered weekly.

Sunday* A2 758 Bucharest OTP 07:05 · 11:00 RAK Marrakech * A2 759 Marrakech RAK 11:45 · 17:50 OTP Bucharest

Centrum AirAs announced in the Asia/Oceania report, Centrum Air will inaugurate operations between Tashkent and Tel Aviv from October 29th. The company will provide these services with Airbus A321neo, as follows:

Tuesday and Saturday* C6 371 Tashkent TAS 20:10 · 22:40 TLV Tel Aviv * C6 372 Tel Aviv TLV 00:05 · 07:40 TAS Tashkent (Wed/Sun)

Uzbekistan Airways has three flights per week on this route by Boeing 767-300(ER) aircraft.

CorendonBeginning November 1st, the airline will launch services to Hurghada from Salzburg. Based on its website, Corendon Airlines will perform a weekly frequency using Boeing 737-800s with 189 seats in single class.

Friday* XR 5657 Hurghada HRG 05:00 · 08:10 SZG Salzburg * XR 5658 Salzburg SZG 09:10 · 14:00 HRG Hurghada

El AlIn 2025, El Al Israel Airlines will introduce its first routes with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners configured for 293 passengers (30 Business and 263 Economy). At time of publication, Amsterdam, Bangkok BKK and Phuket will be the operations, from Tel Aviv.

Map by gcmap.com Bangkok (BKK): 3 weekly · January 3rd, 2025 * Phuket (HKT): January 27th, 2025 * Amsterdam (AMS): 3 weekly · March 31st, 2025*

El Al has 12 Boeing 787-9s in its fleet, seating 271 passengers.

EmiratesThe airline continues to expand its services in South Africa, with the addition of a fourth daily flight between Dubai and Johannesburg. This new frequency will commence on March 1st, 2025, to be carried out by Boeing 777-300(ER) aircraft.

Daily* EK 761 Dubai DXB 04:05 · 10:15 JNB Johannesburg * EK 762 Johannesburg JNB 13:25 · 23:45 DXB Dubai * EK 763 Dubai DXB 09:55 · 16:15 JNB Johannesburg * EK 764 Johannesburg JNB 19:10 · 05:25+1 DXB Dubai * EK 765 Dubai DXB 14:40 · 20:50 JNB Johannesburg * EK 766 Johannesburg JNB 22:20 · 08:20+1 DXB Dubai

New frequency* EK 767 Dubai DXB 00:10 · 06:20 JNB Johannesburg * EK 768 Johannesburg JNB 10:15 · 20:15 DXB Dubai

EthiopianAs of late-October, the company schedules a major expansion of flights within Africa, with more frequencies and routes to/from Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines’ main hub.

These will be the main updates

Map by gcmap.com Blantyre (BLZ) – Beira (BEW): increases from 4 to 5 · October 27th * Bulawayo (BUQ): 3 weekly · November 30th · new non-stop terminator * Conakry (CKY): 3 weekly · November 30th · new non-stop terminator * Abidjan (ABJ): 4 weekly · December 1st · new non-stop terminator * Abidjan (ABJ) – Conakry (CKY): increases from 3 to 4 weekly · December 1st * Dar-es-Salaam (DAR): increases from 7 to 21 weekly · December 1st * Kilimanjaro (JRO): increases from 11 to 14 weekly · December 1st * Zanzibar (ZNZ): increases from 7 to 14 weekly · December 1st * Maputo (MPM): increases from 5 to 7 weekly · December 2nd * Lusaka (LUN): increases from 4 to 11 weekly · December 16th * Kilimanjaro (JRO) – Zanzibar (ZNZ): 4 weekly · March 17th, 2025*

EtihadThe company will add two new routes to Europe effective June 2025.

Etihad Airways will serve from Abu Dhabi with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets configured for 290 passengers in two seating classes.

Prague · June 2nd, 2025Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

EY 155 Abu Dhabi AUH 02:50 · 07:15 PRG Prague
EY 156 Prague PRG 11:20 · 19:05 AUH Abu Dhabi

Warsaw · June 3rd, 2025Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

EY 159 Abu Dhabi AUH 02:45 · 06:50 WAW Warsaw
EY 160 Warsaw WAW 11:15 · 19:00 AUH Abu Dhabi

FlyGabonA new airline in Gabon.

FlyGabon began scheduled operations on August 31st, with Afrijet’s ATR 72-500 registered as TR-LJT. At publication time, the company has three routes from Libreville, the country’s capital city.

As can be seen through our database, the first service departed Libreville at 10:15 local time, landing at Port-Gentil 25 minutes later, covering flight J7 912. The airline uses the code J7, which belongs to Afrijet.

Map by gcmap.com Franceville (MVB): 11 weekly * Oyem (OYE): 5 weekly * Port-Gentil (POG): 25 weekly*

flynasOn September 4th at 04:09 local time the airline’s inaugural flight to Berlin took off from Jeddah. Flynas, as we published in the August report, will offer four services a week with 174-seat Airbus A320neo planes.

flynas routes from/to EuropeMap by gcmap.comJeddah

Berlin (BER): 4 weekly · Airbus A320
Brussels (BRU): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Marseille (MRS): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Sarajevo (SJJ): 5 weekly · Airbus A320

Riyadh

Sarajevo (SJJ): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Vienna (VIE) – Salzburg (SZG): 3 weekly · Airbus A320

Georgian AirwaysDuring November, Georgian Airways intends to operate a charter flight between Tbilisi and Mahe, Seychelles. At present, the service will be carried out on the airline’s Boeing 767-300(ER), configured for 245 passengers.

Schedule A9 5041 Tbilisi TBS 01:00 · 07:40 SEZ Mahe (November 2nd) * A9 5042 Mahe SEZ 15:00 · 21:00 TBS Tbilisi (November 11th)*

Gulf AirUpdates in Singapore and Thailand.

From October 27th, Gulf Air will cease flying the Bahrain – Singapore – Bangkok BKK route and vice versa, offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

On the same day, the airline will boost its services on the Bahrain – Singapore – Bahrain leg, reaching the daily flight. The operations will be performed by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Daily* GF 165 Bahrain BAH 23:05/23:45 · 11:40/12:20+1 SIN Singapore * GF 166 Singapore SIN 20:25/21:00 · 23:55/00:30+1 BAH Bahrain

IndiGoThe Indian low cost carrier expands operations in Africa, with the start of flights to Mauritius.

Services will begin on November 19th and will run four weekly times on 180-seat Airbus A320neo jets.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* 6E 1861 Bengaluru BLR 03:20 · 07:45 MRU Port Louis * 6E 1862 Port Louis MRU 09:30 · 16:45 BLR Bengaluru

Kuwait AirwaysMore capacity to Hyderabad.

Kuwait Airways, effective January 1st, 2025, will increase the seats offered on the Kuwait City – Hyderabad route, switching from Airbus A320s to Airbus A330-800s. The airline will provide 101 more seats per flight.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* KU 373 Kuwait City KWI 19:10/20:50 · 02:25/04:05+1 HYD Hyderabad

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* KU 374 Hyderabad HYD 03:25/05:10 · 06:20/08:05 KWI Kuwait City

NeosThe airline will commence operations between Italy and Nigeria as of October 30th. Neos will have, at the time of publication, one weekly frequency on the Milan Malpensa – Lagos route with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Wednesday/Thursday* NO 3396 Milan MXP 17:45 · 23:45 LOS Lagos (Wed) * NO 3397 Lagos LOS 00:55 · 07:00 MXP Milan (Thu)

Qatar AirwaysMore services to Saudi Arabia.

Qatar will inaugurate a new route from Doha in January 2025, in addition to increasing operations to Neom Bay. Flights will be conducted by Airbus A320-200s.

Map by gcmap.com Neom Bay (NUM): from 2 to 4 weekly · December 1st * Abha (AHB): 2 weekly · January 2nd, 2025*

Current routes

Al Ula (ULH): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Al-Qassim (ELQ): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Dammam (DMM): 28 weekly · A320/A332/A359/A35K/77L/77W/789
Jeddah (JED): 35 weekly · A332/A333/A359/A35K/77W/788/789
Medina (MED): 17 weekly · A320/7M8
Riyadh (RUH): 33 weekly · A320/A332/A333/A359/A35K/77L/77W/788/789
Tabuk (TUU): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Taif (TIF): 4 weekly · Airbus A320
Yanbu (YNB): 3 weekly · Airbus A320

Royal JordanianThe Jordanian carrier will return to Russia effective October 15th, with the resumption of flights between Amman and Moscow Domodedovo.

Tuesday and Friday* RJ 177 Amman AMM 10:35 · 15:50 DME Moscow * RJ 178 Moscow DME 17:05 · 22:30 AMM Amman

Royal Jordanian’s last flights to Russia had been in mid-2022.

S7 AirlinesOn September 30th, the Russian company plans to begin flights to Dubai from Domodedovo Airport. S7 Airlines schedules to operate two times a week on Boeing 737-800 seating 176 passengers.

Tuesday and Thursday* S7 3775 Moscow DME 05:10 · 11:45 DXB Dubai * S7 3776 Dubai DXB 12:45 · 17:25 DME Moscow

SaudiaThe airline will restart services between Jeddah and Chennai from October 2nd. At publication time, Saudia will have three weekly flights until late October.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* SV 3630 Jeddah JED 09:00 · 17:30 MAA Chennai * SV 3631 Chennai MAA 19:00 · 22:25 JED Jeddah

These operations will be performed by Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Shenzhen AirlinesAs of October 29th, Shenzhen Airlines will launch flights to Doha from Shenzhen. The airline is scheduled to offer three services per week on 309-passenger Airbus A330-300 planes.

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* ZH 807 Shenzhen SZX 01:00 · 06:00 DOH Doha * ZH 808 Doha DOH 19:15 · 08:45+1 SZX Shenzhen

Qatar will become Shenzhen Airlines’ first market in the Middle East.

South AfricanSouth African Airways will initiate flights on the Johannesburg – Dar-es-Salaam route.

The airline will resume regular operations between the two cities from November 11th, which will be conducted daily on Airbus A320-200s.

Daily* SA 188 Johannesburg JNB 23:30 · 04:00+1 DAR Dar-es-Salaam * SA 189 Dar-es-Salaam DAR 05:10 · 07:55 JNB Johannesburg

Tanzania will join Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the markets served by South African.

Sunclass AirlinesThe airline will add two new routes in the Europe – Hurghada market.

Map by gcmap.com Helsinki (HEL): 1 weekly · October 10th * Copenhagen (CPH): 1 weekly · October 14th*

Sunclass will fly Airbus A321-200s configured for 212 passengers.

TAAGIn addition to the airline’s first Airbus A220, regarding routes, TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola intends to maintain year-round operations to Porto. The Angolan state-owned carrier plans to fly twice-weekly from Luanda during 2025.

Tuesday and Thursday* DT 654 Luanda LAD 23:30 · 06:20+1 OPO Porto

Wednesday and Friday* DT 655 Porto OPO 09:20 · 18:10 LAD Luanda

Brazil, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Portugal, São Tomé and Principe and South Africa are TAAG’s international markets.

United AirlinesEffective December 1st, United schedules to increase its flights between Washington DC and Lagos to daily.

The airline currently offers three operations a week on this route with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (at present)* UA 612 Washington DC IAD 18:30 · 10:40+1 LOS Lagos * UA 613 Lagos LOS 23:50 · 05:55+1 IAD Washington DC (Wed, Fri, Sun)

This upgrade is subject to government approval.

Wizz Air UKThe company will launch operations between London Gatwick and Jeddah by Airbus A321XLR aircraft as of March 31st, 2025. In accordance with its website, Wizz Air UK will perform seven weekly flights on this route.

Daily* W9 5605 London LGW 16:00 · 00:35+1 JED Jeddah * W9 5606 Jeddah JED 01:30 · 06:25 LGW London

Wizz Air UK’s A321XLRs will have 239 seats.

New aircraft incorporated by airlines from Africa and the Middle East Air Cairo (x2) * Ethiopian Airlines * flyadeal * Gulf Air * Nouvelair Tunisie*

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-251N | Air Cairo | SU-BVN | TLS-CAI | August 27th | | Airbus A320-251N | flyadeal | HZ-FBH | TLS-JED | August 29th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Ethiopian | ET-BAO | PAE-DUBDUB-ADD | August 29thAugust 31st | | Airbus A320-251N | Air Cairo | SU-BVO | TLS-CAI | August 30th | | Airbus A321-253NX | Gulf Air | A9C-XF | XFW-BAH | September 18th | | Airbus A320-251N | Nouvelair | TS-INL | TLS-MIR | September 20th |

Other reports we have published

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Play makes a play for Portugal
American Airlines focuses on Europe for summer 2025
Reconnecting capitals: Air Canada to restart Ottawa-London flights

Cover photo: Jan Seler – JetPhotos (London Heathrow).

The post Virgin to begin flights to Accra and Riyadh in 2025 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing gives its striking machinists union its “best and final” offer. But how best and final is it? EASA informs A350 operators to ensure they’re cleaning their fuel hoses properly. Canada heads down a confusing path on its quest resolve airline complaints. And a United Airlines flight experiences an unusual TCAS Resolution Advisory as it prepares to land in San Francisco.

Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 287: How best and final is “best and final”? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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We’re continuously working to enhance flight tracking coverage. The installation of new Flightradar24 ADS-B receivers in key locations at airports around the world is a vital aspect of doing so. A well-placed receiver can not only increase the number of aircraft you see in the local area, but also enable you to more thoroughly track an aircraft’s journey on the ground, especially from the runway to the gate. A new receiver coming online can significantly boost the total overall number of flights tracked, providing better data for individuals and business users alike. Let’s take a look at some recent examples of new ADS-B receiver installations, and the positive effect they have had on flight tracking in the area.

Akron Canton Airport (CAK)Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is a regional airport located in the city of Green, in southern Summit County, Ohio. We activated our receiver at the airport on August 12, 2024.

Move the slider left and right to see flight tracking positions logged before (yellow) and after (blue) receiver installation.

Prior to installing the receiver, we tracked 312,274,257 aircraft positions in the Akron area over a three-day period. Following the installation, this number increased to 484,379,150 positions – an increase of over 55%. This not only allows us to capture more data from local and overflying traffic, but also provides more accurate ground tracking, meaning users can now follow aircraft movements between the gate and the runway. Quite simply, you get greater precision in tracking the aircraft’s full journey before takeoff and after landing at Akron.

Bartow Executive Airport (BOW)Bartow Executive Airport (BOW) is located 4 miles northeast of Bartow in Polk County, Florida. Our receiver here was activated on June 11, 2024.

The newly installed ADS-B receiver at Bartow enabled us to track 79,938 positions over a three-day period, compared to 69,435 positions before the installation. That’s an increase of 15%. In this example we saw a specific improvement of flight tracking in the local area to the south and west of the airport, as well as increased ground coverage.

Belize City Airport (TZA)Belize City Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport (TZA) serves Belize City, the largest in the country. The coastal airport sits at an elevation of just 5 meters above sea level, making ground coverage in this area even more essential. Our installation here has had one of the most notable impacts on local flight tracking.

Our receiver at Belize City came online on September 17, 2024. We tracked 7,143 positions in a three-day period following the installation. In a comparable period before installation, we tracked just 998 positions – a whopping increase of 615%.

Help us improve flight tracking at your airportIf you live or work near an airport, you can help us further improve global flight tracking coverage by applying to host a free Flightradar24 ADS-B receiver.

Apply to host an ADS-B receiverHosting a receiver supports our efforts to enhance coverage and allows you to contribute to the aviation community. Installation is simple and we send all the necessary hardware. You’ll just need to install the receiver box and antenna, connect power and internet, sit back and let the receiver begin tracking flights.

If you’re interested in being one of the silent heroes that power global flight tracking, why not apply today? As a thank you for hosting a receiver, you will receive a complimentary Business subscription to Flightradar24, unlocking a whole new level of features.

How Flightradar24 ADS-B receivers workFlightradar24 ADS-B receivers capture signals broadcast by aircraft equipped with ADS-B transponders, which provide real-time data such as position, altitude, and speed. These signals are sent to Flightradar24’s network, processed, and displayed on our platform. By installing receivers in strategic locations, particularly near airports, we can offer more comprehensive and detailed coverage for users around the world. Interested in learning more? Check out our video.

The post How installing an ADS-B receiver improved flight tracking at these airports appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Hong Kong Air Cargo’s inaugural flight from Hong Kong arrived in Budapest at 17:40 local time on September 7th. The airline, which becomes the third operator on this route after Cargolux and Ethiopian, will offer these services with Airbus A330-200(F) aircraft.

According to our database, Hong Kong Air Cargo will fly twice-weekly between Hong Kong and Budapest, with a stopover in Almatý on the HKG-BUD leg, being non-stop on the Budapest – Hong Kong sector.

Monday and Saturday* RH 392 Hong Kong HKG 07:40 · 10:40 ALA Almatý * RH 392 Almatý ALA 12:40 · 17:40 BUD Budapest

Tentative schedule

RH 393 Budapest BUD 21:30 · 14:00+1 HKG Hong Kong

Mr. Gary Zhan, Chairman of Hong Kong Air Cargo, said: “We are delighted to launch this new route, which represents a significant milestone in the development of our company. This will facilitate trade between Hong Kong and Budapest and we hope to continue to provide excellent service to our customers.”

Aircalin to fly between New Caledonia and EuropeThe carrier began marketing its new flights between New Caledonia and France. As of December 11th, Aircalin is scheduled to operate to Paris Charles de Gaulle from Noumea via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi each way.

Wednesday and Saturday* SB 500 Noumea NOU 01:45 · 07:55 BKK Bangkok * SB 500 Bangkok BKK 09:55 · 17:25 CDG Paris * SB 501 Paris CDG 20:30 · 14:40+1 BKK Bangkok * SB 501 Bangkok BKK 16:40+1 · 06:30+2 NOU Noumea

At publication time, there are no flights on sale from/to Bangkok.

Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Singapore and Wallis and Futuna are the current markets offered by Aircalin.

Air India launches operations to MalaysiaAt 13:14 local time on September 15th, Air India’s inaugural service to Kuala Lumpur departed Delhi. The company will provide a daily frequency between the two cities with Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A320neo jets, configured for 152/180/186 passengers.

Kuala Lumpur becomes Air India’s first destination in the country.

Daily* AI 384 Delhi DEL 13:00 · 21:00 KUL Kuala Lumpur * AI 385 Kuala Lumpur KUL 08:30 · 11:25 DEL Delhi

AirAsia X, Batik Air Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines operate this route.

With respect to markets served by Air India from Delhi, in addition to domestic flights within India, the company operates to Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

Qantas arrives in VanuatuThe Australian airline expands its operations in Oceania, with the start of flights to Port Vila, Vanuatu. Services will be conducted from Brisbane on 174-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, three times a week.

Tuesday/Friday and Sunday (first flight Sep 10th)* QF 159 Brisbane BNE 11:20/10:50 · 15:05/14:35 VLI Port Vila * QF 160 Port Vila VLI 16:10/15:40 · 18:15/17:45 BNE Brisbane

Jetstar will inaugurate flights between Sydney and Port Vila on December 12th.

Other highlights of the Asia and Oceania market:AirAsiaThe carrier will boost flights to China by adding two new routes from Malaysia.

Both will be performed with 186-seat Airbus A320-200s.

Map by gcmap.com Penang (PEN) – Shenzhen (SZX): 4 weekly · October 28th * Kota Kinabalu (BKI) – Jieyang (SWA): 3 weekly · November 16th*

AirAsia CambodiaStarting November 9th, AirAsia Cambodia will introduce a new service to Singapore, which will operate daily on Airbus A320s:

Daily* KT 320 Siem Reap SAI 08:45 · 12:00 SIN Singapore * KT 321 Singapore SIN 12:40 · 13:55 SAI Siem Reap

Air AstanaAstana – Phuket, from October 26th, the airline’s new route to Vietnam.

Air Astana will offer three weekly flights between the two cities by Airbus A321neo aircraft seating 166 passengers.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* KC 163 Astana NQZ 21:40 · 07:45+1 HKT Phuket

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* KC 164 Phuket HKT 09:30 · 16:10 NQZ Astana

Currently, the company has one service per day to Phuket from Almatý.

Air CalédonieThe carrier will begin operations between Noumea and Port Vila as of October 3rd. Services will be on 72-seat ATR 72-600s, twice-weekly.

Monday and Thursday* TY 915 Noumea NOU 15:00 · 16:30 VLI Port Vila * TY 916 Port Vila VLI 17:30 · 19:00 NOU Noumea

In addition to domestic flights within Vanuatu, Port Vila has connections to Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.

Asiana AirlinesEffective December 25th, Asiana will have one daily service between Seoul Incheon and Siem Reap. The airline will operate using Airbus A321neo jets, according to its website.

Daily* OZ 7271 Seoul ICN 20:00 · 23:50 SAI Siem Reap * OZ 7281 Siem Reap SAI 01:00 · 08:10 ICN Seoul

These Asiana aircraft are configured with 188 seats.

Beijing Capital AirlinesTwo new routes between Huangshan Tunxi and South Korea.

Beijing Capital launched flights to Daegu and Muan in mid-September. Both connections will be carried out by 174/180-seat Airbus A320-200s.

Map by gcmap.com Muan (MWX): 2 weekly · September 13th * Daegu (TAE): 2 weekly · September 14th*

Biman Bangladesh AirlinesMore flights to Toronto.

As of October 31st, for high season, Biman will boost from two to three flights a week on the Dhaka – Istanbul – Toronto route, which is offered on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* BG 305 Dhaka DAC 03:55 · 09:05 IST Istanbul * BG 305 Istanbul IST 10:20 · 13:40 YYZ Toronto

New service on Thursdays

BG 306 Toronto YYZ 19:30 · 12:00+1 IST Istanbul
BG 306 Istanbul IST 13:15+1 · 23:25 DAC Dhaka

Istanbul is a technical stop.

Cambodia Angkor AirThe company adds a new destination in Thailand, with the beginning of the Phnom Penh – Bangkok BKK route effective December 1st. These services will have a daily frequency with Airbus A321s featuring 184 seats.

Daily* K6 720 Phnom Penh PNH 21:40 · 22:50 BKK Bangkok * K6 721 Bangkok BKK 23:40 · 00:55+1 PNH Phnom Penh

Cebu PacificFrom the end of October, Cebu Pacific will expand its route network to/from Iloilo, to be operated on 186-passenger Airbus A320-200s.

Map by gcmap.com Tacloban (TAC): 4 weekly · October 27th * Zamboanga (ZAM): 3 weekly · October 28th*

Centrum AirTwo new routes from Tashkent.

The Uzbek airline will commence these international connections between late October and early November. Centrum Air will run services using Airbus A321neo aircraft:

Map by gcmap.com Tel Aviv (TLV): 2 weekly · October 29th * Langkawi (LGK): 1 weekly · November 1st*

China EasternEffective September 28th, China Eastern Airlines will resume operations to the Maldives, with the Kunming – Colombo – Male route. Flights will be carried three weekly times.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* MU 9659 Kunming KMG 15:05 · 17:50 CMB Colombo * MU 9659 Colombo CMB 18:50 · 19:55 MLE Male * MU 9660 Male MLE 21:10 · 23:05 CMB Colombo * MU 9660 Colombo CMB 00:15+1 · 07:35+1 KMG Kunming

China SouthernAdelaide will return to China Southern Airlines’ regular schedule.

The first service on this route will be on December 11th, which will operate from Guangzhou by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes, as follows:

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* CZ 663 Guangzhou CAN 22:10 · 09:55+1 ADL Adelaide

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* CZ 664 Adelaide ADL 11:30 · 18:05 CAN Guangzhou

At the time of publication, Adelaide has no regular services to China.

Eastar JetThe South Korean low cost carrier will restart flights between Busan and Taipei from October 27th. Eastar Jet will provide one service per day on Boeing 737-800s seating 189 passengers in single class.

Daily* ZE 983 Busan PUS 22:20 · 00:15+1 TPE Taipei * ZE 984 Taipei TPE 02:50 · 06:10 PUS Busan

Garuda IndonesiaBeginning November 17th, Garuda Indonesia will increase from five to seven weekly operations on the Jakarta – Seoul Incheon route. The company serves Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.

Daily* GA 878 Jakarta CGK 22:40/23:15 · 07:55/08:30+1 ICN Seoul * GA 879 Seoul ICN 10:35/11:05 · 15:40/16:10 CGK Jakarta

Garuda has no flights on Wednesdays and Sundays on the CGK-ICN leg, and on Mondays and Thursdays on the ICN-CGK segment.

Greater BayTwo new routes from Hong Kong will be inaugurated by the carrier between mid-November and early-December:

Map by gcmap.com Tokushima (TKS): 3 weekly · November 16th * Sendai (SDJ): 4 weekly · December 7th*

Hainan AirlinesMore flights between Chongqing and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Hainan plans to expand from one to two operations a week on this route, which runs with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets.

Tuesday and Saturday (new flight on Tuesdays – from October 29th)* HU 717 Chongqing CKG 02:30 · 07:55 CDG Paris * HU 718 Paris CDG 11:55 · 04:35+1 CKG Chongqing

In accordance with our database, Hainan Airlines serves two weekly times the Shenzhen – Paris CDG connection.

HK expressAs of January 17th, 2025, HK express intends to launch operations between Hong Kong and Sendai. The carrier schedules four flights per week by 180-seat Airbus A320s.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* UO 890 Hong Kong HKG 08:15 · 13:30 SDJ Sendai * UO 891 Sendai SDJ 14:25 · 19:00 HKG Hong Kong

Sendai currently has services to China, Japan and South Korea.

Himalaya AirlinesAt 07:13 local time on September 21st, the first Himalaya Airlines flight departed Kathmandu for Shanghai Pudong. Following a four-month suspension, the company resumed services on this route, to be conducted with Airbus A320-200 jets.

Saturday* H9 780 Kathmandu KTM 07:05 · 13:30 PVG Shanghai * H9 781 Shanghai PVG 15:45 · 19:20 KTM Kathmandu

Himalaya Airlines has 4 aircraft in its fleet (1 Airbus A319 and 3 Airbus A320).

IndiGoThe airline will increase its international operations from India.

Map by gcmap.com Chennai (MAA) – Bangkok (BKK): from 4 to 7 weekly · October 29th * Hyderabad (HYD) – Kuwait City (KWI): from 4 to 7 weekly · October 29th * Mumbai (BOM) – Colombo (CMB): from 3 to 6 weekly · November 2nd*

JALJapan Airlines will maintain services to Qatar through winter 2024/25.

The flights will be performed on a daily frequency with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 239 passengers.

Daily* JL 59 Tokyo HND 22:50 · 04:40+1 DOH Doha * JL 50 Doha DOH 07:15 · 23:55 HND Tokyo

Doha is JAL’s only destination in the Middle East.

Jeju AirDuring October, the low cost company will open two new routes to Indonesia from Seoul Incheon, which will operate on Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

Map by gcmap.com Batam (BTH): 3 weekly · October 16th * Denpasar (DPS): 7 weekly · October 27th*

JetstarThe Australian airline will expand its flights between Australia and New Zealand from June 2025, with three new routes to be carried out by 186-seat, single-class Airbus A320s.

Map by gcmap.com Sydney (SYD) – Hamilton (HLZ): 4 weekly · June 16th, 2025 * Gold Coast (OOL) – Hamilton (HLZ): 3 weekly · June 18th, 2025 * Gold Coast (OOL) – Dunedin (DUD): 3 weekly · June 24th, 2025*

Juneyao AirlinesThree new international services will be launched by Juneyao Airlines in November, and another two during December.

Map by gcmap.com Lanzhou (LHW) – Vientiane (VTE): 4 weekly · November 19th * Xi’An (XIY) – Vientiane (VTE): 3 weekly · November 19th * Lanzhou (LHW) – Bangkok (DMK): 1 weekly · November 20th * Shanghai (PVG) – Hanoi (HAN): 7 weekly · December 6th * Shanghai (PVG) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 4 weekly · December 9th*

Juneyao will operate Airbus A320-200 planes configured for 164 passengers.

Korean AirThe carrier will resume flights between Seoul Incheon and Mudanjiang from October 22nd. Based on its website, Korean will serve with Boeing 737-900ER aircraft featuring 173 seats.

Daily except Monday and Wednesday* KE 119 Seoul ICN 10:05 · 11:50 MDG Mudanjiang * KE 120 Mudanjiang MDG 12:50 · 16:30 ICN Seoul

China Southern is the only airline currently operating this route (five weekly on A320s).

Malaysia AirlinesOn February 24th, 2025, Malaysia will begin services between Kota Kinabalu and Tokyo Haneda, a route it will offer two times a week under the following schedule:

Monday and Thursday* MH 82 Kota Kinabalu BKI 16:05 · 22:30 HND Tokyo

Tuesday and Friday* MH 83 Tokyo HND 00:05 · 05:45 BKI Kota Kinabalu

Philippine AirlinesAfter a 5-year hiatus, the airline will once again have operations to Siargao from Clark. At publication time, Philippine will provide these services on Dash 8s.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (December 3rd)* PR 2876 Clark CRK 11:00 · 13:05 IAO Siargao * PR 2877 Siargao IAO 13:35 · 15:40 CRK Clark

Philippine Airlines Dash 8s have 86 seats in single class.

Royal BruneiChennai will enter Royal Brunei’s route network.

The first flight on the Bandar – MAA route will be on November 5th. Royal Brunei will have a frequency of three weekly operations by 180-seat Airbus A320neo.

Saturday and Tuesday/Thursday* BI 121 Bandar BWN 00:30/20:30 · 03:20/22:50 MAA Chennai * BI 122 Chennai MAA 04:20/23:50 · 12:25/07:55+1 BWN Bandar

Chennai will be Royal Brunei Airlines’ first destination in India. Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Vietnam are its current markets.

Spring AirlinesThe airline will expand its scheduled services with five new routes, which will start between October and December:

Bangkok (BKK) – Guangzhou (CAN): 7 weekly · October 27th
Fuzhou (FOC) – Bangkok (BKK): 7 weekly · October 27th
Xi’An (XIY) – Bangkok (DMK): 14 weekly · October 27th
Shanghai (PVG) – Busan (PUS): 3 weekly · October 29th
Bangkok (DMK) – Yangzhou (YTY): 3 weekly · December 2nd

T’WayOn September 18th at 18:52 local time, T’Way airlines’ inaugural flight from Seoul Incheon landed in Barcelona. The company continues to expand its operations in Europe, reaching its fourth regular destination on the continent after Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome and Zagreb.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* TW 407 Seoul ICN 11:25 · 19:00 BCN Barcelona * TW 408 Barcelona BCN 21:00 · 16:25+1 ICN Seoul

T’Way’s A330-200s have 246 seats in two classes.

Thai Lion AirNew Thai Lion Air service.

As of January 21st, 2025, the carrier will fly the Bangkok Don Mueang – Kaohsiung – Okinawa route with Boeing 737-800s. Thai Lion Air will offer four services per week.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* SL 390 Bangkok DMK 02:45 · 07:15 KHH Kaohsiung * SL 390 Kaohsiung KHH 08:15 · 10:55 OKA Okinawa * SL 391 Okinawa OKA 11:50 · 12:40 KHH Kaohsiung * SL 391 Kaohsiung KHH 13:40 · 16:00 DMK Bangkok

Tigerair TaiwanThe airline will commence operations to Miyazaki from Taipei beginning November 26th.

Flights will have a weekly frequency using 180-seat Airbus A320-200 jets.

Tuesday* IT 742 Taipei TPE 06:30 · 09:20 KMI Miyazaki * IT 743 Miyazaki KMI 10:10 · 12:00 TPE Taipei

Tigerair Taiwan has a significant route network in the Taiwan – Japan market, serving currently 19.

United AirlinesStarting in December, United will modify part of its Asian services, with changes to three of its routes from Guam. The airline provides these flights on Boeing 737-800s:

Map by gcmap.com Guam (GUM) – Chuuk (TKK) – Pohnpei (PNI) – Kosrae (KSA) – Kwajalein (KWA) – Majuro (MAJ) – Honolulu (HNL) and vice versa: December 5th · will be operated on Mondays/Tuesdays and Thursdays/Fridays, instead of Mon/Tue and Fri/Sat. * Guam (GUM) – Chuuk (TKK) – Pohnpei (PNI) – Majuro (MAJ) – Honolulu (HNL) and vice versa: December 7th · will be operated on Saturdays/Sundays, instead of Sun/Mon. * Guam (GUM) – Pohnpei (PNI) – Chuuk (TKK) – Guam (GUM): December 8th* · will be operated on Sundays/Mondays, instead of Sat/Sun.

VietJet AirAfter almost two years, as of October 23rd, the company will restart services between Da Nang and Ahmedabad. VietJet will have two weekly flights.

Wednesday and Saturday* VJ 1971 Da Nang DAD 19:10 · 23:25 AMD Ahmedabad

Thursday and Sunday* VJ 1972 Ahmedabad AMD 00:25 · 06:55 DAD Da Nang

The airline’s Airbus A320-200s are configured with 180 seats.

Aircraft added by airlines from Asia and Oceania during August and September Air India Express (x3) * Akasa Air * Cathay Pacific (x2) * Centrum Air * China Southern (x3) * HK express * IndiGo (x7) * Jin Air * Korean Air * Kunming Airlines * QantasLink * Shandong Airlines * Shenzhen Airlines * Singapore Airlines * Starlux * Virgin Australia * Xiamen Air* (x2)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Virgin Australia | VH-8IH | BFI-MLBMLB-ONT-KOAKOA-BNE | August 20thAugust 27thAugust 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Xiamen Air | B-20DW | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-XMN | August 20thAugust 21stAugust 23rd | | Airbus A321-251NX | Cathay Pacific | B-HPQ | XFW-DWCDWC-BKK-HKG | August 21stAugust 22nd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | China Southern | B-20D5 | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-CAN | August 23rdAugust 24thAugust 26th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-IAZ | XFW-DEL | August 23rd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWU | BFI-KEFKEF-KWIKWI-HYD | August 24thAugust 25thAugust 26th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-IRW | XFW-DEL | August 27th | | Airbus A321-272NX | Korean Air | HL8559 | XFW-TASTAS-GMP | August 27thAugust 29th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Shandong Airlines | B-20D0 | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-TNA | August 27thAugust 28thAugust 30th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Shenzhen Airlines | B-20DN | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-SZX | August 27thAugust 28thAugust 30th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Xiamen Air | B-20E0 | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-XMN | August 27thAugust 28thAugust 30th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-IRZ | XFW-DEL | August 28th | | Airbus A350-941 | Starlux | B-58506 | TLS-TPE | August 29th | | Airbus A321-253NX | Centrum Air | UK32131 | XFW-TAS | August 31st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Kunming Airlines | B-225Y | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-KMG | September 1stSeptember 2ndSeptember 4th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICB | XFW-DEL | September 6th | | Airbus A321-251NX | HK express | B-KKI | TLS-MCTMCT-HKG | September 7thSeptember 8th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | China Southern | B-20CU | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-CAN | September 7thSeptember 8thSeptember 10th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | China Southern | B-20AT | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-CAN | September 8thSeptember 9thSeptember 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Akasa Air | VT-YBB | BFI-KEFKEF-LCALCA-HYD | September 8thSeptember 10thSeptember 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWH | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | September 11thSeptember 13th | | Boeing 787-10 | Singapore | 9V-SCZ | CHS-NGONGO-SIN | September 11thSeptember 12th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWG | BFI-KEFKEF-KWIKWI-HYD | September 13thSeptember 14thSeptember 15th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-IRX | XFW-DEL | September 13th | | Airbus A220-300 | QantasLink | VH-X4D | YMX-YVRYVR-HNLHNL-NANNAN-CBR | September 13thSeptember 14thSeptember 15thSeptember 16th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Jin Air | HL7218 | BFI-ANCANC-NRTNRT-GMP | September 14thSeptember 15thSeptember 16th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Cathay Pacific | B-HPR | XFW-DWCDWC-BKK-HKG | September 18thSeptember 19th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-IWM | XFW-DEL | September 19th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXK | TLS-DEL | September 20th |

*It’s not new from the factory.

Other reports we have published

Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
Play makes a play for Portugal
American Airlines focuses on Europe for summer 2025
Reconnecting capitals: Air Canada to restart Ottawa-London flights

Cover photo: Hong Kong Air Cargo via LinkedIn.

The post Hong Kong Air Cargo launches new route to Hungary appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Would you like to join the thousands of aviation businesses and individuals already taking advantage of a Flightradar24 Business subscription?As the name suggests, a Business subscription to Flightradar24 enables you to use our flight tracking data for commercial purposes, but also unlocks an array of exclusive features and benefits. What are they? Let’s take a look.

Turbocharge your flight tracking by unlocking the full power of ADS-B dataAutomatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) technology doesn’t just tell us where aircraft are, it furnishes us with a vast array of information, received in real time by the aircraft. In addition to position, ground speed, track and altitude, Business subscribers can see data on an aircraft’s GPS altitude, true and indicated airspeed, and mach number where it is being requested by Air Traffic Control. You will also see the most recent temperature, and wind velocity (speed and direction) recorded by the aircraft.
Get a longer term view of where aircraft have been, and where they are nowUnderstanding the position of an aircraft is a flight tracking fundamental, but with a Business subscription, you can dive far deeper into an aircraft’s history. A business plan will unlock 3 years of historic flight information (compared to 1 year for Gold subscribers). This enables you to view data and flight paths for an aircraft’s flights over that time, as well as 3 years of Global Playback to reveal overall flight trends.

You can also access a list of aircraft tracked as landed at a particular airport. An aircraft will remain on the list until we can confirm that it has departed from the airport. This ‘Aircraft on ground’ feature is available for the last 90 days

It’s not all about the aircraft. A Business plan unlocks our Airport and Fleet views – only available to our Business subscribers. Airport view offers custom views for commercial airports around the world showing a map view and arrival and departure information. Fleet view shows a custom fleet view for airlines, showing a list of all airborne flights, map view and relevant flight and aircraft information.

Get the ultimate weather information – see what the pilots seeA Business subscription adds additional weather and airspace overlays to those already available in our Gold plan. Not only can you take advantage of our Gold-level weather layers (such as cloud and precipitation), you can also add layers to display phenomena like turbulence, icing, winds and lightning strikes at select altitudes. You can even view high level significant weather charts, and expandable AIRMETS and SIGMETS for detailed weather warnings. That’s the same information that pilots use in their pre-flight briefing.

Why is this important, you ask? Context. There are many factors that can influence the global movement of airplanes, and weather is probably the most common. If you see a group of aircraft flying holding patterns near an airport (or perhaps spot increasing delays on our Airport Disruption Index), why not activate our weather layers and see if it is likely a weather-related problem?

Discover Flightradar24’s data servicesWe are able to share the insights found in our premium subscriptions thanks to having the most extensive live and historic flight data at our fingertips. We provide a stable, secure and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

We offer everything from detailed flight positions-based data to sophisticated flight events-based data services. Both live data feeds and historical data files can be configured based on the parameters you require. Our data is verified by international aviation business partners and trusted across the industry.

Learn more about Flightradar24 data for business

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Sydney, new Turkish Airlines’ destination in Australia.
Operations will be with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, with the aim of starting non-stop services in the future.

Turkish Airlines announced its newest addition in Oceania, which will begin on December 4th. At the time of publication, it will offer four weekly flights on the Istanbul – Kuala Lumpur – Sydney route with Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured for 329 passengers.

The company will expand its operations in Australia by reaching two regular connections from/to Türkiye. Currently, Turkish performs three services per week between Istanbul and Melbourne via Singapore using the same jets. Turkish Airlines’ A350-900s have two seating classes (32 Business and 297 Economy), offering 987 weekly seats each way on the IST-SIN-MEL route, and 1,306 seats a week per leg on its new operations to Sydney via Kuala Lumpur.

Schedule between Istanbul and SydneyMonday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday* TK 174 Istanbul IST 15:15 · 06:20+1 KUL Kuala Lumpur

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday* TK 174 Kuala Lumpur KUL 07:40 · 18:30 SYD Sydney * TK 175 Sydney SYD 20:40 · 01:55+1 KUL Kuala Lumpur

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday* TK 175 Kuala Lumpur KUL 03:55 · 10:15 IST Istanbul

About the new addition to global airline’s flight network, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are happy to announce the launch of our Sydney route, which opens another chapter for us in the continent. This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg.”

Turkish Airlines plans to start non-stop flights between Istanbul and Sydney as of 2026, following the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000s. The airline placed an order for 220 Airbus aircraft in December 2023, including 70 A350s.

50 will be A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s and 5 A350Fs, while the other 150 Airbus A321s.

Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton said: “This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub. We are proud that Turkish Airlines Sydney and NSW for their first non-stop service which is a strong endorsement of everything our city and state has to offer. In the meantime, passengers will get to experience Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service from Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur in December 2024.

With more than 15,000 Turkish–born Australians in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, we’re confident this service will be strongly supported.”

Schedule on the Istanbul – Singapore – Melbourne routeTuesday, Friday and Sunday* TK 168 Istanbul IST 17:00 · 08:45+1 SIN Singapore

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* TK 168 Singapore SIN 10:15 · 19:40 MEL Melbourne * TK 169 Melbourne MEL 21:20 · 02:50+1 SIN Singapore

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* TK 169 Singapore SIN 04:30 · 10:40 IST Istanbul

Turkish is the airline that flies to the most countries in the world, mainly with passenger services to/from Istanbul airport (IST), in addition to some cargo-only operations. The company serves five continents: Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

At publication time, the list of domestic destinations exceeds 50, while the number of international ones is over 260. Turkish has scheduled flights to nearly 140 countries, including passenger and cargo services.

AfricaAlgeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania and Tunisia.

AmericaArgentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, United States and Venezuela.

AsiaAfghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

EuropeAustria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and United Kingdom.

OceaniaAustralia

Turkish’s fleet consists of 360 jets, averaging 9 years old.

| Aircraft | Total | Average age | | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A319-100 | 6 | 13 years | | Airbus A320-200 | 12 | 16.5 years | | Airbus A321-200 | 65 | 12 years | | Airbus A321neo | 49 | 3 years | | Airbus A330-200 | 22 | 14 years | | Airbus A330-300 | 36 | 11 years | | Airbus A350-900 | 23 | 2 years | | Boeing 737-800 | 40 | 10 years | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 20 | 5.5 years | | Boeing 737-900ER | 15 | 11.5 years | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | 5 | 5.5 years | | Boeing 777F | 8 | 5.5 years | | Boeing 777-300(ER) | 36 | 11.5 years | | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | 23 | 3.5 years |

Other reports we have published

Play makes a play for Portugal
American Airlines focuses on Europe for summer 2025
East and West: Edelweiss adds new North American routes
Reconnecting capitals: Air Canada to restart Ottawa-London flights

Cover photo: spottermuhammet – JetPhotos (Istanbul, Türkiye).

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On this episode of AvTalk, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines secure Department of Transportation approval of their merger.

As the Boeing Machinists’ strike enters week two, the company is implementing a long list of measures to hoard cash. In other strike news, Air Canada and its pilots union have reached a tentative agreement, but it still needs to be ratified.

Ian heads to Dorkfest and SpotLAX in Los Angeles and chats with Kevin and Rudy from YouTube channel Airline Videos Live about the growth and future plans. And a US company is suing Australian airline REX for allegedly stripping aircraft for parts that didn’t belong to them.

Helpful links for this week’s episode* US Department of Transportation announcement on Alaska + Hawaii merger approval conditions * Airline Videos Live captures a Lufthansa 747-8 hard landing and go around at LAX * Brett Snyder’s Cranky Dorkfest wrap-up

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

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Pilots get very upset if you suggest all they do is sit back, drink coffee, and watch the world fly by while the autopilot does everything for them. But there has been a push in the industry to think about a move to single pilot ops which raises questions over just how automated we should be aiming to be.

Let’s take a look at how automated we are now and whether we might be reaching a point where the human pilot might start to become redundant.

Support vs SupplantAutomation, up until now, has been there to help the pilots, not replace them. It does that by managing tasks which are capacity consuming or which require a high level of attention. Things like looking after the altitude or speed, or by taking on tasks which it is frankly just a bit better at. Like monitoring huge flows of data and checking for issues in it.

Modern aircraft have systems which enable them to do clever things like auto land. This isn’t for a scared pilot to use when it is windy out, but instead is used during low visibility operations to free up pilot capacity so they can monitor and make decisions on safety while the aircraft does the ‘basic’ stuff of flying.

The autopilot and auto-thrust system, along with the flight management systems, do a lot for the pilots—from maintaining trajectory and navigation, to providing protections against exceedances beyond the safe flight envelope. These systems help monitor fuel, engine performance and multiple other internal operations, and alert the pilot to issues and provide electronic checklists to help troubleshoot and resolve them.

There are systems for auto-starting the engines, and for attempting relights if they switch off in flight. There are automatic systems for preventing icing in flight, for transferring fuel… basically, all the guts and organs of the aircraft are automatically run and monitored for the pilots.

But while they have replaced the pilot in specific tasks, they have not been put in there to make the pilot redundant, but rather to support them and integrate with them, so that they can focus on the stuff only humans can currently do.

What automation do we have at the moment?Well, beyond the obvious ones like the autopilot and auto throttle systems, there are some pretty innovative advances in modern aircraft. First up, fly-by-wire—something that has been seen on Airbus for decades now, across the majority of their modern models, but which is only really part of the wide body Boeing design (to compare the two major manufacturers).

Fly-by-wire replaces the old cables and levers mechanical methods of moving flight controls, and instead transmits pilot demands electrically to actuators. This has a lot of benefits. It reduces weight, maintenance and monitoring costs, and means a whole load more redundancy in the system. That’s not to say things don’t still go wrong. A recent Flexjets Legacy 450 had to return shortly after take-off in July after multiple flight control issues. Track that here.

But when it is all working right, fly-by-wire is a great thing and also fairly complex. Before it sends those signals, they are interpreted by flight computers and they do some clever stuff inside their brains. Things like looking after the flight envelope.

Airbus is the more automated of Boeing and Airbus, and this comes down to their design philosophy. Airbus wants to help mitigate against pilot error, whilst Boeing still says “the pilot has ultimate authority”. So, fly an Airbus and you will find a lot less feedback than Boeing, and get a lot less of a “real flying” feel (some pilots say it is less fun to fly), but the benefit is the level of protection built into the aircraft.

These systems prevent the aircraft going outside safe limits, and in Airbus they are automatic and are not overridable. In other words, the aircraft (if operating without any malfunctions) will not let you put it into an unsafe condition no matter how hard you try. Boeing on the other hand still will.

So we have automation in terms of handling specific systems, including doing the basic role of flying, and we have automation which looks after safety too.

More clever automationThe Airbus’ BTV system and their ROW/ROP functions are more examples of advanced automation. BTV, or brake to vacate, is a clever system which can calculate exactly how much deceleration is needed to meet a specific exit. Other aircraft tend to have auto brake, but this just provides a set deceleration rate, leaving the pilots responsible for making sure that is adequate for a specific exit (and for making sure they actually make the exit!)

ROW/ROP is an automated system which monitors whether the aircraft is going to be able to stop safely in the runway distance (left) available. If it thinks there is a problem, it can provide auto alerts to the crew, and on the ground will even set maximum braking and call for maximum reverse.

Then there is the automatic TCAS system – another feature unique to some Airbus aircraft at the moment. This is available on the A380 and A350 as standard, and it automatically flies a traffic avoidance maneuver for the pilots when a conflict is detected. All they have to do is let ATC know what is happening. In Boeing, and other aircraft, the TCAS monitoring and alerting system itself is automatic, but if a conflict is detected, the pilots still need to manually disconnect and fly the avoidance maneuver.

What automation can we expect in the not too distant future?Airbus have added two new automations to the A350. The autopilot is able to recover automatically from a UAS situation—a major upset that takes the aircraft well beyond the normal flight parameters. Possibly more impressively, it can also fly an automatic emergency descent if pilots fail to respond.

But Airbus has not stopped there. A project entitled DragonFly is being tested out on the A350-1000 and if successful, this will enable automated emergency diversions in cruise, automatic landings and taxi assistance.

The automatic diversion could help in situations where crew are incapacitated by diverting to the nearest suitable and adequate airport. The ability to fly an automatic approach is also a huge advancement – while many an autopilot can currently do the trajectory management part of this, the pilot is still required for the configuration.

Advancements in communication and surveillance systems make this possible as the aircraft can automatically contact ATC, but the really clever innovation is in how the Airbus can “see” within its surroundings. Inspired by biomimicry, as seen in insects like dragonflies (hence the name), the systems can identify features in the environment and account for these, generating a new trajectory plan if any threats and hazards are spotted. It does this via a whole load of sensors, probes and cameras which input information to the internal computers enabling algorithms to analyze the trajectory.

Airbus UpNext Opimate ground vehicle simulates a taxiing aircraft. | Image courtesy AirbusTheir ATTOL (automated taxi, takeoff and landing) project which includes their UpNext taxi assistance programme, will use systems which can identify and mitigate against hazards, while automatically controlling the aircraft trajectory on the ground. Since 2020, hundreds of flights have taken place to help them build the datasets for the algorithms. They have also carried out actual flight tests, with the ‘world’s first’ taking place in late June 2020.

Automation does not just lie within aircraft though. Projects to further automate other areas of the industry, including ATC, are underway. Machine learning and modeling can help optimize airspace usage, while managing separation, capacity and handling disruptions including weather which might lead to conflict or inefficiency.

What about military aircraft?Well, the innovations in the military tend to be kept well under wraps, but an interesting development reported on quite recently took place at MIT.

If you’ve seen the impressive scene in Top Gun 2 where Tom Cruise manages to work out how to complete the impossible mission (I am trying hard not to give any details away for those who haven’t seen it) then this is an example of what current AI driven systems struggle with. Basically, the mission involves flying into a canyon so low to the ground that they evade any radar, and then have to climb up and out at an extreme angle.

Tom Cruise in Top Gun: MaverickThat poses a bit of a problem for AI because it cannot think outside a ‘safe parameter box’ in the same way a human brain can. Automation, even the cleverest AI have to be programmed and this includes safe parameters, and in situations like the Top Gun one, it turns into a bit of a paradox because it cannot satisfy the conflicting goals of safety and stability, otherwise known as the ‘stabilize-avoid’ problem.

What does that mean? Well, it can’t both avoid the radar and not fly into the canyon wall. When it tries to solve one, it can’t solve the other, and vice versa. Or at least it couldn’t until MIT got at it. Earlier attempts at machine learning often resulted in time consuming trial and error where they would get one step closer to the solution for one bit, which would increase the challenge of the other, so then they would solve that, only to find now they have to re-address the other…

MIT reframed it as an optimisation propel instead. It gets very in-depth and mathematical, and for a better explanation, try reading this article, but what it means is a move to more advanced AI machine learning and automation, and what happens in the military often (admittedly after a lengthy time period) filters into commercial aviation as well.

Challenges to increased automationA current challenge facing the aviation industry is GPS interference, in particular, spoofing. This is where aircraft GPS are sent false signals which corrupt the position and navigation inside the aircraft. GPS navigation is the primary navigation method nowadays, and not just en-route but for arrivals and approaches as well.

Flightradar24’s GPS jamming mapDegraded systems have wide ranging repercussions, from the ability to operate in reduced separation airspace, to an inability to fly RNAV/RNP approaches. Spoofing can also impact other systems like EGPWS which relies on the aircraft knowing its position (including its altitude) and being able to predict potential conflict with terrain, based on a database.

Another more hypothetical problem is ‘what if it goes wrong?” Currently, the human pilot retains the authority to remove automation and to take manual control from automated systems. While they cannot do this with all systems, they can with the primary ones. If the automation isn’t doing what it should, disconnect and revert to basics.

But as systems become more complex, the ability to do this decreases, and if we go as far as removing a pilot from the flight deck entirely, there is one safety level less already. Systems will need the ability to monitor the single pilot to prevent incapacitation, and if the pilot is ‘lost’, the ability to make decisions ‘outside the box’ might be lost as well.

While remote operators and decision makers are not a new thing – we see them in UAS operations already, and advances in BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operations are enabling this more and more—to integrate this when the size of the risk is so large (hundreds of passengers, hundreds of tonnes of aircraft) is a step people might not yet be ready for. Certainly, until the security of remote control is at a high enough level and issues with things like GPS interference are dealt with, this is not going to be a viable operation.

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As of March 22nd, 2025, Malaysia Airlines will resume scheduled operations between Kuala Lumpur and Paris Charles de Gaulle using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The company will commence with four weekly services, increasing to daily from March 29th, 2025.

With the start of CDG, Malaysia will reach 68 destinations across its route network, which is mainly located in Asia. According to our database, London Heathrow is its only regular passenger route to Europe (14 flights a week), in addition to offering cargo operations to Amsterdam from Kuala Lumpur via Doha with MASkargo’s Airbus A330-200Fs.

Daily · eff March 29th, 2025* MH 21 Kuala Lumpur KUL 23:40 · 06:40+1 CDG Paris * MH 20 Paris CDG 11:25 · 06:10+1 KUL Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Airlines’ last services to Paris had been in January 2016.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “Our expansion into Europe marks a significant milestone for Malaysia Airlines. With the arrival of additional widebody aircraft starting this Quarter 4, we are ready to bring this long-awaited city back into our network. While the European market is highly competitive, we see tremendous potential for this route to attract key travellers, not just from Malaysia but also from neighbouring regions.

By launching direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Paris, we reaffirm our position as the flagship airline and strengthen our role as the gateway to Asia and beyond. This route will be served by our state-of-the-art A350-900 aircraft, which already operates on key routes like London and Doha, delivering a world-class travel experience to our passengers.”

Malaysia Airlines at Paris CDG – April 2015KLM added its first Airbus A321neoKoninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij took delivery of its first A321neo on August 27th. The aircraft, registered PH-AXA, arrived in Amsterdam at 14:53 local time from Hamburg, new from the factory.

Between September 5th and the 14th, the Airbus performed several test flights, mainly at Aarhus Airport, Denmark, as can be seen through our website.

The first scheduled service of KLM’s Airbus A321neo departed AMS on Monday, September 16th at 07:54 local time to Copenhagen, covering flight KL 1267. For now, Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm will be the regular routes for the airline’s A321neo.

KLM’s fleet Airbus A321neo: 1 * Airbus A330-200: 6 * Airbus A330-300: 5 * Boeing 737-700: 6 * Boeing 737-800: 31 * Boeing 737-900: 5 * Boeing 777-200(ER): 15 * Boeing 777-300(ER): 16 * Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 13 * Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner:* 10

Korean Air arrives in Lisbon with charter flightsOn September 11th, the carrier began operations to Portugal, with new services between Seoul Incheon and Lisbon. Korean Air will offer three weekly flights on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes, with a capacity of 278 passengers in two classes.

Austria, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom are its markets on the European continent.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* KE 921 Seoul ICN 13:10/13:20 · 20:15/20:25/20:30 LIS Lisbon * KE 922 Lisbon LIS 21:55/22:10/22:25 · 19:05/19:10/19:20+1 ICN Seoul

Iberia and its Airbus A321XLR servicesRecently, the Spanish airline, the first to take delivery of an A321XLR, updated its route network, confirming flights with these aircraft within Europe as of October 26th.

London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle will be its first two destinations, both to/from Madrid. Services to the United States will start on November 14th, with Boston and Washington DC as routes.

Iberia’s fleet Airbus A319-100: 5 * Airbus A320-200: 11 * Airbus A320neo: 17 * Airbus A321-200: 14 * Airbus A321neo: 3 on order * Airbus A330-200: 18 * Airbus A330-300: 9 * Airbus A350-900:* 22

Other highlights of the European market during August and September:Aer LingusBeginning October 27th, Aer Lingus will commence flights between Glasgow and Cork, which will operate with Emerald Airlines’ ATR 72-600s. At publication time, the carrier will have four services per week.

Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday* EI 3833 Glasgow GLA 08:25 · 10:05 ORK Cork * EI 3832 Cork ORK 10:35 · 12:15 GLA Glasgow

Emerald’s ATRs are configured for 70 or 72 passengers.

AeroitaliaMore services between Milan Bergamo and Rome Fiumicino.

The company will double its operations on this route starting October 27th, from 10 to 20 weekly flights. Aeroitalia operates with ATR 72-600 aircraft, seating 72 passengers in single class.

Map by gcmap.comRoutes from/to Milan and to/from Rome (by Aeroitalia)Milan

Bacau (BCM): 3 weekly · Boeing 737
Catania (CTA): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Comiso (CIY): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Lampedusa (LMP): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Palermo (PMO): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-400
Perugia (PEG): 5 weekly · ATR 72-600
Rome (FCO): 10 weekly (currently)

Rome

Alghero (AHO): 21 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Bacau (BCM): 8 weekly · Boeing 737-400
Bucharest (OTP): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Catania (CTA): 24 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Comiso (CIY): 5 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Milan (BGY): 10 weekly (currently)
Olbia (OLB): 28 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Palermo (PMO): 24 weekly · Boeing 737-800

airBalticThe airline announced the launch of 13 new routes by summer 2025, to be offered on Airbus A220-300s configured for 145/149 passengers.

Map by gcmap.com Vilnius (VNO) – Prague (PRG): 2 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Vilnius (VNO) – Tel Aviv (TLV): 2 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Vilnius (VNO) – Chișinău (RMO): 1 weekly · April 2nd, 2025 * Vilnius (VNO) – Rhodes (RHO): 2 weekly · April 2nd, 2025 * Vilnius (VNO) – Valencia (VLC): 2 weekly · April 16th, 2025 * Riga (RIX) – Cluj (CLJ): 2 weekly · May 2nd, 2025 * Tallinn (TLL) – Hamburg (HAM): 2 weekly · May 2nd, 2025 * Tallinn (TLL) – Reykjavik (KEF): 1 weekly · May 14th, 2025 * Tallinn (TLL) – Tirana (TIA): 2 weekly · June 2nd, 2025 * Vilnius (VNO) – Tirana (TIA): 2 weekly · June 3rd, 2025 * Riga (RIX) – Stavanger (SVG): 2 weekly · June 3rd, 2025 * Riga (RIX) – Mykonos (JMK): 1 weekly · June 5th, 2025 * Vilnius (VNO) – Ibiza (IBZ): 2 weekly · June 5th, 2025*

Air FranceAfter a 20-year hiatus, Air France plans to resume operations to The Philippines starting December 7th. The airline schedules three flights a week from Paris Charles de Gaulle using 324-seat Airbus A350-900s.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* AF 208 Paris CDG 23:20 · 19:30+1 MNL Manila

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* AF 209 Manila MNL 21:50 · 05:50+1 CDG Paris

Paris CDG currently has no non-stop services to The Philippines.

Air GreenlandNuuk – Iqaluit will be back during summer 2025.

The carrier will operate this route as of April 2nd, 2025, which will provide a weekly frequency on Dash 8s.

Wednesday* GL 771 Nuuk GOH 14:55 · 14:00 YFB Iqaluit * GL 772 Iqaluit YFB 15:15 · 20:15 GOH Nuuk

Air SerbiaNew route to Asia?

Air Serbia intends to launch its second scheduled destination to China, with the Belgrade – Shanghai Pudong route. According to its website, on April 1st, 2025 will be the airline’s first flight between the two cities, to be operated by Airbus A330-200s.

Tuesday and Saturday* JU 986 Belgrade BEG 06:50 · 23:30 PVG Shanghai

Wednesday and Sunday* JU 987 Shanghai PVG 01:30 · 07:20 BEG Belgrade

Currently, Air Serbia offers one weekly service between Belgrade and Tianjin.

Austrian AirlinesEffective October 28th, Austrian will resume operations between Linz and Frankfurt following a 20-year suspension. At the time of publication, the airline will perform three frequencies per day on this route with ATR 72-500 aircraft of Braathens Regional Airline.

Austrian Airlines and Braathens entered into a wet-lease cooperation agreement last February to enable the Austrian company to maintain certain regional operations, which were not profitable on aircraft configured with more seats.

BritishBritish Airways plans to increase its services between London and North America from March, April and June 2025. These flights will be operated to/from Heathrow, as follows:

Map by gcmap.com Austin (AUS): from 7 to 13 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Pittsburgh (PIT): from 6 to 7 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Washington DC (IAD): from 21 to 28 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Vancouver (YVR): from 7 to 11 weekly · April 5th, 2025 * Vancouver (YVR): from 11 to 14 weekly · June 18th, 2025*

Croatia AirlinesThe airline recently confirmed its schedule from October 27th with Airbus A220-300 aircraft. As we published in our August report, Croatia Airlines added its first A220 on July 30th, new from the factory, launching flights on August 6th (Zagreb – Split – flight OU 652).

Map by gcmap.comAs of October 27th Split (SPU) – Frankfurt (FRA): daily · OU 412/413 * Zagreb (ZAG) – Dubrovnik (DBV): daily · OU 664/661 * Zagreb (ZAG) – Frankfurt (FRA): daily · OU 416/411 * Zagreb (ZAG) – Split (SPU): daily · OU 413/412*

easyJetIn March and April 2025, the ultra low cost carrier will inaugurate 10 new routes from/to London Southend, which will offer by Airbus A320s.

Map by gcmap.com Enfidha (NBE): 3 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Gran Canaria (LPA): 3 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Malta (MLA): 4 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Dalaman (DLM): 3 weekly · March 31st, 2025 * Pisa (PSA): 2 weekly · March 31st, 2025 * Almería (LEI): 2 weekly · April 1st, 2025 * Antalya (AYT): 2 weekly · April 1st, 2025 * Marrakech (RAK): 3 weekly · April 1st, 2025 * Reus (REU): 2 weekly · April 1st, 2025 * Tenerife (TFS): 3 weekly · April 1st, 2025*

EdelweissEdelweiss Air continues to expand its operations in Finland, with the start of the Zurich – Kittilä route from June 14th, 2025. Based on its website, the company will have a weekly frequency:

Saturday* WK 310 Zurich ZRH 13:45 · 18:25 KTT Kittilä * WK 311 Kittilä KTT 19:15 · 22:00 ZRH Zurich

Etihad AirwaysThe airline will add a second daily flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle from Abu Dhabi, beginning January 15th, 2025.

Etihad will perform the new service on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, while the other will be operated by Airbus A380-800s (currently A350-1000s).

Daily* EY 31 Abu Dhabi AUH 02:25 · 07:45 CDG Paris * EY 32 Paris CDG 10:20 · 19:00 AUH Abu Dhabi

Daily · eff January 15th, 2025* EY 33 Abu Dhabi AUH 14:20 · 19:10 CDG Paris * EY 34 Paris CDG 20:45 · 06:25+1 AUH Abu Dhabi

Air France, Emirates and Etihad currently have flights between the United Arab Emirates and Paris.

EurowingsFor high season, in November and December, Eurowings will launch two new international routes to Portugal.

The German airline will fly on Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A320neo with 186 seats, according to its website.

Map by gcmap.com Nuremberg (NUE) – Funchal (FNC): 1 weekly · November 2nd * Berlin (BER) – Faro (FAO): 2 weekly · December 14th*

Fly LiliFour new international routes will be added starting in September, followed by another one in December:

Map by gcmap.com Brasov (GHV) – Istanbul (IST): 3 weekly · September 29th * Bucharest (OTP) – Iași (IAS): 7 weekly · September 29th * Bucharest (OTP) – Munich (MUC): 4 weekly · September 29th * Iasi (IAS) – Munich (MUC): 4 weekly · September 29th * Brasov (GHV) – Madrid (MAD): 2 weekly · December 14th*

FlyOneBy summer 2025, FlyOne will commence four destinations to/from Chișinău. The company will operate on Airbus A321s and Boeing 737s.

Map by gcmap.com Bremen (BRE): 2 weekly · April 17th, 2025 * Alicante (ALC): 1 weekly · June 7th, 2025 * Copenhagen (CPH): 2 weekly · June 17th, 2025 * Lyon (LYS): 2 weekly · June 19th, 2025*

IberiaDuring the 2025 winter season, the Spanish company will add a new international route, to be operated with Air Nostrum’s CRJ-1000 aircraft.

Iberia Regional will serve between León and Porto effective January 10th, 2025.

Friday/Sunday* IB 2469 León LEN 16:35/15:55 · 16:35/15:55 OPO Porto * IB 2468 Porto OPO 17:05/16:35 · 19:00/18:30 LEN León

The company’s CRJ-1000s are configured for 100 passengers.

IcelandairMore flights on certain international routes.

The airline plans to increase its operations to the United States, France and the United Kingdom.

Map by gcmap.com Glasgow (GLA): from 6 to 7 weekly · March 30th, 2025 * Denver (DEN): from 11 to 12 weekly · May 28th, 2025 * Paris (CDG): from 25 to 30 weekly · June 11th, 2025*

ITAThe Italian company will once again operate nine weekly flights between Rome and Buenos Aires throughout the European winter (South American summer). This schedule, which was in the European summer 2024, will begin on December 6th.

ITA Airways offers the FCO-EZE route on 334-seat Airbus A350-900s.

Daily* AZ 680 Rome FCO 22:30 · 07:30+1 EZE Buenos Aires * AZ 681 Buenos Aires EZE 12:50 · 06:40+1 FCO Rome

Tuesday and Saturday (new frequency)* AZ 682 Rome FCO 13:50 · 22:50 EZE Buenos Aires * AZ 683 Buenos Aires EZE 00:50 · 18:45 FCO Rome (Wed/Sun)

Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (Brazil) are its other destinations in South America.

Jet2From May 2025, Jet2 will start flying to Salerno, with two new destinations from the United Kingdom. Services will be operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Map by gcmap.com Birmingham (BHX): 1 weekly · May 26th, 2025 (Mondays) * Manchester (MAN): 1 weekly · May 26th, 2025 (Mondays)*

KLMThe company will restart flights to Liberia (Costa Rica) effective October 27th, with the Amsterdam – San José (Costa Rica) – Liberia – Amsterdam route.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will have four services a week on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* KL 717/719 Amsterdam AMS 12:25 · 17:10 SJO San José * KL 717/719 San José SJO 18:55 · 19:40 LIR Liberia * KL 717/719 Liberia LIR 20:45 · 14:05+1 AMS Amsterdam

Argentina, Bonaire, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States are its markets in the Americas.

Lufthansa CargoOn August 16th, Lufthansa Cargo added a new Boeing 777F to its fleet.

The aircraft, which has the registration D-ALFL, departed Everett at 14:14 local time for Frankfurt, where it arrived on Saturday 17th after a ferry flight of 9 hours and 8 minutes.

This Boeing 777 was named “¡Hola Argentina!”, entering service on August 28th with flight LH 8290 between FRA and Cairo.

Lufthansa Cargo fleet Airbus A321-200(F): 4 * Boeing 777(F):* 12

NeosFor winter season 2024/25, Neos will commence a new route to Mexico.

The carrier will fly between Rome and Cancún via Verona with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, starting December 21st.

Sunday* NO 796 Rome FCO 12:00 · 13:05 VRN Verona * NO 796 Verona VRN 14:35 · 20:20 CUN Cancún * NO 797 Cancún CUN 22:20 · 14:25+1 VRN Verona * NO 797 Verona VRN 15:55+1 · 17:05+1 FCO Rome

SwissSwiss International Air Lines will resume services between Geneva and Berlin after a 21-year suspension. Flights will begin on October 28th and will be operated by Airbus A220s.

Daily* LX 1090 Geneva GVA 17:45 · 19:30 BER Berlin * LX 1091 Berlin BER 20:15 · 22:00 GVA Geneva

The Zurich – Berlin route is served 55 weekly by Swiss on A220s, A320s, A321s and E190s.

TUIAs of December 21st, 2025, the airline schedules operations between London Gatwick and Sälen Trysil, Sweden. At time of publication, flights will be available during 2025/26 winter.

Sunday* London LGW 07:00 · 10:15 SCR Sälen Trysil * Sälen Trysil SCR 11:30 · 13:00 LGW London

Vietnam AirlinesThe carrier will start services between Hanoi and Milan Malpensa effective July 1st, 2025. In accordance with its website, Vietnam Airlines will operate three times per week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Tuesday, Friday and Saturday* VN 73 Hanoi HAN 01:00 · 07:40 MXP Milan * VN 72 Milan MXP 12:30 · 04:30+1 HAN Hanoi

Frankfurt, London LHR and Paris CDG are Vietnam Airlines’ European destinations, all three with flights from/to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Virgin AtlanticMore flights to Africa and the Middle East.

Virgin Atlantic announced the expansion of its network with the launch of two new regular connections from London Heathrow. The operations will be performed by Airbus A330-900neo and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets:

Map by gcmap.com Riyadh (RUH): 7 weekly · March 30th, 2025 · A330neo * Accra (ACC): 7 weekly · May 1st, 2025 · 787-9*

VuelingThe Spanish airline will add two new international destinations from Paris Orly in December, which will operate with 186-seat Airbus A320-200 planes in single class.

Map by gcmap.com Luleå (LLA): 1 weekly · December 21st * Ivalo (VIL): 1 weekly · December 28th*

Wizz AirWizz confirmed the first scheduled route with its new Airbus A321XLRs.

At publication time, Milan Malpensa – Abu Dhabi will be the first regular service starting on June 2nd, 2025.

Daily* W4 7060 Milan MXP 10:25 · 19:00 AUH Abu Dhabi * W4 7059 Abu Dhabi AUH 20:00 · 01:20+1 MXP Milan

Wizz Air Malta’s A321XLRs will be configured for 239 passengers.

We review the new aircraft acquired by European airlines Air France * British Airways (x2) * Bulgaria Air * Condor * FedEx Feeder (Swiftair) * KLM * Jet2 * Lufthansa Cargo * Ryanair (x7) * Ryanair (Buzz) * Transavia France * Turkish Airlines (x3) * Virgin Atlantic * Wizz Air Malta*

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A350-941 | Turkish | TC-LGY | TLS-IST | August 13th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air Malta | 9H-WNP | XFW-BUD | August 14th | | Boeing 777-F | Lufthansa | D-ALFL | PAE-FRA | August 16th | | Airbus A350-941 | Turkish | TC-LGZ | TLS-IST | August 16th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKD | BFI-DUB | August 19th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Jet2 | G-SUNL | XFW-MAN | August 21st | | Airbus A321-271NX | Turkish | TC-LPI | XFW-IST | August 22nd | | Airbus A320-251N | British | G-TTSA | TLS-LHR | August 23rd | | Airbus A321-252NX | KLM | PH-AXA | XFW-AMS | August 27th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair (Buzz) | SP-RZN | BFI-DUB | August 27th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKC | BFI-DUB | August 27th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKK | BFI-DUB | August 29th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKJ | BFI-DUB | August 29th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Condor | D-ANMY | XFW-DUS | August 29th | | Airbus A330-941 | Virgin | G-VRIF | TLS-LHR | August 29th | | ATR 72-600F | Swiftair | EC-OIE | TLS-MAD | September 4th | | Boeing 787-10 | British | G-ZBLJ | CHS-CWLCWL-LHR | September 4thSeptember 8th | | Airbus A220-300 | Air France | F-HPNL | YMX-CDG | September 5th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKE | BFI-DUB | September 9th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKI | BFI-DUB | September 9th | | Airbus A220-100 | Air Bulgaria | LZ-LIS | YMX-OSL-SOF | September 10th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKM | BFI-DUB | September 10th | | Airbus A320-252N | Transavia France | F-HXSF | TLS-ORY | September 17th |

Other reports we have published

Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Play makes a play for Portugal
American Airlines focuses on Europe for summer 2025
Reconnecting capitals: Air Canada to restart Ottawa-London flights

Cover photo: kchavgeek96 – JetPhotos (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).

The post Malaysia Airlines returns to Paris after a 9-year hiatus appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Electrical systems are vital to modern passenger aircraft, powering everything from cockpit instruments to cabin lighting. The reliability and complexity of these systems ensure the smooth operation of an aircraft’s essential components. Let’s take a look at how a passenger jet’s electrical system works, using the Boeing 737-800 as an example.

Which aircraft systems are electrically powered?In short – a lot of them. Aircraft systems powered by electrical power include essential avionics like navigation and communication systems, flight control computers, and cockpit displays. Electrical power also supports cabin systems such as lighting, air conditioning, and in-flight entertainment. Additionally, electrically-driven hydraulic pumps help operate critical components like landing gear and flight control surfaces. So – an important system! But how does it work?

How an Electrical System Works in jetsIn the Boeing 737-800, the electrical system begins with engine-driven generators, but the process is more complex than simply producing power. Each of the aircraft’s two engines is connected to a generator that produces three-phase 115-volt AC power, but the challenge lies in ensuring a constant frequency, which is crucial for the stable operation of the aircraft’s electrical systems. This is achieved through a Constant Speed Drive (CSD) unit, a mechanical system that regulates the speed of the generator regardless of the engine’s actual speed. By using a CSD, the generators maintain a constant output of 400 Hz, which is the frequency required for most of the aircraft’s AC-powered systems.

The 737-800’s electrical system architecture is designed around two main sources of AC power—one from each engine’s generator. These generators supply power to AC busbars, which act as distribution points. The busbars channel electricity to various parts of the aircraft, ensuring that essential systems such as avionics, lighting, and environmental controls are always powered.

The electrical system is divided into primary and secondary distribution networks to ensure efficiency and safety. The primary AC power from the generators flows to the primary AC busbars, which in turn feed critical systems such as the flight management system (FMS), navigation radios, and flight control computers. Other systems, like passenger lighting, air conditioning, and galley equipment, draw power from secondary AC busbars, which are considered less critical during emergencies.

In addition to supplying AC power, the electrical system must also provide Direct Current (DC) for certain systems. This is where Transformer Rectifier Units (TRUs) come into play. The TRUs convert the AC power from the generators into 28-volt DC power, which is used by essential backup systems, like cockpit instruments, flight data recorders, and some communication systems.

The DC system also includes batteries that serve as a backup in the event of an electrical failure. These batteries are constantly charged by the DC power generated by the TRUs, ensuring they are ready to supply power to critical systems if needed. For example, in an emergency situation where both engine generators fail, the batteries can provide enough power to keep essential instruments, displays, and controls operational for a limited period, allowing the aircraft to continue flying safely until it can land.

What about Turboprops? Whilst the electrical systems in jets like the Boeing 737-800 rely on stable, constant-frequency AC power, turboprop aircraft like the ATR use a different type of electrical generator known as an AC Wild generator. These generators produce variable-frequency AC power, which can range in frequency depending on engine speed.

The AC Wild system offers certain advantages, especially in terms of weight and fuel efficiency. However, it also presents unique challenges. Because the frequency varies with engine speed, it can make the design of some systems more complex, requiring additional equipment to regulate the power. In contrast, the Boeing 737-800’s constant-frequency generators provide a more stable power supply, simplifying the design of onboard systems.

Turboprops vs. Jets - What’s the difference?The Auxiliary Power Unit The 737-800’s electrical system also integrates a third generator connected to the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). The APU is a small turbine engine located in the tail of the aircraft, and it provides electrical power when the main engines are not running, such as during ground operations. The APU generator can supply AC power to the busbars in place of the engine-driven generators, allowing systems like cabin lighting and air conditioning to function while the aircraft is parked at the gate. The APU is a constant speed engine, and therefore doesn’t need a constant speed drive unit.

Learn more about the APUMost turboprops do not have an APU. Instead they rely on ground power, or the use of ‘Hotel Mode’, whereby one engine can be run without spinning the propeller, providing electrical power. This ability is one of the features that make turboprops so useful for smaller and less-prepared airports.

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American Airlines confirmed its summer 2025 schedule to Europe, announcing five new routes from different U.S. cities. Operations will be carried out on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and Boeing 777-200(ER) aircraft, configured for 234 and 273 passengers, respectively.

In accordance with the press release, the airline will add these connections between March and July 2025, which will be available during the 2025 summer season. Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA) and Philadelphia (PHL) will have new regular destinations from the United States, and Athens (ATH), Edinburgh (EDI), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP) and Rome (FCO) on the European continent.

At the time of publication, as well as the new routes, American plans to operate through summer 2025 the new additions started in summer 2024. The company will maintain flights to Copenhagen (CPH), Naples (NAP) and Nice (NCE).

Chicago – Madrid · March 30th, 2025 (year-round)American will operate this route with 234-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets.

Daily* AA 125 Chicago ORD 22:15 · 13:20+1 MAD Madrid * AA 126 Madrid MAD 16:35 · 18:50 ORD Chicago

Philadelphia – Edinburgh · May 23rd, 2025 (summer)The airline will fly on Boeing 787-8s, offering 1,638 seats a week per leg.

Daily* AA 278 Philadelphia PHL 19:05 · 07:00+1 EDI Edinburgh * AA 279 Edinburgh EDI 11:35 · 14:00 PHL Philadelphia

Philadelphia – Milan · May 23rd, 2025 (year-round)According to its website, American Airlines will use 787-8s on this route, which represents more than 7,000 seats per month each way.

Daily* AA 298 Philadelphia PHL 21:15 · 11:20+1 MXP Milan * AA 299 Milan MXP 13:35 · 16:40 PHL Philadelphia

Charlotte – Athens · June 5th, 2025 (summer)In this case, the company will perform these services by Boeing 777-200(ER) seating 273 passengers.

Daily* AA 326 Charlotte CLT 19:00 · 12:20+1 ATH Athens * AA 325 Athens ATH 12:00 · 16:30 CLT Charlotte

Miami – Rome · July 5th, 2025 (summer)American, to operate with 777-200ERs, will provide 1,911 seats a week on each leg.

Daily* AA 52 Miami MIA 19:35 · 11:55+1 FCO Rome * AA 53 Rome FCO 13:50 · 19:25 MIA Miami

Other new developments

Dallas (DFW) – Barcelona (BCN): daily service begins on March 30th, 2025
Miami (MIA) – Paris (CDG): daily extends into summer
Philadelphia (PHL) – Athens (ATH): daily flight starts on March 30th, 2025
Philadelphia (PHL) – Naples (NAP): daily operation begins on May 5th, 2025

American intends to offer more than 70 daily flights between the US and Europe by summer 2025.

As can be seen through our database, Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Dublin, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London LHR, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Naples, Nice, Paris CDG, Rome, Venice and Zurich are part of American’s current schedule in Europe. In terms of markets, the countries with regular operations are Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Map by gcmap.comAmerican’s routes in the U.S.-Europe market

| City | Weekly flights | Routes | Aircraft | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | London (LHR) | 185 | BOS, CLT, ORD, DFW, LAX, MIA, JFK, PHL, PHX, RDU | 772/773/788/789 | | Madrid (MAD) | 35 | CLT, DFW, MIA, JFK, PHL | 772/788 | | Rome (FCO) | 35 | CLT, ORD, DFW, JFK, PHL | 772/773/788/789 | | Dublin (DUB) | 28 | CLT, ORD, DFW, PHL | 772/788/789 | | Barcelona (BCN) | 21 | ORD, MIA, PHL | 788 | | Paris (CDG) | 21 | DFW, JFK, PHL | 772/788 | | Amsterdam (AMS) | 14 | DFW, PHL | 788 | | Venice (VCE) | 14 | ORD, PHL | 788 | | Frankfurt (FRA) | 14 | CLT, DFW | 772 | | Athens (ATH) | 7 | ORD | 789 | | Copenhagen (CPH) | 7 | PHL | 788 | | Lisbon (LIS) | 7 | PHL | 789 | | Milan (MXP) | 7 | JFK | 772 | | Munich (MUC) | 7 | CLT | 772 | | Naples (NAP) | 7 | PHL | 788 | | Nice (NCE) | 7 | PHL | 789 | | Zurich (ZRH) | 7 | PHL | 788 |

American Airlines has, at publication time, 416 weekly flights between the United States and Europe, more than 60 daily frequencies per leg.

On the other hand, American will expand its premium seat capacity in the US-Asia market. The main increase will be from Dallas on its routes to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita and Shanghai Pudong. Los Angeles – Tokyo Haneda will also have a further expansion of capacity.

Dallas (DFW) – Haneda (HND): daily flight will be performed with Boeing 787-9s
Dallas (DFW) – Narita (NRT): daily service will operate on Boeing 777-200s
Dallas (DFW) – Shanghai (PVG): daily flight to be carried out by Boeing 787-9s
Los Angeles (LAX) – Haneda (HND): twice-daily service will be conducted using Boeing 787-9s

Delhi, Doha, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo (Haneda and Narita) are American Airlines’ destinations in Asia, and Auckland its only route to Oceania.

Other reports we have published

Play makes a play for Portugal
East and West: Edelweiss adds new North American routes
Reconnecting capitals: Air Canada to restart Ottawa-London flights

Cover photo: Leyla Kohley – JetPhotos (Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport – KORD).

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Delta A350 clips a CRJ-900, knocking the regional jet’s tail off. Brazilian investigators release their preliminary report on the crash of VoePass flight 2283. Boeing reaches a tentative labor agreement with its machinists union, but the union rank and file are not happy. Air Canada’s pilots could be on strike as early as September 18. And Southwest Executive Chairman and former CEO Gary Kelly is stepping down next year as the airline continues to try to hold off Elliott Management’s call for wholesale change in leadership. Plus, authorities find 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in a G-IV in Guinea Bissau.

Helpful links for this week’s episode* Delta A350 hits CRJ-900 * VoePass 2283 preliminary report * Southwest Airlines board changes * EASA requiring Trent XWB97 inspections * 2.7 tonnes is a lot of cocaine

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 285: How much cocaine can you fit in a Gulfstream? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Ryanair (FR/RYR) operates a fleet consisting of a total of 568 aircraft, primarily focused on the Boeing 737 series. The largest portion of the fleet comprises 410 Boeing 737-800 (B738) aircraft, used for short-haul and medium-haul flights. In addition to this, the airline has 153 Boeing 737 MAX 8200 aircraft, a high capacity variant of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 (B38M).

Ryanair also holds a single Boeing 737-700, registered under the airline’s Polish AOC, as well as four Learjet 45 (LJ45) aircraft, employed for private or corporate services and to ferry mechanics, tooling and spare parts. This diverse fleet allows Ryanair to cater to a wide range of operational needs, from regular passenger services to more niche functions. Overall, Ryanair’s fleet emphasizes efficiency, with a strong focus on the popular and reliable 737 models.

The fleet has an average age of 9.4 years, 5.4 years below the market average.

Ryanair operates under multiple brands and Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) to expand its reach across different markets and regulatory environments. The core brand is Ryanair DAC, the original Irish-based airline that serves as the backbone of its operations. In addition, Ryanair launched other brands like Ryanair UK, which holds a UK AOC to ensure continued operations post-Brexit within the UK domestic market and between the UK and non-EU countries. Ryanair Sun, rebranded as Buzz, operates under a Polish AOC, primarily focusing on charter and scheduled flights across Central and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, the group operates Malta Air, which holds a Maltese AOC, providing Ryanair with operational flexibility within the EU and beyond. Each of these brands allows Ryanair to navigate specific regulatory requirements, maximize operational efficiency, and maintain a broad network throughout Europe and beyond, while operating as one of the most prominent low-cost carriers.

The oldest aircraftRyanair’s oldest 737 is SP-RUM, the single Boeing 737-700 operated by the airline. Based primarily in Katowice (KTW), operates around 6 flights per day, most recently visiting airports including Larnaca (LCA), Varna (VAR) and Rhodes (RHO). The oldest 737-800 in the fleet is EI-DJC, which is 20 years old.

The newest aircraftRyanair took delivery of a selection of Boeing 737 MAX 8200 aircraft in August 2024. One example is EI-IKK, which was delivered from Seattle on August 29. The aircraft has recently visited airports including Pisa (PSA), Bucharest (OTP) and Lisbon (LIS).

The business jetsOf Ryanair’s four Leaerjets, the oldest is M-ABRB. Based primarily in London (STN), the aircraft has recently made trips to Budapest (BUD), Vienna (VIE) and Milan (BGY).

The newest Learjet is M-ABJA at 12 years old. Built in 2012, the aircraft has most recently visited airports including Porto (OPO), Frankfurt (HHN) and Dubrovnik (DBV).

Discover Flightradar24’s data servicesWe are able to share insights like these thanks to having the most extensive live and historic flight data at our fingertips. We provide a stable, secure, and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

Discover our data servicesCover photo: John Fitzpatrick, JetPhotos.

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Air Canada announced the resumption of its seasonal flights between Ottawa and London Heathrow following a five-year suspension. In accordance with the press release, services will begin on March 31st, 2025, with four weekly frequencies.

The airline will offer these operations by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 298 passengers in three seating classes. Air Canada’s 787s have 30 seats in Business, 21 in Premium and 247 in Economy.

At the time of publication, Air Canada will be the only carrier to operate flights to the United Kingdom from Canada’s capital, and the second to perform scheduled services to Europe after Air France, which offers a daily flight from/to Paris on 324-seat Airbus A350-900s.

“We are very pleased to solidify Air Canada’s leadership serving our country’s capital with the resumption of trans-Atlantic services beginning next spring. In addition to London being a top global destination, Heathrow is one of the world’s primary global gateways as well as home to Air Canada’s largest international operations. Conveniently located together with our Star Alliance partner airlines in The Queen’s Terminal, Air Canada offers customers easy connections to a vast array of more than 30 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa with our airline partners. With continued demand for visiting friends, relatives, leisure and tourism, as well as supporting business and corporate travel, this route gives customers from both the National Capital Region and abroad direct, convenient international travel options to and from Ottawa,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President – Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

“We are looking forward to the future delivery of Air Canada’s new Airbus A321XLR fleet. The economics, optimum cabin size and range of the XLR which is expected to begin arriving in late 2025, will enable us to consider operating this important international route with greater frequencies and potentially with year-round service,” he concluded.

Schedule between Ottawa and London HeathrowMonday and Thursday* AC 889 London LHR 14:05 · 16:45 YOW Ottawa * AC 888 Ottawa YOW 18:40 · 06:30+1 LHR London

Wednesday and Saturday* AC 889 London LHR 12:40 · 15:20 YOW Ottawa * AC 888 Ottawa YOW 20:55 · 08:35+1 LHR London

Air Canada continues to expand its network of destinations and flights to/from Ottawa.

The return of the seasonal Ottawa – London Heathrow route is confirmed weeks after Air Canada’s announcement of a significant increase in frequencies on several domestic and international routes. During peak season, the airline is scheduled to operate up to 230 flights a week from/to Ottawa between its domestic and international connections, plus its transatlantic destination.

Map by gcmap.comDomestic schedule Calgary (YYC): service extended to year-round · 7 weekly * Halifax (YHZ): increased from 7 to 21 weekly in July * Montreal (YUL): 49 weekly · CRJ-900 and Dash 8 * Quebec (YQB): increased to 7 weekly in July * Toronto City (YTZ): 28 weekly · Dash 8 * Toronto (YYZ): 68 weekly · A220/A319/A320/A321/7M8/E175 * Vancouver (YVR): 14 weekly (7 with Boeing 787-9) * Winnipeg (YWG): service extended to year-round · 7 weekly*

International schedule – seasonal (Winter 2024/25) Cancún (CUN): increase from 3 to 4 weekly * Fort Lauderdale (FLL): increase from 4 to 6 weekly * Orlando (MCO): increase from 2 to 4 weekly * Punta Cana (PUJ): increase from 3 to 4 weekly * Tampa (TPA): increase from 1 to 2 weekly*

Europe – seasonal (Summer 2025) London Heathrow (LHR): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

“Ottawa is an important part of Air Canada’s network and in response to demand, we are growing our capacity to our nation’s capital city by almost 60 per cent compared to 2023. We are very excited to add more flights to the rest of the country with the extension of key non-stop routes to year-round and additional capacity to other cities. We are also adding capacity to popular sun destinations and in conjunction with our joint venture partner United Airlines, increasing options for travel to and from the U.S.,” commented Mark Galardo.

Currently, Ottawa has 23 regular routes, 16 of which are within Canada.

Air Canada and Porter are the main carriers at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and Air France, Air North, Canadian North, Flair, United Airlines and WestJet also have services.

| Destination | Airlines and weekly frequencies | | --- | --- | | Boston (BOS) | Porter (13) | | Calgary (YYC) | Air Canada (7), Porter (14) and WestJet (20) | | Charlottetown (YYG) | Porter (14) | | Chicago (ORD) | United (21) | | Edmonton (YEG) | Porter (14) and WestJet (12) | | Fredericton (YFC) | Porter (12) | | Halifax (YHZ) | Air Canada (21), Flair (6) and Porter (20) | | Iqaluit (YFB) | Canadian North (10) | | London (LHR) | Air Canada (4) - seasonal 2025 | | Moncton (YQM) | Porter (11) | | Montreal (YUL) | Air Canada (48) | | Newark (EWR) | Porter (20) and United (21) | | Orlando (MCO) | Porter (7) | | Paris (CDG) | Air France (7) | | Quebec (YQB) | Air Canada (7) | | St. John’s (YYT) | Porter (7) | | Thunder Bay (YQT) | Porter (13) | | Toronto City (YTZ) | Air Canada (28) and Porter (49) | | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada (68) and Porter (27) | | Vancouver (YVR) | Air Canada (7), Porter (7) and WestJet (7) | | Washington (DCA) | Air Canada (7) | | Washington (IAD) | United (20) | | Winnipeg (YWG) | Air Canada (7), Porter (7) and WestJet (7) | | Yellowknife (YZF) | Air North (1) |

Ottawa gains many international connections throughout high season, especially to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and the United States.

Passenger traffic at Ottawa Airport has been recovering from its sharp decrease as a result of the pandemic. During 2023, the number of passengers was almost 4.1 million, 36% more than in 2022.

The airport’s record number of passengers per year is still held by 2018, with a total of 5.1 million. Excluding 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, Ottawa Airport surpasses 4 million passengers since 2007, while 5 million in 2018 and 2019.

Other reports we have published

Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
East and West: Edelweiss adds new North American routes
Family and tourism: Royal Air Maroc launches two new routes

Cover photo: Dani Guerrero – JetPhotos (London Heathrow, United Kingdom).

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Dallas, new route for Fiji Airways.

The airline announced it will begin operating between Nadi and Dallas starting December 10th. Flights will be conducted three times per week on Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured for 334 passengers in two seating classes (33 Business and 301 Economy).

DFW will become Fiji Airways’ fourth U.S. destination after Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In accordance with our database, the company currently offers 13 weekly flights to/from the United States.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* FJ 890 Nadi NAN 21:15 · 15:20 DFW Dallas * FJ 891 Dallas DFW 21:55 · 05:20+1 NAN Nadi

Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen said “Introducing a direct service between Fiji and Dallas is a really exciting milestone for Fiji Airways, as we continue to increase Fiji’s connectivity with the United States and beyond offering our guests more travel options.”

“The new Fiji-Dallas service is set to bring more than 1,000 passengers a week into Fiji alone, helping to bolster the nation’s tourism industry. The overnight flight will also offer our customers increased connections to North America from the South Pacific and beyond”, concluded Viljoen.

Fiji Airways routes in the USAMap by gcmap.comApia (Samoa)

Honolulu (HNL): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

Kiritimati (Kiribati)

Honolulu (HNL): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

Nadi (Fiji)

Honolulu (HNL): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900
San Francisco (SFO): 3 weekly · A332/A359

Breeze Airways to commence services from/to New Haven (HVN)The airline will add New Haven to its route network, reaching its 64th regular destination. Breeze will offer 10 connections to/from HVN, all with Airbus A220-300 jets.

Charleston, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Norfolk, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, Sarasota, Vero Beach and West Palm Beach will be its routes.

Map by gcmap.com Fort Myers (RSW): 5 weekly · December 10th * Orlando (MCO): 5 weekly · December 11th * West Palm Beach (PBI): 5 weekly · December 11th * Vero Beach (VRB): 2 weekly · December 13th * Charleston (CHS): 4 weekly · February 6th, 2025 * Jacksonville (JAX): 2 weekly · February 6th, 2025 * Norfolk (ORF): 2 weekly · February 6th, 2025 * Richmond (RIC): 2 weekly · February 6th, 2025 * Raleigh-Durham (RDU): 2 weekly · February 7th, 2025*

“From ‘Day One’ our playbook has included significant growth across the Northeast region of the U.S. due to the high population density and limited nonstop travel options,” said Lukas Johnson, Breeze Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer. “As a result, our unique model of air service has been a game-changer for this area of the country, giving residents affordable flights from convenient airports such as Hartford, Westchester County, Providence, Stewart-Newburgh, and now, New Haven, just to name a few. I know that as more and more people experience our one-of-a-kind service and product, they will see what all the hype is about and why Breeze has grown so quickly in such a short period of time.”

Days before Breeze’s announcement, Avelo confirmed the start of flights between New Haven and New Orleans as of November 14th. The airline will provide this schedule:

Thursday and Sunday* XP 425 New Haven HVN 07:00 · 09:29 MSY New Orleans * XP 426 New Orleans MSY 10:14 · 14:21 HVN New Haven

Air Transat to fly to TulumThe Canadian airline expands its operations in Mexico, with the launch of flights to Tulum airport.

At publication time, the first service to Tulum will be on December 21st, and will offer two routes during 2024/25 winter season.

Air Transat will operate by Airbus A321 aircraft configured for 199 passengers (12 Business and 187 Economy).

Quebec City · December 21stSaturday

TS 620 Quebec City YQB 06:00 · 11:10 TQO Tulum
TS 621 Tulum TQO 12:20 · 16:45 YQB Quebec City

Montreal · December 22ndThursday, Friday and Sunday

TS 340 Montreal YUL 10:10 · 15:15 TQO Tulum
TS 341 Tulum TQO 16:25 · 20:40 YUL Montreal

We review other highlights of the U.S./Canada market during August Aeromexico will fly between Cancún and Miami. * Air Canada adds more routes to Europe. * American will start services with Boeing 777-200(ER) between Miami and Cancún. * Canada Jetlines temporarily ceases flights. * Copa to boost frequencies to Denver. * Delta will add services between the U.S. and Europe. * Dubuque to recover regular flights. * Edelweiss launches services to Seattle and Halifax. * Frontier schedules 9 new routes in the United States. * Neos to operate charter flights between Rome and Toronto. * Pascan Aviation adds two new domestic routes in Canada. * Southwest announces 8 new routes as of March 2025. * Spirit will reach 19 regular destinations from New Orleans. * Sun Country inaugurated flights to Manchester (MHT). * United Airlines restarted operations between Los Angeles and Shanghai. * WestJet will resume flights on the Toronto – Montreal* route.

AeromexicoFor high season, Aeromexico will begin services between Miami and Cancún effective December 19th. The carrier will once again operate this route after a 13-year hiatus.

Daily* AM 427 Miami MIA 07:55 · 09:55 CUN Cancún * AM 426 Cancún CUN 11:10 · 13:05 MIA Miami

American and LATAM currently offer flights between the two cities.

Air CanadaAir Canada continues to expand its network between Canada and Europe by summer 2025.

At the time of publication, two new routes will be to/from Montreal and the other from/to Toronto.

Montreal – Naples (Boeing 787-8) · May 16th, 2025Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

AC 882 Montreal YUL 19:00 · 09:30+1 NAP Naples

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

AC 883 Naples NAP 11:15 · 14:15 YUL Montreal

Montreal – Porto (Boeing 737 MAX 8) · June 4th, 2025Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

AC 928 Montreal YUL 21:55 · 09:45+1 OPO Porto

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

AC 929 Porto OPO 12:15 · 14:35 YUL Montreal

Toronto – Prague (Boeing 787-8) · June 6th, 2025Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

AC 934 Toronto YYZ 20:25 · 10:45+1 PRG Prague

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

AC 935 Prague PRG 12:35 · 15:45 YYZ Toronto

We will soon publish a post about another new Air Canada route, Ottawa – London.

Air IndiaThe airline plans to boost its services to Canada, increasing from 7 to 10 flights per week as of September 1st, and from 10 to 14 weekly flights starting October 27th.

Air India operates between Delhi and Toronto with 342-seat Boeing 777-300(ER).

Daily* AI 187 Delhi DEL 03:45 · 08:45 YYZ Toronto * AI 188 Toronto YYZ 12:15 · 11:25+1 DEL Delhi

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday · eff Sep 1st* AI 189 Delhi DEL 15:55 · 21:15 YYZ Toronto * AI 190 Toronto YYZ 01:15 · 00:35+1 DEL Delhi (Tue, Thu, Sun)

Daily effective October 27th**

AmericanBeginning December 19th, American Airlines will introduce the Boeing 777-200(ER) on the Miami – Cancún route for high season. At publication time, the carrier will provide one daily frequency under this schedule:

Daily (Boeing 777)* AA 2494 Miami MIA 08:35 · 10:32 CUN Cancún * AA 1469 Cancún CUN 11:40 · 13:35 MIA Miami

On the other hand, the Philadelphia – Bentonville route will be back on the airline’s network.

Following nearly 5 years of suspension, operations will return on December 19th:

Daily* AA 5628 Philadelphia PHL 10:40 · 13:00 XNA Bentonville * AA 5628 Bentonville XNA 14:00 · 17:30 PHL Philadelphia

AveloAs well as HVN-MSY, the company will launch new routes from Wilmington (ILG) and Santa Rosa.

Map by gcmap.comSanta Rosa Ontario (ONT): 2 weekly · October 10th * Salt Lake City (SLC): 2 weekly · October 24th*

Wilmington ILG Daytona Beach (DAB): 2 weekly · November 7th * Fort Myers (RSW): 2 weekly · November 7th * Hartford (HFD): 2 weekly · November 7th * Lakeland (LAL): 2 weekly · November 7th * Atlanta (ATL): 2 weekly · November 8th * Concord (USA): 2 weekly · November 8th * West Palm Beach (PBI): 2 weekly · November 8th * Sarasota (SRQ): 2 weekly · November 23rd*

Canada JetlinesOn August 15th, the airline temporarily ceased its services as it could not have the necessary capital to continue operating and entered into the Canadian creditor protection.

According to our database, Jetlines has four Airbus A320-200s (C-GCJK, C-GCJL, C-GJLH and C-GJLQ), with the United States and different cities in the Caribbean as its main destinations.

The flights have no confirmed restart date, at the time of publication.

CopaFor peak season, Copa Airlines will increase frequencies between Panama City and Denver as of December 4th. The company will reach a daily flight on this route, which it offers with Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes.

Daily (currently six weekly)* CM 476 Panama City PTY 12:49 · 18:00 DEN Denver * CM 477 Denver DEN 22:20 · 05:11+1 PTY Panama City

Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington DC are its U.S. destinations.

DeltaDelta Air Lines will boost its flights between the United States and Europe in April and May 2025 for summer season.

The airline operates by Boeing 767-300(ER)s and Boeing 767-400(ER)s.

Map by gcmap.com Detroit (DTW) – Munich (MUC): from 4 to 7 weekly · April 2025 * Atlanta (ATL) – Zurich (ZRH): from 4 to 7 weekly · May 2025 * Atlanta (ATL) – Venice (VCE): from 10 to 14 weekly · May 2025*

Furthermore, the company plans to launch several routes within the USA

Map by gcmap.com New York (LGA) – Chattanooga (CHA): 6 weekly · October 7th * Boston (BOS) – San Antonio (SAT): 7 weekly · November 11th * Detroit (DTW) – Bentonville (XNA): 6 weekly · November 11th * New York (JFK) – Palm Springs (PSP): 1 weekly · December 21st * Salt Lake City (SLC) – Bentonville (XNA): 7 weekly · February 13th, 2025 * Austin (AUS) – New Orleans (MSY): 7 weekly · February 27th, 2025*

Denver Air ConnectionDubuque will resume, beginning in November, its regular flights.

The carrier will commence services between Chicago O’Hare and Dubuque on November 4th, which will be performed by Embraer 145s configured for 50 passengers in single class.

American Airlines had ceased flights to DBQ in 2022, while Avelo earlier this year.

KG 5670 Chicago ORD 15:00 · 15:55 DBQ Dubuque
KG 5680 Dubuque DBQ 16:25 · 17:20 ORD Chicago

Denver Air Connection is scheduled to operate one daily frequency on this route.

FrontierThe company intends to add several new routes between October and November.

Map by gcmap.com* Atlanta (ATL) – Newark (EWR) * Burbank (BUR) – Denver (DEN) * Burbank (BUR) – Phoenix (PHX) * Burbank (BUR) – San Francisco (SFO) * New York (JFK) – Orlando (MCO) * New York (JFK) – Tampa (TPA) * Seattle (SEA) – Salt Lake City (SLC) * Washington DC (IAD) – Orlando (MCO) * Washington DC (IAD) – Atlanta (ATL)

Frontier will serve on Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 airplanes.

HawaiianHawaiian Airlines will increase its flights on three routes to/from Honolulu during peak season. These new operations will start in mid-December, and will run through early January 2025.

Map by gcmap.com Los Angeles (LAX): from 21 to 28 weekly · Airbus A330-200 * San Francisco (SFO): from 7 to 14 weekly · Airbus A321neo * Seattle (SEA): from 7 to 14 weekly · Airbus A321neo*

jetBlueEffective February 13th, 2025, jetBlue will begin operating between New York JFK and Las Vegas with Airbus A321neo aircraft. The jets, configured for 136/160/200 passengers, will offer one service per day.

Daily* B6 411 New York JFK 08:03 · 10:56 LAS Las Vegas * B6 448 Las Vegas LAS 12:06 · 20:08 JFK New York

Currently, in addition to jetBlue, Delta and Frontier perform the JFK-LAS route, both using Airbus A321s.

NeosThree flights between Rome and Toronto.

The airline plans to operate charter services on this route during December, which will be carried out by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes.

December 1st, 9th and 15th* NO 724 Rome FCO 10:20 · 13:30 YYZ Toronto * NO 725 Toronto YYZ 15:30 · 05:55+1 FCO Rome

Pascan AviationBathurst and Saint John, new Pascan routes from Halifax.

Services, to be operated with 32-seat Saab 340 airplanes, will commence on September 9th.

Daily except Saturday and Sunday* P6 913 Halifax YHZ 11:45 · 12:20 YSJ Saint John * P6 914 Saint John YSJ 14:30 · 15:05 YHZ Halifax

Daily except Saturday and Sunday* P6 912 Bathurst ZBF 08:00 · 08:45 YSJ Saint John * P6 912 Saint John YSJ 09:15 · 09:50 YHZ Halifax * P6 915 Halifax YHZ 17:30 · 18:05 YSJ Saint John * P6 915 Saint John YSJ 18:35 · 19:20 ZBF Bathurst

Pascan Aviation has six Saab 340s configured for passenger flights and one for cargo operations.

PorterThe company will launch a new domestic route in Canada starting October 16th. According to its website, Porter Airlines will have three weekly flights between Toronto Pearson and Thunder Bay, as follows:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (E195-E2)* PD 223 Toronto YYZ 07:20 · 09:15 YQT Thunder Bay * PD 224 Thunder Bay YQT 10:10 · 11:57 YYZ Toronto

Porter operates 31 services per week on the Toronto City – Thunder Bay route by Dash 8s.

From Toronto Pearson, Air Canada and Flair operate to YQT.

SASAs of September 30th, Scandinavian Airlines System plans to begin flights between Oslo and Newark with Airbus A321neo aircraft, replacing the A330-300s.

The new SkyTeam member’s A321s, which have 157 seats in three classes, are scheduled to serve this route until late October.

Daily* SK 907 Oslo OSL 11:00 · 13:15 EWR Newark * SK 908 Newark EWR 18:50 · 08:40+1 OSL Oslo

SAS’ Airbus A330-300s, configured for 262/266 passengers, will return to Newark from October 27th.

SouthwestThe airline announced 8 new routes, which will start in March 2025.

Map by gcmap.com Austin (AUS) – Milwaukee (MKE): 5 weekly · March 6th * Austin (AUS) – Reno (RNO): 3 weekly · March 6th * Nashville (BNA) – Indianapolis (IND): 7 weekly · March 6th * Sacramento (SMF) – Baltimore (BWI): 7 weekly · March 6th * Nashville (BNA) – San José del Cabo (SJD): 1 weekly · March 8th * Nashville (BNA) – Punta Cana (PUJ): 1 weekly · March 8th * Sacramento (SMF) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 1 weekly · March 8th * Sacramento (SMF) – Tucson (TUS): 2 weekly · March 8th*

SpiritSpirit Airlines will commence operations to New Orleans from Charlotte and Boston effective October.

Map by gcmap.com – current routes Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · October 10th * Charlotte (CLT): 5 weekly · October 10th*

These new flights are available for sale on its website. The low cost carrier will operate by Airbus A320 planes.

Sun CountryOn August 22nd at 17:13 local time, Sun Country Airlines’ inaugural flight from Minneapolis arrived in Manchester (MHT). The airline will offer these services with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Sun Country will be the only carrier to operate this route, which will perform it with a non-fixed frequency (between one or two weekly flights).

Map by gcmap.comBaltimore, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Greenville, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, Tampa and Washington DC are the current destinations at MHT.

UnitedUnited Airlines’ first flight departed Los Angeles for Shanghai at 13:04 local time on August 29th. Four services a week will be operated by the company on this route, with the 252/257-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* UA 198 Los Angeles LAX 12:55 · 17:45+1 PVG Shanghai

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* UA 199 Shanghai PVG 20:10 · 16:55 LAX Los Angeles

The airline will launch, as of December, services to Aspen with Embraer 175 aircraft. In accordance with our database, United Airlines currently offers these operations on CRJ-700s.

Map by gcmap.com Denver (DEN): December 3rd * Houston (IAH): December 3rd * Los Angeles (LAX): December 19th * San Francisco (SFO): January 7th, 2025*

WestJetStarting October 27th, the Canadian airline will once again have services between Toronto and Montreal. WestJet will perform a daily frequency by Boeing 737 (700, 800 and MAX).

Daily* WS 598 Toronto YYZ 23:15 · 00:40+1 YUL Montreal * WS 579 Montreal YUL 06:45 · 08:24 YYZ Toronto

Air Canada, Air Transat and Porter currently operate this route, providing 140 weekly flights between them.

We review new aircraft added by U.S. and Canadian airlines in August Alaska Airlines * Breeze Airways * Delta Air Lines * FedEx * Frontier * Porter (x2) * Southwest (x3) * Spirit (x2) * United Airlines (x3) * United Express*

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A220-300 | Breeze | N237BZ | BFM-TPA | August 6th | | Boeing 767-300F | FedEx | N256FE | PAE-IND | August 7th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8927Q | BFI-PHX | August 7th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N729NK | XFW-KEF-DTW | August 10th | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXQ | SJK-BGIBGI-YOW | August 14thAugust 15th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8905Q | BFI-PHX | August 14th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N37352 | BFI-PDX | August 14th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N37353 | BFI-SEA | August 14th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Frontier | N651FR | XFW-YYR-TPA | August 16th | | Embraer E175LR | United | N772YX | SJK-MAO-FLL-INDIND-ORD | August 16thAugust 19th | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXR | SJK-BGIBGI-YOWYOW-YYZ | August 19thAugust 20thAugust 24th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N583DT | BFM-MSP | August 20th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8922Q | BFI-PHX | August 20th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska | N724AL | BFI-OAK | August 28th | | Boeing 737-408 | Nolinor | C-GGWX* | YMX-CHS-DHN | August 28th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N723NK | BFM-DTW | August 29th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | United | N17583 | BFI-PDX | August 29th |

*Nolinor’s Boeing 737-408, registration C-GGWX, will be converted to freighter at Dothan (DHN).

On August 8th, as can be seen through our database, one of Allegiant Air’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8s performed a test flight. The aircraft, with registration N813NV, departed Victorville at 11:48 local time, landing back at VCV 44 minutes later.

Allegiant expects to begin scheduled operations with Boeing 737 MAX 8s starting October 2nd.

Other reports we have published:

Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
East and West: Edelweiss adds new North American routes
Family and tourism: Royal Air Maroc launches two new routes

Cover photo: CJMAviation – JetPhotos.

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Cathay Pacific (CX/CPA) is conducting inspections of its Airbus A350 fleet after discovering issues with the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofan engines. The announcement was made by the airline on September 2 following an incident aboard a flight to Zurich.

CX383 was a scheduled flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Zurich (ZRH). The aircraft experienced an engine failure after takeoff, and returned to HKG after dumping fuel over the sea for around 30 minutes to the southeast of the airport. The flight was operated by B-LXI, a 5-year-old Airbus A350-1041 built in January 2019.

B-LXI returned to Hong Kong following an engine failure on September 2.Cathay Pacific, one of the largest operators of the A350, announced in a statement that it had identified a ‘component failure’ on this and other aircraft in the fleet following initial inspection, and that “a number of the same engine components that need to be replaced,” Whilst inspections are nearly complete, the carrier has announced a selection of flights will be canceled as work on the affected aircraft is performed.

Which flights have been canceled?

| Date | Route | Flight Numbers | | --- | --- | --- | | Monday 2 September | Hong Kong to Sydney | CX 139 | | Monday 2 September | Sydney to Hong Kong | CX 138 | | Monday 2 September | Hong Kong to Singapore | CX 735 / CX 711 | | Tuesday 3 September | Hong Kong to Bangkok | CX 705 / CX 717 / CX 755 | | Tuesday 3 September | Bangkok to Hong Kong | CX 750 / CX 754 / CX 712 | | Tuesday 3 September | Bangkok to Singapore | CX 717 | | Tuesday 3 September | Singapore to Bangkok | CX 712 | | Tuesday 3 September | Hong Kong to Singapore | CX 659 / CX 691 / CX 759 / CX 739 / CX 735 / CX711 / CX715 | | Tuesday 3 September | Singapore to Hong Kong | CX 690 / CX 734 / CX 716 / CX 692 / CX 710 / CX 658 | | Tuesday 3 September | Hong Kong to Tokyo (Narita) | CX 524 / CX 526 / CX 500 | | Tuesday 3 September | Tokyo (Narita) to Hong Kong | CX 527 / CX501 / CX 509 | | Tuesday 3 September | Hong Kong to Osaka (Kansai) | CX 596 / CX 502 | | Tuesday 3 September | Osaka (Kansai) to Hong Kong | CX 595 | | Tuesday 3 September | Hong Kong to Taipei | CX 464 | | Tuesday 3 September | Taipei to Hong Kong | CX 469 | | Wednesday 4 September | Hong Kong to Tokyo (Narita) | CX 524 | | Wednesday 4 September | Tokyo (Narita) to Hong Kong | CX 509 | | Wednesday 4 September | Hong Kong to Osaka (Kansai) | CX 566 | | Wednesday 4 September | Osaka (Kansai) to Hong Kong | CX 597 / CX503 | | Wednesday 4 September | Hong Kong to Taipei | CX 464 | | Wednesday 4 September | Taipei to Hong Kong | CX 469 | | Wednesday 4 September | Hong Kong to Singapore | CX 659 | | Wednesday 4 September | Singapore to Hong Kong | CX714 / CX 710 / CX 658 / CX 692 |

45% of cancellations will impact operations at Hong Kong Airport (HKG). Also affected are Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX), Taipei (TPE) and Sydney (SYD).

The Cathay Pacific A350 fleet

| Registration | Aircraft type | Serial number (MSN) | Age | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | B-LQA | Airbus A350-941 | 324 | 5 years | | B-LQB | Airbus A350-941 | 337 | 5 years | | B-LQC | Airbus A350-941 | 393 | 3 years | | B-LQD | Airbus A350-941 | 396 | 4 years | | B-LQE | Airbus A350-941 | 401 | 4 years | | B-LQF | Airbus A350-941 | 413 | 4 years | | B-LQG | Airbus A350-941 | 615 | 1 year | | B-LQH | Airbus A350-941 | 645 | Brand new | | B-LRA | Airbus A350-941 | 029 | 8 years | | B-LRB | Airbus A350-941 | 032 | 8 years | | B-LRC | Airbus A350-941 | 034 | 8 years | | B-LRD | Airbus A350-941 | 038 | 7 years | | B-LRE | Airbus A350-941 | 039 | 8 years | | B-LRF | Airbus A350-941 | 046 | 7 years | | B-LRG | Airbus A350-941 | 053 | 7 years | | B-LRI | Airbus A350-941 | 058 | 7 years | | B-LRJ | Airbus A350-941 | 061 | 7 years | | B-LRK | Airbus A350-941 | 070 | 7 years | | B-LRL | Airbus A350-941 | 072 | 7 years | | B-LRM | Airbus A350-941 | 075 | 7 years | | B-LRN | Airbus A350-941 | 085 | 7 years | | B-LRO | Airbus A350-941 | 093 | 7 years | | B-LRP | Airbus A350-941 | 101 | 7 years | | B-LRQ | Airbus A350-941 | 109 | 7 years | | B-LRR | Airbus A350-941 | 119 | 7 years | | B-LRS | Airbus A350-941 | 128 | 7 years | | B-LRT | Airbus A350-941 | 137 | 6 years | | B-LRU | Airbus A350-941 | 148 | 6 years | | B-LRV | Airbus A350-941 | 154 | 6 years | | B-LRX | Airbus A350-941 | 155 | 6 years | | B-LXA | Airbus A350-1041 | 118 | 6 years | | B-LXB | Airbus A350-1041 | 169 | 6 years | | B-LXC | Airbus A350-1041 | 188 | 6 years | | B-LXD | Airbus A350-1041 | 206 | 5 years | | B-LXE | Airbus A350-1041 | 225 | 5 years | | B-LXF | Airbus A350-1041 | 233 | 5 years | | B-LXG | Airbus A350-1041 | 252 | 5 years | | B-LXH | Airbus A350-1041 | 258 | 5 years | | B-LXI | Airbus A350-1041 | 262 | 5 years | | B-LXJ | Airbus A350-1041 | 286 | 5 years | | B-LXK | Airbus A350-1041 | 296 | 5 years | | B-LXL | Airbus A350-1041 | 306 | 5 years | | B-LXM | Airbus A350-1041 | 380 | 4 years | | B-LXN | Airbus A350-1041 | 424 | 3 years | | B-LXO | Airbus A350-1041 | 434 | 3 years | | B-LXP | Airbus A350-1041 | 503 | 2 years | | B-LXQ | Airbus A350-1041 | 509 | 2 years | | B-LXR | Airbus A350-1041 | 584 | 1 year |

Cathay Pacific operates 55 Airbus A350s, a mix of A350-941 and A350-1041 models. That represents a total of 110 Trent XWB engines that may require further inspection or repair. The fleet has an average age of 6.5 years.

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Operating aircraft at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) presents a unique set of challenges that make it one of the most difficult airports in the world for pilots. It’s no wonder that the area is one of our most frequently tracked areas on Flightradar24. The airport’s location, high altitude, unpredictable weather, and infrastructure limitations contribute to the operational complexities. Let’s take a look at some of those factors in more detail.

Geographical Location and TopographyKathmandu Airport is nestled in a valley surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The airport sits at an elevation of 4,390 feet above sea level, and its approach path is constrained by mountainous terrain. Pilots must navigate through narrow passes, which leaves little room for error. The steep descent required to land adds another layer of difficulty, demanding precise control and extensive experience.

The local topography around Kathmandu airport requires a steep descent in mountainous terrain.2. High AltitudeThe high elevation of the airport at KTM reduces overall engine performance, affects aircraft handling, and necessitates longer takeoff and landing distances. This is one of the reasons KTM features a long 3,074 meter / 10,085 foot runway. The thinner air at high altitudes means that aircraft engines produce less thrust, and lift is harder to generate, making both takeoffs and landings more challenging. These factors require pilots to carefully calculate their approach speeds and landing distances, taking into account the reduced performance. Turboprop and jet aircraft behave differently in such circumstances. Turboprop engines are generally designed to operate efficiently across a broader range of temperatures and altitudes. They can maintain better performance in hot and high conditions because the power produced by the turbine drives the propeller directly, rather than relying solely on jet exhaust for thrust.

Turboprops vs jets - what’s the difference?It is interesting to note that, as the region has some of the highest minimum safe altitudes (MSA’s) in the world, the area presents additional challenges in the event of experiencing pressurization failures. The immediate actions in such an event are to don oxygen masks and descend to 10,000 feet or the MSA (whichever is lower), as passengers can safely breathe with the level of oxygen at that height. Due to the height of the terrain in the region being often in excess of 15,000 feet, it would be impossible to do so. This is why Nepal generally sees very low levels of overflight traffic and forms one of our gaps in the map.

Unpredictable WeatherWeather conditions in Kathmandu can change rapidly and unpredictably. The airport often experiences poor visibility due to fog, particularly during the winter months. Wind patterns can also shift suddenly, leading to turbulence and crosswinds that make landing even more hazardous. Additionally, monsoon rains can cause water accumulation on the runway, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.

Poor visibility and heavy rain can frequently impact operations at KTM.A PB Air Boeing 767 on final approach to KTM in heavy rain.During more extreme weather, aircraft are frequently required to fly holding patterns to the south of the airport to wait for weather conditions to improve to within limits. This area is chosen due to the relatively low terrain compared to the mountainous conditions closer to the airport.

An Air Arabia flight holding to the south of Kathmandu Airport awaiting an opportunity to make an approach.What’s the hold up – how and why do aircraft hold at airports?4. Limited InfrastructureTribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal and has limited infrastructure to handle the increasing volume of air traffic. The single runway, which must accommodate both takeoffs and landings, can often become congested, leading to delays. The airport does feature a range of instrument approaches to support arriving aircraft. Currently available are RNP, LOC DME and VOR approaches. These approaches feature strict and complex missed approach procedures that keep aircraft clear of the surrounding terrain in the event of a go around.

The RNP Y approach for runway 20 at KTM features a continuous 270 degree descending turn onto final approach, and a similar climbing turn in the event of missed approach. Image: Navigraph Charts / Jeppesen. How do aircraft land in low visibility?5. Human FactorsOperating in such an environment demands highly skilled and experienced pilots. However, even seasoned pilots face stress due to the combination of high altitude, challenging approaches, and unpredictable weather, which can affect decision-making under pressure.

A unique mix of geographical, meteorological, and infrastructural factors makes Kathmandu Airport one of the most challenging airports in the world to operate to, requiring exceptional skill, training, and vigilance of crews and air traffic controllers to ensure safe operations.

Cover photo: Karib Ahmed, JetPhotos.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss Dominic Gates and Paige Cornwell’s article in this week’s Seattle Times detailing how the door plug on the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX was reinstalled without the proper bolts, allowing it to blow out of the aircraft shortly after departure on January 5th. We also learn via Aviation Week that cracks have been found in the inactive Boeing 777X test aircraft as well. Italian investigators release their preliminary report on the LATAM 777 tail strike in Milan. And for reasons passing your humble podcasters’ understanding, someone wants to start a new airline in Australia.

Helpful links for this episode Flightradar24 You’re the Captain! puzzle book pre-order * Aviation Week article on Boeing 777-9 thrust link cracks * Seattle Times* article with detailed timeline of Boeing 737-9 door plug work * LATAM 777 tail strike preliminary report * Belgian Icon livery design contest * Aeromexico new logo

Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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AirportsOur flight data reveals a total of 2,011 canceled flights at Japan’s 10 busiest airports as of 14:00 UTC on August 30.

Flights at Fukuoka Airport (FUK) and Haneda Airport (HND) have seen the most cancellations so far. 342 departing flights and 333 arriving flights at Fukuoka have been canceled, representing 45% of scheduled departures and 43% of scheduled arrivals respectively. Broadly speaking, airports to the North and North East of Japan have seen the less impact so far, but the Northeasterly movement of the storm means this is unlikely to be the case for long.

The focus on KyushuShanshan over kyushu on August 29Shanshan over Shikoku as of August 30.Typhoon Shanshan has been a slow mover, which is likely to elongate its effects on air travel. The core of the storm sat overhead the island of Kyushu on August 29, and has crept Northeast towards Shikoku on August 30. Let’s take a look at the impact of those cancellations on the schedules at Kyushu’s airports as of August 30.

Kyushu’s airports have seen the most significant impact on their schedules so far.

Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) – 23% of scheduled flights canceled
Nagasaki Airport (NGS) – 22% of scheduled flights canceled
Oita Airport (OIT) – 22% of scheduled flights canceled
Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) – 20% of scheduled flights canceled
Fukuoka Airport (FUK) – 14% of scheduled flights canceled

It is likely that these impacts will shift to more Northerly airports as the storm progresses.Which airlines have been most affected?Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) and All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) have been most affected so far, with 671 and 654 flights canceled respectively. The airlines with the longest distance canceled flights were China Eastern Airlines (MU/CES), who canceled 8 flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Fukuoka, and Jin Air (LJ/JNA), who canceled 4 flights from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Fukuoka.

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Nearly every year, we see numerous news reports of airplane runway overruns. From the major DHL 757 overrun in Costa Rica in 2022, to the recent United 737-8 MAX excursion in Houston (and a whole load more in between).

In 2023, the US National Aerospace System recorded more than 54 million takeoffs and landings, with 1756 incursions (when things are on the runway when they shouldn’t be) and 492 excursions (when things go off parts of the runway they shouldn’t go off). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that from 2005 to the start of 2019 (it takes a while for reports to catch up), 23% of some 283 accidents were due to runway excursions.

Now, the vast majority of these were in the General Aviation (GA) arena but just one excursion by a commercial jet aircraft is a major event with the potential to cause millions of dollars in damage and lead to injuries or worse for the passengers and crew, so the issue is treated very seriously.

So, how do runway excursions happen, what methods are in place to stop them and do you need to worry about it as a passenger?

What leads to a runway excursion?Runway excursions can occur due to a wide number of factors, and there is rarely (if ever) a single root cause. However, we can highlight some factors which are more often the most significant contributing ones in excursion events for commercial aircraft. The majority of these apply to both takeoff and landing.

EASA (the European Aviation Safety Agency) studied excursions in great detail and came up with the a list of common factors which we have organized into three main categories:

Poor visibility, tailwinds, crosswinds, contamination etc. Basically, weather type stuff, all of which we’ve lumped into ‘EnvironMental!’
Then there are a whole bunch of factors from incorrect configurations, high energy over the threshold, long flares, deep landings, excessive thrust, too much energy, slow deceleration etc etc which can lead to unstable approaches, abnormal runway contact and that sort of thing. We have wittily titles this section “The horse has bolted”.
Our third category is “Give me a Break!” which includes broken brains, broken brakes and other things which might result in less braking and things bending and getting banged up. EnvironMental!Runway contamination considerably reduces an aircraft’s ability to decelerate by preventing the aircraft tyres from contacting the runway surface, reducing friction and wheel spin-up. It can also result in reduced directional control and this can lead to aircraft going off the side as opposed to the end.

Then there is the wind. Tailwinds do not just increase the landing roll, they can also have a significant effect on aircraft ‘stabilization’ (which we’ll go into more below). Crosswinds reduce directional control, wind shear and turbulence reduce, well, control, and all of these can add to the risk of an excursion.

Low visibility is another one. How does this lead to a possible excursion? Well, if not prepared for low visibility conditions, crew may struggle to maintain visual awareness and when combined with strong crosswinds for example, it may lead to a ‘sideways’ excursion. Autolands conducted when the protected area is not protected (when LVPs are not in force) can lead to disruption of the localiser signal, which can result in an aircraft not landing where it should and tracking incorrectly – again potentially leading to a lateral excursion.

Of course, performance calculations take all the environmental factors into account but a small change – a sudden gust, not having accounted for the actual contamination levels, landing long (floating) can all invalidate performance calculations. Combine these with some other factors and you have a recipe for an overrun.

Southwest Airlines flight 1248 went off the end of Chicago Midway Airport’s runway 31C in 2005, when it attempted to land during a snowstorm. The Boeing 737 had no technical issues, but a combination of the flying pilot failing to select maximum reverse thrust, combined with insufficient surface condition reports from ATC and a tailwind increasing the touchdown speed led to the accident.

The horse has bolted###### I don’t get the pun? It is a joke on something being ‘out of the stable’… unstable…

Unstable approaches (that crew continue to land from) are a major factor in many excursion events on landing. ‘Stabilization’ is, in brief, the requirement for an aircraft to be in the correct configuration, at the right speed and thrust setting, and on the correct trajectory, usually by 1000’ (in IMC conditions).

So, why wouldn’t they be?

Well, environmental conditions can make this more challenging. Tailwinds make it hard for aircraft to slow down (and in turn, to configure because flaps have maximum speeds). They mean a higher speed which requires a greater rate of descent, more energy to lose, higher touchdown speeds etc and all this can increase the risk of an aircraft being unstabilised.

ATC can add to the threat as well. Shortcuts, and keeping aircraft high or fast can increase the chances of the approach becoming unstable, while changing runways on short notice can lead to crew being overloaded or unprepared for the approach and more likely to make mistakes.

On takeoff, late runway changes are also a common factor for performance related excursions. Either the performance for the wrong runway is calculated leading to incorrect speed and/or configuration settings, or crew may take an incorrect intersection for departure leading to a shorter takeoff run length being available than expected.

A Honda HA-420 business jet aircraft overran the runway at AGC/Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County in 2022, when it continued to land from an unstable approach. The investigation showed it was 11 knots above its reference speed as it descended through 1000 ft. The speed was still 9 knots high as it passed the threshold. The runway was contaminated with slush and combined with the increased speed, this led to reduced deceleration. The crew attempted to apply maximum braking but hydroplaned, skidded sideways and overran the end of the runway

Give me a breakThings sometimes break. Pilot brains are not immune to the problem, particularly when fatigued or stressed. While a single error or mistake rarely leads to a major event, chains of errors can. In Tibet, 2022, an Airbus 319 “excurted” off to the side of a runway during a rejected takeoff. The aircraft was working fine and there were minimal environmental factors. The main factor was, in fact, the pilot’s foot pressing down on the left rudder – an inadvertent (and not initially noticed) reaction to other distractions. When the pilots did realize what was happening, the subsequent startle effect led to incorrect call-outs and actions to correct the diversion.

Fatigue, stress and limited capacity (too high workload) can all add to something called “get home-itis” (not the technical term). This is, basically, when the pilot focuses on landing and loses the ability to think “it might be better to throw this approach away and try again”.

Of course, aircraft systems can break as well. The DHL excursion was attributed to a failure in the hydraulic system which led to an emergency landing. During the roll out, excessive deceleration on the right side only caused the aircraft to veer to the side and onto uneven terrain, causing failure in the undercarriage.

Degradation or unserviceability of braking systems, or flight control systems which enable slower speeds (ie flaps/slats) can also contribute to potential excursion risks and where multiples failures occur, or failures and degraded conditions add up, crew may opt to land knowing a low speed excursion is a possibility, instead of trying to reach a longer, but riskier to get to, runway elsewhere.

Have we scared you?Don’t be scared! Remember, the statistical percentage of excursions is tiny and it takes a whole chain of factors to add up before it even becomes a possibility. There are also multiple barriers in place to help prevent excursions, or to mitigate against the severity of them should they happen, and that’s what we’re going to take a look at now.

EMASEMAS (engineered material arrestor systems) is similar to the gravel traps you see at the end of race circuits, or on truck over-run ramps. These arrestor beds are usually made up of large blocks of frangible material which crush ‘reliably and predictably’ under the weight of an aircraft and the energy transfer (speed energy to crushing energy) slows the aircraft down very effectively.

In the US, (as of 2023) these are installed at some 125 runway ends, across 72 airports. They are mandatory at US airports where there is insufficient over-run space after the runway. You can recognise it on an airport chart by looking for a small rectangle at the end of the runway with an arrow pointing to it, saying ‘EMAS’. A good one to look at is New York’s JFK Airport – they have short runways, limited over-run areas and have installed EMAS on several of the runways for that reason.

While this system is really good at slowing big, fast aircraft down, they are much less efficient for smaller aircraft because they require weight to make them properly effective. During low speed events, pilots have also been known to try and lose speed quicker through ‘steering’ side to side in the hope of losing speed through drag. This tends to either lead to the aircraft going off the side of the runway, missing the EMAS entirely, or entering the arrestor bed at an angle which is far less effective.

So a good system, but not an actual prevention to excursions.

Warning systemsAirbus has a system called ROW/ROP (runway over-run warning/protection), and other aircraft types have something similar.

The prevention (ROP) function continuously calculates whether the aircraft is going to be able to stop with the runway length available. Continuously as in it does it even during the roll out, so if an aircraft floats and lands long, it is still monitoring. It uses groundspeed, airspeed, weight, wind and a whole load of other parameters and if it thinks the runway is going to be too short it will give a caution. In flight, this prompts the crew to re-assess and go-around, and during the roll out, commands maximum braking and reversers to help increase deceleration.

The warning (ROW) system kicks in at 500 ft and then reverts back to ROP during the roll out. It calculates the dry and wet distances and offers up an “If wet: RWY too short” type warning or a “RWY too short” aural and visual message if, well, it is just too short.

Many aircraft types also have systems designed to prevent wrong intersection or runway departures (and landings). These work by giving an audio announcement to the crew when they are approaching a particular runway, with the aim of triggering an “Eh? Is that the one we meant to go for?” response in the pilots. Moving maps also assist the crew in identifying the correct runway departure intersections, particularly in low visibility conditions, by increasing situational awareness.

All aircraft run a ‘config check’ when the thrust levers are set to takeoff position. This checks various parameters to ensure things like the flap configuration matches what has been programmed. It checks that speeds match and helps prevent crew from taking off with the wrong figures in. Similar warnings occur on landing if the flap setting physically does not match the setting selected in the performance pages of the FMC.

An Air Serbia Flight overran during takeoff from runway 30L at BEG/Belgrade airport in 2024 when they inadvertently lined up from the wrong intersection. Intersection D5 left them with only 1273 m of runway available. The crew realized accelerating through 100 knots but failed to reject the takeoff, and the Embraer 195 dragged its landing gear through the approach light system for the opposite end approach.

Braking systemsMost aircraft nowadays have auto brake systems. These clever systems do two things – they ensure a pre-set level of deceleration occurs, and they take the pressure off the pilot’s feet. Literally. Once the aircraft touches down, they start braking automatically. This is beneficial because pilot feet rarely manage to apply the exact same level of pressure, or manage to apply it at the exact moment they should (we have a bit of a delay between our brain and our feet). This leads to less than optimal braking and potential directional control issues.

So, performance calculations are run and an autobrake setting is selected. Because it works off deceleration rate, if reverse thrust is used (or if it doesn’t work) then the braking system will moderate the braking required to still maintain the deceleration rate required. Airbus take it a step further and have a system called BTV – ‘brake to vacate’ – which combines managing the required deceleration rate with actually knowing which exit the crew are planning on taking, and bringing the aircraft down to the correct speed at that point.

There are other systems on aircraft which help them decelerate – spoilers help “dump” the lift off the wings on touchdown, ensuring firmer contact between the wheels and the runway surface. Reverse thrust we already mentioned – this system re-directs the engine airflow to produce drag. It helps aircraft slow down, but is not a primary braking system as such. In very general terms, the use of max reverse over idle, only results in around 10% reduction of stopping distance, but it does improve brake wear significantly.

Flaps and slats – all those flight controls that enable aircraft to fly at slower speeds for approach – also help reduce the landing distance required by reducing the speed at which the aircraft will touchdown at.

A thing called GRFGRF stands for the Global Reporting Format and it is used (should be used) by every airport in the world to provide reports on the conditions of runway surfaces when contamination is present.

In Ye Olden Days (and frustratingly still in some places) they liked to give friction coefficients. These mean very little to pilots because, well, they don’t mean a huge amount. They can be too subjective, depend on how the measurements were taken, require tables to calculate what that means for this aircraft’s specific braking etc etc. So, someone clever (ICAO) invented GRF.

GRF means reports are standardized and harmonized, and it does so by using something called an RCAM – runway contamination assessment matrix. This considers the type and depth of contamination and removes the subjectivity, and instead provides a code which pilots can use in their performance calculations, and which gives them a “heads-up” on the potential deceleration and directional control they are likely to experience.

Procedures, procedures, proceduresWe may have been somewhat harsh on pilots and their contribution to runway excursion events. Pilots do receive a huge amount of training to help prevent incidents like these, and the training and procedures they follow are becoming more robust as more understanding of what leads to events increases.

Procedures for ATC, crew, even airport design improvements are all helping reduce the risk of runway excursion events. So, it turns out, there are a lot of things stopping you, and worrying about excursions and overruns should not be one of them.

The post What’s stopping you? Runway excursions and how to prevent them appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Flydubai launched its longest new route between Dubai and Europe in early August.

At 12:34 local time on August 2nd, the inaugural service arrived in Basel from DXB following a 6-hour and 25-minute flight. The airline will offer four weekly frequencies with 166-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

According to our database, Flydubai will be the only to perform flights between Dubai and Basel, a route of almost 5,000 kilometers.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* FZ 1425 Dubai DXB 07:25 · 12:35 BSL Basel * FZ 1426 Basel BSL 13:35 · 22:05 DXB Dubai

Flydubai operates an important network of destinations in Europe, all of them to/from Dubai. In addition, the carrier has a partnership with Emirates, further expanding its services on the continent.

Map by gcmap.comAt publication time, Flydubai flies to Basel, Batumi, Belgrade, Bucharest, Budapest, Catania, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Istanbul IST, Krakow, Ljubljana, Milan Bergamo, Minsk, Mykonos, Naples, Olbia, Pisa, Poznań, Prague, Salzburg, Santorini, Sarajevo, Sofia, St. Petersburg, Tbilisi, Tirana, Tivat, Warsaw Chopin and Zagreb, with respect to cities in Europe.

Air Tanzania incorporated its third Boeing 787On August 20th at 20:45 local time, Air Tanzania’s new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner landed in Zanzibar. The aircraft, with registration 5H-TCR, arrived from Charleston, new from the factory, after a ferry flight of 14 hours and 57 minutes.

Air Tanzania now reaches 3 Boeing 787s in its fleet. The first one, registered 5H-TCG, had been added in July 2018, while in October 2019 the second one (5H-TCH).

The airline’s Boeing 787-8 are configured for 242 passengers in two seating classes (22 Business and 220 Economy).

Air Tanzania fleet Airbus A220-300: 4 * Boeing 737 MAX 9: 2 * Boeing 767-300(F): 1 * Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: 3 * DHC-8-300: 1 * DHC-8-400:* 5

Air Tanzania has one of the most modern fleets in Africa, averaging 5 years old.

Qatar Airways acquires 25% of AirlinkThe Qatari flag carrier announced the acquisition of a 25% stake in the South African regional airline Airlink, with the aim of expanding its operations across the African continent.

Airlink has more than 45 destinations in 15 different African countries, served mainly from Johannesburg and Cape Town, the company’s major bases in South Africa.

On the announcement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’ future. This partnership not only demonstrates our confidence in Airlink, as a company that is resilient, agile, financially robust and governed on sound principles, but also in Africa as a whole, showing huge potential that I am delighted we are able to help start realising.”

Airlink Chief Executive, Rodger Foster, commented: “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and echoes our faith in the markets we currently serve and plan to add to our network. This transaction will unlock growth by providing efficiencies of scale, increasing our capacity and expanding our marketing reach. By bolstering Airlink and its business, this investment will strengthen all of the existing airline partnerships Airlink has nurtured over the years.”

In accordance with our database, Qatar Airways and Airlink have these aircraft in their respective fleets.

Airlink Embraer 135: 16 * Embraer 140: 11 * Embraer 170: 3 * Embraer 175: 2 * Embraer 190: 28 * Embraer 195:* 6

Qatar Airbus A320-200: 30 * Airbus A330-200: 3 * Airbus A330-300: 7 * Airbus A350-900: 34 * Airbus A350-1000: 24 * Airbus A380-800: 8 * Boeing 737 MAX 8: 9 * Boeing 777-200(LR): 7 * Boeing 777-300(ER): 57 * Boeing 777(F): 28 * Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: 30 * Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:* 18

We review other highlights of the Africa and Middle East market during August Air Arabia adds frequencies on four routes. * Air Cairo expands its connections to Europe. * Akasa Air launched services between Mumbai and Kuwait City. * Animawings will operate to Dubai World Central. * BeOnd resumes flights between Male and Riyadh. * British Airways to boost operations to Cape Town. * easyJet adds two routes to Africa. * Emirates postpones again the start of flights with Airbus A350. * Ethiopian to introduce Boeing 777-300(ER) on two routes. * flynas will begin flying to Berlin. * Neos and its charter operations between Europe and Madagascar. * Qatar Airways to increase its flights to the Americas, Asia and Europe. * Royal Jordanian schedules services between Amman and Manchester on Boeing 787 aircraft. * Ryanair expands operations in Morocco. * Saudia added two new routes from Neom Bay. * South African Airways increases frequencies to Mauritius. * Sun d’Or and Tus Airways add routes between Tel Aviv and Europe. * TAAG boosts its operations within Africa.*

Air ArabiaStarting in October, Air Arabia will increase frequencies on several routes from Sharjah. These services will have the following schedule:

Map by gcmap.com Ufa (UFA): from 3 to 5 weekly · October 2nd * Al-Qassim (ELQ): from 9 to 11 weekly · October 27th * Moscow (DME): from 21 to 28 weekly · October 27th * Phuket (HKT): from 7 to 11 weekly · October 28th*

Air AstanaThe company will expand its operations in Saudi Arabia, with the new route between Shymkent and Jeddah beginning September 10th. Air Astana will offer two flights a week on Airbus A320-200s.

Tuesday and Friday* KC 235 Shymkent CIT 09:30 · 13:05 JED Jeddah * KC 236 Jeddah JED 15:35 · 23:00 CIT Shymkent

Currently, the airline runs one route between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia (Almatý – Jeddah).

Air CairoFor winter 2024/25, Air Cairo plans to add new destinations to Europe during October and November. According to its website, these will be the routes:

Map by gcmap.com Cairo (CAI) – Cologne (CGN): 2 weekly · October 27th · Airbus A320 * Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) – Istanbul (IST): 2 weekly · October 30th · E190 * Cairo (CAI) – Verona (VRN) – Luxor (LXR): 1 weekly · November 2nd · E190*

Akasa AirMumbai – Kuwait City, new route for Akasa Air.

The Indian carrier will have a daily flight with Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets configured for 174/188 passengers.

Daily · from August 23rd* QP 571 Mumbai BOM 19:50 · 22:00 KWI Kuwait City * QP 572 Kuwait City KWI 23:00 · 05:35+1 BOM Mumbai

Regarding other cities in the Middle East, Akasa Air inaugurated services to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai in mid-July, offering one per day.

AnimawingsThe company will commence flying between Bucharest and Dubai World Central from December 27th. In accordance with its website, Animawings will have two weekly operations under the following schedule:

Tuesday and Friday* A2 760 Bucharest OTP 07:00 · 14:00 DWC Dubai * A2 761 Dubai DWC 14:45 · 18:15 OTP Bucharest

Services will be performed by Airbus A220 and Airbus A320.

Ariana Afghan AirlinesOn August 7th at 00:12 local time, Ariana’s inaugural flight arrived in Jeddah from Herāt, Afghanistan. The carrier will provide one frequency a week on this route with 142-seat Boeing 737-400s.

Tuesday* FG 415 Herāt HEA 20:30 · 23:30 JED Jeddah

Wednesday* FG 416 Jeddah JED 02:55 · 08:30 HEA Herāt

Ariana Afghan Airlines also offers three weekly operations from Kabul to Jeddah on Boeing 737-400 and Boeing 737-500 aircraft.

BeOndAfter suspending services between Male and Riyadh in July, BeOnd intends to resume operations as of September 2nd. The flights will be performed using its Airbus A321 configured with Business Class seats.

Tuesday and Saturday* B4 300 Male MLE 19:15 · 22:25 RUH Riyadh * B4 301 Riyadh RUH 23:30 · 06:45+1 MLE Male

Wednesday/Thursday* B4 300 Male MLE 19:50 · 23:00 RUH Riyadh (Wed) * B4 301 Riyadh RUH 00:15 · 07:30 MLE Male (Thu)

British AirwaysEffective January 10th, 2025, British will boost its operations between London Heathrow and Cape Town, with the launch of a third daily service by winter 2025.

The airline will offer the new flight with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes.

Daily* BA 045 London LHR 20:40 · 10:20+1 CPT Cape Town * BA 044 Cape Town CPT 22:00 · 08:05+1 LHR London

Its other two frequencies will be on Boeing 777s.

easyJetNew easyJet routes to Africa from Europe for peak season.

Map by gcmap.com Milan (MXP) – Giza (SPX): 2 weekly · November 7th * London (SEN) – Marrakech (RAK): 3 weekly · April 1st, 2025*

EmiratesAs mentioned in the Europe report, Emirates will again delay the launch of its scheduled Airbus A350-900 services. Edinburgh will be the first destination, which will begin in early December.

Based on the current schedule, the remaining routes will start during January and March 2025:

Map by gcmap.com Edinburgh (EDI): December 2nd * Ahmedabad (AMD): January 1st, 2025 * Bologna (BLQ): January 1st, 2025 * Bahrain (BAH): January 1st, 2025 * Kuwait City (KWI): January 1st, 2025 * Mumbai (BOM): January 1st, 2025 * Colombo (CMB): January 2nd, 2025 * Lyon (LYS): March 1st, 2025 * Muscat (MCT): March 1st, 2025*

EthiopianThe airline plans to introduce the Boeing 777-300(ER) on two international routes within Africa.

At the time of publication, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi will have operations with these aircraft from Addis Ababa, as follows:

Lubumbashi · December 1st Until December 29th, mainly daily * December 30th * January 7th, 2025 * Jan 8th to Jan 17th, daily except Sunday * Jan 19th to Jan 25th, daily * Jan 28th to Feb 4th, daily except Thursday and Sunday * Feb 7th to Feb 25th, daily except Thursday * Feb 28th to Mar 15th, daily except Tuesday and Thursday * effective March 18th, daily*

Kinshasa · effective December 6th Dec. 6, Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 * Dec 20th to Jan 13th, 2025 (daily ex Tue, Wed, Thu) * January 18th and January 19th * February 2nd * March 17th * March 27th and March 31st * effective April 7th, daily*

Etihad AirwaysOn August 1st, 2025, Etihad is scheduled to perform its first flight between Abu Dhabi and Phuket with an Airbus A321neo. These three-class aircraft, configured for 160 passengers, will offer one daily frequency on this route.

Daily* EY 414 Abu Dhabi AUH 14:30 · 00:15+1 HKT Phuket * EY 415 Phuket HKT 02:50 · 06:15 AUH Abu Dhabi

The other two frequencies will be carried out with Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner jets.

EurowingsOperations between Stuttgart and Marsa Alam will commence as of November 2nd. Eurowings, according to its website, will provide services during winter 2024/25.

Saturday* EW 2972 Stuttgart STR 12:40 · 18:20 RMF Marsa Alam * EW 2973 Marsa Alam RMF 19:10 · 23:25 STR Stuttgart

flynasBerlin, flynas’ new route in Europe.

On September 4th at 03:55 local time, the first flight to Berlin will depart Jeddah, flynas’ hub. The carrier will perform three weekly services on Airbus A320s, which are configured for 174 passengers in single class.

Monday, Wednesday and Sunday* XY 643 Jeddah JED 03:55 · 08:45 BER Berlin * XY 644 Berlin BER 09:35 · 16:45 JED Jeddah

Prague, Salzburg, Sarajevo and Vienna are flynas’ connections on the European continent.

Himalaya AirlinesFollowing a year and a half of suspension, Himalaya Airlines resumed services to Kuwait on August 20th. The Nepalese airline will have one flight per week by Airbus A320-200s.

Tuesday* H9 571 Kathmandu KTM 00:40 · 03:15 KWI Kuwait City * H9 572 Kuwait City KWI 04:15 · 11:50 KTM Kathmandu

Himalaya Airlines will compete with Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airlines on this route.

Jazeera AirwaysThe low cost carrier will resume two connections to India between late October and early November.

Jazeera Airways will operate with Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Thiruvananthapuram · October 28thMonday/Tuesday

J9 411 Kuwait City KWI 19:25 · 02:55+1 TRV Thiruvananthapuram (Mon)
J9 412 Thiruvananthapuram TRV 03:55 · 07:00 KWI Kuwait City (Tue)

Ahmedabad · November 2ndSaturday

J9 407 Kuwait City KWI 00:10 · 06:00 AMD Ahmedabad
J9 408 Ahmedabad AMD 06:45 · 08:35 KWI Kuwait City

NeosWe already mentioned in the European report that Neos started charter services on August 7th between Katowice and Nosy Be, Madagascar. These operations will continue until August 28th, with the Wroclaw – Nosy Be route being flown again from September.

Wednesday/Thursday (during September)* NO 360 Wroclaw WRO 12:50 · 23:30 NOS Nosy Be (Tue) * NO 361 Nosy Be NOS 01:30 · 10:20 WRO Wroclaw (Wed)

Neos will launch flights between Prague and Nosy Be in October, replacing those from Wroclaw.

Qatar AirwaysThe company announced it will increase frequencies on four of its routes to/from Doha. At publication time, London Heathrow, Male, Miami and Tokyo Narita will have new operations for peak season.

Map by gcmap.com London (LHR): from 49 to 56 weekly · October 27th * Male (MLE): from 21 to 28 weekly · December 13th * Miami (MIA): from 10 to 12 weekly · December 16th * Tokyo Narita (NRT): from 7 to 11 weekly · February 14th, 2025*

Royal JordanianDuring 2024/25 winter season, Royal Jordanian is scheduled to offer some flights between Amman and Manchester on the 270-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

The airline operates this route using Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* RJ 115 Amman AMM 10:30 · 13:30 MAN Manchester * RJ 116 Manchester MAN 14:40 · 23:00 AMM Amman

Flights with 787 October 28th and the 30th * November 11th to December 9th (Monday) * December 25th * January 15th, 2025 to February 5th, 2025 (Wednesday) * February 8th, 2025 to March 19th, 2025* (Wednesday and Saturday)

RyanairThe low cost carrier will expand its services to Morocco starting October 27th, with new flights between Liverpool and Marrakech. Ryanair will run two weekly frequencies:

Thursday/Sunday* RK 5633 Liverpool LPL 06:05/15:15 · 10:50/20:00 RAK Marrakech * RK 5634 Marrakech RAK 11:20/20:35 · 14:05/23:20 LPL Liverpool

SaudiaSaudi Arabian Airlines launched two new destinations from Neom Bay in early August, which will be conducted by Airbus A320-200s.

Map by gcmap.com Cairo (CAI): 2 weekly · August 1st * Istanbul (IST): 2 weekly · August 2nd*

In addition to Cairo and Istanbul, Saudia has flights to NUM from Dammam, Jeddah, London Heathrow and Riyadh.

Smartwings PolandBeginning November 2nd, the airline will add a new route between Poland and Egypt, to be served during winter season 2024/25.

Smartwings Poland will fly once a week with the 189-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Saturday* 3Z 7145 Marsa Alam RMF 08:15 · 12:10 WRO Wroclaw * 3Z 7144 Wroclaw WRO 13:10 · 19:00 RMF Marsa Alam

The company currently operates two weekly services between Wroclaw WAW and Marsa Alam using the same aircraft.

South African AirwaysMore flights to Mauritius.

The carrier will increase its operations from/to Johannesburg effective December 1st. South African currently serves daily with Airbus A320-200 planes.

Daily* SA 190 Johannesburg JNB 09:40 · 15:40 MRU Port Louis * SA 191 Port Louis MRU 16:30 · 18:55 JNB Johannesburg

Daily (new flight)* SA 192 Johannesburg JNB 10:45 · 16:45 MRU Port Louis * SA 193 Port Louis MRU 17:35 · 20:00 JNB Johannesburg

In addition to South African Airways, FlySafair and Air Mauritius offer this route, three and seven times per week respectively.

Sun D’OrSun D’Or International Airlines intends to further expand its network of destinations to Europe from Tel Aviv between October and December, with two new routes. The services will be operated using Boeing 737s.

Map by gcmap.com Piestany (PZY): 1 weekly · October 29th * Lyon (LYS): 2 weekly · December 22nd*

TAAGAngola’s state-owned airline will increase frequencies on several international connections to/from Luanda, its hub.

These routes, which will have changes in the schedule, are currently flown by Boeing 737-700s.

Map by gcmap.com Johannesburg (JNB): from 7 to 10 weekly · September 3rd * Cape Town (CPT): from 7 to 10 weekly · September 4th * São Tomé (TMS): from 2 to 3 weekly · September 4th * Lagos (LOS): from 5 to 6 weekly · September 5th*

Transavia FranceThe carrier announced the addition of six routes from its new base in Bordeaux, of which two will be to Africa.

Transavia will operate with Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured for 189 passengers.

Map by gcmap.com Marrakech (RAK): 4 weekly · December 13th * Agadir (AGA): 2 weekly · December 14th*

Tus AirwaysStarting in September, Tus Airways will begin two new connections from Tel Aviv, to be performed on Airbus A320-200s.

Map by gcmap.com Sofia (SOF): 2 weekly · September 1st * Vienna (VIE): 2 weekly · September 2nd*

The Cypriot airline has 3 A320 in its fleet (5B-DDK, 5B-DDN and 5B-DDO).

We review new aircraft added by airlines in the Africa/Middle East market during August: Air Tanzania * Emirates * Oman Air*

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 777F | Emirates SkyCargo | A6-EFV | PAE-HKGHKG-DWC | August 16thAugust 17th | | Boeing 787-9 | Air Tanzania | 5H-TCR | CHS-ZNZ | August 20th | | Boeing 787-9 | Oman Air | A4O-SK | PAE-MCT | August 22nd |

As well as Air Tanzania and Emirates, Oman Air added a new aircraft.

The three-year-old jet landed on August 23rd at 16:23 local time in Muscat from Everett. This Boeing 787 has the registration A4O-SK, and had been at PAE since August 2023.

With this 787, Oman Air reaches 42 aircraft in its fleet

Airbus A330-200: 4
Airbus A330-300: 3
Boeing 737-800: 7
Boeing 737 MAX 8: 13
Boeing 737-900ER: 5
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: 2
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 8

The carrier has two other 787-9s on order, which have the registrations A4O-SJ and A4O-SL.

Regarding the 787 A4O-SK, the first photo of the aircraft with the Oman Air livery on JetPhotos has been uploaded on September 2nd, 2021. As can be seen in our database, the 787 departed Charleston on the same day bound for San Antonio (SKF), where it remained until August 10th last year.

Prior to joining Oman Air, the 787 performed several test flights, which you can see here.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
East and West: Edelweiss adds new North American routes
Family and tourism: Royal Air Maroc launches two new routes

Cover photo: Lloyd Bell – JetPhotos (Dubai, United Arab Emirates).

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Halifax and Seattle, new destinations for Edelweiss Air.
Operations will begin in 2025, for summer season.

Edelweiss announced the expansion of its international schedule from/to Zurich, with the inauguration of two new regular routes starting mid-2025. In both cases, the airline will be the only operator, being ZRH – Halifax the shortest service to Canada from Switzerland.

As of June 2nd, 2025, Edelweiss Air will launch flights between Zurich and Seattle, which will be operated with Airbus A340-300 aircraft seating 314 passengers. At the time of publication, these services will be available during summer, with the last flight scheduled on September 20th.

During the nearly three months of operations, the company will offer 32 services on this route, for a total of 10,048 seats per leg. Edelweiss will be the only airline with operations between Switzerland and Seattle.

The US city currently has 9 non-stop connections to Europe, including Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Istanbul IST, London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Reykjavik. With respect to airlines, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, British Airways, Condor, Delta Air Lines, Finnair, Icelandair, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic operate in this market.

Schedule between Zurich and SeattleMonday and Saturday* WK 006 Zurich ZRH 13:00 · 14:50 SEA Seattle * WK 007 Seattle SEA 16:25 · 11:45+1 ZRH Zurich

A month later, the Lufthansa Group carrier will inaugurate services to Halifax, its third destination in Canada after Calgary and Vancouver, all from/to Zurich Kloten, Edelweiss Air’s hub.

The first flight between Kloten airport and Halifax will take place on July 3rd, 2025. As with Seattle, these operations will be conducted by Airbus A340-300s configured with two classes. Based on the current schedule, the airline expects to perform 28 flights until October 5th, when the last service is planned.

Halifax, according to our database, has 5 non-stop routes to/from Europe, between Air Canada, Condor, Discover Airlines, Icelandair and WestJet. Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, London (Gatwick/Heathrow) and Reykjavik are the destinations.

Unlike Seattle, given its proximity to Europe, much of the operations from Halifax are carried out with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Flights to Frankfurt, by Condor and Discover, are provided on Airbus A330-200s, Airbus A330-300s and Airbus A330-900neo.

Schedule between Zurich and HalifaxThursday and Sunday* WK 018 Zurich ZRH 13:50 · 16:20 YHZ Halifax * WK 019 Halifax YHZ 19:00 · 06:25+1 ZRH Zurich

Edelweiss Air routes to America (current frequencies)Map by gcmap.comCanada

ZRH – Calgary (YYC) – ZRH: 3 weekly · Airbus A340-300
ZRH – Vancouver (YVR) – ZRH: 7 weekly · Airbus A340-300

United States

ZRH – Denver (DEN) – ZRH: 3 weekly · Airbus A340-300
ZRH – Las Vegas (LAS) – ZRH: 3 weekly · Airbus A340-300
ZRH – Tampa (TPA) – ZRH: 4 weekly · Airbus A340-300

Current fleet

| Aircraft | Registration | Config | Age | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-IHX | Y174 | 25.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-IHY | Y174 | 25.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-IHZ | Y174 | 25 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-IJU | Y174 | 21.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-IJV | Y174 | 21 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-IJW | Y174 | 20.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JJK | Y174 | 23 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JJL | Y174 | 19 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JJM | Y174 | 18.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JJN | Y174 | 14.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JLP | Y180 | 13.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JLR | Y174 | 12.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JLS | Y174 | 12.5 years | | Airbus A320-214 | HB-JLT | Y174 | 11.5 years | | Airbus A340-313 | HB-JMC | C29Y271 | 21 years | | Airbus A340-313 | HB-JMD | C27Y287 | 21 years | | Airbus A340-313 | HB-JME | C27Y287 | 21 years | | Airbus A340-313 | HB-JMF | C27Y287 | 21 years | | Airbus A340-313 | HB-JMG | C27Y287 | 21 years | | Airbus A350-941 | HB-IHC (OE-LHF) | C30Y309 | 8 years |

Last March, Edelweiss Air confirmed the addition of its first Airbus A350-900 during Q1 2025. The company, which will become the first airline in Switzerland to have these aircraft, will add a total of six A350s, with the last scheduled to join by the end of 2026.

In accordance with the press release, the second will arrive in July 2025, the third in October 2025, the fourth by the end of the year and the last two by mid-2026. Edelweiss plans to retire A340-300s effective 2025.

Regarding the A350’s first long-haul destinations, Las Vegas and Vancouver will be the regular routes operated from/to Zurich. At publication time, flights to Las Vegas will commence in May 2025, while services to Vancouver will begin in July 2025, with the arrival of the second A350-900.

Edelweiss Air operates all of its long-haul routes using Airbus A340-300s.

It was recently seen at Shannon the first Edelweiss A350-900, registered OE-LHF (for the moment).

The aircraft departed the Irish city on Thursday, August 15th at 11:19 local time en route to Teruel. As can be seen on social media, the A350 already has the livery of Edelweiss, which received it at SNN.

This Airbus A350 is 7.7 years old and has been inactive since July 2021.

On December 30th, 2016, new from the factory, the A350 arrived in Belo Horizonte from Toulouse to join LATAM Airlines under the registration PR-XTG. Due to the pandemic, and to unify its international fleet, the Airbus A350s were withdrawn from the airline, being sent, most of them, to Victorville.

The Airbus A350-900 was incorporated in January 2024 by the Lufthansa Group, receiving its current registry OE-LHF. When added to Edelweiss, it will be re-registered as HB-IHC.

We review Edelweiss Air’s regular destinations, mainly to/from Zurich Kloten airport.

AfricaDjerba, Hurghada, Kilimanjaro, Marsa, Sharm el-Sheikh and Zanzibar.

AmericaCalgary, Cancún, Denver, Las Vegas, Liberia, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, San José (Costa Rica), Tampa and Vancouver.

AsiaAntalya, Bodrum and Dalaman.

EuropeAktion, Akureyri, Bari, Bergen, Biarritz, Bilbao, Cagliari, Catania, Chania, Corfu, Cork, Dubrovnik, Edinburgh, Evenes, Faro, Figari, Fuerteventura, Funchal, Gran Canaria, Heraklion, Ibiza, Jerez, Kalamata, Kos, Lamezia, Larnaca, Lanzarote, Menorca, Mykonos, Newquay, Ohrid, Olbia, Palma de Mallorca, Ponta Delgada, Pristina, Pula, Reykjavik, Rhodes, Samos, Santiago de Compostela, Santorini, Skopje, Split, Tenerife South, Tivat, Tromsø, Varna and Zakynthos.

Other reports we have published

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
ANA spreads its wings in Europe
ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes
Family and tourism: Royal Air Maroc launches two new routes

Cover photo: Luis Singer – JetPhotos (Zurich, Switzerland).

The post East and West: Edelweiss adds new North American routes appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode, Boeing’s 777X test fleet is grounded after separated or cracked thrust links are found on all three aircraft. An update on the VoePass 2283 investigation. Elliott Management, the activist investor group trying to replace Southwest Airlines’ board of directors and top management unveils its list of candidates for the board. There’s a battle among low cost carriers brewing in… Connecticut? And the FAA says check your 787 pilot seats for missing button covers.

Helpful links for this episode Boeing grounds 777X fleet after failure of key engine mounting structure — The Air Current* * Elliott Management Group’s full list of proposed Southwest Airlines directors

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 282: Just when everything was starting to go well appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Juneyao Airlines announced the launch of flights to Australia as of December 19th. The carrier will operate, at press time, two regular routes to/from Shanghai Pudong, which will have a daily frequency each using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

With this schedule, Juneyao will offer 2,268 seats a week on both routes, reaching nearly 10,000 monthly seats. The airline’s 787-9s have 324 seats in two seating classes (29 Business and 295 Economy).

Melbourne · December 19thDaily

HO 1655 Shanghai PVG 17:30 · 07:00+1 MEL Melbourne
HO 1656 Melbourne MEL 09:00 · 16:10 PVG Shanghai

Sydney · December 19th (to be confirmed)Daily

HO 1669 Shanghai PVG 17:10 · 06:30+1 SYD Sydney
HO 1670 Sydney SYD 08:30 · 16:00 PVG Shanghai

Juneyao Air currently operates from Shanghai Pudong to Athens, Bangkok, Brussels, Chiang Mai, Denpasar, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Jeju, Kaohsiung, Macau, Manchester, Nagoya, Osaka, Penang, Phuket, Sapporo, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), with respect to destinations outside China.

Routes to China from Melbourne and SydneyMap by gcmap.comMelbourne

Beijing (PEK): 4 weekly · Airbus A350-900 · Air China
Chengdu (TFU): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · Sichuan Airlines
Guangzhou (CAN): 10 weekly · Boeing 787-9 · China Southern
Haikou (HAK): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · Hainan Airlines
Hangzhou (HGH): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · Beijing Capital
Nanjing (NKG): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · China Eastern
Qingdao (TAO): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · Beijing Capital
Shanghai (PVG): 14 weekly · A333/A359/789 · China Eastern
Xiamen (XMN): 4 weekly · 788/789 · Xiamen Air

Sydney

Beijing (PEK): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 · Air China
Chengdu (TFU): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · Sichuan Airlines
Guangzhou (CAN): 14 weekly · A359/789 · China Southern
Haikou (HAK): 6 weekly · A332/789 · Hainan Airlines
Hangzhou (HGH): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · China Eastern
Jinan (TNA): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · China Eastern
Nanjing (NKG): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · China Eastern
Qingdao (TAO): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · Beijing Capital
Shanghai (PVG): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 · China Eastern
Shenzhen (SZX): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · China Southern
Wuhan (WUH): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · China Eastern
Xiamen (XMN): 6 weekly · 788/789 · Xiamen Air
Zhengzhou (CGO): 1 weekly · Airbus A330-200 · Tianjin Airlines

Rex Express enters voluntary administrationOn Tuesday, July 30th, the Australian airline entered voluntary administration, causing the cancellation of all its flights with Boeing 737-800 jets. At the time, Rex had 9 737-800s in its fleet, operating 13 scheduled routes within Australia.

The Boeing 737s had joined Rex’s fleet in December 2020, reaching 6 by mid-March 2021. In 2022 it added another 737, while other 3 during 2023.

Routes suspendedMap by gcmap.com* Adelaide (ADL) – Perth (PER) * Brisbane (BNE) – Adelaide (ADL) * Brisbane (BNE) – Cairns (CNS) * Melbourne (MEL) – Adelaide (ADL) * Melbourne (MEL) – Brisbane (BNE) * Melbourne (MEL) – Canberra (CBR) * Melbourne (MEL) – Gold Coast (OOL) * Melbourne (MEL) – Hobart (HBA) * Melbourne (MEL) – Perth (PER) * Melbourne (MEL) – Sydney (SYD) * Sydney (SYD) – Adelaide (ADL) * Sydney (SYD) – Brisbane (BNE) * Sydney (SYD) – Gold Coast (OOL)

We review other highlights of the Asia and Oceania market during August Aeroflot adds two international routes. * Aero Mongolia boosts international flights from Ulaanbaatar. * AirAsia X will operate between Kuala Lumpur and Chongqing. * Air Macau to add a new route to Taiwan. * Air India Express began several connections. * Aircalin increases capacity on its Noumea – Nadi – Papeete route. * Asiana Airlines will resume its services to Sydney with Airbus A380 aircraft (during peak season). * Cathay Pacific to extend seasonal flights between Hong Kong and Christchurch. * Cebu Pacific increases frequencies to Melbourne. * Donghai Airlines will fly between Nantong and Jeju. * HK Express to have operations to Penang from Hong Kong. * IndiGo expands flights on several international routes. * Jeju Air will serve between Seoul Gimp and Kaohsiung. * Jetstar Asia to launch flights to Sri Lanka. * Qanot Sharq modified its operations in Moscow. * Qingdao Airlines, Scoot, Shanghai Airlines, Super Air, Thai AirAsia and Vietnam Airlines add new connections. * Virgin Australia confirms an order for 8 new Embraer E-2s.*

AeroflotThe Russian airline will resume two international routes in September, one to/from Moscow Sheremetyevo and the other from/to Yekaterinburg.

Map by gcmap.com Yekaterinburg (SVX) – Phuket (HKT): 2 weekly · September 13th · Airbus A330-300 * Moscow (SVO) – Denpasar (DPS): 3 weekly · September 17th · Airbus A350-900*

Aero MongoliaEffective December, Aero Mongolia will increase frequencies on two of its international connections. The company offers these routes with Airbus A319:

Map by gcmap.com Tokyo Narita (NRT): from 2 to 3 weekly · December 1st * Seoul Incheon (ICN): from 3 to 4 weekly · December 5th*

AirAsiaAirAsia X will resume on October 15th its operations between Kuala Lumpur and Chongqing. According to its website, the carrier will have four flights per week by Airbus A330-300s with a capacity of 377 passengers.

Tuesday/Sunday and Thursday/Saturday* D7 808 Kuala Lumpur KUL 18:50/20:05 · 23:30/00:45+1 CKG Chongqing

Monday/Wednesday and Friday/Sunday* D7 809 Chongqing CKG 00:45/02:00 · 05:55/07:10 KUL Kuala Lumpur

Air AstanaThe company will launch services between Almatý and Phu Quoc, a route that will start with two weekly frequencies as of October 28th, increasing to 3 from December 14th.

Monday and Wednesday* KC 161 Almatý ALA 22:45 · 08:15+1 PQC Phu Quoc

Tuesday and Thursday* KC 162 Phu Quoc PQC 09:45 · 15:50 ALA Almatý

New flight on Saturdays from Almatý and from Phu Quoc on Sundays.

Air Astana will fly using its Airbus A321neo.

Air MacauMacau – Taichung, Air Macau’s new route to Taiwan.

The airline will commence operations beginning November 1st, with 158-seat Airbus A320-200.

Monday and Friday* NX 684 Macau MFM 17:15 · 18:50 RMQ Taichung * NX 685 Taichung RMQ 19:40 · 21:20 MFM Macau

Thursday and Saturday* NX 686 Macau MFM 07:05 · 08:50 RMQ Taichung * NX 687 Taichung RMQ 09:40 · 11:25 MFM Macau

Starlux and Tigerair Taiwan offer flights between the two cities.

Air India ExpressOn August 12th, Air India Express started five new routes, to be operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as follows:

Map by gcmap.com Chennai (MAA) – Bhubaneswar (BBI): 7 weekly * Chennai (MAA) – Siliguri (IXB): 7 weekly * Guwahati (GAU) – Jaipur (JAI): 7 weekly * Kolkata (CCU) – Guwahati (GAU): 7 weekly * Kolkata (CCU) – Varanasi (VNS): 7 weekly*

AircalinThe New Caledonian carrier will modify its Noumea – Nadi – Papeete route schedule during October, planning two flights with Airbus A330neo.

Currently, Aircalin provides one frequency a week using 168-seat Airbus A320neo planes.

Tuesday (Oct 8th and 15th)* SB 630 Noumea NOU 10:35 · 13:30 NAN Nadi * SB 630 Nadi NAN 14:55 · 21:20 PPT Papeete

The aircraft lands in Papeete on Monday and departs on Tuesday.

SB 631 Papeete PPT 12:45 · 16:00+1 NAN Nadi
SB 631 Nadi NAN 17:25+1 · 18:35+1 NOU Noumea

Armenian AirlinesYerevan – Volgograd, Russia, new route of Armenian Airlines.

Services will begin on October 6th, and will be carried out weekly by Airbus A321-200s with a capacity of 220 passengers.

Sunday* JI 138 Yerevan EVN 19:25 · 20:30 VOG Volgograd * JI 139 Volgograd VOG 22:00 · 01:15+1 EVN Yerevan

Armenian Airlines offers flights from EVN to Batumi, Kazan, Mineralnye, Moscow SVO, Sochi and Ufa.

Asiana AirlinesAsiana’s Airbus A380s will be back in Sydney effective December 1st.

The airline is once again scheduling these aircraft on its route to/from Seoul Incheon, which have 495 seats (12 First, 66 Business and 417 Economy).

Daily* OZ 601 Seoul ICN 20:00 · 08:30+1 SYD Sydney * OZ 602 Sydney SYD 10:30 · 19:00 ICN Seoul

At present, Asiana operates daily with Airbus A350-900s seating 311 passengers.

Batik Air MalaysiaThe Malaysian company will start flying on October 1st to Jakarta from Penang. Batik Air Malaysia will run, according to its website, one service per day on this route using Boeing 737-800 jets.

Daily* OD 342 Jakarta CGK 11:10 · 14:40 PEN Penang * OD 343 Penang PEN 15:40 · 17:10 CGK Jakarta

AirAsia, Batik Air and Indonesia AirAsia have operations by Airbus A320.

Cambodia Angkor AirOn Tuesday, August 27th at 12:10 local time, Cambodia Angkor Air’s first service is scheduled to take off from Hong Kong for Koror, Palau. These flights will be operated three weekly with 180-seat Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* K6 680 Hong Kong HKG 12:10/12:40 · 17:00/17:30 ROR Koror * K6 681 Koror ROR 18:00/18:30 · 20:45/21:15 HKG Hong Kong

Cathay PacificThe airline plans to extend its seasonal flights to Christchurch through March 27th, 2025. Initially, Cathay Pacific was scheduled to serve from Hong Kong until the end of February 2025.

Operations will be conducted on Airbus A350-900s starting December 13th.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* CX 123 Hong Kong HKG 21:05 · 13:20+1 CHC Christchurch

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* CX 126 Christchurch CHC 14:50 · 21:20 HKG Hong Kong

With respect to other New Zealand cities, Cathay currently provides five flights a week to Auckland by Airbus A350-1000s.

Cebu PacificMore operations to Melbourne.

Cebu Pacific Air intends to increase its services from/to Manila, a route it offers with three weekly frequencies using Airbus A330neo aircraft. In accordance with its website, the company will begin operating a fourth flight per week from November 23rd.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* 5J 49 Manila MNL 12:45 · 00:05+1 MEL Melbourne

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* 5J 50 Melbourne MEL 01:25 · 06:40 MNL Manila

China SouthernAfter four and a half years, on September 21st, the company will resume services between Shenyang and Nagoya. China Southern will perform three weekly flights on Airbus A320 planes under the following schedule:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* CZ 697 Shenyang SHE 08:10 · 12:10 NGO Nagoya * CZ 698 Nagoya NGO 13:10 · 15:15 SHE Shenyang

Donghai AirlinesOn September 2nd, Donghai will commence the Nantong – Jeju route, which will be operated two times a week by 188-seat Boeing 737-800s.

Monday and Friday* DZ 6329 Nantong NTG 13:50 · 16:30 CJU Jeju * DZ 6330 Jeju CJU 17:30 · 18:10 NTG Nantong

Donghai Airlines will be the only carrier to serve between Nantong and Jeju.

EVA AirThe carrier will boost its flight frequency from Kaohsiung effective October 27th, reaching daily on two routes.

Map by gcmap.com Macau (MFM): from 3 to 7 weekly · October 27th * Seoul (ICN): from 6 to 7 weekly · October 27th*

Fiji AirwaysFor winter season, Fiji Airways will increase its operations between Nadi and Tarawa, currently performed twice weekly.

Beginning December 7th, the airline will offer three flights per week, which will be served on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* FJ 231 Nadi NAN 07:30 · 10:35 TRW Tarawa * FJ 230 Tarawa TRW 11:50 · 14:55 NAN Nadi

New flight on Saturdays.

HK ExpressThe first HK Express service to Penang will depart from Hong Kong on November 21st. Flights will have a daily frequency with Airbus A320-200.

Daily* UO 748 Hong Kong HKG 20:10 · 00:10+1 PEN Penang * UO 749 Penang PEN 00:45 · 04:40 HKG Hong Kong

HK Express has 37 aircraft in its fleet (16 A320s and 21 A321s).

IndiGoDuring October, IndiGo will boost frequencies on four of its international routes, which are carried by 186-seat Airbus A320neo jets.

Map by gcmap.com Chennai (MAA) – Colombo (CMB): from 14 to 21 weekly · October 15th * Chennai (MAA) – Singapore (SIN): from 14 to 21 weekly · October 15th * Mumbai (BOM) – Jeddah (JED): from 4 to 7 weekly · October 27th * Mumbai (BOM) – Kuwait City (KWI): from 3 to 7 weekly · October 27th*

Jazeera AirwaysThe Kuwaiti low cost carrier will restart two routes to India from Kuwait City, the airline’s main hub.

Map by gcmap.com Thiruvananthapuram (TRV): 1 weekly · Airbus A320 · October 28th * Ahmedabad (AMD): 1 weekly · Airbus A320 · November 2nd*

Jeju AirAccording to its website, on October 17th, Jeju Air will inaugurate flights between Seoul Gimp and Kaohsiung. The company will operate three frequencies a week on Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured for 189 passengers.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* 7C 4505 Seoul GMP 09:10 · 11:10 KHH Kaohsiung * 7C 4506 Kaohsiung KHH 12:00 · 15:50 GMP Seoul

At the time of publication, the flights are scheduled through October 27th.

JetstarJetstar Asia will launch operations to Sri Lanka on November 21st. As stated on its website, the airline will conduct five weekly flights between Singapore and Colombo with Airbus A320-200s.

Thursday and Sunday* 3K 333 Singapore SIN 08:55 · 10:30 CMB Colombo * 3K 334 Colombo CMB 11:30 · 18:00 SIN Singapore

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* 3K 331 Singapore SIN 21:00 · 22:30 CMB Colombo * 3K 332 Colombo CMB 23:30 · 06:00+1 SIN Singapore

Singapore Airlines and SriLankan Airlines provide one daily frequency each on this route, by Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s respectively.

Jetstar Asia Airways operates from Singapore, its hub, to Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

Qanot SharqThe Uzbek airline changed its operations in Moscow, switching to the Russian city’s Domodedovo airport. Previously, Qanot Sharq had services to Moscow Vnukovo.

Map by gcmap.comFirst flight to DME Fergana (FEG): 2 weekly · August 5th * Tashkent (TAS): 9 weekly · August 5th * Namangan (NMA): 2 weekly · August 6th * Bukhara (BHK): 2 weekly · August 7th * Samarkand (SKD): 2 weekly · August 8th*

Qingdao AirlinesJinghong – Vientiane, Qingdao Airlines’ new route.

This new connection to Laos will start on August 21st, and will have three flights per week with Airbus A320-200 aircraft of 158 seats in two classes.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* QW 6081 Jinghong JHG 07:00 · 07:10 VTE Vientiane * QW 6082 Vientiane VTE 08:10 · 10:15 JHG Jinghong

RexWe review the Boeing 737-800s retired from Rex’s fleet, and where each is currently located.

VH-8JS: Stored in Sydney
VH-8KH: Stored in Melbourne
VH-8ZL: Stored in Brisbane
VH-MFM: Stored in Melbourne
VH-PAG: Stored in Melbourne (since June 10th)
VH-REX: Stored in Melbourne
VH-RQC: Stored in Adelaide
VH-RQP: Stored in Melbourne
VH-RYU: Stored in Sydney

The Boeing 737 with registration VH-RQG had been retired in February.

Rex Express’ fleet now consists of 57 Saab 340s, but not all of them are operational. According to our database, 23 of the 57 are grounded for different reasons.

ScootThe low-cost company will add two new connections between September and October.

Scoot will fly to Kertajati and Malacca from Singapore. In both cases, the carrier will use its new Embraer E190-E2s, which are configured for 112 passengers.

Map by gcmap.com Kertajati (KJT): 2 weekly · September 28th * Malacca (MKZ): 5 weekly · October 23rd*

Shanghai AirlinesAs of September 1st, the airline expects to operate between Shanghai Pudong and Hong Kong. Services will have, at publication time, a weekly frequency on Boeing 737-800s.

Sunday* FM 811 Shanghai PVG 09:40 · 12:45 HKG Hong Kong * FM 812 Hong Kong HKG 13:55 · 16:45 PVG Shanghai

Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Juneyao Air offer flights on this route.

Super AirMedan – Surabaya, Super Air’s new domestic route.

The Indonesian company’s first operation to Surabaya departed Medan at 08:28 local time on August 15th. Super Air will perform daily service by Airbus A320-200 aircraft, in accordance with our database.

Daily* IU 363 Medan KNO 08:00 · 11:10 SUB Surabaya * IU 362 Surabaya SUB 12:00 · 15:10 KNO Medan

Super Air Jet is the only airline to fly between both cities.

Thai AirAsiaThe company intends to add flights to Nepal from October 2nd, with the launch of services on the Bangkok DMK – Kathmandu route.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* FD 182 Bangkok DMK 11:50 · 14:00 KTM Kathmandu * FD 183 Kathmandu KTM 15:00 · 19:35 DMK Bangkok

Vietnam AirlinesEffective October 27th, the SkyTeam member announced the resumption of operations between Hanoi and Phnom Penh. Vietnam Airlines plans four weekly frequencies on A321 jets, as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* VN 923 Hanoi HAN 17:10 · 19:05 PNH Phnom Penh * VN 922 Phnom Penh PNH 20:00 · 21:55 HAN Hanoi

The Airbus A321s are configured for 184 passengers in two seating classes (16 Business and 168 Economy).

Virgin AustraliaMore and new planes for its fleet.

Virgin Australia confirmed that it has placed an order for eight Embraer E190-E2s, returning operations with Embraer aircraft after a seven-year hiatus. The Australian airline is scheduled to start service with the E190-E2s from October 2025.

At the time of publication, these jets will be focused on the charter market, which Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) operates.

Virgin Australia fleet Boeing 737-700: 9 * Boeing 737-800: 75 * Boeing 737 MAX 8: 7*

In the short term, Virgin will add its eighth 737 MAX 8 (registration VH-8IH).

Virgin’s ATR and Embraer – 2013Virgin Australia Regional Airlines fleet Airbus A320-200: 7 * Fokker 100:* 3

We review the aircraft added by airlines in the Asia and Oceania market during July and August AirAsia * Air Astana (x2) * Air China * Air India * Air India Express (x2) * All Nippon Airways * Cebu Pacific * China Eastern Airlines * China Southern Airlines * EVA Air * Hainan Airlines (x2) * IndiGo (x7) * Japan Airlines (x2) * Korean Air * QantasLink * Qingdao Airlines * Pegasus (x2) * Shanghai Airlines * Thai AirAsia * Vietnam Airlines * Xiamen Air*

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-251N | Hainan Airlines | B-32GL | TLS-MCTMCT-HAK | July 20thJuly 21st | | Airbus A320-271N | Qingdao Airlines | B-328Y | QYF-ALA-TAO | July 20th | | Boeing 787-9 | ANA | JA926A | PAE-HND | July 22nd | | Airbus A321-271NX | Pegasus | TC-RFB | TLS-SAW | July 22nd | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICX | XFW-DEL | July 23rd | | Airbus A321-251NX | AirAsia | 9M-VAC | XFW-MCTMCT-KUL | July 23rdJuly 24th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXG | TLS-DEL | July 24th | | Airbus A330-941 | Cebu Pacific | RP-C3908 | TLS-MNL | July 25th | | Boeing 787-10 | EVA Air | B-17810 | PAE-TPE | July 25th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXH | TLS-DEL | July 25th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Thai AirAsia | HS-EAD | XFW-DWC-BKK | July 25th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Pegasus | TC-RDZ | TLS-SAW | July 26th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Shanghai Airlines | B-225G | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-PVG | July 26thJuly 27thJuly 29th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air China | B-226A | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-PEK | July 27thJuly 28thJuly 30th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | China Southern | B-20D3 | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-CAN | July 27thJuly 28thJuly 30th | | Airbus A320-251N | Air India | VT-RIO | TLS-DEL | July 30th | | Boeing 787-10 | Vietnam Airlines | VN-A878 | CHS-HAN | July 30th | | Airbus A350-1041 | Japan Airlines | JA04WJ | TLS-HND | July 31st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Xiamen Air | B-20CR | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-XMN | July 31stAugust 1stAugust 3rd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWF | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | July 31stAugust 2nd | | Airbus A220-300 | QantasLink | VH-X4C | YMX-YVRYVR-HNLHNL-NANNAN-CBR | August 2ndAugust 3rdAugust 4thAugust 6th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Hainan Airlines | B-225H | PAE-HNLHNL-SPNSPN-HAK | August 6thAugust 7thAugust 9th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWG | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | August 7thAugust 9th | | Boeing 787-10 | Korean Air | HL8535 | CHS-ICN | August 7th | | Airbus A320-271N | Air Astana | EI-KIB | TLS-NQZ | August 8th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXI | TLS-DEL | August 9th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-IRV | XFW-DEL | August 9th | | Airbus A350-1041 | Japan Airlines | JA05WJ | TLS-HND | August 10th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXF | TLS-DEL | August 13th | | Airbus A320-251N | China Eastern | B-32HV | TLS-NQZNQZ-PVG | August 14thAugust 15th | | Airbus A320-271N | Air Astana | EI-KIC | TLS-ALA | August 15th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-IWN | XFW-DEL | August 16th |

*It’s not new from the factory.

Other reports we have published

Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
ANA spreads its wings in Europe
ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes
Family and tourism: Royal Air Maroc launches two new routes

Cover photo: Seth Jaworski – JetPhotos (Sydney, Australia).

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Madeira’s Funchal Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) has encountered a notable level of delays and cancellations over the past 72 hours due to strong winds. Whilst the airport is notorious for such winds, their persistent strength and continuity since August 17 have made conditions at Funchal notably challenging. Let’s take a look at the data.

CancellationsMadeira’s airport has seen a total of 56 cancellations since August 17. 37 departing flights and 19 arriving flights have been canceled so far, representing 24% and 12% of arriving and departing traffic. For context, only around 3% of total flights to and from the airport have been canceled so far in 2024.

The airline most affected has been Tap Air Portugal (TP), who have canceled a total of 19 flights since August 17. Also notably affected have been Ryanair (FR), easyJet (U2) and Binter Canarias (NT).

Wild landings: why Madeira is planespotter heavenDiversionsWe tracked a total of 24 diverted flights inbound to Funchal between August 17-18. Ryanair aircraft diverted most frequently, a total of 6 diversions.

Where do those aircraft divert to?We tracked diversions to 8 airports between August 17-18. The most common diversion airport was Lisbon Airport (LIS), which received a total of 6 diverted flights. Lisbon was the most common diversion destination for Ryanair and easyJet, followed closely by Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Other diversion airports include Fuerteventura (FUE), Arrecife (ACE) and Barcelona (BCN), which was the most distant diversion airport at a distance of 1039 nautical miles.

Madeira is well known for having an exciting approach, particularly when on runway 05, as the airport is located beneath large cliffs that often create turbulence from Atlantic winds and suffers from downdrafts and wind shear. As such, Madeira is one of our top 10 flight tracking hotspots.

Cover photo: Piotrek Lipinski, JetPhotos.

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Air India (AI/AIC), the flag carrier airline of India, was founded in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata as Tata Airlines. Initially, it operated mail services between Karachi and Bombay, using a single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft. After World War II, the airline became a public limited company and was renamed Air India in 1946. In 1948, it launched international flights, starting with a route to London. Air India became fully government-owned in 1953. Over the decades, it expanded its global network, symbolizing India’s aviation presence worldwide. In 2021, the airline was privatized and returned to Tata Group ownership. Air India is going through something of a renaissance in 2024, with a refreshed brand identity and new aircraft joining the fleet. Let’s take a look at the makeup of the fleet in August 2024.

Airline news Air India rebrands, unveils new logo and liveryThe Air India fleet todayToday, the Air India fleet comprises 145 aircraft, a mix of widebody and narrowbody jets. Narrowbody jets account for 58% of the fleet, with widebodies making up the remaining 42%.

The newest Air India aircraftThe newest widebody jet in service with Air India is VT-JRI, an Airbus A350-941 built in September 2023. This is one of 6 A350 aircraft originally destined for service with Russian carrier Aeroflot (SU/AFL), and were re-assigned to Air India following sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since entering service, this aircraft has exclusively performed domestic flights within India to airports including Hyderabad (HYD), Chennai (MAA) and Bengaluru (BLR).

Whilst VT-JRI is the newest aircraft in service, another A350, currently registered F-WHUG, is currently going through the latter stages of flight testing with Airbus at Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) ahead of delivery to Air India.

The newest narrowbody aircraft in the Air India fleet is VT-RIO, an Airbus A320-251neo built in July 2024. Based in Delhi (DEL), the aircraft has operated around 4 flights per day to airports such as Visakhapatnam (VTZ), Hyderabad (HYD) and Ahmedabad (AMD) since being delivered from Toulouse on July 30, 2024. We don’t have a picture of this aircraft yet, so below is a snap of VT-RTZ, another Air India A320neo.

The oldest Air India aircraftThe oldest active Air India aircraft is VT-ALJ, a 16-year-old Boeing 777-337(ER) built in September 2007. Based in Delhi (DEL), this aircraft operates domestic flights to destinations including Mumbai (BOM) and Chennai (MAA), as well as international routes to Toronto (YYZ), New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD). The aircraft currently wears Air India’s ‘Star Alliance’ livery.

The oldest narrowbody aircraft in the Air India fleet is VT-SCF, a 17-year-old Airbus A319-112 built in October 2006. This aircraft, built as MSN02907, operates daily flights to airports including Phuket (HKT), Vadodara (BDQ) and Coimbatore (CJB) from its base in Dehli (DEL).

Discover Flightradar24’s data servicesWe are able to share insights like these thanks to having the most extensive live and historic flight data at our fingertips. We provide a stable, secure and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

Learn more about Flightradar24 data for businessHave you flown on any of these Air India aircraft?

Cover photo: JC_AM, JetPhotos.

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On 5 August a severe hailstorm passed through Calgary, damaging nearly two dozen aircraft at Calgary International Airport. Among those damaged were 16 WestJet aircraft that were at the airport at the time. While WestJet hasn’t confirmed which specific aircraft were damaged by the hail storm, Flightradar24 data indicates which aircraft have not flown since the storm.

Image courtesy WestJetWhich aircraft were damaged?Flightradar24 data indicates 20 possible aircraft that were on the ground in Calgary at the time of the storm. WestJet states that 16 aircraft suffered damage significant enough to require inspection and repair.

| Registration | Aircraft type | Status (16 Aug) | | --- | --- | --- | | C-FBWI | Boeing 737-8CT | In Calgary | | C-FWEW | De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 | In Calgary | | C-FWSV | Boeing 737-7CT | In Calgary | | C-GDEW | De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 | In Calgary | | C-GENU | De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 | In Calgary | | C-GFJM | Boeing 737-8 MAX | In Calgary | | C-GFVN | Boeing 737-8 MAX | In Calgary | | C-GFVX | Boeing 737-8 MAX | In Calgary | | C-GOCD | Boeing 737-8CT | In Calgary | | C-GPFT | Boeing 737-8 MAX | Returned to service 14 Aug | | C-GWBU | Boeing 737-8CT | In Calgary | | C-GWCN | Boeing 737-7CT | In Calgary | | C-GWEJ | De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 | In Calgary | | C-GWJT | Boeing 737-7CT | In Calgary | | C-GWSV | Boeing 737-8CT | In Calgary | | C-GWSX | Boeing 737-8CT | Ferried to Toronto 14 Aug | | C-GYLP | Boeing 737-8 MAX | In Calgary | | C-GYSD | Boeing 737-8CT | Ferried to Toronto 10 Aug | | C-GYWJ | Boeing 737-7CT | In Calgary |

How WestJet is returning aircraft to serviceWestJet released a video this week detailing some of the inspection processes and repair options WestJet is pursuing to return its fleet to service. Measures included teams working 24 hours per day on inspection and repair and the hiring of outside Aircraft Maintenance Engineers to help complete the work.

Effects of the groundingWestJet has canceled nearly 700 since the storm, mostly affecting flights via its hub in Calgary.

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On this week’s AvTalk, we’re joined by Nomadic Aviation Group founder and pilot Steve Giordano to discuss the circumstances around the crash of VoePass flight 2283. Giordano breaks down some of the important terms surrounding the accident and describes in detail the key points of turboprop flying as it relates to what we know so far about the crash and the conditions in the area at the time.

Helpful links when listening to this episode* ADS-B data and flight playback * Deicing boots on an ATR 72’s wing

Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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Updated: August 16, 2024 – 09:00 UTC.

Typhoon Ampil, a category 4 storm, has caused significant disruption to flights to Tokyo’s Airports. We used our data to look at the airports and airlines affected.

AirportsThe most notable impact has been on Tokyo’s two airports – Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT).

Tokyo Haneda Airport has seen a total of 935 canceled flights. That equates to 69% of departing flights and 72% of arriving flights. Tokyo Narita has fared slightly better so far, with a total of 349 cancellations, representing 50% of departures and arrivals.

Tokyo’s Haneda AirportAirlinesAll Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) has been most affected by the disruption, with 362 total cancellations so far. Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) has also been significantly affected, with 346 flights affected. Other airlines making the top five include Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP), Solaseed Air (6J/SNJ), and Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY).

Learn more about Flightradar24 for businessThe post Typhoon Ampil cancels over 1,284 flights in Tokyo appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On August 11, 2024, LOT Polish Airlines (LO/LOT) flight LO11 from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to New York’s Newark Airport (EWR) was forced to return to Warsaw due to a bomb threat. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, registered as SP-LRC, departed Warsaw at 15:32 UTC and climbed to a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet. Approximately 780 miles into its journey, near the town of Norheim, north of Stavanger, Norway, the flight made a 180-degree turn and began its return to Warsaw. The aircraft landed safely back in Warsaw at 16:58 UTC. The bomb threat was later determined to be a hoax.

LOT Flight 11's round trip to Warsaw ChopinLO11 - Watch the flight playbackWhat caused the bomb threat?The bomb threat that forced the diversion of LO11 was later revealed to be part of a phone spoofing incident, with the threat call originating from a number associated with Michał “Boxdel” Baron, a Polish influencer. Baron, along with several others, was detained by the police following the incident. However, it soon emerged that Baron was likely a victim of “Caller ID Spoofing,” a cybercrime technique where attackers manipulate the caller ID to display a false identity. In this case, the perpetrators used Baron’s phone number to falsely report a bomb on board the aircraft.

Policjanci z Legionowa i OPP zatrzymali 8 osób podejrzewanych o wywołanie fałszywego alarmu bombowego na pokładzie samolotu lecącego z Warszawy do USA. To mężczyźni w wieku od 23 do 60 lat. Trawają czynności w kierunku artykułu 224a kk. Pasażerowie zostali bezpieczenie ewakuowani pic.twitter.com/p7RkJ202Gk

— Policja Warszawa (@Policja_KSP) August 11, 2024

Baron, who is well-known as one of the owners of the freak-fight federation Fame MMA, was released after giving his statement to the authorities. His phone was secured by the police for further analysis, and he was officially recognized as a victim in this case. This incident follows a similar spoofing attack earlier in the year involving another Polish public figure, Krzysztof Stanowski.

The case has garnered significant attention, not only because of the high-profile individuals involved but also due to the serious nature of the false alarm. The Polish prosecutor’s office has taken up the investigation, with a focus on identifying the individuals responsible for the spoofing attack. As of now, eight people have been detained in connection with the case, and the authorities are considering multiple charges under the Polish Penal Code, which stipulates severe penalties for causing public alarm through false reports

Phone spoofing vs. GPS SpoofingWhilst we don’t know much about phone spoofing, we can talk about another kind of spoofing! Phone spoofing is not a dissimilar problem to GPS spoofing, an increasingly prevalent issue in aviation. GPS spoofing consists of transmitting a look-alike signal that GPS receivers will decode to place an aircraft at an incorrect position and/or time. GPS Spoofing is a 100% deliberate action. Spoofing can only be caused by purpose-built devices which have their origins in military operations, or can be built by individuals with nefarious intent.

Video - Learn more about GPS spoofingFor a clearer view of GPS jamming and spoofing around the world, check out our GPS Jamming Map.

Check out our GPS jamming mapCover photo: Chaichai, JetPhotos.

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Air China inaugurated operations between Chengdu and Milan on July 29th. The airline, in accordance with our database, will offer three services a week by Airbus A350-900s configured for 312 passengers in two classes, which represents more than 3,500 monthly seats each way.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* CA 445 Chengdu TFU 01:50 · 07:30 MXP Milan * CA 446 Milan MXP 12:45 · 05:45+1 TFU Chengdu

The Air China route schedule to/from Malpensa airport reaches four regular connections, for a total of 21 weekly frequencies between them, operated with Airbus A330-200 and A350-900 aircraft.

Air China’s routes in the China-Italy marketMap by gcmap.comMilan Malpensa

Beijing (PEK): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900
Chengdu (TFU): 3 weekly · Airbus A350-900
Shanghai (PVG): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900
Wenzhou (WNZ): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200

Rome Fiumicino

Beijing (PEK): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)
Hangzhou (HGH): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300

All Nippon Airways returns to Vienna after four and a half yearsThe first service arrived in the Austrian capital on August 2nd at 06:05 local time from Tokyo Haneda. ANA will have three flights per week on this route with 244-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets.

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* NH 205 Tokyo HND 22:45 · 06:20+1 VIE Vienna

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday* NH 206 Vienna VIE 11:25 · 06:55+1 HND Tokyo

Vienna joins Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Munich and Paris as its destinations in Europe. Furthermore, as we published in this article, the Japanese airline will add three new connections to Europe between December 2024 and February 2025.

Croatia Airlines incorporates its first Airbus A220On July 30th at 10:01 local time, Croatia Airlines’ first Airbus A220-300, named “Zagreb”, landed at Franjo Tuđman Airport. The aircraft, new from the factory, arrived from Montreal YMX via Copenhagen on a nearly 11-hour ferry flight.

Jasmin Bajić, President of the Management Board and CEO of Croatia Airlines, said: “This day will go down in history as the start of a new era in the history of Croatia Airlines, in the history of Croatian aviation and the Croatian state, as well as in the hearts of all of us that have gathered here, and all our employees and passengers. Today, a new era begins, one in which new development opportunities for Croatia’s tourism product and economy are opening up.”

Then, he commented: “Thanks to our great Airbus A220 fleet, we can now successfully spread our wings to new destinations, and optimize our flight network, while being more energy efficient, consuming less fuel and, most importantly, enhancing both passenger and stakeholder satisfaction. I look forward to the arrival of every new Airbus in our fleet because, with each arrival, we are getting closer to achieving the goal that we set together in our Post-COVID-19 Strategy, while consistently following our mission and vision, aware at every moment of the importance of Croatia Airlines for the Croatian state and its passengers.”

Croatia Airlines is scheduled to add its second Airbus A220 by the end of this year, six during 2025, four in 2026 and three in 2027. Considering the A220 Family, the airline will have 13 Airbus A220-300s with 147 seats, and two Airbus A220-100s configured for 129 passengers.

Croatia Airlines via LinkedInWe review other highlights of the European market during July and August Aer Lingus adds three routes from Dublin. * Aeroitalia started operations between Bacau and Cuneo. * Air France schedules flights to Las Vegas. * Aurigny Air will have charter services between Guernsey and Ibiza. * Bees Airlines began regular passenger flights. * British Airways to boost frequencies on its London – Bangkok route. * Corendon and SunExpress add services to Europe. * Emirates changes its operations between Dubai and Edinburgh. * Eurowings to increase routes in the Sweden – Italy market. * Finnair boosts flights to London Heathrow. * French Bee to introduce Airbus A350-1000 on Paris Orly – Newark route. * KLM schedules new routes with its Airbus A321neo. * LOT will commence operations to Portugal. * Qantas changes its schedule between Perth and London. * Ryanair to fly to Naples from Tirana. * Smartwings Slovakia schedules charter flights between Bratislava and Doha. * Swiss will have services to Málaga with Airbus A330-300. * Virgin to introduce the A330neo on more routes to the United States. * Wizz Air will launch new connections within Europe.*

Aer LingusThe Irish company will inaugurate three new destinations to/from Dublin in late October. At the time of publication, Aer Lingus will offer this schedule, with Airbus A320s:

Map by gcmap.com Malta (MLA): 3 weekly · October 25th * Seville (SVQ): 3 weekly · October 25th * Marrakech (RAK): 3 weekly · October 26th*

Its only competitor on these three routes will be Ryanair, which operates using Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

AeroitaliaOn August 4th at 15:34 local time, Aeroitalia’s inaugural flight from Bacau, Romania, arrived in Cuneo. The airline will perform two services a week between the two cities with Boeing 737-800s configured for 189 passengers.

Wednesday and Sunday* XZ 3315 Bacau BCM 12:00 · 13:30 CUF Cuneo * XZ 3314 Cuneo CUF 14:20 · 17:40 BCM Bacau

Aeroitalia reaches three destinations from/to Bacau, after Milan Bergamo and Rome Fiumicino, while Cuneo joins the company’s regular schedule.

Air FranceAs we published in the USA/Canada report, American will add international flights from Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, which will take place in the U.S. city during the first fortnight of January.

Regarding Air France, the airline will operate services to Las Vegas between January 5th and 12th, 2025, coinciding with this event.

Flights will be every day except January 8th, with 324-seat Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Daily except Jan 8th* AF 304 Paris CDG 10:45 · 13:05 LAS Las Vegas * AF 305 Las Vegas LAS 15:15 · 10:35+1 CDG Paris

Aurigny Air ServicesFor summer season, Aurigny Air will perform seasonal operations between Guernsey and Ibiza, which will be carried out on 72-seat ATR 72-600s. The first service is scheduled for August 17th.

Saturday* GR 800 Guernsey GCI 14:00 · 18:00 IBZ Ibiza * GR 801 Ibiza IBZ 18:40 · 20:40 GCI Guernsey

Aurigny will be the only company to operate this route.

Bees AirlinesThe Romanian carrier Bees began its commercial passenger flights on August 5th with its Airbus A320-200.

Bucharest – Heraklion was the first regular route launched, and the company plans to continue adding connections to/from Bucharest during August, as well as flights from/to Chișinău and Suceava.

Map by gcmap.com Bucharest (OTP) – Heraklion (HER): 2 weekly · August 5th * Bucharest (OTP) – Prague (PRG): 3 weekly · August 23rd * Bucharest (OTP) – Verona (VRN): 2 weekly · August 27th * Chișinău (RMO) – Verona (VRN): 2 weekly · August 27th * Bucharest (OTP) – Tel Aviv (TLV): 2 weekly · August 29th * Suceava (SCV) – Tel Aviv (TLV): 1 weekly · September 8th * Suceava (SCV) – Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (FKB): 2 weekly · October 11th*

British AirwaysBy winter 2025, British Airways intends to boost its frequencies between London Gatwick and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. The airline will commence this route on October 28th with three operations per week using Boeing 777-200(ER) jets.

According to its website, British will reach five weekly services from January 10th, 2025.

Daily except Tuesday and Wednesday* BA 2231 London LGW 21:15 · 16:10+1 BKK Bangkok

Daily except Wednesday and Thursday* BA 2230 Bangkok BKK 22:50 · 05:30+1 LGW London

As of October 28th, flights will depart from Gatwick on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, while on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from the Thai capital.

Corendon AirlinesThe company will operate two new routes between Gazipaşa, Türkiye, and Germany during October. Both will be carried out twice weekly by Boeing 737-800s with 188 seats.

Map by gcmap.com Berlin (BER): effective October 4th * Leipzig (LEJ): effective October 6th*

Croatia AirlinesAs can be seen through our database, the first regular service of its A220, registered 9A-CAE, was on August 7th between Zagreb and Frankfurt, covering flight OU 416.

The aircraft departed the Croatian capital at 09:21 arriving at FRA at 10:35, after a 1 hour and 14 minutes flight.

Croatia Airlines fleet Airbus A220-300: 1 * Airbus A319-100: 4 * Airbus A320-200: 3 * De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400:* 6

In addition to the first scheduled flight of the A220, Croatia Airlines celebrated on Wednesday, August 7th its 35th anniversary. Zagreb Airlines was registered in Zagreb on August 7th 1989, beginning operations in December of that year, offering postal services. In July 1990, Zagreb Airlines changed its name to Croatia Airlines, becoming the country’s airline for passenger and cargo flights.

EmiratesThe company will again change its Airbus A350 aircraft operations, postponing the start of flights to December.

Back in July, following a new schedule update, Emirates planned on November 4th the first scheduled service of its A350s on the Dubai – Edinburgh route. With this new modification, the airline will operate to Edinburgh during November by Boeing 777-200(LR).

Daily* EK 023 Dubai DXB 09:05 · 13:20 EDI Edinburgh * EK 024 Edinburgh EDI 20:40 · 08:05+1 DXB Dubai

The first flight between Dubai and Edinburgh with the Airbus A350-900s is set for December 2nd.

EurowingsDuring summer 2025, Eurowings schedules charter services between Sweden and Turin, which will be operated by Airbus A320-200s seating 174/180 passengers.

StockholmSaturday · effective January 25th, 2025

EW 5076 Stockholm ARN 06:00 · 08:50 TRN Turin
EW 5077 Turin TRN 09:45 · 12:35 ARN Stockholm

Gothenburg EW 5076 Gothenburg GOT 06:00 · 08:50 TRN Turin (February 8th, 2025) * EW 5077 Turin TRN 09:45 · 12:35 GOT Gothenburg (February 15th, 2025)*

FinnairThe carrier plans a significant frequency increase between Helsinki and London Heathrow, a route currently operated with Airbus A320, Airbus A321 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Finnair expects to provide 42 flights a week, in accordance with its website.

Frequencies · effective October 27th AY 1331/1332: daily * AY 1333/1334: Sunday * AY 1335/1336: daily * AY 1337/1338: daily * AY 1339: daily except Saturday * AY 1340: daily except Sunday * AY 1341/1342: daily * AY 1343/1344: daily*

At present, it operates 28 weekly services.

French BeeBeginning April 12th, 2025, the French airline will introduce Airbus A350-1000s on the Paris Orly – Newark route.

French Bee will operate once per week between the two cities with these aircraft, increasing to daily on May 4th, 2025.

Airbus A350-1000 schedule* BF 720 Paris ORY 18:50 · 21:00 EWR Newark * BF 721 Newark EWR 23:00 · 12:15+1 ORY Paris

All other flights on this route will be performed on Airbus A350-900 planes.

HiSkyA new service to France will be added by the Moldovan company on October 14th, with the start of the Bucharest – Paris Charles de Gaulle route. As can be seen on its website, HiSky will have three weekly frequencies using Airbus A320s and Airbus A321s.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* H4 221 Bucharest OTP 10.20 · 12:25 CDG Paris * H4 222 Paris CDG 13:25 · 17:10 OTP Bucharest

Air France and Tarom currently offer 17 and 14 flights a week respectively between both cities.

KLMKoninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, or simply KLM, announced the introduction of the Airbus A321neo on several of its destinations from/to Amsterdam.

The 227-seat A321neo will begin covering these routes:

Map by gcmap.com London (LHR): effective October 27th (KL 1001/1002) * Manchester (MAN): effective October 27th (KL 1033/1034) * Paris (CDG): effective October 27th (KL 1401/1402, 1403/1404, 1411/1412) * Madrid (MAD): effective November 2nd (KL 1505/1506) * Berlin (BER): effective December 2nd (KL 1777/1778, 1785/1786) * Stockholm (ARN) effective December 2nd (KL 1217/1218) * Edinburgh (EDI): effective January 6th, 2025 (KL 931/932) * Zurich (ZRH): effective January 6th, 2025 (KL 1919/1920)*

LOTLOT Polish Airlines will inaugurate services to Portugal on February 3rd, 2025.

These operations, between Warsaw and Lisbon, will be carried out with Boeing 737-800s.

Daily except Wednesday and Saturday* LO 425 Warsaw WAW 09:50 · 13:15 LIS Lisbon * LO 426 Lisbon LIS 14:15 · 19:20 WAW Warsaw

Lufthansa CityIn late July, the Lufthansa subsidiary began two new routes from Munich, to be served by Airbus A319-100 aircraft once weekly.

Bordeaux · July 27thSaturday

VL 2258 Munich MUC 08:20 · 10:15 BOD Bordeaux
VL 2259 Bordeaux BOD 10:55 · 12:45 MUC Munich

Hamburg · July 28thSunday

VL 2062 Munich MUC 15:15 · 16:30 HAM Hamburg
VL 2063 Hamburg HAM 17:15 · 18:30 MUC Munich

NeosAt 13:47 local time on August 7th, the first Neos charter flight to Nosy Be, Madagascar, departed from Katowice. According to our database, these services will replace those from Wroclaw, which were carried out between May 29th and July 31st.

Wednesday* NO 360 Katowice KTW 13:10 · 23:30 NOS Nosy Be

Thursday* NO 361 Nosy Be NOS 01:30 · 10:10 KTW Katowice

Neos schedules the last charter operation on this route on August 28th, returning flights to/from Wroclaw during September.

QantasBetween August 8th and 22nd, the Australian airline will operate the Perth-London route with a stopover in Singapore. At publication time, this schedule is through the 22nd, but there may be changes later.

Daily* QF 209 Perth PER 14:10 · 20:00 SIN Singapore * QF 209 Singapore SIN 21:45 · 05:05+1 LHR London * QF 010 London LHR 11:55 · 11:40+1 PER Perth

Through a press release, the company announced this modification is due to the situation in parts of the Middle East as a precaution.

RyanairThe ultra low cost carrier will fly between Naples and Tirana from January 2nd, 2025. Ryanair will perform three weekly services on Boeing 737-800s, which have 189 seats in single class.

Tuesday/Thursday and Saturday* FR 5626 Naples NAP 06:20/08:20 · 07:40/09:40 TIA Tirana * FR 5627 Tirana TIA 08:05/10:05 · 09:25/11:25 NAP Naples

Wizz Air Malta operates three times per week with Airbus A321 aircraft.

SmartwingsSmartwings Slovakia plans to start regular charter flights between Bratislava and Doha as of September 30th. Operations will be carried out weekly on Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

Monday* 6D 6626 Bratislava BTS 10:00 · 17:40 DOH Doha * 6D 6627 Doha DOH 18:40 · 22:40 BTS Bratislava

Currently, with respect to other cities in the Middle East, the airline has services between Bratislava and Bahrain (6D 6622/6D 6623).

SunExpressThe Turkish carrier will add routes to Europe for 2024/25 winter season.

Based on its website, SunExpress will fly with Boeing 737-800 aircraft under the following schedule:

Map by gcmap.com Izmir (ADB) – Sofia (SOF): 2 weekly · December 27th * Kayseri (ASR) – Prague (PRG): 1 weekly · January 11th, 2025 * Izmir (ADB) – Rovaniemi (RVN): 2 weekly · January 15th, 2025*

SwissSwiss International Air Lines will operate a weekly flight between Zurich and Málaga using Airbus A330-300s during August. These airplanes are configured for 236 passengers with three seating classes.

August 11th, 17th, 24th and 31st* LX 2110 Zurich ZRH 09:10 · 12:00 AGP Málaga * LX 2111 Málaga AGP 13:10 · 15:45 ZRH Zurich

The airline operates 22 services per week on this route by Airbus A220-300, Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 jets. In addition, Swiss has two weekly flights between Geneva and Málaga on Airbus A220s.

Turkish AirlinesAs of August 10th, Turkish introduced the Boeing 777-300(ER) on a domestic route connecting cities located on different continents. The airline’s 777-300s have 349, 400, 492 and 531 seats.

Operations between Istanbul (IST) and Gaziantep with the 77W will run, at the time of publication, until mid-September.

Monday and Saturday* TK 2224 Istanbul IST 08:20 · 10:10 GZT Gaziantep * TK 2225 Gaziantep GZT 11:40 · 13:40 IST Istanbul

Turkish Airlines also performs this route on Airbus A320-200s and Boeing 737-800s.

Virgin AtlanticVirgin is set to launch flights to the United States from Manchester using the 262-seat Airbus A330-900neo aircraft beginning in November.

Atlanta and Orlando will be its destinations, which are currently operated by Airbus A330-300s.

Map by gcmap.comSchedule with A330neo Atlanta (ATL): 2 weekly · November 1st * Orlando (MCO): 1 weekly · November 1st*

Wizz AirIn late October, the low cost carrier will add several routes within Europe, to be carried out on Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 jets, as follows:

Map by gcmap.com Tirana (TIA) – Salerno (QSR): 2 weekly · October 27th * Wroclaw (WRO) – Kutaisi (KUT): 2 weekly · October 27th * Budapest (BUD) – Salerno (QSR): 2 weekly · October 28th * Bucharest (OTP) – Malmö (MMX): 2 weekly · October 29th * Bucharest (OTP) – Salerno (QSR): 3 weekly · October 29th * Iași (IAS) – Malmö (MMX): 2 weekly · October 29th*

We review new aircraft added by European airlines during July and August airBaltic * Air Europa * Air France (x3) * British Airways (x3) * Condor * Croatia Airlines * ITA Airways * KM Malta Airlines * LOT Polish Airlines * Lufthansa (x2) * Olympic Air * Ryanair (x5) * Transavia France * Turkish Airlines (x2) * Wizz Air Malta*

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-251N | British Airways | G-TTNY | TLS-LHR | July 17th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air Malta | 9H-WNN | XFW-BUD | July 17th | | Airbus A350-941 | Air France | F-HUVJ | TLS-CDG | July 18th | | Airbus A321-251NX | British Airways | G-TNEE | XFW-LHR | July 18th | | Airbus A350-941 | Lufthansa | D-AIXV | TLS-MUC | July 18th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJY | BFI-DUB | July 18th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Condor | D-ANLA | XFW-DUS | July 19th | | Boeing 787-10 | British Airways | G-ZBLI | CHS-CWLCWL-LHR | July 20thJuly 25th | | Airbus A320-251N | KM Malta Airlines | 9H-NEH | TLS-MLA | July 22nd | | Airbus A220-300 | airBaltic | YL-ABV | YMX-RIX | July 23rd | | Airbus A321-271NX | Turkish Airlines | TC-LPH | XFW-IST | July 23rd | | Airbus A350-941 | Air France | F-HUVN | TLS-CDG | July 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Turkish Airlines | TC-LPN | XFW-IST | July 26th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJV | BFI-DUB | July 26th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IKA | BFI-DUB | July 26th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJX | BFI-DUB | July 26th | | Airbus A320-252N | Transavia France | F-HXSD | TLS-ORY | July 26th | | Airbus A220-300 | Croatia Airlines | 9A-CAE | YMX-CPHCPH-ZAG | July 29thJuly 30th | | Embraer E195-E2 | LOT | SP-LEA | SJK-REC-LPALPA-WAW | July 30thJuly 31st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJZ | BFI-DUB | July 31st | | Airbus A320-272N | ITA Airways | EI-HON | TLS-FCO | August 1st | | ATR 72-600 | Olympic Air | SX-OBT | TLS-ATH | August 1st | | Boeing 787-9 | Air Europa | EC-OFP* | PAE-MAD | August 7th | | Airbus A350-941 | Lufthansa | D-AIXS | TLS-MUC | August 8th | | Airbus A350-941 | Air France | F-HUVO | TLS-CDG | August 9th |

*It’s not new from the factory.

LOT’s first E195-E2Other reports we have published:

Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
ANA spreads its wings in Europe
ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes
Family and tourism: Royal Air Maroc launches two new routes

Cover photo: NicolaZappa – JetPhotos (Milan Malpensa, Italy).

The post Air China launches its fourth route to Milan appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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A VoePass ATR 72-212A(500) registered PS-VPB operating flight 2Z2283 (PTB2283) from Cascavel to São Paulo crashed northwest of São Paulo on 9 August 2024. The airline has confirmed all 57 passengers and four crew members were killed in the crash. Video captured by multiple bystanders appears to show the aircraft in a spin with little-to-no forward momentum as it fell to the ground.

VoePass flight 2283VoePass flight 2283 departed Cascavel at 14:58 UTC (11:58 am local time) and climbed to a cruising altitude of 17,000 feet 24 minutes into flight. The aircraft continued to cruise toward São Paulo at 17,000 feet until 16:21 UTC when ADS-B indicates a brief loss in altitude, followed a brief gain in altitude, followed by a steep and terminal descent. The highest reported descent rate was -24,064 feet per minute at 2024-08-09 16:22:08Z.413. The elapsed time from the indication of a problem to the final data received by Flightradar24 was 89 seconds.

Flightradar24 considers the ground speed data sent by the aircraft’s transponder to be generally unreliable for this flight. As such, it was not included on the above graph. The aircraft’s transponder did send True airspeed data, which we have processed from the granular data. The graph below shows the last 30 minutes of True airspeed data received from the aircraft.

Downloadable Flightradar24 dataThe standard CSV contains data at the same resolution as is visible on Flightradar24.com and in our mobile app. The Granular CSV contains data at a high resolution. The KML file can be used in 3D modeling software.

Standard CSVGranular CSVKMLAircraft informationPS-VPB is a 14 year old ATR72-500 initially delivered to Belle Air in 2010. VoePass acquired the aircraft in 2022.

Weather conditions in the areaMeteorological reports for the period surrounding the accident indicate areas of turbulence, thunderstorms, icing in the vicinity.

Investigative updates10 August 2024 — Brazilian investigators have recovered and begun processing the data from the aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

Featured image ©️ Marcos V. Oliveira

The post VoePass ATR 72 crashes near São Paulo appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Royal Air Maroc continues to expand its international route network, with the inauguration of a new destination to the Americas and another to Asia. These operations will be performed by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 274 and 302 passengers, respectively.

The Moroccan airline will launch services between Casablanca and Toronto starting December 8th. According to the press release, RAM will have three weekly flights on this route, offering 822 seats a week each way.

Toronto Pearson will become Royal Air Maroc’s second connection in Canada after Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport. In addition, the carrier will reach five routes in North America, including the United States, and six in the Americas, with the resumption of flights to South America in December.

Royal Air Maroc schedule between Casablanca and TorontoWednesday, Friday and Sunday

AT 210 Casablanca CMN 16:45 · 19:25 YYZ Toronto
AT 211 Toronto YYZ 21:25 · 10:45+1 CMN Casablanca

“The new Casablanca-Toronto route responds primarily to strong demand from Moroccans living in Canada, especially in Ontario,” stated Abdelhamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc. “The route will enhance the company’s extensive service, which includes the historic Casablanca-Montreal route since 1975. This addition will provide even more convenience and comfort to our citizens residing in Canada.”

At the time of publication, in the Morocco-Canada market, Air Canada, Air Transat and RAM have scheduled flights to/from Montreal.

Air Canada and Royal Air Maroc have six and fourteen weekly operations between Montreal and Casablanca using Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Air Transat two services per week on the YUL – Marrakesh route with Airbus A321neo and Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Routes to the Americas – Royal Air MarocMap by gcmap.comBrazil Casablanca (CMN) – Sao Paulo (GRU): 3 weekly · December 7th*

Canada Casablanca (CMN) – Montreal (YUL): 14 weekly * Casablanca (CMN) – Toronto (YYZ): 3 weekly · December 8th*

United States Casablanca (CMN) – Miami (MIA): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-8 * Casablanca (CMN) – New York (JFK): 14 weekly · 788/789 * Casablanca (CMN) – Washington DC (IAD): 6 weekly · Boeing 787-8*

Furthermore, as of January 20th, 2025, the Oneworld member will resume operations to China following a five-year suspension. Royal Air Maroc will fly between Casablanca and Beijing Daxing, with three weekly frequencies on 787-9s.

The airline will become the first and only to operate in the Morocco-China market. Prior to COVID-19, in January 2020, RAM had inaugurated this route, but it had to be suspended a few weeks later due to flight restrictions because of the pandemic.

Royal Air Maroc schedule between Casablanca and BeijingMonday, Thursday and Saturday

AT 230 Casablanca CMN 16:20 · 11:55+1 PKX Beijing

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

AT 231 Beijing PKX 13:55 · 21:20 CMN Casablanca

“We are delighted to resume the first direct route linking Morocco and China. The Casablanca-Beijing route is primarily dedicated to the development of Moroccan tourism, as 80% of the traffic on this route will be composed of foreign tourists”, commented RAM’s CEO, Abdelhamid Addou.

Routes between Casablanca and AsiaMap by gcmap.comAir Arabia Maroc CMN – Istanbul (SAW) – CMN: 7 weekly · Airbus A320-200*

Corendon Airlines Antalya (AYT) – CMN – Antalya (AYT): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800*

Emirates Dubai (DXB) – CMN – Dubai (DXB): 7 weekly · Airbus A380-800*

Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi (AUH) – CMN – Abu Dhabi (AUH): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Flynas Jeddah (JED) – CMN – Medina (MED) – Jeddah (JED): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Jeddah (JED) – CMN – Jeddah (JED): 1 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Kuwait Airways Kuwait City (KWI) – CMN – Kuwait City (KWI): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-800neo*

Pegasus Istanbul (SAW) – CMN – Istanbul (SAW): 7 weekly · Airbus A321-200*

Qatar Airways Doha (DOH) – CMN – Doha (DOH): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner*

Royal Air Maroc CMN – Beijing (PKX) – CMN: 3 weekly · January 20th, 2025 * CMN – Dalaman (DLM) – CMN: 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * CMN – Doha (DOH) – CMN: 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * CMN – Dubai (DXB) – CMN: 3 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner * CMN – Medina (MED) – Jeddah (JED) – CMN: 2 weekly · A340/787 * CMN – Moscow (DME) – CMN: 5 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * CMN – Riyadh (RUH) – Jeddah (JED) – CMN: 1 weekly · A340/787***

Saudia Jeddah (JED): 14 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

*Hi Fly’s Airbus A340-312, registration 9H-SUN, is operating flights for Royal Air Maroc. Istanbul IST, Medina and Jeddah are its main destinations from Casablanca.

The company’s fleet is composed of 50 aircraft, which average 13 years old.

All of them are operational at publication time, in accordance with our database:

| Aircraft | Total | Config | Registrations | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ATR 72-600 | 6 | Y70 | CN-COE, CN-COF, CN-COG, CN-COH, CN-COI, CN-COJ | | Boeing 737-800 | 28 | C12Y147 | CN-RGE, CN-RGF, CN-RGG, CN-RGH, CN-RGI, CN-RGJ, CN-RGK, CN-RGM, CN-RGN, CN-RGV, CN-RGW, CN-RNU, CN-RNZ, CN-ROA, CN-ROB, CN-ROC, CN-ROE, CN-ROH, CN-ROJ, CN-ROK, CN-ROL, CN-ROP, CN-ROR, CN-ROS, CN-ROT, CN-ROU, CN-ROY, CN-ROZ | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 2 | C12Y144 | CN-MAX, CN-MAY | | Boeing 767-300(F) | 1 | Cargo | CN-ROW | | Boeing 787-8 | 5 | C18Y256 | CN-RGB, CN-RGC, CN-RGS, CN-RGT, CN-RGU | | Boeing 787-9 | 4 | C24Y278 | CN-RAM, CN-RGX, CN-RGY, CN-RGZ | | Embraer 190 | 4 | C12Y84 | CN-RGO, CN-RGP, CN-RGQ, CN-RGR |

RAM plans to incorporate its fifth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in the short term.

The three-year-old aircraft was scheduled to join WestJet in mid-2021, but the Canadian airline finally decided not to take it. After the cancellation, the 787 was sent to Victorville in 2022, where it is currently located.

It will be the newest Boeing 787 in Royal Air Maroc’s fleet, compared to the other Dreamliners.

The Oneworld carrier has more than 85 destinations in its network, covering Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

AfricaAbidjan, Abuja, Accra, Agadir, Algiers, Al Hoceima, Bamako, Bangui, Banjul, Bissau, Brazzaville, Cairo, Casablanca, Conakry, Cotonou, Dakar, Dakhla, Douala, El Aaiun, Errachidia, Fes, Freetown, Goma, Guelmim, Kinshasa, Lagos, Libreville, Lome, Luanda Malabo, Marrakesh, Monrovia, Nador, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Praia, Rabat, Tangier, Tan Tan, Tetuan, Tunis, Yaounde and Zagora.

AmericaMiami, Montreal, New York, Sao Paulo (December 2024), Toronto (December 2024), and Washington DC.

AsiaBeijing Daxing (January 2025), Dalaman and Moscow Domodedovo (DME).

EuropeAmsterdam, Barcelona, Bologna, Bordeaux, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lisbon, London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Lyon, Madrid, Málaga, Manchester, Marseille, Milan Malpensa, Montpellier, Nantes, Naples, Nice, Paris (Charles de Gaulle and Orly), Porto, Rome, Rotterdam, Seville, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Turin and Venice.

Middle EastDoha, Dubai, Jeddah, Medina and Riyadh.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
ANA spreads its wings in Europe
ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: KnightHammer Aviation – JetPhotos.

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If you are a regular Flightradar24 aircraft tracker, then you might have noticed various regions of the world which fewer aircraft traverse. Aside from ‘empty’ regions with limited airport options and connections, the main reason an area is not overflown is down to conflict zones and the risk to air travel which they pose.

What sort of risk?Conflict Zones present various risks to civilian traffic but the most severe is the chance of getting shot down due to the presence of high powered (able to reach high altitude) weapons. Surface-to-air weapons, airborne hazards such as weaponized drones or missiles, anti-aircraft artillery and military defense aircraft and systems, are all present in many conflicts. Perhaps, surprisingly, the risk of intentional shoot down is actually, generally, less than the risk of misidentification, miscalculation or for aircraft to be impacted by indirect fire or debris though.

In 2014, MH17 was misidentified while flying over eastern Ukraine and was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. This led to a huge shake up in the way conflict zone risk was assessed. But in 2020, UIA752 was misidentified by air defense systems while operating at OIIE/Tehran and was shot down so the risk remains, albeit much better understood and monitored nowadays.

What does it mean for flights?Airspace where the likelihood or severity of risk is considered too high is prohibited. The likes of Syria, (most of) Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia (except for some offshore areas), Libya, Sudan and Ukraine are all out of bounds for the vast majority of flights (some domestic airlines/ ‘friendly’ foreign aircraft operate into some of these regions still).

Even closed airspace can still have an indirect impact on flights though. The closure of Ukrainian airspace (and sanctions against Russia) has had a big impact on civil aviation because it blocks off a major section of airspace, leading to significantly increased flight routes (and with it fuel burn and flight times) for anyone hoping to route between Europe and the Far East. Syria’s position adjacent to Iraq and Türkiye means increased flight times in the event of diversions, while Somalia (in part due to conflict in other neighbouring African countries) reduces the routes available for north/south traffic between Europe and the Middle to Africa.

How else do conflict zones impact flights?A major impact from conflict zones is GPS interference. This isn’t internationally directed at civilian aircraft, but they get caught in the “interference crossfire” and it causes big issues for their systems. GPS is used in primary navigation and communication systems and interference degrades and even renders these unusable for the flight.

Jamming blocks signals the leading to a loss of navigation capability, while spoofing sends false position signals to aircraft leading them to effectively become uncertain of their position and can lead to issues with other connected systems like the EGPWS (ground proximity warning). Crew are reporting events such as random “Pull Up!” Warnings where aircraft think they are at a far lower altitude, spurious trajectories causing their aircraft to turn without warning, and complete loss of primary navigation capability requiring the pilots to revert to basic modes such as heading, and reliance on ground based navigation aids.

GPS interference can also lead to aircraft being unable to fly certain approach types, while the loss of SATCOM (satellite communication) causes significant challenges for aircraft planning to cross the North Atlantic (NAT HLA) where datalink (SATCOM plus ADS-C) capability is mandated because of the lack of other reliable communication and surveillance methods over the ocean.

Secondary risksNot all airspace is prohibited. An airspace might just be subject to restrictions or warnings, often in the form of restrictions to minimum flight levels/altitudes, or on which routes can be utilised. While the risk is reduced, some secondary risks remain. For example, an aircraft overflying at a minimum FL320 which experiences an engine failure, or depressurization requiring rapid descent, will be unable to maintain the minimum recommended ‘safe’ altitude.

Likewise, diversion options are extremely limited and safety and security on the ground in the event of one will be impacted. In late 2018, a Norwegian 737 diverted into SYZ/Shiraz airport, Iran following an issue with one of its engine. Passengers overnighted in Shiraz, picked up the following day by a “rescue” aircraft. The passport entry stamp into Iran automatically disqualifies non-US passport holders from obtaining an ESTA visa exemption. The aircraft was stranded in Iran for 10 weeks while sanctions between the USA and Iran prevented the import of parts to repair the aircraft engine.

The restrictions to available airways and levels, often leads to route congestion and raised risks of traffic conflict, as well as causing issues for aircraft in the event of major weather diversions. One such area is the north/south routing through Iraq which is limited to a small number of airways, all in close proximity to Iranian airspace, preventing avoidance to the left/right (depending on direction of flight).

How do pilots know where they can and cannot go?Conflict zone guidance, cautions and warnings are published by States, either in their aeronautical publications, or through permanent NOTAMs which are provided to pilots in their flight briefing packs. EASA post ‘CZIBs’ – Conflict Zone Information Bulletins – which contain all the main state restrictions and warnings and these are available for all to view. The US Federal Aviation Administration also maintains a set of security NOTAMs that may differ slightly or overlap with the EASA CZIB notices.

How to read a NOTAMWhat can pilots do if a flight is at risk?Defensive measures are available but are a last resort. An example where these might be used would be ORER/Erbil where there is a known risk of potential fire/projectiles from the terrain to the north and northeast of the airport. Aircraft operating to Erbil will hold away from the higher risk area and climb/descend rapidly until at a safe altitude/able to commence the approach.

Methods such as reducing thermal and infra-red signals through reduced thrust take-offs, switching off systems which transmit signals, restricting use of identification systems ie landing lights etc are available but where required, civil aircraft are unlikely to be operating. General methods advised to pilots flying through higher risk areas are to maintain good two way comms with ATC, ensure they are transmitting the correct squawk code to avoid misidentification, and guidance on monitoring navigation systems to ensure no deviation.

Current conflict areasHere is a look at the current conflict zones in 2024 impacting international civilian aviation to the point of prohibition (complete flight bans).

1. Ukraine (and Russia)

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the closure and prohibition of Ukraine airspace. Sanctions against Russia and Belarus have prevented many operators from utilizing their airspace. Ukraine is an active and high risk conflict zone and all airspace, at all levels, and within 200nm of borders, is prohibited. The UUWV/Moscow FIR (flight information region) is considered high risk but is utilized by some operators from certain countries.

2. Sudan and South Sudan

Sudan’s HSSS/Khartoum FIR (so, all of its airspace) is a ‘No Go’ Zone because of the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and opposition Rapid Support Forces. Both sides have access to anti-aircraft artillery systems, MANPADS and SAM systems, and military operations affect airports across the country.

KRT/Khartoum is Sudan’s main international airport and some international operators including Turkish airlines are still operating here. TK6455 is a scheduled flight between IST/Istanbul and NBO/ Nairobi with stops in Khartoum. PZU/Port Sudan still has flights from international traffic including FlyDubai (FZ), Afrique Airways (8U, Saudia (SV), Egyptair (MS) and Turkish (TK) amongst others.

South Sudan is fairing a little better, having had a ceasefire in place since February 2020. However, it is still considered volatile, and its proximity to Sudan has led to a restriction of FL250 for all overflying traffic. Their primary airport JUB/Juba is utilized by several international operators from the Middle East and Africa.

3. Libya

Libya is considered a risky place, mainly due to significant terrorist activity within the region that has crept in while the country has been stuck in civil conflict. The risk from both terrorist groups and the military in terms of intentional and unintentional attacks is considered extremely high. So they say “Don’t Go!”, and that applies at any flight level. It is not just the risk of damage and shoot down, the infrastructure in Libya is poor and airports are often targeted, while ATC services are often down with limited or no radar or VHF comms. MJI/Mitiga airport and TIP/Tripoli have both been targeted on numerous occasions.

There is a small caveat – operations to coastal airports (while really not recommended, and banned by many) is allowed (by some States) if aircraft approach from the sea, in full coordination with ATC, and if they’ve done their own risk assessment. In 2023, Italy declared Libya ‘okay for ops’ and ITA Airways considered flights between FCO/Rome and BEN/Bengazhi. So far, these have not happened, but there are a bunch of international and domestic flights into Libya operated by domestic airlines and airlines from nearby neighbors.

4. Somalia

While there are operations allowed through HCSM/Mogadishu airspace, these stay above FL260 and stick to off-shore routes, mainly the UR401 airways which runs north-south. It is an important flight route connecting the Middle East and Africa and being off-shore lowers the risk of things getting pointed at you.

5. Syria

Misidentification and intentional targeting make this one of the riskiest airspaces on the Earth and near on all State’s say “Nope” to flying in or over it. They also caution flying near it because of the high risk of GPS interference, and things flying (being fired) between Iran and other neighboring countries. The country is covered by the one main FIR – OSTT/Damascus.

It is in a slightly problematic position as far as airspaces go because it sits between Iraq and Turkey, and aircraft routing through Iraq which have issues (already restricted with flight levels and a lack of good diversion options in Iraq) will probably want to divert to relatively safe Turkey, but they need to be careful not to clip the corner of Syrian airspace in the process.

6. Afghanistan

Save for one tiny sticky-outty section, Afghanistan is not a place many fly over. The ‘okay’ bit is two north/south airways – G500/P500 – which enable aircraft to route between Tajikistan and Pakistan. This allows connections between Europe and Asia which want to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace.

There are several airlines that do fly through the OAKX/Kabul FIR though, including Bangladeshi Biman Airlines (BG) and Aeroflot (SU) and of course Afghan operators.

Some places not on the “CZIB” listIsrael, currently involved in active conflict is noticeably absent from the “risk list”. This is predominantly down to Israel’s air defense system (and training of its operators) – the risk of misidentification is considered low, and Israel maintains a good line of communication on ongoing risk, alerting operators early to escalations or airspace closures.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the NTSB holds two days of investigative hearings on the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX exit door plug blow out. What we learned from the hearings and what we still don’t know. Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, and we’re on NOTAM watch. And Crowd Strike, Microsoft, and Delta Air Lines continue to trade legal threats.

Useful links* Background on AS1282, the NTSB’s public docket, and NTSB hearing archive * Cessna 172 ferry flight to Hawaii * New IndiGo Business class product

Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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Air Zimbabwe and Iran Aseman Airlines are just two of the 128 airlines that make up the European Union’s Air Safety list. The list prohibits them from flying to, from, or over EU countries. This is one of the many cases where countries have decided to restrict who flies in their airspace, but how does an airline end up banned, and how do they get around such restrictions?

Safety regulationsFor most of the airlines on the EU’s Air Safety list, the reason they are banned doesn’t really have much to do with the airline itself. Instead, it’s the country in which they are based that prevents them from operating there. The ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) has rules that countries must follow for safety purposes. These include having an aviation safety board and a body that reviews pilots. Therefore, countries that don’t meet these standards will have all of their airlines banned from EU airspace. This kind of rule is also true for the safety lists of most nations.

Armenian Airlines can't fly to the EU because of Armenia's aviation regulatory standardsMoreover, in some rare cases, it’s not an airline that is banned but rather some of its aircraft. This is true for two airlines on the EU Air Safety list, which are categorized as “Annex B”. The term means that only certain planes in their fleets can operate in the EU. North Korea’s flag carrier, Air Koryo, can only fly its Tupolev Tu-204s, and Iran Air can’t fly the Boeing 747 or Fokker 100 to the EU.

Iran Air is no longer allowed to fly its Boeing 747s to the EU due to safety concernsMixing Planes and PoliticsOne of the most frequent reasons for airspace bans is in response to recent political tension. The key example of this is of course Russia. Western nations quickly banned Russian carriers from operating to their destinations following the invasion of Ukraine. Russia was quick to retaliate, banning all major carriers but a few from using its airspace. Furthermore, Belarus’ airlines were banned for the diversion of Ryanair Flight 4978 to Minsk in 2021. In addition to this, the ban was extended for its participation in the war in Ukraine.

Sometimes countries set limits and issue warnings for their own aircraft on where they can and can’t go. These are given in the form of NOTAMs, and give advice about which airspace is particularly dangerous. This has recently been taking place over the skies of the Middle East, with many countries warning their aircraft not to enter Lebanese airspace due to potential dangers. There are also longer-term conflict zone notices issued by EASA and the FAA, which we discuss here.

The above image shows a NOTAM warning UK aircraft not to enter Lebanese airspaceHow do airspace bans affect airlines?Airspace bans can have a huge effect on the airlines on the receiving end, or in the case of politics, those who are caught in the crossfire. This can often lead to significant increases in flight times, and often the cancellation of routes entirely. Flights from Europe to East Asia have been drastically increased in length due to Russia’s actions. British Airways flights to Tokyo add a few more hours to the journey, going through the Middle East. The return journey isn’t much better, as it goes above North America. British Airways announced on August 8th 2024 that it would stop flights to Beijing, a route which it has been operating since 1980. This is because, like several European airlines, it can’t keep up with Chinese airlines who can fly over Russia.

How do airlines get unbanned?If the ban is safety-related, airlines can get around it by wet leasing aircraft. This means that they can hire aircraft and crew which are maintained in other countries, and so are allowed to operate safely in otherwise restricted airspace. For a more permanent solution, countries can improve their safety regulations, and airlines can buy newer aircraft. This is true for Iraqi Airways and Air Zimbabwe, with the latter looking into newer aircraft to restore its former Harare-London Gatwick route. For political bans, there’s unfortunately not much an airline can do except wait for political tensions to tide over.

Air Zimbabwe's current long-haul fleet is solely made up of this Boeing 767, which the airline wants to replace as other countries deem it too dangerousThe post Why do airlines get banned from certain countries? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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At 00:07 local time on August 2nd, Aeromexico’s first flight to Seoul departed Monterrey after a two-year suspension. As can be seen through our database, the airline will offer the Mexico City – Monterrey – Seoul – Mexico City route with 243-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, once a day.

The South Korean capital becomes Aeromexico’s second destination in Asia following Tokyo Narita, which also operates from Mexico City and Monterrey.

Daily* AM 90 Mexico City MEX 20:35 · 22:25 MTY Monterrey * AM 90 Monterrey MTY 23:55 · 06:00+2 ICN Seoul * AM 91 Seoul ICN 11:40 · 10:40 MEX Mexico City

Considering Seoul and Tokyo Narita, the Mexican carrier serves two daily frequencies in the Mexico-Asia market.

Turkish Airlines to fly to Chile?It was recently announced that Turkish registered operations in the SIROS system (Operation Registration System Manual), owned by ANAC Brazil (National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil), on the Istanbul – Sao Paulo – Santiago de Chile route and vice versa.

The airline is scheduled to perform four weekly flights to the Chilean capital on Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured for 329 passengers in two seating classes, starting December 12th.

If launched, Turkish Airlines would reach its ninth destination in Latin America.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday* TK 215 Istanbul IST 14:50 · 04:30+1 GRU Sao Paulo

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday* TK 215 Sao Paulo GRU 06:05 · 10:00 SCL Santiago * TK 216 Santiago SCL 11:55 · 15:30 GRU Sao Paulo * TK 216 Sao Paulo GRU 17:05 · 05:35+1 IST Istanbul

Aerovías DAP incorporated its first Dash 8On July 15th at 18:10 local time, a new aircraft of Aerovías DAP, a Chilean airline, landed at Punta Arenas airport, in southern Chile.

The airplane is a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, with registration CC-DHT. It is the airline’s first aircraft of this type, and also the first in the country.

Aerovías DAP’s fleet is composed, in addition to this Dash 8, of BAe 146-200 Avro RJ85/100, DHC-6 Twin Otter, Cessna 402, Cessna 404 Titan, Beechcraft King Air 100, Beechcraft King Air 300 and Cessna Citation 550 B, in terms of aircraft, and helicopters BO-105, AS-355, AS-350 B3. It also has vessels to navigate the Antarctic territory.

The ferry flight to Punta Arenas of the new Dash lasted four days, this being the route (local time).

Map by gcmap.comJuly 11th* Summerside YSU 10:25 · 10:38 YYG Charlottetown * Charlottetown YYG 12:27 · 14:13 YYZ Toronto

12th* Toronto YYZ 10:40 · 14:29 NAS Nassau

13th* Nassau NAS 08:47 · 11:04 PTY Panama City * Panama City PTY 12:54 · 15:12 GYE Guayaquil

14th* Guayaquil GYE 08:41 · 13:21 ARI Arica * Arica ARI 14:37 · 17:25 SCL Santiago

15th* Santiago SCL 14:37 · 18:10 PUQ Punta Arenas

These are other highlights of the Latin American market Aerolíneas Argentinas and Avelo add flights to the Caribbean. * American will start operations between Miami and South Caicos. * Arajet to open a second base in the Dominican Republic. * avianca will resume two international routes. * Azul to operate flights between Willemstad and Fort Lauderdale. * Copa Airlines began scheduled services using Boeing 737 MAX 8. * Flybondi inaugurated a new route in Argentina. * GOL will fly to Costa Rica for the first time. * JetSMART expands its Argentine subsidiary, with new routes and more aircraft. * LATAM in Brazil: new domestic and international connections. * Porto Alegre airport plans to resume operations in October. * SATENA will inaugurate several routes in Colombia and an international one to Venezuela. * SKY Airline to have services between Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro. * United will fly (again) to Port of Spain from Newark. * VivaAerobus and Volaris add connections in Mexico and the United States.*

Aerolíneas ArgentinasFor 2024/25 South American summer season, Aerolíneas Argentinas confirmed an important expansion between Argentina and the Caribbean as of January 2025.

The company will resume services from Córdoba to Punta Cana after five years, in addition to opening two new routes it had never operated before.

Buenos Aires (A330)Daily except Sunday

AR 1324 Buenos Aires EZE 02:25 · 09:10 PUJ Punta Cana
AR 1325 Punta Cana PUJ 11:10 · 19:25 EZE Buenos Aires

Córdoba (737 MAX)Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday

AR 1326 Córdoba COR 14/3014:45 · 21:20/21:35 PUJ Punta Cana
AR 1327 Punta Cana PUJ 22:35/22:50 · 07:30/07:45+1 COR Córdoba

The first flight on this route will be on September 13th, and will increase to four services per week in January.

Map by gcmap.comRosario (737 MAX) · January 3rd, 2025Friday

AR 1348 Rosario ROS 15:10 · 22:20 PUJ Punta Cana
AR 1349 Punta Cana PUJ 23:35 · 08:45+1 ROS Rosario

Tucumán (737 MAX) · January 5th, 2025Sunday

AR 1338 Tucumán TUC 16:15 · 22:30 PUJ Punta Cana
AR 1339 Punta Cana PUJ 23:45 · 08:15+1 TUC Tucumán

On the other hand, Aerolíneas Argentinas has again incorporated a new jet from the factory following a six-year hiatus. We will review it later in the new aircraft table.

Aerovías DAPIn the Chilean Patagonia, Aerovías DAP has regular, non-regular and charter services. Its main hub is Punta Arenas, which offers the following connections:

Map by gcmap.com Balmaceda (BBA): 1 weekly · BAe Avro RJ100 * Pampa Guanaco (DPB/SCBI): 2 weekly · effective October * Porvenir (WPR): 10 weekly · Cessna * Puerto Williams (WPU): 6 weekly · BAe Avro RJ100/Twin Otter*

During South American summer, DAP provides flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island Teniente R. Marsh Airport, in Antarctica. Operations are carried out by BAe Avro RJ100.

American AirlinesThe company will add a new destination to the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the start of services between Miami and South Caicos effective February 15th, 2025. American will run two weekly operations on this route using Envoy Air’s Embraer 175s, configured for 76 passengers.

Wednesday and Saturday* AA 3815 Miami MIA 10:05 · 12:27 XSC South Caicos * AA 3815 South Caicos XSC 13:44 · 15:55 MIA Miami

South Caicos airport currently has two flights a day to Providenciales by InterCaribbean Airways, and a daily frequency to Grand Turk Island with Caicos Express Airways.

ArajetAs of October 27th, the carrier will modify its operations in the Dominican Republic, introducing flights from Punta Cana.

At the time of publication, Arajet will have services to Buenos Aires, Cancún, Kingston, Guayaquil, Lima, Mexico City (NLU), Montreal, Quito, Santiago de Chile, Sao Paulo and Toronto, ceasing to operate from Santo Domingo to these cities.

Map by gcmap.comDestinations Arajet will maintain to/from Santo Domingo

Aruba (AUA)
Bogotá (BOG)
Cartagena (CTG)
Guatemala City (GUA)
Medellín (MDE)
San José (SJO)
St. Maarten (SXM)
Willemstad (CUR)

AveloAvelo Airlines will expand its network in Latin America by starting three new routes, as mentioned in the U.S./Canada report.

Cancún and Montego Bay, in Mexico and Jamaica respectively, will join San Juan (Puerto Rico), which currently has flights from New Haven and Wilmington (ILG).

Montego Bay · November 16thWednesday and Saturday

XP 902 Hartford BDL 07:20 · 11:30 MBJ Montego Bay
XP 903 Montego Bay MBJ 12:30 · 16:29 BDL Hartford

Cancún · November 20thWednesday and Saturday

XP 964 Hartford BDL 06:00 · 10:19 CUN Cancún
XP 965 Cancún CUN 11:19 · 15:13 BDL Hartford

In addition, the company will provide services between Lakeland and San Juan from October 26th.

Wednesday and Saturday* XP Lakeland LAL 11:00 · 14:15 SJU San Juan * XP San Juan SJU 13:10 · 15:42 LAL Lakeland

aviancaThe company will resume, on October 27th, its operations between San José (Costa Rica) and Panama City.

Avianca will have a daily flight with 180-seat Airbus A320neo aircraft in single class.

Daily* AV 643 San José SJO 10:15 · 12:35 PTY Panama City * AV 642 Panama City PTY 13:30 · 13:45 SJO San José

After a five-year hiatus, the Bogotá – Chicago route will return.

Services will begin in late October by Airbus A320neo planes. It will be the company’s second destination from/to ORD following Guatemala City.

Daily* AV 262 Bogotá BOG 07:00 · 12:15 ORD Chicago * AV 263 Chicago ORD 13:35 · 20:25 BOG Bogotá

Azul Linhas AéreasEffective December 9th, the Brazilian airline will commence flights between Willemstad (Curaçao) and Fort Lauderdale. These operations will be an extension of the Belo Horizonte – Willemstad route, currently served with two weekly frequencies.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday* AD 8786 Belo Horizonte CNF 10:40 · 15:40 CUR Willemstad * AD 8786 Willemstad CUR 16:55 · 19:00 FLL Fort Lauderdale

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* AD 8787 Fort Lauderdale FLL 08:00 · 11:55 CUR Willemstad * AD 8787 Willemstad CUR 13:10 · 20:10 CNF Belo Horizonte

It will be Azul’s first route offered without passing through Brazil.

Copa AirlinesAt 13:03 local time on July 30th, Copa Airlines’ first Boeing 737 MAX 8 scheduled flight departed Panama City. As can be seen through our database, the MAX, registration HP-9801CMP, covered flight CM 485 to Miami.

Copa currently has one 737 MAX 8 in its fleet, and there are another six aircraft on order, which will be delivered soon.

The Venezuelan government’s ban on operations between Venezuela and Panama has caused Copa to add some special services to Cúcuta, on the Colombia-Venezuela border, from the Panamanian capital.

In accordance with the current NOTAM, flights between the two countries will be suspended until August 31st, as well as from Venezuela to Peru and the Dominican Republic.

Venezuela will maintain a limited international connection, with services to/from Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Curaçao, Iran, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago and Türkiye.

Cúcuta AirportFlybondiLast August 2nd, the Argentine low cost carrier began a new domestic route in the country.

These flights will be between El Calafate and Ushuaia, in the Argentine Patagonia, operated as follows:

El Calafate FTE – Ushuaia USH (schedule during August)* FO 5545 FTE 09:55 · 11:15 USH (Monday) * FO 5545 FTE 10:10 · 11:30 USH (Wednesday) * FO 5545 FTE 10:15 · 11:35 USH (Friday)

Ushuaia USH – El Calafate FTE* FO 5544 USH 10:35 · 11:55 FTE (Monday) * FO 5544 USH 10:10 · 11:30 FTE (Wednesday) * FO 5544 USH 10:15 · 11:35 FTE (Friday) * FO 5544 USH 09:45 · 11:05 FTE (Sunday)

Flybondi reaches 25 routes in its regular schedule, and 5 without passing through Buenos Aires:

Map by gcmap.com Córdoba (COR) – Bariloche (BRC): 7 weekly * Córdoba (COR) – Mendoza (MDZ): 4 weekly * Córdoba (COR) – Neuquén (NQN): 4 weekly * Córdoba (COR) – Salta (SLA): 4 weekly * FTE – USH: 3 weekly /// USH-FTE: 4 weekly*

GOL Linhas AéreasCosta Rica, new market for GOL Linhas Aéreas.

The company will inaugurate operations between Sao Paulo Guarulhos and San José, Costa Rica, starting November 14th. GOL will perform three services a week on Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* G3 7718 Sao Paulo GRU 13:55 · 18:25 SJO San José * G3 7719 San José SJO 20:40 · 07:10+1 GRU Sao Paulo

In addition to Brazil, its hub, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname, United States and Uruguay have GOL Linhas Aéreas flights. Aruba, with Oranjestad, will be added in December.

Furthermore, on January 3rd, 2025, the Brazilian airline will launch a new international route for summer 2025.

GOL will have three weekly services between Rosario and Florianópolis by Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with the following schedule:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* G3 9522 Florianópolis FLN 23:55 · 02:20+1 ROS Rosario

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* G3 9521 Rosario ROS 03:30 · 05:45 FLN Florianópolis

JetSMARTThe low cost carrier announced the expansion of its Argentine subsidiary, with the resumption of three suspended routes and the addition of two aircraft to its fleet.

JetSMART Argentina currently has 8 Airbus A320-200s and more than 15 destinations from/to Buenos Aires, as well as an international connection from Mendoza (MDZ) and a route without passing through the country’s capital.

Map by gcmap.com Salta (SLA) – Mendoza (MDZ): 4 weekly · November 5th * Mendoza (MDZ) – Bariloche (BRC): 4 weekly · November 5th * Buenos Aires (AEP) – Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD): 5 weekly · January 8th, 2025*

JetSMART Argentina fleet LV-HEK: 6 years * LV-HVT: 6 years * LV-IVN: 5.5 years * LV-IVO: 5.5 years * LV-JQE: 6 years * LV-KDP: 6 years * LV-KFX: 6.5 years * LV-KJA:* 7 years

The two new Airbus A320-200s will join from JetSMART Chile, between October and November. Based on different reports, the A320s will maintain the Chilean registration when incorporated into the Argentine subsidiary.

These will be the first foreign-registered aircraft to operate regularly in Argentina.

LATAMOn August 3rd, the airline inaugurated flights between Sao Paulo Guarulhos and Pelotas (PET).

This is due to the closure of Porto Alegre airport since May, and to increase operations to cities near Porto Alegre until its reopening.

Tuesday and Saturday* LA 4638 Sao Paulo GRU 07:05 · 09:05 PET Pelotas * LA 4639 Pelotas PET 09:50 · 11:50 GRU Sao Paulo

Azul and GOL have services to the Brazilian city from Campinas and Guarulhos, respectively.

LATAM confirmed it will commence services between Fortaleza and Santiago as of November 30th.

Flights will be once per week with 174/180-seat Airbus A320neo aircraft, and will last nearly seven hours.

Saturday/Sunday* Fortaleza FOR 14:45 · 21:15 SCL Santiago (Saturday) * Santiago SCL 06:30 · 13:00 FOR Fortaleza (Sunday)

Porto AlegreFraport, the concessionaire of Porto Alegre airport, announced it plans to reopen the airport in October, after being closed for almost six months due to the floods suffered by the Brazilian city and the region during April and May.

The concessionaire is currently undergoing airport works, such as resurfacing the runway and taxiways, eliminating the remaining water at the airport, and improving the facilities between terminals and hangars.

At publication time, the airport is expected to be back in operation for commercial flights on October 21st, but will have some limitations:

Partial operation, with 50 daily flights (350 per week)
Domestic flights only, from 10:00 to 22:00
Use of 1,700-meter runway

Beginning in December, the airport would be fully operational, with the return of international services.

Prior to the floods, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Azul, Copa, LATAM and TAP had international flights to/from Porto Alegre, although the return date for each has not yet been confirmed.

Full domestic and internacional operations
Passenger terminal at 100%
Use of 3,200-meter runway

The Canoas Air Base, located in northern Porto Alegre, currently has 72 weekly flights, in accordance with our database, between Azul Linhas Aéreas, GOL Linhas Aéreas and LATAM Airlines.

SATENAServicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales, or simply SATENA, will add new routes during September, which will be conducted on Beechcraft 1900s and Embraer 145s.

Map by gcmap.com Quibdó (UIB) – Cartago (CRC): 2 weekly · September 2nd * Cúcuta (CUC) – Arauca (AUC): 2 weekly · September 3rd * Cúcuta (CUC) – Maracaibo (MAR): 3 weekly · September 3rd * Medellín (EOH) – Paipa (RON): 2 weekly · September 3rd * Yopal (EYP) – Paipa (RON): 2 weekly · September 3rd * Cali (CLO) – Timbiqui (TBD): 3 weekly · September 23rd * Popayán (PPN) – Timbiqui (TBD): 3 weekly · September 23rd*

SKYThe low cost airline will fly between Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro starting December 18th. In line with its website, SKY will offer this route four times a week by Airbus A320neo aircraft with 186 seats.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* H2 644 Santiago SCL 07:55 · 10:10 MVD Montevideo * H2 644 Montevideo MVD 11:10 · 13:55 GIG Rio de Janeiro * H2 645 Rio de Janeiro GIG 15:05 · 18:20 MVD Montevideo * H2 645 Montevideo MVD 19:20 · 21:55 SCL Santiago

SKY routes in Montevideo during summer 2024/25

Map by gcmap.com Florianópolis (FLN): 3 weekly * Lima (LIM): 3 weekly * Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 4 weekly * Salvador (SSA): 3 weekly * Santiago (SCL): 7 weekly*

TurkishWe review the company’s current route network in Latin America, also considering Santiago de Chile:

Map by gcmap.comArgentina IST – Sao Paulo (GRU) – Buenos Aires (EZE): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Brazil IST – Sao Paulo (GRU): 11 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Chile (tentatively) IST – Sao Paulo (GRU) – Santiago (SCL): 4 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Colombia/Panama IST – Bogotá (BOG) – Panama City (PTY) – IST: 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Cuba/Venezuela IST – Havana (HAV) – Caracas (CCS) – IST: 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Mexico IST – Mexico City (MEX) – Cancún (CUN) – IST: 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Panama IST – Panama City (PTY): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Venezuela IST – Caracas (CCS): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

United AirlinesUnited will resume operations from Newark to Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), which will be available effective December 19th and will run through early January 2025, as of press time.

Daily* UA 1904 Newark EWR 19:00 · 01:05+1 POS Port of Spain * UA 1905 Port of Spain POS 02:20 · 06:55 EWR Newark

VivaAerobusThe Mexican carrier will expand its services from Guadalajara with four new routes to the United States.

Operations, which are already on sale, will initiate in early December:

Map by gcmap.com Las Vegas (LAS): 4 weekly · December 2nd * Oakland (OAK): 7 weekly · December 2nd * San Antonio (SAT): 4 weekly · December 2nd * Dallas (DFW): 4 weekly · December 3rd*

VivaAerobus will also add new domestic connections in Mexico between October and December, to be operated on Airbus A320s.

Map by gcmap.com Mexico City (NLU) – Guanajuato (BJX): 7 weekly · October 1st * Mexico City (NLU) – Matamoros (MAM): 2 weekly · November 1st * Mexico City (NLU) – Ciudad Obregón (CEN): 2 weekly · November 3rd * Guadalajara (GDL) – Ciudad Obregón (CEN): 3 weekly · December 2nd * Guadalajara (GDL) – Mexicali (MXL): 7 weekly · December 2nd * Guadalajara (GDL) – Puerto Escondido (PXM): 3 weekly · December 3rd * Guadalajara (GDL) – Torreón (TRC): 3 weekly · December 3rd*

VolarisStarting in November, Volaris plans to add seven new routes from Monterrey, both domestic and international.

Map by gcmap.com Chicago (ORD): 4 weekly · November 3rd * Oaxaca (OAX): 4 weekly · November 3rd * Querétaro (QRO): 7 weekly · November 3rd * San Antonio (SAT): 7 weekly · November 3rd * Ciudad Obregón (CEN): 3 weekly · November 4th * Los Mochis (LMM): 3 weekly · November 4th * Oakland (OAK): 3 weekly · November 5th*

These operations will be carried out by Airbus A320neo aircraft seating 186 passengers.

We review the aircraft incorporated by Latin American airlines during July and early August:

Aerolíneas Argentinas
Aeromexico
Aerovías DAP
avianca (x3)
GOL Linhas Aéreas
JetSMART
LATAM
Total Linhas Aéreas
Volaris

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 787-9 | Aeromexico | N748AM | PAE-MEX | July 10th | | Dash 8-400 | DAP | CC-DHT | YSU-YYG-YYZYYZ-NASNAS-PTY-GYEGYE-ARI-SCLSCL-PUQ | July 11thJuly 12thJuly 13thJuly 14thJuly 15th | | Airbus A320-271N | JetSMART | CC-DIM | BFM-SCL | July 12th | | Boeing 787-8 | avianca | N800AV | PIK-MDE | July 17th | | Airbus A320-251N | avianca | N903AV | TLS-YYRYYR-GUA | July 24thJuly 25th | | Airbus A320-271N | Volaris | N550VL | BFM-MEX | July 24th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Aerolíneas Argentinas | LV-KID | BFI-MIAMIA-EZE | July 24thJuly 25th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | GOL | PS-GRG | BFI-PUJPUJ-CNF | July 29thJuly 30th | | Airbus A320-251N | avianca | N902AV | TLS-YYRYYR-MDE | July 31stAugust 1st | | Airbus A320-271N | LATAM | CC-BHH | TLS-FORFOR-QSC | July 31stAugust 1st | | Boeing 737-4Q3(SF) | Total | PS-TLE | OPF-GEOGEO-CNF | August 2ndAugust 3rd |

*It’s not new from the factory.

avianca’s 787-8 N800AV, still with Norwegian liveryOther reports we have published:

Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
ANA spreads its wings in Europe
ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: Gabriel Mora – JetPhotos (Mexico).

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Picture the scene. You are boarding a passenger jet bound for sunnier climes. The flight is running a little late, and it’s full. You squeeze into your middle seat between two overly chatty other passengers. It’s warm… Very warm. Despite it being a pleasant 15 degrees celsius outside, here it feels more like 50. You close your eyes and think of the deck chair that awaits you by the pool in just a few short hours. Then comes the most welcome sound known to the expectant passenger. The whoosh of air around the cabin as the air conditioning kicks in. The temperature starts to drop. You feel more alive, more human. You are comfortable – maybe even zen. You are ready for your holiday.

What you might not know is what to thank for that moment of relief. What magical system has rescued you from the doldrums of humidity? The answer is Bleed Air.

Bleed Air is one of the most critical systems in modern passenger aircraft, facilitating the most noticeable parts of your passenger experience – namely air conditioning (not sweating too profusely on the ground) and pressurization (being able to breathe at 35,000 feet). Let’s take a dive into what bleed air is and how we use it.

What is Bleed Air?Bleed Air is high pressure air that is extracted (or ‘bled’) from the aircraft’s engine compressors and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and is used in a myriad of crucial systems on board. From ensuring cabin pressurization and providing breathable air to passengers at high altitudes, to powering the anti-icing systems that prevent ice formation on wings and engine inlets, bleed air is indispensable. It also facilitates the starting of engines, pressurization of hydraulic reservoirs, and the operation of various pneumatic systems.

How is Bleed Air used on the ground?The most noticeable use of bleed air on the ground is in air conditioning. Before starting the main engines, the aircraft often starts its APU, which provides electrical power to the aircraft and air circulation to the cabin. As the APU is essentially a jet engine in the tailcone of the aircraft, it burns fuel, and it is increasingly common for aircraft to rely on ground based electrical power from a GPU unit to reduce costs and CO2 emissions. Bleed air can also be used to drive an air starter motor and start the main engines.

How is Bleed Air used in the air?Maintaining cabin pressurizationMaintaining an aircraft’s cabin at a certain pressure requires a constant flow of air both into and out of the cabin. This is achieved by bleeding the air from the engines and using it to force air into the cabin. An automatically regulated outflow valve then dumps excess pressure to ensure the cabin remains at the target pressure.

Commercial aircraft cabins are typically pressurized to between approximately 11 and 12 pounds per square inch (PSI), which replicates an altitude of around 6000-8000 feet. Maintaining the cabin at these levels is vital to allow passengers the best levels of oxygen to breathe normally.

How crews deal with cabin pressure problemsPowering anti-icing and de-icing systemsAirframe icing is a formidable hazard that affects aviation all year round. The phenomenon occurs primarily in atmospheric conditions where supercooled water droplets exist, in clouds, or when flying through freezing rain and drizzle. It is vital that aircraft can prevent, detect and remove ice buildup from critical areas such as the wings, tail and engines. Once again, bleed air comes to the rescue.

Different aircraft employ different methods to remove ice. Whilst light aircraft often use a fluid-based system, larger aircraft typically employ a system based on electricity or bleed air.

On jet aircraft – an anti-icing bleed air system (AI-BAS) uses hot air from an aircraft’s engine to prevent ice from forming on the wings and engine intake. Anti-ice valves direct the hot air through ducts to vulnerable surfaces, such as the wing’s leading edge, where it can melt or dislodge ice.
On turboprop aircraft – bleed air is used to inflate a series of rubber ‘boots’ located on areas of likely ice accumulation, such as the leading edge of the wing. This physically breaks off ice once a certain amount has accumulated. Turboprops vs. Jets - what’s the difference?How does bleed air get from the engines to the cabin?Air is bled from the compressor stage of a gas turbine (jet) engine. This is the stage at which air is compressed and increased in speed before being mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. Let’s take the Boeing 737-800 as an example.

On the 737-800, air is tapped from the 5th and 9th stages of the low pressure and high pressure compressor. This air is both high in speed and high in temperature, so passes through a cooling fan before entering the air conditioning pack. Once prepared, the air enters the cabin.

Schematic diagram of the air conditioning system of the 737-800. Image: Aircraft Training AidsThe air conditioning packs are units that ready the air for use in the cabin by passing it through a series of heat exchangers, cooling and slowing the airflow. (The heat exchangers cool the air by using cold ram air from outside the aircraft). A water extractor removes excess moisture and the air passes through another cooling turbine before entering the passenger cabin. The Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 divide the passenger cabin into three temperature zones which can be manually or automatically controlled by the three knobs on the control panel. Air-conditioning packs are designed to deliver at the coldest temperature demanded by any of the zones. Since that air will be a bit too cold for the other zones, trim air valves add small amounts of hot air into those zones to keep them at the selected temperature.

An air conditioning ‘pack’. Aircraft contain a series of these packs that prepare air bled from the engine for use in the passenger cabin. Image: researchgate5.Bleed air from the APU follows a similar process, and bleed air destined for anti-icing systems is not run through cooling packs as its high temperature is essential in removing ice build-up.

Other uses of bleed air systemsIn addition to pressurization, air conditioning and anti-icing systems, bleed air can also be used to pressurize an aircraft’s hydraulic and water systems.

Some military aircraft have employed an innovative system that uses bleed air to improve aerodynamic performance. Referred to as ‘Boundary Layer Enhancement’, this involves using bleed air to power a series of ‘blow flaps’. Air is forced through slots in wing flaps at certain angles of attack, forcing high energy air into the ‘boundary layer’ air on top of the wing. This has the effect of increase in the stalling angle of attack and the maximum lift coefficient the wing can create.

The F-4 Phantom is one example of an aircraft fitted with Blow Flaps. The future of Bleed Air systemsWith the 787 Dreamliner program, Boeing attempted a true shakeup of the norms of passenger jet design. The 787 incorporates a ‘no-bleed systems architecture’ that eliminates the pneumatic system and bleed manifold. As such, the air-conditioning packs and wing anti-ice systems are now also electrically powered. The aircraft has even replaced the traditional hydraulic fluid system with an electrically-based alternative.

Boeing quotes the following benefits of this approach.

Improved fuel consumption (because less air is being removed from the engine/combustion process)
Reduced maintenance costs (as bleed air systems are notoriously maintenance-intensive)
Improved reliability and fewer components in the engine installation.
Expanded range and reduced fuel consumption (as the aircraft is lighter due to the removal of the system).

Despite these developments, the Dreamliner program suffered numerous early setbacks due to other complexities that derived from the aircraft’s all electric approach, specifically associated with the aircraft’s batteries.

Whilst the Boeing 787 uses an electrical system in lieu of bleed air, other new generation aircraft such as the Airbus A350 have opted to stick with traditional bleed air systems.Despite Boeing’s bleed-free approach in the 787, other new generation aircraft continue to use a bleed air system design that has remained largely unchanged from the previous generations of airliners. The Airbus A350 program elected to use a typical bleed air system in its design, and the 737 MAX family all use the system. The versatility and experience of using bleed air systems mean they will likely be with us for decades to come.

Cofer photo: Marius Hoepner, JetPhotos.

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American announced it will start operating between Charlotte and London Heathrow with Boeing 777-300(ER) effective November 5th. These aircraft will serve this route once daily, and the other frequencies will be performed by Boeing 777-200(ER) jets.

For the first time, the airline will use the 77W on scheduled intercontinental flights from/to Charlotte.

Daily (Boeing 777-200)* AA 732 Charlotte CLT 20:20 · 09:15+1 LHR London * AA 733 London LHR 11:50 · 16:10 CLT Charlotte * AA 734 Charlotte CLT 23:00 · 12:00+1 LHR London * AA 735 London LHR 13:30 · 17:50 CLT Charlotte

Daily (Boeing 777-300)* AA 730 Charlotte CLT 18:10 · 07:00+1 LHR London * AA 731 London LHR 10:05 · 14:25 CLT Charlotte

Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, Munich, Paris and Rome are American’s current destinations to Europe from CLT.

Fiji Airways to fly to Dallas in 2025?The airline is apparently planning to commence services from Nadi, Fiji, in mid-2025, using Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured for 334 passengers, in accordance with a tentative schedule that appeared on its website.

However, Fiji Airways is still awaiting approval from The U.S. Department of Transportation for the beginning of this route, which would be the longest in its network.

Tentative schedule* FJ 890 Nadi NAN 22:00 · 17:15 DFW Dallas * FJ 891 Dallas DFW 23:10 · 05:20+2 NAN Nadi

If launched, Fiji Airways would reach four destinations in the United States, joining Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and five in the Americas including Vancouver in Canada.

Avelo makes the most important expansion in its historyThe US carrier will inaugurate 17 new routes between October and November, which will be carried out on Boeing 737-700s and Boeing 737-800s with 147 and 189 seats, respectively.

Map by gcmap.com Lakeland (LAL) – Concord (USA): 2 weekly · October 24th * Lakeland (LAL) – Manchester (MHT): 2 weekly · October 25th * Lakeland (LAL) – Rochester (ROC): 2 weekly · October 25th * Lakeland (LAL) – San Juan (SJU): 2 weekly · October 26th * Concord (USA) – Albany (ALB): 2 weekly · November 7th * Concord (USA) – Manchester (MHT): 2 weekly · November 7th * Hartford (BDL) – Concord (USA): 2 weekly · November 7th * Hartford (BDL) – Wilmington (ILM): 2 weekly · November 7th * Lakeland (LAL) – Atlanta (ATL): 2 weekly · November 7th * Lakeland (LAL) – Wilmington (ILG): 2 weekly · November 7th * Concord (USA) – Rochester (ROC): 2 weekly · November 8th * Concord (USA) – Wilmington (ILG): 2 weekly · November 8th * Hartford (BDL) – Daytona Beach (DAB): 2 weekly · November 8th * Hartford (BDL) – Lakeland (LAL): 2 weekly · November 8th * Hartford (BDL) – Houston (HOU): 2 weekly · November 15th * Hartford (BDL) – Montego Bay (MBJ): 2 weekly · November 16th * Hartford (BDL) – Cancún (CUN): 2 weekly · November 20th*

We review other highlights of the U.S./Canada market in August: Air Canada plans more widebody aircraft operations to the United States. * Air Transat will increase capacity in the Canada-Peru market. * Alaska Airlines announces 18 new routes. * Allegiant Air and Southwest announce 8 new routes. * American Airlines and Breeze add flights to Las Vegas. * Delta Air Lines to fly between Cincinnati and Paris with Airbus A330neo aircraft. * Flair boosts frequencies to Guadalajara. * Hawaiian Airlines will launch services between Honolulu and Salt Lake City on A330-200s. * jetBlue adds the Airbus A321LR on domestic routes. * Pacific Coastal will operate between Kelowna and Prince George. * Porter introduces two more new connections to the U.S. * Spirit unveils its new premium offerings. * United Airlines expands operations from Denver with A321neo. * WestJet to fly to Seattle from Kelowna.*

AeromexicoStarting October 27th, the Mexican airline will begin services from Mexico City to Newark. According to its website, flights will have a daily frequency with 166-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes.

Daily* AM 410 Mexico City MEX 15:45 · 21:30 EWR Newark * AM 411 Newark EWR 07:05 · 11:55 MEX Mexico City

Currently, Aeromexico operates to Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, Tampa and Washington DC from MEX, regarding US cities.

Air CanadaFor winter season, Air Canada schedules more widebody aircraft flights between Canada and the United States.

Operations will be mainly from Toronto, with some services from Montreal and Vancouver:

Map by gcmap.com Montreal (YUL) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · October 27th * Montreal (YUL) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · October 27th * Montreal (YUL) – Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 · October 27th * Toronto (YYZ) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · October 27th * Toronto (YYZ) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · October 27th * Toronto (YYZ) – Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 · October 27th * Toronto (YYZ) – Phoenix (PHX): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · October 27th * Vancouver (YVR) – Newark (EWR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 · October 27th * Toronto (YYZ) – Miami (MIA): 4 weekly · Boeing 777-200(LR) · October 29th * Toronto (YYZ) – Honolulu (HNL): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-8 · December 6th * Toronto (YYZ) – Orlando (MCO): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300 · December 16th*

Air TransatThe Canadian carrier will expand its capacity on the Montreal – Lima route as of December 20th. At present, Air Transat offers two flights a week using 199-seat Airbus A321neo jets.

By winter 2024/25, the company will start conducting one of the two frequencies with Airbus A330-200s, which are configured for 332 passengers in two classes.

Tuesday and Friday* TS 150 Montreal YUL 21:50 · 06:15+1 LIM Lima

Wednesday and Saturday* TS 151 Lima LIM 08:00 · 16:20 YUL Montreal

In accordance with our database, Air Transat currently has some services on this route with a technical stop in Montego Bay. This happens because it’s operating between the two cities using A321-200s and not Airbus A321neo, which can fly non-stop.

Alaska AirlinesAlaska confirmed the launch of several connections for winter 2024/25, both domestic and international.

These services are in addition to those previously announced to Mexico, as mentioned in the Latin America report.

Map by gcmap.com Fresno (FAT) – Guadalajara (GDL): 7 weekly · December 3rd * Boise (BOI) – Bozeman (BZN): 5 weekly · December 19th * Boise (BOI) – Santa Ana (SNA): 7 weekly · December 19th * Los Angeles (LAX) – Kelowna (YLW): 7 weekly · December 19th * San Diego (SAN) – Reno (RNO): 7 weekly · December 19th * San Diego (SAN) – Eagle County (EGE): 3 weekly · December 20th * Seattle (SEA) – Eagle County (EGE): 3 weekly · December 20th * San Francisco (SFO) – Liberia (LIR): 1 weekly · December 21st * Seattle (SEA) – Liberia (LIR): 1 weekly · December 21st * Sacramento (SMF) – Orlando (MCO): 4 weekly · January 6th, 2025 * Sacramento (SMF) – San José del Cabo (SJD): 5 weekly · January 6th, 2025 * Sacramento (SMF) – Tucson (TUS): 7 weekly · January 6th, 2025 * Boise (BOI) – Orlando (MCO): 3 weekly · January 7th, 2025 * New York (JFK) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 4 weekly · January 8th, 2025 * Sacramento (SMF) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 1 weekly · January 11th, 2025 * Kansas City (MCI) – Cancún (CUN): 1 weekly · January 18th, 2025 * Kansas City (MCI) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 1 weekly · January 25th, 2025 * St. Louis (STL) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 1 weekly · January 25th, 2025*

Flights will be on Alaska’s Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-900, and Horizon and Skywest’s Embraer 175.

Allegiant AirThe company will begin eight new domestic routes during November.

All operations will be performed with Airbus A319 and Airbus A320 planes:

Map by gcmap.com Grand Rapids (GRR) – West Palm Beach (PBI): 2 weekly · November 14th * Savannah (SAV) – Punta Gorda (PGD): 2 weekly · November 14th * Cincinnati (CVG) – Melbourne (MLB): 2 weekly · November 15th * Flint (FNT) – Destin Fort Walton (VPS): 2 weekly · November 15th * New York Stewart (SWF) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 2 weekly · November 15th * Savannah (SAV) – St. Petersburg (PIE): 2 weekly · November 15th * Savannah (SAV) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 2 weekly · November 15th * Portsmouth (PSM) – Sarasota (SRQ): 2 weekly · November 23rd*

American AirlinesLas Vegas will have two new international routes from the airline during the first fortnight of January 2025, which coincides with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, to be held in the U.S. city from January 7-10.

At the time of publication, London Heathrow and Tokyo Narita will be carried out daily from Vegas, on 273-seat Boeing 777-200(ER) jets.

Daily (Jan 3rd to Jan 11th)* AA 187 Las Vegas LAS 11:35 · 16:35 NRT Tokyo * AA 616 Tokyo NRT 18:35 · 11:25 LAS Las Vegas

Daily (Jan 4th to Jan 12th)* AA 721 London LHR 13:30 · 16:15 LAS Las Vegas * AA 288 Las Vegas LAS 20:30 · 14:20+1 LHR London

After a two-year hiatus, American Airlines will once again serve the New York JFK – Las Vegas route. The first flight will be on November 5th, according to its website, and will operate between both cities with the following schedule:

Daily* AA 190 New York JFK 08:05 · 11:15 LAS Las Vegas * AA 190 Las Vegas LAS 11:30 · 19:30 JFK New York

AveloAs well as the new additions, Avelo plans to incorporate its tenth Boeing 737-800 in the short term.

The aircraft was inactive at Miami Opa Locka between January and July, following its retirement from the Aerolíneas Argentinas fleet. Until late 2023, it was registered LV-FQB.

On July 2nd, the 737 departed OPF for Macon (MCN), returning again to Miami two weeks later.

The 737-800 is expected to join Avelo shortly, under registration N814VL.

Current fleet* Boeing 737-700: 7 * Boeing 737-800: 9

In addition to the N814VL, the airline will introduce its eight Boeing 737-700 (N721VL) and another Boeing 737-800 (N815VL).

Breeze AirwaysAs of February 5th, 2025, Breeze will inaugurate services between New Orleans and Las Vegas. The company will have six weekly flights on this route, in line with its website.

Daily except Tuesday* MX 304 New Orleans MSY 20:20 · 23:15 LAS Las Vegas * MX 305 Las Vegas LAS 23:59 · 06:00+1 MSY New Orleans

New Orleans Int’l Airport – KMSYTwo weeks later, on February 19th, Breeze Airways will start operating to Los Angeles from New Orleans, also offering six services per week with Airbus A220s:

Daily except Tuesday* MX 302 New Orleans MSY 20:15 · 22:35 LAX Los Angeles * MX 303 Los Angeles LAX 23:59 · 06:00+1 MSY New Orleans

Delta Air LinesDelta’s Airbus A330-900neo will operate transatlantic flights from Cincinnati.

The first service will depart to Paris Charles de Gaulle next October 29th. Delta will conduct this route with three weekly frequencies during winter 2024/25.

These aircraft will replace the Boeing 767-400(ER), which has 43 fewer seats than the A330neo.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* DL 97 Paris CDG 10:30 · 14:00 CVG Cincinnati * DL 98 Cincinnati CVG 18:45 · 08:00+1 CDG Paris

On the other hand, starting December 21st, the carrier will resume services between Boston and Sarasota, to be carried out by Republic Airways’ Embraer 175s.

Saturday and Sunday* DL 5756 Boston BOS 07:00 · 10:30 SRQ Sarasota * DL 5756 Sarasota SRQ 11:15 · 14:30 BOS Boston

Delta Air Lines will fly this route again after almost five years.

FlairFlair Airlines, as we previously mentioned, will begin flying between Toronto and Guadalajara effective September 13th, two times a week.

From October 28th, the Canadian airline will expand to three weekly services, which will be maintained through winter.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* F8 2660 Toronto YYZ 07:50 · 12:15 GDL Guadalajara * F8 2661 Guadalajara GDL 13:00 · 18:40 YYZ Toronto

New flight on Wednesdays.

HawaiianSalt Lake City, new destination for Hawaiian’s Airbus A330-200.

Services will commence on December 15th, and will be during high season. The A330-200s will replace the Airbus A321neo currently operating this route from Honolulu.

Daily* HA 84 Honolulu HNL 20:40 · 06:00+1 SLC Salt Lake City * HA 83 Salt Lake City SLC 08:00 · 11:55 HNL Honolulu

At publication time, A321neo aircraft will resume flights between the two cities next January 8th, 2025.

IberiaAs we commented in the Europe report, the Spanish company will start operations to the United States using Airbus A321XLRs from Madrid. Its first destinations will be Boston and Washington DC, with three and six flights per week, respectively.

Iberia recently announced plans to increase services between Madrid and Boston with these aircraft, introducing a second daily frequency beginning February 14th, 2025.

Daily (second frequency)* IB 345 Madrid MAD 17:40 · 20:05 BOS Boston * IB 346 Boston BOS 21:35 · 10:40+1 MAD Madrid

The first flight between the two cities with A321XLRs will be on November 14th, increasing to daily as of December 15th.

jetBlueEffective October, the airline plans to introduce Airbus A321LRs on several domestic routes.

These operations will be mainly from New York, plus one route from/to Los Angeles:

Map by gcmap.comNew York JFK San Francisco (SFO): effective October 25th * Los Angeles (LAX): effective October 27th * San Diego (SAN): effective November 1st * Las Vegas (LAS): effective February 13th, 2025*

Los Angeles – West Palm Beach, by A321LR, starts on January 7th, 2025.

Pacific Coastal AirlinesPacific Coastal, effective October 28th, will inaugurate services between Kelowna and Prince George. In accordance with its website, the Canadian carrier will offer six flights a week on this route with Beech 1900D aircraft configured for 19 passengers.

Daily except Saturday* 8P 1498 Kelowna YLW 18:20 · 19:40 YXS Prince George

Daily except Sunday* 8P 1491 Prince George YXS 07:45 · 09:10 YLW Kelowna

PorterSan Diego and Palm Springs, new routes for Porter Airlines.

Operations will begin in December and will be conducted on Embraer E-2s configured with 132 single-class seats.

Map by gcmap.com San Diego (SAN): 4 weekly · December 9th * Palm Springs (PSP): 3 weekly · December 12th*

Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco are its current U.S. connections from Toronto.

SouthwestThe company will start flying several new domestic routes during January and February.

Many will be restarts, while some will be new launches:

Map by gcmap.com Miami (MIA) – Columbus (CMH): 5 weekly · January 11th, 2025 * West Palm Beach (PBI) – Providence (PVD): 1 weekly · January 11th, 2025 * Miami (MIA) – Pittsburgh (PIT): 3 weekly · January 12th, 2025 * Chicago (MDW) – Palm Springs (PSP): 4 weekly · February 13th, 2025 * Albany (ALB) – Sarasota (SRQ): 1 weekly · February 15th, 2025 * Fort Myers (RSW) – Rochester (ROC): 1 weekly · February 15th, 2025 * Orlando (MCO) – Boston (BOS): 1 weekly · February 15th, 2025 * West Palm Beach (PBI) – Buffalo (BUF): 1 weekly · February 15th, 2025*

SpiritIn late July, the ultra low-cost carrier unveiled its new premium offerings, which will be available to book as of August 16th, and will introduce a completely refreshed passenger experience from August 27th.

Spirit’s new premium experience includes four new travel options, named Go Big, Go Comfy, Go Savvy and Go. These different options will allow passengers to choose how to travel according to their preferences.

“We’re unveiling a new era in Spirit’s history and taking low-fare travel to new heights with enhanced options that are unlike anything we’ve offered before,” said Ted Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We listened to our Guests and are excited to deliver what they want: choices for an elevated experience that are affordable and provide unparalleled value.”

Go Big“Delivers the best value in the sky and includes a Big Front Seat®, snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, one carry-on bag, one checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, and streaming access through the fastest Wi-Fi of any U.S.-based airline. The Big Front Seat features enhanced comfort with wider seats, extra legroom, additional seat cushioning and no middle seat. Go Big will be available to book and experience starting Aug. 16, with snacks and drinks included and priority check-in launching on Aug. 27*.”

Go Comfy“Is a brand-new seating option that offers increased comfort and space with a guaranteed blocked middle seat, one carry-on bag, one checked bag, priority boarding, and a snack and non-alcoholic beverage. Go Comfy will be available to book starting Aug. 16 and experience beginning Aug. 27.”

Go Savvy“Provides the choice of either one carry-on bag or one checked bag and standard seat selection during booking. Go Savvy will be available to book and experience starting Aug. 16.”

Go“Offers the greatest affordability for those who want to keep it simple with the flexibility to purchase any of the following options: checked bags, standard seat selection, Wi-Fi, and snacks and beverages. Go will be available to book and experience beginning Aug. 16.”

United AirlinesAs of December, the airline will expand its services to/from Denver with 168-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft:

Map by gcmap.com Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · December 19th * Houston (IAH): 7 weekly · December 19th * Las Vegas (LAS): 7 weekly · December 19th * Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · December 19th * Orlando (MCO): 7 weekly · December 19th * Phoenix (PHX): 7 weekly · December 19th * San Diego (SAN): 7 weekly · December 19th * Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 7 weekly · January 7th, 2025 * Seattle (SEA): 7 weekly · January 7th, 2025*

The company is scheduled to resume flights between Los Angeles and St. George Regional Airport on September 26th, which will be operated by Skywest’s CRJ-200s with 30/50-passenger capacity.

United’s last services on this route had been in early 2020.

Daily* UA 5116 St. George SGU 11:30 · 12:00 LAX Los Angeles * UA 5117 Los Angeles LAX 13:30 · 16:04 SGU St. George

WestJetKelowna – Seattle, WestJet’s new route.

The first flight will depart the Canadian city on January 17th, 2025 for SEA. During the first month, operations will have five weekly frequencies on 72-seat Dash 8 jets.

Daily except Tuesday and Wednesday* WS 3750 Kelowna YLW 09:00 · 09:58 SEA Seattle * WS 3751 Seattle SEA 11:30 · 12:37 YLW Kelowna

By mid-February, it will boost to daily.

WestJet currently has flights from Kelowna to Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria and Winnipeg.

We review the aircraft added by U.S. and Canadian airlines during July and early August: Air Canada * Air Transat * Alaska Airlines * Breeze Airways * Delta Air Lines (x4) * FedEx * Frontier (x2) * jetBlue (x3) * Porter (x2) * Southwest (x3) * Spirit (x2) * United Airlines (x9) * United Parcel Service* (UPS)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air Canada | C-FFOP | PAE-MCI | July 2nd | | Airbus A220-300 | jetBlue | N3195J | BFM-YMXYMX-BOS | July 2ndJuly 5th | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXN | SJK-BGIBGI-YYZYYZ-YUL | July 3rdJuly 4thJuly 7th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8923Q | BFI-PHX | July 3rd | | Airbus A330-941 | Delta | N428DX | TLS-MSP | July 5th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8929S | BFI-PHX | July 10th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Air Transat | C-GOKH | XFW-YUL | July 12th | | Boeing 767-300F | FedEx | N257FE | PAE-IND | July 12th | | Airbus A220-300 | jetBlue | N236BZ | YMX-TPA | July 12th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Alaska | N805AK | BFI-OAK | July 15th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N17347 | BFI-SEASEA-GYR | July 15thJuly 23rd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N37348 | BFI-PDX | July 15th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8928Q | BFI-PHX | July 16th | | Boeing 767-300F | UPS | N386UP | PAE-SATSAT-SDF | July 16thJuly 23rd | | Airbus A321-271NX | Frontier | N650FR | XFW-YYR-TPATPA-CLE | July 17thJuly 20th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N17344 | BFI-PDXPDX-ORD | July 18thJuly 24th | | Airbus A220-300 | jetBlue | N3203J | BFM-YMX | July 18th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N17346 | BFI-RFD | July 19th | | Airbus A321-271NX | United | N24514 | BFM-TPATPA-GYR | July 23rdJuly 31st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N17315 | BFI-SEASEA-DEN | July 23rdJuly 26th | | Airbus A350-941 | Delta | N522DZ | TLS-ATL | July 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Frontier | N652FR | XFW-YYR-TPA | July 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N721NK | XFW-KEF-DTW | July 25th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N67350 | BFI-PDXPDX-ORD | July 25thAugust 1st | | Airbus A321-271NX | United | N14515 | BFM-TPA | July 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N731NK | XFW-KEF-DTW | July 26th | | Airbus A350-941 | Delta | N523DN | TLS-ATL | July 27th | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXO | SJK-BFIBFI-YYZ | July 29thJuly 30th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United | N37297 | BFI-RFD | July 31st | | Airbus A330-941 | Delta | N429DX | TLS-MSP | August 3rd |

*Air Canada’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 is a former Lynx Air, which operated under the registration C-GLXG.

Other reports we have published:

Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
ANA spreads its wings in Europe
ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: X Pan – JetPhotos (London Heathrow, United Kingdom).

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by Ned Russell and his dog Heathrow to break down the appointment of Kelly Ortberg as Boeing’s new CEO. We also unpack Boeing’s second quarter earnings report, which while not particularly cheerful does have a few bright spots.

Southwest and Spirit Airlines each announced massive changes, with Southwest adding assigned seating and extra legroom and Spirit following Frontier into fare bundling, including offering a true first class product. Will these changes be enough to right the ship for the struggling carriers?

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

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The Airbus A321XLR was formally certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ahead of the Farnborough Airshow on July 19, 2024. The aircraft received its certificate of airworthiness, a vital document that allows the production of the aircraft to go ahead in earnest.

AvTalk Episode 278: Gary O’Donnell, A321XLR head of programBringing a new aircraft into service is a huge logistical challenge for manufacturers, culminating in the aircraft being certified as safe to fly in passenger service by a select aviation authority – enter the certificate of airworthiness. Let’s take a closer look at the ‘CofA’ and what it entails.

What is a Certificate of Airworthiness?A Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) is a crucial document issued by the national aviation authority of a country, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe. This certificate confirms that an aircraft is airworthy and meets the safety standards set by the regulatory body.

Issuing the certificate involves a comprehensive and rigorous process at various stages of an aircraft's development.Do they expire?No – but an annual review is needed, this is called an Airworthiness Review Certificate, or ‘ARC’. The ARC is overseen by the national aviation authority in question (such as the United States FAA or UK Civil Aviation Authority), and entails a full documented review of the aircraft records and a physical survey of the aircraft.

What happens before the aircraft goes into production?

| Stage | Sub-Stage | Details | | --- | --- | --- | | 1. Design & deveopment | Concept and Preliminary Design | The aircraft manufacturer develops initial designs and concepts. These designs must comply with international and national aviation standards. | | Type Certificate Application | The manufacturer applies for a Type Certificate (TC) from the aviation authority, demonstrating that the aircraft design meets all regulatory requirements. | | 2. Engineering and Safety Reviews | Detailed Design and Analysis | Detailed engineering designs are developed, including structural, aerodynamic, and systems analyses. | | Compliance Documentation | The manufacturer prepares documentation proving compliance with all applicable airworthiness standards and regulations. | | Testing Plans | Plans for necessary tests, including ground tests and flight tests, are submitted for approval. | | 3. Testing and Certification | Structural testing | Components and systems are tested on the ground to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. | | System Functionality Tests | All aircraft systems (e.g., avionics, hydraulics, electrical) undergo rigorous testing to ensure they function correctly under various conditions. | | 4. Flight testing | Flight Test Program | The aircraft undergoes a series of test flights to validate its performance, handling, and systems functionality. | | Safety and Performance Verification | Flight test data is analyzed to verify that the aircraft performs as expected and meets all safety standards. | | Test Reports | Detailed flight test reports are compiled and submitted to the aviation authority for review. |

What happens after production begins?

| Stage | Sub-stage | What happens | | --- | --- | --- | | 3. Production | Production Certificate | The manufacturer must obtain a Production Certificate, demonstrating that they can consistently produce aircraft that conform to the approved type design. | | Quality assurance | The manufacturer implements rigorous quality control processes during production to ensure each aircraft meets the approved design specifications. | | 4. Conformity Inspections | Initial Inspections | Aviation authority inspectors conduct initial inspections of production aircraft to ensure they conform to the approved type design and meet all regulatory requirements. | | Continued Surveillance | Ongoing inspections and audits are conducted to ensure continued compliance with airworthiness standards during production. | | 5. Post-Production | Certificate of Airworthiness Application | For each individual aircraft, the manufacturer or operator applies for a CofA from the aviation authority. | | Inspection and Testing | The aviation authority conducts a detailed inspection of the aircraft, reviewing documentation and conducting necessary tests to ensure it is airworthy. | | Issuance of certificate of airworthiness | If the aircraft meets all requirements, the Certificate of Airworthiness is issued, allowing the aircraft to enter service. | | 5. Continued Airworthiness | Scheduled Maintenance | Regular maintenance is conducted according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and regulatory requirements to ensure ongoing airworthiness. | | Airworthiness Directives (ADs) | The aviation authority may issue ADs requiring specific inspections, modifications, or repairs to address identified safety issues. | | Continual Monitoring | The aircraft’s operational data is continuously monitored, and any necessary corrective actions are taken to maintain airworthiness. |

What happens when modifications or repairs are needed?* Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) are issued for any significant modifications. These are required to demonstrate that the modification complies with airworthiness standards. These are required when instigating changes such as installing WiFi systems, or modifying aircraft, engine, propeller, or other aircraft parts. * Major repairs must be approved by the aviation authority to ensure they do not compromise the aircraft’s overall safety or airworthiness. Significant modifications made to an aircraft or type may facilitate changes to the Certificate of AirworthinessBoeing’s Certificate of Airworthiness woesThe certification process of the Boeing 737 MAX by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced significant scrutiny following two fatal crashes involving the aircraft. These incidents revealed critical flaws in the aircraft’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which were not adequately addressed during certification. The relationship between Boeing and the FAA came under intense criticism, with allegations of excessive closeness and lapses in oversight. This perceived lack of rigorous independent evaluation led to widespread concerns about regulatory effectiveness and the safety of the certification process. The resulting public and industry backlash prompted a comprehensive review and overhaul of the FAA’s certification procedures to restore trust and ensure robust safety standards.

The certification of all Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft continues to face delays, though Max 8 and MAX 9 aircraft are permitted to continue flying whilst outstanding fixes are introduced.

The MAX 7 and 10 have not been so lucky. In January 2024, Boeing withdrew a safety exemption request for the 737 MAX 7 related to an anti-icing system issue that could lead to overheating of the inlet cowl. This problem also affected the MAX 10. Boeing has been working on a design modification to address this issue, and testing of the fix is expected to begin in late 2024.

The Boeing 777-9, part of the 777X family, has also faced delays. Initially planned for delivery in 2020, the timeline has been pushed back multiple times, with the current projection for late 2025. The aircraft began certification flight testing in July 2024, a crucial milestone in its journey towards certification.

PreviousNextThe process of issuing a Certificate of Airworthiness is thorough and multifaceted, involving detailed design reviews, extensive testing, stringent quality control during production, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Each stage is crucial to ensure that the aircraft meets the highest safety and performance standards before it is certified for operation.

Cover photo: BremenPinguin, JetPhotos.

The post What actually is a Certificate of Airworthiness? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Following a 28-year suspension, Air France confirmed it will resume regular operations to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

The first flight is scheduled for November 18th on the Paris Charles de Gaulle – Zanzibar – Kilimanjaro – Paris Charles de Gaulle route. According to its website, the airline will offer three weekly services with Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are configured for 324 passengers in three seating classes.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* AF 874 Paris CDG 10:10 · 21:10 ZNZ Zanzibar * AF 874 Zanzibar ZNZ 22:55 · 23:55 JRO Kilimanjaro * AF 874 Kilimanjaro JRO 01:25+1 · 08:50+1 CDG Paris

Kilimanjaro will be Air France’s third destination in Tanzania.

Etihad Airways launched its first Warner Bros. World liveryThe airline announced its new agreement with Warner Bros. World, which represents the largest theme park collaboration to date. Furthermore, this partnership includes a special Etihad livery, featured on a brand new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (A6-BMA).

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Building on the strong reputation we have built as a family-friendly airline, we’re thrilled to take our partnership with Warner Bros. World to the next level. Our Looney Tunes and DC Super Hero themed aircraft will take our brands to destinations worldwide promoting one of Abu Dhabi’s many attractions. We look forward to welcoming more and more visitors inspired to visit our home, Abu Dhabi, and in particular delighting our Little VIP guests while they journey with us.”

This is the first-ever Warner Bros. World-branded aircraft.

We review other highlights of the Africa/Middle East market in July: Air Arabia and Air Arabia Maroc add flights to Europe. * Air Cairo began services between El Dabaa and Almaty. * Air Côte d’Ivoire took delivery of its 11th aircraft. * Akasa Air incorporated new connections to the Middle East from India. * Arkia schedules some flights on the Tel Aviv – Manchester route. * Cabo Verde Airlines returns to Barcelona. * easyJet to fly between Portugal and Cape Verde. * Edelweiss will expand its destination network in this market. * Emirates postpones the first scheduled flight of its Airbus A350. * Ethiopian increases frequencies to Bamako and Dakar. * Flynas to start two new connections in September. * ITA will operate services to Dubai. * Kenya Airways with more flights between Nairobi and New York. * PIA will have two new routes to Jeddah from Pakistan. * Qatar Airways commenced its sixth daily frequency to Colombo (Sri Lanka). * Safair will add a new domestic route. * SAUDIA boosts frequencies between Jeddah and Manchester. * Tunisair and Uganda Airlines open international routes in Africa.*

Kilimanjaro, from an Airbus A340-200Air ArabiaAfter a four-year hiatus, Air Arabia plans to return to Vienna.

Flights will be operated from December 20th, four times per week.

Monday and Friday* G9 970 Sharjah SHJ 08:00 · 11:25 VIE Vienna * G9 971 Vienna VIE 12:10 · 20:50 SHJ Sharjah

Wednesday and Saturday* G9 970 Sharjah SHJ 18:00 · 21:25 VIE Vienna * G9 971 Vienna VIE 22:20 · 07:00+1 SHJ Sharjah

Athens, Baku, Istanbul (IST), Krakow, Milan Bergamo, Sarajevo, Tbilisi and Yerevan are its destinations in Europe from/to Sharjah.

Air Arabia MarocRegarding Air Arabia Maroc, effective October 27th, the airline intends to expand its routes to Europe from Morocco, with the start of flights between Tetouan and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

The company will fly Airbus A320-200s, under the following schedule:

Thursday/Sunday* 3O 817 Tetouan TTU 16:30/15:15 · 19:15/18:00 CDG Paris * 3O 818 Paris CDG 20:05/18:50 · 22:45/21:30 TTU Tetouan

Considering its subsidiaries, Air Arabia Group has 77 aircraft in its fleet.

Air CairoAlmaty, Air Cairo’s new destination from El Dabaa as of July 23rd.

The operations will have a weekly frequency between the two cities on Airbus A320-200 airplanes, with a capacity of 180 passengers in single class.

Tuesday* SM 887 El Dabaa DBB 01:05 · 09:05 ALA Almaty * SM 888 Almaty ALA 10:15 · 15:05 DBB El Dabaa

Air Cairo is the only operator on this route.

Air Côte d’IvoireA new Air Cote d’Ivoire Airbus A319 arrived in Abidjan, its hub, last July 11th. The aircraft, registered TU-TRJ, becomes the fourth A319 in the fleet, and the second to be added this year.

This Airbus A319 is 8 years old. Its last operator was Avianca, between October 2016 and November 2023, remaining inactive until then.

Fleet Airbus A319-100: 4 (TU-TRF, TU-TRJ, TU-TSY, TU-TSZ) * Airbus A320-200: 2 (TU-TSV, TU-TSW) * Airbus A320neo: 1 (TU-TSX) * Dash 8*: 4 (TU-TSI, TU-TSK, TU-TSL, TU-TSQ)

Air Côte d’Ivoire via LinkedInAir FranceWe review Air France’s important route network in Africa, to/from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly, (mainly CDG):

Map by gcmap.comAngola CDG – PNR – Luanda (LAD) – PNR – CDG: 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Benin CDG – Cotonou (COO) – CDG: 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Cameroon CDG – Douala (DLA) – CDG: 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200 * CDG – SSG – Douala (DLA) – CDG: 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 * CDG – Yaounde (NSI) – CDG: 5 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Central African Republic/Cameroon CDG – Bangui (BGF) – NSI – CDG: 2 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Chad/Nigeria CDG – N’Djamena (NDJ) – Abuja (ABV) – CDG: 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Congo CDG – Pointe Noire (PNR) – CDG: 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Congo/Democratic Republic of the Congo CDG – Brazzaville (BZV) – Kinshasa (FIH) – CDG: 4 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Democratic Republic of the Congo/Congo CDG – Kinshasa (FIH) – Brazzaville (BZV) – CDG: 3 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Djibouti CDG – Djibouti (JIB) – CDG: 1 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER)*

Egypt CDG – Cairo (CAI) – CDG: 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Equatorial Guinea CDG – Malabo (SSG) – DLA – CDG: 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Gabon CDG – Libreville (LBV) – CDG: 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Ghana CDG – Accra (ACC) – CDG: 3 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER)*

Guinea CDG – Conakry (CKY) – CDG: 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * CDG – NKC – Conakry (CKY) – NKC – CDG: 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Ivory Coast CDG – Abidjan (ABJ) – CDG: 14 weekly · A359/77W*

Kenya CDG – Nairobi (NBO) – CDG: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER)*

Madagascar CDG – Antananarivo (TNR) – CDG: 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Mauritius CDG – Port Louis (MRU) – CDG: 5 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Mauritania CDG – Nouakchott (NKC) – CDG: 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Morocco CDG – Agadir (AGA) – CDG: 2 weekly · Airbus A320 * CDG – Casablanca (CMN) – CDG: 22 weekly · A319/A320/A321/738 * CDG – Marrakesh (RAK) – CDG: 14 weekly · A319/A320 * CDG – Rabat (RBA) – CDG: 20 weekly · A320/A321 * CDG – Tangier (TNG) – CDG: 4 weekly · A320/A321*

Nigeria CDG – Lagos (LOS) – CDG: 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Reunion CDG – Saint-Denis (RUN) – CDG: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * ORY – Saint-Denis (RUN) – ORY: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

South Africa CDG – Johannesburg (JNB) – CDG: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Senegal CDG – Dakar (DSS) – CDG: 9 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Tanzania CDG – Zanzibar (ZNZ) – Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) – CDG: 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9 * CDG – Zanzibar (ZNZ) – Kilimanjaro (JRO) – CDG: 3 weekly · effective November 18th*

Togo CDG – Lome (LFW) – CDG: 5 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Tunisia CDG – Tunis (TUN) – CDG: 34 weekly · A319/A320/A321*

Akasa AirNew Akasa Air routes in the Middle East.

The Indian low cost carrier began operations to Jeddah and Abu Dhabi from Ahmedabad and Mumbai, respectively. In both cases, Akasa Air will fly using Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, with the following frequencies:

Map by gcmap.com Mumbai (BOM) – Abu Dhabi (AUH): 7 weekly · first flight was on July 11th * Ahmedabad (AMD) – Jeddah (JED): 2 weekly · first flight was on July 20th*

ArkiaThe Israeli company is scheduled to start flights between Tel Aviv and Manchester beginning October 14th. According to the Arkia Israeli Airlines website, the airline will offer, until October 25th, two services a week.

Monday and Friday* IZ 931 Tel Aviv TLV 04:50 · 08:15 MAN Manchester * IZ 932 Manchester MAN 09:45 · 16:50 TLV Tel Aviv

Currently, London is the only destination from/to Tel Aviv in the United Kingdom:

British Airways (LHR-LCA-TLV-LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A321neo
El Al (TLV-LHR-TLV): 14 weekly · 739/777/787
El Al (TLV-LTN-TLV): 11 weekly · 738/739
Wizz Air UK (LTN-TLV-LTN): 6 weekly · Airbus A321neo

Cabo Verde AirlinesOn July 30th at 09:37 local time, Cabo Verde Airlines’ first flight to Barcelona departed from Espargos. The carrier will offer weekly service on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Tuesday* VR 620 Espargos SID 09:00 · 16:40 BCN Barcelona * VR 621 Barcelona BCN 17:50 · 20:10 SID Espargos

Barcelona becomes Cabo Verde Airlines’ third destination in Europe, after Lisbon and Paris CDG.

With respect to the domestic sector, the airline has these connections between the islands of Cape Verde:

Map by gcmap.comEspargos

Boa Vista (BVC): 3 weekly · ATR 72 (15 minutes flight)
Praia (RAI): 10 weekly · ATR 72 (30 minutes flight)
São Nicolau (SNE): 2 weekly · ATR 72 (25 minutes flight)
São Vicente (VXE): 10 weekly · ATR 72 (40 minutes flight)

Praia

Boa Vista (BVC): 4 weekly · ATR 72 (25 minutes flight)
Maio (MMO): 2 weekly · ATR 72 (10 minutes flight)
São Filipe (SFL): 12 weekly · ATR 72 (20 minutes flight)
São Vicente (VXE): 20 weekly · ATR 72 (45 minutes flight)

Canadian Airways CongoThe Congolese airline, based in Brazzaville, incorporated a 32-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-82, which had been operating with European Air Charter, a Bulgarian company.

Last July 11th, the MD-82, registered TN-AJW, landed in Brazzaville from Sofia via Cairo. As can be seen through our database, the aircraft has not yet entered service, and remains at BZV.

Fleet Boeing 737-200: 1 (TN-AIX) * McDonnell Douglas MD-82: 2 (TN-AJL and TN-AJW) * McDonnell Douglas MD-83*: 1 (TN-AJT)

Illustrative photoeasyJetStarting in October, easyJet will expand its network of destinations in Africa, with the launch of flights to Cape Verde.

The ultra low cost, in accordance with its website, will offer services from Portugal to Espargos with Airbus A320-200 planes.

Map by gcmap.com Lisbon (LIS): 4 weekly · October 29th * Porto (OPO): 3 weekly · October 30th*

EdelweissThe airline will commence, as of November, new routes to Africa and the Middle East.

Giza, Salalah and Tunis will be its new additions, to be operated from Zurich under the following schedule:

November 2nd · Giza (Airbus A320)Wednesday

WK 126 Zurich ZRH 09:45 · 14:40 SPX Giza
WK 127 Giza SPX 15:40 · 18:45 ZRH Zurich

Saturday

WK 126 Zurich ZRH 22:45 · 03:40+1 SPX Giza
WK 127 Giza SPX 05:10 · 08:15 ZRH Zurich (Sunday)

December 19th · Tunis (Airbus A320)Thursday/Sunday

WK 124 Zurich ZRH 06:05/17:35 · 08:10/19:40 TUN Tunis
WK 125 Tunis TUN 09:00/20:30 · 11:00/22:30 ZRH Zurich

February 25th, 2025 · Muscat and Salalah (Airbus A340)Tuesday

WK 44 Zurich ZRH 11:50 · 21:15 MCT Muscat
WK 44 Muscat MCT 22:45 · 00:20 SLL Salalah
WK 44 Salalah SLL 01:30 · 06:20 ZRH Zurich

Friday

WK 44 Zurich ZRH 22:30 · 07:55+1 MCT Muscat
WK 44 Muscat MCT 09:25+1 · 11:00+1 SLL Salalah
WK 44 Salalah SLL 12:10+1 · 17:00+1 ZRH Zurich

EmiratesThe first regular flight of its Airbus A350-900 has been postponed.

As we had announced in previous reports, the first operation was scheduled from Dubai to Bahrain on September 15th. Following a new network update, the airline confirmed the inaugural flight of the A350s will now take place on November 4th, and will enter service with its new route to Edinburgh, at the time of publication.

Current schedule, according to its website:

Map by gcmap.com Edinburgh (EDI): November 4th * Bahrain (BAH): November 15th * Kuwait City (KWI): November 15th * Ahmedabad (AMD): January 1st, 2025 * Mumbai (BOM): January 1st, 2025 * Colombo (CMB): January 2nd, 2025 * Lyon (LYS): March 1st, 2025 * Muscat (MCT): March 1st, 2025*

Ethiopian AirlinesEffective October 27th, the company plans to increase its services on the Addis Ababa – Bamako – Dakar route, which it currently operates with a daily frequency by Boeing 777-200(LR) and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

In line with its website, Ethiopian will reach 13 flights per week.

Current scheduleDaily

ET 909 Addis Ababa ADD 10:40 · 14:10 BKO Bamako
ET 909 Bamako BKO 15:40 · 17:40 DSS Dakar
ET 908 Dakar DSS 08:00 · 10:00 BKO Bamako
ET 908 Bamako BKO 11:00 · 21:00 ADD Addis Ababa

Schedule as of October 27thDaily

ET 909 Addis Ababa ADD 10:40 · 14:40 BKO Bamako
ET 909 Bamako BKO 15:40 · 17:40 DSS Dakar
ET 908 Dakar DSS 18:40 · 20:40 BKO Bamako
ET 908 Bamako BKO 21:40 · 07:40+1 ADD Addis Ababa

Daily except Thursday (new flight)

ET 907 Addis Ababa ADD 00:10 · 04:10 BKO Bamako
ET 907 Bamako BKO 05:10 · 07:10 DSS Dakar
ET 906 Dakar DSS 08:20 · 10:20 BKO Bamako
ET 906 Bamako BKO 11:20 · 21:20 ADD Addis Ababa

EtihadEtihad Airways will operate twelve weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Moscow Sheremetyevo from October 27th. The carrier will offer these operations on 280-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes.

Daily except Friday* EY 841 Abu Dhabi AUH 03:05 · 08:05 SVO Moscow * EY 842 Moscow SVO 12:10 · 18:55 AUH Abu Dhabi

Daily except Tuesday* EY 843 Abu Dhabi AUH 14:50 · 19:45 SVO Moscow * EY 844 Moscow SVO 23:25 · 06:05+1 AUH Abu Dhabi

At present, Etihad has a daily flight on this route (EY 65/66).

flynasBahrain and Doha, new flynas connections to/from Medina.

flynas will conduct its services using Airbus A320-200 aircraft, as follows:

Map by gcmap.com Bahrain (BAH): 3 weekly · September 10th*

Gulf Air currently performs one daily frequency on this route with Airbus A321neo.

Doha (DOH): 2 weekly · September 12th

Qatar Airways has 17 weekly services on Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 777-300(ER) aircraft.

IndiGoThe airline keeps increasing its network from Abu Dhabi, with the launch of three new connections.

IndiGo will operate by 180-passenger Airbus A320neo jets.

Map by gcmap.com Bengaluru (BLR): 6 weekly · August 1st * Mangalore (IXE): 7 weekly · August 9th * Tiruchirappalli (TRZ): 4 weekly · August 11th*

Kenya AirwaysOn July 8th, Kenya Airways boosted its flight frequency between Nairobi and New York JFK, expanding from nine to ten services a week.

Daily* KQ 2 Nairobi NBO 23:35 · 07:35+1 JFK New York * KQ 3 New York JFK 13:45 · 10:45+1 NBO Nairobi

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* KQ 4 Nairobi NBO 08:35/08:45 · 16:35/16:45 JFK New York * KQ 5 New York JFK 19:50/20:00 · 16:50/17:00+1 NBO Nairobi

New flight on Mondays.

New York is Kenya Airways’ only destination in the Americas. Its main network is within Africa, in addition to offering three connections to Europe and Asia, and one to the Middle East.

Nile AirThe company will begin a new connection to Saudi Arabia from Cairo in mid-August.

Nile Air will fly the Cairo – Arar route using the 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft, with this schedule:

Tuesday and Saturday* NP 123 Cairo CAI 19:15 · 21:00 RAE Arar * NP 124 Arar RAE 21:55 · 23:50 CAI Cairo

Nile Air routes between Cairo and Saudi ArabiaMap by gcmap.com Abha (AHB): 3 weekly · Airbus A320 * Al-Qassim (ELQ): 9 weekly · A320/A321 * Dammam (DMM): 6 weekly · A320/A321 * Ha’il (HAS): 2 weekly · Airbus A320 * Jeddah (JED): 8 weekly · A320/A321 * Jizan (GIZ): 3 weekly · Airbus A320 * Najran (EAM): 2 weekly · Airbus A320 * Qaisumah (AQI): 2 weekly · Airbus A320 * Riyadh (RUH): 8 weekly · A320/A321 * Sakaka (AJF): 5 weekly · Airbus A320 * Tabuk (TUU): 6 weekly · A320/A321 * Taif (TIF): 7 weekly · A320/A321*

Pakistan International AirlinesTwo new routes will join PIA’s regular network from/to Jeddah.

The airline will reach eight connections in the Saudi city with the start of Faisalabad and Quetta, which will be served by Airbus A320-200s configured for 174 passengers.

Faisalabad · August 2ndWednesday/Friday

PK 764 Jeddah JED 03:05 · 10:10 LYP Faisalabad
PK 763 Faisalabad LYP 18:35/17:50 · 21:45/21:00 JED Jeddah

Quetta · August 6thTuesday/Sunday

PK 768 Jeddah JED 03:05 · 09:30 UET Quetta
PK 767 Quetta UET 19:15/18:30 · 21:45/21:00 JED Jeddah

Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Sialkot are its other destinations.

Qatar AirwaysEffective July 10th, Qatar began its sixth frequency between Doha and Colombo, Sri Lanka, consolidating its leading position in this market.

The airline operates, according to our database, with Airbus A320-200, Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering 1,600 daily seats on both legs.

Daily (new frequency schedule)* QR 656 Doha DOH 07:20 · 14:55 CMB Colombo (daily except Wednesday) * QR 656 Doha DOH 10:30 · 18:05 CMB Colombo (Wednesday) * QR 657 Colombo CMB 21:15 · 23:45 DOH Doha

Other frequencies QR 654/655: daily · Airbus A330-200 * QR 658/659: daily · Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300 * QR 660/661: daily · Airbus A330-200 * QR 662/663: daily · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * QR 664/665: daily · Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300*

In addition to Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines has one flight per day on this route, which is served by Airbus A320 and Airbus A330.

SafairFlySafair will commence services between Johannesburg and Nelspruit on August 2nd. This new domestic route will have two weekly flights with Boeing 737-800s seating 189 passengers in single class.

Friday and Sunday* FA 672 Johannesburg JNB 11:45 · 12:40 MQP Nelspruit * FA 673 Nelspruit MQP 13:15 · 14:10 JNB Johannesburg

Currently, both cities have 39 operations a week, all of them by Airlink on Embraer 135 aircraft. Safair will reach its second destination in Nelspruit, after Cape Town.

SAUDIADuring September, Saudi International Airlines plans more flights to Manchester. It will be on a limited schedule, as the carrier will have a daily frequency from Jeddah between September 11th and the 25th.

Daily (new flight on Wednesdays)* SV 123 Jeddah JED 08:15 · 12:55 MAN Manchester * SV 124 Manchester MAN 14:50 · 23:20 JED Jeddah

London (Gatwick and Heathrow) and Manchester are its destinations in the UK.

SmartwingsThe company will resume services between Vienna and Espargos from December 20th for winter 2024/25. Smartwings will perform one flight per week with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Friday* QS 4416 Vienna VIE 07:30 · 12:40 SID Espargos * QS 4417 Espargos SID 13:30 · 22:00 VIE Vienna

This route had been operated by the airline between December 22nd, 2023 and May 10th, as can be seen through our database.

TunisairDouala and Libreville, new Tunisair connections.

In accordance to its website, the services will be combined, and will have three weekly frequencies on Airbus A320neo starting December 14th.

Monday and Wednesday* TU 381 Tunis TUN 15:50 · 21:10 DLA Douala * TU 381 Douala DLA 22:00 · 23:00 LBV Libreville * TU 381 Libreville LBV 23:50 · 05:30+1 TUN Tunis

Saturday* TU 381 Tunis TUN 15:50 · 21:30 LBV Libreville * TU 381 Libreville LBV 22:20 · 23:20 DLA Douala * TU 381 Douala DLA 00:10+1 · 05:30+1 TUN Tunis

It will be the only operator from Tunisia to Gabon and Cameroon.

Uganda AirlinesOn September, Uganda Airlines will add two new routes to/from Entebbe (EBB), the airline’s hub in the country.

The operations will be carried out with Airbus A330-800neo and CRJ-900 airplanes of 261 and 76 seats, respectively:

Map by gcmap.com EBB – Lagos (LOS) – Abuja (ABV) – EBB: 2 weekly · September 12th (A330neo) * EBB – Lusaka (LUN) – Harare (HRE) – EBB: 2 weekly · September 25th (CRJ-900) * EBB – Harare (HRE) – Lusaka (LUN) – EBB: 2 weekly · September 26th (CRJ-900)*

Royal Jordanian was the only airline in this market to receive a new aircraft from the factory during July.

The plane, an Embraer E190-E2 with registration JY-RED, departed on June 28th from São José dos Campos, where Embraer’s factory in Brazil is located.

São José dos Campos – Recife was the first leg, followed by Recife – Gran Canaria on July 1st, and the final segment to Amman took place on July 3rd.

A few hours after its arrival in Jordan, the aircraft entered service on flight RJ 5131 between Amman and Athens.

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Embraer E190-E2 | Royal Jordanian | JY-RED | SJK-RECREC-LPALPA-AMM | June 28thJuly 1stJuly 3rd |

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
ANA spreads its wings in Europe
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: Photorikoo – JetPhotos (Paris Charles de Gaulle, France).

The post Air France returns to Kilimanjaro after a 28-year hiatus appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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As we mentioned in the Asia report, which you can read by clicking on this link, All Nippon Airways will expand its European network between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, with the addition of three new regular routes from Tokyo Haneda.

Operations will be carried out with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 184/240 and 215/246 passengers, and are already on sale through the airline’s website as of July 22nd.

The Star Alliance member will begin services to Milan Malpensa, Stockholm Arlanda and Istanbul in December, January and February, respectively. These three cities will join Brussels, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Munich and Paris Charles de Gaulle, its other destinations in Europe.

Milan MalpensaAt 01:05 local time on December 3rd, the first flight to the Italian city will depart from the Japanese capital. According to its website, All Nippon Airways will have three frequencies per week between the two cities on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, which means 738 weekly seats offered on each leg (considering the 787-9 with 246 seats).

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* NH 207 Tokyo HND 01:05 · 08:30 MXP Milan * NH 208 Milan MXP 10:30 · 07:30+1 HND Tokyo

ANA will be the only operator on this route.

Stockholm ArlandaThe airline will commence operations to the Sweden’s city effective January 31st, 2025. In this case, services will be conducted three times a week with Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring two seating configurations (Business and Economy).

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday* NH 221 Tokyo HND 00:30 · 06:20 ARN Stockholm * NH 222 Stockholm ARN 09:35 · 07:20+1 HND Tokyo

ANA will be the only operator on this route.

With respect to other Scandinavian countries, SAS has four weekly flights from/to Copenhagen on Airbus A350s, while Finnair and Japan Airlines operate to/from Helsinki, 7 and 4 times per week respectively.

IstanbulOn February 12th, 2025, it will be ANA’s first regular service to Istanbul airport. As with Stockholm, flights will be performed with three weekly frequencies by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes which, considering the 240-seat configuration, will offer 720 seats a week on this route.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* NH 219 Tokyo HND 08:15 · 15:55 IST Istanbul * NH 220 Istanbul IST 18:10 · 11:20+1 HND Tokyo

Turkish Airlines currently operates a daily flight between Istanbul IST and Tokyo Haneda with Boeing 777-300(ER) aircraft, and also runs one daily service on Boeing 787-9s to Tokyo Narita from IST.

“These new routes reflect ANA’s commitment to meet the increasing demand for travel between Japan and each country,” said Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of ANA. “We hope this expansion provides our travelers with greater choice, new customer experiences and reinforces our commitment to a seamless and enjoyable journey. We are proud to have Paris and Munich on a daily flight and resume the Vienna route, and we look forward to seeing where these new routes will take our travelers as we continue to enhance our management vision ‘Uniting World in Wonder’.”

Currently, the carrier has 36 services per week between Tokyo and Europe, with Germany being its main market with two destinations and 21 weekly flights.

RoutesMap by gcmap.comBelgium Tokyo Narita (NRT) – Brussels (BRU): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Only operator on this route.

France Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Paris (CDG): 6 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Competitors: Air France (14) and Japan Airlines (7)

Germany Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Frankfurt (FRA): 14 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Competitor (both routes): Lufthansa (7 on each)

United Kingdom Tokyo Haneda (HND) – London (LHR): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Competitors: British Airways (14) and Japan Airlines (14).

On the other hand, starting in August, All Nippon Airways will resume operations between Tokyo Haneda and Vienna, where it will offer three flights a week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets.

With the addition of Austria, as of August 1st, there will be 39 weekly services between Japan and Europe, further strengthening All Nippon Airways’ leading position in this market, considering Japanese airlines.

Current fleet of All Nippon Airways (ANA)

| Aircraft | Total | Average age | | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320neo | 11 | 6 years | | Airbus A321-200 | 4 | 7.5 years | | Airbus A321neo | 22 | 5 years | | Airbus A380-800 | 3 | 5.5 years | | Boeing 737-800 | 39 | 11.5 years | | Boeing 767-300(ER) | 23 | 19 years | | Boeing 777-200(ER) | 10 | 15 years | | Boeing 777-300 | 5 | 26 years | | Boeing 777-300(ER) | 13 | 8 years | | Boeing 777-F | 2 | 5.5 years | | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | 34 | 11 years | | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | 43 | 7 years | | Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner | 7 | 2.5 years | | De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 | 24 | 15.5 years |

ANA has 240 aircraft in its fleet, which average 11 years old. In line with our database, not all are operational, with approximately 20 being grounded for different reasons.

Outside Asia, as well as Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Munich and Paris (and Vienna since August), ANA offers regular passenger operations to Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Mexico City, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Sydney, Vancouver and Washington DC. All of these are from/to Tokyo (Haneda and Narita).

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes.
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: Hongyu Wang – JetPhotos (Tokyo Haneda, Japan).

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With over 1500 exhibitors, Farnborough Airshow is one of the preeminent airshows on the aerospace calendar every two years. The small town in the UK has a dramatic spike in visitors for just 5 days as airlines, aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, media, tech companies and aviation enthusiasts swarm the normally sedate airport. As the 2024 Farnborough airshow draws to a close, we take a look at some of the big aircraft orders that defined the week.

Kicking off with Korean AirThe week started with a ground-breaking announcement from South Korea’s flag carrier. Korean Air announced the purchase of 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s. They also added options for a further 10 of the Dreamliners. According to the airline’s CEO, these aircraft are set to first enter the Korean Air fleet in 2028. This fits in nicely with the set of Airbus A350-1000s and A350-900s which Korean Air ordered earlier this year. The order gives them a total of up to 83 new aircraft coming to the fleet.

Japan Airlines boosts long-haul fleetJapan Airlines (JAL) finalized an order with both Airbus and Boeing on Monday and Tuesday to increase the capacity of its long-haul aircraft. On the Boeing front, a renewal of the Japanese flag carrier’s 787 dream liners, ordering a further 10 Boeing 787-9s. Japan Airlines currently has 22 Boeing 787-9s in its fleet, which can be found in the ‘Aviation data’ section of Flightradar24.

On Tuesday, the carrier then finalized a large order with Airbus, topping up on both medium and long-haul aircraft. It ordered 20 Airbus A350-900s, and 11 Airbus A321neos. This is a change from the 21 Airbus A350-900s originally announced in March. JAL Senior Vice President of Procurrement, Yukio Nakagawa, put this down to the incident with the A350 in January. He said that the 21st would be a replacement for this aircraft, but that the airline had decided against it.

New neos for Virgin AtlanticPerhaps the highlight of the show was Virgin Atlantic opting to purchase an additional 7 Airbus A330neos. This was, conveniently, announced on board their Airbus A330neo, on static display at the airshow, titled “Ruby Rebel”. The London-based airline’s CEO, Shai Weiss, announced that these would finally replace the carrier’s ageing fleet of Airbus A330-300s.

According to Airbus commercial aircraft CEO Christian Scherrer, these are set to start delivery in 2028. This comes as a part of Virgin Atlantic’s £17 billion fleet transformation, resulting in a group of 45 modern commercial aircraft by 2028. Mr. Weiss said that they would station 40 of these aircraft at London Heathrow, and a further 5 at the carrier’s Manchester hub.

flynas increases capacity with larger aircraftSaudi Arabian low-cost carrier flynas signed a huge order with Airbus, comprising of 75 Airbus A320neos and 15 A330neos. The A330neos could replace those which are currently being wet-leased from Indonesian low-cost carrier Lion Air, and decreasing the fleet age. The 75 A320neos add to its current fleet of 53, increasing capacity across its network. According to Airbus, the new A330neos will seat up to 400 passengers in a two class configuration. The A320neos are expected to be configured similar to those currently in the fleet.

flynas are currently wet-leasing aircraft such as this Airbus A330neo, PK-LER, from LionairQatar Airways extends Boeing 777X orderQatar’s flag carrier has decided to add to its big order of Boeing 777-9 aircraft, bringing the total up from 40 to 60. Factoring in cargo aircraft, the total 777X family aircraft on order for Qatar Airways stands at 94 examples. In addition to this, the airline also opened the airshow by unveiling its “Qsuite next gen” business class product, to be featured on board the 777-9.

Whilst not as busy as in previous years for orders, this year’s Farnborough Airshow saw a decent amount of incremental orders and a few surprise fleet additions. As the sun sets on the airshow for another two years, the new aircraft coming to airlines across the world will still be in the skies for many more years to come.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the Crowd Strike outage and why it took Delta Air Lines so much longer than everyone else to get their operations back on track. The FAA is increasing scrutiny of Southwest Airlines after a third low descent incident in just four months—this time a flight approaching Tampa was as low as 150 feet nearly 5 miles from the runway. A Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 crashes on departure in Kathmandu we discuss what we know so far.

As Airbus celebrates EASA certification of the A321XLR, we sit down with Gary O’Donnell, the head of the A321XLR program, to learn more about what it takes to get an aircraft from the drawing board to the skies.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

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Planespotting won’t be possible during Friday, 26 July’s Olympic opening ceremony. French officials are restricting airspace in an 80 nautical mile radius around Paris, banning all flights during the ceremony. Restrictions begin to take effect at 15:30 UTC. From 16:00-21:30 UTC air traffic in the skies around Paris will completely cease.

Paris’ plane-free planThe restrictions are being put into place in three phases. Phase 1 is the halting of arrivals to airports in the Paris area. This includes stopping arrivals to France’s two busiest airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly. In total, eight airports are affected:

LFPO | ORY Orly Airport
LFPB | LBG Le Bourget Airport
LFPG | CDG Charles de Gaulle Airport
LFPN | TNF Paris-Saclay-Versailles Airport
LFPM | QFM Melun Villaroche Airport
LFPT | POX Pontoise Cormeilles Airport
LFPL | XLG Lognes–Émerainville Aerodrome
LFOB | BVA Beauvais-Tille Airport

Because of the restrictions Charles de Gaulle Airport has about 300 fewer flights scheduled for 26 July than the previous Friday (1,436/1,097). Orly has about 200 fewer flights scheduled (683/475).

Phase 2 will include the closure of the restricted area to all flights, including overflights from 16:00 UTC to 21:30 UTC. Based on Flightradar24 data from 19 July, the restrictions on Paris airports and overflights will affect a combined 2,200 flights. The most impacted airlines are Air France (264 flights), Ryanair (217), and easyJet (209).

Phase 3 allows departures at Charles de Gaulle to restart at 21:30, but continues to restrict all other flights until 22:15 when overflights and arrivals resume.

Visualizing the impact of restrictionsThese are the 2,264 flights that passed through the 80NM exclusion zone on Friday, 19 July (one week prior to the opening ceremony). The flights include 891 flights operating to or from Charles de Gaulle and Orly.

Where will the flights go instead?Airlines have already trimmed flight schedules to airports in Paris during the restricted period. For overflights, look to surrounding FIRs and sectors to handle as much traffic as possible, but delays and some lengthy re-routes are expected.

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Lufthansa Cargo continues to expand its Asian network with the launch of a new route to China in July, joining another one previously commenced in April, both operated from Flughafen Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt Airport), the airline’s main hub in Germany.

Shenzhen is Lufthansa’s recent addition, which will have two weekly flights on the Frankfurt – Shenzhen – Dubai World Central Airport – Frankfurt route, under the following schedule:

First flight on July 2nd · ShenzhenTuesday and Saturday

LH 8442 Frankfurt FRA 08:50/09:05 · 03:00+1 SZX Shenzhen

Wednesday and Sunday

LH 8443 Shenzhen SZX 05:30 · 09:20 DWC Dubai
LH 8443 Dubai DWC 10:20 · 15:15 FRA Frankfurt

Zhengzhou · first flight was on April 25thThursday, Friday and Sunday

LH 8440 Frankfurt FRA 10:30 · 03:25+1 CGO Zhengzhou
LH 8441 Zhengzhou CGO 05:55 · 12:20 FRA Frankfurt

“In the Chinese market, the e-commerce business segment in particular is growing steadily, and we continue to see high demand, especially to Europe. Accordingly, additional air freight capacity is needed to transport goods quickly, compliantly, and safely. With the expansion of our Asian network, with two new connections, we can now serve even more important freight destinations in China for our customers. This will be possible thanks to the new B777F freighter, which we expect to receive in the course of this summer. This will not only mean #EnablingGlobalBusiness for our customers in a sustainable way, but also growing as a company in an important cargo region,” said Lufthansa Cargo CEO, Ashwin Bhat.

Lufthansa Cargo reaches 19 destinations in Asia Pacific, offering almost 50 frequencies per week.

Malaysia Airlines’ first Airbus A330-941 was spotted in ToulouseAs we commented in previous reports, Malaysia plans to take delivery of its first A330neo in Q3 2024. The airline has an order for 20 Airbus A330-900neo, signed in August 2022 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon. These 20 will be delivered until 2028.

Furthermore, last March, Malaysia Airlines introduced its new cabin, which will be available on its A330neo aircraft.

The new A330neo cabin will feature the Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats, an all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors, as well as wireless charging pods available at all 28 of the Business Class seats.

Malaysia’s Airbus A330-900neo will have a 297-seat configuration (28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, of which 24 will have extra legroom).

Current Malaysia Airlines fleet Airbus A330-200: 9 * Airbus A330-300: 15 * Airbus A350-900: 7 * Boeing 737-800: 42 * Boeing 737 MAX 8*: 4

Malaysia has 77 aircraft, averaging 11 years old.

Malaysia’s first A330neo in ToulouseWe review other highlights of the Asia/Oceania market during July: Aeroflot resumes operations to Seychelles. * Air India will fly between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur. * American inaugurated services to Tokyo Haneda from JFK. * ANA expands routes between Haneda and Europe. * Batik Air Malaysia adds a new connection. * Cathay Pacific increases frequencies to Auckland. * Cebu Pacific to launch four new domestic routes. * Chengdu Airlines started flights between Kashgar and Tashkurgan. * China Eastern continues adding international connections. * Eznis Airways inaugurated operations to Czech Republic. * GX Airlines and its new destinations. * ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes. * Korean Air will begin flights to Tokyo by Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. * Myanmar Airways International adds a new route. * New services between Changsha and Thailand by Okay Airlines. * Qantas resumed flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle. * Syrian Airlines restarted operations between Damascus and Riyadh. * Thai AirAsia adds a new connection from Bangkok Don Mueang. * Tianjin Airlines commenced flights between Hailar and Vladivostok. * Uzbekistan Airways will have services to Phu Quoc. * Virgin Australia expands operations between Brisbane and Vanuatu.*

AeroflotThe Russian airline plans to resume flights to the Seychelles as of October 1st, which will be from Moscow Sheremetyevo. Aeroflot will operate three times a week with Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured for 316 passengers.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* SU 244 Moscow SVO 01:35 · 11:25 SEZ Victoria * SU 245 Victoria SEZ 13:25 · 21:45 SVO Moscow

The last flight on this route was last May 15th.

Air MacauOn July 2nd, Air Macau started its fourth frequency between Macau and Taipei. The carrier will provide 26 weekly services on this route by Airbus A320s and Airbus A321s until late August, when it will return to three operations per day.

Daily except Monday and Wednesday (new)* NX 8610 Macau MFM 14:30 · 16:20 TPE Taipei * NX 8609 Taipei TPE 17:10 · 18:55 MFM Macau

Other frequencies NX 618/617: daily * NX 628/627: daily * NX 632/631: daily*

Air IndiaThe company will commence flights between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur from September 15th. In line with its website, Air India will operate using Airbus A320-200 aircraft as follows:

Daily* AI 384 Delhi DEL 13:00 · 21:00 KUL Kuala Lumpur * AI 385 Kuala Lumpur KUL 08:30 · 11:25 DEL Delhi

AirAsia X, Batik Air Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines serve this route, with 5, 8 and 9 weekly frequencies.

ANAAll Nippon Airways will expand its European network from Tokyo Haneda starting in December with three new destinations.

The Japanese airline will offer three flights a week on each route, which will be operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets.

Map by gcmap.com Milan (MXP): December 3rd * Stockholm (ARN): January 31st, 2025 * Istanbul (IST): February 12th, 2025*

Belgium, France, Germany and the United Kingdom are its current markets in Europe. Austria will return in August, with flights to Vienna.

Batik Air MalaysiaThe carrier will begin services between Penang and Jakarta effective October 1st, with a daily operation. Batik Air, as listed on its website, will have this schedule between the two cities.

Daily* OD 342 Jakarta CGK 11:10 · 14:40 PEN Penang * OD 343 Penang PEN 15:40 · 17:10 CGK Jakarta

Cathay PacificMore frequencies to Auckland.

The company intends to increase services on the Hong Kong – Auckland route, which it currently runs five times per week on Airbus A350-1000s.

Cathay Pacific will perform seven weekly flights, according to its website, during winter 2024/25.

Daily (as of late October)* CX 113 Hong Kong HKG 21:10 · 11:55+ AKL Auckland * CX 198 Auckland AKL 13:45 · 21:20 HKG Hong Kong

The airline will add operations on Mondays and Wednesdays on the HKG-AKL leg, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the AKL-HKG segment.

Cebu PacificEffective October, the Philippine company will add four new domestic routes from Clark, all with Airbus A320-200s.

Map by gcmap.com Puerto Princesa (PPS): 3 weekly · October 2nd * General Santos (GES): 3 weekly · October 21st * Iloilo (ILO): 7 weekly · October 21st * Davao (DVO): 3 weekly · October 22nd*

These connections will join Caticlan and Cebu, its current destinations within the Philippines to/from Clark.

Chengdu AirlinesThe Chinese airline inaugurated operations between Kashgar and Tashkurgan in early July.

Flights will be carried out three times a week with Comac ARJ-21-700(ER) jets, configured for 90 passengers in single class.

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* EU 3079 Kashgar KHG 09:25 · 10:20 HQL Tashkurgan * EU 3080 Tashkurgan HQL 11:00 · 11:55/12:00 KHG Kashgar

As well as Chengdu Airlines, China Southern operates three weekly services on this route by Airbus A319neo aircraft.

Kashgar is the only destination offered from/to Tashkurgan.

China EasternSeveral new routes will be introduced by China Eastern Airlines between July and September:

Map by gcmap.com Shanghai (PVG) – Kagoshima (KOJ): 2 weekly · July 16th * Hefei (HFE) – Osaka (KIX): 4 weekly · July 28th * Ningbo (NGB) – Osaka (KIX): 3 weekly · July 30th * Yantai (YNT) – Bangkok (BKK): 3 weekly · August 5th * Shanghai (PVG) – Venice (VCE): 3 weekly · September 26th * Xi’An (XIY) – Venice (VCE): 3 weekly · September 26th*

China SouthernStarting December 17th, China Southern Airlines is scheduled to boost its services to Christchurch. The carrier will offer one daily frequency from Guangzhou with 297-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Daily

CZ 617 Guangzhou CAN 00:50 · 17:20 CHC Christchurch
CZ 618 Christchurch CHC 22:30 · 05:30+1 CAN Guangzhou

China Southern will have services on this route between October 27th and March 30th, 2025.

Eznis AirwaysThe Mongolian airline began operations to Prague on July 10th.

Eznis Airways will have two flights per week from Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital, using Airbus A330-200s.

Wednesday and Saturday* MG 714 Ulaanbaatar UBN 17:15 · 20:15 PRG Prague * MG 715 Prague PRG 21:45 · 11:35+1 UBN Ulaanbaatar

Eznis has 3 aircraft in its fleet (1 A330 and 2 Boeing 737-700).

Fiji AirwaysDuring August, Fiji Airways intends to add some extra flights on its Nadi – Funafuti route, offered on a weekly basis.

At publication time, there will be new services on August 2nd and 12th, with the following schedule:

August 2nd* FJ 289 Nadi NAN 06:00 · 08:35 FUN Funafuti * FJ 288 Funafuti FUN 09:20 · 11:50 NAN Nadi

August 12th* FJ 291 Nadi NAN 07:00 · 09:35 FUN Funafuti * FJ 290 Funafuti FUN 10:20 · 12:50 NAN Nadi

GX AirlinesThe company inaugurated two new routes to Thailand on July 1st. According to our database, both operations will be conducted from Nanning by Airbus A320s.

BangkokDaily

GX 8909 Nanning NNG 08:00 · 09:20 BKK Bangkok
GX 8910 Bangkok BKK 10:20 · 13:20 NNG Nanning

Daily

GX 8907 Nanning NNG 19:10 · 20:30 BKK Bangkok
GX 8908 Bangkok BKK 21:30 · 00:30+1 NNG Nanning

PhuketDaily

GX 8921 Nanning NNG 16:25 · 18:40 HKT Phuket
GX 8922 Phuket HKT 19:40 · 00:10+1 NNG Nanning

Bangkok and Phuket are its first international destinations to/from Nanning.

Within China, the airline operates to Changsha, Chengdu, Dayong, Fuyang, Haikou, Jinan, Jining, Lijiang, Luoyang, Sanya, Shangrao, Xi’An, Xiangyuang, Xuzhou, Yichuang and Zhengzhou.

Korean AirOn July 25th, Korean Air is set to initiate flights to Tokyo Narita from Seoul Incheon using Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners aircraft.

The South Korean carrier offers services on this route with Airbus A321neo, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 747-8 and Boeing 777-300(ER).

This will be Korean Air’s schedule on Boeing 787-10s:

KE 703 Seoul ICN 10:10 · 12:40 NRT Tokyo
KE 704 Tokyo NRT 14:00 · 16:30 ICN Seoul

Korean Air’s current fleet Airbus A220-300: 10 * Airbus A321neo: 11 * Airbus A330-200: 2 * Airbus A330-300: 20 * Airbus A380-800: 9 * Boeing 737-700: 1 * Boeing 737-800: 2 * Boeing 737-900: 9 * Boeing 737-900(ER): 6 * Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Boeing 747-400(F): 4 * Boeing 747-8i: 15 * Boeing 777-200(ER): 8 * Boeing 777-300(ER): 25 * Boeing 777(F): 12 * Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: 1 * Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 13 * Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner:* 2

Korean has, at the time of publication, 10 aircraft on order, which will be added in the short term. These include its first Airbus A350-900s (HL8585 and HL8597).

MAIYangon – Vientiane, new connection of Myanmar Airways International (MAI).

The first flight was last June 25th with the Embraer 190, registration XY-ALP, as can be seen on our website.

MAI will offer two frequencies a week as follows:

Tuesday and Thursday* 8M 470 Yangon RGN 17:00 · 19:00 VTE Vientiane * 8M 471 Vientiane VTE 20:00 · 21:00 RGN Yangon

Bangkok (BKK and DMK), Chennai, Chiang Mai, Delhi, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kengtung, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Mandalay, Myeik, Myitkyina, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sittwe and Vientiane are its destinations from the Myanmar’s city.

Okay AirlinesIn early July, Okay Airlines launched two routes between Changsha and Thailand.

The services will be operated on Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737-900s.

BangkokMonday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

BK 2981 Tianjin TSN 08:40 · 11:05 CSX Changsha
BK 2981 Changsha CSX 12:10 · 14:10 BKK Bangkok
BK 2982 Bangkok BKK 15:10 · 19:30 CSX Changsha
BK 2982 Changsha 20:45 · 22:55 TSN Tianjin

PhuketTuesday, Thursday and Saturday

BK 2983 Tianjin TSN 08:40 · 11:05 CSX Changsha
BK 2983 Changsha CSX 12:10 · 15:00 HKT Phuket
BK 2984 Phuket HKT 16:00 · 20:55 CSX Changsha
BK 2984 Changsha CSX 22:00 · 00:25+1 TSN Tianjin

PegasusThe Turkish airline will inaugurate operations between Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen and Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, starting August 24th.

Until early September, in accordance with its website, Pegasus will fly on its Airbus A320s, then switching to Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Saturday* PC 250 Istanbul SAW 06:50 · 07:55 TZL Tuzla * PC 251 Tuzla TZL 08:50 · 11:50 SAW Istanbul

QantasAs of November 2nd, Qantas plans to commence flights between Brisbane and Noumea, New Caledonia. Operations are scheduled on a weekly basis with Boeing 737-800s.

Saturday* QF 89 Brisbane BNE 12:05 · 15:15 NOU Noumea * QF 90 Noumea NOU 16:15 · 17:40 BNE Brisbane

Current routes from/to NoumeaMap by gcmap.comAustralia

Brisbane (BNE): 1 weekly · Aircalin
Melbourne (MEL): 1 weekly · Aircalin
Sydney (SYD): 1 weekly · Aircalin
Sydney (SYD): 1 weekly · Qantas

Fiji

Nadi (NAN): 2 weekly · Aircalin

Japan

Tokyo (NRT): 1 weekly · Aircalin

New Zealand

Auckland (AKL): 1 weekly · Aircalin

Singapore

Singapore (SIN): 5 weekly · Aircalin

Wallis and Futuna

Hihifo (WLS): 1 weekly · Aircalin

Qingdao AirlinesAt 04:13 local time on Saturday, July 20th, Qingdao’s inaugural flight from Chengdu landed in Panglao, Philippines. Services will be performed three times per week on Airbus A320s, with the following schedule:

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* QW 6105 Chengdu TFU 23:00 · 03:20+1 TAG Panglao

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* QW 6106 Panglao TAG 04:20 · 08:50 TFU Chengdu

This is Qingdao Airlines’ first route to the Philippines.

Shandong AirlinesFrom July, Shandong boosted its flight frequency between Qingdao and Osaka, reaching three daily services.

The company operates using the 176-seat Boeing 737-800s.

Daily* SC 4091 Qingdao TAO 08:20 · 11:25 KIX Osaka * SC 4092 Osaka KIX 12:30 · 14:00 TAO Qingdao

Daily* SC 4093 Qingdao TAO 13:00 · 16:20 KIX Osaka * SC 4094 Osaka KIX 17:20 · 19:00 TAO Qingdao

New flight · daily* SC 2493 Qingdao TAO 01:45 · 04:40 KIX Osaka * SC 2494 Osaka KIX 05:00 · 06:55 TAO Qingdao

Shandong Airlines is the only company operating this route.

Spring AirlinesThe Chinese airline expanded its services to Japan in July, adding frequencies on three of its routes to/from Shanghai PVG:

Map by gcmap.com Fukuoka (FUK): from 7 to 14 weekly * Osaka (KIX): from 28 to 35 weekly * Tokyo Narita (NRT): from 7 to 14 weekly*

Syrian AirlinesOn July 10th, Syrian Airlines resumed operations to Riyadh from Damascus after a nearly 8-year suspension.

Flights will be once a week on Airbus A320-200s.

Wednesday* RB 389 Damascus DAM 04:30 · 06:30 RUH Riyadh * RB 390 Riyadh RUH 07:25 · 09:35 DAM Damascus

Syrian Arab Airlines has 12 aircraft in its fleet but only two are operational.

Thai AirAsiaBangkok (DMK) – Lampang, Thai AirAsia’s new route.

The flights will start next October 1st and will have a daily frequency, as can be seen through its website.

Daily

FD 3923 Bangkok DMK 11:10 · 12:20 LPT Lampang
FD 3924 Lampang LPT 12:50 · 14:05 DMK Bangkok

From Bangkok Don Mueang, the company operates to Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar (Burna), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tianjin AirlinesAt 20:06 local time on July 13th, Tianjin Airlines’ inaugural flight to Vladivostok departed from Hailar on Embraer 190 with registration B-3180.

The airline will run two services per week between these cities with the 99-passenger E190s.

Tuesday and Saturday* GS 7985 Hailar HLD 19:55 · 00:05+1 VVO Vladivostok

Wednesday and Sunday* GS 7986 Vladivostok VVO 01:05 · 01:10 HLD Hailar

In addition to Hailar, there are flights from Vladivostok to Beijing, Dalian, Harbin, Pyongyang, Shanghai and Yanji, with respect to Chinese cities.

Uzbekistan AirwaysThe company plans to operate services to Phu Quoc effective October 29th.

Operations will be carried out from Tashkent, the country’s capital and hub of Uzbekistan Airways, twice-weekly with Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Tuesday and Saturday* HY 565 Tashkent TAS 23:35 · 08:25+1 PQC Phu Quoc

Wednesday and Sunday* HY 566 Phu Quoc PQC 09:55 · 15:15 TAS Tashkent

Uzbekistan Airways fleet consists of 43 aircraft, including Airbus A320, Airbus A321, Airbus A330, Boeing 767 and Boeing 787.

VietJet AirMore flights to South Korea.

On October 27th will be VietJet’s first service between Nha Trang and Daegu, a route that will be offered with a daily frequency.

Daily* VJ 870 Nha Trang CXR 00:20 · 06:50 TAE Daegu * VJ 871 Daegu TAE 07:50 · 11:00 CXR Nha Trang

VietJet’s routes between South Korea and VietnamMap by gcmap.comBusan

Da Nang (DAD): 7 weekly · Airbus A321
Hanoi (HAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A321
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 7 weekly · Airbus A321
Nha Trang (CXR): 14 weekly · Airbus A321
Phu Quoc (PQC): 7 weekly · Airbus A321

Seoul Incheon

Da Nang (DAD): 21 weekly · Airbus A321
Haiphong (HPH): 7 weekly · Airbus A321
Hanoi (HAN): 14 weekly · Airbus A321
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 21 weekly · A320/A321
Nha Trang (CXR): 21 weekly · Airbus A321
Phu Quoc (PQC): 21 weekly · A320/A321

Virgin AustraliaVirgin increased its operations to Vanuatu on July 9th.

According to our database, the company expanded from five to seven services a week from/to Brisbane, operating with 176-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

Check schedules on Virgin Australia’s site, as it will have different ones each day.

Frequencies VA 57/58: Saturday (new flight) * VA 53/54: Daily except Thursday (new flight on Tuesdays)*

Brisbane is Virgin’s only destination in Port Vila (Vanuatu).

Xiamen AirLast July 1st, Xiamen Airlines doubled its flight frequency between Xiamen and Tokyo Narita, from 2 to 4 operations per week.

The company serves this route on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes with a capacity of 237 passengers in three seating classes.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* MF 815 Xiamen XMN 08:30 · 13:45 NRT Tokyo * MF 816 Tokyo NRT 14:55 · 18:10 XMN Xiamen

New flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Osaka is Xiamen Air’s other destination in Japan.

With respect to new aircraft, these were the airlines that added jets to their fleet during June and July:

AirAsia
Air Astana
Air China Cargo (x2)
Air India
Air India Express (x6)
Cebu Pacific
China Airlines (x2)
FlyArystan
Hong Kong Airlines (x2)
IndiGo (x4)
Jetstar (x2)
Korean Air (x2)
Pegasus
Qingdao Airlines
Sichuan Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Starlux
Thai AirAsia
Vietnam Airlines
Virgin Australia (x2)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXW | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | June 19thJune 21st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXX | BFI-KEFKEF-KWIKWI-HYD | June 20thJune 22ndJune 23rd | | Airbus A321-272NX | Korean Air | HL8558 | TLS-TASTAS-GMP | June 20thJune 22th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Virgin Australia | VH-8IG | BFI-MLBMLB-ONT-KOAKOA-BNE | June 20thJune 27thJune 28th | | Airbus A320-271N | FlyArystan | EI-KFC | TLS-ALA | June 22nd | | Boeing 777-F | China Airlines | B-18780 | PAE-TPE | June 25th | | Airbus A320-271N | Qingdao Airlines | B-32AM | TLS-ALAALA-TAO | June 26thJune 27th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Virgin Australia | VH-8IE | BFI-MLBMLB-ONT-KOAKOA-BNE | June 26thJuly 3rdJuly 4th | | Airbus A350-941 | Sichuan Airlines | B-32G2 | TLS-CTU | June 27th | | Airbus A320-271N | Air Astana | EI-KIA | TLS-NQZ | June 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXY | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | June 28thJune 30th | | Boeing 777-F | Air China Cargo | B-223S | PAE-PEK | June 28th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Pegasus | TC-RFC | XFW-SAW | June 28th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Thai AirAsia | HS-EAC | XFW-DWC-DMK | June 28th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Cebu Pacific | RP-C4143 | XFW-MCT-SGNSGN-MNL | June 29thJune 30th | | Boeing 777-F | Air China Cargo | B-223T | PAE-PEK | June 30th | | Boeing 787-10 | Singapore Airlines | 9V-SCY | CHS-NGONGO-SIN | June 30thJuly 1st | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICS | XFW-DEL | July 2nd | | Airbus A320-251N | Air India | VT-RTN | TLS-DEL | July 6th | | Airbus A321-271NX | China Airlines | B-18116 | XFW-DWCDWC-BKKBKK-TPE | July 6thJuly 7thJuly 8th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Hong Kong Airlines | B-KKF | TLS-MCTMCT-HKG | July 6thJuly 7th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Jetstar | VH-OYP | TLS-MCTMCT-KULKUL-MELMEL-SYD | July 6thJuly 7thJuly 8thJuly 12th | | Airbus A320-272N | Vietnam Airlines | VN-A513 | TLS-DOHDOH-HAN | July 6thJuly 7th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICT | XFW-DEL | July 9th | | Airbus A350-941 | Starlux | B-58305 | TLS-TPE | July 10th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXT | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | July 10thJuly 12th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWC | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | July 12thJuly 14th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IQZ | TLS-DEL | July 12th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Hong Kong Airlines | B-KKG | TLS-MCTMCT-HKG | July 13thJuly 14th | | Airbus A321-251NX | AirAsia | 9M-VAD | XFW-MCT-KUL | July 17th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWE | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | July 18thJuly 20th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICV | XFW-DEL | July 18th | | Boeing 787-10 | Korean Air | HL8515 | CHS-ICN | July 19th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Jetstar | VH-OYQ | XFW-MCTMCT-KULKUL-MEL | July 20thJuly 21stJuly 22nd |

*It’s not new from the factory.

Other reports we have published:

Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: Shenzhen Boa’an International Airport – Lufthansa Cargo vía LinkedIn.

The post Lufthansa Cargo adds two new routes to China appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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The FAA says it is investigating an incident involving a Southwest Airlines (SWA | WN) flight that descended too low during its approach to Tampa on 14 July. Southwest flight WN425 was on approach to Tampa International Airport when it flew as low as 150 feet 4.8 miles from the runway threshold, according to ADS-B data. An air traffic controller alerted the Southwest crew, noting their altitude was too low. The pilots conducted a go-around and ended up diverting to Fort Lauderdale.

How low did they go?Granular ADS-B data recorded by Flightradar24 receivers (available for download below) in the area show a minimum barometric altitude of 150 ft AMSL at the aircraft’s lowest point. The aircraft descended to its lowest altitude just before passing over Courtney Campbell Sunset Point on the north side of the Campbell Causeway. For reference, the three preceding arrivals into Tampa’s Runway 10 flew over the same point at 1,225 ft AMSL.

A separate angle of all four flight paths shows the deviation of WN425 from the standard descent profile.

Downloadable Flightradar24 dataStandard CSVGranular CSVKMLWeather conditions in TampaRadar returns via NOAA/Aviation Weather Center for 14 July 2300 UTCThe weather in Tampa at the time was poor and getting worse. Thunderstorms were prevalent in the area and visibility was decreasing. The relevant METAR (below) indicated thunderstorms at the airfield.

| KTPA 142253Z 12009G17KT 10SM -TSRA FEW015 BKN040CB BKN250 25/23 A3013 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP203 CONS LTGICCCCG OHD AND ALQDS TS OHD AND ALQDS MOV NW P0002 T02500228= |

Related article* Aviation safety Tower warns Southwest of low altitude on approach...Southwest Airlines flight 4069 descended to ~525 feet AGL 9 miles from the airport Air traffic control received a low altitude alert and notified…Aircraft informationFlight 425 was operated by a Boeing 737-8 MAX delivered to Southwest on 8 February 2023. The aircraft is powered by two CFM LEAP1-B engines.

The post FAA investigating Southwest low approach in Tampa appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode, Ian heads to the basement because TORNADO is in the METAR. And it’s finally some good news for Boeing as the 777-9 begins certification test flights. A Gazpromavia Superjet crashes outside of Moscow and we learn more about the incident a few weeks ago where a Southwest flight departed on a closed runway.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 277: Finally, some good news for Boeing! appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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United Arab Emirates and Thailand, new ITA Airways markets.
Operations will begin between October and November, for 2024/25 winter season.

The Italian airline announced the expansion of its services in Asia, with the addition of Dubai and Bangkok to its regular route schedule. Regarding DXB, flights will start on October 27th, while on November 16th it will launch services to Bangkok, in both cases from/to Rome Fiumicino, ITA’s hub.

According to the press release, ITA Airways will offer seven weekly flights between Rome and Dubai using Airbus A321neo jets configured with three separate cabins: Business Class (12 seats), Premium Economy (12 seats) and Economy (141 seats, including 12 Comfort Economy). ITA’s A321neo aircraft feature the Airspace Cabin, the brand new cabin of the airline.

“The opening of this new Rome – Dubai flight represents a further step forward in our Company’s growth”, said Antonino Turicchi, President of ITA. “In the first four months of 2024, we recorded positive results, even beyond expectations. We carried over 5 million passengers, a 29% increase versus last year, and generated 38% more revenue compared to the same period in 2023 thanks to the performance of the intercontinental sector, which reported revenue growth of more than 50% compared to the first four months of 2023. Our average load factor reached 78%, 3.6 percentage points higher than last year, with peaks of 82% in the intercontinental segment, a result that more than compensated for a slight reduction in average prices. The data are also encouraging for the summer season, when we are expecting a 25% increase in carried passenger numbers compared to last year”.

Schedule between Rome and DubaiDaily

AZ 856 Rome FCO 10:40 · 19:50 DXB Dubai
AZ 857 Dubai DXB 01:50 · 06:00 FCO Rome

On the other hand, ITA Airways will fly five times a week on the Rome – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi route from November 16th, as mentioned above.

The operations between Rome and Bangkok, which are already available for sale on the carrier’s website, will be performed with Airbus A330-900neo jets seating 291 passengers. The aircraft’s cabin has 30 Business Class seats, 24 Premium seats and 237 Economy Class seats, of which 36 are dedicated to Comfort Economy. All seats are equipped with on-demand video and audio content, as well as full WiFi connectivity and customizable ambient lighting throughout the cabin.

“Our new Rome – Bangkok connection represents an important step forward in ITA Airways’ development strategy as it adds another intercontinental destination and opens for our passengers the doors to Thailand, a strategic market in terms of leisure tourism and business segment,” said Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO of Volare.

“Bangkok has always been one of the world’s top tourism capitals and an important hub, that allows to reach the most famous paradisiacal destinations in the world thanks to connecting flights with numerous Thai islands. At the same time, it is a key destination for business traffic between the two Countries, a sector in constant growth. The new direct flight also reflects ITA Airways’ commitment to providing optimal travel solutions,” added the CCO, “confirming the importance of developing the intercontinental network in the Company’s commercial strategies.”

Schedule between Rome and BangkokDaily except Tuesday and Friday

AZ 758 Rome FCO 15:15 · 07:40+1 BKK Bangkok

Daily except Wednesday and Saturday

AZ 759 Bangkok BKK 12:15 · 19:15 FCO Rome

ITA Airways routes outside EuropeMap by gcmap.comAlgeria Algiers (ALG): 12 weekly · A319/A320*

Argentina Buenos Aires (EZE): 9 weekly · Airbus A350*

Brazil Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 7 weekly · Airbus A330neo * Sao Paulo (GRU): 13 weekly · A339/A359*

Canada Toronto (YYZ): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Egypt Cairo (CAI): 14 weekly · Airbus A321neo*

Ghana Accra (ACC): 4 weekly · Airbus A321neo*

India Delhi (DEL): 7 weekly · Airbus A330neo*

Israel Tel Aviv (TLV): 14 weekly · Airbus A321neo*

Japan Tokyo (HND): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Saudi Arabia Riyadh (RUH): 5 weekly · Airbus A321neo*

Senegal Dakar (DSS): 4 weekly · Airbus A321neo*

Tunisia Tunis (TUN): 14 weekly · A319/A320*

United States Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200 * Chicago (ORD): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200 * Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Miami (MIA): 7 weekly · Airbus A330neo * New York (JFK): 21 weekly · A332/A339/A359 * San Francisco (SFO): 7 weekly · Airbus A330neo * Washington DC (IAD): 7 weekly · A332/A339*

ITA serves 57 destinations, including 16 domestic, 19 international and 20 intercontinental. The airline has recently launched new non-stop flights from its Rome Fiumicino hub to Chicago (April), Toronto (May), Riyadh (June), Accra (June) and Dakar (July), with Jeddah opening on August 1st.

As for the fleet, the Italian company has just surpassed the 100 airplanes and plans to add two more in the near future.

The fleet is composed of Airbus aircraft, between 9 different versions.

| Aircraft | Total | Registrations | | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A220-100 | 7 | EI-HLA, EI-HLB, EI-HLC, EI-HLE, I-ADVA, I-ADVB, I-ADVC | | Airbus A220-300 | 9 | EI-HHI, EI-HHJ, EI-HHK, EI-HHL, EI-HHM, EI-HHN, EI-HHO, EI-HHP, EI-HHR | | Airbus A319-100 | 11 | EI-IMB, EI-IMF, EI-IMH, EI-IMM, EI-IMN, EI-IMO, EI-IMS, EI-IMT, EI-IMV, EI-IMW, EI-IMX | | Airbus A320-200 | 25 | EI-DSU, EI-DSV, EI-DSW, EI-DSX, EI-DSY, EI-DSZ, EI-DTA, EI-DTB, EI-DTE, EI-DTG, EI-DTH, EI-DTI, EI-DTJ, EI-DTM, EI-DTN, EI-DTO, EI-EIA, EI-EIB, EI-EIC, EI-EID, EI-EIE, EI-IKF, EI-IKG, EI-IKL, EI-IKU | | Airbus A320neo | 18 | EI-HJD, EI-HJE, EI-HOA, EI-HOB, EI-HOC, EI-HOD, EI-HOE, EI-HOF, EI-HOH, EI-HOI, EI-HOJ, EI-HOL, EI-HOM, EI-INA, EI-INB, EI-INC, EI-IND, EI-INE | | Airbus A321neo | 6 | EI-HXA, EI-HXB, EI-HXC, EI-HXD, EI-HXE, EI-HXF | | Airbus A330-200 | 7 | EI-EJG, EI-EJH, EI-EJK, EI-EJL, EI-EJM, EI-EJO, EI-EJP | | Airbus A330neo | 11 | EI-HJN, EI-HJO, EI-HJP, EI-HJR, EI-HJS, EI-HPA, EI-HPB, EI-TYA, EI-TYB, EI-TYC, EI-TYD | | Airbus A350-900 | 6 | EI-IFA, EI-IFB, EI-IFC, EI-IFD, EI-IFE, EI-IFF |

Green light for Lufthansa Group’s participation in ITA AirwaysCompetition authority of the European Commission approves the planned acquisition of 41% of Deutsche Lufthansa AG in ITA, for a capital injection of €325 million, already agreed in May 2023.

Following the closing, which will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, ITA will become the fifth network airline to join the Lufthansa Group, keeping its ITA Airways brand.

Carsten Spohr, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “The approval from Brussels is excellent news for ITA Airways and Lufthansa and especially for all passengers flying to and from Italy. We look forward to welcoming ITA Airways and its outstanding employees as a new member of our airline family very soon. The decision is also a clear signal for strong air traffic in Europe, which can successfully assert itself in global competition.”

Lufthansa GroupOther reports we have published:

Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: Gianluca Mantellini – JetPhotos (Rome, Italy).

The post ITA expands its Asia presence with two new routes appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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What actually is a turboprop?In the simplest terms – a turboprop is a jet engine with a propeller attached. Rather than converting its energy into thrust coming from a jet pipe, the turboprop engine turns this into power that drives a propeller to create thrust.

The core principles of a turboprop engine are siilar to that of a jet, but the direction of the airflow and output of the energy it generates is differentPassenger-carrying turboprops themselves tend to be far smaller than their jet counterparts, and typically have between 1-2 engines mounted in the nose or on the wings. There are numerous military turboprop aircraft in service both large and small, but we will focus on the passenger aircraft for the sake of this comparison. The two most common passenger-carrying turboprops in commercial service today are the ATR 42, ATR 72, and Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. They are also prevalent in private aviation, with aircraft such as the Beech King Air and Pilatus PC-12 proving their worth as safe and efficient utility aircraft.

PreviousNextTurboprop aircraft are generally favored on shorter range and regional routes. They fly at slower speeds and lower altitude than jets, and are often more efficient on such routes. The passenger experience is also quite different. Before we take a deeper dive into why, let’s look at the origins of the humble turboprop.

The Development of the turbopropThe history and development of turboprop aircraft trace back to the mid-20th century, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology. The concept of the turboprop engine emerged in the 1930s, aiming to combine the efficiency of propeller-driven aircraft with the increased speed and power brought about by newly developed jet engines.

One of the earliest turboprop engines to be developed was the Rolls-Royce RB.50 Trent. Remarkably, the first turboprop engine was actually tested on Britain’s first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor. The ‘Trent Meteor’ was the only example of its type and marked the initial step towards integrating turbine engines with propellers.

The Vickers Viscount, which first flew in 1948, became the first turboprop aircraft to achieve substantial commercial success. The Viscount, equipped with the Rolls-Royce Dart engine, demonstrated the advantages of turboprops in terms of fuel efficiency, range, and reduced noise compared to piston-engine aircraft. Its commercial operations began in 1953 with British European Airways, quickly gaining popularity for its smooth ride and lower operational costs. The Viscount was one of the few British-built aircraft to achieve widespread commercial success in the United States.

The Vickers Viscount was one of the first commercially successful turboprop passenger aircraft.The success of the Vickers Viscount paved the way for other notable turboprops, such as the Fokker F27 Friendship and the Hawker Siddeley HS 748, establishing turboprops as reliable and efficient aircraft for short to medium-haul flights. Turboprops by nature have a distinctive sound, and the Viscount was no exception. The Viscount is even something of an unsung pop culture icon. The whir of the four Dart engines can be clearly heard in the opening moments of the Beatles’ 1969 record ‘Back in the USSR’. This remains one of the few recordings of this distinctive sound.

Turboprops vs. Jets – what are the differences?Down to business. Let’s look at the physical and operational differences between jets and turboprops that affect the airlines and, more importantly, you as a passenger.

The physical differencesThere are some clear physical differences between turboprops and jets, the most notable being size. Turboprops are mostly used on shorter distance, lower capacity routes, and as such are typically smaller than their regional jet and narrowbody counterparts. Both the ATR and Bombardier turboprops are high winged (have the wing mounted on top of the fuselage) compared to most jets which are low winged, though one notable example of a high winged regional jet is the Dornier 328 Jet.

Turboprops often have a lower profile than jets (they sit lower to the ground) and typically feature a T-tail, whereby the horizontal stabilizer is fitted to the top of the vertical tail fin. The main advantage of this is that the elevator surface is clear of the effect of downwash from the propeller. That said, T-tails are more prone to deep stalling, a stall condition from which it can be incredibly difficult to recover.

The aircraft are also systemically quite different. Whilst jets often use bleed air to remove ice from the aircraft’s surfaces, turboprops employ a system of inflatable ‘boots’ to remove ice from the leading edges of the wing. This is particularly important as turboprops cruise lower than jets, and subsequently spend more time in icing conditions. Mishandling of flaps in icing conditions was cited as a key factor in the crash of American Eagle Flight 4184 in 1994.

In the cockpit, many turboprop aircraft do not feature an autothrottle, leaving manual thrust management to the pilots even when the autopilot is engaged.

Many turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR72, do not have auto throttle systems.The differences for airlinesTurboprops present an array of advantages for airlines.

Turboprop aircraft generally burn less fuel than jets, making them far more cost efficient on shorter routes. Jets have to gain as much altitude as possible to get the most efficiency from their engines. Turboprops do not have this problem. Propellers can maintain high efficiency in the denser air found at lower altitudes, providing good fuel economy without the need for high-altitude operation.

They also have excellent performance in hot and high conditions – i.e. airports at high altitudes or subject to high temperatures. Jet engines have a degraded performance in such conditions for several reasons.

Air is less dense in hot and high conditions. Jet engines rely on compressing air to achieve efficient combustion. Lower air density means there are fewer air molecules entering the engine, reducing the mass flow rate and, consequently, the thrust produced by the engine.
High ambient temperatures reduce the temperature difference between the incoming air and the exhaust gasses. This smaller temperature gradient decreases the efficiency of the engine’s thermodynamic cycle, leading to reduced power output and increased fuel consumption.
At high altitudes, the thinner air provides less lift, requiring jet engines to work harder to achieve the same performance. Combined with reduced thrust, this can significantly impact takeoff and climb performance.

Turboprops, on the other hand, suffer less from these conditions due to their different operating principles.

Turboprops generate thrust primarily through their propellers, which are more efficient at converting engine power into thrust at lower speeds. In less dense air, propellers can maintain their efficiency better than jet engines, which rely on high-speed exhaust gasses.
Turboprop engines are generally designed to operate efficiently across a broader range of temperatures and altitudes. They can maintain better performance in hot and high conditions because the power produced by the turbine drives the propeller directly, rather than relying solely on jet exhaust for thrust.
Turboprops typically operate at lower speeds, where the effects of reduced air density are less pronounced. This allows them to maintain performance and efficiency even when conditions are less than ideal.

The same advantages mean turboprops can take off and land in shorter distances than their jet counterparts, making them ideal for operations out of smaller, regional airports with shorter runways.

The lower cruising levels of turboprop aircraft also reduces the stress on the airframe caused by the pressure when pressurizing the cabin, increasing the service life of the aircraft.

Gilgit Airport (GIL) in Pakistan is an example of a high altitude airport with a short runway, sitting at 4,796 ft / 1,462 m above sea level.What differences will you notice as a passenger?The passenger experience on board a turboprop aircraft is strongly influenced by its physical and flight characteristics.

Being smaller than jets, turboprop cabins are also, in general, smaller. This has led to turboprops being anecdotally less popular with passengers than regional jets, particularly in the North American market. Turboprop manufacturers have made strides to develop more spacious cabins with more overhead bin space in recent years, with the latest developments to the ATR72-600 focussing on a renewed cabin design.

Are turboprops quieter than jets?In short – yes. Externally, turboprops tend to be quieter than jet-powered aircraft. The A320-200 typically generates noise levels up to 120 dB near the runway, while the A320neo, with its quieter, more efficient engines, reduces this to around 110 dB. In contrast, turboprops like the ATR 72-600 and Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 are generally quieter, producing noise levels up to 100 dB and 105 dB respectively. Those lower noise levels mean turboprops are less likely to fall foul of increasingly strict noise regulations at some airports.

How do aircraft make less noise near airports?Let’s take a look at why turboprops are so much quieter. There are several factors that make turboprops quieter than jets.

A propeller has a larger surface area that rotates at a lower speed than the fan blades in a turbojet or turbofan engine. Lower rotational speeds result in less noise. Modern turboprops are designed with advanced propeller blade shapes and materials that reduce noise. The blade designs help minimize aerodynamic noise produced during operation.

Another factor is bypass ratio. An engine’s bypass ratio is the ratio of air bypassing the engine core to the air passing through it. This has a huge amount of influence on the performance of an engine, and new generation engines such as the CFM LEAP and Pratt & Whitney PW1000 have bypass ratios of around 9:1 to 11:1. Older commercial aircraft engines had lower ratios, which is why they appear thinner than modern engines. This high bypass ratio contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels compared to previous generations of engines. When it comes to turboprops, more air is passed through the propeller than goes through the combustion process, making the engine quieter overall.

What about noise on the inside?Noise levels inside the Airbus A320-200 typically range from 85 to 95 dB at takeoff thrust, whilst the ATR 72-600 turboprop generally maintains cabin noise levels between 75 and 85 dB, considerably lower. That said, noise levels inside the A320neo also average around 75 to 85 dB, showing the significant strides that the newer generation of narrowbodies have made to reduce noise.

That said, turboprop passengers do encounter more cabin vibrations than jet passengers. This is a notable problem on the Dash 8 Q400, which has an innovative Automatic Noise and Vibration Suppression system (ANVS) installed to counter its naturally higher cabin noise and vibration.

The ANVS system employs active noise control techniques, using microphones placed throughout the cabin to detect noise levels. These microphones send signals to an onboard computer that analyzes the noise patterns. The system then generates anti-noise signals through speakers embedded in the cabin, creating sound waves that are 180 degrees out of phase with the detected noise. This effectively cancels out the unwanted noise through destructive interference. The Q400 is also equipped with dynamic vibration absorbers and tuned vibration dampers placed strategically on the airframe and engine mounts. These components help to absorb and dissipate vibrations generated by the engines and propellers, preventing them from being transmitted into the cabin.

The NVS system can be seen on the cabin control panel of the Dash 8 Q400 in this cabin trainer. Image: aviationreproduction.comWhere are turboprops operating?According to data from IBA Insight, there are a total of 1,631 active DHC8 and ATR family turboprops globally as of July 2024 (excluding military types). The rugged versatility of the passenger turboprop means its global footprint is vast and varied. Turboprops connect isolated communities to major cities, and make some more unique locations accessible by air.

A view of airborne ATR and DHC8 family aircraft made with filters on Flightradar24.Fun with filters on Flightradar24Here’s a great piece of research from The Air Current that looked at the global footprint of ATR operations in late 2023. As you can see, the diversity of operations is vast and varied.

ATR’s Island-hopping, village-connecting, off the beaten path global networkTurboprops also come in handy for Arctic and Antarctic operations, with the British Antarctic Survey utilizing the rarely seen De Havilland Canada Dash-7 (DHC-7) in their Arctic operations.

The future of turbopropsTurboprops are increasingly seen as an avenue for decarbonizing aviation, with their lower overall emissions and increased efficiency on some routes proving a driver for further development. Most existing concepts and schemes involve supplementing jet fuel with electric and hybrid electric technologies where possible, reducing overall emissions at the tailpipe.

ATR’S ‘Evo’ program aims to “incorporate innovative technologies to enable significant improvements in operating costs”, using the existing ATR72-600 as a platform. Meanwhile Embraer’s future turboprop concept uses their successful E-jet range as a basis, aiming to bring a more efficient aircraft into the regional market and take advantage of the larger, more comfortable cabins in regional jets (though this project is on hold at the time of writing).

PreviousNextWhat’s your view on turboprops? Let us know.Cover photo: Bhavya Soni, JetPhotos.

The post Turboprops vs. Jets – What’s the difference? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Following a 20-year suspension, Qantas resumed its regular services to Paris Charles de Gaulle on Saturday, July 13th.

The Australian airline will operate four weekly flights on the Sydney – Perth – Paris route with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which are configured for 236 passengers in three seating classes (Business, Premium Economy and Economy).

Paris becomes Qantas’ third destination in Europe, after London LHR and Rome.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* QF 33 Sydney SYD 13:55 · 17:00 PER Perth * QF 33 Perth PER 19:35 · 06:55+1 CDG Paris

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* QF 34 Paris CDG 10:00 · 08:30+1 PER Perth * QF 34 Perth PER 10:00 · 16:05 SYD Sydney

The last Qantas operations to the French capital had been in October 2004.

At that time, it offered flights between Perth and CDG by Boeing 747-400s with a stopover in Singapore.

Iberia, the global launch customer for the Airbus A321XLRs, has confirmed the first destinations from Madrid’s Barajas airport for these jets, which will enter service in November.

The airline’s A321XLRs will be configured for 182 passengers (14 Business and 168 Economy).

Boston · November 14thTuesday, Thursday and Sunday

IB 347 Madrid MAD 12:35 · 15:00 BOS Boston

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

IB 348 Boston BOS 16:35 · 05:40+1 MAD Madrid

Washington DC · January 15th, 2025Daily except Saturday

IB 361 Madrid MAD 13:00 · 16:20 IAD Washington
IB 362 Washington IAD 17:50 · 07:35+1 MAD Madrid

Lufthansa City Airlines began services last June 26th, with the first operation between Munich and Birmingham. The aircraft, registered D-AIJI, departed at 09:32 local time for BHX, where it arrived at 10:02 local time following a 90-minute flight.

Birmingham, Bremen, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Hannover are its current destinations from Munich, and Berlin, Hamburg and Bordeaux will be added as of July 23rd, with the introduction of the second Airbus A319.

In the long term, Lufthansa City plans to add Airbus A220-300s, of which it has already placed an order for a total of 40, to be delivered from 2026.

At 14:10 local time on July 1st, the first scheduled Qatar Airways operation from Doha landed in Hamburg. The company, in accordance with our database, will offer a daily flight on this route using Boeing 787-8s.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* QR 89 Doha DOH 08:35 · 14:10 HAM Hamburg * QR 90 Hamburg HAM 15:40 · 22:40 DOH Doha

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* QR 91 Doha DOH 02:15 · 07:50 HAM Hamburg * QR 92 Hamburg HAM 09:20 · 16:20 DOH Doha

Qatar’s fifth destination in Germany after Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich, all from/to Doha.

We review other highlights of the European market during June and July airBaltic adds three routes from Riga. * Air Greenland will fly between Aasiaat and Nuuk. * Air India will start services to London with Airbus A350s. * BA CityFlyer and BA EuroFlyer updates for winter. * beOnd inaugurated flights on the Male – Dubai – Milan route. * Brussels, Copenhagen and Warsaw, new connections from Innsbruck by Austrian. * Cyprus Airways began operations to Barcelona. * easyJet will be the third airline with flights in City of Derry. * EgyptAir commenced services between Cairo and Prague. * Etihad Airways expands operations to Lisbon. * Jerez (Spain) will enter Jet2’s regular schedule. * Norwegian adds two new destinations from Evenes. * Ryanair confirms its new base in Reggio Calabria. * TAP continues to expand services to Brazil. * Transavia to open a new base in Bordeaux, and Volotea increases flights in response. * United Airlines will have operations between Newark and Faro. * Vueling to fly to Turkey. * Wizz Air* announces several new routes starting in September.

airBalticHurghada, Innsbruck and Sharm el-Sheikh, new airBaltic routes for winter 2024/25 from Riga.

The flights, according to its website, will be operated on Airbus A220-300 planes until early March 2025.

Map by gcmap.com Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH): 2 weekly · October 25th * Hurghada (HRG): 2 weekly · October 26th * Innsbruck (INN): 1 weekly · December 22nd*

Currently, airBaltic has more than 70 connections to/from Riga, between Europe and the Middle East.

Air FranceStarting September 17th, the company plans to increase flights between Paris and Tokyo Haneda, which currently operates two daily frequencies.

Air France will offer 17 services per week, in line with its website.

Daily* AF 162 Paris CDG 09:25 · 05:55+1 HND Tokyo * AF 163 Tokyo HND 09:05 · 16:50 CDG Paris

Daily* AF 274 Paris CDG 22:00 · 18:30+1 HND Tokyo * AF 293 Tokyo HND 21:50 · 05:40+1 CDG Paris

New flightTuesday, Thursday and Saturday* AF 272 Paris CDG 12:25 · 08:55+1 HND Tokyo

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* AF 279 Tokyo HND 11:45 · 19:35 CDG Paris

With respect to other Japanese airports, the airline has 4 and 3 weekly flights to Osaka and Tokyo Narita, in both cases from Paris CDG.

Air GreenlandThe airline is scheduled to commence services between Nuuk and Aasiaat beginning November 28th, to be operated with Dash 8 aircraft configured for 37 passengers.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* GL 271 Aasiaat JEG 09:35 · 10:55 GOH Nuuk * GL 272 Nuuk GOH 11:50 · 13:10 JEG Aasiaat

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* GL 275 Aasiaat JEG 12:00/12:15 · 13:20/13:35 GOH Nuuk * GL 274 Nuuk GOH 14:20/14:30 · 15:40/15:50 JEG Aasiaat

Current routes from/to AasiaatMap by gcmap.com Ilulissat (JAV): 6 weekly · Dash 8 * Kangerlussuaq (SFJ): 5 weekly · Dash 8 (will be replaced by Nuuk – Aasiaat)*

Air IndiaAirbus A350s to London LHR.

Air India will launch flights from Delhi with these jets effective September 1st. As shown on its website, the carrier will have the following schedule using the A350s:

Daily* AI 161 Delhi DEL 02:45 · 07:30 LHR London * AI 162 London LHR 09:45 · 22:50 DEL Delhi

Daily* AI 111 Delhi DEL 06:45 · 11:30 LHR London * AI 112 London LHR 13:15 · 02:05+1 DEL Delhi

London will be the first destination for Air India’s Airbus A350s in Europe.

Air MontenegroOn June 18th, the airline began services between Podgorica and Ostrava. Air Montenegro will operate by Embraer 190s with 116 seats, which will be available until the end of summer season.

Tuesday* 4O 390 Podgorica TGD 15:45 · 17:05 OSR Ostrava * 4O 391 Ostrava OSR 17:55 · 19:15 TGD Podgorica

Tivat – Baku and Podgorica – Munich were, in June, other new Air Montenegro routes.

AustrianThe Austrian company schedules the addition of three new destinations from Innsbruck as of December. Operations will be conducted with Airbus A320 and Embraer 195 airplanes.

Warsaw · December 7thSaturday

OS 622 Warsaw WAW 12:10 · 13:35 INN Innsbruck
OS 629 Innsbruck INN 14:40 · 16:00 WAW Warsaw

Brussels · December 21stSaturday

OS 361 Brussels BRU 13:20 · 14:55 INN Innsbruck
OS 362 Innsbruck INN 15:55 · 17:30 BRU Brussels

Copenhagen · December 21stSaturday

OS 322 Copenhagen CPH 12:10 · 13:50 INN Innsbruck
OS 323 Innsbruck INN 15:15 · 16:50 CPH Copenhagen

BA CityFlyerChambéry – London Gatwick, the airline’s new seasonal route.

Services will commence next December 14th and will be once a week.

Saturday* BA 3274 Chambéry CMF 11:25 · 12:05 LGW London * BA 3275 London LGW 12:50 · 15:30 CMF Chambéry

BA EuroFlyerFor winter season, BA EuroFlyer will increase flights on part of its international connections. This schedule will start from December 2024:

Map by gcmap.comLondon Gatwick Alicante (ALC): from 7 to 8 * Faro (FAO): from 11 to 12 * Funchal (FNC): from 6 to 9 * Gran Canaria (LPA): from 6 to 7 * Grenoble (GNB): from 1 to 2 * Innsbruck (INN): from 8 to 9 * Lanzarote (ACE): from 7 to 8 * Verona (VRN): from 7 to 8*

beOndLast July 3rd, beOnd’s first service arrived in Milan from Male (Maldives) via Dubai World Central Airport.

beOnd will operate with its Airbus A319 “all business” jet, configured for 44 passengers.

Wednesday and Saturday* B4 80 Male MLE 13:15 · 16:05 DWC Dubai * B4 80 Dubai DWC 17:05 · 22:10 MXP Milan * B4 81 Milan MXP 23:10 · 07:00+1 DWC Dubai * B4 81 Dubai DWC 08:35+1 · 13:15+1 MLE Male

The Airbus A319-111 8Q-FBA is its only operational aircraft.

Bulgaria AirVarna – Prague, Bulgaria Air’s new route.

The first flight between the two cities took place last June 23rd on the Embraer 190 with registration LZ-SOF.

Two weekly frequencies will be offered by the airline with these planes, under the following schedule:

Wednesday* FB 201 Varna VAR 14:05 · 15:10 PRG Prague * FB 202 Prague PRG 16:00 · 19:15 VAR Varna

Sunday* FB 202 Prague PRG 11:25 · 14:35 VAR Varna * FB 201 Varna VAR 15:20 · 16:25 PRG Prague

Bulgaria Air operates flights to Prague from Burgas, Sofia and Varna.

Cyprus AirwaysThe company launched operations between Larnaca and Barcelona on July 3rd. Cyprus Airways will perform two flights per week on this route with Airbus A220 and Airbus A320 aircraft, seating 127 and 180 passengers respectively.

Wednesday* CY 322 Larnaca LCA 16:00 · 19:30 BCN Barcelona * CY 323 Barcelona BCN 20:30 · 01:20+1 LCA Larnaca

Saturday* CY 322 Larnaca LCA 07:00 · 10:30 BCN Barcelona * CY 323 Barcelona BCN 11:30 · 16:20 LCA Larnaca

easyJetEffective November 4th, the ultra low cost will add two new routes from City of Derry.

easyJet will become the third airline with operations in LDY after Loganair and Ryanair, in addition to Air Charters Europe’s charter flights.

EdinburghMonday/Friday

EZY 307 Edinburgh EDI 09:00/15:25 · 09:50/16:15 LDY City of Derry
EZY 308 City of Derry LDY 10:20/16:45 · 11:10/17:35 EDI Edinburgh

LiverpoolMonday/Friday

EZY 513 Liverpool LPL 09:35/13:55 · 10:40/15:00 LDY City of Derry
EZY 514 City of Derry LDY 11:10/15:30 · 12:15/16:35 LPL Liverpool

EgyptAirAt 15:37 on July 9th EgyptAir’s inaugural flight from Cairo landed in Prague. The company will provide three weekly services on 154-seat Boeing 737-800s.

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* MS 789 Cairo CAI 12:20 · 15:20 PRG Prague * MS 790 Prague PRG 16:20 · 20:55 CAI Cairo

Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Larnaca, London, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, Vienna and Zurich are its destinations in Europe to/from Cairo.

EtihadFrom November 5th, Etihad Airways will expand its operations between Abu Dhabi and Lisbon, with an increase from four to six flights a week (daily except Saturday).

Current scheduleAbu Dhabi AUH – Lisbon LIS EY 63 AUH 02:30 · 07:35 LIS (Tuesday) * EY 63 AUH 02:25 · 07:30 LIS (Wednesday) * EY 63 AUH 02:20 · 07:25 LIS (Thursday) * EY 63 AUH 01:50 · 06:55 LIS (Sunday)*

Lisbon LIS – Abu Dhabi AUH EY 64 LIS 09:05 · 19:35 AUH (Tuesday) * EY 64 LIS 09:00 · 19:30 AUH (Wednesday) * EY 64 LIS 08:55 · 19:25 AUH (Thursday) * EY 64 LIS 08:55 · 19:25 AUH (Sunday)*

Etihad is the only carrier with services on this route.

Jet2Jerez will enter Jet2’s regular schedule for 2025 summer season.

At the time of publication, the company will offer three routes from the UK using Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 757-200s:

Map by gcmap.com Birmingham (BHX): 1 weekly · May 2nd, 2025 * Manchester (MAN): 1 weekly · May 3rd, 2025 * Leeds (LBA): 1 weekly · May 6th, 2025*

Its current destinations in Spain are Alicante, Almería, Barcelona, Fuerteventura, Girona, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Málaga, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Reus and Tenerife.

NorwegianThe airline will begin two new connections from Evenes (EVE).

According to its website, services to London Gatwick will start next November 2nd, and on December 23rd to Milan Bergamo, in both cases with Boeing 737-800.

LondonSaturday

DY 1330 Evenes EVE 08:40 · 10:55 LGW London
DY 1331 London LGW 12:10 · 16:25 EVE Evenes

MilanMonday

DY 1832 Evenes EVE 11:20 · 15:05 BGY Milan
DY 1833 Milan BGY 15:50 · 19:35 EVE Evenes

RyanairAs of October 27th, the low cost carrier will add a new base in Reggio Calabria and introduce eight new destinations:

Map by gcmap.com Brussels (CRL): 2 weekly * Dublin (DUB): 2 weekly * Frankfurt (HHN): 2 weekly * Katowice (KTW): 2 weekly * London (STN): 2 weekly * Milan (MXP): 7 weekly * Paris (BVA): 2 weekly * Pisa (PSA): 3 weekly*

SASMore seasonal operations to Seville in 2025.

The flights will commence on March 1st, and will be performed from Stockholm and Copenhagen.

Map by gcmap.com Stockholm (ARN): 1 weekly · Airbus A320neo (Saturday) * Copenhagen (CPH): 1 weekly · Airbus A320neo (Saturday)*

Copenhagen will join Stockholm, SAS’ traditional seasonal destination to the Spanish city.

TAPFlorianópolis and Manaus, new connections for TAP Air Portugal from Lisbon.

Services will begin between September and November, and will operate with Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A321neo jets.

Florianópolis · September 3rd (A330)Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday

TP 109 Lisbon LIS 10:10/10:20/10:50 · 17:15/17:25/17:55 FLN Florianópolis
TP 110 Florianópolis FLN 19:35/19:40/20:40 · 09:50/09:55/10:55 LIS Lisbon (+1)

Manaus · November 4th (A321)Monday, Wednesday and Friday

TP 51 Lisbon LIS 10:35 · 15:50 BEL Belém
TP 51 Belém BEL 16:50 · 18:20 MAO Manaus
TP 52 Manaus MAO 19:50 · 23:20 BEL Belém
TP 52 Belém BEL 00:20+1 · 11:10+1 LIS Lisbon

TAP will reach 13 routes in the Portugal – Brazil market.

Trade AirOn July 11th, at 08:11 local time, Trade Air’s inaugural operation from Pristina (Kosovo) arrived at Frankfurt-Hahn airport. The airline will serve twice-weekly flights between the two cities using Airbus A320s.

Thursday and Sunday* C3 7700 Pristina PRN 06:10 · 08:20 HHN Frankfurt * C3 7701 Frankfurt HHN 09:30 · 11:30 PRN Pristina

Trade Air is the only company operating this route.

TransaviaStarting in December, the carrier will add a new base in Bordeaux (BOD).

Transavia will have six destinations from the French city, four of which will be in Europe and the other two in Africa.

Map by gcmap.com Agadir (AGA): 2 weekly * Istanbul (IST): 2 weekly * Marrakesh (RAK): 4 weekly * Marseille (MRS): 4 weekly * Porto (OPO): 2 weekly * Seville (SVQ): 2 weekly*

UnitedThe airline plans to launch flights to Faro, Portugal, effective May 23rd, 2025.

Operations will be carried out four times per week with 169-seat Boeing 757-200 aircraft.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* UA 281 Newark EWR 21:40 · 09:50+1 FAO Faro

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* UA 282 Faro FAO 11:45 · 15:05 EWR Newark

Lisbon, Ponta Delgada and Porto are United’s current destinations in Portugal.

VoloteaFollowing Transavia’s announcement of its new base in Bordeaux, the Spanish carrier will commence two new routes as of November.

Map by gcmap.com Madrid (MAD): 3 weekly · November 6th * Marrakesh (RAK): 2 weekly · November 5th*

From Bordeaux, Ajaccio, Algiers, Athens, Bastia, Calvi, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Figari, Florence, Heraklion, Málaga, Naples, Nice, Olbia, Oran, Palermo, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, Split and Strasbourg are its current connections.

VuelingBeginning October 29th, the Spanish airline will start operations between Barcelona and Istanbul (IST). Vueling will have three weekly services on this route by Airbus A320s, in accordance with its website.

Tuesday and Thursday* VY 7850 Barcelona BCN 12:00 · 17:35 IST Istanbul * VY 7851 Istanbul IST 18:25 · 20:05 BCN Barcelona

Saturday* VY 7850 Barcelona BCN 14:30 · 20:05 IST Istanbul * VY 7851 Istanbul IST 20:55 · 22:35 BCN Barcelona

Barcelona – Istanbul will be Vueling’s first route to Türkiye.

Currently, Turkish Airlines is the only operator between both cities (25 flights a week with Airbus A321, Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-900).

Wizz AirThe carrier schedules the addition of several new routes:

Map by gcmap.com Milan (MXP) – Larnaca (LCA): 3 weekly · September 9th * Milan (MXP) – Warsaw (WAW): 4 weekly · September 9th * Milan (MXP) – Málaga (AGP): 4 weekly · September 10th * Milan (MXP) – Rzeszów (RZE): 2 weekly · September 10th * Vienna (VIE) – Chișinău (RMO): 4 weekly · September 30th * Warsaw (WAW) – Chișinău (RMO): 3 weekly · September 30th * Milan (MXP) – Gdańsk (GDN): 4 weekly · October 1st * Budapest (BUD) – Gran Canaria (LPA): 2 weekly · October 22nd * Chișinău (RMO) – Abu Dhabi (AUH): 3 weekly · October 27th * Funchal (FNC) – Gdańsk (GDN): 2 weekly · October 27th * Milan (MXP) – Valencia (VLC): 4 weekly · October 27th * Rome (FCO) – Bacau (BCM): 4 weekly · October 27th * Rome (FCO) – Lisbon (LIS): 7 weekly · October 27th * Rome (FCO) – Poznań (POZ): 3 weekly · October 28th * Rome (FCO) – Sarajevo (SJJ): 3 weekly · October 29th*

During June and July, these were the new aircraft incorporated by different airlines in Europe:

Aer Lingus
Air Europa
Air France (x4)
British Airways (x4)
Brussels Airlines
Condor
ITA (x5)
MSC Air Cargo
Lufthansa
Ryanair
SAS (x2)
SKY express
TAP
Transavia
TUI
Turkish Airlines (x2)
Wizz Air (x2)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-251N | British Airways | G-TTNW | TLS-LHR | June 14th | | Airbus A220-300 | Air France | F-HPNJ | YMX-CDG | June 15th | | Airbus A350-941 | Turkish Airlines | TC-LGU | TLS-IST | June 15th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Condor | D-ANMZ | XFW-FRA | June 19th | | Airbus A220-100 | ITA | I-ADVA | YMX-FCO | June 19th | | Airbus A220-300 | Air France | F-HPNK | YMX-CDG | June 20th | | Airbus A350-941 | Air France | F-HUVM | TLS-CDG | June 20th | | Airbus A320-251N | Aer Lingus | EI-NSF | TLS-DUB | June 21st | | Airbus A320-251N | TAP | CS-TVM | TLS-LIS | June 21st | | Boeing 787-9 | Air Europa | EC-OFO | PAE-MAD | June 22nd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | TUI | G-TUMY | PAE-MAN | June 24th | | Airbus A320-251N | SAS | SE-RZD | TLS-OSL | June 27th | | Airbus A320-251N | SKY express | SX-IOB | TLS-ATH | June 27th | | Airbus A320-251N | British Airways | G-TTNZ | TLS-LHR | June 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJW | BFI-DUB | June 28th | | Airbus A321-252NX | Transavia | PH-YHB | XFW-AMS | June 28th | | Airbus A320-251N | British Airways | G-TTNV | TLS-LHR | June 29th | | Airbus A220-100 | ITA | I-ADVB | YMX-FCO | June 29th | | Boeing 777-F | MSC Air Cargo | I-MSCA | PAE-MXP | June 30th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air | HA-LGN | XFW-BUD | July 2nd | | Airbus A350-941 | Air France | F-HUVL | TLS-CDG | July 4th | | Airbus A350-941 | Lufthansa | D-AIXR | TLS-MUC | July 5th | | Airbus A350-941 | Turkish Airlines | TC-LGV | TLS-IST | July 5th | | Airbus A320-251N | British Airways | G-TTNX | TLS-LHR | July 6th | | Airbus A320-272N | ITA | EI-HOM | TLS-FCO | July 8th | | Airbus A320-251N | Brussels Airlines | OO-SBE | TLS-BRU | July 10th | | Airbus A321-271NX | ITA | EI-HXF | XFW-FCO | July 11th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air | 9H-WNM | XFW-BUD | July 11th | | Airbus A330-941 | ITA | EI-HJS | TLS-FCO | July 12th | | Airbus A320-251N | SAS | SE-RZE | TLS-OSL | July 13th |

*It’s not new from the factory.

Other reports we have published:

Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: Olivier Landes – JetPhotos (Paris Charles de Gaulle, France).

The post Qantas returns to Paris after a 20-year absence appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) commenced operations on August 1, 1946. The airline was established through a consortium agreement between three national airlines: Denmark’s Det Danske Luftfartselskab (DDL), Norway’s Det Norske Luftfartselskap (DNL), and Sweden’s Svensk Interkontinental Lufttrafik AB (SILA). SAS’s inaugural flight was a transatlantic service from Stockholm via Copenhagen and Prestwick to New York, utilizing a Douglas DC-4. This route was significant as it established SAS’s presence in the competitive international market, laying the foundation for its future growth and expansion. Over time, SAS expanded its fleet and network, steadily building a comprehensive range of services that today spans Europe, Asia, and North America. The first SAS flight to be operated by a jet was in 1959, using the Caravelle SE-210, marking a significant milestone for the airline as it transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to jets.

The introduction of the Caravelle allowed SAS to offer faster and more efficient services, enhancing its competitive position in the global aviation market. The inaugural jet flight connected Copenhagen with New York, symbolizing the airline’s growing international reach. Let’s take a look at the airline’s fleet today, and identify the newest and oldest active aircraft.

The Scandinavian Airlines fleet todayToday, the Scandinavian Airlines fleet comprises 133 active aircraft, a mix of widebody, narrowbody, regional jets and turboprops.

The SAS fleet currently comprises 133 aircraft, a mix of widebodies, narrowbodies, and regional jets. Narrowbody jets account for 70% of the SAS fleet. Widebodies make up 10%, and regional jets account for 20%. The airline’s orders currently comprise 10 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

The newest SAS aircraft

| Aircraft type | Number in fleet | | --- | --- | | Airbus A319-100 | 4 | | Airbus A320-200 | 11 | | Airbus A320neo | 44 | | Airbus A321-200 | 8 | | Airbus A321LR | 3 | | Airbus A330-300 | 9 | | Airbus A350-900 | 6 | | Boeing 737-800 | 25 | | Bombardier CRJ-900 | 20 | | Embraer E195 | 2 | | Embraer E195-E2 | 6 |

The newest widebody jet in the SAS fleet is SE-RSF, an Airbus A350-900 built as MSN 499. This aircraft, based in Copenhagen (CPH), operates various long-haul routes. Recently, SE-RSF has flown to destinations including Tokyo (HND), Boston (BOS) and Shanghai (PVG). The A350 was first delivered to SAS in late 2019, with its entry to service delayed by the Covid 19 pandemic. The introduction of the A350 was heralded by the introduction of a new SAS livery, which most aircraft in the fleet now wear.

The newest narrowbody jet in the SAS fleet is SE-RZD, an Airbus A320neo built as MSN 10142. This aircraft, based in Oslo (OSL), operates various European routes, most recently to destinations such as Alicante (ALC), Split (SPU) and Bodo (BOO).

The newest regional jet in the SAS fleet is EI-FPX, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900 built as MSN 15436. Based in Copenhagen (CPH), this aircraft operates flights to destinations including Birmingham (BHX), Vilnius (VNO) and Stavanger (SVG). SAS-liveried CRJ-900s are operated by CityJet.

The newest turboprop in the Scandinavian Airlines fleet is ES-ATD, a 9-year-old ATR 72-600 built in July 2014 as MSN 1165. One of 7 ATR aircraft operated for SAS by XFly, this aircraft frequently visits destinations including Aalborg (AAL), Aarhus (AAH) and Hamburg (HAM) from its base in Copenhagen (CPH).

The oldest SAS aircraftSAS’ fleet has an average age of 9.4 years; 5.4 years below the global average aircraft age of 14.8 years.

| Aircraft type | Registration | Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) | | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A319-100 | OY-KBO | 1308 | | Airbus A320-200 | OY-KAW | 02817 | | Airbus A320neo | LN-RGM | 07277 | | Airbus A321neo | SE-DMO | 09541 | | Airbus A330-300 | LN-RKM | 0496 | | Airbus A350-900 | SE-RSC | 391 | | Mitsubishi CRJ-900 | ES-ACM | 15206 | | Embraer E195 | SE-RSI | 19000104 | | ATR72-600 | ES-ATJ | 1056 |

The oldest widebody jet in the SAS fleet is LN-RKM, an Airbus A330-300 built as MSN 496. This aircraft, based between Stockholm (ARN), Oslo (OSL) and Copenhagen (CPH), most frequently serves North American destinations such as New York (EWR), Washington (IAD), and SAS’ newest destination, Atlanta (ATL).

The oldest narrowbody jet in the SAS fleet is OY-KAW, an Airbus A320-200 built as MSN 02817. This aircraft, based in Copenhagen (CPH), operates various European routes. Recently, the aircraft has flown to destinations including Milan (MXP), Amsterdam (AMS), and Dubrovnik (DBV).

The oldest regional jet in the SAS fleet is SE-RSI, a 17-year-old Embraer E195 built in 2007 as MSN 19000104. The aircraft typically operates up to 4 flights per day from its Copenhagen (CPH) base to destinations including Manchester (MAN), Bergen (BGO) and Gdansk (GDN).

What about SAS’ Boeing 737 fleet?Scandinavian Airlines operated the shortest variant of the 737 NG family, the Boeing 737-700, for some time. The final -700 to leave the active fleet, LN-RRB, has seen a new life in a unique ‘Medevac’ configuration. Since leaving the passenger fleet, the aircraft has been used for many purposes, including evacuating military and civilian casualties from Ukraine for treatment in hospitals across Europe.

SAS Medevac - Boeing 737-700We were privileged to be on board SAS’ final 737 flight from Stockholm (ARN) to Oslo (OSL) in November 2023. A special affair laid on for enthusiasts, we were treatred to a low pass approach and some stunning views. Take a look at the video below.

The oldest turboprop in the Scandinavian Airlines fleet is ES-ATJ, an ATR 72-600 built in November 2012. Also based in Copenhagen (CPH), this aircraft makes around 4 return flights per-day to destinations including Aalborg (AAL), Hamburg (HAM) and Aarhus (AAH).

Discover Flightradar24’s data servicesWe are able to share insights like these thanks to having the most extensive live and historic flight data at our fingertips. We provide a stable, secure and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

Learn more about Flightradar24 data for businessHave you flown on any of these SAS aircraft? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: Kevin Cargo, JetPhotos.

The post The SAS fleet in July 2024 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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The FAA is investigating how two CRJ-900s came close enough to trigger a TCAS alert in Syracuse on 8 July. The incident involved an arriving PSA Airlines (operating for American Eagle) flight and a departing Endeavor Air (operating for Delta Connection) flight. Both aircraft arrived at their destinations safely.

Wait, who’s cleared for takeoff!?PSA Airlines flight 5511 was cleared to land on Syracuse’s Runway 28 by the tower controller and confirmed that clearance. Shortly after, the tower cleared Endeavor 5421 to depart Runway 28 as well. According to air traffic control audio captured by LiveATC.net, the crew of PSA flight 5511 expressed surprise at that clearance, stating, “Wait, who’s cleared for takeoff on 28!?”

Moments later the tower controller instructs the PSA flight to go around, while the Endeavor flight continues its takeoff roll. Both aircraft reached the end of the runway at approximately the same time, with the PSA Airlines CRJ-900 directly over the Endeavor flight for a moment. The Endeavor flight turned right while climbing as the PSA flight continued on the runway heading. As the Endeavor flight continued to climb, and though the aircraft were now moving away from each other, TCAS on both aircraft activated. The TCAS RA is evident in the granular ADS-B data (linked below) as well as the air traffic control audio, with the PSA crew announcing, “Responding to an RA, uh, now we’re clear, 5511.”

At the time TCAS activated the aircraft were approximately 1267 feet apart laterally and 350 feet apart vertically and moving away from each other.

Data available for downloadFlightradar24 ADS-B data available for download includes the CSV and KML files with standard data frequency for the full path of each flight. We have also included the granular, high-frequency data for the relevant portions of both flights.

EDV5421 CSVEDV5421 KMLEDV5421 Granular dataJIA5511 CSVJIA5511 KMLJIA5511 Granular dataThe post Close encounters of the CRJ kind in Syracuse appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing agrees to plead guilty to felony charges, the NTSB issues its preliminary report on the Southwest Airlines flight that experienced “Dutch roll,” and two CRJ-900s come closer than they should have in Syracuse. Plus, a pair of Air India Express engine problems, Delta and Riyadh Air’s surprising new partnership, and the catering on one Delta flight was bad—very, very bad.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 276: Wait, who’s cleared for takeoff!? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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To become a pilot, it generally takes around 18 months learning to fly on light aircraft, writing a swathe of theory exams, before undergoing MCC (multi-crew cooperation) and JOC (jet orientation) courses which set you up with the basics for operating modern, multi-crew jet aircraft.

On joining an airline, pilots then undergo several initial training courses – the type rating to learn to fly that specific aircraft, following by an LST (licence skills test) which signs you off as being competent on that aircraft and gets it into your licence. An OCC (operators conversion course) followed by an OPC (operator proficiency check) gets you up to speed on the SOPs (standard operating procedures) for that airline. The OCC course also covers ground school sessions to cover technical theory, CRM (crew resource management), security and additional things like Dangerous Goods, if required for the operator.

If you aren’t put off by all the studying and exams (and acronyms) yet, then here are some more for you. The initial training also requires pilots to be qualified in LVOs (low visibility operations), PBN (precision based navigation) and UPRT (upset prevention recovery training) amongst other things. The training and checks for these are generally included in the the initial type rating and OCC, which will consist of multiple simulator training sessions.

Once all of that is completed, the pilot finally gets their hands on an airplane and starts their line training. This is training in the aircraft on normal line flights and is completed with a line check. At that point, a new line pilot is good to go. Signed off, safe and ready! All in all, the training within the airline can take anywhere from 2-6 months, which means, in potentially as little as another few months they will be heading right back in for some more training…

This is known as recurrent training and checking. It is mandatory, and normally takes place every 6 or 12 months.

Why train more?Pilots must be proficient in handling certain emergencies, for example engine failures on take-off, TCAS events, rejected take-offs etc. They are not events you can practice on the line, but they are events which have a higher likelihood of potentially occurring, and which are time critical and require accurate handling should they happen. So pilots practice them and are checked to ensure they can fly them to a set level of competency just in case they actually occur on the line.

A recurrent sim check will generally have two parts to it – the maneuver part, which requires the pilot to demonstrate an engine failure at takeoff, several approaches with the engine out and with different levels of guidance and autopilot function, an engine out missed approach and landing, a rejected takeoff and the evacuation actions. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and can vary between licensing states, but in general will definitely contain those, and potentially other maneuvers as well.

An Airbus A380 simulator in SydneyAdditionally, things like the LVO qualification must also be revalidated once a year, so pilots will fly several approaches in simulated LVP (low visibility procedures) conditions with various failures to refresh them in the procedures and potential threats that these conditions pose. During low visibility approaches the autopilot is left on to enable the crew to monitor more, and often auto lands as well. In CAT III conditions where the runway visual range (how much the pilots will be able to see on landing) is below 200m, the pilots may only be making a decision at 50’ as to whether they are able to land.

Having the automation land for the pilot may sound as if there is less work, but the monitoring procedures and checks are actually more complicated for the crew. There are multiple systems required to be functioning, and because the crew cannot see the runway (to ensure it is safe and where it should be), the functionality and precision of the systems must be within very strict limits. So, this has to be trained and practiced, and an understanding of the failures and impact of them must be trained and practiced. While low vis conditions are common in some areas, few pilots will fly these regularly which is why training and practice is needed.

Back in our sim session, and the simulator tends to be “set” at a different airport for each recurrent round. It is usually one from the operators own route network which poses additional challenges for the crew. This enables crew to build some familiarity with the potential operational challenges at that airport. The conditions will be varied as well, with a focus at least once a year on winter conditions to refresh pilots in the varying procedures and challenges they will encounter during ground and airborne operations in these conditions (de-icing, taxi techniques, performance calculations, contaminated runways, adverse weather, etc).

Now for the Line Operational Evaluation (LOE)The LOE (line operational evaluation) is the other element of the sim check. Pilots do not just train for specific events because this has been shown to be insufficient (and very impractical). You cannot learn a set method to handle any and all situations – it would take an inordinate amount of time, and then something would ultimately happen that you hadn’t practiced for anyway. Instead, training has moved onto CBT/EBT (competency and evidence) based training which looks to give the pilots a “tool box” of skills and resilience which they can apply in any situation.

These “tools” are known as competencies and are broken down into tech and non-tech, covering 9 areas in total. The four tech are flight path management – automated and manual, knowledge and application of procedures. The five non-tech competencies are communication, workload management, situational awareness, problem solving & decision making, and leadership & teamwork. Within these are OBs (observable behaviors), which are effectively ‘how the pilot actions’ the competencies. Communication, for example, contains multiple OBs which relate to communication skills such as the ability to convey messages clearly, accurately or concisely, asking relevant and effective questions, adhering to standard RT phraseology, or ability to use datalink.

A bank of 737NG and A320 simulators in IstanbulThe tech competencies are much more easily quantified, and a pilot can ‘fail’ on an item within the maneuvers part of the assessment, which would likely relate to a specific tech skill. I.e., they fail to fly the engine failure at takeoff within the allowable limits – this would be a failure of that item, but would also result in a lower performance assessment grade for a competency such as flightpath management – manual.

The non-tech skills are more difficult to assess, so during the LOE, the examiner will consider how many, how often and how well the competencies are displayed throughout the evaluation, with a focus on the outcome rather than individual ‘moments’. Because of the interaction and multi-crew environment, if the outcome falls below an acceptable level, it is likely both crew will fail that portion of their check. A thorough debrief and self-assessment is required to turn this from a checking only to a learning and development opportunity as well.

So what does an LOE look like?LOE is designed to simulate an actual flight, or segment of a flight, just as the crew might experience on a normal day. Well, a particularly “bad day” normal day anyway It will include failures, or events, which will challenge the crews’ competencies. The crew won’t (or shouldn’t) know what failures and situations they will experience, just as they wouldn’t in real life if something was to happen.

A range of things will be thrown at them, from minor distraction type faults which test their workload management, situational awareness, application of procedures, to more complex events which require troubleshooting, problem solving, communication and teamwork, and ultimately decision making. Overall, all their competencies will be employed throughout, and while all crew undergoing their recurrent training will be placed in a similar situation which challenges to a similar degree, the exact failures may differ as might the decisions made and outcomes reached. There is often no right or wrong, just varying degrees of optimal, safe or unsafe.

Anything else?Finally, a training day normally takes place in which the crew will be trained and refreshed on certain areas of operation. The training day usually incorporates numerous training items which are required to be covered, but operators that include EBT in their program will likely ensure some events are ones which have been highlighted within their operation over the past year as having occurred, or which are potential threats.

For example, an airline that regularly flies over the Himalayas may include training in rapid decompression and diversions to the airports there. An airline which flies regularly over the NAT HLA may train the contingencies procedures for North Atlantic weather. An operator that hires a lot of low hour second officers may encourage them through intervention training where the captain makes mistakes and they must correct them.

The pilot competencies and human factors topics are also covered in a yearly recurrent ground school. CRM recurrent is required once a year, and there is a set syllabus which covers a 3 year period. It includes everything from fatigue, stress, and decision making to a multitude of other human factors related topics. It is often done through the use of case studies of historic accidents and incidents where human factors played a major part. Importantly, it is a chance for pilots to sit in a room together and share insights and experiences from over the past year.

Pilot training never endsPilots undergo yearly and sometimes twice yearly simulator checks and training days, yearly ground school training, and have to write recurrent exams in numerous subjects to maintain their qualifications. They are also required to undergo a yearly medical exam and a yearly line check.

A dual engine failure scenario in an A380 simulator, shown on the simulator ECAM.And… they are monitored throughout every operation. Most modern aircraft continually download data during flights and flight data monitoring and safety systems will flag anything that is outside of limits. For example a hard landing, an approach where the aircraft is not configured by the stabilization altitude, if electronic checklists are not completed, if flaps are selected at too high a speed. It might sound a bit too “Big Brother” but the data is not (should not) used punitively, but instead is fed back to pilots so they can learn, and is also used to help plan the next round of recurrent sim sessions.

So you think you could be a pilot?To finish off, here is a mini “armchair” LOE scenario for you:

You have taken off from JFK airport, routing to LGW. It is winter and the conditions in JFK are below zero, with snow and ice on the runways. Just after reaching top of climb, you have a warning ‘Hydraulic System Low Pressure’. One of your hydraulic systems has had a leak and is not functional. This means you have lost some of your flights controls which means an increase in fuel burn, and an increase in your landing performance. The checklist directs you to land at the nearest suitable airport.

What are your options?
What considerations go into deciding where to land?
What additional challenges will you need to think about?
What pilot competencies will you be using? The post Keeping fresh: what is involved in pilot recurrent training appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Real-time data and situational awareness are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial aviation operations. Flightradar24 and AvioBook, a Thales Group company, have joined forces to integrate Flightradar24’s flight tracking data into AvioBook’s suite of solutions. Our collaboration promises to enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness for airlines worldwide.

BackgroundAvioBook is the leading provider of electronic flight bags, offering digital solutions designed to streamline airline operations. Starting with an EFB for pilots, the company now provides a full ecosystem of solutions for all stakeholders in digital flight operations that streamline airline workflows, improve communication between all airline employees and enhance overall operational efficiency. With a focus on innovation and reliability, AvioBook supports airlines to create fully paperless and smart operations.

AvioBook’s EFB applications replace traditional paper-based methods, providing instant access to important documents, charts, and real-time data. This technology reduces pilot workload, improves flight safety, and enhances overall operational efficiency by providing up-to-date information directly to flight crews.

Flightradar24 is renowned globally for its comprehensive flight tracking services, providing real-time information about thousands of aircraft in the sky. With over 42,000 ADS-B receivers, Flightradar24 offers accuracy and coverage, monitoring more than 95% of the world’s airspace. This data is invaluable to airlines, airports, and aviation enthusiasts for tracking flights, analyzing traffic, and enhancing situational awareness.

Pilots have long used Flightradar24 as an additional tool for situational awareness in the flight deck, but only recently have we seen our data used in official electronic flight bag solutions used by airlines. The ChallengeAirlines require reliable, real-time data to make informed decisions during flight operations. While AvioBook’s EFB solutions already incorporated extensive data layers, including weather forecasts and flight plans, the need for accurate live traffic data remained. This data is essential for comparing projections with actual events, ensuring compliance with international mandates, and identifying any discrepancies in flight operations.

Airlines have a regulatory requirement to track and monitor their airline fleets from the ground. Having that increased situational awareness means ground teams are able to better support flight crews, anticipating solutions to critical situations in the sky. Finding reliable sources for that data, which also have the necessary coverage for worldwide operations, can prove challenging.

The SolutionTo address this challenge, AvioBook chose to integrate Flightradar24’s comprehensive flight tracking data into AvioBook Base it’s EFB administration and dispatch solution. The decision was driven by FlightRadar’s proven record and consistent coverage in providing data making it it an ideal partner for the international customers in the AvioBook community.

Integration and ImplementationThe integration of Flightradar24 data into AvioBook Base, and more specifically the situational awareness application AvioBook Base Globe, has brought significant benefits. Jonas Lejeune, Chief Product Officer at AvioBook, explains:

“AvioBook Base is designed to increase the situational awareness of our users. We already have extensive data layers built around the latest forecasts, actual weather events, and flight plans but wanted to improve our live data to compare the projections with what’s actually happening. With Flightradar24, we found extensive and reliable coverage, which is a key factor in our choice of data provider for an international company like AvioBook. By integrating AvioBook Base Globe with Flightradar24 data, we are not only helping our customers meet the ICAO mandate but also enhancing their user experience for better decision-making and enhanced response to events in the sky.”

Real-World ImplicationsIn providing the data to the AvioBook Base solution, FlightRadar24 will have a real and tangible impact on the operations of airlines. Marion Reybet-Degat, Product Manager at AvioBook, adds:

“It’s little wonder that we chose the industry leader, a favorite among pilots. I am particularly excited about the real-world implications that Flightradar24 data holds for airlines within Globe. It enables us to compare real trajectories with the flight plan and other data sources and, in case of discrepancies, raise alerts thanks to our performant alerting system. This way the dispatcher is informed immediately of any abnormal situation. Thanks to Flightradar24, we are now able to provide a complete and reliable flight monitoring system to dispatchers.”

Outcomes and BenefitsThe integration of Flightradar24 data into AvioBook’s EFB solutions has resulted in enhanced situational awareness, better decision-making capabilities, and improved operational efficiency for airlines. EFB administrators and dispatchers now have access to real-time flight data, allowing them to respond swiftly to any changes or anomalies during flight operations. This integration not only meets regulatory requirements but also significantly enhances the user experience for airline staff, leading to safer and more efficient flights.

The collaboration between Flightradar24 and AvioBook demonstrates the importance of partnerships that improve the final user experience and boost airline operations.

“We are thrilled to partner with AvioBook to bring our advanced flight tracking data directly into the hands of airline dispatchers. This integration will provide real-time insights and improve decision-making, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient flights”. – Fredrik Lindahl, CEO of Flightradar24.

By combining Flightradar24’s real-time flight tracking data with AvioBook’s innovative EFB solutions, airlines can now achieve significantly improved situational awareness and operational efficiency. This partnership exemplifies how leveraging cutting-edge technology and reliable data can transform flight operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance in the ever-demanding aviation sector.

Discover Flightradar24’s data servicesWe are able to share insights like these thanks to having the most extensive live and historic flight data at our fingertips. We provide a stable, secure and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

Learn more about Flightradar24 data for businessThe post Flightradar24’s collaboration with AvioBook brings a new level of situational awareness to pilots. appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Royal Air Maroc will resume flights to South America after four and a half years of suspension.

Operations will be carried out between Casablanca and Sao Paulo Guarulhos, Brazil, starting December 7th. According to its website, the airline will offer three services a week on this route with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 274 passengers.

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* AT 215 Casablanca CMN 16:40 · 22:20 GRU Sao Paulo

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday* AT 216 Sao Paulo GRU 00:20 · 13:15 CMN Casablanca

It will be the fifth non-stop connection in Africa from Sao Paulo, and the first in Morocco.

Aeromexico presented its new route between Mexico and South Korea to the press and guests at an important hotel in Mexico City. Flights will begin on August 1st, and will be operated on 274-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets.

The Mexico City – Monterrey – Seoul – Mexico City route will have a daily frequency, with a technical stop in Monterrey.

Daily* AM 90 Mexico City MEX 20:35 · 22:25 MTY Monterrey * AM 90 Monterrey MTY 23:55 · 06:00+2 ICN Seoul * AM 91 Seoul ICN 11:40 · 10:40 MEX Mexico City

Following a four-year hiatus, Azul Linhas Aéreas resumed services to Argentina.

On June 30th, the first flight departed Campinas at 10:01 local time for Bariloche, a city located in the Argentine Patagonia.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* AD 8768 Campinas VCP 10:00 · 14:30 BRC Bariloche * AD 8769 Bariloche BRC 15:50 · 20:15 VCP Campinas

Wednesday and Friday* AD 8768 Campinas VCP 10:35 · 15:05 BRC Bariloche * AD 8769 Bariloche BRC 16:05 · 20:30 VCP Campinas

Azul’s last operations between Brazil and Argentina had been in March 2020, prior to the pandemic.

At that time, the company flew to Buenos Aires from Belo Horizonte, Campinas and Recife. A few weeks before the cancellation, Azul Linhas Aéreas also had flights to Córdoba and Rosario, other cities in the country.

We review other highlights of the Latin American market: Aerolíneas Argentinas started many routes for winter season. * Aerolíneas SOSA incorporated its third Saab 340. * Alaska Airlines confirms more operations to Mexico. * avianca began flying to Paris, its fourth connection in Europe. * Boliviana de Aviación commenced services between La Paz and Lima. * JetSMART launched its international operations from Pereira. * LATAM reached 17 domestic routes in Perú from Lima. * Mexicana de Aviación plans to add more international routes. * Paranair and its new summer connections. * Rutaca added two McDonnell Douglas MD-82. * SKY started flying to Bariloche, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia and Salvador. * Tulum and Florianópolis, new Copa destinations. * VivaAerobus inaugurated operations between Monterrey and Miami. * Volaris Costa Rica to add another route in the Costa Rica – Mexico market. * Winair expands flight frequency between Sint Maarten and Willemstad (Curaçao).*

Aerolíneas ArgentinasThe airline began several new domestic and international routes for 2024 South American winter season. Operations will be carried out by Embraer 190, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8, with the following schedule:

Map by gcmap.comDomestic Córdoba (COR) – San Martín de los Andes (CPC): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Iguazú (IGR) – Jujuy (JUJ): 2 weekly · Embraer 190 * Iguazú (IGR) – Tucumán (TUC): 1 weekly · Embraer 190 * Mar del Plata (MDQ) – Bariloche (BRC): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Mendoza (MDZ) – Jujuy (JUJ): 2 weekly · Embraer 190 * Mendoza (MDZ) – Tucumán (TUC): 2 weekly · Embraer 190 * Rosario (ROS) – San Martín de los Andes (CPC): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800*

International Bariloche (BRC) – Sao Paulo (GRU): 7 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Buenos Aires (AEP) – Porto Seguro (BPS): 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Córdoba (COR) – Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 2 weekly · 738/7M8 * Salta (SLA) – Sao Paulo (GRU): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Ushuaia (USH) – Sao Paulo (GRU) via AEP: 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

In addition, Aerolíneas Argentinas increased to two daily frequencies its flights to Madrid and Miami from Buenos Aires, the company’s main international destinations.

Aerolíneas SOSAThe Honduran carrier incorporated another Saab 340.

Last June 25th, the aircraft, with registration HR-SES, arrived at La Ceiba airport (LCE) from Miami Opa Locka. The plane is 27 years old, and had previously operated for Silver Airways under registry N328AG.

Aerolíneas SOSA reaches 3 aircraft in its fleet, averaging 30 years old. All of them are Saab 340s.

Illustrative photoAeromexicoAs well as the announcement regarding the resumption of flights to South Korea, being the only Latin American airline with operations to the country, Aeromexico inaugurated three new routes to the United States as of July 1st.

The services will be to/from Mexico City

Map by gcmap.com Raleigh-Durham (RDU): 7 weekly · Embraer 190 * Tampa (TPA): 7 weekly · Embraer 190 * Washington DC (IAD): 7 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco and Seattle are its other U.S. destinations at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez Airport.

Alaska AirlinesLa Paz, Mexico, will join Alaska Airlines’ regular schedule.

These operations will start on November 20th, and will be conducted from Los Angeles with Skywest’s Embraer 175s:

Wednesday and Saturday* AS 3437 Los Angeles LAX 10:45 · 13:12 LAP La Paz * AS 3437 La Paz LAP 15:02 · 16:41 LAX Los Angeles

La Paz Airport (LAP/MMLP)Alaska will commence services between Los Angeles and Monterrey beginning February 13th, 2025, which will also use Skywest Airlines’ E175s:

Daily* AS 3451 Los Angeles LAX 10:40 · 15:37 MTY Monterrey * AS 3451 Monterrey MTY 16:27 · 18:01 LAX Los Angeles

Its destinations in Mexico are Cancún, Guadalajara, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Loreto, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and San José del Cabo.

aviancaThe company inaugurated regular operations between Bogotá and Paris Charles de Gaulle on Wednesday, July 3rd. Avianca currently has three weekly frequencies with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* AV 228 Bogotá BOG 13:25 · 06:40+1 CDG Paris

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* AV 229 Paris CDG 08:40 · 12:40 BOG Bogotá

As of July 15th, the airline will expand from three to five services per week (new flights departing from Bogotá on Mondays and Thursdays, and Tuesdays and Fridays from CDG).

avianca routes from/to EuropeMap by gcmap.comBarcelona

Bogotá (BOG): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Madrid

Bogotá (BOG): 25 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Cali (CLO): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Medellín (MDE): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
San Salvador (SAL): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300

London

Bogotá (BOG): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Paris

Bogotá (BOG): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

AzulWe review Azul Linhas Aéreas’ international network.

Map by gcmap.comBelém Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 7 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

Belo Horizonte Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-200 * Orlando (MCO): 2 weekly · Airbus A330neo * Willemstad (CUR): 2 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

Campinas Bariloche (BRC): 6 weekly · Airbus A320neo * Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 8 weekly · A332/A339 * Lisbon (LIS): 12 weekly · A332/A339 * Orlando (MCO): 6 weekly · A332/A339 * Paris (ORY): 7 weekly · Airbus A330neo*

Curitiba Montevideo (MVD): 2 weekly · Embraer E-2*

Manaus Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 1 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

Recife Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 1 weekly · Airbus A330neo * Montevideo (MVD): 2 weekly · Airbus A320neo * Orlando (MCO): 2 weekly · Airbus A330neo*

Sao Paulo Punta del Este (PDP): 2 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

Boliviana de AviaciónAt 20:06 local time on July 3rd, the first Boliviana de Aviación flight from La Paz arrived at Lima airport.

The country’s state-owned carrier will offer three weekly flights on this route using Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800, with capacity for 138 and 168 passengers respectively.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* OB 741 Lima LIM 01:15 · 03:50 LPB La Paz * OB 746 La Paz LPB 19:00 · 19:40 LIM Lima

La Paz becomes the third city in Bolivia with Boliviana de Aviación’s international operations. The airline also serves from Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba.

Copa AirlinesFlorianópolis and Tulum, Copa’s new destinations in Latin America, which began on June 26th.

Both routes will be operated to/from Panama City on Boeing 737-800s.

Florianópolis Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday

CM 423 Panama City PTY 15:21 · 00:10+1 FLN Florianópolis

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

CM 424 Florianópolis FLN 01:55 · 06:31 PTY Panama City

TulumMonday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

CM 488 Panama City PTY 07:45 · 10:18 TQO Tulum
CM 499 Tulum TQO 11:24 · 17:17 PTY Panama City

Destinations by countryMap by gcmap.com Brazil: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Florianópolis, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo * Mexico: Cancún, Guadalajara, Mexico City (MEX/NLU), Monterrey and Tulum*

The company previously had flights between Panama and Porto Alegre, but these have been suspended since April due to flooding in the Brazilian city.

DeltaDelta Air Lines plans to add another destination to Tulum, the new Mexican airport that started operations in late 2023.

The company is scheduled to launch flights from Minneapolis beginning December 21st by Boeing 737-800 aircraft, once a week.

Saturday* DL 1892 Minneapolis MSP 08:55 · 13:55 TQO Tulum * DL 1874 Tulum TQO 15:15 · 18:30 MSP Minneapolis

At the time of publication, Tulum has connection with Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York, in terms of cities in the United States.

JetSMARTThe low cost carrier inaugurated its services to Pereira from Lima on July 4th, which will be operated with 186-seat Airbus A320neo airplanes.

In accordance with our database, JetSMART will offer two weekly flights between both cities (372 seats per week on each leg).

Thursday and Sunday* JA 7810 Lima LIM 18:00 · 21:14 PEI Pereira * JA 7811 Pereira PEI 22:05 · 01:25+1 LIM Lima

Cartagena, Medellín and Pereira are the airline’s destinations in Colombia from the Peruvian capital.

Pereira has international operations to Panama City, Lima, Miami and New York, but American’s flights from Miami will end effective October 27th.

LATAMLast July 1st, LATAM Airlines launched a new domestic route in Perú. Services will be performed on Airbus A319-100 aircraft with capacity for 144 passengers.

Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday* LA 2059 Lima LIM 07:05/07:10 · 08:15/08:20 ATA Huaraz * LA 2060 Huaraz ATA 08:50/08:55 · 09:40 LIM Lima

LATAM reaches 17 destinations in Perú, all of them offered from/to Lima.

Its current routes are Anta (Huaraz), Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cusco, Iquitos, Jauja, Juliaca, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Tacna, Talara, Tarapoto, Trujillo and Tumbes.

Mexicana de AviaciónThe Mexican state-owned airline intends to add new routes in Latin America, in addition to the new connections announced to Canada and the United States, as we published in this report.

These would be Mexicana’s future incorporations, as stated by the country’s government during a press conference:

Map by gcmap.comMexico City (NLU)* Bogotá (BOG) * Havana (HAV)

Tulum* Caracas (CCS) * Lima (LIM) * Punta Cana (PUJ)

Currently, Acapulco, Campeche, Chetumal, Ciudad Victoria, Guadalajara, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Ixtepec, Mazatlán, Mérida, Mexico City (NLU), Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Palenque, Puerto Vallarta, San José del Cabo, Tijuana, Tulum, Uruapan and Villahermosa are its destinations in México.

ParanairFor 2024/25 summer season, Paranair confirmed its three seasonal destinations, which will commence in December.

Operations will be to/from Silvio Pettirossi airport, in the Paraguayan capital.

Map by gcmap.com Punta del Este (PDP): 4 weekly · December 25th * Florianópolis (FLN): 3 weekly · December 26th * Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 3 weekly · December 28th*

These new connections will join Buenos Aires, Ciudad del Este, Córdoba, Montevideo and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which are part of Paranair’s regular schedule.

RutacaThe Venezuelan company has recently acquired two McDonnell Douglas MD-82s.

In both cases, as can be seen through our database, the MDs landed at Simon Bolivar airport in Caracas on June 19th from Sofia, Bulgaria, having previously operated for European Air Charter.

At publication time, the MD-82s, with registrations YV15ES and YV16ES, are in Caracas awaiting the start of operations.

Fleet Boeing 737-300: 3 * McDonnell Douglas MD-82: 2 * McDonnell Douglas MD-83: 2 * McDonnell Douglas MD-88:* 2

Rutaca Airlines’ fleet averages 32 years of age.

Still with European Air Charter liverySao Paulo – Africa routesMap by gcmap.comAngolaTAAG Angola Airlines

Luanda (LAD): 5 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)

EthiopiaEthiopian Airlines

Addis Ababa (ADD): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900

South AfricaLATAM

Johannesburg (JNB): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

South African Airways

Cape Town (CPT): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Johannesburg (JNB): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Brazil is the only South American country with non-stop flights to Africa.

Buenos Aires (Argentina) has operations to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), via Sao Paulo.

SKYThe Chilean low cost carrier launched four routes between June and July for winter season. These operations, according to our database, will be conducted from Santiago de Chile with 186-seat Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Map by gcmap.comArgentina Bariloche (BRC): 4 weekly*

Brazil Belo Horizonte (CNF): 3 weekly * Brasilia (BSB): 3 weekly * Salvador (SSA): 2 weekly*

SKY reaches, from Chile, three and six routes to Argentina and Brazil, respectively.

United AirlinesSan Francisco, United’s new destination in Belize City.

The services are scheduled to start on December 21st, and will be performed during high season.

Saturday* UA 2851 San Francisco SFO 00:30 · 07:54 BZE Belize City * UA 2850 Belize City BZE 10:15 · 14:24 SFO San Francisco

Currently, flights will run until January 5th, 2025.

VivaAerobusVivaAerobus’ inaugural flight from Monterrey to Miami departed at 09:20 local time on July 1st. The Mexican airline will offer three services per week on this route, which will be operated by Airbus A321neo aircraft with a capacity for 240 passengers.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* VB 730 Monterrey MTY 08:45 · 13:55 MIA Miami * VB 731 Miami MIA 15:25 · 17:00 MTY Monterrey

Flights between Mexico and the United States – VivaAerobusMap by gcmap.comCancún

Charlotte (CLT): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Cincinnati (CVG): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Guadalajara

Chicago (ORD): 7 weekly · Airbus A320
Houston (IAH): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Los Angeles (LAX): 14 weekly · Airbus A320

Guanajuato

Chicago (ORD): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Dallas (DFW): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Houston (IAH): 4 weekly · Airbus A320
San Antonio (SAT): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Mérida

Miami (MIA): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Orlando (MCO): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Mexico City

Chicago (ORD): 7 weekly · Airbus A321
Houston (IAH): 7 weekly · A320/A321
Las Vegas (LAS): 7 weekly · A320/A321
New York (JFK): 7 weekly · Airbus A320
San Antonio (SAT): 7 weekly · A320/A321

Monterrey

Austin (AUS): 4 weekly · A320/A321
Chicago (ORD): 4 weekly · A320/A321
Dallas (DFW): 7 weekly · A320/A321
Denver (DEN): 2 weekly · A320/A321
Houston (IAH): 14 weekly · Airbus A321
Las Vegas (LAS): 7 weekly · Airbus A321
Miami (MIA): 3 weekly · Airbus A321
Oakland (OAK): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Orlando (MCO): 3 weekly · Airbus A321
San Antonio (SAT): 12 weekly · A320/A321

Morelia

Chicago (ORD): 3 weekly · Airbus A320

Querétaro

Houston (IAH): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
San Antonio (SAT): 3 weekly · Airbus A320

Torreón

San Antonio (SAT): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Volaris Costa RicaEffective October 29th, Volaris’ Costa Rican subsidiary plans to begin operations between San José and Guadalajara. Services will have two weekly frequencies on Airbus A319s.

Tuesday and Saturday* Q6 4058 San José SJO 15:32 · 18:47 GDL Guadalajara * Q6 4059 Guadalajara GDL 19:37 · 22:52 SJO San José

Cancún, Guatemala City and Mexico City are its destinations from/to the capital of Costa Rica.

WinairWinair intends to expand its flights on the Sint Maarten – Willemstad (Curaçao) route as of July 11th, from 7 to 11 services a week.

The airline will operate with ATR 42-500 planes, configured for 48 passengers in single class.

Sint Maarten (SXM) – Willemstad (CUR) – Sint Maarten (SXM) · new schedule WM 805/806: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday * WM 803/804: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday * WM 809/810: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday*

We review Winair’s Caribbean routes from SXMMap by gcmap.comAntigua and Barbuda

Antigua (ANU): 9 weekly · ATR 42-500 and Twin Otter

Aruba

Oranjestad (AUA) via CUR: 4 weekly · ATR 42-500

Curaçao

Willemstad (CUR): 11 weekly · ATR 42-500 and Twin Otter

Dominica

Dominica (DOM): 4 weekly · ATR 42-500

Guadeloupe

St. Jean (SBH): 141 weekly · Twin Otter

Martinique

Fort-de-France (FDF): 2 weekly · ATR 42-500

Netherlands

Bonaire (BON) via CUR: 3 weekly · ATR 42-500
Saba (SAB): 28 weekly · Twin Otter
Saint Eustatius (EUX): 28 weekly · Twin Otter

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre (SKB): 13 weekly · ATR 42-500 and Twin Otter
Nevis (NEV): 3 weekly · Twin Otter

Virgin Islands British

Beef Island (EIS): 10 weekly · Twin Otter

8 new aircraft were incorporated between different Latin American airlines.

Azul Linhas Aéreas
Copa Airlines
GOL Linhas Aéreas
JetSMART
LATAM Airlines (x2)
Volaris (x2)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MD-82 | Rutaca | YV15ES | SOF-NTE-KEFKEF-YQXYQX-CCS | June 17thJune 18thJune 19th | | MD-82 | Rutaca | YV16ES | SOF-NTE-KEFKEF-YQXYQX-CCS | June 17thJune 18thJune 19th | | Airbus A320-271N | JetSMART | CC-DIO | TLS-KEF-BGRBGR-PTY-SCL | June 19thJune 20th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Volaris | XA-VUK | XFW-KEF-YQX-MEX | June 19th | | ATR 72-600 | Azul | PR-YXD | TLS-ACE-SIDSID-NATNAT-CNF | June 24thJune 25thJune 26th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | GOL | PS-GRE | BFI-PUJPUJ-CNF | June 26thJune 27th | | Airbus A321-271NX | LATAM | PS-LBN | XFW-SIDSID-FOR-QSC | June 27thJune 28th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Volaris | XA-VUL | XFW-KEF-YQX-MEX | June 28th | | Airbus A321-271NX | LATAM | PS-LBK | XFW-SID-FORFOR-QSC | June 29thJuly 1st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Copa | HP-9801CMP | BFI-PTY | July 3rd |

It’s Copa Airlines’ first Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Aerolíneas Argentinas’ new Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration LV-KIU, with a hybrid scheme between Aerolíneas Argentinas and Ukraine International Airlines. The jet will receive the current Argentine company’s livery in September, after winter season.

Other reports we have published:

Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Holidaymaker express: Delta starting London-Orlando flights

Cover photo: Isaac Tuzze – JetPhotos (Sao Paulo, Brazil).

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, what Boeing did to earn a sanction from the NTSB. What the weekend may hold for Boeing’s legal troubles. Boeing and Airbus agree to deals to acquire Spirit Aerosystem’s operations. And Air Europa flight 45 experiences turbulence bad enough to toss a passenger into the ceiling space above the overhead bins.

Helpful links* NTSB statment on Boeing sanctions * Boeing agreement to acquire Spirit Aerosystems * Airbus agreement to acquire Spirit Aerosystems’ components * Video from inside Air Europa flight 45

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Delta Air Lines confirmed the launch of its first route between Orlando and the United Kingdom. These flights will be performed during 2024/25 winter season with Airbus A330-900neo aircraft configured for 281 passengers, offering the airline’s four products (Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin).

Beginning October 29th, Delta will inaugurate services to London Heathrow from Orlando Airport. The company will operate four weekly flights, which represents 1,124 seats a week per leg, for a total of almost 5,000 monthly seats on each segment.

London will become Delta Air Lines’ second intercontinental destination from MCO in winter 2024/25. The carrier offers seasonal services between Orlando and Amsterdam using the same planes, as of October.

Meanwhile, Delta currently has at Heathrow Airport seven connections to/from the United States. Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York JFK, Salt Lake City and Seattle are its routes at publication time.

Delta Air Lines schedule between London Heathrow and OrlandoMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

DL 23 London LHR 16:00 · 20:20 MCO Orlando
DL 22 Orlando MCO 22:35 · 11:40+1 LHR London

“In partnership with Virgin Atlantic, our new route between Orlando and London seamlessly connects two diverse destinations, offering customers a wealth of experiences on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. “Floridians can explore London’s historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and enjoy world-class dining, while Londoners can escape to the sunny beaches and world-famous attractions of Orlando.”

Current routes and frequencies in the United States – London market (Delta)Map by gcmap.comGatwick

New York (JFK): 7 weekly · Boeing 767-300(ER)

Heathrow

Atlanta (ATL): 21 weekly · A332/764
Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200
Detroit (DTW): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200
Minneapolis (MSP): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200
New York (JFK): 14 weekly · A330neo/764
Salt Lake City (SLC): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-200
Seattle (SEA): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-900neo

Edinburgh is Delta Air Lines’ other destination in the United Kingdom. At present, the company runs three routes from the U.S. (Atlanta, Boston and New York), each with a daily frequency on Boeing 767-300(ER) jets.

At the time of publication, as for cities in Europe, Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Naples, Nice, Paris, Prague, Reykjavik, Rome, Shannon, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Venice and Zurich are served by Delta.

We review the connections from/to the USA, and the number of weekly flights adding all its routes

| City | Weekly flights | Connections | | --- | --- | --- | | Amsterdam (AMS) | 119 | ATL, BOS, DTW, JFK, MSP, PDX, SLC, SEA | | Paris (CDG) | 98 | ATL, BOS, CVG, DTW, JFK, LAX, MSP, SLC, SEA | | London (LHR) | 68 | ATL, BOS, DTW, JFK, MSP, SLC, SEA | | Rome (FCO) | 42 | ATL, BOS, DTW, JFK | | Athens (ATH) | 28 | ATL, BOS, JFK | | Dublin (DUB) | 28 | ATL, BOS, JFK, MSP | | Barcelona (BCN) | 21 | ATL, JFK | | Edinburgh (EDI) | 21 | ATL, BOS, JFK | | Frankfurt (FRA) | 21 | ATL, DTW, JFK | | Milan (MXP) | 21 | ATL, JFK | | Reykjavik (KEF) | 19 | DTW, JFK, MSP | | Venice (VCE) | 17 | ATL, JFK | | Lisbon (LIS) | 14 | BOS, JFK | | Madrid (MAD) | 14 | ATL, JFK | | Munich (MUC) | 14 | ATL, DTW, JFK | | Nice (NCE) | 14 | ATL, JFK | | Zurich (ZRH) | 11 | ATL, JFK | | Berlin (BER) | 7 | JFK | | Brussels (BRU) | 7 | JFK | | Copenhagen (CPH) | 7 | JFK | | Geneva (GVA) | 7 | JFK | | London (LGW) | 7 | JFK | | Naples (NAP) | 7 | JFK | | Prague (PRG) | 7 | JFK | | Shannon (SNN) | 7 | JFK | | Stockholm (ARN) | 7 | JFK | | Stuttgart (STR) | 4 | ATL |

In the United States-Europe market, Delta Air Lines currently has 637 services per week on each leg.

Delta will add a new route between Florida and Europe commencing in October, as well as Orlando-London. Effective October 26th, the airline will launch flights to Amsterdam from Tampa, which will be operated with Airbus A330-900neo planes.

By winter 2024/25, Delta Air Lines will have three scheduled routes in this market, including the two new additions (Orlando – Amsterdam, Tampa – Amsterdam and Orlando – London Heathrow).

Delta’s flights to/from the U.K. are operated in conjunction with joint venture partners Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM. Delta and Virgin Atlantic will jointly operate nearly 200 weekly services from London Heathrow to 14 U.S. destinations this winter, including Miami, Tampa and Orlando in Florida and Delta’s hubs in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York JFK, Seattle and Salt Lake City. In addition, Virgin Atlantic offers year-round flights from Manchester and seasonal services from Edinburgh to Orlando.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington

Cover photo: Dave Potter – JetPhotos (London Heathrow, United Kingdom).

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Aircraft noise is a significant concern for communities around airports. To mitigate the impact of aircraft noise, airports implement Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADP). These procedures are designed to minimize noise pollution for nearby residents while balancing aircraft safety and operational efficiency. This article explores what noise abatement procedures are, why they are essential, and how they are typically implemented.

What are Noise Abatement Procedures?Noise Abatement Procedures (NAP) are standardized flight paths and operational techniques aimed at reducing noise generated by aircraft during departure and arrival phases. These procedures are typically tailored to the specific noise-sensitive areas surrounding an airport and are a crucial part of an airport’s overall noise management strategy.

Why are Noise Abatement Procedures Used?Community Impact: The primary reason for implementing noise abatement procedures is to reduce the adverse effects of aircraft noise on local communities. According to the UK CAA, continuous exposure to high noise levels can lead to health issues such as sleep disturbance and cardiovascular problems.

Regulatory Compliance: Many airports operate under stringent noise regulations imposed by local and national authorities. Compliance with these regulations often requires the implementation of noise abatement procedures.

Environmental Concerns: Reducing noise pollution also contributes to overall environmental sustainability, aligning with broader efforts to minimize the ecological footprint of air transport.

How Do Noise Abatement Procedures Typically Look?Noise abatement procedures are generally categorized into two main departure procedures: NADP 1 and NADP 2. These procedures dictate specific climb profiles and thrust settings to manage noise.

| Parameter | NADP 1 | NADP 2 | | --- | --- | --- | | Initial Climb | Steep climb to a predetermined altitude | Moderate climb to a lower altitude | | Thrust Reduction | Thrust reduction at higher altitude | Thrust reduction at a lower altitude | | Flap Retraction | Delayed flap retraction | Earlier flap retraction | | Noise Focus Area | Reduces noise close to the airport | Reduces noise over distant communities | | Typical Use | Urban areas with nearby residential zones | Areas with noise-sensitive points farther from the airport |

What heights do these procedures kick in?

| Procedure | Thrust Reduction Altitude | Flap Retraction Altitude | | --- | --- | --- | | NADP 1 | 800-1,500 feet AGL | Above 3,000 feet AGL | | NADP 2 | 800-1,500 feet AGL | Above 800 feet AGL |

*AGL = above ground level

NADP 1: This procedure involves a steep initial climb to reduce noise levels close to the airport. Thrust is reduced at a higher altitude (between 800 and 1,500 feet above ground level), and flap retraction is delayed until the aircraft reaches above 3,000 feet AGL, minimizing noise over densely populated areas near the airport.
NADP 2: In this procedure, aircraft climb at a moderate rate to a lower altitude where thrust is reduced earlier (between 800 and 1,500 feet AGL). Flaps are retracted sooner, typically once the aircraft reaches 800 feet AGL, which helps in reducing noise over more distant noise-sensitive areas. The noise abatement procedures for standard instrument departures (SIDs) at London Gatwick Airport. Image: Jeppessen.Airlines and pilots follow these procedures as part of their standard operating practices. The specific implementation can vary based on several factors, including aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic control instructions. Pilots are trained to balance noise abatement requirements with safety considerations, ensuring that noise reduction does not compromise flight safety.

Differences Between Europe and the USAWhile noise abatement procedures share common goals globally, there are some differences in their implementation between Europe and the USA.

European regulations on noise abatement tend to be more stringent, driven by the European Union’s comprehensive environmental policies. The USA, while also strict, allows more flexibility in certain areas, with a focus on a balance between noise reduction and operational efficiency. Additionally, European airports often have more extensive community engagement programs to address noise concerns, reflecting a higher degree of public involvement in environmental issues. In contrast, U.S. airports may have fewer but more direct interactions with local communities.

Technological IntegrationEurope has seen greater integration of advanced technologies in noise monitoring and abatement strategies, such as the use of sophisticated noise modeling software and real-time noise monitoring systems. The USA is increasingly adopting these technologies, but the pace and extent of integration vary across different airports.

Do pilots always have to follow noise abatement procedures?Pilots are generally required to follow noise abatement procedures to minimize the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding communities, especially during takeoff and landing. However, these procedures are secondary to safety considerations. In situations where safety is a concern, such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical issues, or emergencies, pilots may deviate from noise abatement protocols to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Air traffic control instructions and specific operational conditions can also necessitate deviations from standard noise abatement procedures.

Noise Abatement Procedures are essential for managing the impact of aircraft noise on communities near airports. By implementing procedures like NADP 1 and NADP 2, airports and airlines can significantly reduce noise pollution, contributing to a better quality of life for residents and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. It is important to note that newer generation aircraft such as the A320neo and 737 MAX can be up to 50% quieter than their previous generation counterparts and high thrust settings, further contributing to noise reduction.

The differences in implementation between Europe and the USA highlight the diverse approaches to achieving quieter skies while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Cover photo: Hongming Zheng, JetPhotos

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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced it will begin regular operations to Portland starting October 27th. Flights will be performed with 294-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, three times a week.

The Dutch company will reach 13 destinations in the United States, all of which are carried out to/from Amsterdam.

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday* KL 615 Amsterdam AMS 10:25 · 11:25 PDX Portland * KL 616 Portland PDX 13:25 · 07:50+1 AMS Amsterdam

KLM will assume the services between Amsterdam and Portland, currently operated by Delta Air Lines. The U.S. carrier has a daily frequency on Airbus A330-300s.

Delta offers 2,051 weekly seats on this route, and KLM will provide 882 on each leg, with the planned schedule.

On June 26th at 14:31 local time, Air Greenland’s inaugural flight from Nuuk arrived in Iqaluit. The airline will operate one frequency per week using De Havilland Canada Dash 8-200s configured for 37 passengers.

Iqaluit returned to Air Greenland’s regular schedule after a 10-year hiatus. The last services had been between 2012 and 2014, also with these aircraft.

Wednesday* GL 771 Nuuk GOH 14:55 · 14:00 YFB Iqaluit * GL 772 Iqaluit YFB 15:15 · 20:15 GOH Nuuk

Air Greenland’s route schedule from/to Nuuk consists of Ilulussat, Kangerlussuaq, Kulusuk, Maniitsoq, Narsarsuaq, Paamiut and Sisimiut.

We review other highlights of the U.S./Canada market:

Air Canada will have new international routes from Quebec City.
Alaska Airlines to fly between Portland and New Orleans.
American inaugurated operations on the New York – Tokyo Haneda route.
Avelo Airlines increases frequencies to Concord.
Breeze started new services for summer.
Delta confirms its shortest route with Airbus A350.
Frontier began flying to New York JFK.
jetBlue boosted operations between JFK and Paris CDG.
JSX announces new routes from Salt Lake City, Naples and Boca Raton.
Luck of the Irish: Aer Lingus starts flights to Vegas.
Pacific Coastal Airlines inaugurated services between Kelowna and Comox.
Porter confirms a new expansion in Florida as of November.
Raleigh-Durham, new destination for Copa Airlines.
Southwest began flights between Dallas and Providence, and both cities resumed their connection.
Spirit will have two new routes from Burbank.
United Airlines schedules Boeing 777 to Fort Lauderdale during winter.
Virgin comes back to Canada with Toronto flights.
WestJet will add a new connection to/from Minneapolis.

Air CanadaFor winter season, Air Canada will start several international routes from Quebec City.

According to its website, these will be the new additions:

Map by gcmap.com Orlando (MCO): 2 weekly · October 30th * Punta Cana (PUJ): 2 weekly · October 30th * Cancún (CUN): 1 weekly · October 31st * Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 2 weekly · October 31st * Tulum (TQO): 1 weekly · December 13th*

Operations will be conducted with Air Canada Rouge’s Airbus A319s.

Alaska AirlinesEffective January 6th, 2025 Alaska will begin operating between Portland (Oregon) and New Orleans. The airline will serve using its 174-seat Boeing 737-900(ER) planes, on a daily basis:

Daily* AS 1266 Portland PDX 09:05 · 15:30 MSY New Orleans * AS 1267 New Orleans MSY 16:35 · 19:50 PDX Portland

Albuquerque, Anchorage, Austin, Billings Logan, Boise, Boston, Bozeman, Burbank, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fresno, Honolulu, Kahului, Kalispell, Kansas City, Kona, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Medford, Minneapolis, Missoula, Nashville, New York, Newark, Oakland, Ontario, Orlando, Phoenix, Reno, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Seattle, Spokane and Washington Ronald Reagan are Alaska Airlines’ destinations from Portland. Meanwhile, the carrier operates 14 services a week between Seattle and New Orleans, its only route in MSY.

American AirlinesAt 14:15 local time on Friday, June 28th, American Airlines’ inaugural flight from New York JFK landed at Tokyo Haneda. Services will be performed once per day with Boeing 777-200(ER) aircraft configured for 273 passengers.

Daily* AA 167 New York JFK 11:15 · 14:30 HND Tokyo * AA 168 Tokyo HND 16:30 · 16:59 JFK New York

JFK becomes the third U.S. airport with American flights from Tokyo Haneda after Dallas and Los Angeles, where it offers 7 and 14 weekly operations.

American Airlines also offers a daily frequency between Dallas and Tokyo Narita on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets.

In addition, the company will launch three new routes from/to New York LaGuardia on November 5th:

Map by gcmap.com New Orleans (MSY): 7 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Orlando (MCO): 14 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * West Palm Beach (PBI): 14 weekly · Boeing 737-800*

American at LaGuardia in 2016Atlas AirDuring June, the airline has taken delivery of another Boeing 747-400(F), following its painting process in San Bernardino. The 22-year-old aircraft, currently registered N274AB, was retired from China Airlines’ service in December 2023.

In accordance with different reports, the Boeing 747 will soon receive the registration N439GT, and will start flights for Atlas Air shortly.

Atlas Air fleet Boeing 737-800(F): 8 * Boeing 747-400: 48 * Boeing 747-8(F): 10 * Boeing 767-300: 27 * Boeing 777(F):* 7

Atlas Air plans to add 2 more 777Fs in the near future.

Avelo AirlinesMore services to Concord, Massachusetts.

Avelo expanded, in mid-June, from two to four weekly flights from New Haven, which will operate by Boeing 737-700s and Boeing 737-800s with 147 and 189 seats respectively.

Thursday and Sunday* XP 395 New Haven HVN 18:25 · 20:25 USA Concord * XP 396 Concord USA 21:05 · 22:50 HVN New Haven

Monday and Friday · new flight* XP 397 New Haven HVN 17:00 · 19:00 USA Concord * XP 398 Concord USA 19:45 · 21:30 HVN New Haven

Allegiant and Avelo are the carriers with operations to/from Concord (USA).

BreezeDuring June, Breeze Airways commenced many new routes for summer season. Based on our database, the airline will perform these flights with Embraer 190 and Embraer 195 planes.

Map by gcmap.com Myrtle Beach (MYR) – Akron/Canton (CAK): 2 weekly · June 15th * White Plains (HPN) – Norfolk (ORF): 2 weekly · June 19th * Myrtle Beach (MYR) – Avoca Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP): 2 weekly · June 20th * Myrtle Beach (MYR) – White Plains (HPN): 4 weekly · June 20th * White Plains (HPN) – Portland (PWM): 2 weekly · June 20th * Raleigh-Durham (RDU) – West Palm Beach (PBI): 2 weekly · June 21st * White Plains (HPN) – Jacksonville (JAX): 2 weekly · June 22nd*

Copa AirlinesOn Friday, June 21st, at 14:15 local time, Copa Airlines’ inaugural flight from Panama City arrived in Raleigh-Durham. The company will provide four services a week on the 154-seat Boeing 737-800.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* CM 466 Panama City PTY 08:56 · 14:28 RDU Raleigh-Durham * CM 467 Raleigh-Durham RDU 16:21 · 19:46 PTY Panama City

Copa Airlines routes in the United StatesMap by gcmap.com Atlanta (ATL): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Austin (AUS): 4 weekly · 738/7M9 * Baltimore (BWI): 4 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 9 * Boston (BOS): 11 weekly · 738/7M9 * Chicago (ORD): 14 weekly · 738/7M9 * Denver (DEN): 6 weekly · 738/7M9 * Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 5 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Las Vegas (LAS): 5 weekly · 738/7M9 * Los Angeles (LAX): 23 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 9 * Miami (MIA): 54 weekly · 738/7M9 * New York (JFK): 24 weekly · 738/7M9 * Orlando (MCO): 35 weekly · 73G/738/7M9 * Raleigh-Durham (RDU): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * San Francisco (SFO): 11 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 9 * Tampa (TPA): 7 weekly · 73G/738 * Washington DC (IAD): 21 weekly · 738/7M9*

Delta Air LinesDelta is scheduled to launch flights to Orlando with Airbus A350-900s beginning July 8th.

The first service will depart Atlanta at 08:15 local time for MCO, where it will arrive an hour and a half later.

Currently, Delta Air Lines plans a weekly frequency between Atlanta and Orlando, its shortest A350 route.

Monday* DL 1213 Atlanta ATL 08:15 · 09:43 MCO Orlando * DL 1213 Orlando MCO 11:03 · 12:35 ATL Atlanta

Delta has 30 Airbus A350-900s in its fleet, which average 5 years old.

Between Atlanta and Orlando, the airline offers 95 flights per week with Airbus A330-300, Boeing 757-200 and Boeing 757-300 aircraft.

EasternIn mid-June, Eastern Airlines announced the addition of the first Boeing 737 freighter for its new subsidiary, Eastern Air Express. The plane, registered N811TJ, is undergoing maintenance in Lima, after its arrival on June 26th from Marana via San Antonio.

Eastern Air Express has almost 35 aircraft in its fleet, including Boeing 737-300s, Boeing 737-400s, Boeing 737-700s and Boeing 737-800s, but six of them are currently in operation.

The rest are parked at different airports in the United States (Marana MZJ, Kansas City MCI, Dothan DHN, Roswell ROW, Winston Salem INT and Tucson TUS).

Regarding Eastern Airlines, the company has 9 jets between Boeing 767s and Boeing 777s. As we published in the Asia/Oceania report, the Boeing 777 N771KW is operating for Garuda Indonesia, and the aircraft maintains part of Eastern’s scheme.

FrontierNew York JFK has joined Frontier’s regular schedule.

Last June 7th, the airline made its first ever flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport. The first operation was served from San Juan (Puerto Rico), a route that runs twice daily.

Furthermore, the company will start two new routes from New York JFK as of August 13th.

Operations will be performed with Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 as follows:

Daily* F9 1872 Atlanta ATL 05:45 · 08:06 JFK New York * F9 1871 New York JFK 08:56 · 11:25 ATL Atlanta

Daily* F9 3238 Las Vegas LAS 21:28 · 05:34+1 JFK New York * F9 3237 New York JFK 06:59 · 09:28 LAS Las Vegas

jetBlueOn June 27th, jetBlue doubled its flight frequency between New York JFK and Paris Charles de Gaulle. The services will be operated on 136-passenger Airbus A321XLRs.

Daily* B6 1407 New York JFK 17:20 · 06:55+1 CDG Paris * B6 1408 Paris CDG 08:55 · 11:22 JFK New York

Daily · new flight* B6 1907 New York JFK 21:41 · 11:25+1 CDG Paris * B6 1908 Paris CDG 13:25 · 15:53 JFK New York

Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, London LGW/LHR and Paris CDG are jetBlue’s destinations in Europe.

For winter, beginning October 24th, the airline will expand its operations between West Palm Beach and Providence.

According to its website, jetBlue will increase from 7 to 14 flights a week, to be conducted with Airbus A320s:

Daily* B6 1288 West Palm Beach PBI 17:30 · 20:16 PVD Providence * B6 1287 Providence PVD 07:00 · 09:54 PBI West Palm Beach

Daily · new flight* B6 1688 West Palm Beach PBI 11:40 · 14:34 PVD Providence * B6 1687 Providence PVD 15:20 · 18:22 PBI West Palm Beach

JSXThe semi-private carrier JSX confirmed it will launch new routes to Florida starting in November, and from Salt Lake City in December, in both cases for winter season.

Flights will be carried out using its Embraer 145s for 30 passengers.

Map by gcmap.comNaples Morristown (MMU): 5 weekly · November 21st * White Plains (HPN): 5 weekly · November 21st*

Boca Raton Morristown (MMU): 5 weekly · November 22nd * White Plains (HPN): 5 weekly · November 22nd*

Routes from/to Salt Lake City, effective December 19th* Burbank (BUR) * Denver Rocky Mountain (BJC) * Las Vegas (LAS) * Scottsdale (SCF)

These services will be on selected dates. Check the JSX website for more information.

KLMWe review KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ destination network in the United States and Canada:

Map by gcmap.com Atlanta (ATL): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * Austin (AUS): 3 weekly · 772/781 * Boston (BOS): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Calgary (YYC): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER) * Chicago (ORD): 7 weekly · 77W/781 * Edmonton (YEG): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200 * Houston (IAH): 6 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Las Vegas (LAS): 5 weekly · 772/77W/781 * Los Angeles (LAX): 14 weekly · 772/77W/789/781 * Minneapolis (MSP): 3 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER) * Montreal (YUL): 7 weekly · A332/772 * New York (JFK): 17 weekly · A333/77W/781 * Salt Lake City (SLC): 3 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER) * San Francisco (SFO): 6 weekly · 77W/781 * Toronto (YYZ): 12 weekly · A332/772/789/781 * Vancouver (YVR): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * Washington DC (IAD): 7 weekly · A332/A333*

Delta will operate its last flight on the Portland – Amsterdam route on October 26th.

Mexicana de AviaciónMexico’s state-owned airline announced an order for 20 Embraer E-2s, as published in our Latin America report.

In addition to further expanding the fleet, the Mexican government confirmed that it intends to add new destinations, reaching the US and Canada for the first time.

Operations would be carried out from Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City, the airline’s hub, and Tijuana.

Map by gcmap.comMexico City (NLU)* Atlanta * Chicago * Dallas * Houston * Miami * New York * San Francisco

Tijuana (TIJ)* Montreal * Ottawa * Portland * Vancouver

At present, all of Mexicana de Aviación’s services are in Mexico.

Pacific Coastal AirlinesAt 09:35 local time on June 25th, Pacific Coastal Airlines’ inaugural flight from Kelowna landed in Comox. The Canadian carrier will offer six weekly services on this route with 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.

Daily except Saturday* 8P 1962 Kelowna YLW 08:45 · 09:55 YQQ Comox * 8P 1963 Comox YQQ 10:20 · 11:30 YLW Kelowna

Comox, Nanaimo and Victoria are Pacific Coastal’s destinations in Kelowna. From Comox, as well as Kelowna, Pacific Coastal operates a daily flight to Vancouver.

PorterA new expansion to the United States will be made by the Canadian airline between November and December.

Porter Airlines will commence several routes to Florida for winter, in addition to a new destination in the state.

Map by gcmap.com Montreal (YUL) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 7 weekly · November 2nd * Toronto (YYZ) – West Palm Beach (PBI): 4 weekly · November 14th * Ottawa (YOW) – Tampa (TPA): 1 weekly · November 22nd * Ottawa (YOW) – Fort Myers (RSW): 3 weekly · November 28th * Halifax (YHZ) – Tampa (TPA): 3 weekly · December 5th * Halifax (YHZ) – Orlando (MCO): 4 weekly · December 6th*

West Palm Beach is a new Porter destination.

Services will be operated by 132-seat Embraer E-2s.

SouthwestAfter 18 years, Dallas and Providence recovered their regular connection.

Southwest inaugurated its seasonal flights between DAL and PVD on June 8th. The operations will be carried out with Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8, in accordance with our database:

Saturday* WN 174 Dallas DAL 09:50 · 14:30 PVD Providence * WN 4526 Providence PVD 15:15 · 18:05 DAL Dallas

The airline has more than 70 routes to/from Dallas DAL.

As for Providence, Southwest Airlines serves flights to Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa and Washington DCA.

SpiritSan Jose and Sacramento, new Spirit routes from Burbank.

Flights will begin on September 4th, and will be operated daily on Airbus A320 aircraft with capacity for 182 passengers.

Spirit current routes from Burbank, Sacramento and San JoseMap by gcmap.comBurbank

Las Vegas (LAS): 15 weekly · A320/A20N
Oakland (OAK): 5 weekly · Airbus A320neo
Portland (PDX): 7 weekly · Airbus A320neo

Sacramento

Baltimore (BWI): 3 weekly · Airbus A321neo
Las Vegas (LAS): 24 weekly · A320/A20N
San Diego (SAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A320-200

San Jose

Baltimore (BWI): 4 weekly · A20N/A21N
Dallas (DFW): 5 weekly · Airbus A320neo
Las Vegas (LAS): 17 weekly · Airbus A320neo
Los Angeles (LAX): 13 weekly · Airbus A320neo
Portland (PDX): 7 weekly · Airbus A320neo
San Diego (SAN): 14 weekly · Airbus A320-200

United AirlinesStarting December 19th, United will operate flights to Fort Lauderdale with Boeing 777-200(ER) planes.

As reported on its website, services will be performed from Chicago through January 6th, 2025 with the following schedule:

Daily* UA 1775 Chicago ORD 10:45 · 14:58 FLL Fort Lauderdale * UA 403 Fort Lauderdale FLL 16:25 · 18:47 ORD Chicago

Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Newark, San Francisco and Washington DC are United’s regular routes to Fort Lauderdale.

WestJetMinneapolis will have a new WestJet connection.

The Canadian carrier will fly from/to Calgary as of April 27th, 2025 on Boeing 737-700s, with a daily basis.

Daily* WS 1611 Calgary YYC 10:30 · 14:12 MSP Minneapolis * WS 1610 Minneapolis MSP 15:15 · 17:13 YYC Calgary

Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg are WestJet’s current routes in Minneapolis.

WestJet Airlines operates to Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Kahului, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York JFK, Orlando, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Ana, Seattle and Washington from Calgary.

With respect to new aircraft, 27 were incorporated between different airlines in the United States and Canada.

As a highlight, more than half were Boeing 737 MAX.

Air Transat (x2)
Alaska Airlines (x3)
American Airlines (x2)
American Eagle (x2)
Delta Air Lines
jetBlue (x3)
Southwest (x4)
Spirit Airlines (x2)
United Airlines (x6)
United Express
WestJet

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Alaska Airlines | N806AK | BFI-ANC | June 4th | | Embraer 175LR | American Eagle | N317TB | SJK-MAO-FLL-DFW-ABI | June 4th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Air Transat | C-GOKF | XFW-YUL | June 7th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska Airlines | N722AL | BFI-OAK | June 7th | | Airbus A321-271NX | United Airlines | N14512 | BFM-TPA | June 7th | | Airbus A220-300 | jetBlue | N3194J | BFM-YMXYMX-BOS | June 10thJune 13th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8916Q | BFI-PHX | June 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United Airlines | N37351 | BFI-RFDRFD-IAH | June 13thJune 18th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8926Q | BFI-PHX | June 19th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | American Airlines | N344TS | BFI-DFW | June 20th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8895Q | BFI-PHX | June 21st | | Airbus A321-271NX | United Airlines | N24516 | XFW-KEF-CLECLE-TPA | June 22ndJune 23rd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | American Airlines | N348TU | BFI-DFW | June 24th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8924Q | BFI-PHX | June 26th | | Embraer 175LR | American Eagle | N322RC | SJK-MAO-FLL-DFW-ABI | June 27th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | United Airlines | N77580 | BFI-RFD | June 27th | | Embraer 175LR | United Express | N771YX | SJK-MAO-FLLFLL-IND | June 27thJune 28th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Air Transat | C-GOKG | XFW-YUL | June 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska Airlines | N719AL | BFI-OAK | June 28th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta Air Lines | N582DN | BFM-MSP | June 28th | | Airbus A220-300 | jetBlue | N3196J | BFM-MCO | June 28th | | Airbus A321-271NX | jetBlue | N2188J | BFM-MLB | June 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United Airlines | N37354 | BFI-RFD | June 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | WestJet | C-FIBA | BFI-YYC | June 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | United Airlines | N17335 | BFI-PDX | June 29th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit Airlines | N728NK | XFW-KEF-DTW | July 1st | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit Airlines | N724NK | XFW-KEF-DTW | July 2nd |

Allegiant’s fourth 737 MAX 8-200Other reports we have published:

Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington

Cover photo: Dong An – JetPhotos.

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Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) is Ireland’s flag carrier. Founded in 1936, the airline commenced operations on May 27, 1936 using a single De Havilland DH.84 Dragon. The first jets came to the airline in 1960, with the Boeing 720 bringing the airline into the jet age following an inaugural flight from Dublin to New York.

Today, Aer Lingus operates an extensive network of flights across Europe, North America, and beyond from their base at Dublin Airport (DUB). Let’s take a closer look at the makeup of the Aer Lingus fleet in mid-2024.

The Aer Lingus fleet todayThe Aer Lingus fleet currently comprises 76 aircraft, a mix of widebodies, narrowbodies, and turboprops. Narrowbody jets account for 56.6% of the Aer Lingus fleet. Widebodies make up 19.7%, and turboprops account for 23.7%. The airline’s orders currently comprise 6 Airbus A321XLR and 2 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Video - on board the A321 XLR’s 11-hour route proving flightThe newest Aer Lingus aircraft

| Aircraft type | Registration | Serial number (MSN) | Age | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-251N | EI-NSE | 12190 | Brand New | | Airbus A321-253NX | EI-LRH | 10319 | 3 years | | Airbus A330-302 | EI-EIN | 1951 | 4 years | | ATR 72-600 | EI-FAV | 1105 | 10 years |

The newest widebody jet in the Aer Lingus fleet is EI-EIN, an Airbus A330-302 built as MSN 1951. This aircraft, based in Dublin (DUB), operates various long-haul routes. Recently, EI-EIN has flown to destinations including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Orlando (MCO). Interestingly, EI-EIN is the last Airbus A330-300 to have rolled off the production line, being built in February 2020.

The newest narrowbody jet in the Aer Lingus fleet is EI-NSE, an Airbus A320-251N built as MSN 12190. This aircraft, based in Dublin (DUB), operates various European routes. Recently, EI-NSE has flown to destinations including London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), and Paris (CDG).

The newest turboprop in the Aer Lingus fleet is EI-FSL, an ATR 72-600 built as MSN 1339. This aircraft, based in Dublin (DUB), operates various regional routes. Recently, EI-FSL has flown to destinations including Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN), and Belfast City (BHD). All ATR aircraft flying under the Aer Lingus livery are operated by Emerald Airlines (EA/EAI).

The oldest Aer Lingus aircraftAer Lingus’ fleet has an average age of 12.9 years; 1.9 years below the global average aircraft age of 14.8 years. This figure will reduce slightly as the 8 new generation Airbus aircraft currently on order come online.

| Aircraft type | Registration | Serial number (MSN) | Age | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-214 | EI-CVC | 01443 | 23 years | | Airbus A321-253NX | EI-LRB | 08909 | 4 years | | Airbus A330-302 | EI-DUZ | 0847 | 17 years | | ATR 72-600 | EI-FAT | 1097 | 10 years |

The oldest widebody jet in the Aer Lingus fleet is EI-DUZ, an Airbus A330-302 built in 2007 as MSN 0847. This aircraft, based in Dublin (DUB), operates long-haul routes. Recently, EI-DUZ has been seen flying to destinations such as Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO).

The oldest narrowbody jet in the Aer Lingus fleet is EI-CVC, an Airbus A320-214 built in 1999 as MSN 01443. This aircraft, based in Dublin (DUB), operates various European routes. Recently, EI-CVC has flown to destinations including Pisa (PSA), Bordeaux (BOD), and Naples (NAP).

The oldest turboprop in the Aer Lingus fleet is the amusingly registered EI-FAT, an ATR 72-600 built in 2013 as MSN 1097. This aircraft, based in Dublin (DUB), operates regional routes. Recently, EI-FAT has been seen flying to destinations including Bristol (BRS), Birmingham (BHX), and Newcastle (NCL).

Discover Flightradar24’s data servicesWe are able to share insights like these thanks to having the most extensive live and historic flight data at our fingertips. We provide a stable, secure and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

Cover photo: Sam Chui, JetPhotos

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing, Airbus, and Spirit Aerosystems near a deal to bring Spirit back into the Boeing fold. Another Southwest 737 flew too low, this time in Oklahoma City. The NTSB releases its preliminary report on UA28’s uncontained engine failure on 14 May. And Seoul’s Incheon Airport was closed for a few hours this week because of balloons filled with trash sent aloft by North Korea.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

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At 07:58 local time on Saturday, June 1st, Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha arrived at N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa, capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Operations will be carried out four times a week between Doha and Kinshasa together with Luanda, capital of Angola. According to our database, Qatar will fly using the 254-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets.

Kinshasa becomes Qatar’s 29th destination in Africa.

Monday and Saturday* QR 1491 Doha DOH 02:45 · 08:10 FIH Kinshasa * QR 1491 Kinshasa FIH 09:40 · 10:55 LAD Luanda * QR 1491 Luanda LAD 12:25 · 22:50 DOH Doha

Thursday and Friday* QR 1489 Doha DOH 09:20 · 15:40 LAD Luanda * QR 1489 Luanda LAD 17:10 · 18:55 FIH Kinshasa * QR 1489 Kinshasa FIH 19:55 · 05:45+1 DOH Doha

The first Airbus A350-1000 from Africa was recently spotted in ToulouseEthiopian Airlines will be the first carrier on the continent to incorporate this aircraft, which will join the company in the short term with the registration ET-BAW. The airplane already has the Ethiopian livery, as shown in the following picture.

In July 2022, Ethiopian Airlines confirmed the order for 4 Airbus A350-1000s, adding to previous orders for Airbus A350-900s.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, in July 2022: “We are delighted over the upsizing of the A350-900 on order to the largest variant, A350-1000, that helps us stay ahead of the curve in technology. We are the technology leaders in the continent introducing the latest technology and fuel-efficient fleet into Africa. The A350-1000 is the best fit for our dense routes, and we believe that the upsizing will be instrumental in satisfying the increasing demand of customers in our vast global network across five continents. We will continue on keeping ourselves abreast of aviation technology advancements to enhance our service and fulfill customers’ demand.”

Emirates to start services to Madagascar from September 3rdThe airline will operate four weekly flights with Boeing 777-300(ER) planes between Dubai and Antananarivo, the country’s capital, with a stopover in Mahe (Seychelles) in both directions. With this schedule, Emirates will offer 1,440 seats per week to/from Madagascar.

“Madagascar has historically been underserved, despite growing appetite from travellers for authentic ecotourism experiences. Emirates understands the importance of offering customers efficient connectivity and premium travel experiences and we’re confident that this new service will have a positive impact on boosting Madagascar’s connectivity, offering more opportunities for travellers to discover the hidden gem that is Madagascar, in addition to opening new international business opportunities”, said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.

“The Malagasy’s government is spearheading efforts to grow its tourism sector by enticing more tourists to experience the island’s renowned biodiversity and natural attractions. Emirates is ready to support Madagascar’s tourism agenda by helping bring visitors from around its network. We thank the Malagasy’s government for their partnership and support in establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard soon”.

We review other highlights of the Africa and Middle East market in June Air Algérie adds a second route to Barcelona. * Air Arabia Maroc will fly between Casablanca and Istanbul. * Air Côte d’Ivoire and its new international routes. * Air Sénégal resumed services to Barcelona, Marseille and Lyon. * EGYPTAIR to add two connections in Africa. * Etihad inaugurated operations between Abu Dhabi and Al-Qassim. * flyadeal began flights to Dubai World Central Airport. * flydubai will increase its services between Dubai and Warsaw (from 7 to 14 weekly). * Nesma continues to expand its network of destinations in Europe. * Nairobi, AirAsia X’s first connection in Africa. * Royal Air Maroc started a new domestic route in Morocco. * Sun D’Or International Airlines began flying to Kefalonia and Sitia from Tel Aviv. * Tassili Airlines launched services between Bechar and Oran (Algeria).*

Air AlgérieOran Es Senia – Barcelona will be back on Air Algérie’s regular schedule.

Services will begin on July 4th and will be operated twice a week on Boeing 737-800s.

Thursday* AH 2018 Oran ORN 09:45 · 12:10 BCN Barcelona * AH 2019 Barcelona BCN 13:10 · 13:30 ORN Oran

Sunday* AH 2018 Oran ORN 19:45 · 22:10 BCN Barcelona * AH 2019 Barcelona BCN 23:10 · 23:30 ORN Oran

Air Algérie currently performs a daily frequency between Algiers and the Spanish city with the same airplanes.

Air Arabia MarocStarting August 3rd, the company plans to launch services between Casablanca and Istanbul (IST). Operations, in line with its website, will run until September 14th, and will be offered as follows:

Tuesday/Wednesday* 3O 431 Casablanca CMN 18:00 · 00:30 IST Istanbul * 3O 432 Istanbul IST 01:20 · 04:30 CMN Casablanca

Saturday* 3O 431 Casablanca CMN 15:30 · 22:00 IST Istanbul * 3O 432 Istanbul IST 22:50 · 02:00+1 CMN Casablanca

Air Arabia Maroc has 11 Airbus A320-200s in its fleet, averaging 10.5 years old.

AirAsia XThe airline is scheduled to commence services between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi from November 15th, using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. These operations will soon be available for sale on the AirAsia X website.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* D7 101 Kuala Lumpur KUL 19:00 · 23:00 NBO Nairobi

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* D7 102 Nairobi NBO 00:30 · 15:10 KUL Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur – Nairobi will be AirAsiaX’s longest route.

Air CairoFlights between Cairo and Istanbul (SAW) by Air Cairo began on June 6th.

The first service landed at Sabiha Gokcen airport at 14:02 local time from the Egyptian capital. Air Cairo started with one weekly operation, boosting to two since mid-June.

Thursday* SM 303 Cairo CAI 11:45 · 14:00 SAW Istanbul * SM 304 Istanbul SAW 14:55 · 17:05 CAI Cairo

Sunday* SM 303 Cairo CAI 01:40 · 04:05 SAW Istanbul * SM 304 Istanbul SAW 05:05 · 07:15 CAI Cairo

From July onwards, a flight per week (on Thursdays) is planned.

Air Côte d’IvoireCôte d’Ivoire’s flag carrier announced several developments to its international routes from Abidjan, its main hub, as well as the launch of new connections.

These changes will begin in October.

Map by gcmap.com Accra (ACC): increase from 7 to 14 weekly * Bamako (BKO): increase from 7 to 14 weekly * Conakry (CKY) – Bissau (OXB): new route · October 1st * Conakry (CKY) – Monrovia (ROB): new route · October 2nd * Cotonou (COO): increase from 7 to 13 weekly * Dakar (DSS): increase from 10 to 14 weekly * Lome (LFW): increase from 7 to 14 weekly * Niamey (NIM) – Ouagadougou (OUA): new route · October 1st * Ouagadougou (OUA) – Niamey (NIM): new route · October 1st * Pointe Noire (PNR) – Brazzaville (BZV): increase from 1 to 3 weekly*

Air SénégalFor summer season, Air Sénégal restarted two routes to Europe, which will be available until mid-September.

Barcelona, Marseille and Lyon returned to the company’s schedule:

Marseille – Lyon · June 23rdThursday and Sunday

HC 427 Dakar DSS 00:25 · 07:40 MRS Marseille
HC 427 Marseille MRS 08:50 · 09:50 LYS Lyon
HC 427 Lyon LYS 11:00 · 14:30 DSS Dakar

Barcelona · June 23rdTuesday and Sunday

HC 423 Dakar DSS 02:30 · 09:25 BCN Barcelona
HC 424 Barcelona BCN 10:40 · 13:40 DSS Dakar

Air Sénégal has 8 aircraft in its fleet, although not all are operational.

2 ATR 72, 2 A319-100, 2 A321-200 and 2 A330neo are part of the airline.

EGYPTAIRDjibouti and Mogadishu, new EGYPTAIR destinations.

The company will start operating on July 11th with the 154-seat Boeing 737-800, two weekly services.

Thursday and Saturday* MS 873 Cairo CAI 23:35 · 03:30+1 JIB Djibouti

Friday and Sunday* MS 873 Djibouti JIB 04:30 · 06:25 MGQ Mogadishu * MS 874 Mogadishu MGQ 07:25 · 09:20 JIB Djibouti * MS 874 Djibouti JIB 10:20 · 14:15 CAI Cairo

EmiratesWe review Emirates’ schedule on the Dubai – Mahe (Victoria) – Antananarivo route.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* EK 707 Dubai DXB 08:55 · 13:35 SEZ Mahe * EK 707 Mahe SEZ 15:05 · 16:50 TNR Antananarivo * EK 708 Antananarivo TNR 18:35 · 22:20 SEZ Mahe * EK 708 Mahe SEZ 23:50 · 04:20+1 DXB Dubai

Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Cape Town, Casablanca, Conakry, Dakar, Dar-es-Salaam, Durban, Entebbe, Harare, Johannesburg, Luanda, Lusaka, Mahe Island (Victoria), Nairobi and Port Louis are the airline’s current destinations in Africa.

EthiopianThis is Ethiopian’s current fleet, which is composed of Airbus, Boeing and Dash aircraft.

Airbus A350-900: 20
Airbus A350-1000 (4 on order)
Boeing 737-700: 3
Boeing 737-800: 12
Boeing 737 MAX 8: 17
Boeing 767-300(ER): 1 (to be converted to freighter)
Boeing 767-300(F): 2
Boeing 777-200(LR): 6
Boeing 777-300(ER): 4
Boeing 777(F): 10
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: 19
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 10
Dash 8: 31

Ethiopian Airlines has 135 planes in its fleet, with an average age of 8 years.

EtihadThe carrier began regular operations between Abu Dhabi and Al-Qassim on June 24th. Etihad will have four flights a week under the following schedule, as seen in our database:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday* EY 627 Abu Dhabi AUH 08:00 · 09:10 ELQ Al-Qassim * EY 628 Al-Qassim ELQ 10:15 · 13:20 AUH Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways’ routes in the United Arab Emirates – Saudi Arabia marketMap by gcmap.com Al-Qassim (ELQ): 4 weekly · Airbus A320-200 * Dammam (DMM): 21 weekly · A320/A321 * Jeddah (JED): 28 weekly · A320/A321/789/781 * Riyadh (RUH): 28 weekly · A320/A321*

flyadealAt 14:05 local time on Thursday, June 20th, flyadeal’s inaugural flight from Riyadh arrived at Dubai World Central Airport (DWC). The Saudi airline will offer four weekly services using Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* F3 525 Riyadh RUH 11:25 · 14:20 DWC Dubai * F3 526 Dubai DWC 15:20 · 16:20 RUH Riyadh

Dubai (DXB/DWC) is flyadeal’s only destination in the United Arab Emirates. With respect to Dubai DWB, the company operates 28 flights per week to/from Riyadh.

flydubaiEffective October, the carrier plans to increase its operations between Dubai and Warsaw, with the start of a second daily frequency.

flydubai performs services between the two cities on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with a capacity of 174 passengers.

Daily* FZ 1839 Dubai DXB 15:10 · 19:30 WAW Warsaw * FZ 1840 Warsaw WAW 21:25 · 05:25+1 DXB Dubai

Daily · new flight* FZ 1835 Dubai DXB 03:30 · 07:05 WAW Warsaw * FZ 1836 Warsaw WAW 08:35 · 16:55 DXB Dubai

Baku, Batumi, Belgrade, Bucharest, Budapest, Catania, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Istanbul (IST), Krakow, Ljubljana, Milan, Minsk, Mykonos, Naples, Olbia, Pisa, Poznań, Prague, Salzburg, Santorini, Sarajevo, Sofia, Tbilisi, Tirana, Tivat, Warsaw, Yerevan and Zagreb are the European destinations of flydubai.

FlyEgyptLast June 12th, FlyEgypt began seasonal services between Hurghada and Yerevan, which will be carried out during summer 2024. The airline will offer until mid-September three weekly flights between the two cities.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* FT 263 Hurghada HRG 04:00 · 08:20 EVN Yerevan * FT 264 Yerevan EVN 09:20 · 11:45 HRG Hurghada

Nesma AirlinesThe carrier will commence scheduled operations between Cairo and Milan Malpensa from June 30th. According to our database, Nesma Airlines will have two services per week on this route with Airbus A320s.

Wednesday/Sunday* NE 301 Cairo CAI 18:15/18:00 · 21:30/21:15 MXP Milan * NE 302 Milan MXP 22:30/22:15 · 03:05/02:50+1 CAI Cairo

Düsseldorf, Munich and Skopje are part of the Egyptian airline’s network in Europe.

Qatar AirwaysWe review Qatar’s important route network from/to Doha in Africa:

Map by gcmap.comAlgeria Algiers (ALG): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Angola/Democratic Republic of the Congo DOH – Luanda (LAD) – Kinshasa (FIH) – DOH: 2 weekly · Boeing 787-8*

Democratic Republic of the Congo/Angola DOH – Kinshasa (FIH) – Luanda (LAD) – DOH: 2 weekly · Boeing 787-8*

Djibouti Djibouti (JIB): 4 weekly · Airbus A320-200*

Egypt Alexandria (HBE): 7 weekly · Airbus A320-200 * Cairo (CAI): 28 weekly · A332/A333/A359/77L/77W*

Ethiopia Addis Ababa (ADD): 3 weekly · A320/77W*

Ghana/Ivory Coast DOH – Accra (ACC) – Abidjan (ABJ) – DOH: 2 weekly · Boeing 787-8*

Ivory Coast/Ghana DOH – Abidjan (ABJ) – Accra (ACC) – DOH: 2 weekly · Boeing 787-8*

Kenya Nairobi (NBO): 14 weekly · A351/77L/77W*

Morocco Casablanca (CMN): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner * Marrakesh (RAK) via CMN: 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner*

Nigeria Abuja (ABV): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner * Kano (KAN) via ABV: 4 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner * Lagos (LOS): 14 weekly · A359/789 * Port Harcourt (PHC) via ABV: 3 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner*

Seychelles Victoria (SEZ): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(LR)*

Somalia Mogadishu (MGQ) via JIB: 4 weekly · Airbus A320-200*

South Africa Cape Town (CPT): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Johannesburg (JNB): 14 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

South Africa/Mozambique DOH – Durban (DUR) – Maputo (MPM) – DOH: 5 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner*

Tanzania DOH – Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) – Kilimanjaro (JRO) – DOH: 2 weekly · Boeing 787-8 * DOH – Kilimanjaro (JRO) – Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) – DOH: 7 weekly · A332/A333 * Zanzibar (ZNZ): 7 weekly · Airbus A320-200*

Tunisia Tunis (TUN): 10 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Uganda Entebbe (EBB): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Zambia Lusaka (LUN): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner*

Zimbabwe Harare (HRE) via LUN: 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner*

Royal Air MarocThe Moroccan carrier plans to add a new domestic route starting July 10th. Royal Air Maroc will operate using its 96-seat Embraer 190s:

Wednesday and Friday* AT 1406 Rabat RBA 13:15 · 15:10 EUN El Aaiun * AT 1407 El Aaiun EUN 16:00 · 17:50 RBA Rabat

Currently, Binter Canarias and Royal Air Maroc are the airlines with operations in El Aaiun. The Spanish company has flights to Gran Canaria, while Royal Air Maroc operates to other cities in Morocco.

Brussels, Errachidia, Jeddah, Madrid, Marseille, Paris Orly and Tan Tan are the destinations of Royal Air Maroc to/from Rabat.

RwandAirAs of June 1st, the company expanded its flight frequency on the Kigali – Brazzaville – Douala route from three to four weekly operations.

RwandAir operates on Boeing 737-800s with a capacity of 154 passengers.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday* WB 210 Kigali KGL 09:00 · 10:35 BZV Brazzaville * WB 210 Brazzaville BZV 11:35 · 13:40 DLA Douala * WB 211 Douala DLA 14:55 · 17:00 BZV Brazzaville * WB 211 Brazzaville BZV 18:00 · 21:30 KGL Kigali

From/to Kigali, Accra, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Dar-es-Salaam, Doha, Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, Harare, Johannesburg, Kamembe, Lagos, Libreville, London LHR, Lusaka, Nairobi and Paris CDG are its current routes.

Regarding markets, RwandAir operates to Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, France, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Qatar, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Sun D’OrKefalonia and Sitia, new routes in Greece for Sun D’Or International Airlines, a subsidiary of El Al Israel Airlines.

The flights began in early June and will be operated to/from Tel Aviv with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Map by gcmap.com Kefalonia (EFL): 2 weekly * Sitia (JSH): 2 weekly*

Routes between Israel and Greece (El Al and Sun D’Or)

Athens (ATH): 16 weekly · 738/739
Patras (GPA): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Rhodes (RHO): 6 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Santorini (JTR): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Thessaloniki (SKG): 7 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Tassili AirlinesLast June 9th, Tassili Airlines inaugurated a new connection in Algeria.

The carrier will offer a weekly frequency between Oran and Bechar by Dash 8 aircraft configured for 74 passengers.

Sunday* SF 2384 Bechar CBH 10:30 · 12:15 ORN Oran * SF 2385 Oran ORN 12:45 · 14:05 CBH Bechar

Tassili Airlines routes from/to Bechar and OranMap by gcmap.comBechar

Algiers (ALG): 2 weekly · Dash 8
Oran (ORN): 2 weekly · Dash 8

Oran

Adrar (AZR): 2 weekly · Dash 8
Algiers (ALG): 4 weekly · 738/Dash 8
Bechar (CBH): 2 weekly · Dash 8

Algiers is the main hub for Tassili Airlines, serving flights to Adrar, Bechar, Constantine, El Oued, In Salah and Oran in Algeria, as well as to Nantes, Paris CDG and Strasbourg in France.

flynas, flyadeal, Middle East Airlines and flydubai added new aircraft from the factory in this market during June.

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-251N | flynas | HZ-NS85 | TSN-DEL-RUH | June 5th | | Airbus A320-251N | flyadeal | HZ-FBG | TLS-JED | June 10th | | Airbus A321-271NX | MEA | OD-M10 | XFW-BEY | June 14th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | flydubai | A6-FQD | BFI-SNNSNN-DXB | June 20thJune 22nd |

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Virgin comes back to Canada with Toronto flights
Luck of the Irish: Aer Lingus begins flights to Vegas
Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes

Cover photo: M. Azizul Islam – JetPhotos (Doha, Qatar).

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In recent years there has been a noticeable uptick in publicized incidents of turbulence affecting commercial aircraft. These events, sometimes unexpected and severe, have led to passenger injuries, emergency landings, and a recent rare fatality.

Turbulence can be caused by a variety of factors, from the mixing of air masses at weather fronts, to disturbances caused by terrain and mountains. One person died and dozens were injured after Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 experienced severe turbulence over Myanmar in May 2024. This was originally believed to have been a clear air turbulence event, but has since been shown to have been caused by fast developing storms.

Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is an atmospheric phenomenon that typically occurs at high altitudes where clear skies and more serene conditions prevail. Unlike the turbulence associated with thunderstorms and other visible weather systems, CAT is not usually visually identifiable.

Click hereAmongst heightened awareness of CAT as a phenomenon, there has been a growing conversation around whether CAT events are becoming more common, and if climate change is a driver of these events. The apparent increase in incidents aligns with scientific observations and projections that climate change is intensifying atmospheric conditions conducive to CAT, making it a pressing issue for aviation safety. Let’s take a look.

What causes Clear Air Turbulence?The primary cause of CAT is wind shear, which is a difference in wind speed or direction over a short distance in the atmosphere. When fast-moving air currents, such as those found in jet streams, come into contact with slower moving air, the resulting friction can create turbulence. This is particularly common around the tropopause, the boundary layer between the troposphere and the stratosphere, at altitudes between 7,000 and 12,000 meters (23,000 to 39,000 feet).

Several factors contribute to the formation of CAT.1. Jet Streams: Jet streams are narrow bands of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere. These winds can reach speeds of over 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour). The edges of these streams often experience significant wind shear, which can lead to turbulence. 2. Temperature Gradients: Sharp changes in temperature can cause changes in air density, which in turn can lead to turbulence. For instance, the temperature difference between the warm air in the jet stream and the colder surrounding air can contribute to instability. 3. Mountain Waves: When strong winds blow over mountain ranges, they can create waves in the atmosphere that propagate upwards. These waves can become turbulent, especially if the air is stable and the wind is strong and steady. 4. Atmospheric Circulation: Large-scale atmospheric circulations, such as the Rossby waves and the Coriolis effect, also play a role in the formation of CAT by causing the jet stream to meander, creating regions of intense wind shear.

Are Clear Air Turbulence events happening more often?In a word, yes. Recent studies have shown a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of CAT conditions over the past few decades. This increase is linked to several factors, most notably climate change.

In the study ‘Evidence for Large Increases in Clear-Air Turbulence Over The Past Four Decades’ by Prosser et al. (2023), CAT trends were analyzed globally from 1979 to 2020 using reanalysis data. The research found substantial increases in the probability of a flight experiencing CAT at aircraft cruising altitudes, especially around the midlatitudes. For instance, over the North Atlantic, the total annual duration of light-or-greater CAT increased by 17%, moderate-or-greater CAT by 37%, and severe-or-greater CAT by 55%.

Annual-mean probabilities of encountering moderate-or-greater clear-air turbulence in the year 1979 vs. 2020. Source: Prosser et al (2023). It’s likely no coincidence that the most intensive locations CAT was observed correlate with global Jet streams. Jet streams are fast flowing, narrow air currents found in the atmosphere near the altitude of the tropopause and play a critical role in determining the weather and climate patterns.

The Prosser report outlines one of the primary reasons for the increase in CAT events as the intensification of the jet streams, driven by the warming of the planet. As global temperatures rise, the temperature gradients between the equator and the poles become more pronounced, strengthening the jet streams and increasing the likelihood of turbulence.

Additionally, Williams and Joshi (2013) projected that climate change could lead to a substantial increase in the occurrence of moderate-or-greater CAT in the future. Their model indicated a potential increase of up to 83.9% for moderate-or-greater CAT in a scenario where atmospheric CO2 levels double from pre-industrial levels.

ImplicationsThe increase in CAT poses several challenges for the aviation industry. CAT is estimated to cost the aviation industry around $200 million annually in the USA alone due to additional airframe fatigue, maintenance, and the potential for passenger and crew injuries (Prosser et al). Since CAT is difficult to predict and often occurs without warning, it remains a significant safety concern.

Cover photo: KonradWyszynski, JetPhotos.

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Aviation is no stranger to acronyms and jargon, ILS, RVSM, APU, the list goes on for days. But SODPROPS might be the best aviation acronym of all.

What are SODPROPS?SODPROPS stands for Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway OPerationS. SODPROPS regulations allow airports to move traffic in opposite directions while maintaining safety standards. Opposite direction operations are often useful at airports with noise sensitive neighbors on one side, where arriving and departing traffic over water or away from residential areas might be preferred.

SODPROPS is most commonly associated with Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. At Sydney, traffic can arrive on Runway 34L and depart Runway 16L, keeping flights over the bay.

SODPROPS are only possible during periods of light winds and good visibility, which often makes for excellent photography.

What’s your favorite aviation acronym? Is there a better one than SODPROPS? Let us know in the comments!

Featured image ©️ Tomasz Habaj

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Following a 23-year hiatus, Virgin Atlantic will resume operations to Toronto Pearson Airport. Flights will be carried out from/to London Heathrow beginning March 30th, 2025, for summer season.

Toronto will become the company’s only destination in Canada, returning to the North American country after just over a decade. The last service was in October 2014 between Heathrow and Vancouver, a route the airline had operated since mid-2012.

Virgin Atlantic will offer seven flights per week to Toronto from London with a mix of Airbus A330-300s and Airbus A330-900neo, the latter being the newest aircraft in its fleet. The A330-300 has 264 seats, while the A330neo has 262, both featuring the airline’s four products (Economy Light and Classic, Economy Delight, Premium and Upper Class).

According to its website, where services have been available for sale as of June 19th, 5 of the 7 weekly flights will be performed on Airbus A330-300, and the remaining 2 using Airbus A330-900neo, which means 1,844 seats offered a week on each leg.

Virgin Atlantic schedule between London Heathrow and TorontoDaily

VS 147 London LHR 17:10 · 20:30 YYZ Toronto
VS 148 Toronto YYZ 22:20 · 10:30+1 LHR London

Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa and Washington DC are Virgin’s North American destinations from London Heathrow. In addition, the airline operates from Manchester and Edinburgh to some U.S. cities.

Map by gcmap.comAtlanta London (LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 * Manchester (MAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Boston London (LHR): 14 weekly · A333/A339*

Las Vegas London (LHR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Manchester (MAN): 3 weekly · Airbus A350-1000*

Los Angeles London (LHR): 21 weekly · A35K/781*

Miami London (LHR): 14 weekly · A333/789*

New York London (LHR): 49 weekly · A333/A339/A35K/789 * Manchester (MAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Orlando Edinburgh (EDI): 2 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 * London (LHR): 14 weekly · A333/A35K * Manchester (MAN): 9 weekly · A333/A35K*

San Francisco London (LHR): 14 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Seattle London (LHR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

Tampa London (LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Washington DC London (LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000*

15 Airbus A330s are part of Virgin Atlantic’s fleet, between the 300 and 900neo versions.

| Aircraft | Registration | Config | Name | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VGBR | C31W48Y185 | Golden Girl | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VGEM | C31W48Y185 | Diamond Girl | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VINE | C31W48Y185 | Champagne Belle | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VKSS | C31W48Y185 | Mademoiselle Rouge | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VLUV | C31W48Y185 | Lady Love | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VNYC | C31W48Y185 | Uptown Girl | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VRAY | C31W48Y185 | Miss Sunshine | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VSXY | C31W48Y185 | Beauty Queen | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VUFO | C31W48Y185 | Lady Stardust | | Airbus A330-343 | G-VWAG | C31W48Y185 | Miss England | | | Airbus A330-941 | G-VEII | C32W46Y184 | Queen of the Skies | | Airbus A330-941 | G-VJAZ | C32W46Y184 | Billie Holiday | | Airbus A330-941 | G-VLDY | C32W46Y184 | Eliza Doolittle | | Airbus A330-941 | G-VSRB | C32W46Y184 | Ruby Rebel | | Airbus A330-941 | G-VTOM | C32W46Y184 | Space Oddity |

As we published in X, and in the Europe report, the Airbus A330-941 with registration G-VSRB was incorporated by Virgin last June 13th, new from the factory.

This is the first A330neo to join Virgin Atlantic in 2024 and there are still 11 more to be acquired from the first order of 16 Airbus A330-900neo.

Virgin Atlantic, in addition to returning to Canada, has announced the expansion of its partnership with WestJet. The agreement was signed at the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dubai to extend the current codeshare agreement between the two airlines, which has been maintained since 2019.

“Through the expansion of our existing partnership with Virgin Atlantic, we are unlocking amazing opportunities for our guests to access an extensive list of new destinations and to experience Virgin Atlantic’s innovative products and services beyond London,” said John Weatherill, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “With daily flights from our global hub in Calgary to London, Canadians have never had better international access from across Western Canada to the United Kingdom and beyond.”

Starting this winter, the expanded partnership will provide guests with one-stop access on a single itinerary from Calgary via Virgin Atlantic’s Global Hub at London Heathrow to destinations including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in India, along with Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Lagos (Nigeria), Dubai (UAE) and the Maldives.

Toronto keeps adding flights to EuropeToronto Pearson Airport continues to expand its operations to the European continent, one of its main international markets.

Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Faro, Frankfurt, Istanbul (IST), Lamezia, Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Ponta Delgada, Porto, Reykjavik, Rome, Paris, Stockholm, Terceira, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, Zagreb and Zurich are the cities in Europe with flights to/from Toronto.

In this market, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, Air Transat, Azores, British, Condor, Icelandair, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Neos, SAS, Swiss, TAP, Turkish and WestJet have scheduled operations.

Map by gcmap.comThere are currently 381 weekly flights between Europe and Toronto per leg. In terms of the number of operations, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and France are its main markets.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Luck of the Irish: Aer Lingus begins flights to Vegas
Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes

Cover photo: Guille Gª del Alamo – JetPhotos (London Heathrow).

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is back in front of Congress. A trio of stories involving Southwest Airlines, including an apparent incidence of Dutch roll, a roller coast ride off the coast of Hawaii, and a system on the CFM LEAP engines that pilots apparently didn’t know about. And investigators are trying to understand how counterfeit titanium made it into Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.

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Southwest Airlines flight 4069 descended to ~525 feet AGL 9 miles from the airport
Air traffic control received a low altitude alert and notified the pilots
Southwest and the FAA are aware of the incident Air traffic controllers in Oklahoma City received a low altitude alert for Southwest Airlines flight 4069 as it approached Will Rogers World Airport just after midnight local time on 19 June. The aircraft had been cleared for an approach to the airport’s Runway 13 when it descended to approximately 525 feet above the ground about 9 miles from the airport. The incident was first reported by The Oklahoman on 20 June.

"Southwest 4069, low altitude alert. You good out there?"The lowest received barometric altitude from Southwest 4069 was 1,725 at 05:06 UTC. ADS-B data includes the barometric altitude, reported at standard atmospheric pressure. GPS altitude data is also transmitted by the aircraft. Neither of those altitude values provide the height above ground level (AGL), but it is possible to use the reported values to calculate the height of the aircraft. In this case, correcting the values for local atmospheric conditions and elevation provides a value of approximately 525 feet above ground level as the lowest point reached by the aircraft.

The image above shows the lowest point reached by the aircraft relative to the assigned landing runway at Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport. According to air traffic control audio captured by LiveATC.net, the controller queried the Southwest flight, “Southwest 4069, low altitude alert. You good out there?” Unfortunately the pilots side of the conversation was not captured.

Weather at the time was nominal with good visibility. The active METAR at KOKC | OKC indicated winds from the southeast with 10 miles visibility.

190452Z 14011KT 10SM FEW060 FEW200 SCT250 26/20 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP129 T02560200

From its lowest point, the aircraft climbed to 3,000 feet and approached Runway 17R, safely landing 10 minutes later at 05:16 UTC. Southwest tells The Oklahoman it is in contact with the FAA regarding the incident.

Flightradar24 data for downloadDownload CSVDownload KMLDownload granular CSVAircraft informationSouthwest flight WN4069 was operated by Boeing 737-800 registered N8555Z. The aircraft is powered by two CFM56-7B engines. It was delivered to Southwest Airlines new in December 2017. It is not a 737 MAX.

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UAT is an alternative to 1090ES ADS-B out
UAT is mainly used by smaller aircraft operating at lower altitudes
Learn how you can share UAT data with Flightradar24 Most aircraft seen on Flightradar24 are tracked with ADS-B operating on 1090 MHz. Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) is an alternate to 1090ES transponders that operates on 978 MHz. UAT is designed for use by aircraft operating below 18,000 feet in the US and sends the same ADS-B tracking data as 1090 MHz transponders. With more than 200,000 general aviation aircraft in the United States, adding UAT coverage will help us track a much larger share of non-commercial air traffic in the US.

Sample Flightradar24 UAT coverage in the 48 contiguous United States.Where does Flightradar24 need UAT coverage?In a word, everywhere. We’re especially interested in locations that can offer large improvements in UAT coverage, such as sites at or adjacent to large general aviation airports.

How you can share UAT data with Flightradar24If you’d prefer to use your own equipment or already have a Raspberry Pi based ADS-B receiver, you can use our data sharing software to share UAT data with the Flightradar24 network. The software for UAT works just like our ADS-B software for 1090 MHz receivers and there are options for sharing ADS-B and UAT data or just UAT data.

If you want to share ADS-B and UAT data you will need a Raspberry Pi and two DVB-T dongles and antennas. You can then follow the installation instructions on our Share you data page. If you are already sharing ADS-B data with Flightradar24, you can connect the second DVB-T dongle to your existing Raspberry Pi.

You can also share just UAT data using a single dongle and antenna. Instructions for sharing UAT data only can be found here. If you’re just getting started and want to build a new receiver, we have a helpful guide on building your own receiver here.

Build your own receiverData sharers receive the best of Flightradar24 for freeWhen you share ADS-B or UAT data with Flightradar24 you receive a complimentary Business subscription, including all the best features Flightradar24 has to offer. Your subscription is valid across all three platforms: web, iOS, and Android.

Help add UAT-equipped aircraft to the JetPhotos catalogNot only can you help us track more UAT flights, you can also have your photos of the aircraft shown on Flightradar24. We’re looking to add photos of more UAT-equipped aircraft to JetPhotos, our world-leading aviation photo catalog, which currently features more than 6 million screened photos of nearly 400,000 aircraft by 27,000 different photographers. If you have photos of general aviation aircraft (or any aircraft), submit them to JetPhotos today!

Questions about hosting a receiver, updating an existing receiver, or anything else related to Flightradar24? Contact us today and our incredible support team will be happy to assist.

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VietJet inaugurated its regular operations between Hanoi and Sydney on June 8th. The Vietnamese low cost carrier will offer twice weekly flights on this route with Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured for 377 passengers.

Hanoi became VietJet’s second destination in Sydney after Ho Chi Minh City.

Wednesday and Saturday* VJ 95 Hanoi HAN 17:10 · 06:10+1 SYD Sydney

Thursday and Sunday* VJ 96 Sydney SYD 08:30 · 16:00 HAN Hanoi

In addition to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth are the company’s other destinations in Australia, which are served from/to Vietnam on Airbus A321neo and Airbus A330-300 planes.

VietJet routes in the Vietnam – Australia marketMap by gcmap.comAdelaide

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) via PER: 2 weekly · Airbus A321neo

Brisbane

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Melbourne

Hanoi (HAN): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Perth

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 5 weekly · Airbus A321neo

Sydney

Hanoi (HAN): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Fiji Airways, Fiji’s flag carrier, confirmed it will be the first airline to join Oneworld connect partner. This program is the first new membership platform introduced by Oneworld since the alliance was announced 20 years ago.

Each Oneworld connect partner will need to have a minimum of three Oneworld members as its sponsors to be initiated into the programme. The initial Oneworld sponsors of Fiji Airways will be all four of Oneworld’s original founding members – American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas. The Australian carrier will additionally mentor Fiji Airways through its Oneworld connect implementation process.

Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways CEO, stated: “Fiji Airways is thrilled and honoured to be the first Oneworld connect partner globally. We are delighted to link Fiji, and the South Pacific to the world’s premier airline alliance and further deepen our relationships in particular with Qantas, American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific. This important step for our airline enables us to offer more services and benefits to our own customers along with the others in the Oneworld family, to achieve a greater presence for our airline internationally and to build on the in-bound tourism that is so vital to our home nation and our region.”

These are other highlights of the Asia/Oceania market in May and June Aero Dili inaugurated a new destination in Timor-Leste. * Air China will operate between Beijing and Dhaka. * Air India Express adds a new route in the India – United Arab Emirates market. * Asiana schedules again the Airbus A380 on flights to Taipei. * Cambodia Airways started services between Phnom Penh and Nantong. * Cathay Pacific resumed flights to Barcelona. * China Eastern and China United added new connections. * Dayong and Phu Quoc will have EastarJet flights from Cheongju. * Jetstar will fly between Brisbane and Bangkok. * Malaysia Airlines confirms the first destinations of its Airbus A330neo. * Qantas will resume flights between Brisbane and Manila. * Rex adds two new routes from Perth. * Vistara increases its operations to Europe.*

Aero DiliAt 07:57 local time on May 18th, Aero Dili’s inaugural flight from Dili arrived at Oecusse airport. The Timor-Leste airline will offer two operations per week with Airbus A320 aircraft.

Services are around 30 minutes long, and the distance between the two cities is 150 kilometers.

Monday* 8G 71 Dili DIL 07:00 · 07:30 OEC Oecusse * 8G 72 Oecusse OEC 07:55 · 08:25 DIL Dili

Friday* 8G 71 Dili DIL 15:30 · 16:00 OEC Oecusse * 8G 72 Oecusse OEC 16:25 · 16:55 DIL Dili

Current Aero Dili routes to/from DiliMap by gcmap.comIndonesia

Denpasar (DPS): 7 weekly · Airbus A320

Singapore

Singapore (SIN): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Timor-Leste

Oecusse (OEC): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

The company has one Airbus A320-200 in its fleet (4W-AAL).

AirAsiaKota Kinabalu – Manado, as of September 1st, AirAsia’s new route.

The carrier plans three weekly flights between the two cities on Airbus A320s configured for 180 passengers, under the following schedule:

Monday, Friday and Sunday* AK 1797 Kota Kinabalu BKI 08:50 · 11:00 MDC Manado * AK 1798 Manado MDC 11:30 · 13:35 BKI Kota Kinabalu

Air ChinaAccording to the company’s schedule, operations between Beijing (PEK) and Dhaka will commence on July 10th. Flights will be carried out with 178-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, twice a week.

Tuesday and Wednesday* CA 701 Beijing PEK 17:15 · 20:40 DAC Dhaka * CA 702 Dhaka DAC 22:10 · 05:25+1 PEK Beijing

The Bangladeshi capital currently has flights to Guangzhou and Kunming, with respect to Chinese cities.

Air India ExpressStarting July 23rd, Air India’s express subsidiary will begin services between Bengaluru and Abu Dhabi. The airline will fly using Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes configured for 162, 176 or 178 passengers in two classes, as follows:

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* IX 811 Bengaluru BLR 15:25 · 18:00 AUH Abu Dhabi * IX 812 Abu Dhabi AUH 18:55 · 00:40+1 BLR Bengaluru

Air India Express currently has 23 Boeing 737 MAX 8s in its fleet, and has nearly 30 new MAXs on order, which it will be adding in the short term.

Air NiuginiThe company intends to resume flights to Palau and Tokyo commencing October 29th.

Services are planned on the same route with Boeing 737-800 from/to Port Moresby. There are currently no flights for sale on their website.

Tuesday and Saturday* PX 52 Port Moresby POM 12:00 · 14:30 ROR Airai * PX 52 Airai ROR 15:30 · 20:10 NRT Tokyo * PX 53 Tokyo NRT 21:20 · 02:20+1 ROR Airai * PX 53 Airai ROR 03:20+1 · 07:50+1 POM Port Moresby

Air Tahiti NuiTokyo Narita would return to Air Tahiti Nui’s schedule starting in April 2025.

Operations will be conducted to/from Papeete (PPT) using 294-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. In accordance with its website, the carrier plans to offer two weekly services between the two cities.

Monday and Thursday* TN 88 Papeete PPT 08:20 · 14:55+1 NRT Tokyo

Tuesday and Friday* TN 87 Tokyo NRT 20:00 · 11:50 PPT Papeete

Air Tahiti Nui’s current scheduleMap by gcmap.comFrance

Paris (CDG) via LAX: 5 weekly · Boeing 787-9
Paris (CDG) via SEA: 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9

New Zealand

Auckland (AKL): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9

United States

Los Angeles (LAX): 9 weekly · Boeing 787-9
Seattle (SEA): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9

With a seasonal schedule, Air Tahiti Nui operated the Papeete – Tokyo route between October 2023 and May 2024.

Asiana AirlinesBeginning September 1st, Asiana will be flying again to Taipei with the Airbus A380-800.

At the time of publication, these operations will run until mid-October, covering 4 of the 14 flights per week between Seoul and Taipei.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (A380)* OZ 711 Seoul ICN 09:35 · 11:20 TPE Taipei * OZ 712 Taipei TPE 13:15 · 17:05 ICN Seoul

The company also serves this route on Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 777-200(LR)s.

Beijing CapitalHangzhou – Bangkok will be back on the regular schedule of Beijing Capital Airlines.

Following a three-month suspension, the airline will resume operations between the two cities on July 1st, offering a daily flight on 180-seat Airbus A320-200 jets.

Daily* JD 419 Hangzhou HGH 00:20 · 04:00 BKK Bangkok * JD 420 Bangkok BKK 05:00 · 09:35 HGH Hangzhou

Cambodia AirwaysLast June 15th at 12:19 p.m., the first Cambodia Airways flight from Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, landed at Nantong airport. The operations will have three weekly frequencies with Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* KR 915 Phnom Penh PNH 07:05 · 12:05 NTG Nantong * KR 916 Nantong NTG 13:05 · 16:30 PNH Phnom Penh

Bangkok, Chengdu, Chongqing, Haikou, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Nantong, Sanya, Shenzhen and Singapore are Cambodia Airways’ current destinations from/to Phnom Penh.

Cathay PacificThe airline restarted on June 17th, after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, its services between Hong Kong and Barcelona. Cathay Pacific will operate three times a week using 280-seat Airbus A350-900s.

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* CX 321 Hong Kong HKG 00:25 · 08:30 BCN Barcelona * CX 318 Barcelona BCN 13:00 · 07:05+1 HKG Hong Kong

Hong Kong becomes the Spanish city’s sixth connection to Asia following Beijing, Mumbai, Seoul, Shenzhen and Singapore.

China EasternChina Eastern Airlines began operations between Shanghai and Guangzhou with Comac C919-100 planes last June 14th. As shown in our database, the airline will have seven weekly services on this route using these aircraft.

Besides the Comacs, China Eastern has flights between the two cities on Airbus A320s, Airbus A321s, Airbus A330s, Airbus A350s, Boeing 737s and Boeing 777s.

Daily* MU 5309 Shanghai SHA 09:30 · 11:55 CAN Guangzhou * MU 5316 Guangzhou CAN 13:30 · 16:00 SHA Shanghai

6 Comac C919-100 are part of its fleet, and another will be added shortly.

China UnitedAt 17:44 local time on June 11th, China United Airlines’ inaugural flight from Beijing Daxing arrived at Vladivostok airport. Three operations a week will be offered by the company with the 186-seat Boeing 737-800.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* KN 877 Beijing PKX 13:40 · 18:20 VVO Vladivostok * KN 878 Vladivostok VVO 19:30 · 20:15 PKX Beijing

Vladivostok becomes China United’s first international destination in Beijing Daxing. Its 56 other routes are within China.

Eastar JetDuring July, Eastar Jet will add two new connections to/from Cheongju, to be performed on Boeing 737-800 aircraft:

Dayong · July 18thTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

ZE 751 Cheongju CJJ 10:00 · 12:30 DYG Dayong
ZE 752 Dayong DYG 13:30 · 17:30 CJJ Cheongju

Phu Quoc · July 20thWednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

ZE 7583 Cheongju CJJ 18:30 · 21:50 PQC Phu Quoc
ZE 7584 Phu Quoc PQC 22:50 · 05:55+1 CJJ Cheongju

Fiji AirwaysWe review Fiji Airways’ network of destinations from/to the airline’s main base in Fiji (Nadi):

Map by gcmap.comAustralia Adelaide (ADL): 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Brisbane (BNE): 8 weekly · A332/7M8 * Canberra (CBR): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Melbourne (MEL): 10 weekly · A359/7M8 * Sydney (SYD): 12 weekly · A359/7M8*

Canada Vancouver (YVR): 2 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Fiji Kandavu (KDV): 4 weekly · Twin Otter * Labasa (LBS): 16 weekly · ATR 72/Twin Otter * Matei (TVU): 23 weekly · Twin Otter * Nausori (SUV): 52 weekly · ATR 72/Twin Otter * Rotuma (RTA): 1 weekly · ATR 72 * Savusavu (SVU): 19 weekly · Twin Otter*

Hong Kong Hong Kong (HKG): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Japan Tokyo (NRT): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Kiribati Kiritimati (CXI): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Tarawa (TRW): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

New Caledonia Noumea (NOU): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

New Zealand Auckland (AKL): 14 weekly · A332/A333/A359/738/7M8 * Christchurch (CHC): 4 weekly · 738/7M8 * Wellington (WLG): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

Samoa Apia (APW): 8 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

Singapore Singapore (SIN): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Solomon Islands Honiara (HIR): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

Tonga Tongatapu (TBU): 7 weekly · 738/7M8 * Vavau (VAV): 4 weekly · ATR 72*

Tuvalu Funafuti (FUN): 1 weekly · ATR 72*

United States Honolulu (HNL): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * San Francisco (SFO): 4 weekly · Airbus A350-900*

Vanuatu Port Vila (VLI): 7 weekly · ATR 72/738/7M8*

To see other Fiji Airways routes.

Fuji DreamFuji Dream Airlines will boost its flights between Nagoya and Sapporo.

As of July, the Japanese airline will increase from 14 to 21 weekly services, all operated with Embraer 170 and Embraer 175 jets.

Daily* JH 391 Nagoya NKM 07:20 · 09:00 OKD Sapporo * JH 392 Sapporo OKD 09:40 · 11:30 NKM Nagoya

Daily* JH 397 Nagoya NKM 16:20 · 18:00 OKD Sapporo * JH 398 Sapporo OKD 18:30 · 20:20 NKM Nagoya

New flight · daily* JH 395 Nagoya NKM 11:55 · 13:35 OKD Sapporo * JH 396 Sapporo OKD 14:20 · 16:10 NKM Nagoya

Hong Kong AirlinesTwo new connections will be launched by Hong Kong Airlines between July 9th and the 19th.

Da Nang and Xining will enter the company’s regular schedule, which will be carried out on Airbus A320s:

Map by gcmap.com Xining (XNN): 2 weekly · July 9th * Da Nang (DAD): 7 weekly · July 19th*

IndiGoThe Indian low cost carrier confirmed the upcoming changes to these international routes:

Map by gcmap.comDelhi Tbilisi (TBS): from 3 to 7 weekly · August 16th * Tashkent (TAS): from 4 to 7 weekly · August 17th * Almaty (ALA): from 3 to 7 weekly · August 19th*

Mumbai Abu Dhabi (AUH): from 7 to 14 weekly · July 2nd * Muscat (MCT): from 7 to 14 weekly · July 2nd*

In addition, in mid-June, it increased from three to four per week between Hyderabad and Ras Al Khaimah.

Indonesia AirAsiaOn August 10th, the airline is scheduled to start flying between Denpasar and Phuket with Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Indonesia AirAsia intends to operate this route three weekly times, according to its website:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* QZ 246 Denpasar DPS 16:05 · 18:55 HKT Phuket * QZ 247 Phuket HKT 19:30 · 00:30+1 DPS Denpasar

Indonesia AirAsia routes to/from DenpasarMap by gcmap.comAustralia

Perth (PER): 32 weekly · Airbus A320

Indonesia

Balikpapan (BPN): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Bandar (TKG): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Banjarmasin (BDJ): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Jakarta (CGK): 61 weekly · Airbus A320
Labuan (LBJ): 14 weekly · Airbus A320
Majalengka (KJT): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Surabaya (SUB): 7 weekly · Airbus A320
Yogyakarta (YIA): 7 weekly · Airbus A320

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur (KUL): 21 weekly · Airbus A320

Singapore

Singapore (SIN): 24 weekly · Airbus A320

Thailand

Bangkok (DMK): 6 weekly · Airbus A320

Iraqi AirwaysIraqi Airways’ Baghdad-Beijing operations are expected to begin as of July 6th using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets. Initially, the airline planned in early May to start these flights.

Services between the two cities will have a stop in Basra in both directions.

Tuesday and Saturday* IA 471 Baghdad BGW 12:30 · 13:30 BSR Basra * IA 471 Basra BSR 14:30 · 04:00+1 PEK Beijing

Wednesday and Sunday* IA 472 Beijing PEK 06:00 · 09:30 BSR Basra * IA 472 Basra BSR 10:30 · 11:30 BGW Baghdad

Currently, Iraqi Airways operates two flights a week between Baghdad and Guangzhou on the same aircraft, with respect to other cities in China.

JetstarBangkok, Jetstar’s new destination from Brisbane.

The company announced a new expansion in the Oceania-Asia market, with the introduction of this new route from December 13th.

At publication time, Jetstar will offer three weekly operations between the two cities by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes configured for 335 passengers.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* JQ 65 Brisbane BNE 14:20 · 19:30 BKK Bangkok * JQ 66 Bangkok BKK 21:25 · 08:25+1 BNE Brisbane

Jetstar routes from/to BrisbaneMap by gcmap.comAustralia

Adelaide (ADL): 8 weekly · Airbus A320
Cairns (CNS): 23 weekly · Airbus A320
Canberra (CBR): 7 weekly · Airbus A320
Darwin (DRW): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Hobart (HBA): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Launceston (LST): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Mackay (MKY): 7 weekly · Airbus A320
Melbourne (MEL): 40 weekly · A320/A321/A21N
Newcastle (NTL): 12 weekly · Airbus A320
Perth (PER): 5 weekly · Airbus A321neo
Proserpine (PPP): 5 weekly · Airbus A320-200
Sydney (SYD): 48 weekly · A320/A321/A21N
Townsville (TSV): 14 weekly · Airbus A320

Indonesia

Denpasar (DPS): 10 weekly · Airbus A321neo

Japan

Osaka (KIX): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Tokyo (NRT): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

New Zealand

Auckland (AKL): 11 weekly · Airbus A321neo

South Korea

Seoul (ICN): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Malaysia AirlinesEffective November, Malaysia Airlines expects to launch regular flights with Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. Melbourne will be its first route and Auckland the next addition, in 2025.

These planes will be configured for 297 passengers, offering 28 in Business and 269 in Economy. The first A330neo will arrive in Q3 2024.

Map by gcmap.com Melbourne (MEL): 6 weekly · November 25th * Auckland (AKL): 8 weekly · March 30th, 2025*

Malaysia’s A330-200QantasThe company will resume services between Brisbane and Manila after an 11-year suspension.

These flights, which are already on sale, will begin on October 28th and will be four weekly with Airbus A330-200s.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday* QF 97 Brisbane BNE 19:15 · 01:00+1 MNL Manila

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday* QF 98 Manila MNL 02:45 · 12:20 BNE Brisbane

Qantas currently performs a daily frequency between Sydney and Manila using the same aircraft.

RexAustralian airline Rex will launch two new routes effective June 28th.

In accordance with its website, Regional Express will operate between Perth and Adelaide with National Jet Express Embraer 190 planes configured for 110 passengers in single class.

Monday, Friday and Sunday* ZL 1212 Perth PER 11:55 · 16:15 ADL Adelaide * ZL 1217 Adelaide ADL 17:00 · 19:00 PER Perth

On the other hand, the carrier will start flying between Melbourne and Perth. In this case, operations will be with its 176-seat Boeing 737-800.

Daily except Tuesday and Saturday* ZL 873 Melbourne MEL 20:15 · 22:40 PER Perth * ZL 874 Perth PER 23:55 · 05:30+1 MEL Melbourne

S7 AirlinesBeginning in late October, S7 Airlines will commence services between Irkutsk and Phuket with 188-seat Boeing 737-800s. The Russian company will offer the following schedule:

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* S7 6303 Irkutsk IKT 14:25 · 20:40 HKT Phuket * S7 6304 Phuket HKT 21:40 · 05:40+1 IKT Irkutsk

S7 Airlines, from Irkutsk, operates to Bangkok, Beijing, Blagoveshchensk, Bratsk, Chita, Chulman, Fergana, Krasnoyarsk, Kyzyl, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Osh, Petropavlovsk, Sochi, St. Petersburg, Ufa, Ulan-Ude, Vladivostok, Yayutsk, Yekaterinburg and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Uzbekistan AirwaysFor winter season, the Uzbek carrier plans to increase its operations between Tashkent and New York JFK.

As of November 2nd, Uzbekistan Airways will boost from three to four flights per week, according to its website:

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* HY 101 Tashkent TAS 06:45 · 10:55 JFK New York * HY 102 New York JFK 12:55 · 09:55+1 TAS Tashkent

New flight on Saturdays.

VietJetThe Vietnamese low-cost will start a new connection to China from July 1st.

VietJet, as can be seen on its website, will provide four weekly operations between Ho Chi Minh City and Xi’An on Airbus A321-200s.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* VJ 3932 Ho Chi Minh City SGN 20:05 · 01:30+1 XIY Xi’An

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* VJ 3933 Xi’An XIY 02:30 · 06:15 SGN Ho Chi Minh City

VistaraDuring June, Vistara Airlines expanded its flights between India and Europe, bringing all routes to a daily frequency.

The services will be operated on the 299-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:

Map by gcmap.com Mumbai (BOM) – Paris (CDG): from 5 to 7 · June 16th * Mumbai (BOM) – Frankfurt (FRA): from 6 to 7 · June 17th * Delhi (DEL) – Paris (CDG): from 5 to 7 · June 18th * Delhi (DEL) – Frankfurt (FRA): from 6 to 7 · June 19th*

Vistara offers one flight a day between Delhi and London Heathrow with 787s.

Xiamen AirlinesChongqing – Phnom Penh, Xiamen Air’s new route.

Operations will begin on June 21st, which will be carried out by Boeing 737-800 jets with capacity for 170 passengers. In line with its website, the airline will have four weekly services.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* MF 8669 Chongqing CKG 09:05 · 11:20 PNH Phnom Penh * MF 8670 Phnom Penh PNH 12:20 · 16:50 CKG Chongqing

New aircraft added by airlines in the Asia and Oceania market during May and June:

9 Air
Air India
Air India Express (x2)
Air New Zealand
Asiana Airlines
HK express
IndiGo (x4)
Jetstar (x2)
Jin Air
Loong Air
Malaysia Airlines
Mandarin Airlines
Pegasus (x2)
Sichuan Airlines

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-251N | Air India | VT-RTM | TLS-DEL | May 18th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Pegasus | TC-RDV | TLS-SAW | May 22nd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXV | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-NAG | May 23rdMay 26th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Jetstar | VH-OYK | XFW-MCTMCT-KULKUL-MEL | May 31stJune 1stJune 2nd | | ATR 72-600 | Mandarin Airlines | B-16862 | TLS-CAICAI-AZIAZI-HYDHYD-DMKDMK-TSATSA-RMQ | June 3rdJune 4thJune 5thJune 6thJune 7thJune 8th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 9 Air | B-208H | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-TSN-CAN | June 4thJune 5thJune 7th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Pegasus | TC-RDY | TLS-SAW | June 4th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Loong Air | B-32H1 | XFW-TAS-HGH | June 5th | | Airbus A350-941 | Sichuan Airlines | B-32F8 | TLS-CTU | June 5th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICQ | XFW-DEL | June 6th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXD | TLS-DEL | June 7th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Jetstar | VH-OYF | TLS-MCTMCT-KULKUL-MEL | June 8thJune 9thJune 10th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BWB* | BFI-KEFKEF-KWI-HYD | June 12thJune 14th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXE | TLS-DEL | June 12th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Asiana Airlines | HL8582 | XFW-TASTAS-ICN | June 13thJune 15th | | Airbus A321-251NX | HK express | B-KKH | XFW-DWCDWC-HKG | June 14thJune 15th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICR | XFW-DEL | June 14th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Jin Air | HL7217 | BFI-ANCANC-NRTNRT-GMP | June 14thJune 15thJune 16th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Malaysia Airlines | 9M-MVC | BFI-HNLHNL-GUMGUM-KUL | June 14thJune 15thJune 17th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Air New Zealand | ZK-OYE | XFW-MCTMCT-KULMCT-CNSCNS-AKL | June 15thJune 16thJune 17thJune 18th |

*It is not new from the factory.

Mechanics Bay (Auckland)Other reports we have published:

Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Luck of the Irish: Aer Lingus begins flights to Vegas
Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes

Cover photo: Seth Jaworski – JetPhotos (Sydney, Australia).

The post VietJet begins Hanoi-Sydney flights appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Turbulence is a common yet complex weather phenomenon that affects aviation. Broadly speaking, it refers to irregular air movements that cause erratic changes in the altitude and/or attitude of an aircraft. Let’s take a look at the various types of turbulence, their causes, and some notable incidents they have played a part in.

Just how turbulent is turbulence?The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) categorizes turbulence based on the intensity of its effects on aircraft and passengers. This categorization helps pilots and air traffic controllers assess and respond to turbulence.

| Intensity | Description | Effects on Aircraft and Passengers | | --- | --- | --- | | Light Turbulence | Causes slight and erratic changes in altitude and attitude of the aircraft. Passengers may feel a light strain against their seat belts. | Little or no difficulty in walking for crew members, and unsecured objects may be slightly displaced. | | Moderate Turbulence | Results in changes in altitude and/or attitude that are more intense than light turbulence, but the aircraft remains under control at all times. | Passengers feel a more definite strain against their seat belts, unsecured objects are dislodged, and walking becomes difficult. | | Severe Turbulence | Causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude, with large variations in airspeed. The aircraft may be momentarily out of control. | Passengers are forced violently against their seat belts, unsecured objects can become airborne, and walking is impossible. | | Extreme Turbulence | Results in the aircraft being tossed about violently, making it practically impossible to control. May cause structural damage to the aircraft. | Severe injuries to passengers and crew are possible if they are not securely fastened. | | Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) | Occurs without visual indicators like clouds, often associated with jet streams and atmospheric shear zones. Invisible and difficult to predict with conventional radar. | Improved detection technology, such as Doppler LIDAR and scintillometers, aids in forecasting and detection. | | ICAO Turbulence Reporting | Requires pilots to report turbulence encounters using these categories to provide real-time data for immediate flight safety and long-term analysis. | Helps other pilots anticipate turbulence and allows meteorologists to refine forecasting models. |

Light TurbulenceLight turbulence causes slight and erratic changes in altitude and attitude of the aircraft. Passengers may feel a light strain against their seat belts. There is little or no difficulty in walking for crew members, and unsecured objects may be slightly displaced.

Moderate TurbulenceModerate turbulence results in changes in altitude and/or attitude that are more intense than light turbulence but the aircraft remains under control at all times. Passengers feel a more definite strain against their seat belts and unsecured objects are dislodged. Walking becomes difficult for crew members.

Severe TurbulenceSevere turbulence causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude, with large variations in airspeed. The aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Passengers are forced violently against their seat belts, and unsecured objects can become airborne. Walking is impossible. Severe turbulence is generally quite rare.

Extreme TurbulenceExtreme turbulence results in the aircraft being tossed about violently, making it practically impossible to control. This category of turbulence may cause structural damage to the aircraft. Severe injuries to passengers and crew are possible if they are not securely fastened. Extreme turbulence is, as named, extremely rare.

What are the different types of turbulence?1. Mechanical TurbulenceMechanical turbulence occurs when airflow is disrupted by obstacles on the ground, such as mountains, buildings, or trees. As air moves over these obstructions, it becomes turbulent, creating eddies and vortices. This type of turbulence is typically encountered during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is closer to the ground. Pilots are trained to anticipate mechanical turbulence in areas with significant topographical features or large urban environments.

A well known example of mechanical turbulence can be seen at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), where large buildings to the side of the runways can cause aircraft to be blown slightly off track right before landing. The best way to observe this is to watch one of the brilliant live stream shows presented by Big Jet TV.

Mountain Wave TurbulenceThis is a similar phenomenon to mechanical turbulence. Mountain wave turbulence arises when stable air flows over mountain ranges, creating waves that can extend for hundreds of miles. These waves can produce severe turbulence, both in the lee of the mountains and at higher altitudes. Mountain wave turbulence is particularly dangerous because it can occur unexpectedly and even affect aircraft flying at cruising altitudes. Pilots crossing mountain ranges, such as the Rockies or the Alps, are trained to recognize and avoid areas prone to mountain wave activity. Mountain wave turbulence can be identified by observing particular cloud formations on the lee side of the mountain, such as lenticular clouds. Mountain waves can be particularly dangerous for small aircraft at low altitude and low speed.

Image: Gravity WavesA notable incident involving mountain wave turbulence occurred in 1966, when BOAC Flight 911 broke apart in mid-air over Mount Fuji in Japan. The aircraft encountered extreme turbulence, leading to structural failure. This tragic event resulted in the loss of all 124 passengers and crew on board and underscored the deadly potential of mountain wave turbulence.

Thermal TurbulenceThermal turbulence, also known as convective turbulence, is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. When the sun heats the ground, warm air rises, creating thermals. These rising pockets of warm air can cause turbulent conditions, especially during the early afternoon, when solar heating is at its peak. Pilots often experience thermal turbulence when flying over land masses with varying terrain and during summer months. Glider pilots, in particular, rely on thermals to gain altitude (but must also manage the turbulence they create). Thermals (and thermal turbulence) are best identified by looking for cumulus clouds (or any clouds with a lot of vertical extent) as these indicate the vertical movement of air below.

Cumulus clouds are a good indicator of thermal turbulence. Image: Wikipedia.4. Wake TurbulenceWake turbulence is generated by the passage of an aircraft through the air, creating wingtip vortices. These vortices can be particularly hazardous for smaller aircraft following larger ones, especially during takeoff and landing. Wake turbulence is a leading cause of loss of control incidents in the vicinity of airports. Air traffic controllers implement separation standards to mitigate the risks associated with wake turbulence, ensuring safe distances between aircraft.

Aircraft are classified as light, medium or heavy, and are either separated by radar distance, or by time.

Radar distance separation

| Leading aircraft | Following aircraft | Separation distance | | --- | --- | --- | | Heavy | Heavy | 4 nautical miles | | Heavy | Medium | 5 nautical miles | | Heavy | Light | 6 nautical miles | | Medium | Light | 5 nautical miles |

Time separation

| Leading aircraft | Following aircraft | Separation when departing | Separation when arriving | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Heavy | Medium | 2 minutes | 2 minutes | | Heavy | Light | 3 minutes | 2 minutes | | Medium | Light | 3 minutes | 2 minutes* |

One of the most well documented accidents caused by wake turbulence occurred in Mexico City in 2008, when a Learjet45 aircraft encountered severe wake turbulence on approach to the airport. The crash caused the deaths of 9 people on board and a further 7 people on the ground. Pilots are routinely trained to avoid and handle wake turbulence, and The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is currently in the second phase of testing a wake turbulence warning system in flight experiments using its Advanced Technology Research Aircraft A320, D-ATRA.

How do pilots avoid wake turbulence?5. Frontal TurbulenceFrontal turbulence occurs near weather fronts, where air masses of different temperatures and densities meet. This turbulence can be quite severe, especially near cold fronts, where the colder, denser air forces the warmer air to rise abruptly. Pilots often encounter frontal turbulence during transitions between air masses, particularly in the vicinity of weather systems and during the changing seasons.

Image: National Weather Service6. Clear Air TurbulenceClear air turbulence (CAT) is the turbulent movement of air masses in the absence of visual clues such as clouds. It typically occurs at high altitudes, near the jet streams, where bodies of air moving at different speeds meet. This type of turbulence is particularly dangerous because it is invisible and difficult to detect with conventional radar.

Bump in the night - what is Clear Air Turbulence?Turbulence is a known variable in commercial aviation. Pilots are trained to recognize and avoid obvious turbulence, and to react appropriately to unexpected turbulence events. Have you experienced turbulence? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: cwbspotter, JetPhotos.

The post What actually causes turbulence? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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A Southwest Airlines flight from Honolulu to Lihue made an “excessive descent” during a go around at Lihue, flying as low as 400 feet above the ocean. The incident was first publicly reported by Bloomberg News based on a Southwest Airlines memo.

Unfortunately, as the aircraft approached Lihue and descended below 2,350 ft AMSL reception of ADS-B signals by Flightradar24 receivers in the area was inhibited. There is an approximately 2 minute 30 second period during which no ADS-B data was received from the aircraft. It is during this period that the aircraft conducted its missed approach and experienced the “excessive descent” and Ground Proximity Warning System alerts.

Weather at Lihue at the time of the incident was poor. The flight departed Honolulu at 04:45 UTC and approached Lihue at 05:05. The pilots were aware of the weather conditions and briefed the likely need for a missed approach/go around. METAR for the period in question.

PHLI 120411Z 12012KT 2 1/2SM BR FEW009 BKN025 OVC050 23/22 A2993 RMK AO2 T02280217 $,M

PHLI 120422Z 12013KT 2 1/2SM BR SCT010 BKN042 OVC070 23/22 A2992 RMK AO2 T02280217 $,M

PHLI 120430Z 11015G24KT 3SM BR SCT010 BKN042 OVC070 23/22 A2991 RMK AO2 T02280217 $,M

PHLI 120448Z 11020G26KT 6SM BR BKN012 BKN043 OVC070 22/21 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 12026/0446 $,M

PHLI 120453Z 12019G26KT 6SM BR SCT010 BKN047 OVC065 23/21 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 12026/0446 SLP126 T02280211 $,M

PHLI 120505Z 11017G24KT 4SM BR FEW007 BKN019 OVC047 23/21 A2991 RMK AO2 T02280211 $,M

PHLI 120515Z 12017KT 2SM BR SCT007 BKN018 OVC046 23/22 A2992 RMK AO2 T02280217 $,M

PHLI 120518Z 12015G23KT 2SM BR FEW007 BKN014 OVC030 23/22 A2992 RMK AO2 T02280217 $,M

Per the Southwest Airlines memo, which can be viewed here, the “First Officer did not have the runway in sight by minimums and called, ‘Go-Around.’” During the go around the first officer “inadvertently pushed forward on the control column while following thrust lever movement commanded by the autothrottle.” This increased the aircraft’s speed and the FO responded by reducing thrust, which led to the aircraft descending. According to the memo, “the aircraft’s maximum descent rate was -4,400 feet per minute and the aircraft descended to nearly 400 feet” above the ocean surface.

The crew received Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS) alerts, which they actioned by increasing thrust and ascending. Southwest reports the maximum vertical rate reached by the aircraft as +8,500 feet per minute.

As the aircraft climbed, it exceeded the missed approach altitude of 3,000 feet. Flightradar24 resumed receiving data from the aircraft at this time, with a maximum altitude of 3,625 recorded before the aircraft leveled off at 3,000 feet and entered a hold southeast of Lihue. The crew decided to return to Honolulu, landing safely at 06:08 UTC.

Aircraft informationSouthwest Airlines flight WN2786 was operated by a Boeing 737-8 MAX, powered by two CFM LEAP1-B engines. The aircraft was delivered new to Southwest on 4 November 2022.

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After a four-year suspension due to the pandemic, Hainan Airlines resumed its services to Vienna in the Austrian capital. The first flight arrived on May 29th at 07:33 local time from Shenzhen, following an eleven-hour flight.

Hainan will offer two operations per week on this route with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 289 passengers (2,600 monthly seats on each leg).

Wednesday and Saturday* HU 789 Shenzhen SZX 02:10 · 07:55 VIE Vienna * HU 790 Vienna VIE 11:05 · 04:00+1 SZX Shenzhen

Shenzhen becomes Vienna’s third connection to China after Beijing and Shanghai. Bangkok, Seoul, Taipei and Tokyo are other destinations in the region.

United Airlines launched non-stop flights between San Francisco and Barcelona last May 23rd. Operations will have a daily frequency, to be carried on 275-seat Boeing 777-200(ER) jets.

The two cities will have 12 weekly services by summer 2024, including seven flights of United and the remaining five of Level, which operates using Airbus A330-200s.

Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife South are the Spanish cities served by United Airlines (during summer season).

On May 30th, Norse Atlantic Airways commenced its first route in the U.S.-Greece market.

The airline will perform five flights a week between New York JFK and Athens with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes with a capacity of 338 passengers.

Norse operates to JFK from Berlin, London LGW, Oslo, Paris CDG and Rome, in addition to Athens, reaching more than 40 weekly services to/from New York with all its connections.

Other highlights of the European market during May and June: Aeroitalia adds a new domestic route. * airBaltic started flights between Palanga and Amsterdam. * American and Delta also began new connections to Europe. * Animawings continues increasing the number of routes with its new Airbus A220. * Austrian Airlines to fly to Ivalo. * Azerbaijan Airlines inaugurated operations between Baku and Sofia (Bulgaria). * British Airways will boost flights to Riga in winter. * Discover Airlines to resume transatlantic services from/to Munich. * easyJet will have more than 60 new routes. * FlyOne is set to commence flights between Chisinau and Manchester. * Lufthansa will have operations to Rovaniemi. * Mykonos and Rhodes, two new Gulf Air destinations in Greece. * T’Way to operate from Seoul to Barcelona and Rome. * Thai will resume flights between Bangkok and Brussels. * Tromsø keeps adding new airlines. * Turkish Airlines inaugurated services between Istanbul (IST) and Denver. * Wizz Air and its new summer routes from Varna.*

AeroitaliaMilan Bergamo – Palermo, Aeroitalia’s new route.

Starting July 1st, the company will launch operations between the two cities, which will be carried out on Boeing 737-400s.

Daily except Tuesday and Thursday* XZ 2036 Milan BGY 16:55 · 18:35 PMO Palermo * XZ 2037 Palermo PMO 19:25 · 21:05 BGY Milan

The 737-400s used will be from 4 AirwaysairBalticThe airline opened its services between Palanga and Amsterdam last May 29th. As can be seen through our database, the flights will have two frequencies per week on Airbus A220-300 aircraft:

Wednesday and Sunday* BT 1061 Riga RIX 11:25 · 12:10 PLQ Palanga * BT 1061 Palanga PLQ 12:50 · 14:00 AMS Amsterdam * BT 1062 Amsterdam AMS 14:45 · 17:45 PLQ Palanga * BT 1062 Palanga PLQ 18:25 · 19:10 RIX Riga

Current routes offered from Palanga are Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin, London Stansted, Oslo and Riga.

Air GreenlandDuring mid-September, the carrier schedules more flights on its Nuuk – Iqaluit route, to be operated once weekly as of June 26th.

The frequency will increase from one to two a week between September 16th and 22nd, with a special flight on the 19th.

Wednesday (regular flight)* GL 1771 Nuuk GOH 13:45 · 12:50 YFB Iqaluit * GL 1772 Iqaluit YFB 13:50 · 18:50 GOH Nuuk

Saturday (special flight · September 19th)* GL 1771 Nuuk GOH 17:30 · 16:35 YFB Iqaluit * GL 1772 Iqaluit YFB 17:35 · 22:35 GOH Nuuk

American AirlinesAt 10:05 a.m. local time on Monday, June 5th, American Airlines’ inaugural flight landed in Naples.

Operations will be conducted to/from Philadelphia with 234-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, seven weekly.

Daily

AA 780 Philadelphia PHL 19:15 · 10:00 NAP Naples
AA 781 Naples NAP 12:15 · 16:00 PHL Philadelphia

American’s fourth connection in Italy after Milan, Rome and Venice.

The following day, the company began services between Philadelphia and Copenhagen.

In the case of the Danish capital, flights will have a daily frequency on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets with capacity for 285 passengers.

Daily* AA 744 Philadelphia PHL 21:35 · 11:10 CPH Copenhagen * AA 745 Copenhagen CPH 14:00 · 16:25 PHL Philadelphia

AnimawingsAccording to its website, the airline will start flying between Bucharest and Stockholm beginning October 1st. Services will be three per week using Airbus A220-300 planes.

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* A2 610 Bucharest OTP 11:10 · 13:05 ARN Stockholm * A2 611 Stockholm ARN 13:50 · 17:35 OTP Bucharest

Animawings’ fleet consists of 2 Airbus A320-200s. The first 2 Airbus A220-300s will enter regular operations on September 15th, with routes to Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Larnaca, Oradea and Paris Charles de Gaulle from Bucharest.

AurignyEffective October 19th, Aurigny is scheduled to commence flights between Guernsey and Porto with 69-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft. At the time of publication, as listed on its website, services will run until early November.

Saturday* GR 800 Guernsey GCI 12:15 · 14:55 OPO Porto * GR 801 Porto OPO 15:35 · 18:35 GCI Guernsey

AustrianVienna – Ivalo, Austrian Airlines’ new route for winter season.

Operations will start on January 25th, 2025 and will be available until March 1st, in line with its website. During the 35 days of service, Austrian will offer 5 flights each way.

Saturday* OS 339 Vienna VIE 09:30 · 14:05 IVL Ivalo * OS 340 Ivalo IVL 15:05 · 17:35 VIE Vienna

AZALAt 11:52 local time on June 7th, Azerbaijan Airlines’ inaugural flight from Baku arrived at Sofia airport. The company will offer twice-weekly flights between the two capitals on 106-seater Embraer 190s.

Tuesday and Friday* J2 43 Baku GYD 09:45 · 12:10 SOF Sofia * J2 44 Sofia SOF 13:00 · 17:10 GYD Baku

AZAL reaches 59 routes from/to Baku GYD, including the following countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.

British AirwaysDuring winter 2024/25, British Airways will add more flights between London Heathrow and Riga. The carrier will increase from three to seven services a week from October 28th, which will be operated by Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft.

British had resumed this route, after 16 years, on October 29th, 2023.

Schedule between London LHR and Riga RIX (winter 2024/25)BA 880 LHR – RIX

08:00 · 12:50 (Monday)
07:45 · 12:35 (Tuesday)
06:05 · 10:55 (Wednesday)
07:40 · 12:30 (Thursday)
07:30 · 12:20 (Friday)
07:55 · 12:45 (Saturday)
14:45 · 19:30 (Sunday)

BA 881 RIX LHR

13:45 · 14:55 (Monday)
13:25 · 14:35 (Tuesday)
11:45 · 12:55 (Wednesday)
13:20 · 14:30 (Thursday)
13:10 · 14:20 (Friday)
13:40 · 14:50 (Saturday)
20:20 · 21:30 (Sunday)

Delta Air LinesAs well as American, Delta inaugurated new flights to Naples (NAP).

On May 24th at 07:37 local time, the airline’s first service from New York landed at the Italian airport. Operations will be daily with 226-seat Boeing 767-300(ER) jets.

Daily* DL 232 New York JFK 16:30 · 07:30+1 NAP Naples * DL 233 Naples NAP 09:30 · 13:30 JFK New York

Delta’s current routes in ItalyMap by gcmap.comMilan

Atlanta (ATL): 7 weekly · Boeing 767-400(ER)
New York (JFK): 14 weekly · A333/764

Naples

New York (JFK): 7 weekly · Boeing 767-300(ER)

Rome

Atlanta (ATL): 14 weekly · A333/A359
Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Detroit (DTW): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300
New York (JFK): 19 weekly · A333/A339/764

Venice

Atlanta (ATL): 10 weekly · Boeing 767-300(ER)
New York (JFK): 7 weekly · Boeing 767-300(ER)

Delta’s first flight to NaplesDiscoverDiscover Airlines, part of the Lufthansa group, announced it will restart its long-haul flights to/from Munich.

At time of publication, according to its website, Calgary, Orlando and Windhoek will be its new destinations, operated with Airbus A330-300s seating 283 passengers in three classes.

Orlando · March 31st, 2025Monday, Wednesday and Friday

4Y 80 Munich MUC 15:30 · 20:05 MCO Orlando
4Y 81 Orlando MCO 22:00 · 13:35+1 MUC Munich

Windhoek · April 1st, 2025Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

4Y 142 Munich MUC 21:45 · 07:20+1 WDH Windhoek
4Y 143 Windhoek WDH 20:40 · 06:45+1 MUC Munich (Wed, Fri, Sun)

Calgary · April 12th, 2025Daily except Wednesday and Friday

4Y 90 Munich MUC 13:25 · 15:25 YYC Calgary
4Y 91 Calgary YYC 17:10 · 10:40+1 MUC Munich

In addition, Discover will start three international connections, also from Munich:

Map by gcmap.com Hurghada (HRG): 2 weekly · November 5th * Funchal (FNC): 2 weekly · November 6th * Fuerteventura (FUE): 3 weekly · November 7th*

All three will be on Airbus A320-200.

easyJetThe ultra low cost carrier confirmed the addition of more than 60 new routes, scheduled to commence effective October 2024.

Some of the highlights include the inauguration of flights to Strasbourg and Tromsø, which will begin in November, in accordance with its website:

Map by gcmap.comStrasbourg* Barcelona (BCN) * London (LGW) * Naples (NAP) * Nice (NCE)

Tromsø* Amsterdam (AMS) * Bristol (BRS) * Geneva (GVA) * London (LGW) * Manchester (MAN) * Milan (MXP) * Paris (CDG)

EdelweissOn June 10th at 15:31 local time, Edelweiss Air’s inaugural flight from Zurich landed in Evenes (Harstad). According to our database, the airline will have a weekly frequency with Airbus A320 aircraft.

Monday* WK 316 Zurich ZRH 11:45 · 15:20 EVE Evenes * WK 317 Evenes EVE 16:15 · 19:55 ZRH Zurich

Evenes becomes the third Edelweiss destination in Norway, after Bergen and Tromsø.

EurowingsBetween October and January 2025, Eurowings will have five new routes in Europe, four of them from/to Hamburg:

Map by gcmap.comHamburg

Thessaloniki (SKG): 2 weekly · October 27th
Nuremberg (NUE): 6 weekly · November 4th
Rovaniemi (RVN): 1 weekly · December 22nd
Kittila (KTT): 2 weekly · January 12th, 2025

Stuttgart

Tromsø (TOS): 2 weekly · January 25th, 2025

FinnairThe carrier will expand frequencies on two of its routes offered at Helsinki as of October 27th, in both cases using ATR 72 with 68 or 72 seats.

Map by gcmap.com Rovaniemi (RVN) – Tromsø (TOS): from 2 to 5 weekly * Trondheim (TRD): from 3 to 6 weekly*

FlyOneAs of December 20th, the airline will start operations between Chisinau and Manchester. FlyOne will have, at the time of publication, one service per week on Airbus A320-200 jets configured for 180 passengers.

Friday* 5F 598 Chisinau RMO 17:10 · 18:45 MAN Manchester * 5F 599 Manchester MAN 19:45 · 01:10+1 RMO Chisinau

At present, FlyOne has more than 10 aircraft in its fleet, including its three subsidiaries (Moldova, Armenia and Romania).

Gulf AirBahrain’s flag carrier added two new destinations to Greece in early June.

Gulf Air will operate two weekly flights with Airbus A320neo on the Bahrain – Mykonos – Rhodes – Bahrain route.

Thursday and Saturday* GF 50 Bahrain BAH 09:40 · 13:55 JMK Mykonos * GF 50 Mykonos JMK 14:55 · 15:45 RHO Rhodes * GF 51 Rhodes RHO 16:45 · 20:25 BAH Bahrain

As well as Mykonos and Rhodes, the company serves between Bahrain and Athens on Airbus A321neo planes.

HainanAn overview of Hainan Airlines’ destination network to/from Europe.

Map by gcmap.comAustria Shenzhen (SZX) – Vienna (VIE): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Belgium Beijing (PEK) – Brussels (BRU): 11 weekly · Boeing 787-9 * Shanghai (PVG) – Brussels (BRU): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9 * Shenzhen (SZX) – Brussels (BRU): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Czech Republic Beijing (PEK) – Prague (PRG): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

France Chongqing (CKG) – Paris (CDG): 1 weekly · Boeing 787-9 * Shenzhen (SZX) – Paris (CDG): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Germany Beijing (PEK) – Berlin (BER): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Ireland Beijing (PEK) – Dublin (DUB): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Italy Chongqing (CKG) – Milan (MXP): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9 * Chongqing (CKG) – Rome (FCO): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9 * Shenzhen (SZX) – Milan (MXP): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9 * Shenzhen (SZX) – Rome (FCO): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Serbia Beijing (PEK) – Belgrade (BEG): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Spain Chongqing (CKG) – Madrid (MAD): 2 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

United Kingdom Beijing (PEK) – Edinburgh (EDI): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Beijing (PEK) – Manchester (MAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Changsha (CSX) – London (LHR): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9*

Hainan also offers a weekly frequency between Beijing and St. Petersburg (Russia) using Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Jet2Newcastle – Marrakesh, Jet2’s new route.

The airline plans to launch flights between the two cities from October 10th, 2025. At time of publication, it will be twice per week on Boeing 737-800s.

Tuesday* Newcastle NCL 06:30 · 10:25 RAK Marrakesh * Marrakesh RAK 11:15 · 15:20 NCL Newcastle

Friday* Newcastle NCL 17:40 · 21:35 RAK Marrakesh * Marrakesh RAK 22:25 · 02:30+1 NCL Newcastle

LufthansaThe German company will operate twice-weekly flights between Frankfurt and Rovaniemi, its brand new route starting November 30th.

In accordance with its website, Lufthansa will offer these services with Airbus A319 and Airbus A320 aircraft.

Tuesday and Saturday* LH 852 Frankfurt FRA 08:50 · 12:50 RVN Rovaniemi * LH 853 Rovaniemi RVN 13:50 · 16:50 FRA Frankfurt

Lufthansa’s A319s have 146 seats and the A320s 182.

NorwegianOn October 31st, for winter season 2024/25, Norwegian will begin two new routes from/to Tromsø (TOS):

Map by gcmap.com Brussels (BRU): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Stockholm (ARN): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800*

Plus UltraIn partnership with Polish operators, Plus Ultra will offer charter flights between Warsaw and Cartagena. The first service is scheduled for November 2nd, and will be available in European winter (South American summer).

Saturday* PU 921 Warsaw WAW 06:00 · 13:10 CTG Cartagena * PU 922 Cartagena CTG 15:10 · 10:20+1 WAW Warsaw

Bogotá, Caracas, Cartagena, Lima, Madrid, Malabo and Tenerife are the Spanish airline’s current regular destinations.

RyanairThe ultra low cost company will modify its operations to Venice Marco Polo and Venice Treviso, switching two routes starting in late October.

Map by gcmap.com Venice (VCE) – Trapani (TPS): 2 weekly · October 27th*

Replaces Treviso – Trapani.

Treviso (TSF) – Lisbon (LIS): 2 weekly · October 28th

Replaces Venice – Lisbon.

In addition, according to Italian media, Ryanair would launch services to Salerno in winter 2024/25. Bergamo and Turin would be the regular destinations, although no flights are currently on sale.

T’WayT’Way Airlines, the South Korean low cost airline, has announced a new expansion to Europe between August and September.

Barcelona and Rome will enter T’Way’s regular schedule, both to/from Seoul Incheon on 246-seat Airbus A330-200s.

Rome · August 8thTuesday, Thursday and Sunday

TW 405 Seoul ICN 12:35 · 19:15 FCO Rome
TW 406 Rome FCO 21:15 · 16:05+1 ICN Seoul

Korean Air offers 7 weekly services with Boeing 777-300(ER) aircraft and Asiana 5 using Boeing 777-200(LR).

El Prat AirportBarcelona · September 11thMonday, Wednesday and Friday

TW 407 Seoul ICN 11:05 · 18:50 BCN Barcelona
TW 408 Barcelona BCN 20:50 · 16:10+1 ICN Seoul

Korean Air and Asiana also operate this route, 4 and 3 times a week respectively.

ThaiEffective December 1st, Thai plans to resume operations between Bangkok and Brussels. In line with its website, the airline will offer one daily frequency on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets.

Daily* TG 934 Bangkok BKK 00:30 · 07:05 BRU Brussels * TG 935 Brussels BRU 13:10 · 06:10+1 BKK Bangkok

Copenhagen, Istanbul (IST), Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Stockholm and Zurich are part of Thai’s current schedule in Europe.

Transavia FranceTromsø, Transavia France’s new destination from Paris Orly.

Operations, for winter season 2024/25, will commence on December 21st with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Saturday* TO 7980 Paris ORY 12:20 · 16:25 TOS Tromsø * TO 7981 Tromsø TOS 17:10 · 21:30 ORY Paris

Turkish AirlinesAt 15:47 local time on Tuesday, June 11th, Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight from Istanbul (IST) arrived in Denver. The company will perform three services per week with 327-seat Airbus A350-900 aircraft, although the first two flights were on Boeing 777-300(ER).

Denver becomes Turkish’s 14th destination in the United States.

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday* TK 201 Istanbul IST 13:55 · 17:40 DEN Denver * TK 202 Denver DEN 19:35 · 16:25+1 IST Istanbul

Turkish Airlines routes in USAMap by gcmap.com Atlanta (ATL): 10 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · A333/A359 * Chicago (ORD): 14 weekly · 77W/789 * Dallas (DFW): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Denver (DEN): 3 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Detroit (DTW): 5 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Houston (IAH): 10 weekly · 77W/789 * Los Angeles (LAX): 14 weekly · 77W/789 * Miami (MIA): 10 weekly · 77W/789 * New York (JFK): 21 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * Newark (EWR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * San Francisco (SFO): 10 weekly · A359/789 * Seattle (SEA): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Washington DC (IAD): 14 weekly · A359/77W*

United AirlinesWe review United’s schedule between San Francisco and Barcelona, to be operated with Boeing 777s.

Daily* UA 672 San Francisco SFO 17:30 · 14:00+1 BCN Barcelona * UA 673 Barcelona BCN 16:00 · 19:05 SFO San Francisco

Wizz AirThe company will add four new routes from Varna for summer season.

According to its website, Wizz Air will operate by Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 jets:

Map by gcmap.com Prague (PRG): 2 weekly · August 1st * Frankfurt Hahn (HHN): 2 weekly · August 2nd * Tel Aviv (TLV): 3 weekly · August 2nd * Vienna (VIE): 3 weekly · August 2nd*

Many European airlines incorporated new aircraft during May and June:

Aegean Airlines (x3)
Air France (x3)
Binter Canarias
British Airways
Brussels Airlines
Condor
Corsair
easyJet
Eurowings
ITA Airways
Lufthansa
LOT Polish Airlines
Ryanair (x5)
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)
Transavia
Turkish Airlines
Virgin Atlantic (x2)
Wizz Air (x2)
Wizz Air Malta

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | LOT | SP-LVN | BFI-KEFKEF-WAW | May 14thMay 16th | | Airbus A320-251N | Eurowings | D-AENI | XFW-DUS | May 15th | | Airbus A320-271N | Aegean | SX-NER | TLS-ATH | May 16th | | Airbus A330-941 | ITA | EI-HPB | TLS-FCO | May 16th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Jet2 | G-SUNJ | XFW-MAN | May 17th | | Airbus A350-941 | Turkish | TC-LGT | TLS-IST | May 21st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJP | BFI-DUB | May 23rd | | Airbus A320-251N | easyJet | G-UZLY | TLS-LGW | May 23rd | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air | HA-LGP | XFW-BUD | May 23rd | | Airbus A320-251N | SAS | SE-RUR | TLS-OSL | May 24th | | Embraer E195-E2 | Binter | EC-OHE | SJK-REC-LPA | May 25th | | Airbus A350-941 | Lufthansa | D-AIXU | TLS-MUC | May 25th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Transavia | PH-YHW | XFW-AMS | May 25th | | Airbus A350-1041 | Virgin Atlantic | G-VELJ | TLS-LHR | May 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Aegean | SX-NAO | XFW-ATH | May 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJS | BFI-DUB | May 28th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJO | BFI-DUB | May 29th | | Airbus A330-941 | Condor | D-ANRC | TLS-FRA | May 31st | | Airbus A220-300 | Air France | F-HPNI | YMX-CDG | June 1st | | Airbus A321-231(P2F) | Switfair | OE-IHW (EC-OHH)* | XSP-MAA-DWC-ATH-MAD | June 1st/June 2nd | | Airbus A350-941 | Air France | F-HUVK | TLS-CDG | June 3rd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJR | BFI-DUB | June 4th | | Airbus A320-271N | Aegean | SX-NES | TLS-ATH | June 6th | | Airbus A220-300 | Air France | F-HPNH | YMX-CDG | June 6th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air | HA-LGM | ALA-BUD | June 6th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air Malta | 9H-WNL | XFW-BUD | June 6th | | Airbus A330-941 | Corsair | F-HZOE | TLS-ORY | June 7th | | Airbus A320-252N | Transavia France | F-HXSC | TLS-ORY | June 7th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | TUI | G-TUMZ | PAE-MAN | June 10th | | Airbus A330-941 | Condor | D-ANRP | TLS-FRA | June 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJT | BFI-DUB | June 11th | | Boeing 787-10 | British | G-ZBLH | CHS-CWL | June 12th | | Airbus A320-251N | Brussels | OO-SBD | TLS-BRU | June 13th | | Airbus A330-941 | Virgin Atlantic | G-VSRB | TLS-LHR | June 14th |

*This is Spain’s first Airbus A321-200(P2F).

The aircraft will soon receive the EC-OHH registration (it still holds the registry OE-IHW).

Other reports we have published:

Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Luck of the Irish: Aer Lingus begins flights to Vegas
Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes

Cover photo: Maciej Bartnik – JetPhotos (Vienna, Austria).

The post Hainan Airlines resumes flights to Vienna after a four-year hiatus appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Air India and IndiGO A320neos come close enough for authorities to open an investigation. We detail the sequence of events and why this incident received any attention at all. The NTSB released two final reports this week, detailing the probable cause of two near collisions in New York and Austin. And our resident numbers expert Gavin Werbeloff is here to explain Elliott Investment Management’s new 11% stake in Southwest Airlines, what they want for their money, and the likelihood they’ll get their way.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 272: Reduced separation appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Las Vegas, Aer Lingus’ new destination in the United States.
The Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World gains a new connection to Europe, and the first to Ireland.

Aer Lingus will launch services between Dublin and Las Vegas starting October 25th. Flights will be operated three weekly with Airbus A330-300s, configured for 305, 313 or 317 passengers (depending on the aircraft used).

Las Vegas will become the 15th Aer Lingus destination in the US from Dublin, and will reach 19 routes including operations from «Aerfort na Sionainne» (Shannon). In addition to Dublin and Shannon, the airline has services between Manchester and the United States.

At publication time, Aer Lingus will have flights to Las Vegas until April 29th, 2025, after the Easter mid-term break. The carrier will be the only operator on the Ireland – Las Vegas market.

“Aer Lingus is bringing this iconic destination to Irish customers seeking an escape to the winter sun.” said Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to the warm climate, Las Vegas is renowned for being one of the greatest entertainment capitals in the world, famous for its shows, concerts, sports events and natural wonders. The launch of this new Aer Lingus route is a significant moment for us and our customers”.

“On behalf of all of Las Vegas, we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Aer Lingus to Las Vegas for the very first time,” commented Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “In 2023, our city welcomed more than 52,000 visitors from Ireland, and this direct, nonstop service from Dublin will undoubtedly be motivation for Irish travelers. We congratulate Aer Lingus on this expansion and look forward to a very successful partnership”, he concluded.

Aer Lingus schedule between Dublin and Las VegasTuesday, Thursday and Saturday

EI 50 Dublin DUB 15:20 · 17:50 LAS Las Vegas
EI 51 Las Vegas LAS 19:35 · 13:10+1 DUB Dublin

The Irish airline schedules 81 flights between Dublin and Las Vegas (per leg) during the six operating months.

Current routes – Aer LingusMap by gcmap.comBoston Dublin (DUB): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Shannon (SNN): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX*

Chicago Dublin (DUB): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Cleveland Dublin (DUB): 4 weekly · Airbus A321NX*

Denver Dublin (DUB): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Las Vegas (eff October 25th) Dublin (DUB): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Los Angeles Dublin (DUB): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Minneapolis Dublin (DUB): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

New York Dublin (DUB): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Manchester (MAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Shannon (SNN): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX*

Newark Dublin (DUB): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX*

Orlando Dublin (DUB): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Manchester (MAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Philadelphia Dublin (DUB): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX*

San Francisco Dublin (DUB): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Seattle Dublin (DUB): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-200*

Washington DC Dublin (DUB): 14 weekly · Airbus A321NX*

Windsor Locks Dublin (DUB): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX*

Cleveland, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Windsor Locks from the Irish capital are only served by Aer Lingus.

As well as the United States, in the Americas, the company operates seven flights a week between Dublin and Toronto with Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Aer Lingus’ fleet currently consists of 54 planes, all of them Airbus.

| Aircraft type | Total | Config | Remark | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-200 | 29 | Y174 | Active | | Airbus A320neo | 4 | Y186 | Active | | Airbus A321neo | 8 | C16Y168 | Active | | | Airbus A330-200 | 3 | - | - | | EI-DAA | - | C23Y243 | Active | | EI-DUO | - | C23Y248 | Active | | EI-GEY | - | C24Y236 | Active | | | Airbus A330-300 | 10 | - | - | | EI-DUZ | - | C30Y287 | Active | | EI-EAV | - | C30Y287 | Active | | EI-EIK | - | C30Y287 | Active | | EI-IJL | - | C30Y275 | Parked | | EI-EIM | - | C30Y283 | Active | | EI-EIN | - | C30Y283 | Active | | EI-FNG | - | C30Y287 | Active | | EI-FNH | - | C30Y287 | Active | | EI-GAJ | - | C30Y283 | Active | | EI-GCF | - | C30Y283 | Active | | | On order | - | - | - | | Airbus A320neo | 2 | - | To incorporate shortly | | Airbus A321neo | 1 | - | To incorporate shortly |

Las Vegas keeps expanding its connections to Europe.

As we reported in April, Norse Atlantic Airways will begin operations between London Gatwick and Las Vegas effective September 12th, which will be performed through March 2025. On June 2nd, Virgin Atlantic inaugurated its second route to the U.S. city from the UK.

Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Manchester and Zurich are the regular destinations in Europe to/from Las Vegas at the time of publication.

Regarding airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Condor, Discover Airlines and Edelweiss operate 12, 10, 5, 4, 3 and 2 weekly flights to Las Vegas, respectively.

Other reports we have published:

Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Latin America
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes

Cover photo: Roger Oldfield – JetPhotos (Dublin, Ireland).

The post Luck of the Irish: Aer Lingus begins flights to Vegas appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Lufthansa (LH/DLH), Germany’s largest airline and one of the most prominent in Europe, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1953. Known officially as Deutsche Lufthansa AG, the airline rapidly grew to become a major player in global aviation, building on Germany’s storied aviation legacy which began with its predecessor, Deutsche Luft Hansa, established in 1926. Following World War II, Lufthansa was reestablished, and by 1955, it resumed flight operations, ushering in a new era of German air travel.

Today, the Lufthansa Group is a behemoth in European aviation. The group includes subsidiaries such as Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines which broaden its reach, and its MRO Lufthansa Technik provides technical support to airlines across the group. The Lufthansa airline itself stands as a key member of Star Alliance, boasting a comprehensive network that spans over 200 destinations in nearly 80 countries. The airline’s fleet is one of the most modern in the world, comprising a mix of narrowbody, widebody, and regional jets. Let’s take a closer look at the makeup of the Lufthansa fleet in June 2024.

The Lufthansa fleet todayThe Lufthansa fleet currently comprises 324 aircraft, all of which are jets. Narrowbody jets account for 58.3% of the Lufthansa fleet. Widebodies make up 32.1% and regional jets account for 9.6%. The airline’s orders currently include 34 Airbus A321neo, 34 Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft, 27 Boeing 777X aircraft and 7 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The newest Lufthansa aircraft

| Aircraft type | Registration | Serial umber (MSN) | Age | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | A359 | D-AIXN | 425 | Brand new | | B789 | D-ABPD | 38653 | Brand new | | A21N | D-AIEP | 11027 | 1 year | | A321 | D-AIEQ | 11267 | 1 year | | A20N | D-AIJA | 09555 | 3 years | | A320 | D-AIZX | 8557 | 2 years | | B748 | D-ABYM | 37834 | 7 years | | A319 | D-AIBP | 4693 | 7 years | | A333 | D-AIKK | 1425 | 8 years | | A388 | D-AIMM | 175 | 9 years | | E190 | D-AEBJ | 19000207 | 11 years | | CRJ9 | D-ACKI | 15241 | 12 years | | A346 | D-AIHZ | 1005 | 15 years | | B744 | D-ABVP | 29870 | 22 years | | A343 | D-AIGW | 0327 | 24 years |

The newest widebody jet in the Lufthansa fleet is D-AIXN, an Airbus A350-900 built as MSN 425. This aircraft, based in Munich (MUC), operates various international routes to destinations including Los Angeles (LAX), Tokyo (HND), and Cape Town (CPT).

The newest narrowbody jet in the Lufthansa fleet is D-AIEF, an Airbus A321-271NX built in November 2020 as MSN 10010. This modern aircraft, based in Frankfurt (FRA), frequently operates European routes. Recent destinations for D-AIEF include Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Rome (FCO), and Madrid Barajas (MAD).

Video - Flight deck to Madeira on the Lufthansa A320neo!The newest regional jet in the fleet is D-AECG, an Embraer 190-200LR built in 2010 as MSN 19000368. This aircraft, operated by Lufthansa CityLine (CL/CLH), has recently been deployed on routes to destinations including Munich (MUC), Hamburg (HAM), and Zurich (ZRH).

The oldest Lufthansa aircraftLufthansa’s fleet has an average age of 13.6 years; 1.2 years below the global average aircraft age of 14.8 years. This figure will reduce as more orders for new generation aircraft (those for the A321neo and A350-900) are fulfilled.

| Aircraft type | Registration | Serial number (MSN) | Age | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | A343 | D-AIGY | 272 | 24 years | | B744 | D-ABTK | 25366 | 23 years | | A346 | D-AIHR | 531 | 19 years | | A319 | D-AIBA | 644 | 22 years | | A320 | D-AIPE | 1292 | 20 years | | A321 | D-AIRD | 726 | 22 years | | A333 | D-AIKC | 469 | 18 years | | CRJ9 | D-ACKA | 15078 | 14 years | | E190 | D-AEBE | 19000126 | 15 years | | B748 | D-ABYA | 37827 | 10 years | | A388 | D-AIMA | 38 | 11 years | | A359 | D-AIXA | 74 | 6 years | | A21N | D-AIEA | 8498 | 4 years | | A20N | D-AINC | 8521 | 3 years | | B789 | D-ABPA | 66445 | Brand new |

The oldest widebody jet in the Lufthansa fleet is D-AIGL, an Airbus A340-300 built in April 1996 as MSN 0135. Based in Frankfurt (FRA), the aircraft operates frequent long-haul flights to North American destinations including Atlanta (ATL), Washington (IAD), and Detroit (DTW).

Lufthansa is notably the only airline in Europe that still operates the Boeing 747-400 in passenger configuration. The oldest Boeing 747-400 in the Lufthansa fleet is D-ABVM, built in December 1993 as MSN 29101. This iconic aircraft, based in Frankfurt (FRA), serves various long-haul routes. Recently, D-ABVM has been seen flying to destinations such as New York (JFK), Hong Kong (HKG), and Johannesburg (JNB). Despite its age, the Boeing 747-400 continues to be a reliable and vital part of Lufthansa’s operations.

Flying the Lufthansa 747-8 Jumbo Jet in First Class from MallorcaThe oldest narrowbody jet in the Lufthansa fleet is D-AIRK, an Airbus A321-131 built in February 1994 as MSN 00502. This aircraft, based in Frankfurt (FRA), serves various European destinations. Recently, D-AIRK has flown to airports including London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Madrid Barajas (MAD).

The oldest regional jet in the Lufthansa fleet is D-ACKJ, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR built in 2006 as MSN 15089. Based in Munich (MUC), this aircraft regularly serves airports including Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), and Brussels (BRU).

Discover Flightradar24’s data servicesWe are able to share insights like these thanks to having the most extensive live and historic flight data at our fingertips. We provide a stable, secure and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

Learn more about Flightradar24 data for businessHave you flown on any of these Lufthansa jets? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: Martin Tiedz, JetPhotos.

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Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI/LEPA) faced significant disruption on June 11, 2024, as severe weather led to widespread flooding, causing numerous flight diversions and cancellations. The sudden and intense downpour, accompanied by strong winds, overwhelmed the airport’s drainage systems, resulting in waterlogged runways and taxiways. Let’s use our flight data to take a look at the airlines affected by the disruption.

News ! Palma de Mallorca Son Sant Joan (PMI), Mallorca, has been flooded.

The extreme weather has brought the operations to a halt, with multiple flights cancelled, delayed or re-routed.

:video_camera:MrR @MrRTSZ , El Perímetro @elperimetrotv #airport #disaster #flood pic.twitter.com/fWikNL2VLh

— FL360aero (@fl360aero) June 11, 2024

DiversionsWe observed a total of 38 diverted flights inbound to Palma on June 11. The most affected airlines were Ryanair (FR/RYR), who experienced 9 diverted flights, Vueling (VY/VLG) and Eurowings (EW/EWG) with 8 diversions each, and Lauda (LW/LDA) and Smartwings (QS/TVS) who saw 4 each.

The majority of these flights diverted to other airports in Spain, predominantly Valencia (VLC), Mahon (MAH) and Barcelona (BCN).

Ryanair flight FR216 from BER to PMI was one of many flights that diverted to BCN on June 11, 2024.Cancellations42 departing flights and 39 arriving flights were canceled at PMI on June 11, representing 10% and 9% of total departures and arrivals respectively. Most affected by cancellations was Eurowings (EW/EWG), who experienced 17 departing flights and 10 arriving flights canceled.

How Do Airports Handle Standing Water?Effective drainage systems are crucial for airport operations, ensuring runways, taxiways, and parking stands remain safe and functional during adverse weather. Airports employ a combination of engineered solutions to manage standing water. Runways, for instance, are designed with slight gradients and crowned surfaces to promote rapid water runoff. Additionally, porous asphalt and grooved concrete surfaces enhance traction and reduce hydroplaning risks. Drainage channels and underground piping systems swiftly direct water away from these critical areas to retention ponds or off-airport drainage basins.

Taxiways and parking stands, where aircraft maneuver and park, also feature similar design principles. Slight slopes and strategic placement of drains ensure that water does not accumulate, minimizing the risk of aircraft skidding or maintenance issues. In extreme weather conditions, airport maintenance teams monitor and clear these drainage systems to prevent blockages and ensure continuous operation.

Advanced weather forecasting tools enable proactive measures, such as temporary closures and rapid response to emerging drainage issues. There are some severe and unexpected weather conditions that are harder to prepare for, such as the one that impacted PMI on June 11.

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At 20:45 local time on May 11th, China Southern Airlines’ inaugural flight from Shenzhen arrived at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez Airport. The company will offer two services per week on this route with 335-seat Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

The Mexican capital becomes China Southern’s first Latin American destination, and the fourth considering the American continent.

Emirates continues to expand its Latin American network with the launch of Bogotá.

The first flight landed at Bogotá’s El Dorado airport, from Dubai via Miami, on June 3rd at 14:27 local time.

In accordance with our database, Emirates will operate the Dubai – Miami – Bogotá route on Boeing 777-300(ER) jets with a capacity of 354 passengers, once a day.

Daily* EK 213 Dubai DXB 02:15 · 10:05 MIA Miami * EK 213 Miami MIA 12:05 · 14:56 BOG Bogotá * EK 214 Bogotá BOG 17:19 · 22:15 MIA Miami * EK 214 Miami MIA 00:45 · 23:00 DXB Dubai

Munich, Lufthansa’s second destination in Sao Paulo.

As of December 9th, the carrier will resume its regular operations between Munich and Sao Paulo, which have been suspended for more than four years.

Lufthansa will have 10 weekly flights between Germany and Sao Paulo (FRA-GRU 7 and MUC-GRU 3), and 15 a week on the Germany-Brazil market, including the 5 weekly to Rio de Janeiro from Frankfurt.

Currently, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Panama City, Rio de Janeiro, San José (Costa Rica) and Sao Paulo are airline’s connections in Latin America.

These are other highlights of the Latin American market:

Arajet increases its services to South America.
avianca and its new routes.
Boliviana de Aviación adds flights between Bolivia and Spain.
Copa Airlines boosts frequencies to two South American capitals.
GOL to operate between Sao Paulo and Aruba.
JetSMART inaugurated flights in the Argentina-Uruguay market.
LASER, the fifth company to operate between Caracas and Madrid.
LATAM adds flights to the United States from Brazil, Chile and the Dominican Republic.
Mexicana de Aviación and its order for 20 Embraer E-2s.
New aircraft for Brazilian cargo airlines.
Porto Alegre airport closed due to flooding.
SKY Airline expands its services between Lima and Punta Cana.
Volaris El Salvador adds a new connection to Costa Rica.
WestJet will have new routes from/to Latin America.

ArajetThe company increased flights on some of its routes to South America in early June:

Map by gcmap.com Buenos Aires (EZE): from 4 to 7 weekly · June 2nd * Cartagena (CTG): from 5 to 6 weekly · June 3rd * Sao Paulo (GRU): from 4 to 7 weekly · June 3rd*

Arajet has ten Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft based at Santo Domingo airport in the Dominican capital.

aviancaBetween late May and early June, avianca inaugurated four new routes, to be performed with Airbus A319 and Airbus A320 planes.

Map by gcmap.com Medellín (MDE) – Lima (LIM): 3 weekly * San Salvador (SAL) – Montreal (YUL): 3 weekly * Medellín (MDE) – Oranjestad (AUA): 4 weekly * Medellín (MDE) – Santiago (SCL): 4 weekly*

In addition, on June 15th it will begin operations between Medellín and Buenos Aires.

Boliviana de AviaciónLast May 29th, the Bolivian state-owned airline boosted its flight frequency between Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Madrid, which will be available during the South American winter season (European summer).

Boliviana de Aviación will offer four weekly services on this route with 285-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft. On the Madrid – Santa Cruz leg, there is a stopover in Cochabamba, once a week.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra – MadridMonday, Thursday and Saturday

OB 776 Santa Cruz VVI 20:15 · 12:55+1 MAD Madrid

Tuesday (new flight)

OB 772 Santa Cruz VVI 18:50 · 11:30+1 MAD Madrid

BoA in Viru Viru (VVI)Madrid – Santa Cruz de la SierraFriday and Sunday

OB 777 Madrid MAD 22:00 · 03:00+1 VVI Santa Cruz

Wednesday (new flight)

OB 773 Madrid MAD 14:30 · 19:30 VVI Santa Cruz

BoA in Cochabamba (CBB)Madrid – CochabambaTuesday

OB 779 Madrid MAD 22:00 · 03:00+1 CBB Cochabamba

Asunción, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Havana, Lima, Madrid, Miami and Sao Paulo are BoA’s international destinations. Havana will be suspended on July 25th.

Braspress Air Cargo // TotalTwo Brazilian cargo airlines added planes to their respective fleets in early June, both of them Boeing 737-400(F) aircraft.

In the case of Braspress, this is its second 737, which has the registration PS-BPA. The carrier has not yet started scheduled operations, and expects to launch service shortly.

As can be seen in our database, both 737s (PS-BPB and PS-BPA) are currently in São José dos Campos (SJK).

With respect to Total Linhas Aéreas, on June 1st, the Boeing 737-4Q8(SF) registered PS-TLB arrived in Belo Horizonte from Europe. This is the company’s third jet and the second 737 freighter, in addition to the PS-TLA.

Total plans to add two more Boeing 737-400(F) in the near future, which will have the registrations PS-TLE and PS-TLF.

China Southern AirlinesWe review the company’s schedule between Shenzhen and Mexico City:

Tuesday and Saturday* CZ 8031 Shenzhen SZX 21:00 · 23:00 MEX Mexico City

Wednesday and Sunday* CZ 8032 Mexico City MEX 01:00 · 04:00 TIJ Tijuana (technical stop) * CZ 8032 Tijuana TIJ 05:30 · 12:20+1 SZX Shenzhen

Mexico adds its first connection to China, and the second route to Asia.

Currently, All Nippon Airways and Aeromexico operate one daily frequency each between the two capitals on Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Aeromexico will also begin flights between Monterrey and Tokyo as of July 15th, making it the only airline to operate in the Monterrey-Asia market.

Copa AirlinesThe carrier announced the increase of its services to two South American capitals between September and November.

Operations to Buenos Aires will boost from 28 to 31 weekly, and to Brasilia from 7 to 10 per week.

Buenos Aires (5th new frequency · eff September 18th)Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

CM 167 Panama City PTY 15:23 · 00:33+1 EZE Buenos Aires

Monday, Thursday and Saturday

CM 168 Buenos Aires EZE 02:36 · 08:02 PTY Panama City

Brasilia (2nd new frequency · eff November 1st)Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

CM 895 Panama City PTY 21:29 · 05:50+1 BSB Brasilia

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

CM 896 Brasilia BSB 10:10 · 14:14 PTY Panama City

EmiratesThis is the Emirates network in South America, which is composed as follows:

Map by gcmap.comArgentina Buenos Aires (EZE) via GIG: 4 weekly · Boeing 777-200(LR)*

Brazil Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 4 weekly · Boeing 777-200(LR) * Sao Paulo (GRU): 7 weekly · Airbus A380-800*

Colombia Bogotá (BOG) via MIA: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Emirates offers seven weekly flights between Dubai and Mexico City via Barcelona with Boeing 777-200(LR) aircraft.

GOLEffective December 18th, GOL Linhas Aéreas will inaugurate services between Sao Paulo Guarulhos and Oranjestad. Flights will take place three times a week on Boeing 737 MAX 8s with capacity for 186 passengers.

Sao Paulo will be GOL’s first destination in Aruba.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* G3 7716 Sao Paulo GRU 15:30 · 21:00 AUA Oranjestad * G3 7715 Oranjestad AUA 22:30 · 05:50+1 GRU Sao Paulo

GOL routes in the Caribbean and the United StatesMap by gcmap.comDominican Republic

Sao Paulo (GRU) – Punta Cana (PUJ): 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

United States

Brasilia (BSB) – Miami (MIA): 5 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Brasilia (BSB) – Orlando (MCO): 4 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Fortaleza (FOR) – Miami (MIA): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

IberojetTegucigalpa, new destination on Iberojet’s schedule.

The Spanish carrier will commence operations to Honduras from Barcelona and Madrid with 432-seat Airbus A350-900 jets as of October 30th.

Tuesday* E9 805 Madrid MAD 14:00 · 17:55 XPL Tegucigalpa * E9 804 Tegucigalpa XPL 19:55 · 13:25+1 BCN Barcelona

Wednesday* E9 803 Barcelona BCN 16:25 · 21:40 XPL Tegucigalpa * E9 806 Tegucigalpa XPL 23:40 · 16:25+1 MAD Madrid

Friday/Saturday* E9 805 Madrid MAD 14:00 · 17:55 XPL Tegucigalpa * E9 806 Tegucigalpa XPL 23:40 · 16:25+1 MAD Madrid

Furthermore, Iberojet increased its flights between Madrid and San José, Costa Rica on June 6th, from two to three weekly.

JetSMARTBeginning May 29th, the low cost airline inaugurated flights between the capitals of Argentina and Uruguay.

JetSMART will offer 12 services per week on Airbus A320-200 aircraft configured for 186 passengers in single class.

Daily except Friday* JA 3860 Buenos Aires AEP 06:00 · 06:51 MVD Montevideo * JA 3861 Montevideo MVD 07:38 · 08:40 AEP Buenos Aires

Daily except Sunday* JA 3862 Buenos Aires AEP 20:55 · 21:46 MVD Montevideo * JA 3863 Montevideo MVD 23:08 · 00:10+1 AEP Buenos Aires

JetSMART’s international routes in Buenos Aires and MontevideoMap by gcmap.comBuenos Aires (AEP/EZE)

Asunción (ASU): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Florianópolis (FLN): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Lima (LIM): 7 weekly · Airbus A320
Montevideo (MVD): 12 weekly · Airbus A320
Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Santiago (SCL): 10 weekly · A320/A20N

Montevideo

Buenos Aires (AEP): 12 weekly · Airbus A320
Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 4 weekly · A320/A20N/A21N
Santiago (SCL): 4 weekly · A320/A20N/A21N

After two and a half years, the Argentina-Uruguay market once again has two regular operators.

LASERThe Venezuelan airline started its intercontinental operations on June 3rd.

At the time of publication, LASER Airlines will offer three weekly between Caracas and Madrid with an Airbus A330-200 leased from Hi Fly, expanding to four from July onwards.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* QL 2920 Caracas CCS 18:30 · 09:15+1 MAD Madrid

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* QL 2921 Madrid MAD 11:15 · 14:50 CCS Caracas

LASER becomes the fifth company with flights between the capitals of both countries, following Air Europa, Estelar, Iberia and Plus Ultra.

LATAMIn Q4 2024, the carrier will increase its services between Latin America and the United States.

Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando will have new additions, which will be as follows:

Map by gcmap.comNovember Sao Paulo (GRU) – Los Angeles (LAX): from 3 to 4 weekly * Sao Paulo (GRU) – Orlando (MCO): from 5 to 7 weekly*

December Punta Cana (PUJ) – Miami (MIA): from 1 to 2 weekly*

LATAM will restart flights between Santiago de Chile and Orlando in December, which at publication time, will be available until early March 2025.

Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Orlando are the airline’s U.S. destinations.

Mexicana de AviaciónAfter resuming operations in December 2023, the Mexican state-owned airline has announced the order of 20 new Embraer E-2s, including 10 E190 E-2s and another 10 E195 E-2s. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.

In nearly 6 months of service, Mexicana de Aviacion carried more than 115,000 passengers between its 18 regular destinations to/from Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles Airport.

Mexicana’s fleet currently consists of 3 Boeing 737-800s and 2 Embraer 145s.

NeosCartagena and Punta Cana, new Neos destinations in Latin America.

Flights will be from/to Milan Malpensa with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft effective December 22nd, once weekly.

Sunday* NO 790 Milan MXP 08:30 · 13:00 PUJ Punta Cana * NO 790 Punta Cana PUJ 15:00 · 16:30 CTG Cartagena * NO 790 Cartagena CTG 18:00 · 09:40+1 MXP Milan

Neos Italia operates to Bahamas, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo), Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Mexico and the United States, in the Americas.

ParanairAs of July 1st, the Paraguayan company will add services between Asunción and Córdoba, a route it started in early March.

Paranair will boost from three to four flights a week, according to its website. The airline operates on CRJ-200s configured for 50 passengers in single class.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* ZP 839 Asunción ASU 06:30 · 09:20 COR Córdoba * ZP 838 Córdoba COR 10:05 · 10:45 ASU Asunción

Monday (new flight)* ZP 839 Asunción ASU 11:30 · 14:20 COR Córdoba * ZP 838 Córdoba COR 15:05 · 15:45 ASU Asunción

Paranair routesMap by gcmap.comArgentina

Buenos Aires (AEP): 14 weekly
Córdoba (COR): 3 weekly (currently)

Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra (VVI): 7 weekly

Paraguay

Ciudad del Este (AGT): 6 weekly

Uruguay

Montevideo (MVD): 14 weekly

Paranair has three CRJ-200s in its fleet (ZP-CRR, ZP-CRS and ZP-CRT).

Porto AlegreDue to the floods suffered in Porto Alegre during May, the Brazilian city’s airport is closed with no estimated date for reopening.

Recently, the water began to drain from the airport, and runway 11/29 is already visible from the air, with several damages that will need to be repaired once the water is completely gone.

The city was without commercial flights until May 27th, when Canoas Military Air Base, in northern Porto Alegre, was conditioned for the start of passenger flights.

At the moment, Azul, GOL and LATAM will operate to/from the military base for the next few months, with the following schedule:

Click on the image to see the routesAzul

Campinas (VCP): 14 weekly · E195/E295

GOL

Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU): 9 weekly · 738/7M8

LATAM

Sao Paulo Congonhas (CGH): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU): 7 weekly · A320/A321

Aerolíneas Argentinas, Azul, Copa, GOL, LATAM and TAP operated in Porto Alegre airport. JetSMART planned to begin service from Buenos Aires on July 11th, but was suspended as a result of the floods.

SKY Airline PerúThe low cost carrier will expand its flights between Lima and Punta Cana as of December 1st. SKY Perú will increase from 7 to 11 weekly services, all operated with 186-seat Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Cancún and Punta Cana are SKY’s Caribbean destinations.

Daily* H2 5580 Lima LIM 10:00 · 16:20 PUJ Punta Cana * H2 5581 Punta Cana PUJ 17:50 · 22:00 LIM Lima

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* H2 5582 Lima LIM 00:50 · 07:10 PUJ Punta Cana * H2 5583 Punta Cana PUJ 08:20 · 12:30 LIM Lima

SKY Airline’s international routes to/from LimaMap by gcmap.com Buenos Aires (EZE): 4 weekly · A20N/A21N * Cancún (CUN): 7 weekly · A20N/A21N * Miami (MIA): 7 weekly · Airbus A320neo * Montevideo (MVD): 3 weekly · Airbus A320neo * Punta Cana (PUJ): 7 weekly · Airbus A320neo (currently) * Santiago (SCL): 21 weekly · A20N/A21N * Sao Paulo (GRU): 7 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

VolarisVolaris El Salvador is scheduled to inaugurate operations between San Salvador and San José, Costa Rica effective July 1st.

In accordance to its website, the company plans two flights per week on this route using Airbus A320 airplanes seating 186 passengers.

Tuesday and Friday* N3 4340 San Salvador SAL 07:00 · 08:16 SJO San José * N3 4341 San José SJO 09:01 · 10:18 SAL San Salvador

Avianca currently offers 28 weekly services on this route on Airbus A320s.

WestJetFor Canada’s winter season, the airline will launch several routes between Canada and Latin America starting in November.

WestJet will operate with Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft:

Map by gcmap.comCalgary Tulum (TQO): 1 weekly · November 9th*

Kelowna Mazatlán (MZT): 1 weekly · December 13th*

Toronto Maurice (Grenada) GND: 1 weekly · November 3rd * Tulum (TQO): 3 weekly · November 9th*

Winnipeg San José del Cabo (SJD): 1 weekly · November 9th*

Considering the two 737-400(F)s owned by Brazilian airlines, more than 10 aircraft were added by Latin American companies during May and early June:

Aerolíneas Argentinas (x2)
Arajet
Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras
Copa Airlines (x2)
JetSMART
LATAM Airlines (x3)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Copa | HP-9930CMP | BFI-SJO | May 15th | | Airbus A321-271NX | LATAM | PS-LBM | XFW-SID-FORFOR-QSC | May 16thMay 18th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Aerolíneas Argentinas | LV-KIT | BFI-MIA-EZE | May 17th | | Airbus A320-271N | JetSMART | CC-DIN | BFM-SCL | May 24th | | Airbus A320-251N | Azul | PR-YSR | TLS-SID-CNFCNF-VCP | May 25thJune 1st | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Copa | HP-9932CMP | BFI-SJO | May 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | LATAM | PS-LBL | XFW-SID-FOR-QSC | May 31st | | Airbus A321-271NX | LATAM | PS-LBD | TLS-SID-FORFOR-QSC | May 31stJune 3rd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Aerolíneas Argentinas | LV-KIU | PAE-MIA-EZE | June 7th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Arajet | HI1101 | BFI-SDQ | June 10th |

The 2 Boeing 737 MAX 8s incorporated by Aerolíneas Argentinas are not new from the factory, having been grounded for approximately 5 years.

These aircraft, as well as one more to be added to the Argentine company, had been acquired by Ukraine International Airlines, but were not taken up (NTU) during the pandemic, remaining idle at Victorville.

This is not the first time Aerolíneas Argentinas has incorporated Boeing 737 MAX 8 that were not taken by another carrier.

In mid-2022, the airline received 2 737 MAX ex Belavia, currently operating under the registrations LV-KEI and LV-KEJ.

To read other reports we have published:

Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
United States and Canada
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes

Cover photo: Mauri_0307 – JetPhotos (Mexico City).

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Indian authorities are probing a loss of separation incident that occurred on 8 June in Mumbai. Air India flight 657 was cleared to depart Mumbai’s Runway 27 while IndiGo flight 5053 was cleared to land at the same time. According to ADS-B data received from both aircraft, at their closest point the flights were 1,671 apart.

Very Close call today at VABB. @IndiGo6E tries to land while an aircraft is still on the roll on RW27. #AvGeek pic.twitter.com/tbHsDXjneF

— Hirav (@hiravaero) June 8, 2024

What the ADS-B data tells usFlightradar24 received ADS-B data from both aircraft. The analysis and imagery below is based on the more granular data downloaded and processed after the incident was reported. For comparison, annotated data is based on position reports received with the same receiver time stamp.

Click to enlargeAir India flight 657 began its take off roll at 00:45:05 UTC when the IndiGo A320neo was approximately 5,700 feet away. At 00:45:27 IndiGo entered the runway area as Air India accelerated through 90 knots ground speed.

We correlated ADS-B data with video of the incident above for touchdown and rotation points. The smallest recorded distance between the two aircraft was at 00:45:36 when they were laterally separated by 1,671 feet. Air India was still on the ground and this point, and IndiGo still airborne.

At 00:45:39, Air India began its rotation, while the aircraft were 1,679 feet apart. Three seconds later IndiGo touched down.

Downloadable DataAIC657 CSVAIC657 KMLAIC657 Granular CSVIGO49K CSVIGO49K KMLIGO49K Granular CSVAircraft informationBoth flights were operated by Airbus A320-251N aircraft. Air India’s VT-RTS was delivered new to the airline in March 2024. IndiGo took delivery of VT-ISV in July 2021.

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It’s new 3D model and livery time! We’re excited about this fresh batch of liveries and models, not just because they look amazing (thanks to the folks at Infinite Flight), but because we’ve made some changes behind the scenes to make 3D view even better!

With this release, we can now map special liveries directly on to their exact registrations. We’ve started with ANA’s Flying Honu A380s in their colorful blue, green, and orange, plus Air Baltic’s Estonian flag livery A220.

Welcome MAXWe’ve also added a brand new model, the Boeing 737-8 MAX. This model currently wears a generic livery, but we’ll be doing more mapping for the aircraft liveries and the MAX in our next release.

A big list of new liveriesThere are over two dozen airline + livery combinations in this release. Some of our favorites are the ITY Airways A350, Condor A330neo, and Norse’s 787-9. The full list (and some examples) are below. Happy tracking!

737-700Bahamasair

737-800Air Europa, AJet, ANA, Air India Express, China Southern Airlines, Corendon Airlines, El Al, Flair Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Kenya Airways, REX Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SunExpress, Sunwing, Xiamen Air

747-8Atlas Air, Silk Way West Airlines

757-200Azerbaijan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Icelandair, US Air Force

777-300ERJapan Airlines

787-8Air Canada, American Airlines

787-9Hainan Airlines, Juneyao Air, Norse

A320-200Austrian Airlines, ITY Airways, Lauda, Pakistan International Airlines, Pegasus, Smartwings, Super Air Jet, Turkish Airlines

A321-200Condor, Titan Airways, Vueling

A330-300China Eastern, Discover Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Philippine Airlines

A330-900neoCondor, Virgin Atlantic

A350-900Azul, China Airlines, ITY Airways

A380-800ANA, China Southern, Global Airlines

Which new models and liveries are you favorite?Let us know which are your favorite—or which new models and liveries you want to see added—in the comments!

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jason flies from Germany to New York just to record the podcast and you can barely tell he’s been awake for nearly 24 hours. And in the news, Boeing provides the FAA its plan for renewed engineering excellence, the IATA annual general meeting takes place in Dubai with plenty to discuss, and Mexicana puts in its first aircraft order.

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Wizz Air (W6/WZZ) was founded in September 2003 with lead investment from Indigo Partners, beginning operations from Katowice Airport (KTW) in May 2004. Since then it has grown to become a leading ultra low-cost carrier in Europe, and was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2015. The airline was one of the few to grow its operation during the Covid19 pandemic, and the past seven years have seen Wizz Air expand its permanent footing in Europe and beyond.

Wizz Air at 20 – a short history of Europe’s Ultra Low Cost Carrier

| Fleet size | 211 | | Number of destinations | 194 | | Number of routes | 950 | | Number of bases | 59 |

Wizz Air’s four airlinesToday, the carrier operates four airlines, each with individual Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).

The airline launched Wizz Air UK (W9/WUK) 2018 to both capitalize on landing slots left by the demise of Monarch Airlines and negate the impacts of Brexit. Wizz Air UK’s bases are London Luton Airport (LTN) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
This was followed by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (5W/WAZ), which received its AOC in 2020 with a single base at Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH).
Most recently, the company launched Wizz Air Malta (W4/WMT), which received its AOC in 2022. This division of the company was designed to support the carrier’s operational expansion within the European Union. The Maltese subsidiary was granted an AOC with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) but an Operating License (“OL”) with the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD), meaning Wizz Air could operate multiple AOCs based in different Member States, but be overseen by the same Competent Authority.

The Wizz Air fleetAs of early May 2023, the Wizz Air fleet consists of 211 aircraft. Wizz is already dominated by Airbus NEO aircraft (including all 4 airlines). 63% of the total fleet is composed of NEO aircraft, with 59% of the fleet being made up of Airbus A321neo aircraft.

| Airline | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Radio Callsign | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Wizz Air Hungary | W6 | WZZ | WIZZ AIR | | Wizz Air UK | W9 | WUK | WIZZ GO | | Wizz Air Abu Dhabi | 5W | WAD | WIZZ SKY | | Wizz Air Malta | W4 | WMT | WIZZ AIR MALTA |

Wizz Air has made the adoption of the Airbus A321neo a priority across all four of its airlines.Wizz Air has been very vocal about its focus on the A321neo as part of their well publicized ‘Fly the Greenest’ drive for a more sustainable fleet. This is supported by a high density seating configuration (with 239 seats on the A321) and high seat occupancy of around 91%. This means that Wizz Air’s CO2 emissions per seat per mile are among the lowest in their category.

According to data from IBA NetZero – Wizz Air’s operations have emitted 102.62 grams of CO2 per available seat mile so far in 2024. By comparison, Ryanair operations averaged 122.3 grams, and British Airways averaged 161.5 grams. Available seat miles refer to the total seat miles available for purchase on an airline (calculated by multiplying the number of miles a given airplane will be flying by the number of seats available for a given flight). As low cost carriers tend to have such high density cabins, they typically perform better than legacy carriers on this measure.

Wizz Air have not been immune to the issues faced by all operators of aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney geared Turbofan (GTF) engines. Around 20% of the fleet is grounded as a result of these issues, brought about by imperfections discovered in metals that require around 700 engines to be inspected worldwide. Wizz Air has employed a more flexible fleet planning strategy to minimise the impact of these groundings.

How Wizz Air is managing with more than 20% of its fleet groundedHow many flights does each airline make in a year?Over 75% of Wizz Air’s flights in the past 365 days were operated by Wizz Air or Wizz Air Malta. The UK and Abu Dhabi AOCs make up a nearly even remainder.

Wizz Air’s business model focuses on providing ultra low cost flights to a mix of primary, secondary and regional airports. They have made no secret of their sustainability goals, with the target of having 63% of their all Airbus fleet to be made up of New Engine option (NEO) aircraft by the end of 2024.

Where are Wizz Air’s bases?Wizz Air currently has 59 base airports spread across 20 countries. The airline maintains the highest number of bases in Romania (6 bases) and Italy (5 bases).

| Country | Base Airports | | --- | --- | | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | | Albania | Tirana (TIA) | | Armenia | Yerevan (EVN) | | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Sarajevo (SJJ), Tuzla (TZL) | | Bulgaria | Bourgas (BOJ), Sofia (SOF), Varna (VAR) | | Cyprus | Larnaca (LCA) | | Georgia | Kutaisi (KUT) | | Germany | Dortmund (DTM) | | Hungary | Budapest (BUD), Debrecen (DEB) | | Italy | Bari (BRI), Catania (CTA), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Naples (NAP), Rome Fiumicino (FCO) | | Kosovo | Pristina (PRN) | | North Macedonia | Skopje (SKP) | | Poland | Gdańsk (GDN), Warsaw Chopin (WAW), Wrocław (WRO), Krakow (KRK) | | Romania | Bacău (BCM), Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Craiova (CRA), Iasi (IAS), Suceava (SCV), Timișoara (TSR) | | Serbia | Belgrade (BEG) | | Ukraine | Lviv (LWO) – Temporarily closed due to conflict | | United Kingdom | London Gatwick (LGW), London Luton (LTN) | | Austria | Vienna (VIE) | | Lithuania | Vilnius (VNO) |

Wizz Air’s most visited airportsWizz Air currently operates flights to a total 218 airports. Here are some of the most popular.

The top 5 airports visited by Wizz Air aircraft in the past 12 months are London Luton (LTN), Tirana (TIA), Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Warsaw Chopin (WAW) and Abu Dhabi (AUH).

London Luton was Wizz Air’s most frequently visited airport in the past 12 months and is one of the carrier’s largest hubs.Flightradar24 data shows that Eindhoven Airport (EIN), Memmingen Airport (FMM), Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), Brussels Charleroi Airport (CRL) and Tel Aviv (TLV) saw the most Wizz Air flights in the past 12 months. We have excluded the bases above to get a clearer view of Wizz Air’s destinations outside their regular bases.

Outside of their permanent bases, Eindhoven Airport was most frequently visited by Wizz Air aircraft in the past 12 months.What does 1 month of Wizz Air flights look like?We used our data to create this visualization of a month of Wizz Air operations. Each color represents a different Wizz Air airline – Wizz Air (pink), Wizz Air UK (dark blue), Wizz Air Malta (white), and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (light blue).

Discover the power of Flightradar24 data for your businessDiscover the value of Flightradar24 flight tracking data for your business. We provide a stable, secure and professional flight tracking service based on the world’s largest independent terrestrial ADS-B receiver network.

Explore Flightradar24’s Commercial Data ServicesWizz Air remains one of the most prolific and rapidly growing carriers in Europe. What has your experience been when flying with Wizz Air? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: Sascha Kamrau, JetPhotos

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The North Atlantic is a busy chunk of airspace. Each day, thousands of aircraft cross the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. We want to tell you a little more about what it is like to fly over it though. What’s going on while the passengers are sitting back enjoying their airplane food and inflight entertainment?

The rules and regulationsFirst up, the North Atlantic is, for all intents and purposes, broken into two ‘parts’ – the NAT HLA (high level airspace) which includes the track system, and then all the other bits which aren’t NAT HLA. The NAT HLA part has a whole load of rules and regulations linked to it while the other bit has less.

The main reasons for these rules and regs are that a) there is no ATC radar so flying what you’ve been told to fly is really important and b) it is really important because there are loads of other aircraft up there and not a whole lot of separation between them all. So most of them relate to what an aircraft needs to carry onboard in terms of communication, navigation and other mandatory systems. There are also some strict rules on the accuracy of navigation, what to do in case of emergencies, weather avoidance etc.

A look at the NAT HLAThe NAT HLA is from FL285-FL420 inclusive and it is divided up into 6 different FIRs (Flight Information Regions)/OCAs (Oceanic Control Areas). Shanwick looks after the UK/ Ireland section, Gander looks after the Canadian side, Reykjavik has the North, Bodø has the really north (east) part and down south you have New York Oceanic and Santa Maria on each side. There is also a small bit controlled by Nuuk. You can see these on Fightradar24 if you activate the ATC boundaries layer in Settings.

Within the NAT HLA, you have the organized track system which is defined each morning and evening based on where the best jet streams are. There are usually 5 or 6 tracks published, with the westbound ones utilized during the day, and the eastbound by night. The peak flow of traffic heading westbound cross 030° west between 1130 and 1900 UTC, and eastbound it is at its heaviest between 0100-0800 UTC.

Flight planners do not have to plan to use the OTS – they can plan random routes as well. Using the tracks makes for the quickest, most efficient flights, but only if you also get the level you need and they can be fairly full at peak times.

Communications and clearancesMost of what pilots do to cross comes down to communications and clearances. The primary form of communication in the NAT HLA is HF radio, and each section utilizes its own primary and secondary frequencies which change daily (and nightly) and are influenced a lot by ionospheric disruptions. Those big solar storms in early May 2024? Those tend to disrupt HF causing blackouts.

Some of that mandatory equipment we mentioned earlier also includes things like datalink (CPDLC and ADS-C). CPDLC is a type of ‘texting’ system between ATC and aircraft, but one that uses set messages types so controllers can send clearances, and crew can make requests for things like level changes etc. Aircraft must have this and at least 2 forms of long-range communications – hence the HF requirement.

The Oceanic Clearance is (and will be until later in 2024, more on that in a future post) a BIG part of routing through the NAT HLA because before any aircraft enters the area, they need an oceanic clearance. This is requested by the pilots, usually by CPDLC (but they can use voice), to the controlling sector around 60-90minutes prior to entry. In their request, they include their entry point and ETA, requested flight level and speed (Mach number). They then receive a clearance back confirming the routing, speed, level etc.

Who uses the NAT HLA?Airplanes. Airplanes with a decent range and ETOPS approval, because there isn’t a whole lot of land around if you suddenly need to land.

But this is changing (possibly). From around 2026, other users are expected to be able to start winging their way over the NAT HLA as well. Actually, not necessarily winging it – balloons are on the list of potential new users, along with UAS and UTM traffic.

When things go wrong...It isn’t always smooth sailing over the North Atlantic. One bad thing is turbulence. In fact, this is some of the most turbulent airspace out there because of the large jet streams that mingle within it. A recent study at the University of Reading shows that the duration of severe clear air turbulence (CAT) has increased by around 55% over the last 40 years.

Because of the lack of quick comms with ATC, and the amount of traffic using the airspace, there are contingencies in place for emergencies and for weather deviations. These are set rules for how crew should descend and divert if it comes to it, and they can’t get hold of ATC. In any other situation, not following the right routing, at the correct level and speed can result in a Gross Navigation Error (GNE).

These are tracked and there are BIG fines applied to any operator whose aircraft strays from the clearance without good reason. The only deviation allowed from the assigned trajectories are a speed change of less than 0.02 Mach, an altitude deviation of less than 300’ (to allow for turbulence) and aircraft can SLOP, meaning they can set an offset of between 0 and 2.0nm right of track. That one is for wake turbulence. So pilots have to ‘think in 3D’, constantly monitoring it all to ensure they aren’t straying into the track of another aircraft.

Where to go in an emergencyThere isn’t a whole lot of much out over the North Atlantic, save for a lot of water. If aircraft need to divert they are generally looking at EINN/Shannon, BIKF/Keflavik, one of the Canadian options (CYQX/Gander, CYYR/Goose Bay, CYYT/St Johns or CYJT/Stephenville), or the more southeasterly LPLA/Lajes. There are other places you can go, but they are small/ military/icy/not ideal.

A bit of historyThe first flight over the North Atlantic took place way back in 1919. The route only started to get busier for commercial traffic after WWII, and in 1961 they started to worry about aircraft flying into each other and so implemented the first (occasional) use of NAT Tracks. By 1965, they were a daily feature. They are actually based on the old shipping routes which go as far back as 1898.

Fringe benefitsOne good thing about routing over the NAT, particularly at higher latitudes, is that crew often get to see the ‘Northern Lights’. These are more prevalent in the winter months and obviously more visible at night, but they can be a beautiful bit of entertainment at 3am when pilots are struggling with boredom!

A standard day crossing the NAT HLAFlight crew check the weather and NOTAMs well in advance to ensure the available airports are good in case they need them. Additional fuel is often carried to ensure they can accept lower levels and manage weather detours if required. During aircraft checks those systems needed for the crossing are confirmed as working.

In-flight, the crew ensure the route is plotted – this is normally done on electronic flight bags now, but some old school operators might still use the old chart method. Within around 90 minutes of entry, the crew request their clearance and once received, confirm the route they are planning to fly matches what they have been told to fly.

As they enter, they check in on HF and ensure the CPDLC system is logged on and working. Then it is just a case of checking and monitoring. Over each waypoint, the fuel and time is checked, and 10 minutes after each waypoint a plot is made using GPS position to confirm they are on track. Aircraft squawk 2000 once 10 minutes from radar coverage and set 123.45 in the VHF box 1 for communicating with nearby aircraft, and 121.5 in box 2 for emergencies.

The changeover between Shanwick and Gander happens at 030°W, and as they cross into other OCAs they will make contact with that control station. The crossing usually takes several hours, after which they are handed over to a domestic center depending on which land they exit into.

So, there we have it. The North Atlantic is more than just a great big puddle, at least for the pilots flying over it.

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At 12:19 p.m. local time on Thursday, May 23rd, Air France’s inaugural flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle arrived at Phoenix Airport. The airline will offer three services a week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with 30 seats in Business class, 21 in Premium Economy and 225 in Economy.

Phoenix becomes Air France’s 17th destination in the United States and the 22nd in North America, including the five in Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto and Vancouver).

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* AF 68 Paris CDG 10:10 · 12:10 PHX Phoenix * AF 69 Phoenix PHX 14:10 · 09:15+1 CDG Paris

Porter Airlines continues its network expansion between Canada and the US, with the opening of a new route to Phoenix beginning in October.

Services will be operated with Embraer E-2 planes configured for 136 passengers in two classes from/to Toronto Pearson once daily, offering 952 weekly seats per leg.

Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco are Porter’s current U.S. routes from YYZ.

We review other highlights of the U.S./Canada market in May and June. Air Transat incorporates a new Airbus A330. * American Airlines adds two routes between Charlotte and Canada. * Atlas Air acquires more Boeing 747-400(F). * Avelo Airlines will fly to Washington DC from New Haven. * BermudAir started operations to Canada. * Delta confirms first CRJ-550 destinations. * Flair modifies its Orlando service. * Frontier returns to San Jose (SJC) following a three-year suspension. * JetBlue adds two connections to the Caribbean from New York. * New routes for Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country and United. * Phoenix reaches its third connection to Europe after the start of Paris with Air France, following Frankfurt and London. * Virgin Atlantic begins seasonal flights between Manchester and Las Vegas. * WestJet schedules more frequencies between Calgary and Paris Charles de Gaulle.*

Air CanadaThe company announced it will maintain year-round operations to Calgary and Winnipeg from Ottawa. Both routes have a daily frequency, which will be performed during winter 2024/25.

Calgary · 737 MAXDaily

AC 356 Calgary YYC 14:15 · 20:06 YOW Ottawa
AC 357 Ottawa YOW 21:00 · 23:27 YYC Calgary

Winnipeg · CRJ-900Daily

AC 8110 Winnipeg YWG 11:05 · 14:31 YOW Ottawa
AC 8111 Ottawa YOW 18:30 · 20:19 YWG Winnipeg

In addition to Calgary and Winnipeg, Air Canada has flights to Ottawa from Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto and Vancouver.

Air FranceThis is the company’s current connectivity between Paris and the USA.

All flights are conducted from Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Map by gcmap.com Atlanta (ATL): 21 weekly · A359/772/789 * Boston (BOS): 15 weekly · A359/772/77W * Chicago (ORD): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Dallas (DFW): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Denver (DEN): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Detroit (DTW): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER) * Houston (IAH): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Los Angeles (LAX): 22 weekly · A359/772/77W * Miami (MIA): 12 weekly · A359/772/77W * Minneapolis (MSP): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER) * New York (JFK): 40 weekly · A359/772/77W * Newark (EWR): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Phoenix (PHX): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Raleigh-Durham (RDU): 6 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * San Francisco (SFO): 10 weekly · A359/77W * Seattle (SEA): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 * Washington (IAD): 12 weekly · A359/77W*

It also serves the Los Angeles – Papeete route five times per week with Airbus A350-900 jets.

Air TransatAnother Airbus A330-200 has been added to the Canadian airline’s fleet.

The nearly 15-year-old A330, registered C-GUFZ, landed in Toronto on May 28th. This is Air Transat’s 13th A330-200 and the 15th A330 in total, considering the two Airbus A330-300s.

Fleet (currently) Airbus A321-200: 8 * Airbus A321neo: 16 * Airbus A330-200: 13 * Airbus A330-300:* 2

Three more A321neo aircraft will be incorporated in the short term.

AlaskaThe carrier intends to commence operations between San Diego and Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA).

Alaska announced it plans to apply for one of the new DCA slots from the FAA reauthorization bill. At this time, the route is pending approval.

If services are finally launched, San Diego would be Alaska’s fifth destination in DCA, and the airline would have more than 30 scheduled routes (domestic + international) from/to San Diego.

American AirlinesDuring June, the company will add two new connections to Canada from Charlotte, to be operated with Airbus A321s and Boeing 737-800s.

Calgary and Vancouver will join American’s schedule in the Charlotte-Canada market. Montreal and Toronto are its current destinations.

Vancouver · June 5thDaily

AA 1817 Charlotte CLT 18:30 · 21:09 YVR Vancouver
AA 1817 Vancouver YVR 22:04 · 06:22+1 CLT Charlotte

Calgary · June 8thSaturday

AA 2626 Charlotte CLT 09:03 · 11:59 YYC Calgary
AA 2626 Calgary YYC 12:59 · 19:31 CLT Charlotte

American Airlines will begin flights between Charlotte and Quebec City on CRJ-900 aircraft starting in August, once a week.

Atlas AirThe airline incorporated four Boeing 747-400(F) jets in May. According to our database, the N430GT, N431GT, N438GT and N274AB registrations are the new additions, which are between 18 to 22 years old.

Currently, the 747s are on ground, about to enter service.

Fleet Boeing 737-800: 8 (Amazon Prime Air) * Boeing 747-400: 48 * Boeing 747-8: 10 * Boeing 767-300: 27 * Boeing 777(F):* 7

The 747 N430GT, still with Silk Way liveryAveloBeginning July 12th, the airline will inaugurate services between New Haven and Washington DC. Flights will be conducted on Boeing 737-700s with a capacity of 147 passengers.

The U.S. capital will be Avelo Airlines’ 21st destination in New Haven.

Monday and Friday* XP 494 New Haven HVN 17:00 · 18:15 IAD Washington * XP 493 Washington IAD 18:55 · 20:10 HVN New Haven

Current Avelo routes and frequencies to/from HVNMap by gcmap.comPuerto Rico

San Juan (SJU): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700

United States

Atlanta (ATL): 4 weekly · 737/738
Baltimore (BWI): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Charleston (CHS): 4 weekly · 737/738
Chicago (MDW): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Concord (USA): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Daytona Beach (DAB): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Destin Fort (VPS): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 6 weekly · 737/738
Greenville (GSP): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Knoxville (TYS): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Myrtle Beach (MYR): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Nashville (BNA): 4 weekly · 737/738
Orlando (MCO): 9 weekly · 737/738
Raleigh-Durham (RDU): 6 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Sarasota (SRQ): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Savannah (SAV): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Tampa (TPA): 4 weekly · 737/738
West Palm Beach (PBI): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Wilmington (ILM): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800

BermudAirThe carrier launched operations to Canada in May.

Halifax and Toronto were added to BermudAir’s regular schedule, which will run as follows:

Toronto · May 17thTuesday, Friday and Sunday

2T 601 Bermuda BDA 08:15 · 10:30 YYZ Toronto
2T 602 Toronto YYZ 11:15 · 14:45 BDA Bermuda

Halifax · May 25thSaturday

2T 801 Bermuda BDA 08:15 · 10:40 YHZ Halifax
2T 802 Halifax YHZ 11:25 · 13:40 BDA Bermuda

BermudAir routesMap by gcmap.com Baltimore (BWI): 3 weekly · Embraer 170 * Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · Embraer 170 * Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 3 weekly · Embraer 170 * Halifax (YHZ): 1 weekly · Embraer 170 * Orlando (MCO): 3 weekly · Embraer 170 * Toronto (YYZ): 3 weekly · Embraer 170 * White Plains (HPN): 6 weekly · Embraer 170*

BermudAir has two Embraer 170s in its fleet (VQ-BLU and VQ-BLW).

BreezeOrlando – Orange County (Santa Ana airport), new Breeze Airways route.

Operations began on May 29th and will be performed three weekly until August 17th.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* MX 522 Orlando MCO 09:45 · 11:59 SNA Santa Ana * MX 523 Santa Ana SNA 12:45 · 20:29 MCO Orlando

Breeze will be the only operator on this route.

Delta Air LinesEffective July 1st, Delta will commence flights with the smaller version of the CRJ-700s, the CRJ-550.

These aircraft are configured for 50 passengers in single class, and at the time of publication, will have four routes from/to Salt Lake City:

Butte (BTE) // Cedar City (CDC) // Elko (EKO) // West Yellowstone (WYS)

In addition, the carrier will open four new connections to the Caribbean from the U.S. during winter season. Services will be operated once per week under the following schedule, in accordance to its website:

Providenciales · December 21stSaturday

DL 617 Detroit DTW 08:45 · 12:50 PLS Providenciales
DL 1857 Providenciales PLS 14:15 · 18:25 DTW Detroit

St Johns (Antigua) · January 11th, 2025Saturday

DL 1954 New York JFK 08:00 · 13:10 ANU St Johns
DL 1953 St Johns ANU 14:30 · 18:14 JFK New York

Basseterre · January 11th, 2025Saturday

DL 1880 New York JFK 07:30 · 12:40 SKB Basseterre
DL 1897 Basseterre SKB 14:00 · 17:50 JFK New York

Liberia · January 11th, 2025Saturday

DL 1768 Boston BOS 08:00 · 12:05 LIR Liberia
DL 1856 Liberia LIR 13:35 · 18:28 BOS Boston

FedExFederal Express retired during May two of its Boeing 757-200s, which had been in operation with the cargo airline for more than 15 years. Both planes were sent to Victorville (VCV) for scrapping.

N936FD (39 years): Indianapolis IND – Victorville VCV · May 23rd
N915FD (36 years): Memphis MEM – Victorville VCV · May 28th

On the other hand, the company added a new Boeing 767-300(F) from the factory in late May. Its registration is N258FE, but we will talk about it later in the report.

Current FedEx fleet ATR 42(F): 17 * ATR 72 (F): 39 * Airbus A300-600 (F): 65 * Boeing 737-400 (F): 3 * Boeing 737-800 (F): 8 * Boeing 757-200 (F): 116 * Boeing 767-300 (F): 138 * Boeing 777F: 57 * Cessna 408 SkyCourier: 19 * McDonnell Douglas MD-11:* 34

Fedex has nearly 500 airplanes in its fleet, of which approximately 440 are in service.

FlairThe Canadian low-cost carrier reported it will modify its operations in Orlando, discontinuing service to Sanford Airport (SFB) and starting flights to MCO.

Map by gcmap.com Waterloo (YKF): 3 weekly · October 29th * Toronto (YYZ): 12 weekly · December 16th * London (YXU): 2 weekly · December 20th * Saint John (YSJ): 1 weekly · December 22nd*

Orlando Sanford (SFB) will no longer have regular international operations.

FrontierBeginning in July, for summer, the airline will launch five new routes in San Jose (SJC), which will be performed with Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft.

Map by gcmap.com Denver (DEN): 7 weekly · July 22nd * San Diego (SAN): 7 weekly · July 22nd * Las Vegas (LAS): 7 weekly · August 13th * Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · August 13th * Phoenix (PHX): 7 weekly · August 13th*

Frontier will resume services at San Jose airport after almost three years.

jetBlueBetween October and November, jetBlue will increase its Caribbean connectivity with the addition of two new routes. At the time of publication, both routes will be conducted to/from New York JFK, using Airbus A320-200 planes.

Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) · October 9thWednesday and Sunday

B6 1639 New York JFK 09:29 · 14:19 SVD Kingstown
B6 1640 Kingstown SVD 15:54 · 21:00 JFK New York

Bonaire · November 5thTuesday and Saturday

B6 1643 New York JFK 07:00 · 12:46 BON Bonaire
B6 1644 Bonaire BON 14:10 · 18:30 JFK New York

Antigua, Aguadilla, Basseterre, Bridgetown, Cancún, George Town, Grenada, Kingston, Montego Bay, Nassau, Oranjestad, Ponce, Port-au-Prince, Port of Spain, Providenciales, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, San Juan, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santo Domingo, Sint Maarten, St. Thomas, Vieux Fort and Willemstad are jetBlue’s destinations in the Caribbean.

NASALast May 15th, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration retired its modified Douglas DC-8, registration N817NA. The aircraft ended service following a 37-year activity.

As can be seen in our database, the DC-8 departed at 10:03 local time from Edwards (EDS) on its farewell flight. After 3 hours and 20 minutes, it arrived at Pocatello (PIH).

Its replacement will be the Boeing 777-246, registered N577NA, which is currently at Lake Charles, and will begin operations in 2025.

Nexus Aviation ServicesAn Airbus A321(PCF) has recently been acquired by Nexus Aviation Ventures and will soon enter service for another airline via lease. The registration is N919NX and it landed on May 25th at Phoenix Goodyear (GYR) from Guam via Majuro and Honolulu.

In addition, BBN Airlines and Nexus Aviation have signed an agreement for the addition of the Airbus A321 with MSN 2916. The nearly 18-year-old plane will operate with the Turkish company under the TC-GPE registry.

Nexus Aviation Ventures is a joint venture between AMTRA Aero and Nehalem Aviation Holdings. Nexus is focused on building its portfolio of A321-200 aircraft in both passenger and freighter configurations.

A321 N919NX prior to freighter conversionPorterThis will be the Canadian carrier’s schedule on the Toronto – Phoenix route.

Daily* PD 641 Toronto YYZ 10:30 · 12:01 PHX Phoenix * PD 642 Phoenix PHX 13:05 · 20:21 YYZ Toronto

Porter Airlines also added a new Embraer E-2 from the factory in May. The aircraft departed São José dos Campos in Brazil for Canada.

Prior to its arrival in Ottawa, a stopover was made in Bridgetown. According to our database, the Embraer is already in service.

SouthwestFour new domestic routes will be added to Southwest’s regular schedule between August and October. In line with its website, the company will operate on Boeing 737-700s and Boeing 737-800s.

Map by gcmap.com Albany (ALB) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4 weekly · August 5th * Grand Rapids (GRR) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4 weekly · October 3rd * Kansas City (MCI) – Sacramento (SMF): 4 weekly · October 3rd * Rochester (ROC) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4 weekly · October 3rd*

SpiritAs of August 14th, the low cost will launch three new domestic routes.

Dallas, Houston, Reno, Los Angeles, Rochester and Fort Lauderdale will all have new Spirit additions:

Map by gcmap.com Dallas (DFW) – Houston (IAH): 14 weekly * Reno (RNO) – Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly * Rochester (ROC) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 7 weekly*

Sun CountryThe carrier schedules an international expansion during winter season.

Operations will be from/to Milwaukee with 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Map by gcmap.com Montego Bay (MBJ): 2 weekly · January 25th, 2025 * Punta Cana (PUJ): 2 weekly · January 25th, 2025*

Sun Country will be the only company to operate these two routes.

United AirlinesNew routes have been confirmed for its Airbus A321neo starting in August.

As of press time, there will be eight new destinations to/from Chicago O’Hare, all in the US.

Map by gcmap.com Los Angeles (LAX): August 1st * Portland (PDX): August 1st * Boston (BOS): August 19th * San Diego (SAN): August 19th * Denver (DEN): October 27th * Fort Myers (RSW): October 27th * Miami (MIA): October 27th * Tampa (TPA): October 27th*

In addition, the airline will add three new domestic connections in Washington (IAD), which will be carried out on Embraer 145 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

Greenville (GSP): 21 weekly · September 26th (E145)
Greensboro (GSO): 21 weekly · October 27th (E145)
Palm Springs (PSP): 7 weekly · December 19th (7M8)

VirginVirgin Atlantic’s first flight of the season from Manchester landed in Las Vegas at 12:11 local time on Sunday, June 2nd. These operations will be served using the 397-seater Airbus A350-1000 aircraft throughout summer.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* VS 85 Manchester MAN 09:50 · 12:25 LAS Las Vegas * VS 86 Las Vegas LAS 14:40 · 08:20+1 MAN Manchester

Virgin Atlantic routes in the United StatesMap by gcmap.comAtlanta

London (LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000
Manchester (MAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Boston

London (LHR): 14 weekly · A333/A339

Las Vegas

London (LHR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Manchester (MAN): 3 weekly · Airbus A350-1000

Los Angeles

London (LHR): 21 weekly · A35K/789

Miami

London (LHR): 14 weekly · A333/789

New York

London (LHR): 46 weekly · A333/A339/A35K
Manchester (MAN): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Orlando

Edinburgh (EDI): 2 weekly · Airbus A350-1000
London (LHR): 14 weekly · A333/A35K
Manchester (MAN): 12 weekly · A333/A35K

San Francisco

London (LHR): 14 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Seattle

London (LHR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Tampa

London (LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Washington

London (LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000

WestJetEffective October 27th, the company plans more flights between Calgary and Paris Charles de Gaulle. During winter 2024/25, WestJet will operate one daily frequency on this route, when it previously scheduled four services a week.

Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Paris, Reykjavik and Rome are the Canadian airline’s current destinations in Europe.

Daily, which will maintain year-round* WS 10 Calgary YYC 19:35 · 12:30+1 CDG Paris * WS 9 Paris CDG 14:30 · 15:45 YYC Calgary

WestJet operates flights between Canada and Europe with Boeing 737 MAX 8s and Boeing 787-9s

23 new aircraft were added during the last month in this market, between these U.S. and Canadian airlines:

Air Transat
American
American Eagle
Alaska (x4)
Alaska Horizon
Breeze (x2)
Delta (x2)
FedEx
Frontier (x2)
jetBlue (x2)
Porter
Southwest
Spirit (x2)
United (x2)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A220-300 | jetBlue | N3189J | BFM-YMXYMX-BOS | May 7thMay 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Southwest | N8910Q | BFI-PHX | May 7th | | Airbus A320-271N | Spirit | N994NK | BFM-DTW | May 7th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Frontier | N645FR | BFM-TPA | May 13th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | American | N347TT | BFI-DFW | May 15th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska | N720AL | BFI-OKCOKC-OAKOAK-SEA | May 17thMay 23rdMay 31st | | Airbus A220-300 | Breeze | N235BZ | YMX-TPA | May 20th | | Airbus A321-271NX | United | N24513 | XFW-KEF-CLE-TPA | May 21st | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska | N713AL | BFI-OKC | May 23rd | | Airbus A321-271NX | jetBlue | N4083J | BFM-MLB | May 23rd | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Alaska | N804AK | BFI-OAK | May 24th | | Airbus A320-271N | Spirit | N988NK | BFM-DTW | May 24th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N581DA | XFW-KEF-MSP | May 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Frontier | N640FR | XFW-YYR-TPA | May 25th | | Embraer 175LR | American Eagle | N315NH | SJK-MAO-FLL-DFW | May 29th | | Boeing 767-300(F) | FedEx | N258FE | PAE-IND | May 29th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Air Transat | C-GOKE | XFW-YUL | May 30th | | Embraer 175LR | Alaska Horizon | N665QX | SJK-MAO-SJU-BNA-PAE | May 30th | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXK | SJK-BGI-YOW | May 30th | | Airbus A321-271NX | United | N14509 | BFM-TPA | May 30th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N579DT | XFW-KEF-MSP | May 31st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Alaska | N803AK | BFI-OKC | June 3rd | | Airbus A220-300 | Breeze | N233BZ | BFM-TPA | June 3rd |

Other reports we have published:

Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes

Cover photo: Helmut Schnichels – JetPhotos (Phoenix).

The post Air France inaugurates flights to Phoenix appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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British Airways announced the addition of two new international connections to its network in Q4 2024.

Jeddah and Tromsø, in Saudi Arabia and Norway respectively, will be the airline’s new routes, in both cases from/to London Heathrow.

During the GREAT FEATURES Expo in Riyadh, an event to drive business engagement between the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, British confirmed the restart of its operations to Jeddah, which will begin on November 4th after a five-year suspension due to the pandemic.

According to the press release, the company will offer four services per week with Boeing 787 aircraft. These flights will complement the current operations between London and Riyadh, further enhancing connectivity in the UK – Saudi Arabia market.

Speaking to the delegation in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We have a long history of connecting families, friends and businesses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with our home in London. There are significant opportunities for businesses in both countries, so we’re pleased we can re-build our connectivity and strengthen links between the two kingdoms”.

In late 2020, British Airways cancelled its flights to Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Jeddah as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significant reduction in demand. The airline reported that it did not plan to recover its entire network in the Middle East until 2023.

Compared to its network prior to COVID-19, the British company has resumed almost all of its Middle East destinations. Muscat (Oman) remains suspended.

Schedule on the London – Jeddah route, which will be offered year-round.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* BA 133 London LHR 20:10 · 05:30+1 JED Jeddah

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* BA 132 Jeddah JED 07:55 · 11:45 LHR London

British routes in the Middle EastMap by gcmap.comBahrain Bahrain (BAH): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER)*

Israel LHR – Larnaca (LCA) – Tel Aviv (TLV) – LHR: 4 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

Jordan Amman (AMM): 4 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

Kuwait Kuwait City (KWI): 7 weekly · 789/78X*

Qatar Doha (DOH): 14 weekly · 772/77W*

Saudi Arabia Riyadh (RUH): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(ER)*

United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi (AUH): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner * Dubai (DXB): 14 weekly · 772/77W/788/789/781*

Last April 20th, following a four-year hiatus, it restarted services between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi.

Tromsø, British Airways’ new European connection in winter 2024/25.

The airline will make its first ever flight between London Heathrow and the Norwegian city on December 1st. At the time of publication, British will operate two services a week on this route with 180-seat Airbus A320neo jets until March 27th, 2025.

Tromsø will become the company’s second connection in Norway after Oslo, which has 17 weekly flights from London on Airbus A319-100s and Airbus A320-200s.

“Those who missed the northern lights in the UK need not worry! We are excited to welcome Tromsø to our route network – it is a growing winter leisure market thanks to its abundance of cold-weather activities and we’ll be the only premium carrier operating there from the UK. We’ve optimised the schedule for three- and four-night trips, which we know are perfect for a destination like this”, said Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer.

British schedule between London and TromsøThursday

BA 612 London LHR 08:25 · 13:00 TOS Tromsø
BA 613 Tromsø TOS 14:00 · 16:45 LHR London

Sunday

BA 612 London LHR 08:15 · 12:50 TOS Tromsø
BA 613 Tromsø TOS 13:40 · 16:25 LHR London

Routes in Scandinavia – British AirwaysMap by gcmap.comBillund (BLL) Gothenburg (GOT): 2 weekly · Dornier 328-310 Jet * London City (LCY): 4 weekly · Dornier 328-310 Jet * London (LHR): 7 weekly · A319/A320*

Copenhagen (CPH) London (LHR): 36 weekly · A319/A320/A20N*

Gothenburg (GOT) Billund (BLL): 2 weekly · Dornier 328-310 Jet * Cambridge (CBG): 2 weekly · Dornier 328-310 Jet * London (LHR): 18 weekly · A319/A320*

Oslo (OSL) London (LHR): 17 weekly · A319/A320/A20N*

Stockholm (ARN) London (LHR): 20 weekly · A319/A320/A20N/A21N*

Tromsø will become the airline’s most northerly destination globally.

In the Saudi Arabia – UK market, Saudia offers 20 weekly services between Jeddah and London LHR. Additionally, the company operates 1 and 20 flights per week to Heathrow from Neom Bay and Riyadh, respectively (and 4 on the JED-LGW route).

Birmingham and Newcastle are other Saudia destinations in the United Kingdom.

On the UK – Norway side, Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) operates to London Heathrow airport from Oslo and Stavanger with Airbus A320neo aircraft. Ryanair has flights to Oslo (OSL and TRF) from London Stansted, and Norwegian to London Gatwick from Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger and Trondheim.

British Airways’ current network covers more than 190 destinations across 70 countries, in addition to routes in codeshare with other airlines.

As for international operations, the company has flights to Albania, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Grenada, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates and the United States.

BA has almost 300 jets in its fleet, including Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Airbus A321, Airbus A350, Airbus A380, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Dornier Do-328 and Embraer 190.

Cover photo: Daniel Nicholson – JetPhotos (London Heathrow).

The post Aurora Borealis and Saudi Arabia’s commercial center: BA announces two new routes appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, investigators in Singapore release their preliminary findings for the turbulence encountered by SQ321. And Jason is joined by Seth Miller in Hamburg as we review the news from this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo to see what innovations could be coming to an airplane near you in the a few year’s time.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 270: Coming to an airplane near you, news from AIX 2024 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Emirates announced its first regular destinations for its new Airbus A350-900s. The airline’s first A350 was recently spotted in Toulouse and is scheduled to enter service in September.

At the time of publication, Emirates plans to have 10 Airbus A350s in its fleet by the end of March 2025, which will feature a 312-passenger configuration with three classes (32 Business, 21 Premium Economy and 259 Economy).

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Airline’s Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The A350 will be a game-changer for Emirates, enabling us to serve regional points with superior operational efficiency and flexibility in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. With the latest generation of cabin products, including our coveted Premium Economy to more cities, world-class in-flight entertainment technologies and multiple customer-friendly services, Emirates’ A350 reflects our long-term commitment to investing in the best customer experience in the sky. Flying the A350 to nine cities in such a short space of time adds more premium cabin options and more geographic variety for our customers, while securing our competitive advantage and industry leadership position.”

Ibom Air will soon add another Airbus A220-300 to its fleet, which is currently in Maastricht, Netherlands.

This aircraft, to be registered soon as 5N-CDB, will be the Nigerian airline’s second A220. The first, with registration 5N-CDA, arrived at Uyo (QUO) in December 2023, entering service last March 1st.

During the Dubai Airshow 2021, Ibom Air placed an order for 10 new Airbus A220-300s. The addition of the A220 5N-CDA was the first of the 10 announced. Another two new ones will be delivered in 2024, while the rest in 2025 and 2026.

As well as the A220, the company has 5 CRJ-900s in its fleet.

These are other highlights of the Africa and Middle East market in May: Air Arabia Maroc launched a new route between Morocco and Spain. * Binani Air took delivery of its third Embraer 170. * Binter Canarias announced its fifth connection to Morocco. * Ethiopian expands its domestic network. * Etihad schedules to resume operations between Abu Dhabi and Paris on Airbus A380s. * FlyJinnah plans to fly to Bahrain. * flynas will inaugurate five routes in the Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates market. * Kam Air will operate between Kabul and Dubai via Khost. * Lufthansa and its operational adjustments to South Africa. * Norwegian announces a major expansion in Africa and the Middle East. * Nouvelair started flights between Monastir and Nuremberg. * Oman Air adds frequencies to Dar-es-Salaam and Zanzibar. * Qatar Cargo incorporated its 28th Boeing 777(F). * Royal Jordanian scheduled to start services to Paphos, and the addition of a new Embraer E-2. * South African Airways acquired another Airbus A320. * Zambia Airways will begin flying between Lusaka, Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi.*

Air Arabia MarocThe Moroccan company inaugurated its operations between Tetuan and Bilbao, which will be carried out once a week with 186-seat Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Saturday 3O 837 Tetuan TTU 06:00 · 08:40 BIO Bilbao (first flight May 25th) * 3O 838 Bilbao BIO 09:30 · 10:10 TTU Tetuan (first flight May 18th)*

Current Air Arabia Maroc routes from TetuanMap by gcmap.comBelgium

Brussels (BRU): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Netherlands

Amsterdam (AMS): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Spain

Barcelona (BCN): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Bilbao (BIO): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Madrid (MAD): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Málaga (AGP): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

In addition to Tetuan, the airline offers international services from Casablanca, Fes, Nador, Oujda, Rabat and Tangier.

Air CairoEffective June 3rd, Air Cairo is set to resume flights between Cairo and Ouagadougou after a month and a half of suspension. According to our database, services will be carried out on Airbus A320s.

Saturday* SM 733 Cairo CAI 20:00 · 22:35 OUA Ouagadougou * SM 734 Ouagadougou OUA 23:40 · 08:00 CAI Cairo

The carrier will be the only one operating in the Egypt – Burkina Faso market.

Air NostrumDuring summer season, the Spanish airline will have charter services between Switzerland and Morocco.

The first flight, on the Geneva – Tetuan leg, is scheduled for June 29th and the last one, in the reverse direction, will be on August 3rd.

Air Nostrum will use its CRJ-200 aircraft with 50 seats.

Air SénégalIn November 2022, Air Sénégal’s Airbus A220-300, registration 6V-AOA, was withdrawn from service due to technical problems with the aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney 1500G engines. It departed Dakar in March 2023 to Weeze (NRN) for preservation.

Following a year inactive in Weeze, it made a ferry flight to Maastricht for the painting process, as it is about to join Ibom Air.

The aircraft is 4 years old and maintains the seating configuration used with Air Sénégal (8 Business and 125 Economy).

At the time of publication, this is the fleet of the Senegalese airline:

ATR 72: 2
Airbus A319-100: 2
Airbus A321-200: 2
Airbus A330-900: 2

Binani AirThe Nigerian carrier added its third Embraer 170 (5N-CCJ).

On May 22nd, the aircraft arrived in Cairo from Tunisia, after its withdrawal from Jasmin Airways, a Tunisian airline.

Binani Air’s current fleet 5N-CCI * 5N-CCJ (ex Jasmin Airways) * 5N-CDP* (ex Jasmin Airways)

The E170 5N-CCJ will soon enter service.

E170 5N-CCJ when operating for Jasmin AirwaysBinterAs of July 6th, Binter Canarias will fly between Gran Canaria and Ouarzazate.

The Moroccan city will be served by the Spanish company until mid-August, with ATR 72-600 planes.

Saturday* NT 2104 Gran Canaria LPA 14:00 · 16:15 OZZ Ouarzazate * NT 2105 Ouarzazate OZZ 17:00 · 19:10 LPA Gran Canaria

Binter routes in AfricaMap by gcmap.comCape Verde

Espargos (SID): 1 weekly · Embraer E-2

Mauritania

Nouakchott (NKC): 3 weekly · Embraer E-2

Morocco

Agadir (AGA): 1 weekly · ATR 72
Dakhla (VIL): 2 weekly · ATR 72
El Aaiun (EUN): 2 weekly · ATR 72
Guelmim (GLN): 1 weekly · ATR 72
Marrakesh (RAK): 2 weekly · ATR 72

Senegal

Dakar (DSS): 2 weekly · Embraer E-2

EgyptAirThe airline incorporated another Boeing 737-800 to its fleet in late April (SU-GGA).

Following a year and a half on ground after its withdrawal from Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet, the aircraft made the Amman-Cairo delivery flight on April 23rd, entering service in early May.

EgyptAir’s fleet Airbus A220-300: 3 * Airbus A320neo: 8 * Airbus A321neo: 7 * Airbus A330-200: 7 * Airbus A330-300: 4 * Boeing 737-800: 30 * Boeing 777-300(ER): 6 * Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:* 7

Not all are active.

EmiratesThese will be the routes for its Airbus A350-900s effective September 15th:

Map by gcmap.com Bahrain (BAH): 7 weekly · September 15th * Kuwait City (KWI): 7 weekly · September 16th * Ahmedabad (AMD): 7 weekly · October 27th * Mumbai (BOM): 7 weekly · October 27th * Bahrain (BAH): increase from 7 to 14 with A350 · November 1st * Edinburgh (EDI): Emirates new route · November 4th * Bologna (BLQ): 7 weekly · December 1st * Lyon (LYS): 7 weekly · December 1st * Muscat (MCT): 7 weekly · December 1st * Colombo (CMB): 7 weekly · January 1st, 2025*

Emirates will return to Edinburgh after a four-year suspension. Operations will be conducted under the following schedule:

Daily* EK 023 Dubai DXB 14:50 · 19:05 EDI Edinburgh * EK 024 Edinburgh EDI 20:40 · 08:05+1 DXB Dubai

The airline will have new developments in the Asian market over the next few months. For more information, you can read this report.

EthiopianIn June, the company will add two new domestic connections in Ethiopia.

The operations will be performed from/to Addis Ababa, Ethiopian’s hub, using Dash 8 airplanes configured for 71 passengers.

Axum · June 8thDaily

ET 128 Addis Ababa ADD 13:20 · 14:50 AXU Axum
ET 129 Axum AXU 15:20 · 16:50 ADD Addis Ababa

Nekemte · June 17thMonday, Wednesday and Saturday

ET 255 Addis Ababa ADD 09:30 · 10:35 NEK Nekemte
ET 254 Nekemte NEK 11:05 · 12:10 ADD Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Airlines has 31 Dash 8s in its fleet, of which 30 are active at the time of publication.

EtihadEtihad Airways plans to add more routes to/from Abu Dhabi with its Airbus A380s.

Beginning November 1st, the airline is scheduled to resume services to Paris Charles de Gaulle with these aircraft. Etihad currently offers a daily frequency on Airbus A350-1000 jets.

Daily* EY 31 Abu Dhabi AUH 02:25 · 07:45 CDG Paris * EY 32 Paris CDG 10:20 · 19:00 AUH Abu Dhabi

London (LHR) and New York (JFK) are Etihad Airways’ current A380 destinations, with 13 and 7 weekly flights respectively.

FlyJinnahOn June 13th, the Pakistani carrier intends to inaugurate operations to Bahrain from Islamabad, its main hub.

In accordance to its website, FlyJinnah will fly twice per week with Airbus A320-200 planes.

Tuesday and Thursday* 9P 764 Islamabad ISB 19:05 · 20:55 BAH Bahrain * 9P 765 Bahrain BAH 21:45 · 03:20+1 ISB Islamabad

FlyJinnah’s routes in the Middle EastMap by gcmap.comMuscat

Islamabad (ISB): 3 weekly · Airbus A320

Sharjah

Islamabad (ISB): 14 weekly · Airbus A320
Lahore (LHE): 14 weekly · Airbus A320

flynasThe Saudi company expects to launch five new routes to the United Arab Emirates starting in September:

Map by gcmap.com Jeddah (JED) – Abu Dhabi (AUH): 7 weekly · September 1st * Jeddah (JED) – Sharjah (SHJ): 7 weekly · September 1st * Medina (MED) – Sharjah (SHJ): 2 weekly · September 1st * Riyadh (RUH) – Dubai (DWC): 7 weekly · September 1st * Medina (MED) – Abu Dhabi (AUH): 2 weekly · September 2nd*

flynas will operate on Airbus A320neo jets with a capacity of 174 passengers in single class.

Kam AirBeginning June 2nd, Kam Air will commence services to Dubai from Kabul. These operations will be on Boeing 737-300s, with a stopover in Khost in both directions.

Thursday and Sunday* RQ 965 Kabul KBL 07:00 · 07:45 KHT Khost * RQ 965 Khost KHT 08:45 · 11:35 DXB Dubai * RQ 966 Dubai DXB 13:05 · 16:25 KHT Khost * RQ 966 Khost KHT 17:25 · 18:25 KBL Kabul

Kam Air has 12 planes in its fleet (5 Airbus A340-300, 6 Boeing 737-300 and 1 Boeing 737-500).

LufthansaThe airline plans to modify its operations between Germany and South Africa from late October.

Lufthansa currently serves Cape Town and Johannesburg from Frankfurt with Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-8i aircraft respectively.

Map by gcmap.comCape Town Frankfurt (FRA): reduce from 7 to 6 · eff October 26th * Munich (MUC): increase from 5 to 7 · eff October 27th**

*Munich – Cape Town operates during European winter season.

On September 2nd, Lufthansa will inaugurate its flights between Munich and Johannesburg, which will run as follows:

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* LH 578 Munich MUC 20:05 · 06:30+1 JNB Johannesburg

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday* LH 579 Johannesburg JNB 08:20 · 18:50 MUC Munich

NorwegianIn Q4 2024, the company is scheduled to commence several routes to Africa and the Middle East.

These flights will be carried out using Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

Map by gcmap.comEgypt Stockholm (ARN) – Hurghada (HRG): 1 weekly · October 30th * Gothenburg (GOT) – Hurghada (HRG): 1 weekly · October 31st * Helsinki (HEL) – Hurghada (HRG): 1 weekly · November 1st * Oslo (OSL) – Hurghada (HRG): 1 weekly · November 2nd * Copenhagen (CPH) – Giza (SPX): 2 weekly · November 3rd * Copenhagen (CPH) – Hurghada (HRG): 1 weekly · November 7th*

Morocco Helsinki (HEL) – Agadir (AGA): 1 weekly · October 29th * Oslo (OSL) – Agadir (AGA): 1 weekly · October 30th * Stockholm (ARN) – Agadir (AGA): 1 weekly · November 1st * Copenhagen (CPH) – Agadir (AGA): 3 weekly · November 2nd * Gothenburg (GOT) – Marrakesh (RAK): 1 weekly · November 2nd * Helsinki (HEL) – Marrakesh (RAK): 2 weekly · December 21st*

United Arab Emirates Copenhagen (CPH) – Dubai (DWC): 3 weekly · December 12th * Stockholm (ARN) – Dubai (DWC): 2 weekly · December 13th * Oslo (OSL) – Dubai (DWC): 2 weekly · December 15th*

NouvelairAt 10:17 local time on May 23rd, the carrier’s first flight from Nuremberg arrived in Monastir. Services will be operated once a week on Airbus A320-200s with a capacity of 186 passengers.

Saturday* BJ 2824 Monastir MIR 05:00 · 08:25 NUE Nuremberg * BJ 2825 Nuremberg NUE 09:25 · 10:50 MIR Monastir

Nouvelair current routes from/to MonastirMap by gcmap.comAustria

Vienna (VIE): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Belgium

Brussels (BRU): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo (SJJ): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

France

Lille (LIL): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Lyon (LYS): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Nice (NCE): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Paris (CDG): 7 weekly · Airbus A320

Germany

Berlin (BER): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Düsseldorf (DUS): 5 weekly · Airbus A320
Frankfurt (FRA): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Hannover (HAJ): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Leipzig (LEJ): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Munich (MUC): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Nuremberg (NUE): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Stuttgart (STR): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Poland

Gdansk (GDN): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Katowice (KTW): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Poznań (POZ): 1 weekly · Airbus A320
Warsaw (WAW): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Wroclaw (WRO): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Serbia

Belgrade (BEG): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Slovenia

Ljubljana (LJU): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

United Kingdom

Norwich (NWI): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Oman AirDar-es-Salaam and Zanzibar will have more Oman Air flights.

The company currently operates three weekly services on the Muscat – Dar-es-Salaam – Zanzibar – Muscat route with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which it will increase to six from July 8th.

According to its website, Oman Air will perform this schedule until late August.

Daily except Friday* WY 707 Muscat MCT 22:50 · 03:20+1 DAR Dar-es-Salaam * WY 707 Dar-es-Salaam DAR 04:20 · 05:00 ZNZ Zanzibar (following day) * WY 708 Zanzibar ZNZ 06:00 · 12:25 MCT Muscat (following day)

As for other destinations in Africa, Oman Air offers 12 flights per week between Muscat and Cairo on Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

Qatar CargoQatar Airways’ cargo subsidiary added a new Boeing 777F from the factory during April. In accordance with our database, the aircraft departed Seattle Boeing Field on April 14th at 12:19 local time, arriving in Doha at 12:44 local time the same day, after a 14-hour, 25-minute ferry flight.

The 777, with registration A7-BTB, entered service two days later covering flight QR 8600 between Doha and Mumbai.

Qatar Cargo’s fleet consists of 28 Boeing 777Fs, with an average age of 7 years.

Renegade AirTwo new aircraft were added to the Kenyan airline’s fleet in the last month, which are currently on ground awaiting entry into service.

The first of these, the CRJ-100(ER) registered 5Y-RNJ, arrived in Kenya after a long delivery flight that lasted almost 5 days.

According to our database, the CRJ departed Calgary on May 3rd for Iqaluit, continuing on to Reykjavik, Nottingham, Heraklion and Djibouti.

On the other hand, an ATR 72-500, registration 5Y-RNF, landed in Nairobi on May 9th from Malta via Jeddah. It is the first ATR in the fleet.

Renegade Air fleet ATR 72-500: 1 * CRJ-100(ER): 1 * DHC-8-100: 2 * DHC-8-300: 3 * Fokker 50: 2 * Fokker 70:* 1

Renegade Air Dash 8Royal JordanianPaphos is expected to return to Royal Jordanian’s regular schedule effective June 13th.

At the time of publication, the airline plans to operate to/from Amman with Airbus A320 and Embraer jets, twice a week.

Thursday* RJ 137 Amman AMM 07:35 · 08:45 PFO Paphos * RJ 138 Paphos PFO 09:45 · 10:50 AMM Amman

Saturday/Sunday* RJ 137 Amman AMM 22:35 · 23:45 PFO Paphos * RJ 138 Paphos PFO 00:45 · 01:50 AMM Amman

South African AirwaysThe airline recently took delivery of a new Airbus A320-200.

On May 12th, the A320, still registered 2-KMOL, arrived in Johannesburg from Angeles City (Clark), Hambantota and Dar-es-Salaam. The South African registration of the aircraft, which is owned by the lessor China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC), is unknown as of publication time.

SAA fleet Airbus A320-200: 6 * Airbus A330-300: 2 * Airbus A340-300:* 1

South African Airways plans to add two more Airbus A320s in the short term.

Illustrative photoZambia AirwaysDar-es-Salaam and Nairobi will enter Zambia Airways’ route network.

Based on its website, the flights will be carried out on Boeing 737-700s from late June under the following schedule:

Tuesday and Thursday* ZN 504 Lusaka LUN 07:00 · 10:30 DAR Dar-es-Salaam * ZN 504 Dar-es-Salaam DAR 11:15 · 12:35 NBO Nairobi * ZN 504 Nairobi NBO 13:20 · 15:20 LUN Lusaka

Saturday* ZN 504 Lusaka LUN 07:00 · 11:00 NBO Nairobi * ZN 504 Nairobi NBO 11:45 · 13:05 DAR Dar-es-Salaam * ZN 504 Dar-es-Salaam DAR 13:50 · 15:20 LUN Lusaka

Current routes from/to LusakaMap by gcmap.comSouth Africa

Johannesburg (JNB): 8 weekly · Boeing 737-700

Zambia

Livingstone (LVI): 4 weekly · Dash 8
Ndola (NLA): 13 weekly · Dash 8
Solwezi (SLI): 1 weekly · Dash 8

Zambia Airways also offers a weekly frequency between Ndola and Solwezi with its Dash 8.

The 737-700 is leased from Ethiopian (ET-ALK)With respect to new aircraft, flydubai, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian have added new jets from the factory.

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Embraer E-2 | Royal Jordanian | JY-REC | SJK-REC-LPA-AMM | May 4th | | Airbus A321-253NX | Gulf Air | A9C-XE | XFW-BAH | May 11th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | flydubai | A6-FQC | BFI-SNN-DXB | May 19th |

Royal Jordanian reached 3 Embraer E-2s, Gulf Air 13 Airbus A321NXs and flydubai 55 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub
China-Australia flights approaching pre-pandemic levels

Cover photo: Pawel Wedrychowicz – JetPhotos (Dubai, United Arab Emirates).

The post Emirates announces first A350 routes appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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An Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) is an essential document that provides comprehensive and updated information crucial for the safe operation of aircraft within a specific country’s airspace. Issued by or with the authority of a state’s civil aviation administration, the AIP contains details about air navigation facilities, services, and procedures. This includes data on airports, airways, air traffic control regulations, and other relevant aviation infrastructure.

AIPs are available in paper, DVD and online formats. Image: AlbcontrolStructured in three parts – General (GEN), Enroute (ENR), and Aerodromes (AD) – the AIP is a standardized reference document used by pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals. It ensures uniformity and clarity in the dissemination of aeronautical information, contributing to flight safety and operational efficiency. The document is regularly updated through amendments and supplements to reflect the latest changes in air navigation and associated services.

What’s in the AIP?

| Section | Description | Color | | --- | --- | --- | | GEN (General) | Contains general information and administrative details, including definitions, units of measurement, and general rules and procedures. | Light Blue | | ENR (Enroute) | Provides information related to the enroute phase of flight, such as airspace structure, air traffic services, communication and navigation facilities, and route availability. | Green | | AD (Aerodromes) | Includes details about aerodromes/airports, such as airport services, facilities, ground movement procedures, and charts. | Yellow |

Check out the United Kingdom AIPHow is the AIP used in practice?As the AIP contains quite literally anything you need to know about aviating in a certain country’s airspace, the practical uses of it are almost unlimited.

A pilot preparing for a flight from London to Paris will use the AIP to review information about departure and arrival airports, including runway details, available services, navigation aids, and any special procedures or restrictions. By consulting the AIP, the pilot ensures compliance with local regulations and enhances flight safety by being fully informed about the airports and airspace they will be operating in.
A pilot planning a flight across international borders, from New York to Toronto, would use the AIP to familiarize themselves with the entry and exit procedures for both the United States and Canada. This includes reviewing customs and immigration requirements, flight plan filing procedures, communication frequencies, and any specific entry or exit points (such as designated border crossing points).

Whilst the AIP contains all this information, it is important to note that a pilot on a given day will most likely have access to those points through other sources, such as electronic flight bags (rather than having to browse the AIP itself).

Pilots can access most en route and aerodrome information, such as charts, via Electronic Flight Bag apps such as Flightradar24 client AvioBook. How often is the AIP updated?The AIP is updated on schedule by a system called the AIRAC. Under the AIRAC system, updates to the AIP are issued every 28 days, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the most current information.

The update schedule generally follows these guidelines:

Amendments: These are issued at fixed intervals, typically every 28 days, to ensure the AIP reflects the latest changes in aeronautical information. Amendments can include updates to regulations, procedures, or physical changes to airports and airspace.
Supplements: These are temporary updates that address specific events or short-term changes, such as temporary airspace restrictions or construction activities. Supplements remain in effect until the information is either incorporated into a permanent amendment or the event concludes.
NOTAMs (Notices to Aircrews / Notices to Airmen): While not a part of the AIP itself, NOTAMs are used to disseminate urgent information that may affect flight operations. They provide real-time updates that are often later included in the AIP. NOTAMS - cracking the codeOther updates – Aeronautical information circularsAeronautical Information Circulars (AICs) are official notices issued by aviation authorities to disseminate information that is not suitable for inclusion in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). AICs cover administrative, operational, safety, and technical matters relevant to the aviation community. They provide updates on regulatory changes, new procedures, safety recommendations, and other significant aviation developments. Like the AIP, the sections of AICs are also color coded.

| Colour | Description | Abbreviation | | --- | --- | --- | | White | Administration matters | W | | Yellow | Operational matters including ATS facilities and requirements | Y | | Pink | Safety related topics | P | | Mauve | Airspace Restrictions imposed in accordance with the Temporary Restriction of Flying Regulations | M | | Green | Maps and Charts | G |

The AIP, along with Aeronautical Information Circulars ensure that pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals are informed about important updates that may affect flight operations and safety. They serve as a supplement to other aeronautical information systems, promoting efficient and safe air navigation.

Cover photo: Paul W Furmanski, JetPhotos

The post The Aviation Bible? – What is an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Lufthansa confirmed it will start services between Munich and Washington, D.C. with Airbus A380-800s as of May 31st. The airline currently operates this route on Airbus A340-600 aircraft once daily, in accordance with our database.

The U.S. capital will become Lufthansa’s fifth A380 destination. Boston, Los Angeles and New York are its other routes in the United States, and Delhi is the remaining one.

At the time of publication, all of its Airbus A380s are based at Munich airport. Lufthansa has 8 aircraft of this type, of which 5 are operational.

Between its 4 current routes, the German airline has 28 flights per week using its Airbus A380-800s. With the beginning of Washington, weekly operations will reach 35, which will be maintained throughout summer.

The last A380 flight to Washington is scheduled for September 30th. From October onwards, services will be performed on the 293-seat Airbus A350-900.

This is the current schedule for Lufthansa’s Airbus A380s, including the new service to/from Washington.

BostonDaily

LH 424 Munich MUC 16:05 · 18:25 BOS Boston
LH 425 Boston BOS 20:40 · 10:05+1 MUC Munich

DelhiDaily

LH 762 Munich MUC 12:20 · 23:30 DEL Delhi
LH 763 Delhi DEL 01:20 · 06:05 MUC Munich

Los AngelesDaily

LH 452 Munich MUC 12:00 · 14:55 LAX Los Angeles
LH 453 Los Angeles LAX 17:10 · 13:20+1 MUC Munich

New YorkDaily

LH 410 Munich MUC 12:50 · 15:45 JFK New York
LH 411 New York JFK 18:15 · 08:15+1 MUC Munich

WashingtonDaily

LH 414 Munich MUC 16:25 · 19:25 IAD Washington
LH 415 Washington IAD 22:20 · 12:20+1 MUC Munich

In addition to the German carrier, United Airlines offers a daily frequency between Washington and Munich on Boeing 767-300(ER) aircraft seating 214 passengers in two classes.

Lufthansa’s Airbus A380s have a 509-seat configuration. According to its website, these aircraft offer four cabin products: 8 First, 78 Business, 52 Premium Economy and 371 Economy.

| Aircraft | Registration | Delivered | Remark | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMA | May 2010 | Parked | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMB | July 2010 | Parked | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMC | August 2010 | Active | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMD | October 2010 | Stored | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIME | March 2011 | Stored | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMF | March 2011 | Stored | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMG | May 2011 | Stored | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMH | July 2011 | Parked | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMI | May 2012 | Stored | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMJ | June 2012 | Stored | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMK | March 2014 | Active | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIML | May 2014 | Active | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMM | March 2015 | Active | | Airbus A380-841 | D-AIMN | April 2015 | Active |

At present, 12 airlines have Airbus A380s in their fleets (not all are active):

All Nippon Airways: 3
Asiana Airlines: 6
British Airways: 12
Emirates: 116
Etihad Airways: 4
Global Airlines: 1
Hi Fly Malta: 1
Korean Air: 9
Lufthansa: 8
Qantas: 10
Qatar Airways: 8
Singapore Airlines: 12

On June 1st, 2023, Lufthansa reactivated its Airbus A380-800s after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The airline had initially announced it would not use these aircraft again, but confirmed in mid-2022 that the A380s would be back in operation, mainly due to the strong increase in demand and the delay in the delivery of new jets.

Lufthansa destinations in the U.S.<►>Atlanta

Frankfurt (FRA): 6 weekly · A333/A343

Austin

Frankfurt (FRA): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Boston

Frankfurt (FRA): 12 weekly · A343/A346
Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · Airbus A380

Charlotte

Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · Airbus A350

Chicago

Frankfurt (FRA): 13 weekly · A343/B744
Munich (MUC): 14 weekly · Airbus A350

Dallas

Frankfurt (FRA): 6 weekly · A333/A343

Denver

Frankfurt (FRA): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · Airbus A350

Detroit

Frankfurt (FRA): 7 weekly · Airbus A340-300

Houston

Frankfurt (FRA): 7 weekly · Boeing 747-8i

Los Angeles

Frankfurt (FRA): 12 weekly · A343/B748
Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · Airbus A380

Miami

Frankfurt (FRA): 7 weekly · Boeing 747-8i

New York

Frankfurt (FRA): 13 weekly · A343/B744
Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · Airbus A380

Newark

Frankfurt (FRA): 7 weekly · Boeing 747-8i
Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · Airbus A340-600

San Diego

Munich (MUC): 5 weekly · Airbus A350

San Francisco

Frankfurt (FRA): 7 weekly · Boeing 747-8i
Munich (MUC): 6 weekly · Airbus A350

Seattle

Frankfurt (FRA): 6 weekly · A333/A343

St. Louis

Frankfurt (FRA): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Washington

Frankfurt (FRA): 12 weekly · A343/A346
Munich (MUC): 7 weekly · (A346 currently)

Lufthansa offers 74 and 128 weekly flights to the United States, from Munich and Frankfurt respectively. Considering both bases, the airline has 202 services a week in the Germany – United States market.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub
China-Australia flights approaching pre-pandemic levels

Cover photo: Roger Cannegieter – JetPhotos (Munich, Germany).

The post Lufthansa sending the A380 to Washington DC appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Ever been tracking an aircraft when suddenly it shifts off course, heads straight for a different airport and lands, sometimes with a 7xxx code for added urgency? Aircraft diversions may look ‘straight forward’ (or straight backwards for that matter) but there is a lot more going on in the aircraft than the icon on a tracking screen can show.

Here’s a look at what a diversion involves, what it means for the crew, and some ‘notable’ diversions you may have seen on Flightradar24.

What is a diversion (and what causes them)?A diversion is, of course, when an aircraft doesn’t land where originally planned but instead heads somewhere else. In the USA in 2022 (the most recent statistics available), of the approximately 6.7 million operations flown by major US carriers, there were 15,826 diversions (around 0.2%). But don’t be fooled by the smallish size of that statistic – while a dire reason for a diversion of a flight you’re on is unlikely, if you’re a frequent flyer, you may well experience a diversion at some point—particularly if you fly into airports that experience significant weather.

Severe thunderstorms in Denver led to the diversion of this Delta A321 to Grand Junction.Now, there are several types of diversion. For the crew handling it, they are generally going fall into one of four main categories – technical, medical, weather or emergency.

Technical: something has broken onboard that will prevent the aircraft from continuing with the mission as planned
Medical: someone is sick (and they need attention urgently)
Weather: a large storm/high winds/severe winter conditions/too much rain/ too thick fog/etc is preventing the aircraft from getting where it wants to go
Emergency: Arghhh!!! You can lump ‘disruptive passenger’ into technical or medical depending on how you feel about badly behaved humans.

Diversions can of course occur at any point in the flight, but for decision making purposes (which we will look at in a moment) they can be best thought of as:

Right after take-off: lots of fuel onboard so might be tough landing immediately, but there is an airport nearby
En-route: who knows where the best and nearest airport is?
Just before landing: hardly any fuel and some fairly time critical decisions are needed.

This is because a major factor in any diversion ‘decision making’ (aside from the “we’re on fire, land it now!” scenarios) comes down to how much fuel an aircraft has. Right after take-off, the airplane might have too much fuel onboard for immediate landing performance. En-route, how much fuel determines how far an aircraft can fly (and en-route may mean few nearby options). Just before landing and most aircraft have chewed through the majority of their fuel leading to fewer available options.

But which is the most difficult?Any which are considered ‘time critical’ represent an immediate challenge because without time, options quickly become limited. An en-route emergency such as a fire onboard, major fuel leak or significant failure in systems related to controllability may necessitate an immediate (or land as soon as possible) landing, and if an aircraft is over the North Atlantic or polar region then options can be few and far between. The challenge in that case is balancing where the aircraft can get to with where is most optimal.

But a diversion at any stage involves different challenges for the flight deck. Take, for example, a weather diversion at destination. Big storms can close airports down with little notice, resulting in a whole lot of aircraft needing to divert, and generally no aircraft has much fuel onboard when it reaches its destination. If the weather is big and bad enough, it might also take out the closest alternates leading to multiple aircraft diverting on minimum fuel to places they are not familiar with.

Crew are also rarely going to be familiar with a diversion airport, particularly if it is a remote en-route one, so the airport itself can present challenges even when time is not a critical factor.

Wait, why can’t they land anywhere?Aircraft cannot simply go anywhere. Again, aside from the dire emergencies, crew need to head to airports which are approved. This approval means risk assessed by their company for their aircraft type to make sure it will be able to land, stop, taxi, not crush the runway surface and be able to get out again.

Take a look at a map around the North Atlantic – one of the most flown bits of air – and there ain’t much there. Shannon on one end, Gander (or one of the Canadian spots on the other) and only really Keflavik (Reykjavik) in the middle.

What does the process look like?A crew’s first actions after ensuring the aircraft is safe is to run some sort of decision making process. There are an array of acronyms operators use for this, but they all tend to amount to the same thing:

How much time do we have? Time available is the most critical question to answer. If you’re on fire, there is not point heading off over the horizon looking for a lovely company destination airport. If you have loads of time (and probably fuel onboard) then flying a visual circuit onto the 1000m runway directly underneath you probably isn’t so wise either.
What is the problem? This doesn’t mean pointing out what has just broken/made a loud bang/generally stopped working. It means diagnosing the impact on the planned flight, which is not always easy. An engine failure means one less engine, sure. But it might also mean the aircraft has to descend (terrain clearance concerns), fly at a lower level (fuel burn concerns), has lost hydraulic or electrical systems (capability concerns).
Where can we go? This is based on the above time and diagnosis parts, and looks at what airports are available to which the aircraft can go. The options are also impacted by weather, NOTAMs, runway length, engineering support etc. So at this stage there is a lot of information gathering and ‘weighing up’ to be done in order to determine the most optimal option to opt for.
What do we need to do to get there? This comes after the decision has been made on where to go, and it considers the management side of the diversion – who do the crew need to talk to, what information do they need, what calculations should they run?
Has anything changed? The review stage is a continuous process during a diversion, because it is the crew’s chance to keep asking questions like this. What have we missed? Oh, that ILS is actually not working and the weather isn’t good enough for a visual. Oh, we thought it was a fuel leak out of the left engine but actually it’s the entire tank, we ain’t gonna make plan A… Any change, any missed bit of information, any improvement in the situation might require a change to the decision to avoid flying into a corner, so to speak. Managing the diversionFor the flight crew, once the initial problem has been dealt with, a decision made and the aircraft is pointing where it needs to go, then a diversion becomes a mission in management and coordination of resources.

Crew need to advise the relevant people of what is going on, and by relevant this means:

The Cabin Crew: Yup, they don’t much like it when an airplane touches down at an unexpected airport and no-one has told them. But more importantly, they need to be aware in order to secure the cabin. Pilots will give a NITS briefing to the crew which includes the Nature (of the problem), the Intentions, Time available (to sort the cabin) and any Special Instructions (from expect an emergency landing and “brace brace” call to bring me a coffee please, we have hours left to go).
The Passengers: For much the same reason as above. The crew will try to give enough information to keep them aware without scaring them.
ATC: Re-routes to the intended diversion airport will need to be coordinated.
The Company: A diversion doesn’t finish once the aircraft is on the ground, there are a zillion other things that come next.

Actually, let’s dig in deeper on that point for a moment.

Getting to the diversion airport is rarely the issue, ATC coordinate this and off the airplane goes. But the challenges start once there because unfamiliar airports may have taxi restrictions, lack of engineering support, or lack of ground support for passengers, crew and aircraft if the airplane is stuck there.

A medical diversion shouldn’t result in an aircraft remaining on the ground – the plan is generally to drop said sick passenger off then resume the flight, but this requires some planning around crew duty times, uploading more fuel and potential engineering support to turn the aircraft around.

So, communications with Company are critical, and often happen earlier in the decision-making process.

Notable diversionsWe could fill this page with a thousand examples, but here are some of the more interesting ones.

In 2015 Jet Airways flight 9W 555, a Boeing 737, was heading from Doha to Cochin, but when it reached Cochin, the crew found the weather to be significantly worse than expected with a low cloud base that prevented them from being visual with the runway on their first approach attempt.

As is fairly common, the crew made the decision to hold and see if the weather improved, and after around 20 minutes they attempted a second approach but were unsuccessful. Not to be dissuaded, they held again for around 30 minutes before attempting approach number three. Also ending in a go-around.

At this point, the crew made the (possibly sensible) decision to divert, and headed for Bangalore (a little less sensible) which was the primary alternate for the flight. Partway there though they realized their fuel was insufficient and changed course, routing instead to Thiruvananthapurum (Trivandrum for those who can’t pronounce the full name). The weather here was not much better and their first attempt (fourth overall) resulted in a go-around due lack of visual contact.

The crew were, at this point, rather lacking in fuel, and with no options to divert again, continued to make approach attempts numbers five and six, both of which were unsuccessful. Despite still not being visual, the aircraft landed on the seventh approach (they kind of had to at this point) with only 349kg of fuel left onboard. Even for a 737 that’s little more than fumes.

A summary, with pictures, and link to the final report from the subsequent safety investigation is available here.

In September 2023, Ural Airlines flight 1383 from Sochi to Omsk, operated by an Airbus A320 suffered a hydraulic failure which impacted their braking systems. With their planned destination runway too short to allow for reasonable margins on landing, the crew elected to head for Novosibirsk instead.

However, the hydraulic issue had also led to the gear doors remaining open. Big bits of airplane flapping in the wind equal a lot of drag, increasing the fuel burn significantly. Enough in fact to lead to the crew having to ‘divert’ into a field in Russia where they carried out an emergency landing. As of May 2024, the aircraft remains stuck in the field.

So next time you’re tracking an aircraft on Flightradar24 and watch it suddenly change course, consider what the crew are going through up there and what that diversion might actually involve.

The post A pilot explains: diversions appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the extreme turbulence encountered by Singapore Airlines’ flight SQ321 that led to the death of one passenger and serious injuries to dozens of others. We also focus on how media reporting got the story wrong for so long. We also discuss the crash of the helicopter carrying the president of Iran and the curious pattern by the Turkish UCAV sent to search for the crash site. Elsewhere, Frontier is crafting a new way to sell fares and ancillary products that looks remarkably like a traditional airline. And flamingos make an unexpected appearance.

Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 269: Extreme turbulence appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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One person is dead and dozens have been injured after Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 experienced severe turbulence over Myanmar. The Boeing 777-300ER was operating from London to Singapore when it encountered turbulence at approximately 07:49 UTC on 21 May (14:19 local time). There were thunderstorms, some severe, in the area at the time.

The flight departed London at 21:38 UTC (22:38 local time) on 20 May proceeding southeast toward Singapore. Based on ADS-B data sent directly from the aircraft, at approximately 07:49 UTC on 21 May, the flight encountered a rapid change in vertical rate, consistent with a sudden turbulence event. At 08:03 UTC the aircraft changed course and began a diversion to Bangkok. SQ321 landed in Bangkok at 08:45 UTC (15:15 local time), where it was met by medical personnel.

Read more about what causes turbulenceFlightradar24 dataAfter processing the high-frequency ADS-B data for SQ321 and correlating the possible event time with media reports, we believe the turbulence event occurred at 07:49 UTC. In normal flight, some small variation in vertical rate is expected, however, at 07:49:24Z.824 the first ADS-B frame with an increased vertical rate is received by our network. There are unexpected changes to the vertical rate for nearly one minute before returning to 0 feet per minute.

Some media reports have erroneously reported the pilots’ initial descent toward Bangkok from 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet as the turbulence event. While the aircraft may have continued to experience turbulence during that descent, it was a standard descent to a new flight level controlled by altitude selection in the aircraft’s autopilot.

Data available for downloadThree separate files are available for download. The standard format CSV and KML files each contain data for the entire flight at our standard reporting frequencies. The granular CSV contains all network processed data from 07:00 UTC until the aircraft turned off its transponder in Bangkok.

KMLStandard CSVGranular CSVAircraft informationFlight SQ321 was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER registered 9V-SWM (MSN 34578). It is powered by two GE90-115B engines. The aircraft was delivered new to Singapore Airlines in February 2008.

The post 1 dead, dozens injured in SQ321 turbulence appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Bonza, an Australian low-cost airline, announced last April 29th the suspension of operations. The company had six Boeing 737 MAX 8s in its fleet, including aircraft with Australian and Canadian registrations.

Its first flight was on January 31st, 2023. Tim Jordan, Bonza’s CEO, had said on its first anniversary, “It really is a Bonzaversary to remember’ since our inaugural flight on 31 January 2023′ Bonza has expanded to operate 38 routes to 21 destinations from three bases and’ of these routes’ 84% are unique to Bonza”.

“We have big plans for 2024 and the Australian public will benefit. We predict we will save domestic travelers around an additional $250 million next year. Competition in Australian skies is a fantastic thing for Australian travelers and more than 750,000 customers have already experienced the benefits of Bonza,” he concluded.

Bonza was forced to cease operations after lessor AIP Capital removed flight manuals from some of the airline’s aircraft.

Emirates continues its expansion in Asia with the launch of new routes, as well as an increase in weekly frequencies.

What are the airline’s current destinations in this market?

Ahmedabad, Angeles City, Auckland, Baghdad, Bangalore, Bangkok, Basra, Beijing, Brisbane, Cebu, Chennai, Cochin, Colombo, Delhi, Denpasar, Dhaka, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Jakarta, Karachi, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Male, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, Osaka, Perth, Peshawar, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sialkot, St. Petersburg, Sydney, Tehran, Tokyo (HND and NRT) and Trivandrum.

We will review Emirates’ new developments later in the report.

These are other highlights of the Asia/Oceania market in May Air India will operate a new international route with its Airbus A350s. * Aurora to fly between Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Beijing. * Bhutan Airlines adds two new connections. * Cambodia Angkor Air will serve Da Nang from Phnom Penh. * Cebu Pacific launches a new route to Bangkok. * China Eastern will have flights between Beijing Daxing and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. * China Southern and its new routes. * Korean Air launches its first international destination from Jeju. * Lao Airlines began flights between Pakse and Guangzhou. * Malaysia Airlines confirms three new international connections. * Myanmar Airways International (MAI) will launch flights to Doha. * Nauru Airlines, the only company to operate between Australia and Palau. * Qantas and its developments in the Asian market. * SpiceJet will commence a new route, which will be operated with Sky Angkor Airlines’ Airbus A320. * Tigerair Taiwan announces three new connections from Taichung.*

Air IndiaAs of June 1st, the airline will start operating between Mumbai and Dubai with its new Airbus A350-900s. According to our database, Air India performs this route on Airbus A319, Airbus A320 and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Daily (A350)* AI 983 Mumbai BOM 20:25 · 21:55 DXB Dubai * AI 984 Dubai DXB 23:40 · 04:20+1 BOM Mumbai

Mumbai – Dubai will be Air India’s second international Airbus A350 route, after Delhi – Dubai.

AuroraThe carrier will open a new international connection from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk beginning June 11th. In line with its website, services will be available until late August.

Tuesday* HZ 4696 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk UUS 23:30 · 00:25+1 PKX Beijing

Wednesday* HZ 4697 Beijing PKX 01:35 · 08:05 UUS Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Harbin is currently its only international destination to/from the Russian city. The other connections are Blagoveshchensk, Iturup, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Okha, Petropavlovsk, Shakhtyorsk, Sovetskaya, Tymovskoye and Yuzhno-Kurilsk, all in Russia.

Bhutan AirlinesFrom September, the airline plans to add services to Bangalore and Mumbai.

Operations will be combined with Kolkata, using Airbus A319-100 aircraft in both cases.

Mumbai · September 24thMonday

B3 738 Paro PBH 15:15 · 15:55 CCU Kolkata
B3 738 Kolkata CCU 16:25 · 19:05 BOM Mumbai
B3 739 Mumbai BOM 08:35 · 12:20 PBH Paro (Tuesday)

Thursday

B3 738 Paro PBH 10:30 · 11:10 CCU Kolkata
B3 738 Kolkata CCU 11:40 · 14:20 BOM Mumbai
B3 739 Mumbai BOM 04:00 · 07:40 PBH Paro (Friday)

Map by gcmap.comBangalore · September 25thTuesday

B3 738 Paro PBH 15:15 · 15:55 CCU Kolkata
B3 738 Kolkata CCU 16:25 · 19:05 BLR Bangalore
B3 739 Bangalore BLR 04:00 · 07:40 PBH Paro

Friday

B3 738 Paro PBH 10:30 · 11:10 CCU Kolkata
B3 738 Kolkata CCU 11:40 · 14:20 BLR Bangalore
B3 739 Bangalore BLR 04:00 · 07:40 PBH Paro (Saturday)

Cambodia Angkor AirPhnom Penh – Da Nang, Cambodia Angkor Air’s new route.

Effective July 11th, lights are scheduled twice a week with 186-seat Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Thursday and Sunday* K6 846 Phnom Penh PNH 10:20 · 11:35 DAD Da Nang * K6 847 Da Nang DAD 12:25 · 13:40 PNH Phnom Penh

Map by gcmap.comGuangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Nanning, Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Zhengzhou are the current routes of Cambodia Angkor Air in Phnom Penh. For its part, the airline operates to Da Nang from Siem Reap.

Cebu PacificStarting July 16th, Cebu Pacific will launch services between Manila and Bangkok (DMK). As stated on its website, the carrier will offer three weekly flights on this route using 180-seat Airbus A320-200 jets.

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* 5J 863 Manila MNL 19:25 · 22:00 DMK Bangkok * 5J 864 Bangkok DMK 23:00 · 03:40+1 MNL Manila

China EasternFor the following month, China Eastern Airlines will be flying between Beijing Daxing and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

The first operation will be on May 27th, according to its website. These services will be carried out on Airbus A320s with a capacity of 158 passengers in single class, until late June.

Daily except Thursday* MU 2071 Beijing PKX 19:15 · 23:20 BKK Bangkok

Daily except Friday* MU 2072 Bangkok BKK 00:40 · 06:35 PKX Beijing

Thai Vietjet Air currently operates one daily frequency between the two airports with A320 airplanes.

China SouthernThe airline will open five new international routes from China between June and July.

Map by gcmap.com Harbin (HRB) – Hong Kong (HKG): 2 weekly · June 2nd * Zhengzhou (CGO) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL): 7 weekly · June 20th * Guangzhou (CAN) – Islamabad (ISB): 3 weekly · June 25th * Guangzhou (CAN) – Budapest (BUD): 4 weekly · June 27th * Beijing (PKX) – Singapore (SIN): 7 weekly · July 1st*

In addition, last May 11th, China Southern Airlines inaugurated its services between Shenzhen and Mexico City. We will talk more about this in the Latin America report.

China WestAt 19:39 on May 16th, China West Airlines’ first flight from Chongqing landed in Hanoi. The company will offer two frequencies per week on Airbus A320s.

Tuesday and Saturday* PN 6575 Chongqing CKG 18:55 · 20:00 HAN Hanoi * PN 6576 Hanoi HAN 21:00 · 00:15+1 CKG Chongqing

In the next Asia/Oceania report, we will mention two new routes that China West will inaugurate in mid-June.

EmiratesAs mentioned above, the airline will have the following changes in the Asian market, all from/to Dubai:

Map by gcmap.com Kuala Lumpur (KUL): July 1st · first flight with Airbus A380 * Ahmedabad (AMD): October 27th · first flight with Airbus A350 * Mumbai (BOM): October 27th · first flight with Airbus A350 * Colombo (CMB): January 1st, 2025 · first flight with Airbus A350 * Kuala Lumpur (KUL): January 1st, 2025 · increase from 7 to 14 (A380) * Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): January 15th, 2025 · increase from 7 to 14*

Furthermore, Emirates resumed services between Dubai and Phnom Penh on May 1st. The company will operate under the following schedule, in accordance with our database:

Daily* EK 348 Dubai DXB 02:30 · 14:05 SIN Singapore * EK 348 Singapore SIN 15:35 · 16:35 PNH Phnom Penh * EK 349 Phnom Penh PNH 20:50 · 23:50 SIN Singapore * EK 349 Singapore SIN 01:40 · 04:55 DXB Dubai (following day)

Iran AirtourIran Airtour’s Airbus A310-324, registered EP-MDH, entered service last May 12th. The Iranian airline had incorporated this 33-year-old aircraft in May 2023, following its retirement from Mahan Air.

Fleet Airbus A300-600: 4 * Airbus A310-300: 4 * Airbus A320-200: 1 * McDonnell Douglas MD-82: 5 * McDonnell Douglas MD-83: 1 * McDonnell Douglas MD-87:* 1

Jetstar JapanOn May 8th, the Japanese carrier began international operations with Airbus A321LRs.

The Tokyo Narita – Shanghai Pudong route will be offered between two and three weekly times as follows:

GK 035 Tokyo NRT 22:25 · 00:50+1 PVG Shanghai
GK 036 Shanghai PVG 02:05 · 06:20 NRT Tokyo

Jetstar Japan also operates this leg on Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Korean AirAs of July 19th, the South Korean carrier will offer three services a week between Jeju and Tokyo Narita. Operations will be performed with 173-seat Boeing 737-900ER planes.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* KE 2125 Jeju CJU 13:05 · 15:35 NRT Tokyo * KE 2126 Tokyo NRT 16:35 · 19:25 CJU Jeju

The Japanese capital will be Korean Air’s first international destination from Jeju, as its current destinations are Busan, Cheongju, Daegu, Gwangju, Jinju, Seoul Gimpo, Ulsan and Yeosu. Busan and Seoul Incheon are its connections from Tokyo Narita.

Lao AirlinesGuangzhou, new Lao Airlines destination.

The company began flights from Pakse, Laos, on May 19th using Airbus A320 aircraft.

Sunday* QV 888 Pakse PKZ 23:05 · 02:05+1 CAN Guangzhou

Monday* QV 889 Guangzhou CAN 03:05 · 04:05 PKZ Pakse

Current routes – PakseMap by gcmap.com Guangzhou (CAN): 1 weekly · Airbus A320 (Lao Airlines) * Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 3 weekly · ATR 72 (Lao Airlines) * Luang Prabang (LPQ): 3 weekly · ATR 72 (Lao Airlines) * Siem Reap (SAI): 3 weekly · ATR 72 (Lao Airlines) * Vientiane (VTE): 17 weekly · A320/ATR 72 (Lao Airlines) * Vientiane (VTE): 2 weekly · Xian MA-60 (Lao Skyway)*

Malaysia AirlinesThe airline announced the expansion of its network, with the opening of three new international connections from Kuala Lumpur (all with Boeing 737-800s):

Map by gcmap.com Male (MLE): 7 weekly · August 1st * Chiang Mai (CNX): 5 weekly · August 15th * Da Nang (DAD): 7 weekly · September 24th*

Myanmar Airways InternationalMAI plans to launch operations between Yangon and Doha from June 1st. Services will be on 140-seat Airbus A319s, under this schedule:

Tuesday and Saturday* 8M 120 Yangon RGN 14:30 · 17:50 DOH Doha * 8M 121 Doha DOH 18:50 · 04:30+1 RGN Yangon

MAI Routes to/from YangonMap by gcmap.comCambodia

Phnom Penh (PNH): 3 weekly · Embraer 190

China

Guangzhou (CAN): 3 weekly · Airbus A319
Kunming (KMG): 5 weekly · Airbus A320

India

Chennai (MAA): 1 weekly · Embraer 190
Delhi (DEL): 3 weekly · A319/E190
Kolkata (CCU): 2 weekly · Airbus A319

Laos

Vientiane (VTE): 1 weekly · Airbus A319

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur (KUL): 12 weekly · A319/A320

Myanmar

Dawei (TVY): 1 weekly · Embraer 190
Mandalay (MDL): 8 weekly · A319/E190
Myeik (MGZ): 5 weekly · Embraer 190
Myitkyina (MYT): 5 weekly · Embraer 190

Singapore

Singapore (SIN): 14 weekly · Airbus A320

South Korea

Seoul (ICN): 3 weekly · Airbus A319

Thailand

Bangkok (BKK): 31 weekly · Airbus A320
Bangkok (DMK): 19 weekly · A319/A320/E190
Chiang Mai (CNX): 3 weekly · Embraer 190
Phuket (HKT): 1 weekly · Embraer 190

United Arab Emirates

Dubai (DXB): 4 weekly · Airbus A319

Vietnam

Hanoi (HAN): 2 weekly · A319/E190
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 3 weekly · A319/E190

Nauru AirlinesThe company expands its services to Australia with a new route from Palau.

At the time of publication, Nauru Airlines will perform this route once per week by Boeing 737-800 with capacity for 189 passengers.

Tuesday (first flight May 21st)* ON 80 Brisbane BNE 23:30 · 04:30+1 ROR Airai

Wednesday (first flight May 22nd)* ON 81 Airai ROR 22:30 · 05:30+1 BNE Brisbane

Nauru Airlines is the only carrier operating between Australia and Palau.

Qanot SharqAs of June 23rd, the Uzbek airline intends to inaugurate flights between Tashkent and Shanghai Pudong, which will be operated with a weekly frequency on Airbus A320s.

Sunday* HH 3311 Tashkent TAS 14:00 · 23:55 PVG Shanghai

Monday* HH 3312 Shanghai PVG 01:30 · 06:30 TAS Tashkent

Fergana, Jeddah, Moscow, Namangan, Nha Trang, Phuket, Samarkand and Sharm el-Sheikh are Qanot Sharq’s current routes from/to Tashkent.

QantasIn Q4, Qantas confirmed it will boost flights to the Asian market.

Connections to Bangalore and Singapore will have the following changes, in addition to a new start:

Map by gcmap.comBrisbane Singapore (SIN): from 7 to 9 · October 27th * Manila (MNL): 4 weekly · effective October 28th*

Sydney Bangalore (BLR): from 5 to 7 weekly · December 12th * Singapore (SIN): from 7 to 8 weekly · October 30th*

On the other hand, the airline will discontinue services between Sydney and Shanghai from July 28th. It currently operates five times a week using Airbus A330-300s.

Somon AirThe Tajik carrier launched services between Khujand and Urumqi in mid-May. At the time of publication, Somon Air will offer a weekly flight on 189-seat Boeing 737-800s.

Thursday* SZ 159 Khujand LBD 21:00 · 02:40+1 URC Urumqi

Friday* SZ 160 Urumqi URC 04:00 · 03:40 LBD Khujand

Somon Air has six aircraft in its fleet (4 Boeing 737-800 and 2 Boeing 737-900).

SpiceJetEffective May 31st, the Indian low cost airline will have a daily frequency between Delhi and Phuket. These services will be operated on Sky Angkor Airlines’ leased Airbus A320s with the following schedule:

Daily* SG 89 Delhi DEL 09:00 · 15:15 HKT Phuket * SG 90 Phuket HKT 16:15 · 19:20 DEL Delhi

From Delhi, Bangkok is the carrier’s only current destination in Thailand, which is offered once a day with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Spring AirlinesThe Chinese low cost carrier will add a new route to Vietnam as of July 6th.

According to its website, Spring Airlines will operate four weekly between Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday* 9C 7557 Shanghai PVG 14:35 · 17:55 SGN Ho Chi Minh City * 9C 7558 Ho Chi Minh City SGN 18:55 · 23:55 PVG Shanghai

Tigerair TaiwanDuring July, the Taiwanese airline will begin three new connections from Taichung, which will be carried out by Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Nagoya · July 1stMonday and Friday

IT 778 Taichung RMQ 11:55 · 15:45 NGO Nagoya
IT 779 Nagoya NGO 16:45 · 18:50 RMQ Taichung

Tokyo Narita · July 2ndTuesday, Thursday and Sunday

IT 790 Taichung RMQ 08:20 · 12:40 NRT Tokyo
IT 791 Tokyo NRT 13:40 · 15:55 RMQ Taichung

Busan · July 3rdWednesday and Saturday

IT 8636 Taichung RMQ 11:55 · 15:10 PUS Busan
IT 8637 Busan PUS 16:10 · 17:35 RMQ Taichung

Xiamen AirlinesXiamen Air’s operations between Quanzhou and Bangkok (BKK) will commence on June 15th.

In accordance with its website, services will have three frequencies per week on Boeing 737-800s with 189 seats.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* MF 8693 Quanzhou JJN 09:40 · 12:00 BKK Bangkok * MF 8694 Bangkok BKK 13:00 · 17:20 JJN Quanzhou

Current Xiamen Air routes in Bangkok and QuanzhouMap by gcmap.comBangkok

Fuzhou (FOC): 7 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Xiamen (XMN): 21 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Quanzhou (international routes)

Davao City (DVO): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Hong Kong (HKG): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Macau (MFM): 7 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Manila (MNL): 7 weekly · Boeing 737-800

With respect to new additions (some of which are not new from the factory), we have the following airlines that have taken delivery of aircraft during the last month.

Air India (x3)
Air India Express (x2)
Chengdu Airlines
China Airlines
China Southern (x3)
FlyArystan
Garuda Indonesia
Hainan Airlines
IndiGo (x3)
Korean Air
Pegasus
Shandong Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Virgin Australia

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A350-941 | Singapore | 9V-SJH | TLS-SIN | April 19th | | Airbus A321-253NX | China Southern | B-32GQ | XFW-NQZ-CAN | April 23rd | | Airbus A321-251NX | Pegasus | TC-RDO | TLS-SAW | April 24th | | Airbus A321-272NX | Korean Air | HL8557 | TLS-TAS-GMP | April 25th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Shandong Airlines | B-223U | BFI-HNL-GUM-TNA | April 25th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXM | BFI-KEF-KWI-HYD | April 27th | | Airbus A350-941 | Air India | VT-JRF | TLS-DEL | April 30th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXZ | BFI-KEF-KWI-HYD | April 30th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Chengdu Airlines | B-32GM | XFW-ASB-CTU | April 30th | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IQW | TLS-DEL | April 30th | | Airbus A321-253NX | China Southern | B-32GR | XFW-URC-CAN | May 1st | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Hainan Airlines | B-225J | BFI-HNL-GUM-HAK | May 1st | | Airbus A320-251N | Air India | VT-RTZ | TLS-DEL | May 2nd | | Airbus A321-271NX | China Airlines | B-18115 | XFW-DWC-BKK-TPE | May 2nd | | Airbus A320-251N | IndiGo | VT-IXA | TLS-DEL | May 7th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Virgin Australia | VH-8IF | BFI-MLBMLB-ONT-KOA-BNE | May 8thMay 18th | | Boeing 787-9 | China Southern | B-20EL | PAE-CAN | May 12th | | Boeing 777-212(ER) | Garuda Indonesia | N771KW | MCI-LCA-CGK-KNO | May 12th | | Airbus A350-941 | Air India | VT-JRI | TLS-DEL | May 13th | | Airbus A321-251NX | IndiGo | VT-ICP | XFW-DEL | May 14th | | Airbus A320-271N | FlyArystan | EI-KFB | TLS-ALA | May 15th |

*It is not new from the factory.

Eastern Airlines’ Boeing 777-212(ER), registration N771KW, will operate for Garuda Indonesia under this same registry.

Following the cessation of Bonza, its Boeing 737 MAX 8s are now returning to their lessors. For more information about the planes that were part of Bonza’s fleet, you can click here.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub
China-Australia flights approaching pre-pandemic levels

Cover photo: ToanLa – JetPhotos (Singapore).

The post Emirates expands its Asia presence appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Runways – an essential part of the equation when it comes to operating fixed wing aircraft. Not only do aircraft need a runway to operate at all, but they also need a runway long enough to take off or land. As such, we need to know how long that runway is. This is not as simple as getting your tape measure out and measuring the entire length of the surface. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires ‘declared distances’ for runways, which are published in the county’s Aeronautical information Publication (AIP). Let’s take a look at those declared distances and what they mean.

There are three key terms that define the different sections of the area we generally think of as ‘the runway’ that we need to understand first, as defined by ICAO.

The RunwayThe Runway is defined as a “Rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft”. Notice that this doesn’t actually specify tarmac. Runways can vary vastly in length and surface material, but we will assume a paved runway for the sake of this explainer.

Runways are typically measured in meters, though in North America it is more common to use feet. That said, both of these are printed on airport charts.

The StopwayThe Stopway is an area placed immediately after the runway that is used by the aircraft in the event of a rejected takeoff, and as such it must be strong enough to support the aircraft without damaging it. The Stopway area is built of the same material and has to be at least the same width as the rest of the runway.

As Stopways have limited use and are expensive to construct, it can prove more cost effective for an airport to simply build a full-strength runway that functions with Stopway space in both directions. Stopways are marked with a series of yellow chevrons.

The ClearwayThe Clearway is a defined area beyond the paved surface of the Runway and Stopway. This area must be managed by the airport and is typically on airport-owned land.The aircraft is never intended to be on the ground in this area under normal circumstances, but will be in its initial climb when passing over it. It must be free of obstacles and an aircraft must be able to reach a certain rate of climb over it. The size of the unobstructed area at the end of a runway may influence a pilot’s decision on how much flap to use (as a takeoff with flaps extended reduces the takeoff roll but also reduces the rate of climb).

The Clearway observed at London Heathrow Airport’s runway 27R/09LAccording to The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Clearways must be at least 150 meters (500 ft) wide and the practical limit for clearway length is 300 meters (1,000 ft). It is interesting to note that the clearway can be on land or water.

New York’s La Guardia (LGA) is a great example of a Clearway on water.A recent example of an aircraft entering the Clearway during a landing occurred on October 23, 2022, when Korean Air Flight 631 suffered a landing overrun. The image below shows the approximate location of the aircraft when it came to a stop in the Clearway.

Click hereKorean Air flight 631 suffers runway overrun in CebuDeclared distancesNow that we understand the runway areas, let’s have a look at how we measure them to calculate the available takeoff, landing, and stopping distances that pilots need to know.

Takeoff Run Available (TORA)The TORA is the total length of runway suitable to handle the aircraft’s takeoff run. This is often equal to the Landing Distance Available (LDA), unless there is a displaced threshold, which landing aircraft must land beyond. The TORA length cannot include the stopway or the clearway, and will be 15% shorter than the entire runway length.

Takeoff Distance Available (TODA)Takeoff Distance Available (TODA) is a measurement that adds the Stopway to the Takeoff Run Available distance. If the airport does not have a clearway, the TORA and TODA are the same.

Landing Distance Available (LDA)The Landing Distance Available (LDA) is the portion of the surface that is declared fit for the normal landing of an aircraft. This begins at the runway threshold and ends before the stopway.

Accelerated Stop Distance Available (ASDA)This is the measure we are interested in for the event of a rejected takeoff or a landing overrun. The ASDA distance adds the Stopway to the TORA (during takeoff) or LDA (during landing) distance, telling us how far we have to safely stop.

Why are these important?In short, safety. Before takeoff and landing, pilots conduct performance calculations that take into account factors such as the aircraft’s mass, wind and outside air temperature to calculate the distances required to safely takeoff and land. These are compared with declared distances above to ensure the runway is long enough to do so.

Cover photo: Andrea Spoladore, JetPhotos

The post How do you measure a runway? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On 19 May, the Bell 412 helicopter carrying Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and other Iranian officials crashed near the Iran-Azerbaijan border. The officials were returning after the opening of a new dam on the border. Initial efforts to find the crash site were hampered by poor weather, including heavy fog.

Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı sent to find crash siteLate in the day on 19 May, a Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı uncrewed aerial vehicle (UCAV) was sent from Iran to the area where the helicopter was believed to have crashed. Arriving on station at approximately 21:45 UTC the aircraft began a search pattern above the mountainous terrain. The Akıncı departed the area at 03:00 UTC after locating the crash site.

The Akıncı returns to TurkeyAfter completing its mission in Iran, the Akıncı returned home where it drew a star and crescent above Lake Van in eastern Türkiye.

In total, 2.8 million people follow a portion of the flight on Flightradar24. As the search commenced, 208,000 people were following the Akıncı.

The post Nearly 3 million people track Turkish UCAV SAR mission in Iran appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, the US Department of Justice finds Boeing violated the terms of its 2021 deferred prosecution agreement and Congress passes the FAA reauthorization and we dig in to see what’s inside. Plus IndiGo could expand its fleet even further with an order for 100 regional aircraft.

Please check back soon to download a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 268: Not-so-deferred prosecution? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Put an experienced pilot in any airplane and chances are they will be able to fly it, albeit fairly roughly. That is because all airplanes follow the same laws of aerodynamics and gravity: pull back, they go up, push forward they go down, chop the wings off and they go down very fast. But we are currently flying in the ‘fourth generation’ of commercial aircraft, which means beyond the base aerodynamic rules of science, there are some significant systems inside helping them fly.

So, just how different are Boeing and Airbus?

Fly-by-wireFly-by-wire is “relatively” new to Boeing. It was first implemented in their 777 series aircraft back in 1994, and is currently only on the 777 and 787 series (although the 737 MAX does have a fly-by-wire spoiler system). Airbus started wiring up their aircraft all the way back in 1988, and it can be found in all their aircraft series from the A320 family up to the A380.

Fly-by-wire actually dates back to 1934 and a chap called Karl Otto Altvater. He developed and tested a system in a Heinkel He 11 which controlled the aircraft by electrical impulses.

How does it all work though?

Control cables and pulleys visible under the main deck of a 727 undergoing heavy maintenance.Well, it replaces conventional manual flight controls with an electrical interface. In old-school aircraft, if the pilot moves the control column that directly moves the control surface via some big old pulley systems. In fly-by-wire, the control input from the pilot is converted to an electrical signal and flight control computers determine how much to move actuators to achieve the demanded movement or rate of movement.

The benefits are reduced weight (no more heavy cables), more redundancy and safety (if cables or controls break there isn’t much you can do about it) and stability and control benefits (if things get ‘upset’, it can sort itself out via its computer brain).

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: The same way you would a conventional aircraft. Pull back to go up, push forward to go down, and move the column/stick left and right to turn.

Feedback and trimWhich brings us into feedback and trim – in other words, what does the pilot ‘feel’? This is a big difference between Boeing and Airbus, because Boeing fly-by-wire aircraft still provide some feedback and ‘feel’ to the pilots, while Airbus does not.

The 787, Boeing’s “newest” design is fully fly-by-wire but still requires the pilot to ‘trim for speed’ – this gives them a sense of changing speed with the control column growing “heavier”, requiring them to adjust the trim. The benefit of this is more awareness of what the aircraft is doing. The pilot also gets ‘feedback’ in terms of what the other pilot is doing while hand flying.

Airbus does not require trim, and there is no feedback on the side stick to indicate what the other pilot is doing while flying. This requires a higher level of PFD (primary flight display) monitoring, and has been attributed to several accidents and incidents.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: Boeing needs more monitoring of whether it is ‘in trim’, and to trim it you use the thumb switches on the control column. With an engine failure on a non-fly-by-wire that is going to be down to you. Even with the autopilot engaged, if the rudder isn’t in trim, it is going to drift off course. Airbus helps you out a lot more, but without any feedback, you need to continuously monitor what it/ the other pilot is doing.

Stick vs yokeThe 737 MAX flight deck on the left with the A320 family flight deck on the right, showcasing the Yoke vs Stick approaches to the flight deckWe can’t really move on without mentioning one of the most obvious differences between the two – how the pilot “holds” the aircraft. A Boeing has the conventional control column that sits in front of each pilot, while an Airbus has a side stick system, which sits to the side of each pilot.

Pilots tend to train in light aircraft with conventional control columns so the side stick takes a bit of getting used to. It requires a very specific seat position to ensure the lower arm and hand are in the correct position for smooth control. Movements have to be ‘small and smooth’, and there can be a tendency to ‘stir the pot’ – this is when the pilot starts to move the stick loads without actually much corresponding movement from the aircraft. Airbus pilots are often reminded to “just let go” which allows the aircraft to stabilize itself. Boeing fly-by-wire aircraft also require ‘small and smooth’ movements, but the conventional column tends to result in less over controlling.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: The basics remain the same but be careful when rotating or flaring an Airbus - the movement on the side stick (until you have experience) can feel less natural and over and under rotation/flare can occur more easily.

Other bits that moveThe thrust levers in the Boeing also move while the auto throttle system is controlling it. Airbus thrust levers do not move while the auto thrust is engaged, and while the pilot is using manual thrust, the range of movement of the levers ‘feels’ a lot smaller. Boeing has a more conventional feel to it. Other differences in the thrust system comes more down to engine types.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: Manually, you push forward to speed up and pull back to slow down.

Oh, and Boeing light switches are upside down (spoken by an Airbus pilot) - to turn lights on you flick them up, in an Airbus you push them down.

View more than 31,000 flight deck photos on JetPhotosAll cockpits look the sameAt least they do in an Airbus, sort of. Airbus designed their aircraft to be as similar as possible, allowing pilots to move between types with minimal type rating courses required. Several Airbus are also considered a ‘common type rating’ meaning you get one on your license and you get the other as well.

However, while the philosophy and systems between Airbus are the same, each still requires specific training. While an A320 pilot could sit in an A380 and know what they are looking at, the differences in weight, internal systems, etc. still need to be learned.

The Boeing 777 and 787 are considered a common type rating, but the same applies with regards specific differences training, particularly as the 787 has some big design distinctions in terms of things like its electrical (its big and complicated) and pneumatic (it doesn’t actually have one) systems. A pilot who has flown a 737 for example, could do a shorter course onto a 777 or 787 but there are more significant differences between the two than between an A320 and an A380.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: Read on to learn more.

Dark vs lightYou may hear ex-Boeing (now Airbus) pilots saying they’ve moved over to the Dark Side. That’s not because all pilots are Star Wars geeks (ok, a fair few are), but is down to what Airbus refer to as their ‘Dark Cockpit Philosophy’. Basically, if a switch (or its associated system) is doing what it should be doing then the light on the button stays out. If it has a fault or is switched off (and should be on), then it is lit.

Boeing has more of a ‘transparent’ approach, which ties in with its philosophy (more about that coming up).

Airbus’ “dark cockpit philosophy” on display in a Vueling A320.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: If it’s an Airbus, make sure there are no white lights. If it’s a Boeing, read what the lights say.

PhilosophyThe philosophy relates to how the manufacturer intends the pilot to “manage” the aircraft when it comes to safety. For Boeing, their philosophy is to keep the pilot in control as much as possible. That doesn’t mean not having an autopilot and making the pilot work really hard, but it does mean the pilot has to direct the aircraft more.

Airbus still hold the pilot ultimately responsible for safety, but they integrate automation into everything just a little more, with higher levels of protection (coming up next). Airbus’ Golden Rules are actually fairly similar to Boeing though – they expect the pilot to fly the aircraft as is needed to keep it safe, expect the crew to use appropriate levels of automation, to understand what is going on when using automation and to act if it isn’t doing what you want it to do.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: Let the systems support you but if it isn’t doing what you want it to, do it yourself!

Laws and ProtectionsOne of the design and philosophy differences between Boeing and Airbus lies in the protection systems incorporated into the automation. The more modern you get, the more the aircraft has protections in it to look out for the pilot. Things like stall warning systems, bank angle warnings, that sort of thing.

The BIG difference between Airbus and Boeing though is that Airbus has ‘hard protections’. That means, when all is working as it should, if you try to stall an Airbus, it will actively try to prevent you. Pull full back, chop the power and hold it until it approaches stall speed and you will get a whole bunch of warnings, and then the autopilot and thrust will take over, adding power, actively dropping the nose and ignoring your commands on the side stick. Boeing gives you all the warnings and will even add power and make the control column heavier and heavier, but if you continue to force it, it will let you stall.

A common misconception with Airbus, because of these hard protections, is that you can’t stall it, you can’t over bank it etc. Unfortunately, an Airbus is subject to the same laws of gravity and aerodynamics, as AF447 fatally discovered. When you turn off (or lose) all the clever systems and get back to the basics (known as direct law) then it loses all those protections and does function just like any other aircraft.

The warnings and protection systems you get in Boeing and Airbus are fairly similar, other than the relative ‘hardness’ of them. Both will warn you if approaching a stall, an overspeed, a big bank angle etc. They also both include standard systems like TCAS (traffic collision avoidance), EGPWS (enhanced ground proximity warning), predictive and reactive wind shear systems to name but a few.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: Know that an Airbus, when working normally, is going to protect you a little more than a Boeing, but ultimately, if you’re the pilot, you’re responsible for not flying it badly.

Memory itemsAirbus and Boeing both require pilots to memorize a set of immediate actions to deal with time critical events. These are called ‘memory items’ (or actions) and there are a lot of similarities between the two.

First up, both have the ‘standard ones’ – TCAS, rapid depressurization, unreliable airspeed, stall (and upset prevention and recovery training), EGPWS, wind shear. However, there are minor differences within these. The A350, having the most advanced systems, can also handle some of these itself (emergency decent and some UPRT events), and more modern Airbus can automatically fly a TCAS for you, while even the 787 still requires the pilot to disconnect and fly the maneuver manually.

There are some which are specific to Boeing or Airbus as well though. For example, Airbus has ‘Loss of Braking memory’ items for all types while Boeing does not.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: Mostly the same way. If it goes pop, get an oxygen mask on and point the aircraft down. If it yells “terrain” at you, get it flying upwards (fast and full power). If it yells anything at you really, you’re going to do what you can to stop it yelling, and in most cases what that involves is pretty similar between types.

ECAM, EICAS and electronic checklistsWhen things do go wrong, how does each aircraft deal with it?

Boeing have a system known as Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) and Airbus have something called Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM). Both present engine system information and have the ability to warn or alert the crew to ‘stuff that’s happening’ with all the most critical aircraft systems.

ECAM messages in the center screen on the A380ECAM and EICAS both have the ability to bring up electronic checklists to help the pilots deal with failures as well, and these might look a bit different, but are actually pretty similar when you get down to it. They tend to be color coded for severity and lead the pilots through buttons and switches they need to press to try and troubleshoot or fix the issue. When it comes to the warnings themselves, red is bad for both, amber is a caution level (so less serious), but Airbus does have a more refined level of color coding for everything else and is slightly more advanced with how it prioritizes failures and associated checklists.

So how do you ‘fly’ each of them: In the most modern, the electronic checklist systems are fairly similar and you follow what they tell you to do.

Anything else?

How long do you have? Airbus and Boeing both have some systems and design traits very specific to their aircraft types.

So which do pilots prefer?

There are a whole load of arguments for each, ranging from system abilities to aesthetics to which can fly the fastest or the furthest. Both are advanced, extremely safe and have various things which make them extremely enjoyable to fly for the pilots.

So, we’ll leave the debate to you…

The post Inside Boeing and Airbus: what’s the difference? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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After a four and a half year suspension, Delta Air Lines will resume transatlantic flights from Tampa. Operations will be performed during the winter season, with Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

The airline will have services between Tampa and Amsterdam beginning October 26th. As reported in the press release, Delta will offer a daily frequency through April 2025 since it will be a seasonal route, at the time of publication.

Tampa will become the U.S. carrier’s tenth connection in Amsterdam, following Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP), New York (JFK), Orlando (MCO), Portland (PDX), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Seattle (SEA). The operations from/to Orlando are carried out during winter, and the rest are year-round.

“By seamlessly linking Amsterdam’s vibrant international hub—Delta’s most-served airport in Europe—with Tampa Bay’s renowned beaches, Delta is offering customers a gateway to explore the best of Europe and America,” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. “With our premium amenities and extensive global network, travelers will have a lot to enjoy during the winter travel season.”

According to our database, Delta Air Lines currently has 119 weekly flights to/from the Netherlands capital:

Atlanta (ATL): 21 weekly
Boston (BOS): 14 weekly
Detroit (DTW): 21 weekly
Minneapolis (MSP): 21 weekly
New York (JFK): 14 weekly
Portland (PDX): 7 weekly
Salt Lake City (SLC): 7 weekly
Seattle (SEA): 14 weekly

Map by gcmap.com

| Route | Weekly seats (per leg) | Aircraft used | | --- | --- | --- | | ATL-AMS | 5.873 | A333/A359 | | BOS-AMS | 3.948 | Airbus A330-300 | | DTW-AMS | 5.922 | Airbus A330-300 | | MSP-AMS | 5.922 | Airbus A330-300 | | JFK-AMS | 3.941 | A333/A339 | | PDX-AMS | 1.974 | Airbus A330-300 | | SLC-AMS | 1.967 | Airbus A330-900neo | | SEA-AMS | 3.934 | Airbus A330-900neo | | TOTAL (currently) | 33.481 | A333/A339/A359 | | Seasonal routes | - | - | | MCO-AMS | 1.974 | Airbus A330-300 | | TPA-AMS | 1.974 | Airbus A330-300 |

Delta’s schedule between Tampa and AmsterdamDaily

DL 236 Tampa TPA 19:55 · 10:45+1 AMS Amsterdam
DL 237 Amsterdam AMS 12:35 · 16:55 TPA Tampa

These operations will be conducted on Airbus A330-300s offering four Delta products: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin, which have a 282-seat configuration.

Delta Air Lines’ last services on this route had been during summer 2019 with Boeing 767-300(ER) jets.

Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lisbon, London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Madrid, Milan, Munich, Nice, Paris, Prague, Reykjavik, Rome, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Venice and Zurich are part of Delta’s current network in Europe.

Regarding countries, the company operates to Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

At present, Delta has almost 1,000 aircraft in its fleet and an order for 17 to be incorporated in the short term.

As for Airbus A330s, between the three versions, it has 69: Airbus A330-223: 11 (ex Northwest Airlines) * Airbus A330-323: 21 (ex Northwest Airlines) * Airbus A330-302: 10 * Airbus A330-941*: 27

The average age of its A330s is 11 years.

Delta’s joint venture partners further enhance connectivity options for travelers from and to Florida. Air France offers flights between Miami and Paris, while Virgin Atlantic serves from Miami and Tampa to London Heathrow (LHR) as well as from Orlando to Manchester and LHR.

With respect to other connections in the Tampa-Europe market, British Airways, Discover Airlines and Edelweiss Air have flights from London Gatwick, Frankfurt and Zurich, respectively. British operates with Boeing 777s, Discover uses Airbus A330s and Edelweiss serves on Airbus A340s.

Currently, Tampa has 23 flights a week to Europe between the four operating carriers (British Airways, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss Air and Virgin Atlantic).

In addition to Europe, Cancún, George Town, Hamilton, Havana, Marsh Harbour, Montreal, Nassau, Panama City, Punta Cana, San José del Cabo, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, St. John’s and Toronto are part of the international schedule from/to Tampa.

To read other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub
China-Australia flights approaching pre-pandemic levels

Cover photo: Krisztian Hertfelder – JetPhotos (Amsterdam, Netherlands).

The post Delta taps holiday-makers with Tampa-Amsterdam resumption appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Lufthansa City Airlines, the new carrier of the Lufthansa Group, began ticket sales on April 24th. Services will start next June 26th, with the Munich – Birmingham route.

The airline will operate with 3 Airbus A319-100 configured for 144 passengers in single class. Forward-looking, Lufthansa placed an order for 40 Airbus A220-300s to be delivered to Lufthansa City Airlines, with the option to purchase 20 more.

In addition to the A220s, Lufthansa is considering the addition of new Airbus A320neo jets for its new airline in future years.

Lufthansa City’s network will expand as new aircraft are incorporated into its fleet.

Brussels Airlines presented its new livery last April 25th, during an event in the Brussels Airlines’ Maintenance & Engineering hangar, with media, employees and invited guests.

The new Belgian scheme is a tribute to the world-famous Tomorrowland music festival.

This Airbus A320neo, with registration OO-SBB, is one of Brussels Airlines’ newest aircraft in its fleet, as it was taken out of the factory in December 2023.

The following day, the airplane entered service with this new livery, on flight SN 3781 between Brussels and Tenerife.

We review other highlights of the European market during May: Air Baltic commenced flights on the Riga – Tirana route. * Air Corsica adds two routes from Milan Malpensa. * BA CityFlyer will operate new services to Split. * Bremen and Tbilisi, Austrian’s newest connections from Vienna. * British Airways will fly between Dublin and London Gatwick. * Condor inaugurated seasonal flights to Palma de Mallorca from Cologne. * Discover Airlines began summer operations between Frankfurt and Halifax. * easyJet and its new route in the France – Spain market. * First Emirates Airbus A350 destinations in Europe. * Hannover – Milan, new Eurowings route. * Fly Lili schedules 13 new connections for summer. * ITA will have services between Genoa and Olbia. * Jet2 started its fifth route to Greece from Liverpool. * Marabu Airlines inaugurated flights between Heraklion and Münster/Osnabrück. * Norwegian and its new operations on the Copenhagen – Ljubljana route. * Cardiff will be added to PLAY’s regular schedule. * Ryanair to launch new routes from October. * SkyAlps increases its connectivity from Bosnia and Herzegovina. * U.S. airlines started new routes to Europe. * Wizz Air to fly between London Gatwick and Varna.*

AeroitaliaIn early May, Aeroitalia took delivery of its ninth Boeing 737-800.

The aircraft is 13.5 years old and registered 9H-GAE. Previously, the 737 operated with Air Austral under registration F-ONGB between September 2010 and April 2024.

As well as the Boeing 737s, the Italian company has 2 ATR 72-600s in its fleet (YR-ACA and YR-ACB).

Last May 9th, the 737-800 9H-GAE entered service, with flight XZ 2513 from Rome to Alghero.

airBalticAt 13:21 on May 2nd, airBaltic’s first service arrived in Tirana from Riga, one of the airline’s hubs. Flights will be performed by Airbus A220-300 aircraft twice a week.

Thursday and Sunday* BT 469 Riga RIX 11:40 · 13:20 TIA Tirana * BT 470 Tirana TIA 14:00 · 17:40 RIX Riga

Air Baltic is the only carrier to operate this route.

Air CanadaEffective October 27th, the company will boost its services between Montreal and Barcelona. According to its website, Air Canada will increase from five to seven weekly, and will begin operations with Airbus A330-300s.

Daily* AC 822 Montreal YUL 18:00 · 07:35+1 BCN Barcelona * AC 823 Barcelona BCN 09:15 · 11:50 YUL Montreal

Current Air Canada routes to/from SpainMap by gcmap.comBarcelona

Montreal (YUL): 5 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)
Toronto (YYZ): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)

Madrid

Montreal (YUL): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Toronto (YYZ): 5 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Air CorsicaMilan Malpensa, new Air Corsica destination.

The French carrier will operate flights from/to Calvi and Figari with ATR 72-600 aircraft configured for 72 passengers.

Calvi · June 27thThursday and Sunday

XK 712 Calvi CLY 10:55 · 12:10 MXP Milan
XK 713 Milan MXP 13:10 · 14:15 CLY Calvi

Figari · July 1stMonday and Thursday

XK 710 Figari FSC 11:00 · 12:35 MXP Milan
XK 711 Milan MXP 13:25 · 14:55 FSC Figari

AustrianDuring May, Austrian Airlines launched two new routes within Europe. Bremen and Tbilisi, in Germany and Georgia respectively, will have the following schedule from the Austrian capital.

Tbilisi · May 1stWednesday, Friday and Sunday

OS 639 Vienna VIE 22:40 · 03:55+1 TBS Tbilisi

Monday, Thursday and Saturday

OS 640 Tbilisi TBS 04:50 · 06:30 VIE Vienna

Bremen · May 6thMonday, Wednesday and Thursday

OS 275 Vienna VIE 17:15 · 18:50 BRE Bremen
OS 276 Bremen BRE 19:35 · 21:10 VIE Vienna

British Airways/BA CityFlyerFrom May 20th, British will inaugurate the Dublin (DUB) – London Gatwick (LGW) route, which will be operated by Emerald Airlines’ ATR 72-600, 12 times per week.

For further information about the flights, check the airline’s website, as different schedules will be offered each day.

On the other hand, BA CityFlyer will start flying between London Stansted and Split as of September 7th. At the time of publication, operations will run until the beginning of October.

Saturday* BA 7342 London STN 12:55 · 16:20 SPU Split * BA 7343 Spilt SPU 17:05 · 18:45 STN London

BrusselsWe review Brussels Airlines’ current fleet, and future additions.

Airbus A319-100: 15
Airbus A320-200: 16
Airbus A320neo: 3 (+2 on order)
Airbus A330-300: 9 (+1 on order)

CondorThe German airline inaugurated last May 9th its seasonal flights to Palma de Mallorca from Cologne.

In accordance with our database, Condor will perform four weekly services on Airbus A320s with capacity for 180 passengers.

Check Condor’s website, as they will have different schedules on each day.

Map by gcmap.comPalma de Mallorca is the only Condor’s destination in Cologne. Meanwhile, in the Spanish city it operates to Basel, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Zurich.

DiscoverOn April 28th, Discover Airlines began seasonal operations between Frankfurt and Halifax. The Canadian city will be part of the airline’s schedule until late September.

Thursday and Sunday (currently)* 4Y 74 Frankfurt FRA 15:40 · 18:00 YHZ Halifax * 4Y 75 Halifax YHZ 19:35 · 07:05+1 FRA Frankfurt

During the peak of the high season, Discover is scheduled to offer five weekly services on this route.

As for other destinations in Canada, the German carrier has 11 flights a week between Frankfurt and Calgary.

easyJetLille – Alicante, the low cost airline’s new route.

easyJet will operate two weekly on this route with Airbus A319 aircraft, offering 312 seats per week each way.

Wednesday/Saturday (first flight was on May 1st)* U2 5523 Alicante ALC 07:10/13:05 · 09:30/15:25 LIL Lille * U2 5522 Lille LIL 10:10/16:00 · 12:35/18:25 ALC Alicante

EdelweissThe company will expand its schedule in Finland starting in December for the winter season.

Kittila and Rovaniemi will be added to the Edelweiss network from Zurich under the following schedule:

December 11th · KittilaMonday and Wednesday

WK 310 Zurich ZRH 10:20 · 15:15 KTT Kittila
WK 311 Kittila KTT 16:15 · 18:55 ZRH Zurich

December 12th · RovaniemiMonday and Thursday

WK 312 Zurich ZRH 09:25 · 14:10 RVN Rovaniemi
WK 313 Rovaniemi RVN 15:05 · 17:30 ZRH Zurich

EmiratesRecently, the airline announced the first destinations for its new Airbus A350-900, expected to enter service in September.

In this report we will focus on its routes to Europe, one of which includes the resumption of a connection that was suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

Map by gcmap.com Edinburgh (EDI): 7 weekly · November 4th * Bologna (BLQ): 7 weekly · December 1st * Lyon (LYS): 7 weekly · December 1st*

Edinburgh will be Emirates’ seventh route to the UK.

EurowingsThe carrier launched operations between Hannover and Milan Bergamo last May 6th, reaching its 14th destination from its base at Hannover Airport. Flights will be two times a week on Airbus A320s with 180 seats.

Monday/Friday* EW 3870 Hannover HAJ 07:00/18:15 · 08:35/19:50 BGY Milan * EW 3871 Milan BGY 09:20/20:30 · 11:00/22:10 HAJ Hannover

Eurowings routes to/from HannoverMap by gcmap.comCroatia

Pula (PUY): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Greece

Thessaloniki (SKG): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Italy

Bari (BRI): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Catania (CTA): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Lamezia (SUF): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Milan (BGY): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Naples (NAP): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
Olbia (OLB): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Rome (FCO): 4 weekly · Airbus A320

Kosovo

Pristina (PRN): 1 weekly · Airbus A320

Portugal

Faro (FAO): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Spain

Málaga (AGP): 4 weekly · Airbus A320
Palma de Mallorca (PMI): 18 weekly · Airbus A320

Sweden

Stockholm (ARN): 2 weekly · Airbus A320

Fly LiliDuring June and July, for the summer season, the Romanian airline confirmed the beginning of many seasonal routes from Brasov and Sibiu. These flights will be operated by Airbus A320-200:

Map by gcmap.comBrasov Istanbul (IST): 2 weekly · June 28th * Stuttgart (STR): 3 weekly · June 28th * Nuremberg (NUE): 3 weekly · June 30th * Rome (FCO): 3 weekly · June 30th * Thessaloniki (SKG): 2 weekly · June 30th * Barcelona (BCN): 2 weekly · July 20th * Bologna (BLQ): 3 weekly · July 21st * Milan (MXP): 3 weekly · July 21st*

Sibiu Barcelona (BCN): 2 weekly · July 20th * Rome (FCO): 3 weekly · July 20th * Stuttgart (STR): 3 weekly · July 20th * Milan (MXP): 3 weekly · July 21st * Nuremberg (NUE): 3 weekly · July 21st*

On May 3rd, the Airbus A320-232, registration YR-LIB, entered service under flight FL 101 between Bucharest and Antalya.

Fly Lili had incorporated this aircraft in June 2023, leased from Carlyle Aviation Partners, and performed the delivery ferry flight last May 2nd.

The airline currently has two active Airbus A320s (YR-LIA and YR-LIB).

IberiaThe company will commence a new seasonal connection between Barcelona and Strasbourg as of December 6th.

According to its website, Iberia will offer four weekly flights until early January 2025, with 100-seat CRJ-1000 aircraft.

Check the company’s booking system, as it will have different schedules each day.

Routes within Europe from/to Barcelona – IberiaMap by gcmap.com Badajoz (BJZ): 4 weekly · CRJ-1000 * Fuerteventura (FUE): 1 weekly · CRJ-1000 * León (LEN): 5 weekly · CRJ-1000 * Madrid (MAD): 77 weekly · A319/A320/A321 * Melilla (MLN): 2 weekly · ATR 72-600 * Santiago de Compostela (SCQ): 1 weekly · CRJ-1000 * Seville (SVQ): 1 weekly · CRJ-1000 * Valencia (VLC): 8 weekly · CRJ-1000*

All connections are in Spain.

ITAGenoa – Olbia, new route of ITA Airways.

Operations will begin next July 20th, and will be available during the summer season. The carrier, in accordance with its website, will provide one frequency per week on Airbus A319-100 planes with a capacity of 142 passengers.

Saturday* AZ 1233 Genoa GOA 15:20 · 16:40 OLB Olbia * AZ 1232 Olbia OLB 17:30 · 18:35 GOA Genoa

Jet2Effective May 1st, Jet2 inaugurated its fifth connection between Liverpool and Greece.

Zakynthos will have flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with Boeing 737-800 jets.

Wednesday* LS 3285 Liverpool LPL 06:25 · 12:20 ZTH Zakynthos * LS 3286 Zakynthos ZTH 13:05 · 15:00 LPL Liverpool

Jet2 routes in LiverpoolMap by gcmap.comBulgaria

Burgas (BOJ): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Cyprus

Paphos (PFO): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Greece

Corfu (CFU): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Heraklion (HER): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Kos (KGS): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Rhodes (RHO): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Zakynthos (ZTH): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Portugal

Faro (FAO): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Funchal (FNC): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Spain

Alicante (ALC): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Fuerteventura (FUE): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Gran Canaria (LPA): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Ibiza (IBZ): 3 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Lanzarote (ACE): 3 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Menorca (MAH): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Palma de Mallorca (PMI): 5 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Tenerife (TFS): 5 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Turkey

Antalya (AYT): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Bodrum (BJV): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Dalaman (DLM): 3 weekly · Boeing 737-800

KlasJetA new aircraft was added to the Lithuanian airline’s fleet on May 10th.

The 21.5-year-old Boeing 737-86J, with current registration LY-SLX, joined KlasJet leased from AviaAM Leasing. Its last operator was FlyEgypt, being retired in February 2023. Previously, it had been part of Air Berlin.

KlasJet has 13 Boeing 737s in its fleet (2 733s, 3 735s and 8 738s).

LEAV AviationBeginning September 19th, LEAV will start a new route between Germany and Spain. Operations will be carried out using Airbus A320-200s and, at the time of publication, will run until mid-October.

Thursday* KK 130 Cologne CGN 09:30 · 13:15 TFS Tenerife South * KK 131 Tenerife South TFS 14:00 · 19:30 CGN Cologne

Lufthansa City AirlinesThe Lufthansa Group announced the first routes of Lufthansa City Airlines, which will commence flights on June 26th.

Germany and the UK will be its markets in Europe, during its first stage, operated to/from Munich.

Map by gcmap.com Birmingham (BHX): June 26th * Bremen (BRE): June 26th * Düsseldorf (DUS): June 26th * Cologne (CGN): June 29th * Hannover (HAJ): June 29th*

Marabu AirlinesLast May 5th, the carrier launched its seasonal services between Heraklion and Münster/Osnabrück. Flights will be with 180-seat Airbus A320-200s, twice a week.

Wednesday/Sunday* DI 6635 Heraklion HER 06:10/06:30 · 08:25/08:55 FMO Münster * DI 6634 Münster FMO 09:35/10:05 · 13:50/14:10 HER Heraklion

It operates to Friedrichshafen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Münster/Osnabrück from the Greek city.

NorwegianAt 08:12 local time on April 29th, Norwegian’s first flight from Copenhagen arrived in Ljubljana. According to our database, the company will offer twice-weekly operations with Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Monday and Friday* D8 3754 Copenhagen CPH 06:15 · 08:05 LJU Ljubljana * D8 3755 Ljubljana LJU 08:45 · 10:40 CPH Copenhagen

PLAYCardiff, new destination for the Icelandic airline.

Starting October 10th, with a limited schedule, PLAY will operate services between Reykjavik and Cardiff on Airbus A320neo planes.

At the time of publication, operations will be until November 19th.

OG 830 Reykjavik KEF 06:45 · 09:40 CWL Cardiff
OG 831 Cardiff CWL 10:40 · 13:40 KEF Reykjavik

Flights: October 10th, 13th, 25th and 28th, November 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th and 19th.

RyanairThe ultra low cost carrier will begin several routes as of October 2024:

Map by gcmap.com Belfast (BFS) – Kaunas (KUN): 2 weekly · October 27th * Frankfurt Hahn (HHN) – Sofia (SOF): 3 weekly · October 27th * Beauvais (BVA) – Rovaniemi (RVN): 2 weekly · October 28th * Birmingham (BHX) – Lodz (LCJ): 2 weekly · October 28th * Budapest (BUD) – Liverpool (LPL): 2 weekly · October 28th * Barcelona (BCN) – Copenhagen (CPH): 4 weekly · October 29th * Birmingham (BHX) – Plovdiv (PDV): 1 weekly · November 2nd * Memmingen (FMM) – Manchester (MAN): 1 weekly · November 2nd*

SkyAlpsFor the high season, at early May, the airline commenced four new international connections from/to Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy and Germany will be the markets, and will operate as follows:

Map by gcmap.com Bari (BRI): 4 weekly · Dash * Munich (MUC): 4 weekly · Dash * Rome (FCO): 4 weekly · Dash * Verona (VRN): 4 weekly · Dash*

SkyAlps has 7 De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s in its fleet, with an average age between 13 and 19 years old.

U.S. carriersDuring May, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines began routes between the United States and Europe, which will be operated through the summer season.

However, there are still many new connections to be started by American and Delta, as well as by United, from late May, June and July (to be covered in the next European report).

AmericanDaily (Boeing 787-9 · May 6th)

AA 746 Philadelphia PHL 21:00 · 10:55+1 NCE Nice
AA 747 Nice NCE 13:00 · 15:30 PHL Philadelphia

DeltaDaily (Boeing 767-300 · May 9th)

DL 114 Minneapolis MSP 21:00 · 10:45+1 DUB Dublin
DL 115 Dublin DUB 12:00 · 14:35 MSP Minneapolis

Daily (Boeing 767-300 · May 9th)

DL 78 New York JFK 20:25 · 10:55+1 PRG Prague
DL 79 Prague PRG 12:55 · 16:15 JFK New York

Wizz AirEffective June 18th, Wizz Air will launch seasonal operations between London (LGW) and Varna. The Bulgarian city will be served from Gatwick with Airbus A321 aircraft during the summer season.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* W9 5757 London LGW 14:00/14:10/14:20 · 19:20/19:30/19:40 VAR Varna * W9 5758 Varna VAR 22:50 · 00:30+1 LGW London

Wizz Air currently offers five flights per week between London Luton and Varna on Airbus A320s.

With respect to new aircraft, we have the following European airlines that had additions to their fleets:

Air Corsica (x2)
British Airways
Condor
Corendon
easyJet (x2)
Icelandair
ITA (x4)
Lufthansa
Norwegian
Ryanair (x4)
SAS (x2)
Transavia (x3)
TUI
Wizz Air (x3)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A220-300 | ITA | EI-HHR | YMX-FCO | April 12th | | Airbus A350-941 | Lufthansa | D-AIXT | TLS-MUC | April 13th | | Airbus A320-272N | ITA | EI-HOL | TLS-FCO | April 16th | | Airbus A320-251N | easyJet | G-UZLU | TLS-LGW | April 17th | | Airbus A320-251N | SAS | EI-SCD | TLS-CPH | April 17th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Transavia | PH-YHX | XFW-AMS | April 18th | | Airbus A320-252N | Air Corsica | F-HXKC | XFW-AJA | April 19th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air | 9H-WNK | XFW-BUD | April 19th | | Airbus A320-271N | Condor | D-ANCZ | TLS-FRA | April 24th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Norwegian | SE-RTP | BFI-CPH | April 24th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Corendon | PH-CDR | BFI-AMS | April 25th | | Airbus A320-272N | ITA | EI-HOI | TLS-FCO | April 25th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJF | BFI-DUB | April 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air | 9H-WNI | XFW-BUD | April 25th | | Airbus A321-251NX | British | G-TNED | XFW-LHR | April 26th | | Airbus A320-251N | easyJet | OE-LSU | TSN-NQZ-BER | April 26th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJJ | BFI-DUB | April 29th | | Saab 2000 | Frost | OY-FSB | - | April 30th | | Airbus A321-252NX | Transavia | PH-YHA | XFW-AMS | April 30th | | Airbus A320-251N | SAS | SE-RUP | TLS-OSL | May 2nd | | ATR 72-600 | Air Corsica | F-HXKX | TLS-AJA | May 3rd | | Airbus A320-252N | Transavia | F-HXSB | TLS-ORY | May 4th | | Airbus A320-232 | Vueling | EC-ODJ | VNO-BCN | May 4th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Icelandair | TF-ICV | BFI-KEF | May 9th | | Boeing 737-89M | Aeroitalia | 9H-GAE* | FRL-FCO | May 9th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 | Ryanair | EI-IJM | BFI-DUB | May 9th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Wizz Air | 9H-WND | XFW-BUD | May 10th | | Airbus A321-271NX | ITA | EI-HXE | XFW-FCO | May 13th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | TUI | OO-TMS | PAE-BRU | May 13th |

*It is not new from the factory.

To read other published reports:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub
China-Australia flights approaching pre-pandemic levels

Cover photo: Marko Milinkovic – JetPhotos (Corfu, Greece).

The post Europe gets ready for summer with dozens of new routes appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Aircraft navigational aids, commonly referred to as navaids and beacons, are essential tools used to guide aircraft on their routes from departure to destination safely and efficiently. These aids provide crucial information regarding the aircraft’s position relative to a desired course or location. They employ a range of technologies from conventional ground-based radio signals to precise satellite-based positioning with GPS waypoints. Let’s take a look at the different types of navigational aids and the technology behind them.

A mix of conventional and GPS waypoints can be seen on the route page of this Control Display Unit.Conventional navaidsVOR (Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range)VOR, which stands for Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range, is a type of navigational aid (navaid) for aircraft. Essentially, VORs are navigation systems that utilize very high frequency radio signals emitted from ground-based beacons. These stations also broadcast their three-letter identifiers in Morse code. Given that VOR signals can cover a range of approximately 200 miles, pilots often receive signals from multiple VOR stations simultaneously. Consequently, it is crucial for pilots to correctly identify a VOR station before using it for navigation to ensure they are following the correct beacon. Additionally, some VOR stations transmit a voice signal that includes the station name along with recorded advisories.

The OCK VOR structure is located in Surrey, outside London. Image: Trevord.comNDB (Non Directional Beacon)A Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) is a type of radio beacon that functions in the Medium Frequency (MF) or Low Frequency (LF) bandwidths. NDBs emit a uniform signal in every direction. This signal includes a coded component, typically one to three letters in Morse Code, which serves as the station’s identifier. NDBs frequently play a role in Non-Precision Approach procedures. Aircraft are equipped with Automatic Direction Finding (ADF) equipment, which utilizes the bearings from NDB signals for navigational purposes.

DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) is a type of radio navigation system that calculates the slant range (distance) between an aircraft and a ground station. It does this by measuring the time delay of radio signals, which operate in the frequency range of 960 to 1215 megahertz (MHz). DME units are often combined with VORs or NDBs to provide additional distance information.

DME technology is also used as part of the instrument landing system. An ILS DME provides distance information to landing aircraft that are using the ILS’ localizer and glideslope, replacing the older system of individual outer, middle and inner markers.

Aircraft flying ILS approaches use DME signals for distance information. The number of conventional navaids (such as VORs) has declined in recent years as the prevalence of GPS-based navigation has increased. In many cases, the physical infrastructure of the beacons have been replaced by digital based waypoints using the same identifiers. With the increase in global GPS interference, some VOR infrastructure is being repurposed to act as a backup navigation service that can be used in the event of GPS outages.

GPS waypointsIn addition to conventional navaids, the world is covered in tens of thousands of GPS based waypoints. These are not based on any kind of physical infrastructure, and are used for both high altitude and low altitude navigation.

Check out our GPS Jamming MapHow to view navigation aids and GPS waypoints on Flightradar24You can view Navaids, low altitude and high altitude waypoints on Flightradar24. Head to settings, scroll down to ‘Aeronautical Charts’, and select one to add them to the map.

Navaids refer to conventional navaids as referenced above, including VOR, VOR/DME and NDBs.
High altitude waypoints are mostly used for operations 18,000 feet and above and appear on “Area charts.” Low altitude waypoints are mostly used for navigation from the surface to 18,000 ft. Whilst they will appear separately on low and high altitude charts, they can both appear on digital tabled based charts used in electronic flight bags. Holding patterns and navigation aidsYou may notice that some aircraft fly holding patterns around some navaids more than others. This is particularly prevalent in London, where inbound aircraft can be seen holding over the VOR DME stations at Lambourne (LAM), Bovingdon (BNN), Biggin Hill (BIG), Brookman’s Park (BPK), and Ockham (OCK).

How and why do aircraft hold at airports?A Eurowings flight inbound to London Heathrow flies a holding pattern over the LAM VOR DME.Navaids and GPS waypoints are an essential part of the global aviation infrastructure. Without them, we would not be able to guide aircraft to their destinations, fly holding patterns, oir manage and separate traffic. As the global influence of GPS interference increases, it will be interesting to observe the safeguards put in place to ensure the navigation and airways system operate safety.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, employees at Boeing’s 787 assembly facility in South Carolina were falsifying inspection records. Spirit Aerosystems loses nearly as much in the first quarter of 2024 as it did in all of 2023, Alaska Airlines gets some Boeing store credit, and Emirates announces where it will send its new A350s first.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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Airbus and Boeing dominate the commercial aviation industry, accounting for the vast majority of aircraft carrying passengers and cargo through the skies. With so many similarities between aircraft, it can be difficult to visually differentiate between the two. Here, we’ll take a look at the biggest clues to spotting the difference in the European and American giants’ fleets.

Flight deck windowsWhen you’re spotting at the airport (or with a long lens) one key difference between the manufacturers are the flight deck windows. On all Airbus narrow-body aircraft (with the exception of the Airbus A220) as well as the Airbus A330 and A340, you’ll find the rear flight deck window on both sides with a “missing corner” in top rear of the window.

On the other hand, Airbus’ American counterpart tends to have more angular side windows, particularly noticeable on the Boeing 737 and 777. On some older Boeing models you’ll also find “eyebrow” windows above the main windows.

In the above image of a Boeing 737, you can see that the bottom of the back cockpit windows slant downwards, something mostly prevalent on Boeing aircraft.A feature that you’ll almost never see on Boeing aircraft is the masked cockpit, present on most of Airbus’ new aircraft, namely the A350, A330neo, and A320neo family. This is a black outline on all the flight deck windows and is there to balance the temperature around the window area. However, some airlines, such as Air Canada and HiFly, have begun adding a black outline to all aircraft in their fleets for the same purpose as that of Airbus.

The latest aircraft, like this Iberia A320neo, often have masked cockpits.Aircraft enginesOn the latest Boeing aircraft, there are ridges at the rear of the engine. These are known as chevrons, and are designed to reduce engine noise. As the hot engine exhaust meets cold air, it creates turbulence, which in turn creates noise. According to NASA, these Chevrons “smooth out” the point where hot and cold jet-streams meet each other, so less noise is produced. Chevrons can be found on the engines of the Boeing 787, 747-8, 777X and 737 MAX series.

All Airbus aircraft have round engine nacelles (the housing in which the actual engine sits). But Boeing 737NGs are distinctive for their flattened nacelle bottom. This design allows the larger CFM56 engine used on the NG to sit below the wing with enough ground clearance. You can see the flattened nacelle in the 737 image above.

On the General Electric GEnx engine of this Boeing 787-9 dreamliner, you can see the chevrons lining the back part of this engine.Wings and wing tipsOn Boeing aircraft, the wings generally rise from the fuselage, angling upward toward the wingtip. Airbus aircraft tend have a flatter wing. You can see the differences in the photo below, with two Boeing aircraft taxiing for departure in Mumbai followed by two Airbus aircraft.

On both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the shapes of wing tips can vary depending on the aircraft type. However, there are a few which can be unique to either manufacturer. For example, on the older versions of Airbus narrow bodies, such as the A320ceo and the A380, Airbus features a distinct triangular wing fence. Airbus later turned to the option which lines the wings of the A320neo, the Sharklet. Sharklets attach to the wing vertically. All wing tip devices are designed to lessen the vortices created at the tip of the wing, increasing fuel efficiency.

The older version of the Airbus narrow-body fleet often has triangular wing tips.Many Boeing narrow-body aircraft have winglets, which are similar to the Sharklet on the Airbus fleet. However, some have have upgraded to split scimitar winglets, which feature a smaller part on the underside of the wing tip. These are designed to reduce drag even further. These can be found on the 737 NG, while the MAX series takes the split scimitar design even further with the MAX Advance Technology winglet.

Some Boeing narrow-bodies, such as this Transavia Boeing 737 NG, feature split scimitar winglets in order to further reduce drag.Whether its wing tips, the shape of the nose or the cockpit windows, Airbus and Boeing aircraft have their own features that stand out. Whilst it can be quite difficult to tell the aircraft apart, one thing’s for sure, you can always check your work by looking on Flightradar24.

For those who have been planespotting for a long time, what are some of your favorite ways to tell aircraft apart? Let us know in the comments below.

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Air China’s first flight from Beijing via Madrid arrived at Guarulhos airport in Sao Paulo on April 28th at 04:56 local time. Operations will be carried out twice a week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft seating 293 passengers.

Brazil and China recovered their connection after a four-year suspension due to the COVID pandemic. Until early 2020, the airline offered this same schedule.

It is the third Asian carrier to operate to Sao Paulo, following Emirates and Qatar, which provide services from Dubai and Doha, respectively.

After the assumption of the new president in December 2023, the new aviation policy in Argentina is taking its initial steps, and with it the updating of bilateral agreements with several South American countries.

Recently, Argentina signed new agreements with Brazil and Ecuador with the aim, as they comment, of increasing flights, allowing free frequencies for each country’s airlines.

With Chile, an agreement with three important points has been signed:

Free number of frequencies (for Argentine and Chilean carriers).
Argentine companies can operate domestic flights in Chile (e.g. Buenos Aires – Santiago – Concepción – Santiago – Buenos Aires).
Chilean companies can operate domestic flights in Argentina (e.g. Santiago – Buenos Aires – Córdoba – Buenos Aires – Santiago).

Operations must end in the country where they began. This new agreement aims to increase the current connectivity between both countries, which we will review later in the report.

For the first time, Argentine airlines will be able to operate domestic services in Chile, and Chilean airlines within Argentina.

We review other highlights of the Latin American market in April/May. Aerolíneas Argentinas will add a new connection from Sao Paulo. * Aeromexico to inaugurate operations between Querétaro and Atlanta. * Air Caraïbes will have non-stop flights to Sint Maarten. * avianca and its four new routes. * avianca Cargo incorporates its first Airbus A330-300(F). * Azul Conecta will have flights to Jacarepaguá from Belo Horizonte and Campinas. * Copa Airlines reaches 30 Boeing 737 MAX 9. * Delta adds frequencies between Atlanta and Cartagena. * Flybondi will open a new route in the Argentine Patagonia. * Frontier and its new connections from San Juan. * JetSMART continues its expansion in Colombia. * LATAM will start non-stop services between Santiago and Sydney. * Levu Air Cargo’s first aircraft. * SKYhigh Dominicana to fly to San Salvador. * VivaAerobus will operate between Torreón and San Antonio.*

Aerolíneas ArgentinasAs of July 1st, the company will launch services between Sao Paulo and Bariloche. Being seasonal, Aerolíneas Argentinas will operate this route until mid-September.

Daily* AR 1259 Sao Paulo GRU 09:55 · 14:40 BRC Bariloche * AR 1258 Bariloche BRC 14:30 · 18:40 GRU Sao Paulo

Aerolíneas Argentinas routes and flights between Sao Paulo and Argentina, during the South American winter (July to September):

Map by gcmap.comNon-stop

Bariloche (BRC): 7 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Buenos Aires (AEP): 35 weekly · 737/738/7M8
Córdoba (COR): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Mendoza (MDZ): 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Salta (SLA): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

With a stopover

San Martín de los Andes (CPC) via AEP: 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Ushuaia (USH) via AEP: 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800

AeromexicoQuerétaro – Atlanta, Aeromexico’s new route.

Services will return on August 5th after a five-year hiatus. The Mexican airline will have one daily frequency on Embraer 190 aircraft with capacity for 99 passengers.

Daily

AM 2710 Querétaro QRO 10:22 · 16:00 ATL Atlanta
AM 2711 Atlanta ATL 15:40 · 17:00 QRO Querétaro

Atlanta will be Aeromexico’s second U.S. connection from Querétaro. For its part, the company will reach five regular routes in the U.S. city.

Air CaraïbesThe French carrier will begin non-stop operations between Paris Orly and Sint Maarten starting in December. According to its website, Air Caraïbes will offer two flights per week on this route with 303-seat Airbus A330-200 planes.

These services will be performed during the 2024/25 winter season.

Monday and Friday* TX 520 Paris ORY 11:45 · 15:45 SXM Sint Maarten * TX 521 Sint Maarten SXM 18:45 · 07:55+1 ORY Paris

Air Caraïbes’ routes in Latin AmericaMap by gcmap.comDominican Republic/Bahamas

ORY – Santo Domingo (SDQ) – San Salvador (ZSA) – ORY: 1 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Dominican Republic

Paris (ORY) – Santo Domingo (SDQ) via PUJ: 1 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Paris (ORY) – Santo Domingo (SDQ): 5 weekly · Airbus A350-900

French Guiana

Paris (ORY) – Cayenne (CAY): 4 weekly · Airbus A350-900

Guadeloupe

Paris (ORY) – Pointe-a-Pitre (PTP): 9 weekly · Airbus A350-1000

Martinique

Fort-de-France (FDF): 9 weekly · Airbus A350-1000

Mexico

Paris (ORY) – Cancún (CUN): 3 weekly · A333/A359

In addition, the airline operates flights to/from Pointe-a-Pitre with the ATR 72-600.

Fort-de-France (FDF): 54 weekly
Sint Maarten (SFG): 41 weekly

Air ChinaWe review Air China’s schedule on the Beijing – Madrid – Sao Paulo route, the only company operating in the China – Brazil market.

Map by gcmap.comThursday and Sunday* CA 897 Beijing PEK 15:00 · 21:10 MAD Madrid * CA 897 Madrid MAD 23:15 · 05:05+1 GRU Sao Paulo

Monday and Friday* CA 898 Sao Paulo GRU 09:15 · 00:40+1 MAD Madrid * CA 898 Madrid MAD 02:40 · 19:30 PEK Beijing (Tue/Sat)

Argentina-Chile flightsThese are the current flights between Argentina and Chile, separated by airline.

Map by gcmap.comAerolíneas Argentinas Buenos Aires (AEP) – Santiago (SCL): 15 weekly · 738/7M8 * Mendoza (MDZ) – Santiago (SCL): 2 weekly · Embraer 190*

JetSMART Argentina Buenos Aires (AEP) – Santiago (SCL): 3 weekly · Airbus A320-200 * Buenos Aires (EZE) – Concepción (CCP): 3 weekly · Airbus A320-200 * Buenos Aires (EZE) – Santiago (SCL): 3 weekly · Airbus A320-200*

JetSMART Chile Santiago (SCL) – Buenos Aires (AEP): 10 weekly · A320/A320neo * Santiago (SCL) – Mendoza (MDZ): 4 weekly · A320/A320neo*

KLM Buenos Aires (EZE) – Santiago (SCL): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner*

LATAM Santiago (SCL) – Buenos Aires (AEP): 21 weekly · Airbus A320-200 * Santiago (SCL) – Buenos Aires (EZE): 15 weekly · A320/A321 * Santiago (SCL) – Córdoba (COR): 6 weekly · A320/A321 * Santiago (SCL) – Mendoza (MDZ): 7 weekly · A320/A321*

Additionally, LATAM operates once a month the route Santiago – Punta Arenas – Río Gallegos – Falklands Islands (Malvinas) – Punta Arenas – Santiago, and Santiago – Punta Arenas – Falklands Islands (Malvinas) – Río Gallegos – Punta Arenas – Santiago, also on a monthly basis.

SKY Santiago (SCL) – Bariloche (BRC): 4 weekly · Airbus A320neo (seasonal) * Santiago (SCL) – Buenos Aires (AEP): 9 weekly · Airbus A320neo * Santiago (SCL) – Buenos Aires (EZE): 11 weekly · A320neo/A321neo * Santiago (SCL) – Mendoza (MDZ): 7 weekly · Airbus A320neo*

aviancaOn June 17th, the company will resume flights between the capitals of El Salvador and Perú, following a two-year suspension.

Operations will be three times per week with 180-seat Airbus A320-200 aircraft, according to its website.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* AV 429 San Salvador SAL 22:15 · 03:25+1 LIM Lima

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* AV 428 Lima LIM 01:35 · 05:00 SAL San Salvador

Bogotá, Boston, Cancún, Dallas, Guatemala City, Guayaquil, Houston, Los Angeles, Managua, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Ontario, Panama City, Quito, San Francisco, San José, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Toronto and Washington are the current avianca destinations in San Salvador. The only regular route from/to the Peruvian capital is Bogotá El Dorado airport.

In addition, the carrier will add three new international connections to/from Medellin during June. One of them will be Lima, and the other two Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.

Map by gcmap.com Lima (LIM): 3 weekly · June 1st * Santiago (SCL): 4 weekly · June 2nd * Buenos Aires (EZE): 7 weekly · June 15th*

Medellín Airportavianca CargoA new Airbus A330 configured for cargo operations was delivered to the airline last April 23rd.

The aircraft, currently registered N337QT, arrived at Medellín’s Jose Maria Córdova airport from Haikou via Anchorage with a white livery. Its previous operator was SmartLynx Malta, under registration 9H-SMI.

This is avianca Cargo’s first Airbus A330-300(P2F), and also the first plane of this type in South America.

The Airbus A330-343(P2F) will enter service shortly.

Avianca Cargo fleetAirbus A330-200

N330QT
N331QT
N332QT
N334QT
N335QT
N336QT

Airbus A330-300

N337QT

After its withdrawal from SmartLynx Malta, the aircraft was converted to a freighter.

Azul ConectaAzul Linhas Aéreas’ express subsidiary, Azul Conecta, will add two new connections from/to Jacarepaguá airport, in Rio de Janeiro.

This airport is located 20 kilometers from Galeão and Santos Dumont, the main airports of the Brazilian city.

Azul Conecta currently offers 45 flights per week between Sao Paulo Congonhas and Jacarepaguá.

Map by gcmap.com Campinas (VCP): 14 weekly · Cessna 208 (June 8th) * Belo Horizonte (CNF): 28 weekly · Cessna 208 (July 8th)*

Azul Conecta has 25 Cessna 208s in its fleet.

Copa AirlinesThe airline incorporated its 30th Boeing 737 MAX 9 during April.

This airplane, registered HP-9931CMP, arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica, new from Seattle Boeing Field (BFI/KBFI).

Copa maintains its position as the leading operator of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 in the region. Aeromexico is the other Latin American airline to have MAX 9s in its fleet (19).

In the short term, Copa Airlines plans to add two more new 737 MAX 9s (HP-9930CMP and HP-9932CMP).

Delta Air LinesEffective December 19th, Delta Air Lines will increase its service between Atlanta and Cartagena, a route inaugurated in December 2023 as a result of the Joint Venture with LATAM Airlines.

Currently, the company operates three weekly, which will expand to seven during the high season.

Daily* DL 984 Atlanta ATL 09:54 · 12:53 CTG Cartagena * DL 985 Cartagena CTG 14:13 · 19:20 ATL Atlanta

The current schedule is on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

With respect to Bogotá, its other destination in Colombia, Delta has 14 and 7 flights per week from Atlanta and New York, respectively.

FlybondiThe Argentine low cost carrier will inaugurate its operations between two cities in the extreme south of the country.

In line with its website, Flybondi will commence flights on the El Calafate – Ushuaia route on August 2nd, and will be offered four times a week on 189-seat Boeing 737-800s.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* FO 5545 El Calafate FTE 10:10 · 11:30 USH Ushuaia * FO 5544 Ushuaia USH 10:35 · 11:55 FTE El Calafate

Flybondi will compete with Aerolíneas Argentinas on this route, which operates five weekly, and will boost to seven in July.

FrontierBetween June and July, the company will open two new connections in the Caribbean.

Flights will be operated to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico, in both cases.

Santiago de los Caballeros (STI) · June 14thMonday, Wednesday and Friday

F9 269 San Juan SJU 15:11 · 16:27 STI Santiago
F9 268 Santiago STI 17:46 · 18:59 SJU San Juan

Bridgetown (BGI) · July 3rdMonday, Wednesday and Saturday

F9 270 San Juan SJU 11:40 · 13:20 BGI Bridgetown
F9 271 Bridgetown BGI 14:30 · 16:15 SJU San Juan

GOLThe Brazilian airline plans to start flights between Brasilia and Bogotá by the end of this year. At the moment there is no confirmed date, but this new route was confirmed during an event with the presidents of both countries.

Bogotá will become GOL’s third international destination from Brasilia after Miami and Orlando. The carrier operated to Buenos Aires in the South American summer (January and February), but no new operations are expected in the near future.

Days after GOL Linhas Aéreas’ announcement, avianca reported that it will operate between Bogotá and Brasilia, and also, for the moment, there are no official dates and schedules.

JetSMARTSan Andrés Island will be added to JetSMART’s regular schedule, becoming the eighth city with operations in Colombia.

The low cost will begin flying from Medellín using Airbus A320neo aircraft as of June 27th, with five weekly frequencies.

Check JetSMART’s website, as it will have different schedules each day.

JetSMART Colombia routes:Map by gcmap.comBogotá

Cartagena (CTG)
Medellín (MDE)
Pereira (PEI)
Santa Marta (SMR)

Cali

Santa Marta (SMR): June 13th

Cartagena

Cali (CLO)
Cúcuta (CUC): June 11th
Pereira (PEI)

Medellín

Cali (CLO): June 13th
San Andrés Island (ADZ): June 27th
Santa Marta (SMR)

Pereira

Santa Marta (SMR): June 17th

LASEROn April 12th, the Venezuelan airline inaugurated its flights to La Romana from Caracas. LASER will offer a daily frequency between both cities, although the second service was on April 21st, and the third on April 23rd. Since then, it has operated every day, and plans to maintain this schedule.

The services will be carried out using RED Air’s McDonnell Douglas MD-82 with registration HI1069.

Daily* QL 763 La Romana LRM 18:45 · 20:15 CCS Caracas * QL 762 Caracas CCS 07:45 · 09:15 LRM La Romana

Only one of these flights, based on our database, was performed with a LASER aircraft (April 21st – YV2923).

LATAMAfter four and a half years, effective October 27th, LATAM Airlines will restart its non-stop services between Santiago de Chile and Sydney. Currently, the carrier operates one daily frequency on the Santiago – Auckland – Sydney route with the 313-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

According to its website, LATAM will have four weekly non-stop flights to Sydney, and operations with a stopover in Auckland will continue, but will be reduced from 7 to 6 per week.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* LA 809 Santiago SCL 01:40 · 06:30+1 SYD Sydney

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* LA 810 Sydney SYD 12:10 · 11:00 SCL Santiago

Routes between Chile and OceaniaMap by gcmap.comLATAM

Santiago (SCL) – Auckland (AKL) – Sydney (SYD): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9
Santiago (SCL) – Melbourne (MEL): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9

Qantas

Santiago (SCL) – Sydney (SYD): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9

Chile is the only Latin American country to have regular operations to Oceania.

Levu Air CargoThe first aircraft of Levu Air Cargo, a new Brazilian cargo airline, was recently spotted in Malta Luqa airport.

At the moment, the Airbus A321-211(PCF), which still keeps the livery of its former operator SmartLynx Cargo, will arrive in Brazil shortly, to start with the procedures prior to the commencement of operations.

Campinas will be Levu Air Cargo’s hub, with Recife and Manaus as first destinations. Later, looking for an international expansion, the carrier plans to fly to Bogotá and Miami, in addition to incorporating its first Airbus A330(F).

This will be the first A321(F) in Brazil. Azul Cargo schedules to add these planes starting in 2025.

SKYhigh DominicanaSan Salvador will join SKYhigh Dominicana’s regular network as of May 10th.

These flights will be conducted from Santo Domingo, the airline’s base, twice weekly.

Monday* DO 750 Santo Domingo SDQ 14:00 · 15:00 SAL San Salvador * DO 751 San Salvador SAL 16:00 · 21:00 SDQ Santo Domingo

Friday* DO 750 Santo Domingo SDQ 09:30 · 10:30 SAL San Salvador * DO 751 San Salvador SAL 11:30 · 16:30 SDQ Santo Domingo

SKYhigh Dominicana will compete with Arajet, which has 4 services a week on this route.

Sunrise AirwaysBeginning May 25th, in accordance to its website, the Haitian company plans to launch three new routes from Antigua, which will be operated by 30-seat Embraer 120 Brasilia jets.

Map by gcmap.com Basseterre (SKB): 12 weekly * Castries (SLU): 6 weekly * Dominica (DOM): 12 weekly*

VivaAerobusTorreón will have a second connection to the United States.

Between June 1st and mid-August, VivaAerobus will offer seasonal flights to San Antonio with Airbus A320 aircraft configured for 186 passengers.

Tuesday and Saturday* VB 243 San Antonio SAT 12:05 · 12:35 TRC Torreón * VB 244 Torreón TRC 13:35 · 16:10 SAT San Antonio

VivaAerobus routes from/to San AntonioMap by gcmap.com Guanajuato (BJX): 2 weekly · Airbus A320 * Mexico City (MEX): 7 weekly · Airbus A320 * Monterrey (MTY): 14 weekly · A320/A321 * Querétaro (QRO): 2 weekly · Airbus A320*

VivaAerobus routes to/from TorreónMap by gcmap.com Cancún (CUN): 2 weekly · Airbus A320 * Mexico City (MEX): 7 weekly · Airbus A321 * San José del Cabo (SJD): 2 weekly · Airbus A321*

American Airlines operates seven weekly between Dallas and Torreón with Embraer 175 planes.

WinairThe company began operating the Sint Maarten – Fort-de-France – Dominica route last April 1st. Flights will be performed using ATR 42-500s.

Wednesday/Sunday* WM 865 Sint Maarten SXM 16:30/16:45 · 17:45/18:00 FDF Fort-de-France * WM 865 Fort-de-France FDF 18:15/18:30 · 19:00/19:15 DOM Dominica

Monday/Thursday* WM 864 Dominica DOM 07:00 · 07:45 FDF Fort-de-France * WM 864 Fort-de-France FDF 08:15 · 09:30 SXM Sint Maarten

Winair has a fleet of two ATR 42-500s.

Four new airplanes were incorporated into different Latin American airlines during April and early May, in addition to Copa’s Boeing 737 MAX 9.

As in the United States, the acquisition of new Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft predominate in Latin America.

Aeromexico
Azul Linhas Aéreas
Copa Airlines
JetSMART (x2)
SKY Airline

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-271N | JetSMART | CC-DII | XFW-KED-BGR-PTY-SCL | April 13th | | Airbus A321-251NX | SKY | CC-DCF | XFW-YYR-MIA-SCL | April 15th | | Airbus A320-251N | Azul | PR-YSQ | TLS-SID-CNF | April 20th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Copa | HP-9931CMP | BFI-SJO | April 30th | | Airbus A320-271N | JetSMART | CC-DIL | TLS-KEF-BGR-PTY-SCL | May 3rd | | Boeing 787-9 | Aeromexico | N742AM* | PAE-MEX | May 7th |

*It is not new from the factory. The 787-9 is 3 years old.

Other reports we have published:

United States and Canada
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub
China-Australia flights approaching pre-pandemic levels

Cover photo: Sean Brink – JetPhotos (Sint Maarten – Princess Juliana International Airport).

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Southwest Airlines (WN/SWA) was founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King. Initially conceptualized to serve as an intrastate airline connecting major cities within Texas, the airline was officially established in 1971 with its first flights crisscrossing between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The business model of Southwest Airlines disrupted the traditional airline industry through its innovative strategies, such as using a point-to-point transit system rather than the traditional hub-and-spoke model, which enabled faster turnaround times and increased aircraft utilization. It also pioneered the now-common single fleet type approach, exclusively operating Boeing 737 aircraft. Known for its cost-effective operations, no-frills service, and a jovial corporate culture, Southwest consistently maintained profitability, a rare feat in the aviation industry.

Today, Southwest is one of the world’s largest airlines with a fleet comprising a whopping 816 aircraft, all of which are variants of the Boeing 737. The fleet is 11.7 years old on average. Let’s take a closer look at the fleet and identify the newest and oldest aircraft in service.

26 years of the Boeing 737-800The newest aircraftThe newest aircraft in the Southwest fleet is N8921Q. This Boeing 737 MAX 8 was built in November 2023 as MSN 42581 and currently operates flights between airports including Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX), Indianapolis (IND), Las Vegas (LAS) and Salt Lake City (SLC). It’s no secret that the MAX family hasn’t had an easy ride into service, and Southwest was amongst numerous airlines that grounded and stored their MAX fleet following the crashes of Lion Air flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines flight 302. Closely following this aircraft is another MAX 8, N8920Q, also built in November 2023 as MSN 42557. Southwest began to introduce the MAX from 2017, and have a fleet of 228 MAX aircraft as of May 2024.

Southwest’s second newest aircraft at the time of writing, N8920Q approaches Las Vegas in 2024. The oldest aircraftThe oldest aircraft in the Southwest fleet is N560WN, a Boeing 737-790 built in March 2000. One of 381 700 series aircraft in the fleet, N560WN operates flights between airports including San Diego (SAN), Bellingham (BLI), Oakland (OAK), Sacramento (SMF) and Burbank (BUR). This aircraft was originally delivered to Alaska Airlines (AS/ASA) in 2000 as N617AS, going on to join Southwest in June 2014.

Old faithful - the oldest active aircraft in the Southwest fleet on the ground in Phoenix in 2024.Southwest previously operated a fleet of Boeing 737 classic aircraft, primarily focussed on the -300 series. The airline retired the last 30 of these in 2022 as more 737 MAX jets were brought online.

Southwest 737-300 retirement flights from across the country to Victorville (VCV)Have you flown on any of these Southwest aircraft? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: Positive Rate Photography, JetPhotos.

The post The Southwest Airlines fleet in 2024 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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FedEx Express (FX/FDX) is one of the world’s largest cargo airlines. Founded as ‘Federal Express’ in 1971, the air arm carried its first package in 1973. Today the carrier operates a fleet of 741 aircraft and delivers freight to 220 countries per day. Let’s take a look at FedEx’s large freighter fleet, and identify oldest aircraft in service and their origins.

The Top 10 Largest Airlines in the WorldThe FedEx fleet in 2024FedEx has a higher average fleet age than many passenger carriers, with an average aircraft age of 19 years. This is a common phenomenon amongst freighters, many of which are converted passenger aircraft with significant careers behind them. As of April 2024, the carrier operates 13 different types of aircraft on a variety of cargo missions.

| Aircraft type | Number in fleet | | --- | --- | | Airbus A300F | 65 | | ATR 42-320F | 17 | | ATR 72-202F | 7 | | ATR 72-212F | 13 | | ATR 72-600F | 19 | | Boeing 737-400 BDSF | 7 | | Boeing 737-800 BCF | 8 | | Boeing 757-200SF | 109 | | Boeing 767-300SF | 137 | | Boeing 777F | 57 | | Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster | 235 | | Cessna 408F SkyCourier | 19 | | McDonnell Douglas MD-11F | 48 |

The oldest widebody – N721FDThe oldest widebody jet in the FedEx fleet is N721FD, a 35-year-old Airbus A300B4-622R(F) built in October 1988. This aircraft operates between 5 and 10 flights per week, exclusively visiting destinations inside the US including Memphis (MEM), New York (JFK), Grand Rapids (GRR), and Laredo (LRD).

This aircraft previously flew for Korean Air (K) as HL7529 before being converted to a freighter.

HL7529 approaching the now defunct Hong Kong Kai Tak airport in 1996.Video - A Passenger to Freighter aircraft conversion in actionThe oldest trijet – N582FETrijets have long formed the backbone of the FedEx fleet, though the carrier has moved to retire its last generation of trijets, the McDonnell Douglas MD11.N602FE, previously the oldest MD11 in the fleet at 34 years old, was retired and flown to Victorville (VCV) in January 2024.

The oldest active MD11 in the fleet is N582FE, a 33-year-old aircraft built in June 1990. Based in Memphis (MEM), the aircraft has most recently visited destinations including Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland (OAK), Miami (MIA), and Anchorage (ANC).

An increasingly rare sight - the oldest MD11 in the FedEx fleet departing PhoenixThis aircraft was originally delivered to American Airlines (AA/AAL) as a passenger aircraft in 1990, registered as N1751A.

N1751A on the ground in San Jose, just months after entering service. Anchorage: the world’s cargo hubThe oldest narrowbody – N935FDThe oldest narrowbody freighter in service with FedEx is N935FD, a 41-year-old Boeing 757-2T7(SF) built in March 1983. It can be seen frequently at airports such as Syracuse (SYR), Nashville (BNA), Memphis (MEM), and Casper (CPR).

This aircraft is a converted freighter, previously serving as a passenger aircraft with the now defunct Monarch Airlines as G-MONB. It was also briefly leased to Argentinian operator Dinar Líneas Aéreas S.A. Pre conversion - G-MONC is re-registered N935FD and awaits conversion to freighter configuration.The oldest twin turbopropThe oldest turboprop in service at FedEx is N911FX, a 36-year-old ATR 42-300F built in April 1987. This aircraft is operated by FedEx Feeder, and has most recently visited destinations including Great Falls (GTF), Coeur d’Alene (COE), and Kalispell (FCA). This aircraft was a purpose built freighter and has not served as a passenger aircraft.

FedEx’s oldest turboprop departing portland in 2022. The oldest single engine turbopropIt’s rare that we can review a single engine aircraft in our fleet reviews, but the FedEx fleet gives us that opportunity. The oldest single engine aircraft in the fleet is N931FE, a 46-year-old Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster built in 1978. Operated on behalf of FedEx feeder by Wiggins Airways, this aircraft flies regular shuttles between Providence (PVD) and Martha’s Vineyard (MVY).

Small and mighty, the Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster departing Martha’s Vineyard.What about the newest aircraft?The newest widebody aircraft in the FedEx fleet is N295FE, a Boeing 767-300F built in June 2023. It is most frequently seen in Memphis (MEM), New York (JFK) and Indianapolis (IND). This is one of 10 new 767 freighter aircraft built and delivered to FedEx in the past year.

The newest turboprops are N712FE and N768FX.

N712FE is an ATR 72-600 F built in November 2023. It is operated for FedEx Feeder by Mountain Air Cargo, and so far has been seen operating flights between Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Aguadilla (BQN).

N768FX is a Cessna 408F SkyCourier built in January 2024. This aircraft only commenced revenue operations in March 2024, and so far has been seen at Sacramento (SMF), Oroville (OVE) and Fargo (FAR). This is one of 11 examples recently delivered to the airline, and is operated by Corporate Air on behalf of FedEx Feeder.

Another Cessna 408F SkyCourier recently delivered to FedEx is N760FX. What’s your favorite FedEx aircraft? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: Dutch, JetPhotos.

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On April 15th at 13:44 local time, the first scheduled flight of Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner took off from Honolulu Airport.

After just over a month of certification and crew preparation flights, the 787 registered as N781HA entered service under flight HA 12/11 with the Honolulu – San Francisco route.

For the next few weeks, San Francisco will be the only destination for Hawaiian’s Boeing 787s. Beginning May 14th, flights will commence to Los Angeles, and to Phoenix effective May 15th.

The company’s second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is already in operation, having arrived in Honolulu from Charleston last April 11th (N780HA).

Avelo Airlines celebrated three years of regular services on April 28th. The carrier, at the time with its only base in Burbank, made its first flight to Santa Rosa (STS) using the Boeing 737-8F2, with registration N802XT.

Currently, Avelo has 7 Boeing 737-700s and 9 Boeing 737-800s, and 10 scheduled routes from/to Burbank.

Avelo first flightWe review other highlights of the U.S./Canada market during April: Aer Lingus resumed flights to Minneapolis after four years. * Air Canada will operate between Montreal and Seoul. * Alaska, Breeze, Southwest and Spirit will expand their domestic services. * American will commence flights to Provo. * Avelo will have services between Orlando and Miami. * Delta and its new developments in the USA-Africa market. * Flair will operate to Guadalajara from Toronto. * GlobalX incorporates an Airbus A321 freighter. * jetBlue will add its fifth connection to Europe this month. * Pacific Coastal began operations between Vancouver and Penticton with Saab 340s. * PAL intends to offer flights to the United States. * Porter acquired two new Embraer E195 E-2s. * Sun Country added aircraft to its fleet for the first time this year. * Turkish will have services between Istanbul and Denver. * United Airlines to open new routes from/to San Francisco. * UPS took delivery of two new Boeing 767-300(F). * WestJet started operations between Edmonton and Atlanta.*

Aer LingusAfter a four-year suspension due to the pandemic, the airline has resumed services between Dublin and Minneapolis on April 29th. Aer Lingus will operate four flights per week on this route with Airbus A330-200s and Airbus A330-300s.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday* EI 89 Dublin DUB 14:30 · 17:05 MSP Minneapolis * EI 88 Minneapolis MSP 18:55 · 08:35+1 DUB Dublin

Routes to the United States and Canada – Aer LingusMap by gcmap.comDublin

Boston (BOS): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Chicago (ORD): 14 weekly · A332/A333
Cleveland (CLE): 4 weekly · Airbus A321NX
Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · A332/A333
Minneapolis (MSP): 4 weekly · A332/A333
Newark (EWR): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX
New York (JFK): 14 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Orlando (MCO): 4 weekly · A332/A333
Philadelphia (PHL): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX
San Francisco (SFO): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Seattle (SEA): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200
Toronto (YYZ): 7 weekly · A332/A333
Washington (IAD): 14 weekly · Airbus A321NX
Windsor Locks Bradley (BDL): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX

Aer Lingus operating to Minneapolis with Boeing 757, in 2019Manchester

New York (JFK): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300
Orlando (MCO): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Shannon

Boston (BOS): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX
New York (JFK): 7 weekly · Airbus A321NX

Air CanadaSeoul, Air Canada’s new regular destination from Montreal.

The company will begin this route effective June 18th, under the following schedule:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* AC 067 Montreal YUL 12:35 · 16:25+1 ICN Seoul

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* AC 068 Seoul ICN 18:00 · 18:30 YUL Montreal

Montreal will be Air Canada’s third destination to/from Seoul (Toronto and Vancouver have a daily frequency).

Air TransatFollowing the end of the winter season, Czech Airlines’ Airbus A320-214, registration OK-IOO, returned to Europe.

Between January 31st and April 28th, the aircraft operated for Air Transat as C-GEXI.

According to our database, the A320, which has a 180-seat single-class configuration, mainly served the airline’s international routes to markets such as Cuba, Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

In the short term, the airplane will be back in service with Czech Airlines (CSA).

Alaska AirlinesEffective October 1st, the company will commence four new domestic routes, which will be focused on Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Pasco, Reno and San Diego.

These flights will be operated on 76-passenger Embraer 175s.

Map by gcmap.com Las Vegas (LAS) – Santa Rosa (STS): 7 weekly * Los Angeles (LAX) – Pasco (PSC): 7 weekly * Los Angeles (LAX) – Reno (RNO): 14 weekly * San Diego (SAN) – Las Vegas (LAS): 22 weekly*

AmericanThe airline announced it will launch operations to Provo starting October 7th. In line with its website, American will offer two scheduled routes, which will be carried out with 65-seat CRJ-700 aircraft.

DallasDaily

AA 4822 Dallas DFW 10:35 · 12:21 PVU Provo
AA 4822 Provo PVU 12:51 · 16:41 DFW Dallas

Daily

AA 4839 Dallas DFW 19:20 · 21:06 PVU Provo
AA 4840 Provo PVU 05:20 · 09:10 DFW Dallas

PhoenixDaily

AA 4918 Phoenix PHX 12:15 · 14:58 PVU Provo
AA 4918 Provo PVU 15:28 · 16:23 PHX Phoenix

Current routes to/from ProvoMap by gcmap.comAllegiant

Austin (AUS): 2 weekly · Airbus A319
Chicago (MDW): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Houston (HOU): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Las Vegas (LAS): 2 weekly · Airbus A319
Nashville (BNA): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Orlando (SFB): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Phoenix (AZA): 12 weekly · Airbus A320
Phoenix (PHX): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Portland (PDX): 3 weekly · Airbus A320
San Diego (SAN): 2 weekly · Airbus A320
Santa Ana (SNA): 6 weekly · Airbus A320

Breeze

Phoenix (PHX): 4 weekly · Airbus A220
San Francisco (SFO): 4 weekly · Airbus A220
Santa Ana (SNA): 12 weekly · Airbus A220

Avelo AirlinesThe carrier will introduce seasonal services between Orlando and Miami on June 7th. Avelo will operate using Boeing 737-800s, as follows:

Friday* XP 797 Orlando MCO 21:30 · 22:35 MIA Miami

Sunday* XP 798 Miami MIA 14:30 · 15:40 MCO Orlando

Avelo will be competing with American and Delta on this route, which currently have 50 and 21 weekly flights, respectively.

BreezeStarting in June, the company will launch seven domestic routes in the US, including new releases and restarts.

These services will be performed with 108-seat Embraer 190 aircraft.

Map by gcmap.com Myrtle Beach (MYR) – Scranton (AVP): 2 weekly · June 20th * White Plains Westchester (HPN) – Portland (PWM): 2 weekly · June 20th * Raleigh-Durham (RDU) – West Palm Beach (PBI): 2 weekly · June 21st * Myrtle Beach (MYR) – Akron/Canton (CAK): 2 weekly · June 22nd * Myrtle Beach (MYR) – White Plains Westchester (HPN): 2 weekly · June 22nd * White Plains Westchester (HPN) – Jacksonville (JAX): 2 weekly · June 22nd * White Plains Westchester (HPN) – Norfolk (ORF): 2 weekly · June 22nd*

Delta Air LinesThe airline will resume services between New York and Lagos on December 1st after a two-year hiatus.

According to its website, Delta will operate a daily flight on this route with the following schedule:

Daily* DL 298 New York JFK 15:15 · 07:15+1 LOS Lagos * DL 299 Lagos LOS 09:15 · 15:10 JFK New York

Furthermore, Delta Air Lines will have other new developments in the U.S.-Africa market:

New York – Accra will start to be served by Airbus A330-900neo (currently 767-300).
Flights to CPT and JNB from Atlanta will be operated on Airbus A350s which will offer more business seating capacity.

Delta’s routesMap by gcmap.comGhana

New York (JFK) – Accra (ACC): 7 weekly · Boeing 767-300(ER)

Nigeria

Atlanta (ATL) – Lagos (LOS): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-200

Senegal

New York (JFK) – Dakar (DSS): 3 weekly · Boeing 767-300(ER)

South Africa

Atlanta (ATL) – Cape Town (CPT): 3 weekly · Airbus A350-900
Atlanta (ATL) – Johannesburg (JNB): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900

On the domestic sector, Delta Air Lines will commence flights between Minneapolis and Detroit using Airbus A350-900s as of May 23rd.

The carrier currently offers this route with Airbus A320, Boeing 737-900, Boeing 757-300, CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 aircraft.

Daily (Airbus A350 schedule) DL 1456 Minneapolis MSP 20:50 · 23:33 DTW Detroit * DL 2258 Detroit DTW 08:22 · 09:19 MSP Minneapolis (eff May 24th)*

FlairThe Canadian low cost will add a new route to Mexico from Toronto. These operations, which will begin on September 13th, will be twice a week.

Monday and Friday* F8 2660 Toronto YYZ 13:10 · 16:30 GDL Guadalajara * F8 2661 Guadalajara GDL 17:15 · 23:55 YYZ Toronto

Current Flair Airlines routes from MexicoMap by gcmap.comCancún

Calgary (YYC): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Edmonton (YEG): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
London (YXU): 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Montreal (YUL): 5 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Ottawa (YOW): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Toronto (YYZ): 10 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Vancouver (YVR): 5 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Waterloo (YKF): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800
Winnipeg (YWG): 1 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

Puerto Vallarta

Edmonton (YEG): 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Toronto (YYZ): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8
Vancouver (YVR): 6 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

San José del Cabo

Vancouver (YVR): 2 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8

GlobalXLast April 23rd, GlobalX Airlines took delivery of its eighth Airbus A321 configured for freighter operations.

The 22-year-old plane, registered N435GX, is currently in Miami, having arrived from San Antonio, where it was prepared for its incorporation to the company.

Airbus A319 N285GX:* 21 years

A320 N276GX: 18 years * N278GX: 21 years * N279GX: 16 years * N281GX: 18 years * N282GX: 18 years * N289GX: 17.5 years * N291GX: 16.5 years * N628VA: 17.5 years * N630VA: 17 years * N837VA:* 13.5 years

Airbus A321 N277GX: 19 years * N966AD:* 21 years

Cargo (A321) N1438: 23 years * N410GX: 24 years * N412GX: 23 years * N413GX: 23 years * N414GX: 21 years * N435GX: 22 years * N636WT: 22.5 years * N989CM:* 22 years

HawaiianFollowing the addition of the two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, we review the Hawaiian Airlines fleet:

Airbus A321neo: 18
Airbus A330-200: 24
Airbus A330-300: 3
Boeing 717-200: 19
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 2

Hawaiian’s fleet average is 12 years.

jetBlueThe first flight of the season will depart on May 22nd to Edinburgh.

Operations will continue through the summer, with the last service scheduled for September 30th. JetBlue will offer one daily frequency with Airbus A321neo aircraft seating 138 passengers.

Daily* B6 73 New York JFK 21:12 · 09:30+1 EDI Edinburgh * B6 74 Edinburgh EDI 12:30 · 15:06 JFK New York

Edinburgh will be jetBlue’s fifth destination in Europe after Amsterdam, Dublin, London (Gatwick and Heathrow) and Paris.

Pacific Coastal AirlinesThe carrier expanded its capacity on the Vancouver – Penticton route as of April 28th.

In accordance with our database, Pacific Coastal Airlines started operations between the two cities with the 34-seat Saab 340s, when it previously used its Beech 1900Ds configured for 19 passengers.

Daily* 8P 1301 Vancouver YVR 07:55 · 08:47 YYF Penticton * 8P 1302 Penticton YYF 09:20 · 10:15 YVR Vancouver

Daily* 8P 1307 Vancouver YVR 16:10 · 17:02 YYF Penticton * 8P 1308 Penticton YYF 17:35 · 18:30 YVR Vancouver

PALRecently, the Canadian airline filed an application for approval and expects to begin flying to the U.S. in June.

Boston and Newark would be the destinations, in both cases from Halifax.

PAL’s fleet consists of 19 Dash 8 between its different versions:

DHC-8-100: 2
DHC-8-300: 5
DHC-8-400: 12

SouthwestEffective June 4th, Southwest Airlines confirmed the addition of three new routes, which will be operated with Boeing 737-700 jets.

Map by gcmap.com Baltimore (BWI) – Richmond (RIC): 14 weekly * Nashville (BNA) – Cincinnati (CVG): 7 weekly * Nashville (BNA) – Greenville (GSP): 7 weekly*

SpiritThe carrier will launch several domestic connections between June and July.

Spirit Airlines will have the following schedule:

Map by gcmap.com Baltimore (BWI) – San Jose (SJC): 4 weekly · June 5th * San Jose (SJC) – Portland (PDX): 7 weekly · June 5th * San Jose (SJC) – Los Angeles (LAX): 14 weekly · June 5th * Baltimore (BWI) – Sacramento (SMF): 3 weekly · June 6th * Newark (EWR) – Chicago (ORD): 7 weekly · July 10th * Newark (EWR) – Kansas City (MCI): 7 weekly · July 10th * Boston (BOS) – Kansas City (MCI): 7 weekly · July 10th*

Sun Country AirlinesDuring April, the company incorporated aircraft to its fleet for the first time this year.

These Boeing 737-800s are currently in Everett (PAE), awaiting entry into service.

Ferry flight* N856SY: Istanbul (SAW) – Shannon (SNN) – Bangor (BGR) – Everett (PAE) * N852SY: Bergen op Zoom (WOE) – Shannon (SNN) – Bangor (BGR) – Everett (PAE)

Sun Country Airlines’ current fleet consists of 56 Boeing 737-800 jets.

TurkishTurkish Airlines will inaugurate flights to Denver with Airbus A350-900 aircraft effective June 11th.

The airline will have three services per week from/to Istanbul, and in mid-July is scheduled to add a fourth frequency.

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* TK 201 Istanbul IST 13:55 · 17:40 DEN Denver * TK 202 Denver DEN 19:35 · 16:25+1 IST Istanbul

According to its website, the inaugural flight will be performed on a Boeing 777-300(ER).

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington are Turkish’s current connections in the United States.

UnitedMontreal, United’s new San Francisco destination.

In accordance with its website, as of July 1st, the company will offer a daily operation on this route using Boeing 737 MAX 8s seating 166 passengers.

Daily* UA 2857 San Francisco SFO 23:00 · 07:25+1 YUL Montreal * UA 2858 Montreal YUL 08:30 · 11:46 SFO San Francisco

At present, United Airlines’ routes from Montreal are Chicago, Newark and Washington (IAD).

On the other hand, the airline will start two new domestic routes to/from San Francisco beginning August 19th:

Map by gcmap.com Detroit (DTW): 13 weekly · Airbus A319 * St. Louis (STL): 13 weekly · Airbus A319*

WestJetAt 06:56 local time on Monday, April 29th, WestJet’s inaugural flight from Edmonton landed in Atlanta. Services will be once a day on 132-seat Boeing 737-700 airplanes.

Daily* WS 1902 Edmonton YEG 00:45 · 07:06 ATL Atlanta * WS 1029 Atlanta ATL 09:05 · 11:54 YEG Edmonton

WestJet international routes from/to EdmontonMap by gcmap.comMexico

Cancún (CUN): 2 weekly · 738/7M8
Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700

United States

Atlanta (ATL): 7 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Las Vegas (LAS): 12 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Minneapolis (MSP): 9 weekly · 737/738
Nashville (BNA): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Orlando (MCO): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-700
Phoenix (PHX): 4 weekly · 737/7M8

With respect to new incorporations, in addition to the previously mentioned Sun Country Boeing 737 and GlobalX’s Airbus A321(F), there were several acquisitions between other U.S. airlines:

Alaska (x2)
Delta (x7)
Frontier (x2)
Hawaiian
jetBlue
Porter (x2)
Spirit (x3)
United
UPS (x2)

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A320-271N | Spirit | N992NK | BFM-DTW | April 3rd | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXF | SJK-BGI-YYZ | April 4th | | Airbus A350-941 | Delta | N520DN | TLS-NRTNRT-MSP | April 4thApril 18th | | Airbus A321-271NX | United | N14511 | XFW-EDI-BGR-TPA | April 10th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N572DT | BFM-MSP | April 11th | | Boeing 787-9 | Hawaiian | N780HA* | PAE-HNL | April 11th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Frontier | N644FR | XFW-YYR-TPA | April 12th | | Boeing 767-300F | UPS | N385UP | PAE-SAT | April 16th | | Airbus A220-300 | Delta | N325DU | YMX-MSP | April 18th | | Boeing 767-300F | UPS | N384UP | PAE-SAT | April 19th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska | N710AL | BFI-OKC | April 23rd | | Airbus A321-271NX | jetBlue | N4080J | BFM-MLB | April 24th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Spirit | N718NK | XFW-KEF-DTW | April 25th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N580DT | XFW-KEF-MSP | April 26th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Frontier | N642FR | XFW-YYR-TPA | April 29th | | Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska | N716AL | BFI-OAK | April 30th | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N578DN | XFW-KEF-MSP | May 2nd | | Airbus A321-271NX | Delta | N577DN | XFW-KEF-MSP | May 2nd | | Airbus A320-271N | Spirit | N993NK | BFM-DTW | May 2nd | | Embraer E195-E2 | Porter | C-GKXH | SJK-BGI-YOW | May 3rd | | Airbus A350-941 | Delta | N521DN | TLS-ATL | May 3rd |

*It is not new from the factory.

Porter was the only Canadian company to add new planes during April.

To review the reports we have published in April:

Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Africa and Middle East
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub
China-Australia flights approaching pre-pandemic levels

Cover photo: Michael Rodeback – JetPhotos (Provo, United States).

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we learn that Embraer is considering a challenge to the Airbus-Boeing duopoly with a new mainline single-aisle aircraft of its own.

Indigo orders up to 100 Airbus A350s, while Airbus navigates Boeing’s potential purchase of Spirit Aerosystems and what that means for the A350 fuselage sections and A220 wings Spirit produces.

Finnair suspends flights to Tartu, Estonia due to GPS interference.

Lessors get a win in their battle to get their aircraft back from Go First, but the long road ahead to get the A320neos flying again is just beginning.

Australian low-cost carrier Bonza has halted all flights and entered insolvency proceedings.

JetBlue is bringing back its oldest A320s from retirement, while American Airlines is trimming its route network due to lack of aircraft.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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NOTAMs – notices to air missions (formerly notices to airmen) – are critical to safe operations because they contain the details of, well, everything and anything going on at airports and airspaces, which might impact flight operations.

New York (KJFK | JFK) is fixing up a taxiway? The details will be in a NOTAM. North Korea fired a missile that might encroach of Japanese airspace? Check the NOTAMs. Large flocks of birds are hanging around Mumbai? You got it, there is a NOTAM for it. Actually, we rather like this one about highly endangered birds for Chiang Mai, although sadly it probably won’t stop us flying into them.

All the critical information a pilot may need to know for their flight is notified to them via NOTAMs which means pilots, particularly those flying long haul, international flights, have a lot to read – often hundreds of pages of flight briefing information – to ensure they are aware of any threats and impacts to their operations. The International Civil Aviation Organization reports that there are 35,000 active NOTAMs at this time, with nearly two million new NOTAMs issued each year.

In order to keep it as short and concise as possible, the NOTAMs are written in a secret code, much like the weather reports. So, if you want to understand how to read one, then read on.

Where to find NOTAMsOne of the best places is the FAA website here. Click to enter, and you will be given the option to search for a location. Enter the ICAO or IATA code for your closest airport and you will be presented with a list of all the active NOTAMs for it. If you search a big international airport, like New York JFK, then the list is going to be long.

Here is an example we found earlier. This is a NOTAM for Dubai International Airport (OMDB):

A1184/24 NOTAMN
Q) OMAE/QMRLC/IV/NBO/A/000/999/2515N05522E005 A) OMDB B) 2404022130 C) 2404302215
D) 02 16 30 2130-2215
E) RWY 12R/30L CLSD.

The reason for this NOTAM is actually pretty obvious – runway 12R/30L is closed. A pretty critical piece of information for a pilot to know. But, there is a whole lot more information in this NOTAM too, so let’s decode it.

How to decode a NOTAMThe very first part – the A1184/24 – is the NOTAM’s name, if you like. The A refers to the FIR or aerodrome, the number is just a number really, probably how many there have been produced for that place, to date and the /xx is the year, in this case 2024. Now we get to the Q) section. OMAE is the issuing office, and the QMRLC is the ‘Q’ code for the NOTAM – a code that signifies what the NOTAM is all about.

Q codes actually hark back to the early twentieth century, and were used for communications between maritime radio operators. They tended to all speak different languages (and writing long messages in morse code is time consuming) so to help with this, 45 basic Q codes were created which could be ‘morse coded’ with ease.

These 45 Q codes covered the most common and required questions which were sent. For example, QRB meant “What is your distance?”, QRM meant “Are you being interfered with”. The ‘Q’ itself has no great meaning, but potentially comes from ‘query’. Current, modern day NOTAMs (and the number of Q codes involved) are much greater in number, but the intention of ‘coding’ them remains the same – it standardizes the way these are reported across the world (or tries to anyway).

So, back to the NOTAM. This one’s Q code is QMRLC. They always start with a Q, so jump straight to the next two letters – MR. These identify the subject. You can find a full list of decodes here, again courtesy of the helpful FAA, but we will do this one for you. MR stands for M – movement and landing area, and R – Runway.

The bunch of random numbers and letters after that are not actually random, but also not really applicable for us – the people wanting to understand the NOTAM for the purposes of our operation – they are more for the filing and making of the NOTAM.

The bit we needThe next part is the part we really need.

A) provides us with the location in the form of the 4 letter ICAO code, in this case OMDB for the airport. B) gives us the start date and time (21:30 on the 20th April 2024) and C) gives us the end date and time (22:15 on the 30th April 2024). This validity is important because not all NOTAMs might be valid for the time I am heading there.

D) provides us some further information on the timings and relevance of the NOTAM, in this case giving me some dates and the times the closure will take place on those dates. So even though the NOTAM is valid from 4-30th April, the runway isn’t actually closed that entire time. Finally E) which is as plain text as you can get.

Simple, right?Wrong. While most NOTAMs are standardized, not all are of the same quality. Poorly written NOTAMs can be extremely confusing and may not clearly tell pilots what the actual impact is. Additionally, because of the many, many things that can be NOTAM-ed, the Q coding is not always correct making it hard for flight planning software to sift out the irrelevant ones. The result is often ginormous briefing packs for pilots to try and read, filled with out-of-date, irrelevant, or crane* related NOTAMs.

*There are always crane NOTAMs. New York JFK for example currently has 68.

The peril of overly long briefing packs was experienced by Air Canada flight 759, to their detriment, in 2017 when they came within 14 feet of another aircraft after lining up to land on a taxiway instead of the runway. Yup, NOTAMs were one of the reasons, because hidden away in amongst the many irrelevant notices was one critical NOTAM about KSFO/San Francisco’s parallel runway being closed, but it was obscured by the sheer quantity of other NOTAMs around it. Unaware that one of the runways was closed, the fatigued pilots mistook the runway that was open as the parallel runway, and assumed the parallel taxiway was the second runway, and aimed for it.

We need NOTAMsNOTAMs remain the universal and standardized method of conveying critical information about operational status, threats and hazards and other real time practical information to pilots and being able to read their often abbreviated and complex coding is key. Thankfully there is also a movement to revise NOTAMs to reduce their number, improve their readability, and generally reduce the workload of pilots and dispatchers who rely on the notices for safety.

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The Indonesian volcano Semeru, Mount Ruang on remote Tagaulandang island in Indonesia has erupted, causing significant disruption to flight operations in the region.

The Darwin VAAC (Volcanic Ash Advisory Center), responsible for monitoring volcanoes in the southern Asian region, has issued an ash advisory coding the latest eruption as orange – moderate impact for aviation. The primary eruption resulted in an ash cloud rising to approximately 5km, however due to meteorological cloud in the area, satellite imagery is currently unable to determine the level of volcanic ash in the region.

FVAU02 ADRM 011400
VA ADVISORY
DTG: 20240501/1400Z
VAAC: DARWIN
VOLCANO: SEMERU 263300
PSN: S0806 E11255
AREA: INDONESIA
SUMMIT ELEV: 3657M
ADVISORY NR: 2024/378
INFO SOURCE: HIMAWARI-9, CVGHM
AVIATION COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
ERUPTION DETAILS: DISCRETE VA TO FL140 LAST OBS AT 01/0110Z
EST VA DTG: 01/1340Z
EST VA CLD: SFC/FL140 S0808 E11256 - S0812 E11242 - S0806
E11237 - S0758 E11242 - S0804 E11256 MOV W 10KT
FCST VA CLD +6 HR: 01/1940Z SFC/FL140 S0805 E11257 - S0808
E11256 - S0812 E11241 - S0805 E11235 - S0757 E11243
FCST VA CLD +12 HR: 02/0140Z SFC/FL140 S0805 E11257 - S0809
E11256 - S0813 E11241 - S0804 E11235 - S0757 E11244
FCST VA CLD +18 HR: 02/0740Z SFC/FL140 S0808 E11256 - S0811
E11241 - S0804 E11236 - S0757 E11244 - S0805 E11257
RMK: VA NOT INDENTIFIABLE ON SAT IMG DUE OBSCURATION BY METCLOUD. DISCRETE ERUPTIONS EXPECTED TO BE ONGOING SUPPORTEDBY CVGHM VONA AT 01/1145Z. HEIGHT AND FCST BASED ONHIMAWARI-9 AND MODEL GUIDANCE.
NXT ADVISORY: NO LATER THAN 20240501/2000Z=

Reports suggest seven airports have been closed including Sam Ratulangi airport, Manado WAMM/MDC, which is a primary airport of entry to Indonesia, and Jalaluddin airport, Gorontalo WAMG/GTO, which acts as a primary gateway to Northern Indonesia. Ash fall in the vicinity of airports can reduce visibility below operational levels.

Volcanic ash also poses a threat to aircraft, particularly the engines, and is generally not visible once dispersed into the atmosphere. Eruptions which reach significant altitudes may disrupt overflight traffic as well. There are some international airways in this region including M768 which links Vietnam, via Indonesia, to Australia.

Flightradar24 tracking currently shows few aircraft in the area, with limited traffic operating into the western parts of Sulawesi island. You can monitor current volcanic eruptions and forecast ash cloud movement on Flightradar24 by selecting Weather in the settings menu and enabling Volcanic eruption.

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Australian low-cost-carrier Bonza Airlines (AB/BNZ) announced it was suspending operations on April 29, 2024. The airline operates a fleet of 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft which are under the Australian and Canadian registries. Let’s take a look at where these aircraft are positioned at the time of the suspension of operations.

The Bonza fleet

| Aircraft type | Registration | Age | | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | C-FLHI | 4 years | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | C-FLKC | 4 years | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | VH-UIK | 5 years | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | VH-UJK | 4 years | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | VH-UJT | 4 years | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | VH-UKH | 4 years |

VH-UIK – Boeing 737 MAX 8One of 6 aircraft in the Bonza fleet, VH-UIK most recently operated flight AB1038, a 45-minute flight from Mildura (MQL) to Melbourne (MEL) on April 29, landing in Melbourne at 20:48. The aircraft had been scheduled on flight AB1009 to Gladstone (GLT) on April 30, 2024.

VH-UKH – Boeing 737 MAX 8A Boeing 737 MAX 8 built in October 2019, VH-UKH last operated flight AB1023 from Melbourne (MEL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY), a flight lasting 2 hours and 3 minutes, arriving in Sunshine Coast at 01:18. The aircraft had been scheduled to operate the return flights AB623 and AB1052 to Rockhampton (ROK) on April 30.

VH-UJT – Boeing 737 MAX 8VH-UJT, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 built in September 2019 as MSN 62533 most recently operated flight AB566 from Albury (ABX) to Sunshine Coast (MCY), a flight lasting 1 hour and 43 minutes, arriving in Sunshine Coast at 22:15. The aircraft had been scheduled to operate flight AB607 to Newcastle (NTL) on April 30.

VH-UJK – Boeing 737 MAX 8Built in May 2019, VH-UJK is a Boeing 737 MAX 8 based at Gold Coast Airport (OOL). The aircraft operated flight AB1606 from Cairns (CNS) to Gold Coast on April 29. This flight lasted 1 hour and 52 minutes and landed at 21:55. The aircraft had been scheduled to operate flight AB1755 to Launceston (LST) on April 30.

C-FLKC – Boeing 737 MAX 8C-FLKC is one of two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft leased by Bonza to Canadian carrier Flair Airlines (F8/FLE), and is registered on the Canadian aircraft registry. This aircraft operated flight F81513 from Las Vegas (LAS) to Calgary (YYC) on April 29. There are currently no other flights scheduled for this aircraft, and it is unclear what the future of this Bonza-operated aircraft located in Canada will be.

C-FLHI – Boeing 737 MAX 8Built in February 2020 as MSN 61804, this Boeing 737 MAX 8 was the second aircraft leased to Canada’s Flair Airlines and still wears the Bonza/Flair hybrid livery. Unlike C-FLKC, this aircraft has not operated a flight for Flair since December 12, 2023, when it operated flight F8500 from Abbotsford (YXX) to Calgary (YYC). The aircraft then relocated to Gold Coast (OOL), arriving on December 15 2023, and resumed operations for Bonza with flight AB1521 to Townsville (TSV) on December 22. This aircraft has not operated a commercial flight since March 30 2024 and has been parked at Sunshine Coast (MCY) since that date). The aircraft appears to have performed a short flight, FLE905P on April 29, a short flight departing from and returning to MCY. The ‘P’ suffix in this callsign indicates a positioning flight. It is unclear whether this was intended to position the aircraft elsewhere or was for the purpose of testing/continued airworthiness.

Cover photo: Mike Makinnon, JetPhotos

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Capital Airlines, the Beijing-based subsidiary of Hainan Airlines, announced it will begin its second regular connection between China and Melbourne as of June 16th. Operations will be performed three times a week with Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured for 260/264 passengers.

The airline, which currently serves Australia’s second busiest airport from Qingdao, will inaugurate flights on the Hangzhou – Melbourne route, becoming the only operator between these cities.

With the two connections, Beijing Capital Airlines will offer five weekly flights in Melbourne, and will reach three routes from/to Australia.

Hangzhou will become the eighth non-stop destination in mainland China to/from Melbourne, and the additional flights will bring capacity back to 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the Chinese market.

In 2024, Melbourne Airport set new monthly records for international passengers in both February and March, but Chinese passenger numbers remain lower, with the number of Chinese passport holders traveling to Victoria just 62% of pre-pandemic levels.

Beijing Capital Airlines schedule between Hangzhou and Melbourne:Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* JD 385 Hangzhou HGH 15:50 · 05:00+1 MEL Melbourne

Monday, Thursday and Saturday* JD 386 Melbourne MEL 07:00 · 15:50 HGH Hangzhou

We review the airline’s schedule to Melbourne from Qingdao, its only current connection at this airport, which operates with Airbus A330-300:

Tuesday and Saturday* JD 461 Qingdao TAO 22:20 · 11:35+1 MEL Melbourne

Wednesday and Sunday* JD 462 Melbourne MEL 13:35 · 22:45 TAO Qingdao

With respect to the other route offered in Australia, Beijing Capital performs this schedule:

Thursday/Friday* JD 479 Qingdao TAO 20:20 · 09:45+1 SYD Sydney * JD 480 Sydney SYD 11:55 · 21:30 TAO Qingdao

Sunday/Monday* JD 479 Qingdao TAO 18:45 · 08:35+1 SYD Sydney * JD 480 Sydney SYD 11:05 · 20:15 TAO Qingdao

These are Australia’s current connections with China.

Sydney is the main passenger gateway from China, with 13 non-stop scheduled routes, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane, with 7 and 2, respectively.

Map by gcmap.comAir China Beijing (PEK) – Melbourne (MEL): 4 weekly · Airbus A350-900 (1.248) * Beijing (PEK) – Sydney (SYD): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (1.172)*

Beijing Capital Airlines Qingdao (TAO) – Melbourne (MEL): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300 (605) * Qingdao (TAO) – Sydney (SYD): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300 (605)*

China Southern Airlines Guangzhou (CAN) – Brisbane (BNE): 4 weekly · Airbus A350-900 (1.340) * Guangzhou (CAN) – Melbourne (MEL): 10 weekly · Boeing 787-9 (2.970) * Guangzhou (CAN) – Sydney (SYD): 14 weekly · A359/789 (4.424)*

China Eastern Airlines Hangzhou (HGH) – Sydney (SYD): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (468) * Jinan (TNA) – Sydney (SYD): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (702) * Nanjing (NKG) – Sydney (SYD): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (702) * Shanghai (PVG) – Brisbane (BNE): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (702) * Shanghai (PVG) – Melbourne (MEL): 10 weekly · A359/789 (2.859) * Shanghai (PVG) – Sydney (SYD): 10 weekly · A359/789 (2.859) * Shenzhen (SZX) – Sydney (SYD): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300 (900) * Wuhan (WUH) – Sydney (SYD): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (702)*

Hainan Airlines Haikou (HAK) – Melbourne (MEL): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300 (909) * Haikou (HAK) – Sydney (SYD): 4 weekly · A333/789 (1.190)*

Qantas Sydney (SYD) – Shanghai (PVG): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-300 (1.485)*

Sichuan Airlines Chengdu (TFU) – Melbourne (MEL): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (1.096) * Chengdu (TFU) – Sydney (SYD): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (1.370)*

Tianjin Airlines Chongqing (CKG) – Sydney (SYD): 1 weekly · Airbus A330-200 (260) * Zhengzhou (CGO) – Sydney (SYD): 2 weekly · A332/A333 (561)*

Xiamen Air Xiamen (XMN) – Melbourne (MEL): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-8/9 (1.800) * Xiamen (XMN) – Sydney (SYD): 7 weekly · 788/789 (1.800)*

*The number between () shows the approximate weekly seats offered per leg.

After the reopening of borders in early 2023, China gradually recovered its international connectivity, as well as the passenger traffic through its different markets with operations.

Prior to the pandemic, China was Australia’s biggest international inbound market, averaging 1.5 million visitors per year.

At present, the China-Australia market is still at a lower level compared to pre-COVID-19. By the beginning of 2024, the level was at 80% recovery.

During 2023, several Chinese airlines resumed services to Australia from different cities. Most of these are restarts after the suspension due to the pandemic, as is the case of Hangzhou.

In June, it will resume its connection with Melbourne following a four-year hiatus, since flights were last operated in February 2020, when Xiamen Airlines offered twice-weekly.

By mid-year, with the start of Hangzhou – Melbourne, and increased frequencies on selected routes, the market is expected to be close to 90% of 2019 levels, and is estimated to be at 95% in September.

Beijing Capital Airlines’ Airbus A330s:

| Aircraft | Registration | Config | Remark | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Airbus A330-243 | B-1043 | C18Y246 | Active | | Airbus A330-243 | B-8019 | C36Y186 | Active | | Airbus A330-243 | B-8221 | C36Y186 | Parked | | Airbus A330-243 | B-8981 | C18Y242 | Active | | Airbus A330-243 | B-8982 | C18Y242 | Active | | Airbus A330-343 | B-1042 | C24Y279 | Active | | Airbus A330-343 | B-305R | C24Y279 | Active | | Airbus A330-343 | B-8678 | C18Y288 | Active | | Airbus A330-343 | B-8679 | C18Y288 | Active | | Airbus A330-343(P2F) | B-32FE | CARGO | Active |

The company took delivery of its first Airbus A330 (B-8019) in July 2015. At the time, the aircraft was six years old and came from Garuda Indonesia, its last operator, which had retired it in April of that year.

By the end of 2015, Capital incorporated its second Airbus A330, and until 2018, added two per year (between A332s and A333s).

Its only Airbus A330 freighter, operating under the B-32FE registration, was delivered in January 2024.

Lisbon, London, Madrid, Male, Melbourne and Sydney are Beijing Capital Airlines’ routes outside the Asian market. Some of these connections are made from Hangzhou, while others from Qingdao. Male is only operated from/to Beijing Daxing.

Cover photo: sebsmeister – JetPhotos (Hangzhou, China).

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The Airbus A380 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic passenger aircraft ever built.

The aircraft emerged from a need to address the growing congestion at major airports by significantly increasing passenger capacity per flight. Formally launched in 2000, the A380 was designed to challenge Boeing’s dominance in the long-haul market and epitomize the future of commercial aviation with its unique full double-deck configuration, capable of seating around 850 passengers in an all-economy class setup. After overcoming substantial engineering and production challenges (including issues with its immense size and complex wiring systems) the A380 first took to the skies on April 27, 2005.

The aircraft garnered substantial initial orders from flagship airlines seeking to make a statement about their own scale and ambition. Airports invested heavily in infrastructure, upgrading facilities to accommodate its size. However, the A380’s commercial success was short-lived. Changing market dynamics have favored smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft capable of operating long-haul routes without requiring the massive passenger volumes needed to make such a large aircraft economically viable. Whilst the Coronavirus pandemic also hit the demand for huge jets (leading to the retirement of the Boeing 747 by multiple airlines and countless A380 groundings), the A380 went on to make something of a comeback to support the boom in passenger demand. Airbus announced the end of the A380 production in 2001, marking the end of an iconic but ultimately unsustainable era in aviation history.

What is the state of play for the Airbus super jumbo today? Let’s use Flightradar24 data to take a look at the most prolific operators, airports and trends seen in A380 operations in the past 12 months.

What does a year of A380 operations look like?Who are the largest Airbus A380 operators?

| Airline | Number of A380-800 aircraft | | --- | --- | | Emirates (EK/UAE) | 121 | | Singapore Airlines (SQ/SIA) | 17 | | British Airways (BA/BAW) | 12 | | Qantas (QF/QFA) | 12 | | Lufthansa (LH/DLH) | 11 | | Korean Air (KE/KAL) | 10 | | Qatar Airways (QR/QTR) | 8 | | Asiana Airlines (OZ/AAR) | 6 | | Etihad (EY/ETD) | 4 | | All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) | 3 |

Emirates (EK/UAE) are by far the most prolific operator of the Airbus A380. The Emirates fleet comprises 121 A380 aircraft as of April 2024, including some of the oldest active Airbus A380 aircraft in operation.

Video Flight Report – British Airways A380 Club World | Johannesburg–LondonWho operated the most flights?Of 80,993 Airbus A380 flights that occurred between April 01 2023-2024, Emirates operated 54,460 – around 67%. Emirates operated the most flights overall, in addition to the most flights to and from Dubai Whilst the airlines with the lowest number of scheduled A380 flights were All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA), Etihad Airlines (EY/ETD) and Lufthansa (LH/DLH), it is important to see that in context of fleet size, with these carriers only accounting for 8% of the global A380 fleet. Whilst Lufthansa has 1 A380 aircraft, the German flag carrier was slower than many others in reintorducing the A380 to service following storage during the pandemic.

Video Exclusive - Etihad A380 Hangar Visit: Heavy Maintenance on the Superjumbo!Where are A380s operating?Emirates’ most frequently operated flights were between Dubai DXB and London Heathrow LHR (flights EX01, EX03, EK05, EK07, EX29, EX31, EK41) and the reciprocal flight (flights EK02, EK04, EK06, EK08, EK30, EK32 and EK42). Flights between Dubai and Heathrow made up 28% of Emirates’ total flights in the past 12 months.

Let’s take a look at A380 operations at the second most popular A380 airport – London Heathrow (LHR). We will exclude Dubai to get a better view of non Emirates A380 operations.

A380 destinations on flights from Heathrow (excluding Dubai and Emirates)GCMap.comA total of 5,054 A380 flights that were not operated by Emirates left London Heathrow in the past 12 months. By far the most popular destination of these was Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), which accounted for 23% of flights. These were operated by Singapore Airlines and British Airways. Also popular were Qatar Airways flights to Doha DOH (15% of flights), Etihad flights to Abu Dhabi AUH (13%), and British Airways flights to Johannesburg JNB (11%). The most frequent flight to North America was British Airways’ route from LHR to Miami MIA, which saw 507 flights from Heathrow in the past 12 months. Whilst there are more westbound A380 flights from London, the eastbound flights operate at a far higher frequency.

The most used Airbus A380The most frequently utilized A380 in commercial service over the past 12 months was A6-EUD, which operated 789 flights.

The least used Airbus A380sThree of Emirates’ aircraft have operated just one flight each over the past 12 months, A6-EDF, A6-EDW and A6-EOY. These aircraft have been positioned from Dubai International (DXB) to Dubai World Central International Airport (DWC).

A6-EDF approaching London Heathrow in 2017.What does the future hold for the A380?The future of the Airbus A380 appears largely focused on continued operation by the few major airlines featured above. Airlines that have so heavily invested in the A380 (such as Emirates) will continue to use these aircraft for popular, high-traffic routes as they can still be economically viable in such scenarios. However, the overall trend in the aviation industry is shifting towards more fuel-efficient, smaller, and flexible aircraft types that can serve long-haul routes without the need for the high passenger volumes the A380 requires.

Commercially challenged: the A380’s high capacity can make operating the aircraft at a profit challenging.As these aircraft age, the cost of maintenance and operation will increase and potentially accelerate their retirement from fleets. Some airlines have already started reducing or phasing out A380s, with Lufthansa’s service reduced and Air France abandoning the type altogether. Lufthansa has somewhat reluctantly brought its A380 fleet back into service following delays to the Boeing 777X program.

Moreover, the second-hand market for the A380 has been negligible, partly due to the limited number of airlines capable of integrating such large aircraft into their fleets and the significant costs involved in retrofitting them for different configurations. That said, the consistent boom in demand for air travel since 2021 continues, and with the aircraft being the absolute cornerstone of some airlines’ operations, we are likely to see the A380 in the skies for many years to come.

Cover photo: Murtaza Sattar, JetPhotos

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South African Airways will inaugurate its regular flights between Johannesburg and Perth on April 28th. The airline will operate this route three times a week with Airbus A340-300 aircraft, configured for 253 passengers.

Perth will become SAA’s second destination out of Africa, and the third intercontinental route. In addition to the Australian city, South African offers flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

As the company reports in a press release, South African Airways’ operations between Johannesburg and Perth will return after a four-year suspension.

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* SA 280 Johannesburg JNB 20:55 · 12:20+1 PER Perth

Monday, Wednesday and Friday* SA 281 Perth PER 23:50 · 04:45+1 JNB Johannesburg

Emirates’ first Airbus A350-900 was recently spotted at Toulouse airport. The airline has an order for 65 A350s, with the first scheduled to enter service in August.

The registration of this aircraft will be A6-EXA.

Currently, the company’s fleet consists of Airbus A380-800, Boeing 777(F), Boeing 777-200(LR) and Boeing 777-300(ER). To read more about Emirates’ development in Dubai, its main hub, click here.

Always in the quest to try new things and offer images that are a little different!
Have you noticed the little novelty in this photo? 😏😍#avgeek #airbus #planespotting pic.twitter.com/N2OkmszGme

— Robin HARDY (@robin_hrdy) March 27, 2024

Following the incident involving its only McDonnell Douglas MD-82 in Lagos on April 23rd, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension of Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for a safety and economic audit.

The suspension took effect on Wednesday, April 24th at 23:59 local time.

Dana Air has 7 airplanes in its fleet (2 Boeing 737-500, 1 MD-82 and 4 MD-83).

Statement posted by Dana Air on X (formerly Twitter)We review other new developments in the Africa/Middle East market in April: Air Cairo adds another Airbus A320. * Air Côte d’Ivoire takes delivery of its third Airbus A319-100. * Brussels Airlines increases flights to Sierra Leone and Liberia. * Camair-Co announces three new routes. * Emirates resumed operations between Dubai and Riyadh with Airbus A380s. * flydubai adds connections to Saudi Arabia. * Norse Atlantic UK will fly between London and Cape Town. * Oman Air increases frequencies on the Muscat – Lucknow route. * Saudia will operate between Jeddah and Abuja. * Transavia will open its second route from/to Dubai. * Warsaw, Ethiopian Airlines’* new scheduled service.

Air CairoThe airline will incorporate in the short term a “new” Airbus A320-200.

According to Skyliner-Aviation, the aircraft, ex Alaska Airlines, is currently in Miami Opa Locka undergoing final preparations prior to its incorporation to Air Cairo.

This Airbus A320 will soon receive the registration SU-BVQ, as it has the N641VA registry, which it used while operating for Alaska.

Air Cairo will reach 11 Airbus A320-200s in its fleet (SU-BPU, SU-BPV, SU-BPW, SU-BPX, SU-BPT, SU-BUJ, SU-BUU, SU-BUV, SU-BUW, SU-BVP and SU-BVQ).

In addition, the company has 14 A320neo, which average 2 years old.

Air Côte d’IvoireTU-TRF, the registration of Air Côte d’Ivoire’s new Airbus A319.

The plane is 8 years old and will shortly begin services. At present, the A319 is in Johannesburg after arriving from Marana via San Juan (Puerto Rico), Dakar and Pointe Noire.

Air Côte d’Ivoire fleetAirbus A319

TU-TRF · 8 years
TU-TSY · 16 years
TU-TSZ · 16 years

Airbus A320

TU-TSV · 7 years
TU-TSW · 7 years
TU-TSX · 3.5 years

Dash 8

TU-TSI · 8.5 years
TU-TSK · 10 years
TU-TSL · 9.5 years
TU-TSQ · 8 years

Between 2016 and 2023, the Airbus A319 TU-TRF operated for Avianca with the registry N751AV.

AirlinkLast April 15th, Airlink’s Embraer 195AR, registration ZS-YDF, entered service.

This airplane had been incorporated by the African company in November 2023, after being inactive for almost four years after its withdrawal from Saratov Airlines, a Russian carrier.

Airlink has six Embraer 195s, five of which are active. The one registered as ZS-YDG has been grounded at Johannesburg airport since October 2023.

Illustrative photo. This is the E195 ZS-YDEBrussels AirlinesThe airline will add frequencies on the Brussels – Freetown (Sierra Leone) – Monrovia (Liberia) – Brussels route as of August 20th.

As can be seen on its website, Brussels Airlines will expand from three to four flights per week.

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday* SN 241/45 Brussels BRU 12:10 · 17:00 FNA Freetown * SN 241/45 Freetown FNA 18:15 · 19:20 ROB Monrovia * SN 241/45 Monrovia ROB 20:40 · 05:15+1 BRU Brussels

It will add a service on Mondays.

The four weekly will be until September 3rd, returning to the current schedule. In late October, it will increase again to 4.

Brussels Airlines routes to/from AfricaMap by gcmap.comAngola/Democratic Republic of the Congo

BRU – Luanda (LAD) – Kinshasa (FIH) – BRU: 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Benin/Ivory Coast

BRU – Cotonou (COO) – Abidjan (ABJ) – BRU: 1 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Burkina Faso/Ivory Coast

BRU – Ouagadougou (OUA) – Abidjan (ABJ) – BRU: 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Burundi/Uganda

BRU – Bujumbura (BJM) – Entebbe (EBB) – BRU: 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Cameroon

BRU – Douala (DLA) – Yaounde (NSI) – BRU: 6 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kinshasa (FIH): 5 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Gambia

Banjul (BJL) via DSS: 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Ghana

Accra (ACC): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Guinea

Conakry (CKY) via DSS: 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Ivory Coast/Benin

BRU – Abidjan (ABJ) – Cotonou (COO) – BRU: 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Ivory Coast/Ghana

BRU – Abidjan (ABJ) – Accra (ACC) – BRU: 1 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Rwanda/Uganda

BRU – Kigali (KGL) – Entebbe (EBB) – BRU: 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Senegal

Dakar (DSS): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Sierra Leone/Liberia

BRU – Freetown (FNA) – Monrovia (ROB) – BRU: 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Togo

Lome (LFW) via ACC: 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Camair-CoDuring May, the Cameroonian carrier will launch three new routes from/to Douala airport, its main base.

These connections will be Brazzaville, Cotonou, Libreville and Pointe Noire, with the following schedule:

Cotonou · May 13thMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday

QC 320 Douala DLA 19:30 · 21:00 COO Cotonou

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday

QC 321 Cotonou COO 08:30 · 10:00 DLA Douala

Libreville and Pointe Noire · May 13thMonday, Thursday and Saturday

QC 306 Douala DLA 11:00 · 12:00 LBV Libreville
QC 306 Libreville LBV 12:45 · 14:20 PNR Pointe Noire
QC 307 Pointe Noire PNR 15:00 · 16:35 LBV Libreville
QC 307 Libreville LBV 17:20 · 18:20 DOU Douala

Brazzaville · May 28thTuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

QC 310 Douala DLA 11:30 · 13:20 BZV Brazzaville
QC 311 Brazzaville BZV 15:30 · 17:20 DLA Douala

Flights to Brazzaville and Cotonou will be operated by Boeing 737-700s, and those to Libreville and Pointe Noire using Embraer 175s.

EmiratesThe airline resumed services with Airbus A380 aircraft between Dubai and Riyadh last April 1st.

From the current three daily frequencies, Emirates will operate one of them using these aircraft, while the other two will be on Boeing 777-300s.

Airbus A380-800* EK 817 Dubai DXB 16:55 · 18:00 RUH Riyadh * EK 818 Riyadh RUH 20:00 · 23:15 DXB Dubai

Private Aviation TerminalBoeing 777* EK 815 Dubai DXB 01:25 · 02:25 RUH Riyadh * EK 816 Riyadh RUH 03:55 · 07:00 DXB Dubai * EK 819 Dubai DXB 07:10 · 08:05 RUH Riyadh * EK 820 Riyadh RUH 09:40 · 12:35 DXB Dubai

Emirates’ routes to/from Saudi ArabiaMap by gcmap.com Dammam (DMM): 22 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * Jeddah (JED): 21 weekly · Airbus A380 * Medina (MED): 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * Riyadh (RUH): 21 weekly · A380/77W*

The last Emirates flights between Dubai and Riyadh, with Airbus A380-800s, had been in 2020.

EthiopianWarsaw, Ethiopian Airlines’ new connection in Europe.

The company will begin operations in July, and will be the only one to operate from/to Addis Ababa.

In accordance with its website, Ethiopian will offer four services a week on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft under this schedule:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* ET 764 Addis Ababa ADD 23:35 · 05:05+1 ATH Athens * ET 764 Athens ATH 06:05 · 08:05 WAW Warsaw (+1 day)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* ET 765 Warsaw WAW 21:00 · 00:40+1 ATH Athens * ET 765 Athens ATH 01:40 · 06:55 ADD Addis Ababa (+1 day)

Athens, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Manchester, Marseille, Milan, Oslo, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna and Zurich are Ethiopian Airlines’ current connections in the European continent.

EtihadEffective June 25th, Etihad schedules to launch flights between Abu Dhabi and Bali (Denpasar). The carrier will offer four weekly operations with the 290-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday* EY 476 Abu Dhabi AUH 22:25 · 11:35+1 DPS Denpasar

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* EY 477 Denpasar DPS 18:45 · 23:45 AUH Abu Dhabi

As for other Indonesian cities, Etihad operates 11 services per week between Abu Dhabi and Jakarta on Boeing 777-300(ER) and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft.

In addition, Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A321NX was recently spotted. The plane, which currently has the registration 2-AECC, will soon join the airline.

flydubaiBetween April 18th and the 22nd, flydubai inaugurated two new connections in the Dubai – Saudi Arabia market, bringing the carrier’s total number of routes to 18.

Operations will be performed on 186-seat Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

Red Sea Project · April 18thThursday and Sunday

FZ 927 Dubai DXB 10:50/11:10 · 13:00/13:20 RSI Red Sea Project
FZ 928 Red Sea Project RSI 14:00/14:20 · 18:00/18:20 DXB Dubai

Sakaka · April 22ndMonday and Thursday

FZ 913 Dubai DXB 11:20 · 13:00 AJF Sakaka
FZ 914 Sakaka AJF 14:00 · 17:45 DXB Dubai

flydubai routes between DXB and Saudi ArabiaMap by gcmap.com Abha (AHB): 7 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Al Ula (ULH): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Al-Qassim (ELQ): 7 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Dammam (DMM): 28 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Ha’il (HAS): 4 weekly · 738/7M8 * Hofuf Al-Ahsa (HOF): 3 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Jeddah (JED): 21 weekly · 738/7M8 * Jizan (GIZ): 4 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Medina (MED): 14 weekly · 738/7M8 * Najran (EAM): 3 weekly · 738/7M8 * Neom Bay (NUM): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Qaisumah (AQI): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800 * Red Sea (RSI): 2 weekly · 738/7M8 * Riyadh (RUH): 35 weekly · 738/7M8 * Sakaka (AJF): 2 weekly · 738/7M8 * Tabuk (TUU): 14 weekly · 738/7M8 * Taif (TIF): 4 weekly · 738/7M8 * Yanbu (YNB): 3 weekly · Boeing 737 MAX 8*

Fly LiliThe Romanian-based charter airline will launch three seasonal routes to Africa starting in June.

According to its website, Fly Lili will operate with its Airbus A320-200s configured for 180 passengers.

Map by gcmap.comEgypt Bucharest (BBU) – Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH): 1 weekly * Cluj (CLJ) – Hurghada (HRG): 1 weekly*

Tunisia Bucharest (BBU) – Enfidha (NBE): 1 weekly*

Jordan AviationLast March 30th, the company inaugurated flights between Amman and Moscow Domodedovo. In line with our database, Jordan Aviation will have two weekly services with the 176-seat Airbus A320-200 jets.

Saturday* R5 795 Amman AMM 10:00 · 15:15 DME Moscow * R5 796 Moscow DME 16:00 · 21:00 AMM Amman

Furthermore, Kuwait City will enter the carrier’s regular network effective May 2nd.

Jordan Aviation will fly to/from Amman as follows:

Saturday/Wednesday* R5 621 Amman AMM 17:30/17:45 · 19:50/20:05 KWI Kuwait City * R5 622 Kuwait City KWI 20:50/21:05 · 23:05/23:20 AMM Amman

Norse Atlantic UKThe airline announced from October 28th it will commence operations between London and Cape Town.

Norse Atlantic UK will serve this route three times a week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, in accordance to its website.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday* Z0 795 London LGW 20:00 · 09:30+1 CPT Cape Town

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday* Z0 796 Cape Town CPT 11:45 · 21:35 LGW London

Routes between the UK and South AfricaMap by gcmap.comCape Town

London (LHR): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-1000 (British)

Johannesburg

London (LHR): 14 weekly · A388/77W (British)
London (LHR): 7 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (Virgin)

Earlier this month, Norse confirmed the opening of a new destination in the United States. Services to Las Vegas will begin on September 12th, and for further information you can click on this link.

Oman AirMore flights to Lucknow, India.

As can be seen in our database, Oman Air increased its flights between Muscat and Lucknow in early April, reaching ten weekly.

Daily* WY 261 Muscat MCT 09:20 · 14:15 LKO Lucknow * WY 262 Lucknow LKO 15:15 · 17:25 MCT Muscat

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* WY 265 Muscat MCT 02:50 · 07:45 LKO Lucknow * WY 266 Lucknow LKO 09:20 · 11:30 MCT Muscat

Previously, it had a daily frequency.

Air India Express and SalamAir, in addition to Oman Air, operate between the two cities, with seven and three services per week, respectively.

QatarBeginning June 1st, Qatar Airways will inaugurate a new destination in Africa.

The company will offer four weekly flights on a combined route with Luanda (Angola) using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft seating 254 passengers.

Monday and Saturday* QR 1491 Doha DOH 02:45 · 08:10 FIH Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) * QR 1491 Kinshasa FIH 09:40 · 10:55 LAD Luanda * QR 1491 Luanda LAD 12:25 · 22:50 DOH Doha

Thursday and Friday* QR 1489 Doha DOH 09:20 · 15:40 LAD Luanda * QR 1489 Luanda LAD 17:10 · 18:25 FIH Kinshasa * QR 1489 Kinshasa FIH 19:55 · 05:45+1 DOH Doha

Additionally, Qatar will boost from one to four operations a week to Luanda.

SaudiaEffective May 11th, Abuja, Nigeria, will join Saudia’s regular schedule.

Operations will be conducted three weekly with Boeing 777-300(ER) aircraft, under the following schedule:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* SV 403 Jeddah JED 08:00 · 12:00 ABV Abuja * SV 404 Abuja ABV 13:25 · 21:30 JED Jeddah

Kano is Saudi Arabian Airlines’ only current destination in Nigeria.

Serve Air CargoThe cargo airline of the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the addition of its second Boeing 737-800(F). At the moment, the nearly 22-year-old aircraft has the registration N157TS.

On April 17th, as can be seen in our database, the Boeing 737 arrived in Kinshasa from Dothan (DHT) via Espargos.

Illustrative photo. This is a Boeing 737-300South AfricanWe review South African’s routes from Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Map by gcmap.comCape TownSouth Africa

Johannesburg (JNB): 54 weekly · A320/A333/733/738

Brazil

Sao Paulo (GRU): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300

JohannesburgAustralia

Perth (PER): 3 weekly · Airbus A340-300 (effective April 28th)

Brazil

Sao Paulo (GRU): 2 weekly · Airbus A330-300

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kinshasa (FIH): 3 weekly · Airbus A320-200

Ghana

Accra (ACC): 3 weekly · Airbus A340-300

Ivory Coast

Abidjan (ABJ) via ACC: 3 weekly · Airbus A340-300

Mauritius

Port Louis (MRU): 7 weekly · A320/A333/A343

Namibia

Windhoek (WDH): 14 weekly · Airbus A320-200

Nigeria

Lagos (LOS): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300

South Africa

Cape Town (CPT): 54 weekly · A320/A333/733/738
Durban (DUR): 27 weekly · A320/733
Port Elizabeth (PLZ): 13 weekly · Airbus A320/733

Zambia

Lusaka (LUN): 7 weekly · Airbus A320-200

Zimbabwe

Harare (HRE): 10 weekly · Airbus A320-200
Victoria Falls (VFA): 7 weekly · Airbus A320-200

TransaviaThe company will begin operating flights between Toulouse and Dubai starting October 27th. These services, which are already on sale, will be carried out twice a week with Boeing 737-800s.

Monday and Friday* TO 8097 Dubai DXB 17:00 · 23:45 TLS Toulouse (via ATH)

Tuesday and Saturday* TO 8096 Toulouse TLS 06:35 · 16:55 DXB Dubai

Currently, from/to Toulouse-Blagnac airport, the French airline has only one route (TLS-Brest on Boeing 737-800 aircraft).

Four new airplanes just out of the factory were incorporated by different airlines from these markets during late March and April.

Pegasus
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways Cargo
Saudia

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 787-9 | Qatar | A7-BHR | CHS-DOH | March 30th | | Boeing 777-F | Qatar Cargo | A7-BTB | PAE-DOH | April 14th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Pegasus | TC-RDO | TLS-SAW | April 24th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Saudia | HZ-ASAH | XFW-JED | April 25th |

Qatar’s new 787 A7-BHR in Charleston on March 30thTo read the other reports we published during April:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub

Cover photo: Mirko Bleuer – JetPhotos (Cape Town, South Africa).

The post Africa and Middle East route updates – April 2024 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode, we welcome current commercial pilot and former RAF captain Scott Bateman to discuss his new book, Hercules: First in. Last Out. The story of an RAF legend. Listen now to find out how to enter to win a copy of Scott’s book.

We also discuss a pair of runway incursion incidents last week from New York and Washington DC. Plus, Boeing’s narrowed first quarter loss, the UK AAIB’s final report on G-OATW’s melted windows, and Chilean investigators issue their preliminary report on the inflight upset of a LATAM 787 in between Australia and New Zealand.

Helpful links Preorder Hercules* * UK AAIB report on melted windows * Chilean report on LATAM 787 upset (in Spanish) * Swiss A330 rejected takeoff at JFK

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 265: Scott Bateman’s Hercules appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operating flight TOM156 from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Punta Cana (PUJ) made an immediate return to Manchester after experiencing smoke in the cockpit on April 19, 2024. Due to the urgency of the situation, G-TUIL returned to the airport without dumping fuel, leading to an overweight landing. Our friends at Airliners Live captured the aircraft’s return, you can view the footage below.

All aircraft have a maximum landing weight (MLW). This is a mass (typically measured in tonnes) which the aircraft should reach before landing in order to stop in the appropriate distance and not place excess stress on the aircraft itself. Most widebody aircraft are equipped with fuel dumping systems, allowing them to jettison unused fuel and reduce the aircraft’s mass to below its maximum landing weight.

Most narrowbody aircraft do not have the ability to dump fuel. This is because many of them have a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) equal to their maximum landing weight, meaning that in the event of returning to an airport after takeoff, they can land immediately.

The flight path of TOM156, which returned to Manchester airport after takeoff without dumping fuel in April 2024.What happens when a widebody aircraft encounters an emergency which requires them to return to the airport immediately after takeoff, leaving them with no time to dump their excess fuel? Let’s take a look.

Which situations might require an overweight landing?There are several scenarios that might necessitate a widebody jet to return to an airport shortly after takeoff without having the opportunity to dump fuel. Here are some common reasons:

Alarms – indicating issues in the cockpit, cabin, or cargo hold, such as smoke or fire alarms, require immediate attention. This was the situation faced by the crew of TOM156.
Medical emergencies – a passenger or crew member with a severe medical issue that endangers life may facilitate an immediate landing.
Technical problems – such as issues with the aircraft’s engines, hydraulics, or critical systems that manifest shortly after takeoff can prompt a return to the airport.
Cabin pressurization failures – Whilst aircraft can fly safely without pressurization up to around 10,000 feet, some situations may require an immediate return without fuel dumping.
Bird strikes – If a bird strike occurs during or shortly after takeoff and it is suspected to have caused significant damage to the aircraft, particularly to the engines, a prompt return to the departure airport is necessary.
Security concerns – Threats or security breaches aboard the aircraft may also lead to an immediate return to the departure point without the time or space to safely dump fuel.

What are the considerations taken when landing an overweight aircraft?Landing techniqueIn a scenario where an aircraft must land overweight, pilots rely on specific techniques to manage the additional weight. The approach speed is generally higher to maintain control, which necessitates precise handling during touchdown. Pilots aim for a ‘firm’ landing rather than a ‘soft’ one to ensure the aircraft’s weight is quickly and effectively supported by the landing gear and not prolonged in a floating phase, which could lead to runway overshoot.

To aid in deceleration, pilots make full use of the aircraft’s braking systems, including maximum deployment of reverse thrust and speed brakes. It is essential to manage the reverse thrust carefully to avoid stress on the aircraft structure.

Correct use of reverse thrust is a key part of executing a safe overweight landing.‘Cascade’ style reversers are fitted to the Boeing 787. How do aircraft slow down on landing? – Reverse thrust explainedWeight and stopping distanceThe stopping distance of an aircraft is directly affected by its weight. An overweight aircraft has more inertia and requires a greater distance to come to a complete stop. The use of reverse thrust and brakes must be optimized to handle this increased stopping distance. Pilots also have to be mindful of the runway length and condition; for instance, a wet or icy runway might further impede braking effectiveness and require even more distance for a safe stop.

BrakingThe higher landing speed increases the stress on the tires and brakes, which can lead to higher wear and risk of failure if not managed correctly. Pilots must ensure that the braking is done steadily and evenly to prevent potential blowouts or skidding, and use the brake fans appropriately.

Brake fans are designed to cool the brakes of an aircraft after landing, a time when the brakes can reach extremely high temperatures due to the friction generated in slowing and stopping the aircraft. The use of brake fans helps to prevent overheating, which can lead to brake wear or even failure. They are installed as part of the aircraft’s landing gear system, specifically around the brake assemblies. When activated, these fans blow air directly onto the brakes, enhancing the natural cooling process by increasing the rate of heat dissipation. This forced-air cooling is crucial because it reduces the time it takes for the brakes to cool to a safe temperature, allowing the aircraft to be ready for another flight sooner.

Brake fans are typically used in situations where an aircraft has to perform quick turnarounds, such as in busy commercial airports. They are also crucial when an aircraft lands with high kinetic energy, such as in the case of an overweight landing. In these scenarios, the brakes work harder and thus generate more heat. Additionally, in hot weather conditions, the ambient temperatures can impede the natural cooling of the brakes, making the role of brake fans even more significant.

Fire crews will often inspect brakes following an overweight landing, as hot brakes can lead to fires. Post-landing inspectionsAfter an overweight landing, the aircraft must undergo a thorough inspection to assess any potential damage. This inspection is crucial as the added stress on the aircraft’s structure and landing gear can lead to issues that may not be immediately apparent. Key areas of focus include:

Landing Gear – The gear must be checked for any signs of structural weakness or hydraulic leaks. Overweight landings can strain the shock absorbers and joints, which might compromise their effectiveness.
Tires and Brakes – These components are likely to exhibit the most wear due to the increased friction and heat generated during an overweight landing. Technicians look for any signs of melting, tears, or excessive wear in the tire treads and check the brake pads for degradation or uneven wear.
Structural Integrity – The aircraft’s fuselage and wings are inspected for any signs of stress fractures or deformation. Special attention is given to the wing roots and attachment points, as these bear a significant load during landing.
Engine Performance – The engines are checked for any abnormalities in their operation, especially if maximum reverse thrust was used during the landing. This includes examining the engine mounts and exhaust systems for any signs of damage or unusual wear.

Whilst overweight landings are rare, these techniques and procedures are combined with extensive crew training to ensure that the aircraft can make a safe and immediate return should it be required.

Cover photo: Charles Cunliffe, JetPhotos.

The post What happens when aircraft land overweight? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On March 26th at 16:26 local time, the last scheduled flight of an Asiana Airlines Boeing 747-400 landed at Seoul Incheon Airport. The plane, with registration HL7428, arrived from Taipei, Taiwan, under flight OZ 712.

The South Korean company bids farewell to the 747-400 passenger aircraft after a 31-year operation, having introduced its first 747-400, registered HL7418, in June 1993, fresh from the factory.

Asiana will continue operations with 10 Boeing 747-400s in its fleet, but configured for cargo services.

Furthermore, on April 17th, Jetstar’s first Airbus A321neo built in Toulouse performed its first test flight. The aircraft, which still maintains the F-WWAH registration, will shortly receive the Australian registry VH-OYF.

Jetstar’s current 11 A321neo, configured with 232 single-class seats, were produced in Hamburg. Apart from the upcoming VH-OYF, the company has 7 Airbus A321neo on order, which will be added in the short term.

Click on the photo to see the test flight and other dataWe review other highlights of the Asia/Oceania market during April: AirAsia X resumes flights between Kuala Lumpur and Changsha. * Air India began using its Airbus A350-900s on the Mumbai – Delhi route. * Air New Zealand will increase capacity and frequencies to Tokyo. * Bonza inaugurated flights between Sunshine Coast and Launceston. * China Eastern added two new routes from/to Hong Kong. * China United Airlines launched services between Yulin and Japan. * Chongqing Airlines will have a new connection to Sri Lanka and Maldives. * Finnair will boost frequencies between Helsinki and Japan. * IndiGo began its seventh route to/from Abu Dhabi. * IrAero further expands its operations in Baku. * Jeju Air adds four new routes. * In addition to the first A321neo built in Toulouse, Jetstar inaugurated flights between Sydney and Osaka. * Qantas and developments on two routes. * Royal Brunei expands frequencies to Malaysia. * T’Way will fly between Seoul and Kaohsiung. * Toki Air adds its second scheduled route as of April 26th. * ZIPAIR will increase its flights between Tokyo and the United States.*

Jetstar’s first A321neo built in ToulouseAirAsia XAfter a four-year period, AirAsia X will resume the Kuala Lumpur – Changsha route.

Starting July 5th, the airline will operate four times a week between the two cities on 377-seat Airbus A330-300s.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday* D7 352 Kuala Lumpur KUL 17:35 · 22:30 CSX Changsha * D7 353 Changsha CSX 23:45 · 04:20+1 KUL Kuala Lumpur

AirAsia X Kuala Lumpur – China routesMap by gcmap.com Beijing (PKX): 6 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Chengdu (TFU): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Hangzhou (HGH): 4 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Shanghai (PVG): 7 weekly · Airbus A330-300 * Xi’an (XIY): 3 weekly · Airbus A330-300*

Air IndiaThe company began services between Mumbai and Delhi using Airbus A350-900 jets last April 1st. In line with our database, Air India offers 13 weekly flights on this route with these aircraft.

Daily except Saturday* AI 864 Mumbai BOM 07:05 · 09:15 DEL Delhi * AI 865 Delhi DEL 10:45 · 12:50 BOM Mumbai

Saturday* AI 627 Mumbai BOM 08:30 · 10:35 DEL Delhi * AI 628 Delhi DEL 18:40 · 20:55 BOM Mumbai

Daily except Saturday* AI 687 Mumbai BOM 16:00 · 18:30 DEL Delhi * AI 805 Delhi DEL 20:00 · 22:25 BOM Mumbai

Air India also carries out this route with Airbus A320s, Airbus A321s, Boeing 777-200(LR)s and Boeing 777-300(ER)s.

Air New ZealandEffective October 27th, the airline will increase its operations on the Auckland – Tokyo Narita route, which currently performs with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes, 7 times per week.

According to its website, Air New Zealand will add three more frequencies, and will also begin operations with its Boeing 777-300(ER).

Daily · switch from 789 to 77W* NZ 99 Auckland AKL 09:55 · 16:50 NRT Tokyo * NZ 90 Tokyo NRT 18:30 · 09:05+1 AKL Auckland

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (new flight · 787-9)* NZ 95 Auckland AKL 23:55 · 06:50+1 NRT Tokyo

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (new flight · 787-9)* NZ 94 Tokyo NRT 14:30 · 05:05+1 AKL Auckland

Asiana AirlinesFollowing the retirement of the Boeing 747-400 passenger aircraft, the South Korean carrier’s fleet is composed as follows:

Airbus A320-200: 1
Airbus A321-200: 13
Airbus A321neo: 9
Airbus A330-300: 15
Airbus A350-900: 15
Airbus A380-800: 6
Boeing 747-400(F): 10
Boeing 767-300: 1
Boeing 767-300(F): 1
Boeing 777-200(ER): 9

BonzaSunshine Coast – Launceston, Bonza’s new route.

The Australian low cost carrier, which will offer two weekly services with Boeing 737 MAX, began operations on March 29th.

Monday and Friday* AB 689 Sunshine Coast MCY 11:05 · 13:55 LST Launceston * AB 690 Launceston LST 14:40 · 17:20 MCY Sunshine Coast

Bonza reaches its second destination in Launceston, after Gold Coast. Meanwhile, from Sunshine Coast it operates to Albury, Cairns, Darwin, Mackay, Melbourne (MEL and AVV), Mildura, Newcastle (NTL), Proserpine, Rockhampton and Townsville, in addition to Launceston.

China Eastern AirlinesDuring the last week, China Eastern inaugurated two new routes to Hong Kong from China, both of which will be operated with 186-seat Airbus A320-200s.

Lanzhou · April 15thMonday

MU 6097 Lanzhou LHW 08:55 · 11:55 HKG Hong Kong
MU 6098 Hong Kong HKG 13:15 · 15:40 LHW Lanzhou

It will operate 2 services a week starting April 29th (new flight on Fridays).**

Yantai – Linyi · April 16thTuesday and Friday

MU 6091 Yantai YNT 09:10 · 10:20 LYI Linyi
MU 6091 Linyi LYI 11:40 · 14:50 HKG Hong Kong
MU 6092 Hong Kong HKG 15:50 · 18:50 LYI Linyi
MU 6092 Linyi LYI 20:10 · 21:15 YNT Yantai

China United AirlinesAt 13:51 local time on April 9th, China United’s first flight from Yulin arrived in Shizuoka. The company, which will be the only one to offer this route, will operate twice-weekly with Boeing 737-800 planes.

Tuesday and Saturday* KN 861 Yulin UYN 09:10 · 14:00 FSZ Shizuoka * KN 862 Shizuoka FSZ 14:45 · 18:20 UYN Yulin

In addition of being the only carrier on this route, China United Airlines is the only company to fly between Yulin and Japan.

China United routes from/to YulinMap by gcmap.comChina

Beijing (PKX): 21 weekly
Chengdu (TFU): 7 weekly
Lanzhou (LHW): 7 weekly
Shanghai (PVG): 7 weekly

Japan

Shizuoka (FSZ): 2 weekly

Chongqing AirlinesBeginning June 24th, the carrier will start operating a new route to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Chongqing Airlines will perform three weekly flights on Airbus A320-200s, under the following schedule:

Monday and Friday* OQ 2393 Chongqing CKG 12:10 · 15:30 CMB Colombo * OQ 2393 Colombo CMB 16:30 · 17:40 MLE Male * OQ 2394 Male MLE 18:50 · 21:00 CMB Colombo * OQ 2394 Colombo CMB 22:00 · 05:55+1 CKG Chongqing

Wednesday* OQ 2393 Chongqing CKG 15:45 · 19:00 CMB Colombo * OQ 2393 Colombo CMB 20:10 · 21:25 MLE Male * OQ 2394 Male MLE 22:55 · 01:10+1 CMB Colombo * OQ 2394 Colombo CMB 02:20+1 · 10:30+1 CKG Chongqing (Thursday)

Eastar JetChiang Mai and Phu Quoc, new connections of the South Korean airline from Seoul Incheon effective July.

These services will be carried out once per day with 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Daily · July 11th* ZE 517 Seoul ICN 18:30 · 22:50 CNX Chiang Mai * ZE 518 Chiang Mai CNX 23:45 · 07:40+1 ICN Seoul

Daily · July 19th* ZE 581 Seoul ICN 19:30 · 23:59 PQC Phu Quoc * ZE 582 Phu Quoc PQC 01:00 · 07:25 ICN Seoul

Eastar Jet routes to/from Seoul IncheonMap by gcmap.comChina

Shanghai (PVG): 3 weekly

Japan

Fukuoka (FUK): 14 weekly
Osaka (KIX): 14 weekly
Tokyo (NRT): 17 weekly

Taiwan

Taipei (TPE): 4 weekly

Thailand

Bangkok (BKK): 7 weekly

Vietnam

Da Nang (DAD): 7 weekly
Nha Trang (CXR): 7 weekly

EVA AirAs of July, EVA will expand its operations between Kaohsiung and Seoul Incheon, with the addition of two new frequencies.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday* BR 172 Kaohsiung KHH 15:50 · 19:45 ICN Seoul * BR 171 Seoul ICN 20:45 · 22:40 KHH Kaohsiung

It will add a new flight on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

FinnairThe Finnish company made an update in its reservation system, opening the purchase of flights after March 30th, 2025.

In these new changes, more frequencies between Helsinki and Japan, specifically to Nagoya and Tokyo Narita can be seen.

Map by gcmap.com Nagoya (NGO): from 2 to 3 weekly * Tokyo (NRT): from 6 to 7 weekly*

IndiGoThe Indian low cost carrier will commence services between Chandigarh and Abu Dhabi as of May 15th. Flights will be operated by Airbus A320 jets with a daily frequency.

Daily 6E 1417 Abu Dhabi AUH 22:15 · 03:30 IXC Chandigarh * 6E 1418 Chandigarh IXC 02:45 · 05:15 AUH Abu Dhabi (eff May 16th)*

IndiGo routes between Abu Dhabi and IndiaMap by gcmap.com Ahmedabad (AMD): 7 weekly * Chennai (MAA): 7 weekly * Cochin (COK): 7 weekly * Delhi (DEL): 7 weekly * Hyderabad (HYD): 7 weekly * Mumbai (BOM): 7 weekly*

From Chandigarh, IndiGo offers seven services per week to Dubai with the same aircraft.

IrAeroIn early April, IrAero made a major expansion on the Russia-Azerbaijan market with the opening of three new routes.

The services will be conducted with Sukhoi Superjet 100-95LRs seating 100 passengers.

Omsk · April 1stMonday

IO 504 Baku GYD 21:20 · 02:50 OMS Omsk

Tuesday

IO 503 Omsk OMS 04:00 · 05:30 GYD Baku

Chelyabinsk · April 3rdWednesday

IO 464 Baku GYD 13:00 · 16:30 CEK Chelyabinsk
IO 463 Chelyabinsk CEK 18:00 · 20:00 GYD Baku

Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport – UBBBNizhnevartovsk · April 7thSunday

IO 422 Baku GYD 21:30 · 02:40 NJC Nizhnevartovsk

Monday

IO 421 Nizhnevartovsk NJC 04:20 · 07:30 GYD Baku

IrAero routes between Russia and BakuMap by gcmap.com Beslan (OGZ): 4 weekly · Sukhoi * Chelyabinsk (CEK): 1 weekly · Sukhoi * Kazan (KZN): 2 weekly · Sukhoi * Krasnoyarsk (KJA): 2 weekly · Sukhoi * Moscow (DME): 4 weekly · Sukhoi * Naberezhnye (NBC): 1 weekly · Sukhoi * Nizhnevartovsk (NJC): 1 weekly · Sukhoi * Nizhny (GOJ): 1 weekly · Sukhoi * Novosibirsk (OVB): 1 weekly · Sukhoi * Omsk (OMS): 1 weekly · Sukhoi * Perm (PEE): 2 weekly · Sukhoi * Saratov (GSV): 2 weekly · Sukhoi * Ufa (UFA): 1 weekly · Sukhoi*

Jeju Air3 international routes and a domestic one, Jeju Air’s new updates.

These flights will begin between April 24th and 28th, and will be carried on Boeing 737-800 airplanes.

Map by gcmap.com Jeju (CJU) – Beijing (PKX): 4 weekly · April 24th * Muan (MWX) – Dayong (DYG): 4 weekly · April 24th * Jeju (CJU) – Muan (MWX): 4 weekly · April 26th * Muan (MWX) – Yanji (YNJ): 2 weekly · April 27th*

JetstarThe Australian company began operations between Sydney and Osaka last March 31st. Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport becomes Jetstar’s third connection in the Japanese city, reaching 11 weekly.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday* JQ 13 Sydney SYD 10:20 · 19:00 KIX Osaka * JQ 14 Osaka KIX 21:25 · 08:10+1 SYD Sydney

Routes between Australia and Osaka · JetstarMap by gcmap.com Brisbane (BNE): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner * Cairns (CNS): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner * Sydney (SYD): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner*

Jetstar is the only airline to operate the Sydney – Osaka route.

QantasOn April 6th, the airline launched flights between Melbourne and Cairns with Airbus A330-200 aircraft. In accordance to its website, Qantas will offer one frequency a week with these planes, seven with Boeing 737-800s and three using QantasLink’s Embraer 190s.

Daily except Saturday (Boeing 737-800)* QF 702 Melbourne MEL 09:45 · 13:05 CNS Cairns * QF 703 Cairns CNS 13:45 · 17:15 MEL Melbourne

Saturday (with Airbus A330)* QF 702 Melbourne MEL 09:20 · 12:40 CNS Cairns * QF 703 Cairns CNS 13:45 · 17:15 MEL Melbourne

On this route, in addition to Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate 28 and 14 weekly services, respectively.

Furthermore, on April 1st, the company inaugurated its Sydney-Port Moresby service, which will operate under the following schedule:

Monday and Friday* QF 191 Sydney SYD 08:50 · 12:50 POM Port Moresby * QF 192 Port Moresby POM 13:45 · 17:40 SYD Sydney

As well as Sydney, Qantas offers a daily flight to Port Moresby from Brisbane.

Royal BruneiThe carrier increased its services between Brunei (BWN) and Malaysia last March 31st.

According to our database, Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Kota Kinabalu (BKI) have added operations:

Kuala Lumpur (expanded from 10 to 11 weekly) BI 871/872 (BWN-KUL-BWN): Daily except Tuesday and Wednesday * BI 873/874 (BWN-KUL-BWN): Daily except Monday*

Kota Kinabalu (expanded from 7 to 8 weekly) BI 821 (BWN-BKI): Friday * BI 825 (BWN-BKI): Saturday * BI 827 (BWN-BKI): Daily except Wednesday * BI 822 (BKI-BWN): Tuesday, Friday and Sunday * BI 826 (BKI-BWN): Saturday * BI 828 (BKI-BWN): Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday*

The distance between Brunei and Kota Kinabalu is 166 kilometers, and flights take about 20 minutes.

Check schedules on the Royal Brunei website, as they may be different on certain days.

STARLUX AirlinesStarting July 15th, the company will boost its flights on the Taipei-Clark route.

In accordance with its website, Starlux will increase from five to seven services per week, and will continue to operate on Airbus A321neo aircraft with capacity for 188 passengers.

Check the STARLUX Airlines reservation system as there will be different schedules on each day.

STARLUX routes between Taiwan and the PhilippinesMap by gcmap.com Clark (CRK): 3 weekly · currently (increases to 5 in May) * Cebu (CEB): 7 weekly · Airbus A321neo*

T’Way AirT’Way will inaugurate its second route to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, beginning June 21st. Flights from/to Seoul Gimpo will be operated with Boeing 737-800s four weekly.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday* TW 677 Seoul GMP 10:40 · 12:45 KHH Kaohsiung * TW 678 Kaohsiung KHH 13:45 · 17:40 GMP Seoul

Routes between South Korea and Taiwan – T’Way AirMap by gcmap.comKaohsiung

Seoul Incheon (ICN): 7 weekly · Boeing 737

Taichung

Seoul Incheon (ICN): 4 weekly · Boeing 737

Taipei Songshan

Seoul Gimpo (GMP): 4 weekly · Boeing 737

Taipei Taoyuan

Daegu (TAE): 7 weekly · Boeing 737
Jeju (CJU): 5 weekly · Boeing 737

Toki AirThe new Japanese airline, which began service in early February, will add its second scheduled route as of April 26th.

Operations will be carried out with its ATR 72-600, ten times a week.

Daily except Tuesday and Thursday* BV 201 Niigata KIJ 07:35 · 08:20 SDJ Sendai * BV 202 Sendai SDJ 08:50 · 09:40 KIJ Niigata

Daily except Tuesday and Thursday* BV 203 Niigata KIJ 18:50 · 19:35 SDJ Sendai * BV 204 Sendai SDJ 20:05 · 20:55 KIJ Niigata

Toki Air routes (to/from Niigata)Map by gcmap.com Sapporo (OKD): 10 weekly * Sendai (SDJ): 10 weekly · effective April 26th*

On April 18th, as can be seen through our database, Toki Air’s ATR 72-600, registration JA01QQ, made its first service between Niigata and Sendai. This was a test flight prior to the start of regular operations.

Uzbekistan AirwaysThe carrier schedules to increase its flight frequency between Tashkent and Tokyo starting in August. Currently, Uzbekistan Airways has a weekly service on this route with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner airplanes.

Thursday* HY 527 Tashkent TAS 22:05 · 09:40+1 NRT Tokyo

Friday* HY 528 Tokyo NRT 11:05 · 16:10 TAS Tashkent

Uzbekistan Airways plans a new operation on Mondays from Tashkent and from Tokyo on Tuesdays.

ZIPAIRSan Jose will gain more services from ZIPAIR effective June 1st.

The Japanese airline will reach six weekly flights from/to Tokyo Narita, which will be operated on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with a capacity of 272 passengers.

Daily except Tuesday and Friday (currently)* ZG 30 Tokyo NRT 16:25 · 09:40 SJC San Jose * ZG 29 San Jose SJC 11:40 · 14:50+1 NRT Tokyo

It will add a new flight on Fridays.

ZIPAIR routesMap by gcmap.comCanada

Vancouver (YVR): 3 weekly

Philippines

Manila (MNL): 7 weekly

Singapore

Singapore (SIN): 7 weekly

South Korea

Seoul (ICN): 7 weekly

Thailand

Bangkok (BKK): 7 weekly

United States

Honolulu (HNL): 4 weekly
Los Angeles (LAX): 7 weekly
San Francisco (SFO): 7 weekly
San Jose (SJC): 5 weekly · currently

With respect to new jets, 10 were incorporated during the last month into different companies of this market.

Other additions have also been made, but of aircraft that have not recently left the factory, which are between 2 and 5 years old.

These are the airlines: Air China (x2) * Air India (x2) * Air India Express (x2) * ANA (x2) * China Southern Airlines * EVA Air Cargo * Japan Airlines * Juneyao Air * Lucky Air * Thai * Vistara * Xiamen Air*

| Aircraft | Airline | Registration | Ferry flight | Date | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Lucky Air | B-224M | BFI-JRF-GUM-HAK | March 24th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXK | BFI-KEF-KWI-HYD | March 25th | | Airbus A320-251N | Air India | VT-RTL | TLS-DEL | March 26th | | Boeing 787-9 | Vistara | VT-TSN | PAE-BLR | March 27th | | Airbus A321-251NX | Xiamen Air | B-32G8 | XFW-SKD-XMN | March 27th | | Airbus A350-1041 | Japan Airlines | JA03WJ | TLS-HND | March 30th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air China | B-224Z | BFI-HNL-GUM-PEK | March 31st | | Boeing 787-9 | Juneyao Air | B-20EC | PAE-PVG | April 2nd | | Airbus A350-941 | Thai | HS-THU | TEV-BKK | April 6th | | Boeing 787-10 | ANA | JA984A | CHS-LAX-HNL-HND | April 7th | | Airbus A350-941 | Air India | VT-JRH | TLS-DEL | April 8th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air India Express | VT-BXP | BFI-KEF-KWI-HYD | April 8th | | Boeing 777(F) | EVA Air Cargo | B-16790 | PAE-TPE | April 8th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | China Southern | B-225D | BFI-HNL-GUM | April 10th | | Boeing 787-10 | ANA | JA982A | CHS-LAX-HNL-HND | April 14th | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Air China | B-224T | BFI-HNL-GUM-PEK | April 19th |

*It is not new from the factory.

To read the reports we have published during April:

United States and Canada
Latin America
Europe
Dubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahub

Cover photo: David Syphers – JetPhotos (Sydney, Australia).

The post Asia and Oceania route updates – April 2024 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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As Iran launched a retaliatory attack on Israel last weekend, airspace in the region was restricted, impacting thousands of flights that normally navigate the busy airways of the Middle East. Comparing the days preceding the attack to the days after gives an idea of the importance of the region to global air travel as well as the gravity of the dangers facing flights in the area.

Closing airspaceFIR boundaries and airways in the region. Click to enlargeWhen Iran launched hundreds of projectiles in the direction of Israel, Jordan was the first to close its airspace, “for operational reasons.” This was followed by Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel. While Iran did not close its airspace entirely, it did restrict flights in the western half of the country.

What do the changes look like?PreviousNextThe 14th of April clearly shows the impact of airspace closures as many flights that normally pass through Iraq and Iran take alternate routings. On the 13th of April, 794 flights used Iraqi airspace. That number dropped to 253 on April 14. Similarly in Iran, flight activity dropped from 1,253 flights on the 13th to 650 on the 14th. Flights rebounded on the 15th, but not quite to normal levels. On April 15, 677 flights used Iraqi airspace, while 952 flew through Iran.

Red areas indicated existing airspace restrictions or closures. Yellow indicates temporary restrictions around 14 April, while purple indicates Russian airspace, which is unavailable to many airlines.The total number of flights did not markedly decrease (just 6% from 12 to 14 April), so where are aircraft routing instead? In the absence of available safe airspace through Iran and Iraq, flights are forced to route farther north through Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Alternatively, flights can opt for the more southern route, passing through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The two north and south routes for traffic between Asia and Europe are already compacted due to conflict zones on either side of the routes, with the war in Ukraine forcing traffic south and conflict in Sudan and Libya forcing traffic north.

Which airlines are most affected?Airlines that heavily utilize Iraq and Iran as transit space were most impacted by last weekend’s restrictions (and will be most impacted by any future restrictions). The data also shows a shift of some flights from Iraq to Iran as the latter still had available air routes in the eastern half of the country. Gulf-hubbed airlines—with massive fleets and heavily banked schedules—are particularly susceptible to any long-term disruptions, with each additional track mile necessitating extra fuel amongst other considerations.

IraqNearly every airline avoided Iraq on the 14th of April—even after the NOTAM closing the country’s airspace was lifted, with the notable exception of Qatar Airways.

IranLooking at the data for Iran, it’s possible to see the shift by Emirates from Iraq to Iran over the course of the weekend with increasing flights on 13-14 April.

Looking to the futureAny expanded conflict, especially one that encompasses Iraq and Iran either through direct hostilities or simply via airspace closure due to safety concerns, would further compact already congested airspace. Many airlines are already operating at the margin of profitability on long-haul routes that have needed to adjust to successive changes in available air routes. Further increasing the distance flown could challenge the viability of those routes and reshape the composition of traffic passing through the region.

Additional airspace compression also raises the question of air traffic control capability. How many flights can these corridors safely handle before traffic calming measures are needed?

The post Lessons from recent Middle East airspace closures appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, escalating retaliatory attacks between Iran and Israel and their effects on global air travel, congressional hearings sharpen the focus on Boeing’s problems, and United Airlines makes big changes to its order book. Plus, we’ve got stolen gold, expensive eels, and a unique competition.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 264: Stolen gold and expensive eels appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Heavy rain has caused significant disruption to commercial aviation activity in the United Arab Emirates, and led to the flooding of large areas of Dubai Airport (DXB). We used our data to take a look at the airlines and flights most affected by the disruption.

DiversionsFlyDubai (FZ) experienced the highest number of in-flight diversions between April 16 – 17, 2024, with 14 inbound flights diverting to airports including Muscat (MCT), and local airports such as Abu Dhabi Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) and Dubai World Central International Airport (DWC).

6 Emirates flights were diverted to airports including Bahrain (BAH) and Dubai World Central International Airport (DWC).

Most common diversion destinationsDubai deep dive: How Emirates runs its megahubFlyDubai has been the most impacted by delays and cancellations as a result of heavy rain in Dubai.CancellationsWe have tracked a total of 832 canceled flights to and from Dubai Airport (DXB) between April 16-17 so far. 461 departing flights and 378 arriving flights have been canceled so far, representing 40% of scheduled departures and 33% of scheduled arrivals respectively.

Video From the Flight Deck: Stockholm to DubaiMost affected airlinesAs with diversions, FlyDubai (FZ) has been most impacted in cancellations, with 403 flights canceled so far. Emirates (EK), Flynas (XY), Saudia Arabian Airlines (SV) and Indigo (6E) were also notably affected.

In this evolving situation, a NOTAM issued by the airport on April 17 at 1315UTC has announced the airport will only be open to arrivals from Emirates and FlyDubai aircraft until further notice.

A1394/24 NOTAMR A1387/24Q) OMAE/QFAXX/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/2515N05522E005A) OMDB B) 2404171315 C) 2404172300E) AD AVBL ONLY FOR EMIRATES AND FLY DUBAI ARRIVALS.Update to cancellation statistics – Thursday, April 18 – 13:00 UTC.* 1,145 total cancellations * 609 departing flights canceled (34% of schedule) * 536 arriving flights canceled (30% of schedule)

Cover photo: Paul Denton, JetPhotos.

The post Storms and flooding lead to almost 900 diversions and cancellations at Dubai airport appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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British Airways (BA/BAW) is, obviously, mainly associated with the United Kingdom. However, throughout the airline’s decades of operation, it also had other airlines carry the brand around the world. This includes airlines based in France, South Africa, Kenya and Gibraltar. However, only one of these still operates under the BA brand, Sun-Air of Scandinavia. So, why are they still flying for British Airways?

Why does Sun-Air use the BA brand?Sun-air of Scandinavia (often abbreviated to Sun-air) first struck a deal with the British flag carrier in August 1996. As part of this, Sun-air would use the BA brand, meaning a British Airways livery, using their logo, and crew uniforms. In return, Sun-air would pay British airways a certain percentage of their revenue. The reason they would do this is mostly to have a strategic partnership with BA, they can codeshare routes and have the backing of the airline should they come to any trouble. Equally, because they are now under the BA brand, they don’t necessarily have to build up a reputation as being a good airline, as this belongs to BA, and so have higher numbers of passenger traffic.

Tracking Sun-air on Flightradar24Sun-air uses a rare fleet of Fairchild Dornier 328 Jets, having previously been the largest civilian operator of the type. This aircraft has an ICAO code of J328, which can be used when input into the filters section of Flightradar24. Sun-air’s ICAO code is SUS, and has an IATA code of EZ. Sun-air mostly operates commercial flights around Europe, with a few charter flights on the side. Destinations include Billund, Gothenburg, Manchester, London City and Cambridge.

Sun-air still operates the Fairchild-Dornier 328 Jet on flights in EuropeOther British Airways franchise partnersOf course, Sun-air isn’t the only airline that has operated for British Airways. In fact, its one of two that are still operating today, with the UK’s largest regional airline Loganair having operated under the BA brand until 2008. Loganair flew some aircraft considered unusual for the BA fleet, the Saab 340, the Short 360-300, the Britten-Norman Islander and the DHC-6 Twin otter. After this, it deployed its recently retired Saab 340s under Flybe until it launched as its own brand in 2017.

DHC-6 Twin Otters, such as this one pictured at Barra airport in Scotland, once flew wearing British Airways liveries under Loganair.Up until its bankruptcy in 2022, South African-based carrier Comair also operated for BA. The airline used a fleet of Boeing 737s and had an extensive route network. This included being the first airliner to land at the newly built Saint Helena airport, being a British Airways franchisee landing at a British Oversees territory seemed fitting. Comair was the franchisee which operated the furthest away from Great Britain proper, creating a rather drastic example of unusual franchise airlines.

A Comair Boeing 737-8 at Cape town International airport in February 2020For 10 years between 1993 and 2003, Maersk Air UK operated under the BA brand. It was a UK-based subsidiary of Danish carrier Maersk Air, a former competitor of Sun-air of Scandinavia. The airline used the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham, as its only hub, and flew to areas in Europe using a fleet of Bombardier CRJs.

A Maersk air UK Bombardier CRJ-700 taxiing at Birmingham International airport.The post Tracking British Airways’ franchise airlines appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Dubai International (DXB) is the main airport in the United Arab Emirates, and the busiest in the world based on the number of seats offered per month.

The airport, located 13 kilometers from downtown Dubai, has two runways almost 4,500 meters length and three passenger terminals. In addition, it is the hub for two of the country’s most important airlines, Emirates and flydubai.

Emirates has 261 aircraft in its fleet, including Airbus A380-800, Boeing 777-200(LR), Boeing 777(F) and Boeing 777-300(ER). For its part, flydubai has an all Boeing 737 fleet, with a mix of the 800s and MAX versions.

According to preliminary statistics, Dubai Airport was near to 87 million passengers during 2023, a 32% increase compared to 2022, reaching the 2nd place globally behind Atlanta, which surpassed 104 million.

The airport’s passenger record was in 2018, with more than 89 million passengers. In 2019 it reached 86 million, and in 2020 and 2021, due to the worldwide pandemic, the numbers dropped to 18 and 29 million respectively. A strong recovery was already seen in 2022, being close to 70 million passengers.

Focusing on Emirates, the leading airline in the UAE that operates at the region’s main airport, it offers non-stop flights to 60 markets worldwide from/to Dubai.

In line with our database, Emirates has over 118 non-stop routes operated at Dubai airport, as well as 13 with stopovers.

We review Emirates’ non-stop routes from/to Dubai:

Africa and Middle East

| From/to | Weekly frequency | Aircraft used | | --- | --- | --- | | Algeria | | Algiers (ALG) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Angola | | Luanda (LAD) | 5 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Bahrain | | Bahrain (BAH) | 16 | 77L/77W | | Egypt | | Cairo (CAI) | 26 | A388/77W | | Ethiopia | | Addis Ababa (ADD) | 6 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Ghana | | Accra (ACC) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Jordan | | Amman (AMM) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Kenya | | Nairobi (NBO) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Kuwait | | Kuwait City (KWI) | 24 | 77L/77W | | Mauritius | | Port Louis (MRU) | 14 | Airbus A380 | | Morocco | | Casablanca (CMN) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Oman | | Muscat (MCT) | 8 | 77L/77W | | Saudi Arabia | | Dammam (DMM) | 18 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Jeddah (JED) | 21 | Airbus A380 | | Medina (MED) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Riyadh (RUH) | 21 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Seychelles | | Victoria (SEZ) | 13 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | South Africa | | Cape Town (CPT) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Durban (DUR) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Johannesburg (JNB) | 21 | A388/77W | | Tanzania | | Dar es-Salaam | 6 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Tunisia | | Tunis (TUN) | 5 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Uganda | | Entebbe (EBB) | 5 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Zambia | | Lusaka (LUN) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) |

America

| From/to | Weekly frequency | Aircraft used | | --- | --- | --- | | Brazil | | Rio de Janeiro (GIG) | 4 | Boeing 777-200(LR) | | Sao Paulo (GRU) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Canada | | Montreal (YUL) | 7 | Boeing 777-200(LR) | | Toronto (YYZ) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | United States | | Boston (BOS) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Chicago (ORD) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Dallas (DFW) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Houston (IAH) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Los Angeles (LAX) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Miami (MIA) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | New York (JFK) | 14 | Airbus A380 | | Orlando (MCO) | 5 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | San Francisco (SFO) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Seattle (SEA) | 6 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Washington (IAD) | 7 | Airbus A380 |

Asia and Oceania

| From/to | Weekly frequency | Aircraft used | | --- | --- | --- | | Australia | | Brisbane (BNE) | 14 | A388/77W | | Melbourne (MEL) | 14 | Airbus A380 | | Perth (PER) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Sydney (SYD) | 21 | Airbus A380 | | Bangladesh | | Dhaka (DAC) | 21 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | China | | Beijing (PEK) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Guangzhou (CAN) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Shanghai (PVG) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Hong Kong | | Hong Kong (HKG) | 14 | A388/77W | | India | | Ahmedabad (AMD) | 9 | 77L/77W | | Bengaluru (BLR) | 21 | A388/77W | | Chennai (MAA) | 21 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Cochin (COK) | 14 | 77L/77W | | Delhi (DEL) | 28 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Hyderabad (HYD) | 21 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Kolkata (CCU) | 11 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Mumbai (BOM) | 35 | A388/77L/77W | | Trivandrum (TRV) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Indonesia | | Denpasar (DPS) | 14 | A388/77W | | Jakarta (CGK) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Iran | | Tehran (IKA) | 17 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Iraq | | Baghdad (BGW) | 7 | 77L/77W | | Basra (BSR) | 7 | 77L/77W | | Japan | | Osaka (KIX) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Tokyo (HND) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Tokyo (NRT) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Malaysia | | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | 13 | A388/77W | | Maldives | | Male (MLE) | 28 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | New Zealand | | Auckland (AKL) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Pakistan | | Islamabad (ISB) | 10 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Karachi (KHI) | 21 | 77L/77W | | Lahore (LHE) | 10 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Peshawar (PEW) | 5 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Sialkot (SKT) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Philippines | | Cebu (CEB) | 5 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Manila (MNL) | 20 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Russia | | Moscow (DME) | 21 | A388/77W | | St. Petersburg (LED) | 6 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Singapore | | Singapore (SIN) | 21 | A388/77W | | South Korea | | Seoul (ICN) | 10 | A388/77W | | Sri Lanka | | Colombo (CMB) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Thailand | | Bangkok (BKK) | 35 | Airbus A380 | | Phuket (HKT) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Vietnam | | Hanoi (HAN) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) |

Europe

| From/to | Weekly frequency | Aircraft used | | --- | --- | --- | | Belgium | | Brussels (BRU) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Cyprus | | Larnaca (LCA) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Czech Republic | | Prague (PRG) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Denmark | | Copenhagen (CPH) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | France | | Lyon (LYS) | 6 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Nice (NCE) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Paris (CDG) | 21 | Airbus A380 | | Germany | | Düsseldorf (DUS) | 14 | A388/77W | | Frankfurt (FRA) | 21 | A388/77W | | Hamburg (HAM) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Munich (MUC) | 14 | Airbus A380 | | Greece | | Athens (ATH) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Ireland | | Dublin (DUB) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Italy | | Bologna (BLQ) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Milan (MXP) | 14 | Airbus A380 | | Rome (FCO) | 14 | A388/77W | | Venice (VCE) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Netherlands | | Amsterdam (AMS) | 18 | A388/77W | | Norway | | Oslo (OSL) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Poland | | Warsaw (WAW) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Portugal | | Lisbon (LIS) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Spain | | Barcelona (BCN) | 14 | A388/77L | | Madrid (MAD) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | Sweden | | Stockholm (ARN) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Switzerland | | Geneva (GVA) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Zurich (ZRH) | 14 | A388/77W | | Türkiye | | Istanbul (IST) | 19 | A388/77L/77W | | United Kingdom | | Birmingham (BHX) | 14 | A388/77W | | Glasgow (GLA) | 7 | Airbus A380 | | London Gatwick (LGW) | 21 | A388/77W | | London Heathrow (LHR) | 49 | A388/77W | | London Stansted (STN) | 14 | Boeing 777-300(ER) | | Manchester (MAN) | 21 | Airbus A380 | | Newcastle (NCL) | 7 | Boeing 777-300(ER) |

Emirates routes to/from Dubai (that are not non-stop)

Map by gcmap.comArgentina Buenos Aires (EZE) via GIG: 4 weekly · Boeing 777-200(LR)*

Australia Melbourne (MEL) via SIN: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Hong Kong Hong Kong (HKG) via BKK: 7 weekly · Airbus A380*

Ivory Coast Abidjan (ABJ) via ACC: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Maldives Male (MLE) via CMB: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Malta Malta (MLA) via LCA: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Mexico Mexico City (MEX) via BCN: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-200(LR)*

New Zealand Christchurch (CHC) via SYD: 7 weekly · Airbus A380*

Philippines Dubai (DXB) – Cebu (CEB) – Angeles City (CRK) – Dubai (DXB): 4 weekly*

Senegal/Guinea Dubai (DXB) – Dakar (DKR) – Conakry (CKY) – Dubai (DXB): 2 weekly * Dubai (DXB) – Conakry (CKY) – Dakar (DKR) – Dubai (DXB): 2 weekly*

United States Newark (EWR) via ATH: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER) * New York (JFK) via MXP: 7 weekly · Airbus A380*

Zimbabwe Harare (HRE) via LUN: 7 weekly · Boeing 777-300(ER)*

Regarding upcoming additions, the following are the new markets to Emirates’ worldwide network from/to Dubai:

Australia Adelaide (ADL): effective October 28th*

Cambodia Phnom Penh (PNH): effective May 1st*

Colombia Bogotá (BOG) via MIA: effective June 3rd*

Cover photo: Mikhail Grigoryev – JetPhotos (Dubai, United Arab Emirates).

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Air China (CA/CCA) is one of the three largest airlines in China, and is third-largest in terms of fleet size behind China Southern (CZ/CSN) with 675 aircraft and China Eastern (MU/CES) with 638 aircraft.

The airline was formed in 1988 following the Chinese government’s decision to split the divisions of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC Airlines) into separate airlines, one of which was Air China. The airline was initially given chief responsibility for intercontinental flights, but developed a more diverse range of operations as time proceeded.

China's growing aviation influenceThe Air China fleetAs of April 2024, Air China has an active fleet of 491 aircraft, comprising a mix of narrowbodies, widebodies and regional jets and is on average 9.3 years old. Let’s take a look at the fleet and identify the newest and oldest aircraft in service.

| Aircraft type | Number in fleet | | --- | --- | | Airbus A320neo | 51 | | Airbus A321neo | 30 | | Airbus A319-100 | 30 | | Airbus A320-200 | 40 | | Airbus A321-200 | 61 | | Airbus A330-200 | 22 | | Airbus A330-300 | 27 | | Airbus A350-900 | 30 | | Comac ARJ21-700 | 25 | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 21 | | Boeing 737-700 | 17 | | Boeing 737-800 | 88 | | Boeing 747-400 | 2 | | Boeing 747-8 | 5 | | Boeing 777-300ER | 28 | | Boeing 787-9 | 14 |

WidebodiesThe newest widebody jet in the Air China fleet is B-32F1. This Airbus A350-941 was built in July 2023 as MSN 632. Based in Shanghai (PVG), this aircraft operates daily flights to a mix of domestic and international destinations including Guangzhou (CAN), London (LHR), Singapore (SIN) and Munich (MUC). Air China has a total fleet of 30 Airbus A350 aircraft as of April 2024.

The oldest widebody aircraft in service with Air China is B-2445, a 30-year-old Boeing 747-4J6 built in February 1994. Based in Beijing (PEK), this aircraft typically operates one return flight per day on high density domestic routes from Beijing to Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN), Air China has two active Boeing 747-400 series aircraft as of April 2024, the other is B-2447, which operates similar routes. In addition to the -400 series, Air China also operates a fleet of 5 Boeing 757-89L aircraft which are deployed on a mix of domestic and international routes.

NarrowbodiesThe newest Airbus narrowbodyThe newest narrowbody jet in the Air China fleet is B-32FK, an Airbus A320-271neo built in December 2023. Based in Chengdu (CTU), this aircraft operates frequent flights to domestic destinations including Nanning (NNG), Zhuhai (ZUH) and Nanchang (KHN). This aircraft is the newest of 51 A320neo aircraft joining Air China recently, 4 of which were built in late 2023.The airline also has a fleet of 30 Airbus A321neo, the newest of which was built in June 2022.

The oldest Airbus narrowbodyThe oldest Airbus-built narrowbody jet at Air China is B-6031, a 20-year-old Airbus A319-131 built in January 2004. This aircraft operates daily flights between airports including Hangzhou (HGH), Kunming (KMG), Changzhou (CZX) and Yancheng (YNZ).

The newest Boeing narrowbodyIn addition to Airbus narrowbodies, Air China also operates a mixed fleet of 126 Boeing narrowbody aircraft. The newest of these is B-233Y, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 built in June 2023. This aircraft is based in Beijing (PEK), and flies daily to destinations including Changsha (CSX), Shenyang (SHE), Zhuhai (ZUH), and Lanzhou (LHW).

The oldest Boeing narrowbodyThe oldest active Boeing narrowbody aircraft in service with Air China is B-5043, a Boeing 737-79L built in May 2003. This is the oldest of 17 Boeing 737-700 series aircraft operated by the airline, and is currently based in Beijing (PEK). It flies daily to destinations including Guiyang (KWE), Yantai (YNT) and Jingdezhen (JDZ). In addition to the -700 series, Air China also utilizes a fleet of 88 Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Regional jetsAir China operates a fleet of 25 Comac ARJ21-700 regional jets. The newest of these is B-652N, built in August 2022 as MSN 194. This aircraft operates daily flights which are typically under 2 hours in duration. Airports the aircraft serves include Hohhot (HET), Tongliao (TGO) and Xilinhot (XIL).

The oldest of the ARJ21 fleet is B-605U, which was built in June 2020.

Have you flown on any of these aircraft? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo: Haozhe Peng, JetPhotos.

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There are a variety of ways that aircraft can steer on the ground. Let’s take a look at the main methods. The Rudder The rudder is a control surface located on the aircraft’s vertical stabilizer (tail fin) that enables an aircraft to rotate around its vertical axis, essentially like moving a car steering wheel to […]

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September 8, 2023 Join us in Toulouse to meet Condor Airline’s latest A330NEO D-ANRB, its ninth in the fleet and the first in the blue Sea livery, fresh off the assembly line and ready for delivery to Frankfurt. We have full access to the Airbus Delivery Center, the Condor team tasked with taking delivery of the aircraft and flying it home, and the aircraft itself.We also get an in-depth tour of the cabin including the crew rest area, an innovative so-called LDMCR or Lower Deck Mobile Crew Rest – meaning the whole thing can be removed and a cargo container put in its place if needed! Plus we’ve got all kinds of beauty shots of the aircraft.The post Video: Condor A330neo delivery BEHIND THE SCENES + full cabin & crew rest tour! appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, we learn that the cause of the NATS outage at the end of August was two identically named waypoints 4,000 miles apart. Plus, we discover Discover Airlines, learn a thing or two from an air traffic controller, and dig into the report of a Nordwind Airlines A321 that suffered a hard landing in Turkey a few years ago.

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Finnair (AY/FIN), Finland’s flagship carrier, has a rich and storied history that spans nearly a century. Established in 1923, this airline has evolved from humble beginnings into a world-renowned airline known for its exceptional service and commitment to innovation. As the Finnish flag carrier celebrates 100 years in the skies, let’s take a journey through the fascinating history of the airline.

The Early Years (1923-1945)Finnair, originally known as “Aero O/Y,” commenced operations with a single Junkers F.13 aircraft, connecting Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia. Over the years, the airline expanded its route network, serving Scandinavian and Baltic destinations. During World War II, Finnair played a crucial role in maintaining Finland’s air links to the world.

Post-War Expansion (1945-1960s)In the post-war years, Finnair embraced modernization. The airline introduced the Douglas DC-3, a new era of comfortable and efficient air travel. By the 1950s, Finnair began offering long-haul flights, connecting Helsinki to North America and Asia. The introduction of the Caravelle in the 1960s marked Finnair’s move towards jet-powered aircraft.

Global Reach (1970s-1990s)The 1970s saw Finnair’s emergence as a truly global airline. It acquired wide-body aircraft, such as the DC-10 and later the Airbus A300, enabling it to offer long-haul services worldwide. Finnair became the first European airline to operate non-stop flights between Europe and Japan, further solidifying its international presence.

New Millennium and Beyond (2000s-Present)In the 21st century, Finnair continued its expansion, with a focus on Asia. The introduction of the Airbus A350 XWB in 2015 marked a milestone, making Finnair one of the first airlines to operate this cutting-edge aircraft. This fuel-efficient plane helped reduce the airline’s environmental impact while providing passengers with enhanced comfort.

The future – a commitment to Sustainability Finnair has been a pioneer in adopting sustainable practices within the aviation industry. It has consistently worked to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly operations, making significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient fleets.

As Finnair continues to navigate the ever-changing aviation landscape, its commitment to passenger satisfaction, innovation, and sustainability remains unwavering. With a robust history of adaptability and progress, Finnair is poised to write new chapters in the aviation industry’s story.

Finnair’s history is a testament to its resilience and dedication to providing exceptional air travel experiences. From its early days as a small airline to its current status as a global player, Finnair’s journey is a remarkable tale of evolution and growth in the aviation industry.

Cover photo: Mikko Heimo, JetPhotos

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In August, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each new receiver helps us increase flight tracking coverage and provide redundancy across our network of more than 40,000 terrestrial receivers. New receivers in places like Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Türkiye, and the United States are helping to fill in low-level coverage and MLAT tracking. New receivers in places like Afghanistan, Canada, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Japan, and Norway are adding areas of coverage to our network.

The August mapHelp Add ADS-B coverageWe are always looking for new receiver hosts. Especially if you or someone you know lives in a remote location, please apply to host a receiver. All of our receiver hosts get a free Flightradar24 Business Subscription, which can be used on the web or within our mobile app. If you’re interested, please apply today using our simple form. If you’d like more information about our application process, you can read more about it in our blog post.

Most wanted new receiver locationsThe best locations for new Flightradar24 receiver kits are near an airport with a 360 degree view of the sky. We prioritize airports that currently lack ground coverage or would benefit from additional coverage, like these most wanted locations. Do you live near an airport, but don’t see aircraft on the ground when you open Flightradar24? If so, we’d love to have you as an ADS-B receiver host. Apply to host a receiver today!

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Ever wondered why engine noise gets louder on touchdown at an airport?Aircraft thrust reversers are systems designed to redirect the exhaust airflow of gas turbine engines forward upon landing, providing additional deceleration during the landing rollout. Essentially, they rotate the direction of the engine thrust without having to rotate the entire engine 180 degrees, helping to slow the aircraft after it touches down on the runway. As a passenger, you will most likely notice a noise that sounds like an increase in thrust, but is actually the exhaust being redirected forwards.

Thrust reversers enhance an aircraft’s braking efficiency, particularly during landing on relatively short runways or in adverse weather conditions. By deploying the reversers on touchdown, you can reduce the reliance on the aircraft’s wheel brakes at higher speeds after touchdown. In addition to reversers and wheel brakes, ground spoilers are deployed to ‘dump lift’, and effectively secure the aircraft on the runway. Whilst it’s not required to use reverse thrust in some circumstances, most large passenger aircraft will deploy it on landing.

What do thrust reversers look like?Thrust reversers can take a variety of forms, but some are far more common. Let’s take a look at the main designs of reverse thrust systems found on commercial and private aircraft.

1. Clamshell reversers – officially called ‘Target-Type Reversers’ these are simple, hinged doors or clamshell-like structures that cover the rear section of the engine exhaust nozzle. When deployed, they redirect the exhaust gasses forward, generating the reverse thrust. This design is most commonly seen on early large passenger jets and business aircraft.

2. Cascade Thrust Reversers – also known as ‘bucket’ reversers, these use a series of blocker doors that extend into the exhaust stream, diverting the airflow forwards. These are commonly found on high bypass turbofan engines, so they are the design you will most likely see on newer generation widebody and narrowbody passenger jets.

3. Pivot Door Thrust Reversers – these reversers pivot the entire engine or nacelle assembly to direct the exhaust forward. These are most commonly seen on older Airbus aircraft, including the Airbus A330ceo and older models of the A320 family.

4. Cold Stream Thrust Reversers – this is essentially any reverser that only directs the cold stream of air that is bypassed in modern turbofan engines. Some military engine designs have included reversers that redirect both the hot and cold airflow for extra braking, but most modern passenger aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 use cold stream reversers.

Do all engines need thrust reversers?The Airbus A380 features a thrust reverse system that is unique amongst four engine aircraft, with Cascade type reversers fitted only to the inboard engines. This is because two reversers alone provide an adequate amount of reverse thrust. Commercial aviation is driven by costs, and additional reversers would simply add to the construction and maintenance cost of the aircraft.

Do turboprop aircraft have reverse thrust?Whilst turboprop aircraft do not have traditional thrust reversers like those found in gas turbine engines, they can use a different method called ‘beta range’ or ‘beta mode’.

This involves changing the angle of the propeller blades to alter the direction of the exhaust airflow. When the aircraft is on the ground and the propellers are in the beta range, the blades are set to a negative angle. This causes the engine’s exhaust to be directed partially forward, creating reverse thrust. Unlike jet reversers, beta range can also be used to maneuver the aircraft on the ground.

Advanced turboprop aircraft like the Bombardier Q400 can achieve reverse thrust using a negative propeller angle.Can reversers be used in the air?Broadly speaking, no, and commercial aircraft are incapable of deploying their thrust reversers in flight as a safety precaution. The deployment of the left-hand thrust reverser in the air led to the crash of Lauda Air flight 004 in 1991. The loss of lift and thrust caused the aircraft to stall and enter a diving left turn from which it did not recover. Following this tragedy, a system that uses limit switches, proximity sensors, or proximity switches was developed that prevents the reversers being usable until weight is detected on the aircraft wheels.

One notable exception to this is the Boeing C-17 Globemaster, which can deploy all four of its reversers in the air, increasing its rate of descent without increasing its airspeed during a ‘tactical approach’ maneuver. You can see this in action in this video from Aero e review.

Why can’t jets use reverse thrust to… reverse?At one point in history is was common for some aircraft to reverse on the ground using thrust reversers. This was a common practice on the Douglas DC9, but fell out of favor over the years for a variety of reasons.

A DC9 using reverse thrust on pushback. Most airports have strict safety regulations that prohibit the use of thrust reversers for pushback. Reversers are really not designed for precise movements. They generate powerful forces that can create uncontrolled and potentially dangerous movements if misused. The jet blast could lead to potential collisions, damage to ground surfaces and equipment, or injuries to the ground crew.

Reversers are a tried and tested tool that contribute to stopping your aircraft quickly and safely after landing. Next time you see a landing aircraft, look out for the reversers deploying on touchdown.

Cover photo: John Absolon, JetPhotos.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a NATS computer failure snarls traffic in the UK, Russia says there won’t be an investigation into the crash of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s plane, and some 737 MAX are affected by a fresh quality issue that could impact Boeing’s 2023 delivery targets. Plus new aircraft orders, routes, and product announcements from airlines around the world. And we close the show with a few neat ways to get on and off a plane.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

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Here at Flightradar24 we’re big fans of anything in the sky and that includes astronomical photography, but we were pleasantly surprised when we came across Andrew McCarthy’s photo of the 30 August Super Blue Sturgeon moon. Taken in Arizona southeast of Phoenix, the photo captures not only the moon, but an aircraft passing in front of the moon.

My photo of the 2023 Super Blue Sturgeon moon. pic.twitter.com/qL3ZgojO7F

— Andrew McCarthy (@AJamesMcCarthy) August 31, 2023

A Flightradar24 user and twitter follower suggested that we might be able to help identify the aircraft, so we set to work. We contacted Andrew to learn from where and at what time he captured the image. After he told us he was in Florence, Arizona, southeast of Phoenix and took the photo at 10:30 pm local time we had enough information to open up Flightradar24 playback to try to find the flight.

Playback shows two aircraft near Florence, Arizona at that time. One is a Southwest Airlines 737-8 MAX flying from Austin to Los Angeles and the other a JetBlue A320 traveling from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale.

Fortunately, Andrew provided us with an enlarged image to show the aircraft details more clearly.

Capturing the plane was a complete accident, but worked out nicely in the composition so I left it in. I wonder if I can track down the pilot and let them know I got a photo of them? pic.twitter.com/QwSwUKy6f6

— Andrew McCarthy (@AJamesMcCarthy) August 31, 2023

Looking at the shape of the wings and—importantly—the configuration of the flap track fairings or “canoes”, we see an A320. We also don’t see the unique MAX Advanced Technology winglet present on the 737-8. Lastly, we know from the direction of the photo looking at the moon that the aircraft is traveling east.

Hello JetBlue flight 30!Putting what we know together, we can say that the aircraft in the image is JetBlue flight 30. We reached out to JetBlue and they promised to pass along the photo to the pilots. A stunning shot from Andrew McCarthy, but certainly not his first. Check out some of his other amazing photographs of the cosmos on his website Cosmic Background.

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Following its invasion of Ukraine in the spring of 2022, countries were quick to place sanctions on Russia and its airlines. The reciprocal measures by Russia closed Russian airspace to most airlines. With attention on the skies over the nation after the recent crash of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Embraer Legacy 600 en route to St. Petersburg, […]

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On this episode of AvTalk, what we know so far about the crash of an Embraer Legacy 600 in Russia that is said to have been carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin and top Wagner Group officials. And we sit down for a long chat with Norse Atlantic Airways president Charles Duncan, who fills us in on how […]

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An Embraer Legacy 600 associated with Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed Wednesday afternoon near Tver after departing from Moscow. Though this aircraft is equipped with ADS-B, it was tracked by MLAT—likely due to GNSS interference/jamming in the area. The “D” in ADS-B stands for dependent, meaning dependent on a position report from a GNSS […]

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Watching aircraft landing in strong winds has had something of a renaissance in recent years, with channels like BigJetTV generating a renewed appreciation for the skills of crews landing in strong and gusty winds. What techniques do pilots use to get the aircraft down safely? Let’s take a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yjQuvIOV-A What actually is a crosswind? […]

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We were wrong. Last week, Ian promised a clip show. But then news happened! So we have a new show for you this week. Ian and Jason discuss the new Air India logo, livery, and cabin interiors; the NTSB’s final report on United flight 1722; more information on NASA’s AEROMMA mission; the return of Mexicana; […]

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Alongside stunning views, one of the big perks of the window seat is observing the aircraft’s flaps, slats and spoilers in action during different phases of flight. Flaps and slats are types of high lift devices – a collection of mechanisms or aerodynamic features installed on aircraft wings, but why do we need them? Let’s […]

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When a commercial airport is experiencing poor weather conditions or visibility is otherwise reduced, it switches to its Instrument Landing System. A set of precision radio signals, the ILS provides aircraft with lateral and vertical guidance for safely reaching the runway. A standard ILS set-up includes multiple large radio antennas, hundreds of high powered lights […]

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Niger’s airspace closure creates confusion and delay; the NTSB investigation into a close call in Boston reveals video evidence of just how close of a call it was; and travel demand is up, but for some airlines it’s up in all the wrong places. Niger airspace closure changes the […]

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Interesting liveries are nothing new, and one-off airline paint schemes are often used to showcase something special about an airline, event or destination. Icelandair’s stunning Hekla Aurora Boeing 757 livery showcases the country’s view of the Northern Lights. Condor’s bold, vertical striped livery reflects the sun, sea and sand at the carrier’s vacation destinations, and […]

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Air India unveiled a refreshed brand identity today, showing off a modernized look for future aircraft and a new logo. Air India’s new livery, which has long been characterized by the iconic window frames, enlarges that concept and places the window on the tail of the aircraft. The new Air India livery The revised livery […]

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The freedoms of the air are a set of internationally recognized rights or privileges that govern the operations of commercial air services between different countries. The freedoms were laid down in the Chicago Convention of 1944 and are essentially designed to facilitate the movement of people and goods across borders in aircraft. Of the nine […]

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The military leaders of Niger’s coup have closed the country’s airspace, citing the possibility of military intervention from neighboring states. Flights already in the air when the airspace closed were rerouted or diverted. While the initial NOTAM is scheduled to end on 7 Aug at 23:59 UTC, there is a high likelihood of extension. Niger’s […]

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, TCAS comes to the rescue, averting a mid-air collision off the coast of Florida between an Allegiant Air A320 and Gulfstream. NASA is flying low over major US cities for science. And a United 767 makes a landing hard enough to wrinkle the fuselage. NASA AEROMMA NASA’s AEROMMA mission […]

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The Boeing 757 has earned its place in aviation history. A firm favorite amongst airlines and aviation enthusiasts alike, the venerable Boeing narrowbody has graced the skies for over 40 years. The aircraft’s combination of long range, good performance and passenger capacity means the 757 ticks a very specific box for operators, and without a […]

The post How many 757s are flying in Europe? A look at the data appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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As the skies have gotten busier, the global air traffic system has had to develop new technologies and concepts to ensure the safe and scalable expansion of global air traffic. Rolled out between 1997 and 2005, RVSM was one of the first pieces in the efficiency puzzle. What is RVSM? The idea is simple; enable […]

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The Boeing 737-800 is one of the most popular and recognizable narrowbody aircraft in the world. First flown on July 31, 1997, the aircraft has become a prolific player in the fleets of the 5 largest US airlines and the backbone of low cost fleets in Europe and beyond. As of this year, there are […]

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CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications) is a system used by air traffic controllers and pilots to exchange digital messages. It allows simple messages to be passed via data link as opposed to traditional voice communication over radio. Why use CPDLC? CPDLC works alongside other technologies like ACARS and Area Navigation to craft a more […]

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The US Federal Aviation Administration is investigating how an Allegiant Air A320 and JetEdge Gulfstream G-IV came within just a few miles of each other at the same altitude off the coast of Florida on Sunday.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, very expensive news for Pratt and Whitney and more headaches for A320neo operators. Go First gets the green light to relaunch if they can meet specific conditions. A Delta 767 suffers heavy hail damage over Italy. And passengers on a British Airways flight end up with less than they bargained for. […]

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The Boeing 727-200 first flew on July 27, 1967. The 727 family was conceived as a low-altitude, high-speed aircraft for short and medium range routes, and designed to perform well at smaller airports. Following on from the 727-100, the -200 featured a stretched fuselage, higher capacity and better performance. Whilst it’s rare to see a […]

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Failures in commercial aviation are incredibly rare thanks to a culture completely dedicated to flight safety. When things do go wrong, pilots and air traffic controllers can rely on standardized procedures that have developed from years of learning and experience. A great example of such a procedure is that which is undertaken in the event […]

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a United 767’s escape slide escapes the aircraft just before landing in Chicago, Northern Pacific is off to a shaky start, and some airline worker unions are quite pleased while others are ready to strike. Escape slide escapes A United Airlines 767 on approach to Chicago from Zurich lost […]

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A United Airlines flight from Zurich to Chicago arrived one escape slide short this week. Flight UA12, operated by a 767-300ER (N666UA), was on final approach to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport when one of its off-wing escape slides deployed and detached from the aircraft, landing in a residential neighborhood east of the airport. The flight was […]

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Anchorage, Alaska plays a key role in the transport of international goods. Why Anchorage? The summers are nice, but winters are long and dark. Weather, earthquakes, and even volcanoes present logistical challenges. So, why does cargo transported between North America and Asia make a pit stop in Anchorage? Ted Stevens – Anchorage International is one […]

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Qantas’ QF28 took the far southern route between Santiago and Sydney yesterday, overflying the coast of Antarctica. The flight normally passes over the Southern Pacific Ocean only as far south as 70°, yesterday’s flight flew to 74.17°S due to the flight avoiding strong headwinds along the normal flight path. ETOPS at the “bottom” of the […]

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren returns as resident Avgeek-in-Chief to talk about his behind the scenes look at how airline safety cards are designed. And a United passenger had their journey from Houston to Amsterdam end in Chicago after their unruly behavior led the captain to divert the flight. The unruly passenger […]

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“All liveries look the same nowadays” is a common lament amongst the world’s avgeeks. You may have noticed that most commercial aircraft feature predominantly white liveries with small areas of color, typically around the tail. It’s one of the reasons why special liveried aircraft are often amongst the most tracked on Flightradar24. Why are aircraft […]

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Much like the United Nations General Assembly in New York each year, arrivals to the NATO summit in Vilnius have been some of our most tracked flights over the past few days. We used our data to highlight the routes taken and aircraft types used by delegates arriving at this year’s summit. Canada The Canadian […]

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On Thursday, 6 July we tracked the highest number of commercial flights ever, following more than 134,000. We posted the map below the following day to illustrate the busy skies and we received numerous questions about the blank areas on the map. Why are there big holes in places around the world? Geopolitics The most […]

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Each month we send out complete ADS-B receiver kits that include an ADS-B receiver, antennas, and all necessary cabling to qualified hosts to help increase flight tracking all around the world. You can apply to host one of our receivers or easily build your own. In June, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each […]

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Azul Linhas Aereas (AD/AZU) recently took delivery of an ATR72-600 turboprop – the most recent of four brand new ATR aircraft to be delivered to the airline in 2023. The Brazilian carrier operates a diverse fleet of 199 aircraft that includes products from most major aircraft manufacturers. This latest version of the popular French turboprop […]

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On this week’s episode, we give United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby some friendly advice, JetBlue tries to make nice with the DOJ by not appealing the ruling invalidating the Northeast Alliance, and Ian has some choice words for one news outlet regarding their coverage of a recent incident. Scott Kirby’s private jet in the middle […]

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We used our data to map the flying displays performed by four large jets at the 2023 Paris Air Show. Thanks to our network of Flightradar24 ADS-B receivers providing low-level coverage in Paris, we were able to track the full display routines of the Airbus A321XLR, Embraer E190-E2, Boeing 777X and Boeing 737 MAX10. Which […]

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Icelandic flag carrier Icelandair (FI/ICE) has announced a confirmed order for 13 Airbus A321XLR jets. Whilst the A321XLR is set to be certified in 2024, the first aircraft delivered to Icelandair is expected to enter service in 2029. The carrier has also announced its intention to lease 4 Airbus A321LR aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital. […]

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On July 3 2023, Aegean Airlines flight AEE560 from Thessaloniki (SKG) to Barcelona (BCN) performed an emergency diversion to Naples (NAP) following a cabin pressurization issue. The aircraft landed safely in Naples at 10:39UTC, with passengers on board citing the professionalism and teamwork of the crew in delivering a safe outcome. Why do we pressurize […]

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After listening to feedback from users, we’ve improved existing filters and added new ways to filter flights on Flightradar24.com. All of the information covered in this post relates only to the new filters on the Flightradar24 website. Changes to the Flightradar24 mobile app will be covered in a separate post as those are released. Categories […]

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the first major operational meltdown of the summer hits the US, a Delta 717 lands without its nose gear, and we chat with Zac Brown, founder of European Pride in Aviation Network (EPAN), about the work his organization is doing to make sure everyone feels like they have a […]

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Since the foundations of modern commercial aviation were established following the Second World War, aircraft have typically navigated from A to B using a system of terrestrial navigational aids (referred to as ‘Navaids’ or ‘Beacons’). These are connected by a series of airways that act like highways. To put it simply, an aircraft departs an […]

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A Delta Air Lines flight made a successful landing in Charlotte without its nose gear deployed on Wednesday. The 717-200 (N955AT) was operating flight DL1092 from Atlanta. There were no injuries to anyone on board. The NTSB says it is investigating the incident. Delta flight 1092 departed Atlanta at 11:40 UTC (07:30 local time) and […]

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Crafting a flying display at the world’s greatest air show is all about spectacle, but what goes on behind the scenes to make that happen? We caught up with the crew flying the Airbus A321XLR display at this year’s Paris Air Show and asked them to tell us the story of how they go about […]

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On this week’s AvTalk, we break down all the news from the 2023 Paris Air Show, from IndiGo’s record breaking order to the new propulsion technologies just over the horizon. The 2023 Paris Air Show IndiGo kicked off the show with a record-breaking order for 500 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. At 500 planes, it is the […]

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The Paris Air Show kicked off at Le Bourget Airport on 19 June as the aerospace industry descends on Paris for the first time since 2019. This year’s show will feature large commercial aircraft orders, demonstrations of new technologies coming to market, and a focus on defense and military hardware due to the continuing war […]

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The Boeing 717 is a twin-engined airliner that was produced by Boeing until 2006. It traces its origins back to the McDonnell Douglas MD80, which in turn can trace its roots back to the McDonnell Douglas DC9. Originally called the ‘MD95’, the rebranded 717 represented Boeing’s attempt to update their rear-engined twin jet for the […]

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On this episode of AvTalk, Air India’s diversion to Russia ends up being about as easy as it gets. The FAA has a new acting administrator and the FAA reauthorization bill currently working its ways through the US Congress has some interesting provisions. Secondary flight deck barriers are finally coming to new aircraft. And Tecnam […]

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Aircraft originally designed to carry passengers short-to-medium distances have stretched their wings over the past decade to embark on transoceanic travel. These include aircraft like the Airbus A321LR and Boeing 737 MAX, developed from versions first introduced in the 1990s. The forthcoming Airbus A321XLR will have a range up to 4,500 nautical miles. Engine and […]

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The Airbus A350-900 XWB first flew on June 14, 2013. The aircraft, registered F-WXWB, took off from the Airbus facility at Toulouse-Blagnac airport at 12:05 UTC on a test flight around southwest France. Certification followed from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA in late 2014, with EASA approving the […]

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, an Air India 777 diverts to Russia and we walk through the challenges of getting an aircraft repaired in a country under US sanctions. Boeing is dealing with a fresh 787 quality issue. And Seth Miller of PaxEx.aero joins Jason in Hamburg, Germany to report on the newest passenger […]

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On 6 June, Air India flight 173 from New Delhi to San Francisco experienced a problem with one of its engines and diverted to Magadan, Russia. The aircraft landed safely in Magadan at 08:36 UTC, about 90 minutes after diverting off its course to San Francisco. The flight was operated by a Boeing 777-200LR registered […]

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Each month we send out complete ADS-B receiver kits that include an ADS-B receiver, antennas, and all necessary cabling to qualified hosts to help increase flight tracking all around the world. You can apply to host one of our receivers or easily build your own. In May, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each […]

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June 6 is Sweden’s National Day! We took a look at three of our favorite home-grown Swedish aircraft, and how you can track them on Flightradar24.

Saab 340The Saab 340 a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that was first introduced in 1984. Originally a joint project between Saab and Fairchild Aircraft, it accommodates up to 36 passengers and is typically used on short sector regional and commuter flights. Whilst the 340 represented Saab’s first venture into major civilian aircraft production, its innovations in building military aircraft made their way into the design of the 340. The most notable of these was the use of diffusion bonding to attach sections of the aluminium airframe – a process developed for the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet. This replaced the traditional method of using rivets and saved weight, improving the economic performance of the aircraft.

Saab JAS 39 GripenThe Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine, fourth-generation multirole fighter jet developed by Saab. It first entered service in 1996 and is currently operated by the air forces of seven countries across the world, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, and South Africa… and Sweden! The Swedish Air Force considered some big name jets during procurement for their fourth generation fighter, including the F16, F18 and Mirage 2000, but the innovation behind the home-grown Gripen proved its ticket to success.

Saab 2000First flown in March 1992, the Saab 2000 is a high-speed turboprop airliners. Development began in 1988 with an initiative to create a stretched version of the successful Saab 340, optimised to fly short sectors from performance restricted airports at near-jet speeds. The aircraft delivered on its promises, but was hampered by poor sales in a market that did not live up to expectations. Despite this, Saab 2000 aircraft remain in military and civilian use around the world to this day.

How to track these aircraft on Flightradar24You can easily track all three of these aircraft using filters in Flightradar24 Beta. Simply open Filters, create a new filter, select ‘Aircraft’, and enter the following codes…

SF34,SB39,SB20

Cover image: Jeremy Denton, JetPhotos

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June is Pride month. As celebrations are prepared around the world, we took a look at our top 5 airline pride liveries and how you can track them on Flightradar24.

Lufthansa – A320neo ‘Lovehansa’ D-AINYPainted in June 2022, Lufthansa’s A320neo D-AINY features a subtle twist on the classic and minimal Lufthansa livery.
Avianca – Airbus A320-200 ‘Diversity’ livery – N724AVAlso debuted in 2022, both subtle and bold, Avianca’s take on the pride livery weaves the colors of the rainbow together on the tail fin, replacing the typical red and orange.
DHL – Airbus A300 D-AEASOne of several Pride liveries displayed on DHL aircraft in recent years, this livery simply adds vertical rainbow stripes on the tail fin, replacing the traditional yellow tail.
Alaska Airlines – Airbus A320-200 N854VAUnveiled in 2021, Alaska Airlines’ pride plane blends the typical Alaska Airlines livery with added rainbow airplanes and progress flags on each engine nacelle.
Qantas Airbus A330-200 VH-EBLA subtle but striking take on the pride livery, Qantas’ A330-200 features a new company logo with a mix of progress flag colors, accompanied by the slogan ’Love is in the Air’.

How can you track pride planes on Flightradar24?You can easily track the world’s pride planes using filters on flightradar24 Beta. Head to ‘Filters’ > ‘Custom filters’ > ‘Add new filter’. Select ‘Advanced Filter’, and enter the following aircraft registrations in the Registration box.

D-AINY,D-AEAS,N724AV,N854VA,VH-EBL

Try out Flightradar24 Open BetaWhat’s your favorite Pride livery? Did we miss any? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram.

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Winglets are a common sight on modern commercial aircraft. These vertical wingtip devices are a key tool in the drive towards designing increasingly efficient airliners, and all major new generation passenger jets are fitted with them. The first widespread use of wing tip devices on commercial aircraft came with the launch of the Boeing 747-400 […]

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On May 23 2023, a Turkish Airlines Airbus A321neo en-route from Istanbul (IST) to a very busy London Gatwick (LGW) was forced to divert to Birmingham Airport (BHX) after declaring a fuel emergency. The aircraft, registered TC-LSN and operating flight TK1997, had flown a holding pattern prior to attempting a landing which was abandoned due to another aircraft positioned on the runway waiting to depart. The Turkish Airlines crew elected to divert to Birmingham as holding times were anticipated to be up to 30 minutes and the aircraft was nearing its diversion fuel. But how do pilots make such decisions? Here’s our overview of fuel rules in commercial aviation.

Commercial aircraft are required to carry a certain amount of fuel to ensure the safe completion of a flight. Legal requirements define the minimum levels of fuel required and additional fuel is carried to cover contingencies, which makes sure there is sufficient fuel for expected and surprise circumstances. These contingencies can include a variety of factors. Dispatchers study weather, routes, and historical fuel usage to provide a figure to the captain who then makes the final determination on how much fuel to carry on a flight. The amount of additional fuel allocated for these scenarios is determined through careful analysis of the expected route and potential hazards along the way. The mass of the aircraft is also a factor.

How is aircraft fuel categorized?The fuel loaded onto aircraft is categorised based on its purpose. There are some differences around the world, so we’re going to focus on the rules published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

| Fuel | Description | | --- | --- | | Taxi fuel | The amount of fuel required to move the aircraft from the gate to takeoff position on the runway. | | Trip fuel | The total fuel required from the start of the takeoff roll to the completion of landing at the planned destination. Includes takeoff, climb, cruise, descent and approach. | | Contingency | Fuel to account for chance occurrences or unforeseen events. This could include unplanned deviations from the route, and unexpected changes in the weather. | | Alternate fuel | The fuel required to fly from missed approach at the destination to the planned destination alternate. This takes the weather into account. | | Final reserve fuel | This is a quantity of fuel that you must have on board when you land. 30 minutes of fuel is required for a jet, 45 minutes for a turboprop (because jet aircraft can hold at higher altitudes in thinner air). | | Additional fuel | Fuel that is usually carried if there is no alternate available, or if operating at a lower height than planned would burn too much fuel to reach an alternate airport. | | Extra fuel | Any surplus fuel carried for other purposes, such as tankering. |

All these combine to form ‘Block Fuel’ – essentially the total amount of usable fuel on board at the ramp before starting the engines.What does that look like in real life?Here’s a real world example provided by a pilot at TUI. The following figures are taken from the flight plan of a Boeing 737-800 operating a single sector from Ibiza (IBZ) to Birmingham (BHX).

Trip fuel – 5616 kg
Taxi fuel – 155 kg
Alternate Fuel – 603 kg
Final reserve fuel – 1,150 kg
Total fuel on board – 7,800kg

Minimum fuel and fuel emergencies

If an aircraft only has enough fuel remaining to execute the planned route and approach procedure to the airport, but not to account for changes in routing or further delays without breaking the minimum required fuel on board, ‘minimum fuel’ is declared. Whilst this isn’t an emergency, it helps the controller’s situational awareness and can help expedite landing the aircraft. Some operators will require crews to declare a ‘PAN’ at this stage.

Should the situation evolve into a fuel emergency, a Mayday will be declared by the crew. This is a full emergency situation and will be treated as such by air traffic control. According to the FAA, a pilot should “Declare a fuel emergency at the point at which, in your judgment, it is necessary for you to proceed directly to the airport at which you intend to land. Declaration of a fuel emergency is an explicit statement that priority handling by ATC is necessary and expected.”

One of the most famous cases of an accident caused by fuel starvation was the crash of Avianca flight 052 on approach to New York in January 1990. The aircraft made several failed approaches and spent considerable time in the hold before running out of fuel. One of the most significant causes of the accident was agreed to be the crew not clearly communicating to controllers that they were in a fuel emergency.

The strict rules on how much fuel aircraft must carry are one of the many factors that make commercial flying one of the safest ways to travel, and as a result, full scale fuel emergencies are very rare.

Cover image: Conor Clancy, JetPhotos

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A passenger aboard Asiana Airlines flight OZ8124 opened an emergency exit door just before landing in Daegu. The aircraft was able to land safely and the passenger was taken into custody by local police. Some passengers received medical attention though no serious injuries have been reported.

Asiana Airlines flight OZ8124See playbackFlight 8124 departed Jeju at 11:58 local time (02:58 UTC) for 42 minute flight to Daegu. According to the BBC, at 250 metres (820 feet) and approximately 1 minute before landing at 12:37 local time, a passenger opened the left side, behind the wing exit door (Door L3). Based on footage of the aircraft in Daegu, the door’s escape slide discharged as normal.

Isn’t it impossible to open a door in flight?For 99% of the flight, it is absolutely impossible to open an aircraft door. Aircraft cabin doors act as plugs. As the pressure builds inside the aircraft literally tons of pressure push on the door to keep it secured in place.

However, as the aircraft descends to land, the pressure inside the aircraft begins to equalize with the pressure outside the aircraft and at a certain very low altitude the door can be opened. In this case it was about 1 minute prior to the aircraft touching down.

Aircraft infoAsiana Airlines flights 8124 was operated by an Airbus A321-231 registered HL8256. It was delivered new to Asiana in May 2012.

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On this episode of AvTalk founder and editor of The Airline Observer, Brian Sumers, joins us to discuss the ruling by a US judge dissolving American Airlines and JetBlue’s Northeast Alliance and what that could mean for JetBlue’s acquisition of Spirit Airlines.

NTSB hosts runway incursion round tableNTSB chair Jennifer Homendy hosted a runway incursion round table discussion this week.

Tumult continues for Indian airlinesGo First has won a second victory against its lessors in court to keep its aircraft, but it could be a hollow victory as Pratt and Whitney says it has no engines to give the airline. Plus Jet Airways will likely remain firmly on the ground.

Italy could announce ITA Airways-Lufthansa deal this weekShow notes from the future! The deal has indeed been announced.

Lufthansa finding extra A350sLufthansa continues to enlarge its widebody fleet “opportunistically,” this time taking four former LATAM A350s.

Niceair filing for bankruptcyVirtual Icelandic airline Niceair will file for bankruptcy. This follows HiFly Malta, the operator of its sole A319, removing the aircraft from service with Niceair and leasing it to other airlines.

Russian airlines headed back to Cuba, parking more aircraftRossiya will restart service to Cuba, UTair is parking a third of its helicopter fleet due to lack of parts, and the SSJ-New will enter production next year.

Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger in doubtBoth the EU and US have indicated an unfavorable attitude toward the merger, with competition concerns chief among the objections.

Northeast Alliance, more like Northeast GoodbyeanceBrian Sumers — founder and editor of The Airline Observer — joins us to discuss the ruling dissolving American and JetBlue’s Northeast Alliance and what may come next for the two airlines. We also discuss possible impacts on JetBlue’s planned merger with Spirit Airlines.

Sustainability messaging takes a turnAviation executives are now saying what most anyone with a calculator and a bit of knowledge has known for while: sustainable aviation fuel will always cost considerably more than fossil fuel. What to do about that is still a subject of intense debate.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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Located around 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) from the Ukrainian border in south east Poland, Rzeszów Airport has become an essential hub for movement of weapons, medical supplies and people in and out of Ukraine. We used Flightradar24 data to take a look at the seismic changes in operators, aircraft types and traffic using the small airport since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Passenger flights at Rzeszów began in 1945, with commercial traffic beginning in earnest in 1949. In more recent times, the airport has seen seasonal services to North America as well as the establishment of scheduled operations from airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa and LOT Polish Airlines. Rzeszów handled around 100 passenger flights per week in the summer of 2021 as the industry recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.

What’s happened to traffic at Rzeszów since the start of the war?Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 changed it all, and the seismic increase in flights arriving and departing Rzeszów cannot be understated. Overall, the average number of weekly aircraft movements has increased approximately 167% since the onset of the war. From day one we saw notable spikes in passenger, cargo, and business jet traffic, but the most significant change in the first few weeks was the spike in military traffic. We actually witnessed a slight increase in military movements in the week before the invasion, but the real changes began alongside the invasion.

The initial spike in military traffic in the first week of the invasion correlated with the earliest deliveries of military aid, such as the UK’s delivery of NLAW and Javelin missiles in late February. These initial flights were conducted mostly by the United States Air Force, United States Army, and the air forces of the United Kingdom and Italy. Whilst we can correlate some spikes in traffic with agreed weapons deliveries, it’s important to realize that many European countries will send heavy equipment by rail and that medical supplies may be arriving on the increasingly common civilian cargo flights.

Who are the top military and government operators at Rzeszów and which aircraft are they using?US military forces make up 25% of total military traffic at Rzeszów, followed by the Air Forces of the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada and France.

Looking at aircraft types, the heavy lifters have proven firm favorites with the C17 Globemaster, A400M Atlas, and C130 Hercules leading the way. Also making a notable appearance in the first 4 months of the conflict was the Boeing KC767. As tanker and transport aircraft, we can infer that both the A330 and 767 aircraft may have been supporting increased NATO aerial activity in the area as well as passenger and cargo duties.

It’s notable that whilst safely inside NATO borders, security is still a concern at Rzeszów, with US forces installing two Patriot air defense systems at the airport in March 2022.

What about cargo airlines?Rzeszów is ideally suited for cargo and military movements thanks to a 3,200 meter runway and reliable freight handling facilities. As such a large number of civilian cargo operators have stepped in to bring supplies to RZE for onward travel to Ukraine.

The boom in cargo operations at Rzeszów has led to a renaissance of Boeing 747 operations in the area, with Kalitta Air and Atlas Air regularly deploying its older 747-400 series freighters. Purpose-built -400 series freighters feature a nose loading door which makes them ideal for offloading outsized cargo. Additionally vital has been the Antonov Airlines AN-124s, which have seen a steady stream of activity since the start of the conflict.

What’s happening with private flights at Rzeszów?The number of business jets and private aircraft using Rzeszów has also significantly increased since the invasion began. In terms of jets, we have seen notably increased deployment of the Cessna Citation (C560), Gulfstream V (GLF5) and Dassault Falcon 900 (F900). Whilst the general perception is that private aircraft are usually transporting high net worth individuals, a deeper dive reveals that some of these flights were operated by Air Ambulances evacuating the wounded. The most notable type performing such duties is the Beech 100 King Air (BE10) turboprop, which can typically carry 1-2 patients in a medical configuration. These aircraft prove popular as private ambulances thanks to their low operating cost and short field performance.

How has the war in Ukraine changed Rzeszów airport?It seems clear that Rzeszów will remain the gateway to Ukraine for the near future. Western nations have shown no signs of wavering their commitment to supplying Ukraine with desperately needed supplies, and no other airport is so ideally suited for handling large volumes of military and cargo traffic so close to the Ukrainian border.

As well as being good news for Ukraine, these continued spikes in regular traffic are likely to benefit Rzeszów airport’s revenue. By extension, this is likely to benefit the local community and provide job opportunities at the airport.

Whether the increased military use of the airport will impact leisure and tourism traffic remains to be seen. Whilst there may be reticence amongst some travelers to visit a city that is only 60 miles from the conflict zone, passenger traffic appears to be remaining steady. As well as scheduled services from Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines and Lufthansa, new routes are being opened in 2023. LOT is commencing flights to Gdansk from June 2, and Wizz Air will commence a service to Rome Fiumicino from June 7.

Military, Cargo and VIP aircraft operating to and from Rzeszów are frequently amongst the most tracked flights on Flightradar24. You can easily view our most tracked flights in the top right of the Flightradar24 website, or by swiping down from the top search bar on the mobile app.

What do you think will happen to military and commercial traffic at Rzeszów in the coming year? Share your views on twitter, Facebook or Instagram @Flightradar24.Cover image by Łukasz Stawiarz, Jetphotos

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The Embraer 190-E2 first flew on May 23, 2016. The aircraft, registration PR-ZEY, took off from the Embraer facility in São José dos Campos at 15:06 UTC for a flight lasting three hours and 20 minutes. The first E190-E2 revenue flights, WF662/WF623 between Bergen and Tromsø were operated by Norwegian carrier Widerøe on April 4, 2018.

The E190-E2 is part of a family of new generation regional jets built by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer and is a development of the very popular Embraer 190. The aircraft was designed to be highly efficient on longer regional and short haul sectors thanks to a high aspect ratio wing design and its more efficient Pratt & Whitney PW1900G GTF engines.

Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan engines have been a regular feature in the news recently thanks to ongoing maintenance issues which have resulted in aircraft being able to perform fewer flight cycles in certain environments. These issues have led to the recent grounding of KLM’s larger Embraer 195-E2 fleet, as well as facilitated the collapse of Indian airline Go First in May 2023. These issues have also been impacting the Airbus A220. You can check out Episode 213 of AvTalk to hear more about the impacts of Pratt & Whitney engine issues on operators.

Who flies the Embraer 190-E2 today?There are 23 Embraer 190-E2 aircraft as of the type’s seventh birthday. The largest operator is Swiss carrier Helvetic Airways, who utilize 8 aircraft. Air Astana and Wilderøe have 5 and 3 aircraft respectively, followed by Congo Airways (2) and Pionair Australia (1). Manufacturer Embraer retain four aircraft for sales and testing purposes, two of which are painted in the impressive ‘Profit Hunter’ livery.

The Embraer E190-E2 in the ‘Profit Hunter’ livery.Competition with the Airbus A220-100The Embraer 190-E2 has faced significant competition from the Airbus A220 (formerly the Bombardier C-Series). Whilst the aircraft have a broadly similar value proposition to airlines, there is a big difference in their range.

The A220-100 has a maximum range of 3,450 nautical miles (about 21% higher than the E190-E2’s 2,850 nautical miles), though Embraer has claimed that seat or trip costs on both the 190 and 195-E2 can be up to 10% lower than the A220-100. The aircraft have similar seat counts, with both the A220-100 and Embraer 190-E2 typically seating 100 to 110 passengers in a two-class configuration.

How can I track the Embraer 190-E2 on Flightradar24?You can track the Embraer 190-E2 using aircraft filters in Flightradar24 Beta. Click on the Filters icon in the bottom toolbar, head to custom filters and choose aircraft. You can locate the 190-E2 by entering ‘Embraer’ in the search box. You can also enter the aircraft’s code ‘E290’.

Try out Flightradar24 BetaCover image: Borut, JetPhotos

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You may have heard of the infamous code 7500 which airliners transmit when they are being hijacked, common amongst movies and TV shows, but what do squawk codes like this actually mean and why are they used? Here, we’ll look at their history and some common squawk codes which have become well-known within the aviation community.

What are Squawk codes?Squawk codes are what air traffic control (ATC) use to identify aircraft when they are flying. They are unique four-digit numbers and range from 0000 to 7777; some of which are fixed values signifying specific scenarios (see below), others being randomly generated by ATC. At the dawn of commercial aviation, the position of an aircraft was tracked using radar, and aircraft would show up as anonymous dots on ATC radar display. However, as air travel became more popular and the skies more crowded, this method became ineffective and even dangerous since there were too many planes and a means of distinguishing one plane from the next was needed.

This is where squawk codes came in. There are 4096 unique combinations aircraft can use to identify themselves. When the aircraft enters an ATC’s airspace, the ATC generates a squawk code for the aircraft, and radios the pilot to enter it into their aircraft’s transponder. The aircraft transponder then continually transmits this back to the ATC, and the squawk code will be displayed next to the aircraft’s dot on the tracking screen.

The pilots are designated a Squawk code by ATC, before they enter the code into the transponder.Famous Squawk codesAs well as the codes used to identify aircraft, there are three squawk codes which aren’t randomly generated and are used to communicate to ATC without the use of speech. They tend to be used in emergencies, and work by the pilots changing their squawk code away from their designated one, signaling to ATC what is happening on board. These special codes are standardized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), so seeing an emergency code in Denver means the same thing as seeing the code in Delhi.

The first of these is the code 7500, which signals “unlawful interference,” more commonly referred to as hijacking. This is a situation where squawking is particularly useful, as it allows the pilots to contact ATC discreetly. What happens after this code is transmitted varies, but usually, security forces tend to get involved. The process which is depicted in movies and TV is an escort by military aircraft, but other things happen such as authorities waiting upon arrival.

Squawking 7500 signifies an aircraft being hijacked and could result in an aircraft being escorted by military forces.Can’t talk now, sorryThe second emergency squawk code is 7600, showing ATC that the aircraft has lost verbal communication. This could mean that it can still hear ATC and yet not respond, in which case the ATC will direct the pilot to speak with them through the Ident button. This is a small button on the transponder which causes the aircraft to flash on the controller’s screen and therefore can be used as a means of talking through non-verbal communication. Interestingly, if the pilot can’t hear ATC or speak to them when near the airport, they can often communicate with the aircraft through lights. These come from a light gun situated on the tower, where ATC shines lights at an aircraft in colors of either red, green or white to signify different things when the aircraft has lost communication. These light gun signals mean different things depending on whether the aircraft is on the ground or in the air, and their values are taught to pilots during training.

Generally speakingAnd finally, the last emergency code that can be squawked is 7700, which can be used for general emergency. An aircraft may even be directly asked to squawk 7700 after speaking to ATC verbally so that they can recognise them and give them priority over others. Squawking 7700 gives the pilot the responsibility to do essentially anything to ensure the safety of those onboard, regardless of the rules. Squawking 7700 also notifies all nearby ATC in the surrounding areas of the situation with the flight.

Read more about what’s happening on the flight deck of an aircraft squawking 7700 in our helpful explainer on inflight emergencies.Squawk codes are a key part of managing flights everywhere, and without them, the skies would be a lot more chaotic and unorganized. So, the next time you are on Flightradar24 and looking at an aircraft’s details, check the squawk code to find out what’s going on onboard. It’s most likely that it will just be a random number, but, in rare cases, there could actually be something significant happening.

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On this episode of AvTalk, former NTSB Chair and member of the FAA’s recently formed Independent Safety Review Team, Robert Sumwalt joins the program to discuss the state of aviation safety in the United States and how industry and regulators are reacting to a recent spate of serious incidents.

Skip to our conversation with Robert Sumwalt

YouTuber pleads guilty to obstruction in intentional crashYouTuber Trevor Jacob has pleaded guilty to obstructing the federal investigation into his intentional crash of his Taylorcraft BL-65 in 2021.

A critical week for Indian airlinesJet Airways is still trying to get off the ground, IndiGo reports its earnings, and SpiceJet is having issues of its own with lessors. Meanwhile, Go First’s bankruptcy proceedings are turning up some interesting financial news, including a $300m loan to a Wadia Group company that appears to have been partially used to secure a separate loan for Go First.

Cargolux loses a bogeyThe inner-right main gear assembly on a Cargolux 747 making an emergency return to Luxembourg separated from the aircraft after it had touched down earlier this week. Here’s video and here’s the ADS-B data.

Final report on Tara Air Twin Otter crash releasedInvestigators in Nepal released their final report on the crash of a Tara Air Twin Otter in May 2022.

In conversation with Robert SumwaltA spate of recent serious incidents have regulators and industry examining what can be done to improve aviation safety in the United States. Former NTSB Chair and member of the FAA’s recently formed Independent Safety Review Team, Robert Sumwalt is uniquely suited to help us understand the state of aviation safety in the US.

Turkish Airlines want airplanes, a lot of airplanesTurkish Airlines’ chairman recently announced the airline is preparing to order 600 new airplanes. We discuss the breakdown of the order between manufacturers and sizes as well as the effect such a order will have on Turkish’s future development.

WestJet pilots set to strikeBarring a last-minute breakthrough, by the time you’re listening to the podcast WestJet pilots will likely be on strike.

EASA warns on A380 wing spar cracksEASA has issued a new airworthiness directive for A380 wing spar cracks with a new factor their calling “factored time on ground” (FTOG). Aviation Week has the details on what’s changed and what hydrogen embrittlement has to do with anything.

C919 back in the airAfter delivery and flying for a short period of time, China Eastern’s first Comac C919 returned back to Comac. Now it’s back flying with China Eastern again.

Singapore reconfigures in favor of 787sSingapore Airlines is dropping some of the 737 MAX aircraft from its order book and taking additional 787s.

Southwest expects 737-7 certification in AugustSouthwest CEO Robert Jordan says Southwest Airlines expects FAA certification of the Boeing 737-7 MAX in August. Southwest is one of just a few airlines with 737-7 orders.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 216: Former NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Alaska Airlines unveiled its stunning new Xáat Kwáani livery this week after painting in Amarillo. The livery, designed by Alaska Native artist Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl, uses traditional formline art to honor “salmon, culture, artistic expression, and language.” Xáat Kwáani means “Salmon People” in the Alaskan Tlingit language and “refers to the spiritual link between the people who interact with the beloved salmon and all of us who benefit from their stewardship of the environment,” says Alaska Airlines.

Artist Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl holds a print of the Xáat Kwáani livery on N559AS.How do you paint such an intricate livery?N559AS is the former Salmon Thirty-Salmon livery aircraft, so it is no stranger to special paint. The airline says that the Xáat Kwáani livery used 117 gallons (443 litres) of paint and includes a special clear top coat to lengthen the time the livery can remain on the aircraft without repainting. Watch a time lapse video of the painting of N559AS, compressed down from 12 days.

How to track Xáat KwáaniYou can follow Xáat Kwáani by searching Flightradar24 or setting an alert for registration N559AS. The aircraft will make its first revenue flight in the new livery from Anchorage on 12 May. Xáat Kwáani will make its way from Anchorage to Juneau to Sitka to Ketchikan to Seattle. Then continuing to Santa Ana and back up to Seattle—a busy first day in action.

Track Xáat KwáaniThe post Alaska Airlines unveils stunning new Xáat Kwáani livery appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, Ryanair commits to up to 300 Boeing 737-10 MAX, Go First receives bankruptcy protection, frustrating lessor attempts to repossess their aircraft, and we talk with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions Chief Strategy Officer Jenny Kavanagh about their merger with Britten-Norman and plans for a hydrogen powered Islander.

Ryanair orders up to 300 737-10 MAXThe Irish low-cost carrier placed a firm order for 150, plus 150 options of Boeing largest 737 MAX variant. We discuss the impact of the massive order on Ryanair, Boeing, and the secondary operator market in the years to come.

Court approves Go First bankruptcy protectionA New Delhi court has grant Go First protection from creditors, halting lessors attempts to repossess their aircraft.

US DOT wants EU261 style compensation schemeThe US Department of Transportation is proposing rules that would be similar to the European Union style compensation for lengthy delays and cancellations that are within an airline’s control. The airline industry argues that such a rule is unnecessary.

EASA proposes first eVTOL noise measurement rubricThe European Union Aviation Safety Agency has published the first rubric for the measurement and mitigation of eVTOL noise, a step toward their eventual integration into urban environments. We discussed this major hurdle to eVTOL adoption with Elan Head in episode 122.

FAA updates its ‘Air Taxi’ blueprintThe FAA has released an updated version of its Air Taxi Blueprint, the guiding document for how the agency will begin to integrate urban air mobility vehicles into the national airspace system.

Jenny Kavanagh — Cranfield Aerospace SolutionsCranfield Aerospace Solutions and Britten-Norman recently announced their merger and a forthcoming hydrogen-powered Islander aircraft. We chat with Jenny Kavanagh, Cranfield’s Chief Strategy Officer about the rationale behind a full merger of the two companies, the promise and stumbling blocks to hydrogen propulsion, and their ambitions for a larger regional aircraft.

Sky Nest detailsAir New Zealand has revealed more details on its forthcoming Sky Next. Will the price be right for you to climb into the bunk?

Goodbye gravel kit roadCanadian North has retired its last Boeing 737-200 Combi with the gravel kit. We ponder what this retirement portends for future operations in remote and unimproved areas around the world.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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When United Airlines announced its order for 200 Boeing 787s in December 2022, the spotlight was on the largest widebody order in US airline history. But within the order announcement came much less noticed news—the airline will retire all its remaining 767s by 2030.

First introduced in 1982, the 767 quickly became a workhorse for United and other airlines. Its computer aided flight deck, the introduction of ETOPS, and its ability as a platform to adapt and change for multiple mission profiles over more than 40 years has made it a mainstay in fleets around the world.

However, as the late 2010s approached, many believed it was an aircraft on the way out. And when the effects of the global pandemic brought much of the industry to a halt, it didn’t come as a shock to see airlines re-evaluating their fleets and usage of the 767 for passenger flights.

For an aircraft already largely labelled as past its prime, what did the pandemic do for the series, what trends can be identified, and what’s next for the venerable 767?

The changing role of a workhorseThe first Boeing 767 was delivered more than 40 years ago and the type is still in regular service with 100 operators around the world. But where the 767 flies and what flies inside the aircraft has changed dramatically.

The 767 now flies predominately as a freighter. In 2022, Flightradar24 tracked 335,543 Boeing 767 freighter flights out of 511,426 total 767 flights. The aircraft can fly as various types of freighters, whether that be manufactured by Boeing, BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter), PCF (Precision Conversion Freighter or BDSF (Bedek Special Freighter). Each type of freighter serves a different purpose for its operator. Budget and availability play a critical role in customers’ decision-making regarding which pathway they’ll head.

Before flying as a freighter, the 767 was actively seen in a passenger-centric role with carriers globally. However, its ability to fly from mainland U.S. to Hawaii and for large periods overwater, thanks to an increased ETOPS, changed twin-engine operations forever. With nearly a thousand passenger aircraft ordered, the 767 enjoyed quite the success and is now enjoying its twilight carrying passengers.

Military and government uses are also vital parts of the program. This includes Boeing’s KC-46, utilized for aerial refuelling and strategic military missions. Boeing continues to build new KC-46 for delivery to the US Air Force and other militaries around the world. In 2022, the KC-46 completed 6,118 flights an 83% increase in flights compared to 2019.

A pandemic accelerates the pace of changeBefore the emergence of the global pandemic, the Boeing 767 saw monthly freight and passenger journeys largely hover around the same mark. The pandemic, however, upended this duality. In 2019, cargo 767s completed 243,429 flights. As 2019 ended, freight flights were booming, reaching as high as 24,452 in December, up almost 6,000 on numbers from the first month of the year, January.

In comparison, passenger flights showed signs of seasonality, staying between 22,000-26,000 flights per month. Total passenger flights recorded for the year sat at 279,963, which was only a 36,534 flight difference compared to recorded freight movements. Passenger 767s experienced their busiest months during the summer peak of July and August.

However, as pandemic restrictions hit in early 2020, airlines parked their 767s at a mass rate as demand plummeted to near 0. This mass grounding greatly accelerated long-term airline fleet trends. Unfortunately, it would mean that the 767 would never truly recover to the figure set for monthly pre-pandemic flights, not for a lack of trying though.

The first four months of 2020 highlighted the collapse in demand and subsequent passenger 767 operations. In January, there were 22,115 recorded movements. February saw 19,808, March 15,841 and April 3,729. For the remainder of 2020, passenger flights wouldn’t surpass 10,000 per month. In fact, it wasn’t until May 2021, when 10,105 flights were recorded.

While passenger numbers dropped significantly as the pandemic took hold, cargo operations continued to grow. Looking solely at cargo data, it would be hard to recognize any restrictions on flights at all. In 2020, freighter movements reached a peak of 28,435 in December. Numbers never dropped below 20,000 per month, throughout even the most challenging months.

Thanks in part to the emergence of more converted freighters becoming available as airlines removed their passenger 767s before the pandemic, freight numbers remained high all throughout 2021 and 2022. On top of that, some airlines converted some of their passenger 767s into makeshift freighters to get some use out of the airframe. In 2021, 318,647 freight flights were recorded. While in 2022, 335,543 movements took place, 37.8% above 2019 levels.

Passenger operations with the 767 rebounded after 2020. While flights will not return to levels seen pre-pandemic, its presence can still be felt monthly. In 2022, there were 168,331 recorded 767 passenger flights. Ultimately, this is down 39% from 2019 but highlights the need still for such a plane even after the industry’s greatest challenge.

A demand driven aircraftThroughout 2020, 2021 and 2022, the 767 saw trends highlighting peaks and valleys, from freight to passenger flights. The ability to see that the Boeing 767 experienced consecutive peaks year-on-year at the same point presents an insightful question. How are airlines deploying the 767?

In 2020 and 2021, data indicates that the 767 for both freight and passenger experienced its busiest months in December before facing a significant drop in flights for January. This is a typically quieter point of the industry for both passenger and freight. On top of that, the 767 would record higher than average monthly movements during the northern hemisphere summer period. Another incredibly busy time for travel as airlines scramble to meet capacity.

While data cannot provide exact answers as to why flight jumps were recorded or what airlines were doing with 767s when numbers were reduced, it can indicate strongly that the 767 for passenger services at least experiences a great deal of necessity during the busiest parts of the year. This could be because customers require additional aircraft for seasonal services, other aircraft types are in for maintenance or as we’ve seen in recent years aircraft types are halted due to airworthiness directives. No matter how big or little the reasoning, it all adds up.

Two ways to downsizeAir Canada was one of the more prominent operators of the Boeing 767 pre-pandemic. However, after an almost four-decade run, the airline decided to remove the aircraft from passenger operations during the height of restrictions. It’s what Air Canada did with their 767s that presents a unique story.

In 2019, Air Canada recorded 20,845 flights with its 767. In 2021 the airline introduced converted 767 freighter aircraft to its fleet.

Air Canada’s converted 767 freighters hold symbolic value to the company as they’re former passenger equipment. Air Canada sends their passenger aircraft away for conversion before re-introducing it into their cargo division. C-FPCA was the first converted freighter to return home to Air Canada after three decades of performing passenger operations. After conversion, this registration recorded 942 total flights in 2022. This part of a total that saw the airline record 1,694 cargo flights.

Air Canada’s approach starkly contrasts American Airlines, who retired their Boeing 767s during the pandemic and didn’t turn them into freighters for themselves. In 2019, American Airlines recorded 14,091 movements with its 767s. By March of 2020, the airline completely withdrew the entire fleet.

Boeing 767s that were retired by American Airlines were instead converted over time and have made their way over to freight operators. As a result, former American Airlines 767s fly in the colours of DHL, and Amazon Prime Air, amongst others.

Which airlines adjusted the most?2019 to 2022 saw various changes to companies’ fleets as they re-assessed their operations. As a result, some customers made the difficult but necessary decision to remove the 767.

Asiana Airlines operated 14,066 flights with its Boeing 767s in 2019. A split of 13,053 (92%) passengers services and 1,013 (8%) cargo flights. However, by 2022 the airline only operated 3,370 flights. Of these, 1,494 were cargo-operated flights, representing 44% of the total for the year. While there was a significant reduction in passenger flights with the 767, Asiana were a carrier that moved freight and benefited by seeing an increase across the three years.

German carrier Condor recorded 8,312 flights with its Boeing 767s in 2019. However, it only reported 4,964 in 2022. This is a 40% reduction in operations across three years. Condor is a leisure airline and intends to replace its 767s with a more efficient A330neos. Between 2019 and 2022, they removed several units as part of this process.

Continuing in Europe, Austrian Airlines, who were significant users of the 767 have also seen changes in recent years. In 2019 the airline flew 3,007 flights. However, similar to Condor, it reported a 43% decrease in 2022, only seeing 1,693 flights. The Lufthansa Group airline has stated that they’re already in the process of removing this series, with the 787 coming to the Austrian’s fleet in the near future.

WestJet, alongside Air Canada, also saw sizeable changes to their 767 operations. In 2019, the airline flew 2,049 flights, but the airline ceased 767 operations in 2020. WestJet’s 767 now registered C-GAZF, is operated by Cargojet on behalf of Amazon.

eCommerce to the rescueFedEx is among the largest operator of the Boeing 767 series, and one of the few airlines still taking deliveries of new-build aircraft. Thanks to the rise in ecommerce deliveries during the pandemic and the growth experienced with the 767F, they reported a rise in pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, there were 57,423 FedEx flights with the 767. This grew by 68% to 96,588 flights in 2022.

Continuing with the growth trend on the freighter side, UPS reported 55,460 in 2019. By 2022, there was a 23% increase with 68,595 flights. UPS are a big admirer of the 767-300F with intentions to continue acquiring the type long into the future to further develop their freighter services.

An emerging company utilizing the 767 freighter capabilities has been Amazon Air, or Prime Air, as painted on their aircraft. In 2019 there were 22,210 flights through Amazon’s contractor partners flying the 767. This increased in 2020 by 21.4% to 26,977 flights. Despite the pandemic, Amazon Air reported substantial numbers across 2020, with flights floating above 2,000 per month. Trends continued upward for 2021, with 34,510 flights and a further increase in 2022 to 39,069 flights.

Thanks to additional Boeing 767s since 2019, Amazon has gone from strength to strength. December has been their best performance, indicating that the company performs more flights than ever during the holiday season. From January to March 2023, Amazon Air’s aircraft have flown 10,055 times. Averaging 3,351 per month in the first three months would see, barring any increase or decrease, just over 40,000 flights for the year which would be a record.

What’s next for the 767?While it remains hard to predict precisely when, the long-term trend shows an aircraft on the way out as more and more airlines trade the workhorse for fuel-efficient next-generation aircraft.

The commercial set of 767s will spend their twilight in the air carrying freight around the world, but the aircraft has a long life ahead in military use as a tanker. The ability of the 767 to adapt to changing market forces has allowed it to succeed as long as it has. And perhaps it still has another act left.

Tracking the remaining 767sTo keep up to date with all remaining 767s on Flightradar24, create an aircraft filter for “B76” or select the Boeing 767 family from the pre-populated list in the Flightradar24 app.

However, if you’re only interested in viewing specific variants of the 767 family, use the following ICAO aircraft type codes.

Boeing 767-200 and KC46: B762
Boeing 767-300: B763
Boeing 767-400: B764

There is a full tutorial on how to add filters for aircraft available here.

The post The Story of a Workhorse: the Boeing 767’s place in the global fleet appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Ryanair has announced a large order for up to 300 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft, the highest single order number for the largest member of the MAX family to date. This order makes Ryanair the second largest prospective customer for the MAX 10 after United Airlines. The MAX 10 is currently undergoing with certification with completion now slated for 2024. Deliveries to Ryanair will begin in 2027 and run through 2033.

Ryanair’s 737-10 aircraft will have 228 seats, perfect for increasing capacity on the Irish low-cost carrier’s higher demand routes. The new aircraft will help replace older 737-800s as well as drive Ryanair’s growth strategy. The airline has said it plans to fly 300 million passengers per year by 2034.

Boeing 737-10 MAX in Ryanair livery. | Rendering by Boeing.The deal between Ryanair and Boeing has been in the works for some time, with pricing being a key driver in the airline’s choice between ordering the upcoming MAX 10 or additional MAX 8-200’s. Michael O’Leary clarified the situation in March 2023, stating: “If they give us a good discount on the extra 30 seats, we’re more likely to take MAX 10s. If they don’t give us a good discount on the extra seats, we’re more likely to go with additional MAX 200s.”

How to track Ryanair’s 737 fleet on Flightradar24You can track the Ryanair fleet using a custom filter in Flightradar24 Beta. Click filters, then Airline, then Ryanair and choose both options.

In the Flightradar24 app, select Filters, Airline, then search Ryanair.

If you would like to track the all currently active 737 MAX aircraft, simply head to the ‘Aircraft’ filter, and enter the following aircraft codes.

B37M,B38M,B39M. As the 737-10 MAX begins flying, you’ll add B3XM.

The post Ryanair orders up to 300 737-10 MAX appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a swarm of bees delays a Delta flight to Atlanta. Go First declares bankruptcy and places the blame at Pratt and Whitney’s feet. And Ian wants to drive ZeroAvia’s HyperTruck.

Covered in bees!An Atlanta-bound Delta Air Lines A320 was delayed in Houston thanks to a swarm of bees taking up residence on the wingtip fence. This twitter thread perfectly captured the unfolding scene.

Do not pass Go, do not collect $200Indian low-cost carrier Go First filed for bankruptcy protection this week, laying blame squarely at the feet of Pratt & Whitney engine issues. The airline has suspended flights from May 3 through May 5 and sued Pratt & Whitney for nearly $1 billion.

Airbus first quarter earnings reportAirbus reported first quarter earnings this week. The manufacturer is holding to its rate increases for the A320neo family as well as its wide bodies. Introduction of the A321XLR is still scheduled for Q2 2024, but the A350 freighter has now slipped slightly to 2026.

Air Moldova halts operationsAir Moldova halted operations after the government refused to provide a cash injection. The airline was operating with only two of its three owned aircraft with one being stuck in Verona for the past few months due to maintenance issues. The airline was also operating a number of wet leased aircraft.

Flydubai unveils another new cabinFlydubai unveiled what is perhaps the nicest single aisle business class seat in the sky with its third seat configuration in as many years.

Vanessa Hudson named Qantas CEOQantas named current CFO Vanessa Hudson as incoming CEO replacing Alan Joyce, who scheduled to retire from the airline in November.

Alaska Airlines and ZeroAvia partner for largest hydrogen plane yetAlaska airlines and ZeroAvia are partnering to create the largest zero emmission, hydrogen powered aircraft in the world. Alaska Airlines donated a Dash 8-Q400 to the project.

Norse is heading south for the winterNorse is branching out with new routes beginning in the winter season to Thailand, Barbados, and Jamaica.

Order up!We recap a few notable orders from this week, including orders by Hainan Group airlines for COMAC C919 and ARJ21s and Azal Azerbaijan Airlines firms up an order for 8 787-8s.

The post AvTalk Episode 214: Covered in bees! appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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In March, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each new receiver helps us increase flight tracking coverage and provide redundancy across our network of more than 35,000 terrestrial receivers. New receivers in places like Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, and the United States are helping to fill in low-level coverage and MLAT tracking. New receivers in places like Canada, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mongolia, and Türkiye are adding areas of coverage to our network.

The April mapHelp Add ADS-B coverageWe are always looking for new receiver hosts. Especially if you or someone you know lives in a remote location, please apply to host a receiver. All of our receiver hosts get a free Flightradar24 Business Subscription, which can be used on the web or within our mobile app. If you’re interested, please apply today using our simple form. If you’d like more information about our application process, you can read more about it in our blog post.

Most wanted new receiver locationsThe best locations for new Flightradar24 receiver kits are near an airport with a 360 degree view of the sky. We prioritize airports that currently lack ground coverage or would benefit from additional coverage. Do you live near an airport, but don’t see aircraft on the ground when you open Flightradar24? If so, we’d love to have you as an ADS-B receiver host. Apply to host a receiver today!

The post New Flightradar24 ADS-B Receivers Activated in April 2023 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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If you have ever looked at the airspace surrounding a major airport on Flightradar24, you will almost certainly have noticed aircraft circling nearby in patterns that resemble racetracks. This is called a holding pattern.

A holding pattern is a manoeuvre flown by pilots awaiting further clearance onto the next stage of their route, or into an airport. Essentially, they are used to safely organize and manage the flow of aircraft waiting to land. A holding pattern usually sees an aircraft flying an oval or ‘racetrack’ shaped course at a specified altitude until air traffic control gives the pilot permission to continue. Whilst this is most commonly associated with areas around busy airports, a hold can also be flown around waypoints along a route. The point around which the aircraft holds around is called a ‘holding fix’. Take a look at this approach chart for London Gatwick Airport (LGW), you can see a VOR/DME holding fix called Mayfield ‘MAY’ in the bottom right.

Credit: NATS/UK AIP

Why do aircraft fly holding patterns?Aircraft fly holding patterns for a variety of reasons. Holding helps to maintain safe separation between with other aircraft in the vicinity. It allows air traffic controllers to properly organise the flow of aircraft in and out of an airport, and provides pilots with the chance to troubleshoot any onboard problems or emergencies. Aircraft in an emergency situation will squawk 7700. You can easily identify such aircraft by setting up a general emergency alert on Flightradar24. There are a few key factors pilots and controllers have to consider when holding…

Speed – holding aircraft at a speed that both keeps fuel burn to a minimum and facilitates the flow of traffic
Altitude – aircraft in busy holds are often stacked at different altitudes. Broadly speaking, turboprop aircraft hold at lower altitudes than jets and are legally required to have an additional 45 minutes of holding fuel (as opposed to 30 minutes for jets which can hold at higher altitudes).
Time – Pilots and controllers work together to ensure the time spent in the hold is safe, well managed, and that delays are communicated effectively to passengers. How to spot aircraft holding on Flightradar24Most airports around the world use holding patterns to safely manage the flow of traffic. Here are three top tips to spot aircraft flying holding patterns on Flightradar24.
Check out high density airports – think London Heathrow (LHR) and Frankfurt (FRA) that see lots of traffic.
Take a look at our Airport Disruption Index – the higher the disruption, the higher the chance you might see aircraft holding.
Add Navaids to your Flightradar24 map – these Navaids include the beacons that are used as holding fixes! Head here to find out how. The post What’s the hold up – how and why do aircraft hold at airports? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Moldovan flag carrier Air Moldova (9U) announced the suspension of all flights and ticket sales as of May 2, 2023. The airline will now enter a period of ‘expedited restructuring’ following public criticism from Moldova’s Civil Aeronautic Authority (CAA). Despite this, the airline remains optimistic, stating that “Investors are ready to invest around $50 million in Air Moldova. These investments would help solve the company’s financial problems and replenish its fleet.”

As of May 2023, the Air Moldova fleet consists of three Airbus narrowbodies. These are two Airbus A319’s registered ER-AXM and ER-AXL, and one Airbus A320 registered ER-AXA. Wet lease operations have continued as recently as April 2023, utilizing aircraft including the Boeing 737-300, Boeing 737-800, Airbus A321 and Embraer 190.

The grounded aircraftThe table below shows where the grounded Airbus aircraft are currently located and the dates of their most recent flights.

| Registration | Aircraft type | MSN | Date of last flight | Current airport (IATA) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ER-AXL | Airbus A319-212 | 2849 | 02-Mar-2023 | KIV | | ER-AXA | Airbus A320-232 | 02401 | 28-Feb-2023 | MPL | | ER-AXM | Airbus A319-212 | 1786 | 19-Dec-2022 | MPL |

See the Air Moldova fleetCover picture: SeniorNN, JetPhotos

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Indian low-cost carrier Go First filed for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, canceling all flights from 3-5 May. The airline blamed delays and problems with the provision and servicing of Pratt and Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engines for its filing. The GTF engines power the airline’s fleet of Airbus A320neos, of which half have been grounded.

Engine troubleIn their bankruptcy petition, Go First lays blame for their financial situation at Pratt and Whitney’s feet. The airline’s fleet of 49 Airbus A320neo aircraft is powered by the Pratt and Whitney geared turbofan engine, which has suffered reliability and maintenance issues worldwide. Go First says it has been waiting for replacement engines from Pratt and Whitney for quite some time. Go First and P&W entered into arbitration in Singapore in March. Go First says Pratt and Whitney is in breach of that arbitrator’s ruling that the P&W would furnish the airline with 10 spare engines by the end of April.

The airline has taken multiple A320neo aircraft offline nearly every month since June 2022, totally more than two dozen aircraft since 2021. With half its fleet grounded, Go First has struggled to compete domestically, especially as rival airlines have gained strength through consolidation.

The grounded aircraftThe table below shows where Go First’s grounded A320neos are currently located and the date of their most recent flight.

| Registration | Aircraft type | MSN | Date of last flight | Current airport (IATA) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | VT-WGX | Airbus A320-271N | 8482 | 24-Jul-2021 | CNN | | VT-WJB | Airbus A320-271N | 8613 | 9-Sep-2021 | DEL | | VT-WGJ | Airbus A320-271N | 7737 | 10-Apr-2022 | DEL | | VT-WGR | Airbus A320-271N | 8209 | 21-May-2022 | DEL | | VT-WJL | Airbus A320-271N | 9200 | 2-Jun-2022 | DEL | | VT-WJC | Airbus A320-271N | 8621 | 16-Jun-2022 | DEL | | VT-WJR | Airbus A320-271N | 9388 | 27-Jun-2022 | DEL | | VT-WGT | Airbus A320-271N | 8382 | 9-Aug-2022 | DEL | | VT-WJS | Airbus A320-271N | 9598 | 15-Aug-2022 | DEL | | VT-WJA | Airbus A320-271N | 8583 | 31-Aug-2022 | BLR | | VT-WJQ | Airbus A320-271N | 9375 | 21-Sep-2022 | NAG | | VT-WGG | Airbus A320-271N | 7563 | 21-Sep-2022 | HYD | | VT-WGM | Airbus A320-271N | 7859 | 23-Sep-2022 | DEL | | VT-WGV | Airbus A320-271N | 8458 | 10-Oct-2022 | DEL | | VT-WJI | Airbus A320-271N | 8757 | 11-Nov-2022 | BLR | | VT-WJF | Airbus A320-271N | 8656 | 23-Nov-2022 | HYD | | VT-WGZ | Airbus A320-271N | 8503 | 28-Nov-2022 | BOM | | VT-WJJ | Airbus A320-271N | 8785 | 5-Dec-2022 | BOM | | VT-WGW | Airbus A320-271N | 8464 | 10-Jan-2023 | NAG | | VT-WGQ | Airbus A320-271N | 8152 | 30-Jan-2023 | DEL | | VT-WGF | Airbus A320-271N | 7507 | 22-Feb-2023 | CNN | | VT-WJT | Airbus A320-271N | 9412 | 28-Feb-2023 | BLR | | VT-WJO | Airbus A320-271N | 9332 | 6-Mar-2023 | CNN | | VT-WJH | Airbus A320-271N | 8850 | 9-Apr-2023 | BLR | | VT-WGN | Airbus A320-271N | 7858 | 13-Apr-2023 | DEL | | VT-WJK | Airbus A320-271N | 8850 | 21-Apr-2023 | BOM | | VT-WGU | Airbus A320-271N | 8445 | 25-Apr-2023 | BOM |

The post Go First files for bankruptcy protection, blames A320neo engine problems appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Over 60 aircraft will appear in the flypast celebrating the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in London on Saturday May 6. The display will pass over Buckingham Palace at 14:30 BST/13:30 UTC, but the aircraft will be visible mustering in the East from 13:15 BST/12:15 UTC and dispersing in the west as late as 15:00 BST/1400 UTC.

The flypast will showcase a wide breadth of UK military aircraft, including helicopters, transport aircraft, trainers and fast jets according to the Royal Air Force. The RAF Red Arrows display team will also appear to close the procession. Aircraft movements will be viewable in areas of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Central London, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. So – quite a few opportunities to catch the display in person, but what if you’re not on the ground in the green and pleasant land?

Tracking the Coronation Flypast with Flightradar24
We’ve already put together a handy video guide on setting up filters on Flightradar24, but here’s an overview of two ways you can use our filters to identify and follow the Coronation flypast. “The best and easiest way to follow the flypast is with our new Military and Government category filter available in Flightradar24 Beta. This will show all the aircraft we’re tracking in the flypast with a single click.

Filter by category
Selecting ‘Military and Government’ under categories will filter your view to display these aircraft. Take a look at the Greater London area and you should see the flypast routing in from East to West. Note that Open Beta is currently only available on the web. For a way to view the flypast in the Flightradar24 app, see below.

Filter by aircraft typesFor an even more detailed view, head to custom filters, and select ‘aircraft type’. You can now enter the individual types that will feature in the flypast. Again, take a look at the areas to the east, center, and west of London. You can also use filters by aircraft type in the Flightradar24 app. Separate aircraft ICAO type codes with a comma to add multiple aircraft types to your filter. You can read our blog post on adding aircraft filters in the app here.

Whilst most aircraft participating in the flypast will appear on Flightradar24, some may not for various reasons. Aircraft operating in close formation will often use the lead aircraft’s transponder only as a way to avoid collision advisories, so a flight of six aircraft may appear as one aircraft on Flightradar24. Other aircraft may not be equipped with ADS-B and some of the helicopters in particular may be flying below our coverage area during some portion of the flypast.

To view all aircraft types appearing in the flypast, simply copy and paste the codes below into your Flightradar24 Beta aircraft filter.AS32,H47,H64,EH10,LYNX,EC35,C17,A400,A332,C30J,P8,R135,F35,VF35,EUFI,HAWK,F900,E50P,TEX2,
G115,DC3,HURI,SASP,SPIT,LANC,PREN

How Queen Elizabeth II's final flight set an all-time flight tracking recordIf you just want to see how the flypast fits in with the air traffic throughout the UK, center your map over London at 14:30 BST/13:30 UTC and enjoy!

Cover photo: Dave Jeffreys, JetPhotos

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A Delta 767-300ER en route from Prague to New York on 7 July 2022 experienced a loss of aileron control as it neared the Canadian coast. After descending in preparation for an emergency landing in Canada, the pilots regained full control of the aircraft and were able to continue to New York. The NTSB this week issued their final report on the incident.

Pilots become plumbersTwo of the lavatories aboard the Delta 767 were leaking, one from an area near the toilet and the other from an area near the sink. The 767 was being operated by two complete crews, so the two pilots not flying investigated the leaks. After the leaks were noted, the water to those locations was shut off.

Soon after the leaks were reported, the first officer who was the pilot flying noted autopilot caution messages displayed on the EICAS. The aircraft was unable to make any lateral course changes. The autopilot was disconnected and the FO attempted to manually control the aircraft only to be able to make small adjustments on his control wheel.

The captain attempted similar inputs and was met with the same resistance by the aileron controls. The crew performed the “Jammed or Restricted Flight Controls” procedures and in coordination with Delta’s maintenance coordinators determined that ice formation due to the leaking lavatories was causing the control issues.

Declaring an emergency, the aircraft was instructed to descend to 9,000 feet where the air was above freezing. Passing through 12,000 feet the crew reported experiencing a minor jolt and the control wheel began operating normally.

The crew canceled their emergency and determined the aircraft had enough to fuel to land in New York flying at 11,000 feet.

NTSB report points to circuit breakersThe NTSB report says that the forward and aft lavatory drain mast heater circuit breakers were found open as Delta personnel performed an after flight inspection. Delta reported to the NTSB that the aircraft had undergone maintenance in June and returned to service on 23 June 2022. Flightradar24 data shows the 767 was out of service from 15 June to 23 June in Los Angeles before operating to Boston. Part of the maintenance actions performed by Delta during that period involved opening the forward and aft lavatory drain mast heater circuit breakers.

The NTSB reports the probable cause of the incident as “the failure of maintenance personnel to close the drain mast heater circuit breakers which resulted in the formation of ice in the forward drain mast, an improper flow of wastewater into the main landing gear wheel well, and the formation of ice on one or more aileron system components.”

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On this episode of AvTalk, Boeing reports its first quarter results, more airlines are grounding Pratt and Whitney GTF-powered aircraft awaiting engine repair and overhaul, and a leaking lavatory jams a Delta 767’s flight controls.

FAA unveils safety review panelThe FAA has created an independent safety review panel to study ways to “enhance safety and reliability in the nation’s air traffic system.” The panel, consisting of former FAA, NTSB, NASA, and union officials, will work from May to October to produce a report on initiatives the FAA can implement to increase aviation safety in the United States.

Boeing reports first quarter earningsBoeing posted a first quarter loss on higher revenue and higher costs, including a charge against the 767/KC-46 for additional quality issues requiring rework.

Aircraft delivery and repair delays expandingManufacturers are informing airlines that aircraft scheduled for delivery may be delayed until the following year. Boeing’s most recent manufacturing issue has halted most 737 MAX deliveries. Pratt and Whitney GTF-powered aircraft continue to suffer grounding due to a lack of spare engines and long repair times. Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines join the list of airlines with parked aircraft. But CFM-powered aircraft are now also affected, with SriLankan saying issues with repairs for its LEAP-powered fleet has led to grounding of some of those aircraft.

Additional aircraft destroyed in Sudan as fighting escalatesAdditional aircraft on the ground in Khartoum have been destroyed including a MyWay 737-800 and Badr Airlines 737-300F (opb Asia Cargo Airlines). Additionally, an Embraer E145 operated on behalf of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service has also been destroyed. The closure of Sudan’s airspace has now been extended.

Leaking lavatory leads to Delta 767 flight control issueWater leaking from a mid-cabin lavatory led to ice build up and jammed aileron controls on a Delta 767 flying between Prague and New York.

Russian airlines made money in 2022, sort ofRussian airlines managed to eek out of profit in 2022, thanks in large part to their lack of spending on frills like lease payments and maintenance and the receipt of state subsidies.

JetBlue gets its “commercially viable” flight timesAfter complaining that its initial slot allocation for Amsterdam flights was not “commercially viable,” the airline has ended up with much better flight times for its service from New York and Boston.

United Express flight suffers bird strike at 12,000 feetA CommuteAir E145 operating for United Express between Houston and Laredo suffered a bird strike to both engines at 12,000 feet near Corpus Christi last week. The aircraft landed safely in Laredo.

FAA unveils new standard towerThe FAA has unveiled the winner of its sustainable tower design initiative. Practice for Architecture and Urbanism’s design features a concrete base, a glass and steel cab, and a segmented concrete core that can be tall enough for the tower’s required height. The news towers will be erected at smaller airports across the US.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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When you think of the United Nations, you tend to think of peacekeeping and international diplomacy, but what you don’t think of, is their very own airline. The United Nations operates a complex network of routes in over 20 countries, but where did this airline come from, what do they do and how can you track it on Flightradar24?

The need for an airlineIn the 1970s, the UN’s World Food Program (WFP) was struggling to deliver aid to the Sahel region of Africa due to inadequate ground infrastructure. Looking for alternatives, the WFP organized the airlift of food to these areas with 30 different aircraft from 12 different air forces. This required vast amounts of skill, not only in terms of logistical organization but also in terms of pilots having to fly into areas that were politically unstable and where aircraft were sometimes at risk of being shot down. The WFP continued to build on this success of its efforts and in 2003, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) was created. The airline celebrates its 20th birthday this year, having successfully provided aid to some of the world’s most in-need nations.

Chad, Ziguei prefecture, August 1973. A specially equipped Norwegian DC-4 dropping bags of food grains in the prefecture of Ziguei in Chad. WFP/Trevor PageUnited Nations’ Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS)UNHAS delivers food and humanitarian relief workers to areas hard or impossible to reach by road, whether due to conflict or lack of infrastructure. Whilst it may seem to be a small operation and minuscule compared to commercial airlines, they have a regular fleet of more than 30 aircraft and can call upon dozens of additional aircraft when needed. UNHAS served 496 total destinations in 2021 operating 46,000 flights. Their fleet consists mainly of smaller aircraft such as the DeHavilland Dash-8 and Embraer ERJ-145, they also have larger aircraft such as an Airbus A320. Similar to when they were first founded, they mainly serve the Sahel area in Central Africa, but they also have routes in the Middle East and Central Asia. Their purpose is significant to the UN, because their passengers can’t use aircraft from Air Forces anymore as that is seen to be politically partial, and they can’t use commercial airlines because they simply don’t serve these routes.

How to track UNHAS on Flightradar24Unfortunately, you can’t fly with UNHAS unless you are a part of their mission. However, it is possible to track their flights on Flightradar24. UNHAS tends to not operate at night, so you can often spot them during daylight hours in the time zones of Central Africa. You can find their largest aircraft, the Airbus A320, operating flights to and from Yemen. The aircraft that you are most likely to spot are their DeHavilland Dash-8s and Embraer ERJ 145s. To view UNHAS flights on Flightradar24 use airline code UNO.

When looking for unique and rare flights on Flightradar24, these aircraft tend to fit the brief as the airline is unknown to many. So, the next time you are scrolling through the app with others and spot one of them, now you have a story to tell.

The UNHAS fleetThe post Tracking the United Nations’ airline appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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April 21, 2023 Share this videoIn this video we bring you our top 28 takeoffs from filming flights over the past two years! 35 minutes of engine roar and beautiful scenes as we lift off into the sky. See the full list of airlines and aircraft below! Which one is your favorite?

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On this episode of AvTalk, Boeing stops deliveries of most 737 MAX due to a “non-standard manufacturing process” on the fuselage-vertical fin joint. Sudanese airspace is closed after renewed fighting. And some former Polar Air Cargo executives and suppliers could be facing lengthy prison sentences.

Sudan airspace closed, aircraft destroyedMultiple civilian aircraft were destroyed in clashes at the airport in Khartoum last Saturday and Sudan’s airspace is now closed to commercial traffic.

737 MAX deliveries paused after fresh quality issueA sub-contractor of Spirit Aerosystems used a “non-standard manufacturing process” that has affected some of the attachment points for the fitting between the 737-7, 737-8, 737-10, and P-8 fuselage and vertical fin. Approximately 50 undelivered aircraft are affected and nearly all 737 MAX aircraft built since 2019 will need rework.

Former Polar executives charged with fraudFormer Polar Air Cargo executives and suppliers are charged in a decade-long, multi-million dollar scheme to enrich themselves and defraud Polar. The charging documents are some very interesting reading.

Fort Lauderdale floodedFort Lauderdale Airport was flooded after a storm dropped nearly 30 inches of rain on the airport in less than a day.

Canada prepared to seize Russian cargo plane stuck in TorontoA Volga Dnepr Airlines An-124 has been parked in Toronto since February 2022 when Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft. $300,000 in parking fees later, the Canadian government plans to seize the aircraft and transfer it to Ukraine.

Turkish to double fleet to 800 aircraft by 2033Turkish Airlines announced an ambitious goal of doubling its fleet size in 10 years. The airline wants to have 800 total aircraft and nearly quadruple its low cost Anadolujet fleet to 200.

Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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On this episode of AvTalk, Sheveluch is disrupting flights. The volcano causing problems this time isn’t as bad (yet) and isn’t nearly as hard to pronounce as Eyjafjallajökull. Airbus and Boeing report their first quarter delivery numbers and Aeroflot leans on Iran’s sanctions-busting experience for maintenance.

Sheveluch volcano erupts in RussiaAsh from the Sheveluch volcano on the Kamchatka peninsula is leading to reroutes and some flight cancellations. Alaska Airlines began canceling some flights to and within Alaska on Thursday and transpacific flights are rerouting around the area, adding time and distance to their crossings.

Aeroflot A330 in Iran for maintenanceAeroflot has contracted Mahan Air for heavy maintenance on one of its A330 aircraft, leaning on the Iran airline’s sanctions-busting experience to get parts.

Note: Ian got both the current and former registration wrong. The current registration is RA-73700 and the former registration is VQ-BNS. Ian regrets the error. Jason probably doesn’t care.

Air Bridge Cargo bringing back the IL-96With its 747 fleet in stasis, Air Bridge Cargo is putting an IL-96 freighter into service. The IL-96 operated with Polet Flight until 2014.

Former Antonov director charged in destruction of An-225Ukraine has charged the former director on Antonov in connection with the destruction of the An-225 in the days following the Russian invasion. The government says Serhii Bychkov failed to order the aircraft flown to Leipzig and failed to renew an insurance policy for the aircraft.

Airbus and Boeing deliveries, orders, and newsBoeing beat out Airbus for the delivery crow on the first quarter of the year. We break down the numbers for both manufacturers and see which order book has grown as well.

Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbofan engines still causing problemsAnalysis by Cirium paints a painful picture for airlines operating aircraft powered by the Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbofan engine. According to their research, almost 12% of A320neo-family and 14% of A220 aircraft with P&W GTF engines are in storage. AirBaltic recently stated it took 386 days to get one engine back from repair.

JetBlue is going to Amsterdam, maybeJetBlue says it will fly from New York to Amsterdam later this summer. We’ll see about that.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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In early April a pilot in North Carolina made their contribution to the growing body of sky art with a ballerina west of Raleigh-Durham. The pilot was operating a Piper PA-28-161 from the Wings of Carolina Flying Club out of Raleigh Executive Jetport.

The retiré flight path took about an hour to complete for a total flight time of 1 hr 33 min. The finished drawing is 25 miles (40 kilometers) tall by 11.7 mi (18.8 km) wide.

The availability of advanced flight planning software for pilots operating smaller aircraft has increased the intricacy of sky art over the past few years. As pilots use these flights to build their certification hours and improve their skills, we look forward to what they’ll think of next.

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The 747-400 is now officially a classic aircraft, and it’s an increasingly rare one too. First introduced in 1989, this very successful update to the 747 line is now reaching the end of its life in the skies as operators retire them in favor of newer and more efficient models. However, one airline has given the 747-400 a new lease of life in recent years: Lufthansa.

At the gate at PMI. Photo © Gabriel LeighLufthansa loves the 747The German flag carrier brought the 747-400 back into service in 2021, after grounding them during the initial part of the Covid-19 pandemic. Seeing a need for more lift quickly, it activated eight airframes, making it the largest passenger operator of the type in the world – by far. That’s in addition to its active fleet of 747-8i aircraft as well, of course.

Iconic wing view of the Boeing 747-400. Photo: Gabriel LeighLufthansa flies them on long-haul routes to destinations such as New York, Seoul and Bengaluru. But during the month of April Lufthansa is flying the 747-400 on Sundays between Frankfurt and Palma de Mallorca (PMI). I joined up on the first flight back from Palma to Frankfurt on April 2, and it was a blast. I’d estimate twenty percent of the plane’s seats were filled by avgeeks who had come out just to catch a ride on the Queen of the Skies. Here’s the video about that experience:

Other airlines flying passenger 747-400sLufthansa is not the only airline that still flies passengers on the 747-400, but it is by far the dominant one. There are three other airlines that operate passenger flights with the 747-400: Asiana, Air China and Mahan Air of Iran. Each of them has just one active 747-400 in their fleet.

Track Asiana’s 747-400 HL7428.

Track Air China’s 747-400 B-2447.

Track Mahan Air’s 747-400 EP-MEE.

A look at the Flightradar24 dataLooking at the Flightradar24 data yields some intriguing insights into the current status of the 747-400. From 1 January to 25 March this year, Lufthansa flew 614 747-400 flights. That’s more than the same period in 2022, when it flew 446 flights. In contrast, the total number of 747-400 flights worldwide dropped from 30,211 in the first quarter of 2022 to 25,528 in the first quarter of 2023.

On the Lufthansa 747-400 flight deck. Photo: Gabriel LeighJust 1,074 of the 2023 flights carried passengers, a number more or less unchanged from the previous year. The reason for the decline in total flights this year is that most of the remaining 747-400 operators are cargo airlines, and they are now gradually replacing them with newer freighters.

Cathay Pacific comes roaring backThat’s not the case across the board though. Cathay Pacific Cargo stands out amid the pack as it came roaring back this year with 944 747-400 cargo flights, compared to 650 in the same period in 2022. That has more to do with Hong Kong (and Asia more broadly) reopening to the world than with a preference for the older model. Cathay also operates a number of 747-8F cargo aircraft.

Cathay Pacific Cargo 747-400F. Photo © Gabriel MoraSilk Way West Airlines, an Azerbaijani cargo carrier, has also picked up its 747-400 flying in 2023 – with a rise from 756 flights in Q1 2022 to 1,113 in Q1 2023.

Some cargo operators dropping older 747sOn the other hand Aerotranscargo, a cargo airline based in Moldova that exclusively operates the 747-400F, was very busy with 747 flights in the first few months of 2022. However 2023 has seen them park at least two of their airframes, and 747 operations in the same period this year has dropped to a meager 188 flights.

Kalitta Air 747-400F. Photo © Leo Aviation-IKUNOther cargo airlines are winding down their 747-400 fleets as well, as they take delivery of newer freighters. Kalitta Air and China Airlines Cargo are among those that are reducing their 747-400 flying as they ramp up their 767 and 777F operations. Kalitta Air is also due to receive its first 777-330ER(BDSF) later this year, a converted passenger aircraft that will offer more payload and range than the 747-400F.

Kalitta’s 747 operations dropped from 3,171 flights in Q1 2022 to 2,504 in Q1 2023. China Airlines Cargo saw a very similar dip in numbers.

Lufthansa 747-400 top destinationsSo if you want to catch a glimpse of a passenger 747-400 in action (or even better, hitch a ride on one before it becomes impossible), you’d better hurry. And Lufthansa is your best bet, of course. Here are the top eight destinations for Lufthansa 747-400s so far in 2023:

| Rank | Destination | Airport Code | Flights | | 1 | Bengaluru | BLR | 83 | | 2 | New York | NYC | 81 | | 3 | Seoul | ICN | 34 | | 4 | Chicago | ORD | 28 | | 5 | Delhi | DEL | 25 | | 6 | Shanghai | PVG | 14 | | 7 | Washington | IAD | 14 | | 8 | Beijing | PEK | 10 |

A view into the unusual 747-400 nose section which Lufthansa has configured with business class. Photo: Gabriel LeighIn a brief chat with the pilots of the 747-400 after landing at Frankfurt on Sunday, the First Officer hinted that Lufthansa will likely end up keeping its -400s flying longer than expected. But if you’re someone hoping to catch that classic 747-400, that doesn’t mean you can relax. Whether you want to experience the thrill of flying on a four-engine jumbo jet, or simply admire its iconic silhouette from the ground, don’t miss this opportunity to witness a piece of aviation history before it’s too late.

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On this episode of AvTalk, a Dutch court halts plans to cull flights in Amsterdam, a SkyUp Airlines 737 escapes Ukraine, and the FAA has finally issued new certification guidelines for engine encounters with “medium flocking birds.”

Dutch court halts flight cuts in AmsterdamA Dutch court ruled this week that cuts imposed by Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam for the 2023-2024 winter season to meet pollution and noise targets did not follow proper procedures, allowing airlines to continue operating up to 500,000 annual flights—for now. Airlines argued in court that they can meet the targets thanks to newer aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel.

SkyUp Airlines 737 escapes UkraineA SkyUp Airlines 737 successfully flew out of Ukraine this week after more than a year stuck in Kyiv.

Repossession possible for some of Go First fleetSome of Indian carrier Go First’s fleet is under repossession threat after non-payment. But the story isn’t that simple thanks to the engine those planes use.

Shenzhen Airlines brings back the MAXShenzhen Airlines returned its first 737 MAX to service this week. It becomes the 8th Chinese airline to return the MAX to service.

Red Way Airlines coming soonGet ready Lincoln, Nebraska, Red Way is coming! The new virtual airline will sell tickets for flights operated by Global X as public charters, beginning with routes to Las Vegas and Orlando.

Ultra Air ceases operationsJust 14 months after its first flight, Colombian carrier Ultra Air has shut down. And the reason they gave for their failure is interesting.

Canada-United Arab Emirates expand flight agreementExpanded flights between Canada and the UAE, cooperation between Air Canada and Emirates. What is happening!?

Medium Flocking Bird test14 years after US Airways flight 1549 landed in the Hudson River after striking a flock of birds, the FAA has finalized new engine certification guidelines. Specifically, the FAA is revising its medium flocking bird test.

Actual snakes on an actual planeA cobra in a Baron 58. What could go wrong?

Wanna buy a Connie?The Lockheed Super Constellation that was meant to be restored in Germany is now up for sale. HB-SRC, a Lockheed L-1049 built in 1955 could be yours.

Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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On 4 April 2023, after more than a year stuck in Kyiv, SkyUp Airlines was able to fly 737-800 UR-SQP out of Ukraine. The aircraft departed Kyiv’s Boryspil International Airport at 16:15 UTC (19:15 local time) with its transponder off flew southwest toward the border with Romania.

The aircraft activated its ADS-B transponder just before exiting Ukrainian airspace at 16:41 UTC. PQ2023 touched down in Iaşi, Romania at 20:06 UTC.

Civil aircraft still stuck in UkraineA dozen Ukraine International Airlines and Wizz Air aircraft remain stuck in Ukraine. 11 aircraft split between two airports in Kyiv and a single Ukraine International E190 in Odesa are still in the country. Wizz Air was able to remove one of its trapped A320s in September, flying from Lviv to Katowice.

Ukrainian airlines Windrose Airlines and Motor Sich Airlines also have a total of 17 commercial aircraft stuck in Ukraine. Both airlines have aircraft stuck in cities in eastern Ukraine, including Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia.

We’ll update the list below if and when airlines are able to safely remove their aircraft.

| Airline | Registration | Aircraft type | Stuck at Airport | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-EMB | E190 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-EMC | E190 | Odesa (ODS) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-EMD | E190 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-EME | E190 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-EMF | E195 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-PSE | 737-800 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-PSJ | 737-900ER | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-PSW | 737-800 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Ukraine International Airlines (AUI/PS) | UR-UIA | 737-800 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Wizz Air (WZZ/W6) | HA-LPJ | A320 | Kyiv Zhuliany (IEV) | | Wizz Air (WZZ/W6) | HA-LPM | A320 | Kyiv Zhuliany (IEV) | | Wizz Air (WZZ/W6) | HA-LWY | A320 | Kyiv Zhuliany (IEV) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-WRW | A320 | Dnipro (DNK) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-WRH | A321 | Dnipro (DNK) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-WRI | A321 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-WRJ | A321 | Dnipro (DNK) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-WRX | A321 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-RWA | ATR 72-600 | Dnipro (DNK) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-RWC | ATR 72-600 | Dnipro (DNK) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-RWD | ATR 72-600 | Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-RWE | ATR 72-600 | Zaporizhzhia (OZH) | | Windrose Airlines (WRC/7W) | UR-RWF | ATR 72-600 | Kharkiv (HRK) | | Motor Sich Airlines | UR-14005 | An-140 | Zaporizhzhia (OZH) | | Motor Sich Airlines | UR-47297 | An-24RV | Odesa (ODS) | | Motor Sich Airlines | UR-BXC | An-24RV | Zaporizhzhia (OZH) | | Motor Sich Airlines | UR-MSI | An-24RV | Mykolaiv (NLV) | | Motor Sich Airlines | UR-74026 | An-74K-200 | Zaporizhzhia (OZH) | | Motor Sich Airlines | UR-88310 | Yak-40 | Zaporizhzhia (OZH) | | Motor Sich Airlines | UR-VBV | Yak-40 | Zaporizhzhia (OZH) |

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In March, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each new receiver helps us increase flight tracking coverage and provide redundancy across our network of more than 35,000 terrestrial receivers. New receivers in places like Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States are helping to fill in low-level coverage and MLAT tracking. New receivers in places like Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Zambia are adding areas of coverage to our network.

The March mapHelp Add ADS-B coverageWe are always looking for new receiver hosts. Especially if you or someone you know lives in a remote location, please apply to host a receiver. All of our receiver hosts get a free Flightradar24 Business Subscription, which can be used on the web or within our mobile app. If you’re interested, please apply today using our simple form. If you’d like more information about our application process, you can read more about it in our blog post.

Most wanted new receiver locationsThe best locations for new Flightradar24 receiver kits are near an airport with a 360 degree view of the sky. We prioritize airports that currently lack ground coverage or would benefit from additional coverage. Do you live near an airport, but don’t see aircraft on the ground when you open Flightradar24? If so, we’d love to have you as an ADS-B receiver host. Apply to host a receiver today!

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On this week’s AvTalk, Ian flies solo with Jason under the weather. This week’s show is on the shorter side, with 100% less repartee, but we hope you’ll enjoy it nonetheless.

Washington withdraws as FAA nomineePhillip Washington, the current CEO of Denver Airport has withdrawn his nomination to be the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Washington’s nomination was opposed mainly by Republicans in the Senate, but some Democrats had expressed skepticism of his qualifications as well.

NTSB issues Challenger 300 preliminary reportThe NTSB issued its preliminary report on the Challenger 300 inflight upset that occurred earlier this month. One passenger was fatally injured on the flight.

ITA Airways post full year loss, Lufthansa confident a deal can be reachedITA Airways lost nearly €500 million in 2022, but that may be good news for Lufthansa as they try to reach an agreement for a stake in the airline by the end of April.

BRA and ZeroAvia partner in SkellefteåHydrogen powered aircraft will need supporting infrastructure and that’s what BRA, ZeroAvia and Skellefteå’s airport and municipal energy supplier are going to work together to figure out.

AirBaltic adds summer wet leasesWith engine repair work on the P&W GTFs that power the airline’s A220-300s slow going, AirBaltic will wet lease an additional four aircraft for the summer season. But it will also be leasing out more than a dozen of its own aircraft.

Big Twin makes first flightThe first 777-300ER converted freighter made its first flight late last week in Tel Aviv.

Archer and United plan Chicago eVTOL airport transfers10 minutes to get from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to the Chicago Vertiport on the near west side, if it becomes a reality.

20th anniversary of the great Meigs Field carve upIn a painful moment for aviation enthusiasts and flight simulator fans, 31 March marks the 20th anniversary of the forced closure of Meigs Field in Chicago. The lakefront airport’s runway was carved up in the middle of the night on orders of Chicago’s then-mayor Richard M. Daley.

Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States and European Union placed sanctions on Russia and Russian businesses, including its aviation industry. These sanctions are meant to preclude the servicing of Russian operated aircraft outside of Russia. Even with the sanctions in place, Russian airline flights to Türkiye increased during 2022, with a quarter of international flights from Russia landing at Turkish airports.

Turkish companies get a warningAt the beginning of 2023, the United States began warning Turkish companies, including ground handling companies at Turkish airports, that they could be subject to penalties for violating sanctions on Russian airlines.

At the end of January, Türkiye’s largest ground handling company Havas communicated to Russian airlines that they could soon face a cut off of service for their Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Finding fuel elsewhereMedia reports indicate Turkish ground handlers Havas and Turkish Ground Services (TGS) stopped supplying Russian Airbus and Boeing aircraft with fuel mid-March, but flight patterns indicate those aircraft are still refueling in Türkiye.

If Airbus and Boeing aircraft operated by Russian airlines were no longer being refueled in Türkiye, one would expect to see a drop in the number of flights from Russia to Turkey by those aircraft. One would also expect an increase in flights by non-Airbus and Boeing aircraft. But instead we see normal weekly variation in flight programs.

There has also been no increase in flights to Sochi or other Russian cities nearest Turkey, where aircraft unable to refuel in Turkey could fly to refuel on Russian soil.

Russian airlines are still refueling in Turkey, even if it is not with Havas and TGS.

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Colombian low cost carrier Ultra Air has halted operations just 14 months after starting flights. The airline began carrying passengers in February 2022 and conducted its final flights on 29 March 2023.

Domestic, low cost focusUltra Air operated predominantly from its base in Medellín to cities throughout Colombia with a fleet of six (6) Airbus A320 aircraft. Their fleet had previously flown with airlines such as IndiGo, Interjet, Lauda, and TAM.

Ultra Air fleetIndustry headwinds or just running out of money?In a statement posted to social media, the airline said it had carried more than 2 million passengers since beginning flying. It blamed the rising cost of fuel and foreign exchange rates for negative impacts to its continued operations.

The airline also laid blame for its demise on the collapse of Viva Air last month. It said that after Viva Air ceased flying, lessors and suppliers began demanding immediate payments or even pre-payments for their services.

For its part, the Colombian government has said the failure of Ultra Air is due to its inability to raise additional capital.

Not the first, hopefully the lastUltra Air is the fourth Latin American airline to fold this year. Viva Air Colombia, Viva Air Peru, and Aeromar all ceased operations last month.

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On this episode of AvTalk, the FAA tells pilots to fly better, ATC staffing is bad enough to allow slot waivers for this summer, and the 25 hour cockpit voice recorder is finally in progress. Plus, an update on the Flair Airlines 737 repossessions and Emirates debuts a refreshed livery.

The FAA’s post-Safety Summit weekThe FAA issued a memo on Wednesday basically reminding pilots to fly better. On the same day, the organization also issued proposed rules for summer 2023 allowing airlines to return 10% of their slots at airports in New York and Washington DC without penalty, city the likelihood of dramatically increased delays if airlines operate as many flights as currently planned. And late last week, the FAA finally moved to require 25 hour cockpit voice recorders.

Boeing reconfirms “next decade” approach to new airplaneBoeing’s CFO Brian West, speaking at a Bank of America investors conference, reiterated that Boeing has no plans to begin developing a new airplane this decade. Instead the manufacturer is awaiting a step-change in efficiency of at least 20-30% before beginning development.

Flair almost had more aircraft seizedLessors were trying to seize 11 of Flair’s aircraft, which would amount to half the airlines fleet, before part owner 777 Partners stepped in to cover lease payments. In Canada, where airlines must be Canadian controlled, this has raised some questions.

News bitesAir India Engineering, the state-owned MRO provider, is set to be privatized. Norse will head south for the winter in 2023, changing up its business model a bit. 787 deliveries have resumed. United and FlyDubai have filed for codeshares on some flights. Lufthansa’s A380 will make its commercial return on 1 June to Boston. Emirates gets a “new” livery. JetBlue gets ridiculously bad slots at Amsterdam, but they are slots.

Really Cool AirlinesThe former CEO of Nok Air has a plan to launch an airline—a really cool airline. And it’ll be called: Really Cool Airlines!

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Finnair is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special Moomin character liveries on a pair of aircraft. Moomins, the classic Finnish cartoon trolls, adorn the aft fuselage of two Airbus A350s. Drawings of Moomintroll and Snork Maiden are accompanied by the phrase “Bringing us together since 1923.”

OH-LWOA350 OH-LWO left painting in Hong Kong on 16 March and is currently spending its time on Finnair’s Los Angeles and Tokyo (HND & NRT) routes.

Track OH-LWOOH-LWPOH-LWP returned from refurbishment in Hong Kong at the beginning of March and has been used more widely throughout Finnair’s network than OH-LWO. If you’re looking to spot -LWP outside Helsinki, Bangkok, Dubai, and Seoul are your best bets.

Track OH-LWPThe original Finnair Moomin liveriesIn 2006, Finnair added special Moomin liveries to MD-11s OH-LGB and OH-LGF. Both aircraft were used on the airline’s flights to Japan as well as other select destinations.

You might also be interested in:Flying over the North Pole from Tokyo to HelsinkiIn late 2022 I joined up with Finnair’s flight AY62 from Tokyo Haneda to Helsinki – on a very unique mission. I would be tagging

Video: Flying the long way to Tokyo on the Finnair A350In this video we fly on Finnair’s A350 in the new business class, on the recently launched Helsinki to Tokyo Haneda (HND) route.

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In February, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each new receiver helps us increase flight tracking coverage and provide redundancy across our network of more than 35,000 terrestrial receivers. New receivers in places like Brazil, India, Nigeria, United Kingdom, and the United States are helping to fill in low-level coverage and MLAT tracking. New receivers in places like Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mongolia, and Turkey are adding areas of coverage to our network.

The February mapHelp Add ADS-B coverageWe are always looking for new receiver hosts. Especially if you or someone you know lives in a remote location, please apply to host a receiver. All of our receiver hosts get a free Flightradar24 Business Subscription, which can be used on the web or within our mobile app. If you’re interested, please apply today using our simple form. If you’d like more information about our application process, you can read more about it in our blog post.

Most wanted new receiver locationsThe best locations for new Flightradar24 receiver kits are near an airport with a 360 degree view of the sky. We prioritize airports that currently lack ground coverage or would benefit from additional coverage. Do you live near an airport, but don’t see aircraft on the ground when you open Flightradar24? If so, we’d love to have you as an ADS-B receiver host. Apply to host a receiver today!

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On this episode of AvTalk, Jason steps off a flight from Japan and immediately records a podcast. Flair Airlines says lessors and another airline are conspiring to take their aircraft. Saudi Arabia makes a huge order for its new airline Riyadh Air, and the FAA holds its aviation surface safety summit.

FAA Safety SummitThe FAA held its Aviation surface safety summit this week, bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss what can be done to “tighten the safety net” and make flying in the US even safer. A perception of safety is certainly a useful psychological tool, but what does the data tell us? And how meaningful is that data in the context of recent events?

Canadian intrigueCanada approved the merger between WestJet and Sunwing this week, but not without conditions. Meanwhile, Flair Airlines, which recently had four of its 737-8 MAX seized by lessors is fighting back with a $50 million lawsuit saying the lessors conspired with an unnamed Canadian airline to drive them into default so the planes could be repossessed.

Saudi Arabia launches Riyadh AirSaudi Arabia’s newest airline Riyadh Air launched this week with a massive order for Boeing 787s. The airline, which will be positioned to compete with the likes of Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines for global connecting traffic, will begin taking delivery of its new Dreamliners in 2025.

Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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Northern Pacific Airways recently announced plans to launch flights between Ontario International Airport in Southern California and Las Vegas starting June 4. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as Northern Pacific was initially launched as an airline to connect the US and Asia via a hub in Anchorage using 757s.

The ramp at Las Vegas (LAS). JetPhotos.com © Daniel KleinTranspacific still the goalThat remains the ultimate goal, but Northern Pacific Airways has faced challenges with those long-haul plans. The closure of Russian airspace has meant that the 757s in question would need ETOPS certification to fly to Asia – a complicated process the airline hadn’t initially bargained for. Also causing delays, sources say, the foreign flying regulatory approval process has been slower than expected. The airline is said to be working on some potential partnerships that could help overcome these obstacles, but didn’t provide any further details.

Why Las Vegas?Sources close to the airline say there are several reasons why the Las Vegas route was chosen in the interim, including what they say is strong demand for flights from the Los Angeles-area and the fact that their aircraft are already currently based at Ontario International Airport (ONT).

Northern Pacific Airways first 757 seen at Ontario International Airport (ONT) JetPhotos.com photo © IsaacThe airline is actively seeking casino partners for charters and will be positioning the aircraft in Las Vegas over the weekends specifically to make them available for such flights. The short operational mission length of the flights is also optimal for start-up services as crew get used to operating the aircraft.

The airline said that the route has been selling well since it launched and that it can easily add more flights if needed, with so much spare capacity.

The potential of Ontario (ONT)The airline has also pointed to the convenience and ease of travel from Ontario International Airport compared to LAX for a large number of people. While those living on the westside of LA may disagree, it’s no doubt in a highly populated area.

Ontario International Airport serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California, which includes San Bernardino County and Riverside County. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of San Bernardino County was estimated at 2.18 million, while the population of Riverside County was estimated at 2.49 million. This gives a total catchment area population of over 4.6 million people, which makes it the 12th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Not to mention that the airport is located just 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, meaning those in parts of LA proper might also find it’s a convenient option if the price is right.

Northern Pacific Airways promotional imageReactions to the Las Vegas service have been mixed. Some have praised the airline for offering a unique charter option, which could appeal to groups traveling to the city for special events or occasions. However, there are also some concerns and criticisms about the airline’s long-term viability and ability to compete with larger airlines that already offer flights to Las Vegas.

Two 757-200sNorthern Pacific Airways has two Boeing 757-200 in the fleet currently. The first one, registered N627NP, was unveiled with the Northern Pacific livery in January 2022, which the second is registered N628NP. Both started their careers with USAir (later US Airways and then American Airlines) in 1995. Both are powered by Rolls Royce RB211 engines.

A rare glimpse of two Northern Pacific 757s together © Northern Pacific AirwaysThe airline says a third will be joining soon – and has said it has plans to grow the fleet quite a bit more in the coming years, though no doubt that will depend to a large extent on progress with ETOPS certification.

One to watchNorthern Pacific Airlines’ new service to Las Vegas represents a significant step for the airline as it means the launch of actual operations – assuming they do launch as planned. It will be interesting to see how it fares in a highly competitive landscape with such a small service.

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On this episode of AvTalk, our resident numbers expert Gavin Werbeloff sits in for Jason, who is in Japan this week. We take a close look at the US Department of Justice’s anti-trust suit to block the JetBlue takeover of Spirit Airlines. We walk through the new Flightradar24 beta and discuss the rare instance of a passenger death possibly due to severe turbulence.

The DOJ finally files suitIn a move expected by, well, everyone, the US DOJ has filed suit to stop the takeover of Spirit Airlines by JetBlue Airways. Gavin Werbeloff joins the show this week to walk us through the complaint.

Flightradar24 betaWe walk through some of the updates on the Flightradar24 website and how you can test out the new site. Visit the new beta site to see the updates today.

Also this weekThe NTSB releases its preliminary report on the runway incursion in Austin last month. Lufthansa Group places another big widebody order. Japan Airlines is nearing a deal with Boeing for 737 MAX aircraft. A passenger onboard a Challenger 300 business jet was killed when the jet encountered severe turbulence or possibly a trim issue. Colombia’s transport ministry is taking over Viva Air. Boeing is facing more quality issues, this time on the 767. Another week, another runway incursion for the NTSB to investigate. And Cargojet is selling some aircraft and deferring some cargo conversions as the global air cargo market weakens.

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Sustainable aviation fuel has the possibility to lower lifecycle emissions by up to 80% overall, but there is still much to learn about the emissions effects of using SAF in modern jet aircraft. That’s what Airbus and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) are studying this week with their VOLCAN test flights.

The VOLCAN projectThis week’s flights are the latest in a series part of the VOLCAN project (VOL avec Carburants Alternatifs Nouveaux, French for “Flight with new alternative fuels”). Airbus’ A321XLR D-AVZO powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines is the first Airbus single aisle aircraft to conduct a test flight on 100% SAF in both engines.

Photo courtesy DLRThe DLR’s specially modified Falcon 20 jet will fly within 100 meters of the Airbus A321XLR to take measurements of the exhaust gases from the engines. This part of the campaign is focusing on non-CO₂ emissions from the engines as well as contrail formation. Contrail formation and longevity are increasingly playing important parts in understanding aviation’s effects on climate change.

Tracking VOLCAN flightsA321 MSN7877 and Falcon20 DLR used in the VOLCAN test campaign. | Photo courtesy AirbusAirbus is using A321XLR MSN7877 for these VOLCAN tests. You can track the A321XLR using registration D-AVZO.

The DLR aircraft is the research centre’s Falcon 20, registered D-CMET.

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In late 2022 I joined up with Finnair’s flight AY62 from Tokyo Haneda to Helsinki – on a very unique mission. I would be tagging along with the flight crew, in the flight deck for most of the trip, in order to document what it takes to fly an A350 over the North Pole.

Most of you will know why this flight now mostly has to overfly the North Pole: Russian airspace, which previously offered the most direct path from Tokyo to Helsinki, is now closed to European carriers. But Tokyo remains an important route for Finnair, and with Japan having finally reopened to visitors there’s even more incentive to operate the flight despite the new challenges, even though it now takes hours longer and requires a wildly different route – right across the top of the globe.

The routing for our 12.5-hour flight took us out over the Pacific, through Alaskan airspace, and within about 20 nautical miles of the North Pole. This is airspace that relatively few aircraft traverse, and not many people will ever lay eyes on the very top of the planet. Never mind that it was in complete darkness – this was an absolute thrill for me.

Finnair hands out these special diplomas to those flying over the North Pole with them – a nice touch.Below is the video I made for Flightradar24’s YouTube channel from the flight. It’s become one of our most popular ever:

Polar pioneersDid you know that Finnair are actually pioneers on the polar route? They first did it back in 1983 with the DC-10, connecting Helsinki with Tokyo just like today.

So-called polar routes go back to the mid-1950s. SAS famously pioneered them, but initially these weren’t truly polar – rather they were great circle routes between Los Angeles and Copenhagen with stops in Canada and Greenland. Later SAS also added Tokyo service via Anchorage, as did Air France and KLM. Air France had the distinction of being the first to operate jets over the Pole with its 707 service to Tokyo via Anchorage. But it was Finnair that was the first to operate the polar route to Tokyo from Europe nonstop, in 1983 using the DC-10-30ER.

Back in those days the challenges of transpolar operations were relatively new, while these days there’s plenty of experience built up industry-wide. That plus modern aircraft reliability means these polar routes are relatively routine. That being said, there are some special considerations that go into such a flight, especially these days.

A very odd routingOur initial routing on AY62 was further east over the Pacific than usual because of Russian military exercises happening off their east coast. It’s always the policy to give anything like that a wide berth. And shortly after departure, we ran into some weather. Here the A350 was a great asset because it’s able to climb to a higher initial flight level than other aircraft. We started off at 35,000 feet and would soon climb to 37,000 feet while many previous generation aircraft like the 777 were stuck thousands of feet lower and in rougher air.

The reason aircraft can’t always climb to their maximum cruise altitude initially is because at higher weights (fully loaded with fuel for long flights) they are restricted to a significantly lower level and can only climb higher after they’ve burned some off. The A350 can climb as high as 43,000 feet but as we took off at maximum weight we couldn’t go any higher than 37,000 until quite a bit later on in the flight.

It’s a very strange feeling to fly over Alaska enroute from Japan to Europe – but that’s exactly what we did in this case.

Polar flight challengesCompleting the polar crossing on the ultra-modern and capable A350 renders some of the Polar complexities much easier to deal with. Although magnetic headings become useless at the poles, where north becomes south in an instant, the navigation systems take this all in stride. Cold air masses up this way can also be an issue for some aircraft, because the fuel needs to be kept above a certain temperature for everything to run smoothly. That can mean needing to change altitudes to find warmer air – but on the A350 this is rarely an issue, as it keeps the temperatures in an optimal range even when passing through very cold air.

The A350 also has ETOPS300, meaning it’s certified to fly up to 300 minutes away from the nearest diversion airport flying with one engine out. That meant we could take the most direct routing over the Pole and not have to fly longer to stay closer to civilization.

The text-message based system used on this flight is known as CPDLC, and it’s very handy for doing things like requesting flight level changes and so on. Nearer to the pole though the crew still had to call in position reports on the old High Frequency radio complete with heavy static, just like the good old days. And we lost all satellite connection up this way because satellites, which mostly orbit around the equator, don’t have coverage at the poles. So in some ways, this was exactly the same as it would have been 40 or more years ago.

This flight uses four pilots, who rotate in and out throughout the flight so that everyone can get some rest.

Near the pole we were still in airspace controlled out of Anchorage. We’ll pass through a small piece of Edmonton control, and then it’ll be Iceland control after that.

Waypoint: NOPOLThe North Pole is indicated on the navigation display with the waypoint NOPOL. Though it wasn’t really possible to see much except the stars above. The tricky thing with North Pole crossings at night is that with so much flat white expanse below it can be difficult to even tell whether you’re seeing ice or cloud. But nevertheless, it felt incredibly special to be looking down at the very tip-top of the planet.

Near the Pole, with some northern lightsThere are now some satellites whose orbits allow for coverage at the poles – but there aren’t many of them plus the bandwidth is low and data expensive, meaning we don’t take advantage of them. Maybe in the future there will be true global coverage, but not yet.

Onward to SvalbardAfter crossing the North Pole it felt remarkably quick to reach Svalbard and then the Norwegian coast. After hours of being at least a thousand miles from anywhere, seeing all the airports marked in purple on the navigation display was a welcome sign that we were approaching civilization once again. The North Pole is amazing and all, but it also feels far away and lonely. I can only imagine what it would be like to go there on foot.

A remarkable, yet routine, experienceWe had calm weather and a very leisurely early morning approach to Helsinki to complete this flight. Certainly one of my most incredible experiences. It’s remarkable to think this flight happens daily. It’s routine.

It’s unfortunate for everyone to have to spend the extra time and money, and burn the extra fuel, to go around Russia on this route. But Finnair is in the best possible position if they do have to do this for the foreseeable future. They’ve got the most capable and modern aircraft for the job, with the fuel efficiency to maximize sustainability and cost savings given the situation. And they’ve got the experience and know-how to do this on a daily basis with maximum safety and reliability. I got my northern route diploma signed by all four pilots. Finnair hands these out to passengers too and I thing that’s a great way to acknowledge a special flight like this. You could say flying over the north pole is no big deal these days operationally speaking, but the fact that it’s no big deal is incredible in itself – a testament to how far aircraft engineering and the aviation industry has come over the years.

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A passenger aboard a Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet was killed after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence shortly after departing Keene, New Hampshire. The flight was en route to Leesburg, Virginia, but diverted to Windsor Locks Bradley International Airport. The NTSB is investigating.

Flight path of N300ER from Keen, NH to Windsor Locks, MAThe flight departed Keen about 20:34 UTC on 3 March. The aircraft was climbing through 22,500 feet when it experienced a sudden increase in its vertical rate and concurrent loss of ground speed at approximately 20:44:10. Ground speed continued to decrease through 20:45:32, with the aircraft reaching a maximum altitude of 25,850 feet. The aircraft then began its descent and diversion to Windsor Locks (BDL), landing at 21:00:49.

Data for downloadData available for download included the high frequency data on which the above graph is based. Included are position, altitude, speed, track, and vertical rate data.

Download high frequency CSVAircraft informationN300ER is a Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 300 owned by Conexon LLC. Conexon is a consultancy that works to bring high speed internet to rural communities.

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On this episode of AvTalk, a close call in Boston, another in Burbank, and an inflight break up over Nevada. Plus, Lufthansa reveals its new Allegris cabins and we pick through the seven—count ‘em seven!—different configurations of the Business class seat on offer.

Links to click* Data from close call in Boston * Data from runway incursion in Burbank * Lufthansa new Allegris cabin

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The FAA is investigating a “close call” between a Hop-A-Jet Learjet 60 and a JetBlue E190 in Boston on 27 February. According to the FAA, the Learjet departed on Runway 9 without authorization while the E190 was landing on Runway 4R. The two runways intersect near the touchdown points for each runway. According to ADS-B data received from each aircraft, at 23:54:57.014 UTC (18:54 local time) the aircraft were 531 feet apart with the Learjet clear of runway intersection. When the Learjet was still in the runway intersection, the ADS-B data indicate the closest the two aircraft came was approximately 565 feet.

In addition to the standard frequency data automatically saved for all flights, we have also downloaded and processed high frequency data to determine the closest time and distance. To account for minor variations in signal reception the above figure is based on high frequency data from a single Flightradar24 ADS-B receiver located near Boston’s Logan Airport.

A ‘close call’ in BostonThe Hop-A-Jet Learjet 60 was departing Boston’s Logan Airport for a flight to Fort Lauderdale. The aircraft taxied to Runway 9 with instructions to line up on the runway for departure and hold its position to wait for the arriving JetBlue flight to land. Instead of holding position, the Learjet immediately began accelerating for take off as soon as it had lined up with the runway centerline.

At 23:54:54.667 the Learjet was traveling at 82 knots and still in the intersection of Runway 9 and Runway 4R, while at 23:54:54.507 the JetBlue E190 was passing the Runway 4R number markings approximately 565 feet away at a ground speed of 132 knots.

Note that all measurements are from a single point on the aircraft and parts of each aircraft may be closer or further from each other than the data indicates.

The Hop-A-Jet Learjet continued its departure and arrived in Florida 2 hours 50 minutes after takeoff. The JetBlue E190 conducted a go around and landed safely 11 minutes after the incident occurred.

Download Flightradar24 dataJBU206 CSVHPJ280 CSVJBU206 KMLHPJ280 KMLSingle Receiver High Frequency DataAircraft informationThe JetBlue flight was operated by an Embraer E190 registered N179JB, which was delivered to JetBlue in 2005.

The Learjet 6o registered N280LJ was operating for Hop-A-Jet.

Full FAA statement28 February 2023
This statement is preliminary and may change.

The FAA is investigating a close call between a Learjet and a JetBlue flight Monday night at Boston Logan International Airport. According to a preliminary review, the pilot of a Learjet 60 took off without clearance while JetBlue Flight 206 was preparing to land on an intersecting runway.

The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. Eastern time. An air traffic controller instructed the pilot of the Learjet to line up and wait on Runway 9 while the JetBlue Embraer 190 landed on Runway 4-Right, which intersects Runway 9. The Learjet pilot read back the instructions clearly but began a takeoff roll instead. The pilot of the JetBlue aircraft took evasive action and initiated a climb-out as the Learjet crossed the intersection. The Learjet was operated by Hop-A-Jet, a private charter company.

The FAA will determine the closest proximity between the two aircraft as part of the investigation.

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The Aurora borealis or Northern lights have been particularly visible this week over large areas at the northern latitudes. Normally only visible to one side of the aircraft, a few pilots have given all their passengers a view with mid-flight 360° turns.

The passengers aboard Finnair flight 488 were treated to some stunning views.

Same flight. View from the nose. Too bad I did not have proper camera. #feelfinnair #northernlights pic.twitter.com/0C4CqVkjyD

— Tuomo järvinen (@TuomoJaervinen) February 27, 2023

An ‘easy’ way to see the Northern lightsPilots on easyJet flight 1806 from Reykjavik to Machester also made a 360° turn southwest of the Faroe Islands so passengers on the right side of the aircraft could also have a look at the aurora.

Big thanks to the @easyJet pilot of EZY1806 from Reykjavik to Manchester who did a 360 fly by mid flight to make sure all passengers could see the incredible Northern Lights 🤩 pic.twitter.com/A4CHi9Hqgo

— Adam Groves (@APTGroves) February 27, 2023

Seeing the Northern lights from the air on purposeWhile these two flights spontaneously took advantage of a particularly strong aurora, other flights operate specifically in search of the Northern (and Southern) lights. Various tour companies organize charter flights mainly from the UK for Northern lights and Australia for Southern lights tours.

Earlier this month, easyJet operated a special Northern lights tour flight to raise money for UK charity Aerobility, which helps those with disabilities learn to fly.

So the next time you’re on a flight in the northern latitudes, make sure you have a look out the window. You never know what might be out there.

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The NTSB has opened an investigation into a loss of separation and runway incursion incident that occurred at Burbank on 22 February. An arriving Mesa Airlines CRJ-900 ASH5826 was forced to go around while SkyWest ERJ-175 SKW5326 was still departing Runway 33. Shortly after the ERJ-175 took off the aircraft were in close proximity and received a TCAS Resolution Advisory.

Neither aircraft suffered any damage and no one was injured in this incident. The SkyWest flight continued normally to its destination and the Mesa Airlines flight landed at Burbank normally a short time later.

One out, one inThe Mesa Airlines CRJ-900 (blue icons in the image above) was operating for American Eagle arriving at Burbank as AA5826 from Phoenix. The SkyWest Airlines ERJ175 (red icons) was operating for United Express as UA5326 to San Francisco.

The SkyWest aircraft was cleared for take off on Runway 33 by the tower controller and the Mesa flight was cleared to land immediately after SkyWest was given its clearance. Per air traffic control audio recorded by LiveATC.net, 15 seconds after the controller cleared ASH5826 to land, the pilots informed ATC they were conducting a go around. The controller then instructed ASH5826 to climb to 4000 feet and maintain the runway heading. 28 seconds later ASH5826 was given instructions to turn left to 270°.

The controller then instructed SKW5326 to continue following the SID — standard instrument departure route.

Traffic Collision Avoidance System: Resolution AdvisoryThe controller queried ASH5826 if they could see the SkyWest Embraer, to which they replied, “negative, we got an RA, we’re complying with it.” The RA the pilots referred to is a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Resolution Advisory. RAs are immediate instructions issued by the TCAS system to pilots to deconflict a potential mid-air collision.

ADS-B data received from both aircraft indicates the TCAS RA activated at 02:57:13 UTC as ASH5826 was climbing through 2,650 feet and SKW5328 was at 2,500 feet. Both aircraft were sending Extended Mode S data, where one of the fields contains the status of the TCAS system.

The Mesa Airlines flight was instructed to turn left 30° after announcing their RA to the controller moving it further away from the path of the E175. The SkyWest flight continued normally to San Francisco and the Mesa aircraft landed safely in Burbank 10 minutes after its first approach.

Flightradar24 data available for downloadAvailable for download are the full flight standard resolution CSV and KML files for each aircraft. Also available for download is high frequency data from one Flightradar24 receiver at Burbank that recorded the period of time inclusive of the TCAS RA. We include data from a single receiver to negate any issues with timing between signal reception at different receivers. Note that TCAS:03 in the data indicates an active advisory.

ASH5826 Standard CSVSKW5326 Standard CSVASH5826 Standard KMLSKW5326 Standard KMLASH5826 Single Receiver CSVSKW5326 Single Receiver CSVAircraft informationMesa Airlines (American Eagle)ASH5826 | AA5826 was operated by a Mesa Airlines (operating for American Eagle) CRJ-900LR registered N954LR. The aircraft was delivered to Mesa in September 2015.

SkyWest Airlines (United Express)SKW5326 | UA5326 was operated by a SkyWest Airlines (operating for United Express) Embraer E170-200LL, known commercially as the E175. The aircrafr was first delivered to ExpressJet in 2019 and transferred to SkyWest in 2020.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss Alaska Airlines’ response to two tail strikes in Seattle within minutes of each other, debate the wisdom of Air New Zealand’s turn back to Auckland last week, and find that missing curfew isn’t just a problem for teenagers.

Alaska Airlines tail strikes halt airline operationsOn 26 January, two Alaska Airlines 737s suffered tail strikes on departure within just a few minutes of each other. According to reporting by The Seattle Times, that raised alarms for Bret Peyton, Alaska’s on-duty director of operations, who ordered all Alaska flights not yet airborne to remain on the ground until the cause of the incidents was known. The problem? A bug in the take off performance software. See the data here.

New ZealandJason makes the case that Air New Zealand should have handled the closure of JFK’s Terminal 1 differently. Ian thinks the airline made the right call. What do you think?

Russian airlines want to extend maintenance intervalsFaced with continuing sanctions that make getting spare parts for Airbus and Boeing jets impossible, Russian airlines are asking regulators to allow for extended maintenance intervals as well as approval for alternative methods of compliance with airworthiness directives.

AF-KLM says flying around Russia is a washIn its earnings call this week, Air France-KLM said that flying around Russia hasn’t impacted the cost of those flights because they no longer have to pay “astronomical” Russian overflight fees.

Volaris hoping for Mexican FAA upgradeVolaris is hoping that the FAA will finally return Mexico to FAA category 1 within six months. This would allow the airline (and other Mexican airlines) to offer new and expanded routes in the US.

The New York Times discovers SAFsThe New York Times comes late to the party with an article exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuels, but what really stands out are some of the quotes in the article.

You miss curfew, you get groundedA Japan Airlines flight found out the hard way what happens when you miss curfew in Fukuoka. The flight had to return to Tokyo, but not before stopping in Osaka for fuel and a crew change.

Qantas unveils Project Sunrise premium cabinsQantas unveiled their First and Business class cabins for the Project Sunrise flights on the A350-1000 this week. And first impressions are… okay.

What we got wrong last timeListener feedback on previous stories and Jason makes an apology for mixing up his props.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

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On 26 January, two Alaska Airlines 737s suffered tail strikes on departure within just a few minutes of each other. According to reporting by The Seattle Times, that raised alarms for Bret Peyton, Alaska’s on-duty director of operations, who ordered all Alaska flights not yet airborne to remain on the ground until the cause of the incidents was known.

Off by thousands of poundsThe airline quickly learned both strikes were caused by faulty take off performance data, undercounting the weight of the aircraft by as much as 20,000 pounds, leading to the calculations calling for too little thrust to be used for take off and the pilots rotating too early for the actual weight of the plane.

The faulty performance data was generated due to a bug in the take off performance software used by Alaska Airlines. The firm, DynamicSource, identified the bug and fixed it within a few hours. Alaska Airlines says just 30 flights were affected by the erroneous figures.

Read Dominc Gates’ reporting in The Seattle TimesAlaska flight 801Alaska Airlines flight 801 was the first flight to suffer a tail strike on the morning of the 26th. Departing Seattle for Kailua-Kona at 16:48 UTC (08:48 local time), the aircraft climbed to the east before looping back to Seattle, landing 37 minutes after take off.

The 737-9 MAX N941AK was inspected and put back into service later that day arriving in Hawaii with a delay of just under four hours.

Download CSVDownload KMLAlaska flight 887Just five minutes after the departure of flight 801, Alaska Airlines flight 887 also struck the runway as it climbed away from Seattle. The 737-900ER N468AS was back on the ground again 20 minutes after take off.

Passengers from flight 887 were moved to Boeing 737-9 MAX N971AK, which departed Seattle with a three hour delay. The incident aircraft was inspected and put back into service the following day.

Download CSVDownload KMLHit the skidsThe 737-900ER and 737-9 MAX are both 138 ft 2 in (42.1 m) long, the longest 737s currently in service. The Alaska Airlines 737s are equipped with a tail strike protectors, which are hydraulically actuated extensions. These tail skids on the longest 737s can prevent the main fuselage from being damaged in the event of a tail strike.

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On this week’s AvTalk, a United Airlines 777’s steep dive after departure and other recent incidents lead to FAA calling for a safety summit. We dig in to what’s happened and what regulators want to do about it. We pick apart the preliminary report on the crash of Yeti Airlines flight 691 in Nepal. And Air India goes shopping, with letters of intent for more than 500 aircraft.

Safety first, second, and thirdLast Sunday using data supplied by Flightradar24, The Air Current broke the news that a United Airlines 777 had descended to less than 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean shortly after departing Maui in December. The NTSB opened an investigation on Tuesday. Also this week we learned about a runway incursion in Honolulu at the end of January, also involving a United 777. The NTSB also released its preliminary report on the runway incursion between an American Airlines 777 and Delta Air Lines 737. And in front of Congress this week, FAA acting administrator Billy Nolen issued a call for a safety summit in March, laying out the work various arms of the FAA will engage in to promote safety.

Yeti Airlines flight 691 preliminary reportThe preliminary report from Nepal’s accident investigation board on the crash of Yeti Airlines flight 691 highlights the propellers being feathered and the resulting lack of thrust as the ATR 72 was attempting to land in Pokhara.

Air India’s HUGE letters of intentAir India’s long rumored, massive aircraft order was finally announced this week. But there’s a big asterisk next to the announcement. Both its order for 290 Boeing aircraft and 250 Airbus aircraft are letters of intent, not firm orders.

Lufthansa isn’t having a good weekAn IT outage affected all Lufthansa Group flights earlier this week and trade union Verdi is on strike Friday, leading to the cancellation of nearly two-thirds of all flights in Germany.

What else is happening?More 737 MAX are back in service in China or will be soon. Beta Technologies’ eVTOL made its first piloted test flight in the New York City area this week. The last 747’s first flight after delivery was back to Paine Field. Amsterdam will once again limit passenger numbers this summer as it hopes to stave off the long lines of last summer.

Help out Martin with his thesis, fill out this surveyMartin is an avid AvTalk listener and a masters student in psychology. As part of his thesis, he’s conducting a survey of civilian pilots about their stress levels. If you’re a civilian pilot and you have 20 minutes to spare, please help Martin and fill out the survey.

From Martin, “I’m writing my thesis about the influence of stress on decision-making processes of civilian pilots and I would like to ask you for help with completing my research. As we have repeatedly seen, cognitive functioning, situational awareness and decision-making efficiency are a major factor in aviation safety and can be a decisive factor between an incident and a catastrophe. In order to study this issue I’m conducting a short (max. 20 minutes), completely anonymous survey of civilian pilots (be it private or commercial). As I’m determined to reach out to as many pilots as possible all around the world, I would like to ask you for help! If you are a certified pilot please consider filling out my survey and help me in reaching my goal.”

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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Investigators with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission of Nepal released their preliminary report on the crash of Yeti Airlines flight 691 this week. The report details the sequence of events that led to the crash based on data from the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder. The full report is available for download here.

Two captains flyingYeti flight 691 was the third flight of the day for the flight crew, which consisted of two captains. They had flown one round trip between Kathmandu and Pokhara before the accident flight. On Yeti 691 the pilot flying (PF) was the captain undergoing familiarization for landing in Pokhara, while the pilot monitoring (PM) was acting as the instructor pilot.

Yeti flight 691 sequence of eventsThe take off, climb, cruise, and initial descent from Kathmandu to Pokhara was uneventful. As the pilots prepared for landing at 10:56:12 (UTC +5:45), they selected flaps 15 and lowered the landing gear.

An example of flaps 15 selected on the ATR 72 with props set to Auto.15 seconds after extending the flaps, the PF disengaged the autopilot at 721 feet above ground level.

The PF then called for “FLAPS 30” at 10:56:32, and the PM replied, “Flaps 30 and descending”. The flight data recorder (FDR) data did not record any flap surface movement at that time. Instead, the propeller rotation speed (Np) of both engines decreased simultaneously to less than 25% and the torque (Tq) started decreasing to 0%, which is consistent with both propellers going into the feathered condition.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission, Nepal

The ATR 72 center columnClose up on the ATR central column, which includes the throttles, propeller condition levers, and flaps controlBased on the Nepalese investigator’s preliminary report it appears the PM (right seat) moved the prop levels to feather (FTR) instead of moving the flaps level to 30 at this point.

At 10:56:54 after descending below 500 AGL one of the pilots moved the flaps to the 30 degrees position.

Through the rest of the flight, the pilots noted that there was no power coming from the engines, while the aircraft descended. The stick shaker was activated twice, the final time at 10:57:26 and the aircraft “banked towards the left abruptly.” Consistent with the last available ADS-B data received, the FDR and CVR stopped recording at 10:57 local time (5:12 UTC).

What is the focus of the investigation now?The continuing investigation will focus on three factors:

The circumstances under which both propellers went into the feathered condition
Human factors
Visual approach procedures into Pokhara International Airport, including simultaneous operation of both national and international airports.

The final point relates to the approach procedures put in place following the recent opening of the new international airport, which is located close to the old airport.

The YT691 accident site labeled in relation to the old, national airport and the new international airport. —Image via AAIC, Nepal reportDownload the preliminary reportThe post Yeti Airlines flight 691 preliminary report released appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a runway incursion by a United Airlines 777 in Honolulu that occurred on 23 January 2023. The United flight crossed runway 4L in front of a landing Kamaka Air Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster.

Arriving Runway 4L and 4RUnited Airlines flight UA348 from Denver touched down in Honolulu on Runway 4R and exited the runway at 02:09:46Z.661 UTC 24 January (16:09 local time 23 Jan) at a speed of 27 knots onto Taxiway K. It crossed the hold short markers for RWY 8L-26R and 4L-22R on Taxiway K at 02:09:53Z.242 traveling 19 knots.

8 seconds prior, Kamaka Air flight 145 had touched down on the parallel Runway 4L and was completing its roll out. At 02:10:00Z.686 United 348 entered the runway area where 8L-26R and 4L-22R intersect Taxiway K at speed of 14 knots, exiting the runway area by 02:10:14Z.708. Note that the physical aircraft size is not represented by the ADS-B data point and coordinates are taken from only a single point on the airframe, so some parts of the aircraft may have been on the runway longer.

At 02:10:08Z.027, when UA348 was in the middle of crossing Runway 4L, KMK145 was decelerating through 44 knots approximately 1/4 of a mile away. The Cessna 208 took an 2 additional seconds to decelerate to 1 knot before turning left onto Taxiway E, then onto Taxiway B.

The aircraft did not come into contact and the NTSB reports no injuries as well.

Download Flightradar24 dataFive separate files are available for download below. For each aircraft, we have included the standard frequency CSV and KML files. Also available is a high frequency CSV file containing positions for both aircraft received by a single receiver at the Honolulu airport. This allows for precise timing comparisons.

UA384 Standard CSVKMK145 Standard CSVUA384 Standard KMLKMK145 Standard KMLGranular single receiver dataAircraft informationThe United Airlines flight was operated by 777-222 registered N774UA, the second ever Boeing 777 produced and used by Boeing as a test aircraft before being delivered to United in March 1996.

The Kamaka Air flight was operated by A Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster registered N145KA. It is used by the airline to carry to cargo within the islands of Hawaii.

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February 14, 2023 In this video trip report we take a ride on the dreaded, infamous Ryanair 737MAX 8-200 from Stockholm Arlanda to Skellefteå in the north of Sweden. And we find that we… kind of like it. In fact it’s a very pleasant flight. Of course the plane is empty, we have a row to ourselves, and we’re in the front row bulkhead (seat 2F), so this is the best possible outcome.

But still, it goes to show that you need not necessarily fear the ultra high density MAX. We’ve got lots of lovely views on the way up and a nice landing in Skellefteå.

The post Video: Flying the DREADED Ryanair 737MAX 8-200 and loving it!? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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United Airlines flight UA1722 departed Kahului normally on 18 December last year until 71 seconds after take off when the aircraft entered a steep dive. The aircraft descended from 2,200 feet to just 775 feet before recovering and continuing its flight to San Francisco. The incident was first reported by The Air Current, which analyzed granular data supplied by Flightradar24.

United Airlines flight UA1722UA1722 took off at 00:49.28.882 UTC on 19 December (14:49 local time 18 Dec). It climbed to a maximum altitude of 2,200 feet at 00:50:39.007 before descending to 775 feet at 00:50:57.500. The aircraft recovered from its dive and resumed its climb and safely arrived in San Francisco at 05:03 UTC.

According to The Air Current, the incident was reported to the airline upon landing and the FAA was notified.

Download Flightradar24 dataThere are three files available for download below. The standard CSV and KML files include standard frequency data for the entire flight. The Granular CSV file includes high frequency data for the departure only.

Standard CSVStandard KMLGranular CSVAircraft informationUA1722 was operated by a Boeing 777-200ER registered N212UA. The aircraft was delivered to United Airlines in July 2000.

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On this episode of AvTalk, we float through the stratosphere with a Chinese spy balloon and break down the data on multiple accidents and incidents. From FedEx and Southwest’s very close call in Austin to the Coulson 737 Fireliner crash in Western Australia to the incident involving a departing Qatar Airways 787 we just learned about, this week was a busy week—and not in a good way.

Ballon go over, balloon shot downA Chinese stratospheric spy balloon floated across the United States last week. It wasn’t trackable on Flightradar24, but many people mistook a separate high altitude research balloon for the Chinese balloon. Fast forward a few days and the US military closed airspace off the coast of South Carolina and shot the balloon down.

A few more feet and we’re having a very different discussionA FedEx 767 landing in Austin and a departing Southwest Airlines 737 came within 100 feet of each other in Austin over the weekend.

Coulson 737 Fireliner crashes in Western AustraliaA Coulson Flying Tankers 737-300 Fireliner crashed in Western Australia while fighting bush fires there. Incredibly, both pilots walked away from the crash.

Down instead of upA Qatar Airways 787 descended to just 800 feet after climbing to 1,850 feet after take off from Doha. The flight occurred in January, but just came to light this week.

Yeti Airlines 691 updateInvestigators in Nepal are focusing on why the propellers of both engines of the Yeti Airlines ATR 72 were moved to the feather position before the crash.

MHI pulls the final plug on the Space JetMitsubishi Heavy Industries is liquidating the Space Jet program. Originally the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, the Space Jet had trouble getting off the ground.

Universal Hydrogen gets the green light for test flightsThe FAA granted Universal Hydrogen a Special Airworthiness Certificate to begin flight testing its hydrogen-powered Dash 8-300. Flights are expected “soon” at Moses Lake in Washington.

Listener mail: what’s up with Air Greenland’s A330-200?Gabriel Leigh stops by to answer a listener question about the fate of Air Greenland’s A330-200.

British Airways finds a new South African partnerBritish Airways will partner with Airlink for codeshares in South Africa, but don’t expect to see Airlink planes in British Airways livery any time soon.

Flybe administrators want a temporary licenseIf at first (or second) you don’t succeed, try and try again.

Qatar Airways is suing American Airlines for $11mQatar is suing American for $11m and change for an incident that happened in New York a few years ago.

Spirit Airlines is upset over Geared Turbofan engine reliabilitySpirit says its costs are up due to issues with the Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbofan engines on its A320neo fleet.

FAA seeks $1.15m fine from UnitedUnited standardized pre-flight checklists between the 777 and 787 a few years ago and left off an important item from the 777 list—at least as far as the FAA is concerned.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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February 9, 2023 From its conception in the early 1960s to the delivery of the final 747 on 1 February 2023, Daniel Fowkes from @DjsAviation takes us through the development, construction, and iterations of the 747 to see how it became the Queen of the Skies.

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In the early morning hours of 10 January, Qatar Airways flight 161 departed Doha bound for Copenhagen. At 22:59 UTC (01:59 local time) the Boeing 787-8 lifted off from Hamad International Airport’s Runway 16L. But less than two minutes later the flight had descended to just 800 feet before recovering and climbing again. The flight arrived in Copenhagen six hours later.

Qatar Airways statementQatar Airways provided the following statement. An earlier version of this post erroneously stated there was a delay in reporting the event. We regret the error.

Qatar Airways is aware of an event relating to flight QR161 operating Doha to Copenhagen on 10 January 2023. It was immediately reported to authorities and an internal investigation is being carried out. The airline follows the most stringent standards of safety, training and reporting and is working to address any findings in line with industry norms.

Qatar Airways

Descent after departureQatar Airways flight 161 lifted off the runway at 22:59:58Z.737 UTC climbing to reach an altitude of 1850 feet AMSL at 23:01:04Z.864. Turning left the aircraft then descended to as low as 800 ft at 23:01:33Z.374 before climbing again. At points during the 28 second period the aircraft was descending, it reached vertical rates of more than -3000 feet per minute.Download Flightradar24 dataThere are three files available for download below. The standard CSV and KML files contain standard frequency data for the entire flight. The granular CSV contains high frequency data for the beginning of the flight, including the descent incident and subsequent climb.Standard CSVStandard KMLGranular CSVAircraft informationThe aircraft operating flight 161 was a Boeing 787-8 registered A7-BCO. The 787 was delivered new to Qatar Airways in 2014.

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In January, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each new receiver helps us increase flight tracking coverage and provide redundancy across our network of more than 35,000 terrestrial receivers. New receivers in places like Brazil, India, New Zealand, and the United States are helping to fill in low-level coverage and MLAT tracking. New receivers in places like Gabon, Indonesia, Libya, Somalia, and Zambia are adding areas of coverage to our network.

The January mapHelp Add ADS-B coverageWe are always looking for new receiver hosts. Especially if you or someone you know lives in a remote location, please apply to host a receiver. All of our receiver hosts get a free Flightradar24 Business Subscription, which can be used on the web or within our mobile app. If you’re interested, please apply today using our simple form. If you’d like more information about our application process, you can read more about it in our blog post.

Most wanted new receiver locationsThe best locations for new Flightradar24 receiver kits are near an airport with a 360 degree view of the sky. We prioritize airports that currently lack ground coverage or would benefit from additional coverage. Do you live near an airport, but don’t see aircraft on the ground when you open Flightradar24? If so, we’d love to have you as an ADS-B receiver host. Apply to host a receiver today!

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A Coulson 737 Fireliner fighting bush fires in Western Australia suffered an accident on 6 February. Coulson issued a statement saying that both pilots walked away from the accident. Local media report the pilots were evacuated to Ravensthorpe and evaluated for injuries. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has opened an investigation into the accident.

Flightradar24 data regarding N619SWN619SW launched from Busselton at 07:32 UTC (15:32 local time) and flew east to its area of operations over Fitzgerald River National Park. The Fireliner arrived in the area at 8:08 UTC and made one descending orbit reaching a minimum reported altitude of 650 ft AMSL before beginning a second orbit. The second orbit also descended to 650 ft AMSL minimum altitude before ADS-B data reception ceased. Flightradar24 received the last ADS-B message from the aircraft at 08:13:41Z.422.

Download Flightadar24 dataThe three data files below include the standard position interval CSV and KML files and the granular position interval data for the the final portion of the flight.

Standard CSVGranular CSVStandard KMLAircraft informationThis flight was operated by a Coulson Flying Tankers 737-300 Fireliner registered N619SW. The 737 was delivered new to Southwest Airlines in 1995 and acquired by Coulson in 2019. It entered fire fighting service in the United States after conversion in summer 2022. The 737 flew to Australia in December 2022 and has been active fighting bush fires since then.

N619SW before being painted into the Coulson livery. The fire retardant release valves are visible in red on the underbelly of the aircraft just forward of the engines and aft of the main landing gear.The post Coulson fire fighting 737 suffers accident in Australia appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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February 6, 2023 We’re back with another less-edited video, this time giving you the uncut final ten minutes of Air Greenland’s Dash 8 Nuuk to Kulusuk flight from the cockpit. Watch the pilot flying as he descends over snowy mountains and icebergs and then takes the turboprop in for a smooth landing. See how early you can spot the runway – it’s not obvious at first!Don’t miss the full video from this flight, Transatlantic on the Dash 8! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfr0V4OvxeY

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The NTSB and FAA are investigating a close call between a FedEx 767 and Southwest Airlines 737 in Austin. The NTSB issued a statement saying it is “investigating a surface event at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Saturday, a possible runway incursion and overflight involving airplanes from Southwest Airlines and FedEx.”

Landing and departing Runway 18LAt the time of the incident FedEx 1432 arriving from Memphis was cleared to land on Austin’s Runway 18L and the controller then cleared Southwest 708 to depart when the FedEx 767 was approximately 3 miles from the runway. The Southwest 737 was still on the runway at 12:40 UTC (6:40 am local time) as the FedEx flight reached the runway, so the FedEx pilots initiated a go-around. The Southwest flight continued its departure and arrived safely in Cancun 1 hour 54 minutes later. The FedEx flight circled the airfield and landed safely 12 minutes after the incident.

Interpreting the ADS-B dataWe have downloaded and processed the granular ADS-B data. In this discussion we are referencing data from a single receiver Flightradar24 ADS-B receiver located near the airport that received data from both aircraft. This helps us ensure timing consistency between data points.

The Southwest flight SWA708 entered the runway at 12:39:37.996. At this time, the FedEx flight FDX1432 was 2.35 miles from the runway threshold. SWA708 began its departure roll at 12:40:15.075 when the FedEx aircraft was approximately .676 miles from the runway threshold.

At its lowest point, FDX1432 sent an altitude value of 75ft. It is important to note a limitation related to ADS-B altitude values in situations close to the ground. The altitude reported by ADS-B data is a barometric value above mean sea level (AMSL) calibrated at standard atmospheric pressure. It is not the height of the aircraft above the ground. The aircraft’s radio altimeter would be providing the pilots with the aircraft’s height above the ground at this stage of flight.

At the closest point horizontally, the aircraft were less than 1000 feet apart, but we do not have same-time data points in order to calculate an exact figure. It is also important to note that the position broadcast via ADS-B is from a specific point on the aircraft and parts of the aircraft may be closer or further to the other aircraft than the place from which the GPS position is derived.

Download Flightradar24 DataIncluded below are two sets of files for each aircraft. We have included the full flight standard frequency CSV and the granular frequency, singular receiver data for both flights.

Download SWA708 granular dataDownload SWA708 full flightDownload FDX1432 granular dataDownload FDX1432 full flightWeather conditions

KAUS 041253Z 00000KT 1/8SM R36R/1800V2400FT FZFG VV002 M01/M01 A3043 RMK AO2 SLP309 T10061006

KAUS 041218Z 00000KT 1/4SM R36R/1800V2400FT FZFG VV002 M01/M01 A3043 RMK AO2 T10061006

Visibility at the time of the incident was marginal and decreasing. Frozen fog was reported in the 12:18 UTC and 12:53 UTC METARs with visibility decreasing from 1/4 mile (.4 km) to 1/8 mile (.2 km) between reports. The incident occurred approximately 13 minutes prior to the second METAR reading.

Aircraft informationThe Southwest flight was operated by a Boeing 737-700 registered N7827A, delivered to Southwest Airlines in 2003. It is powered by two CFM56-7B engines.

The FedEx aircraft is a 767-300F registered N297FE, acquired by FedEx in 2015. It is powered by two CF6-80 engines.

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On this week’s episode, we’re joined by The Air Current’s Jon Ostrower for a discussion about the delivery of the last Boeing 747 and Boeing’s plans for the future in Everett and beyond. Ostrower explains Boeing’s decision to begin a fourth 737 MAX production line at Everett and the recent NASA award for Boeing to build a concept aircraft with a transonic truss-braced wing.

We also look at the surprisingly quick settlement between Airbus and Qatar Airways of their long-running dispute over surface degradation on the A350.

And Jason checks in from underneath a waterfall in Oregon.

Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

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Atlas Air flew home the last 747 ever produced on 1 February, marking the end of 747 deliveries from Boeing after 53 years.

A day after a gala ceremony fit for the Queen of the Skies the 747-8F registered N863GT thundered down Paine Field’s Runway 16R and lifted into the air to the awe of gathered onlookers. After a low pass at Paine, the flight headed east for Cincinnati, but not before drawing a special tribute to the 747.

A tribute to the Queen of the SkiesEn route from Everett to Cincinnati, the Atlas Air 747 took the time to draw a crown and “747” over eastern Washington. The 152 kilometer (94.5 mi) wide by 95.8 km (59.5 mi) high piece of sky art took 2 hours 35 minutes to complete at an altitude of 12,775 feet. The flight plan for this portion of the flight included 39 separate way points.

Download CSVDownload KMLThe final 747 deliveryThe delivery of N863GT marks the final 747 to fly away from Everett after 1,574 747s came off the production line. From the first 747-100 to the shortened 747SP to the most successful variant, the 747-400, to the final 747-8, Boeing’s most iconic work has exited the building at Paine Field. The building will now be repurposed for 787 rework and a fourth final assembly line for the 737 MAX.

While this is the last delivery, the 747 will be around for decades to come, flying passengers between airline hubs and cargo all around the world.

Atlas Air will put this particular 747-8F into service carrying cargo for Apexlogistics. The second to last 747 also delivered to Atlas Air is flying for Apex’s parent company Kuehne + Nagel.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing reports its financial results for 2022, we preview Boeing’s arraignment on fraud charges in Texas, the NTSB issues more comments on the Ethiopian 302 final report, and we learn what brought down the air traffic control system in the Philippines earlier this month.

Boeing’s big weekBoeing reported a full year loss, but positive free cash flow on increasingly positive order and delivery numbers. We dig in to the numbers that seem to be a bit of good news. Meanwhile in Texas, Boeing is arraigned on fraud charges it thought it had settled in 2021 with a deferred prosecution agreement. We break down what’s happening with the case.

And Boeing’s last 747 now wears a special—if small—nod to Joe Sutter.

Somalia airspace now “A” okaySomali airspace has been upgraded to Class A, meaning air traffic control services are once again operating up to international standards. The resumption of full ATC service comes after 30 years.

Philippines ATC just “conked out”The power went out, then the backup power didn’t work. Then technicians fried the computers with too much power. That’s the very short version of what happened in the Philippines earlier this month.

NTSB issues second round of comments on ET302 final reportThe NTSB issued a second set of comments on the Ethiopian 302 final report after concluding that the report includes findings that are “unsupported by evidence — for example, that aircraft electrical problems caused erroneous angle-of-attack (AOA) output.”

Airbus hopes new holey foil is holy grail for A350 paint problemIn late 2022, Airbus began using a new perforated copper foil in the aft fuselage section of its A350s, which it hopes will resolve the issues of paint peeling away from the aircraft’s skin. That issue remains at the center of a $2 billion lawsuit filed by Qatar Airways that continues to work its way through the High Court in London.

Russian regulator approves aircraft cannibalizationRussia’s aviation safety regulator has greenlit Russian operators to install non-OEM approved spare parts in their Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Want to buy an Uzbekistan Airways 757?Uzbekistan Airways ordered a dozen A320neo family aircraft this week and remains committed to divesting its older Boeing models. Want to buy an older 757 or two?

That wasn’t so hard, was it?United completed the radio altimeter retrofit of its Airbus aircraft for 5G interference mitigation.

ZeroAvia hydrogen aircraft makes first flightZeroAvia’s hydrogen powered Dornier 228 made its first flight last week.

Swiss is naming its A220s and Jason is a coward who won’t even try to pronounce the namesSwiss will name 20 of its A220s after Swiss tourist destinations. Jason wanted to talk about it on the show, but didn’t want to read the list…

C919 makes it into the schedule for the first timeThe C919 is in the China Eastern schedule for the first time. Flights MU9191 and MU9192 are now scheduled for the end of February.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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The flight crew arrives at the Boeing 767 freighter between 30 and 60 minutes prior to departure. If the pilots expect an on-time departure, they’ll be busy until pushback. This is a general overview of what’s involved in the 767 preflight preparing the aircraft for departure.

Every airline develops its own preflight procedures. The following is based on my experience on the Boeing 767 freighter with one carrier. Captain, first officer, and international relief officer preflight task assignments are different at every airline. References to a certain crew member doing a particular task are examples only. This article provides a general overview of a typical preflight; some tasks have been omitted for brevity and security.

Power up and initializeThe first task is to make sure electric power is available. If the station doesn’t have external power (like a power cart), the crew will start the ship’s auxiliary power unit (APU) to supply electricity and bleed air. Bleed air supplies the air-conditioning packs to make the aircraft comfortable.

After power is available, a crew member turns on the three inertial reference system (IRS) switches to begin a 7-10 minute alignment process. The IRS is the heart of many aircraft navigation systems. If all other navigation sources fail (zombie apocalypse) the inertial nav system can provide guidance.

The first officer enters the current position (lat/lon coordinates) of the aircraft into the Flight Management Computer to complete IRS initialization. Crews can locate the exact aircraft position on a parking stand sign or airport chart.

Logbook checkCurrent position for the FMC is found on a parking bay sign or an airport chart (Singapore)The captain reviews the aircraft maintenance logbook. The logbook contains a recent history of inspections and repaired/deferred items. Typical deferred items are minor scuffs or dings on the fuselage or temporary repairs to be completed at a later date. Occasionally, a component will be inoperative. If the aircraft has sufficient redundancy, an inoperative item (like a single landing light) can be deferred for later repair.

The captain ensures an inspection of ETOPS critical components is documented before oceanic flights.

After both the captain and aircraft maintenance technician have signed the current logbook page, the aircraft is legally ready for flight. Airlines are moving toward electronic maintenance logbooks. Same idea, with digital signatures.

Equipment checkMy airline assigns the first officer (or International Relief Officer on long flights) to inspect flight deck equipment. The inspection assures required emergency gear is on board and working.

Fire extinguishers, life rafts, emergency oxygen bottles, jumpseat oxygen masks, escape equipment, lavatory supplies, catering, and a lot more are inspected. The inspection takes a few minutes to complete.

Boeing 767-300F flight deckCockpit setup — Go with the flow!Large aircraft have dozens of switches, knobs, and buttons. Pilots use checklists as a final check to make sure the important things are accomplished. A checklist that lists every item would be long and impractical. There’s a better way. It’s called a flow.

The captain reviews the aircraft maintenance logbook while the FO programs the boxPilots learn about each aircraft system during initial training. The next step is learning to efficiently set up the systems for each phase of flight. Every airline develops its own preflight flows. The illustrations are generic examples and do not represent any particular airline procedure.

A flow is simply a logical pattern to check each item. Pilots will often move a hand over the controls following the prescribed flow. Each crew member is assigned their own flows.

Captain and First Officer cockpit setup flowsOnce crews learn the flows, it takes only a few minutes to configure the aircraft for engine start. When flows are followed correctly, nothing is missed, and the use of challenge/response checklists can be minimized.

Here’s a detailed example of the first two flow movements of the overhead panel pre-flight. The crew member begins at the top left column of the panel and moves their hand over each system’s switches, checking for proper selection/indication.

Detail of overhead panel flowThe complete overhead panel flow allows the pilot to quickly configure all major aircraft systems for engine start (navigation, flight controls, engines, hydraulics, electrical, fuel, pneumatics, pressurization, etc).

Flows aren’t just for preflight. Pilots use flows for other phases of flight, like Before Takeoff, After Landing, and Shutdown. Thanks to the efficiency of flows, my airline’s 767 “Before Takeoff” checklist consists of one item: “Flaps: ___.”

Yoke checklist on a Boeing 767-300FMake some noise!A few 767 preflight checks make a little noise. Crews typically test the TCAS and Radar/Windshear systems before the first flight of the day. They’re included in the center console flows pictured above.

A small button on the transponder control panel activates the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) test function. The test displays various TCAS symbols on the flight displays, as well as an audible voice test.

Selecting the test mode on the radar control panel initiates the Radar and Windshear System test. This is our “noisiest” preflight test. The test in the video is on a newer aircraft with predictive windshear (uses doppler technology); it’s a little different than the test on older aircraft.

Exterior walk-around inspectionAfter finishing cockpit setup flows, it’s time for a crew member to grab a flashlight and walk around the aircraft. The captain performs the walk-around at my airline (first officer at many other carriers). The exterior inspection is my favorite part of preflight. I really enjoy the walk-around and never delegate in bad weather… typhoon, snow, sunshine, I don’t care. I enjoy the walk to see what I can find.

Not surprisingly, the exterior walk-around is really just a giant flow. Pilots learn the items to inspect, then follow the flow diagram so nothing is missed. It takes five to ten minutes to complete a walk-around.

Exterior walk-around inspection flowWhat are we looking for?An aircraft maintenance technician gives the aircraft a detailed arrival and pre-departure inspection. The pilot’s job is to give the exterior a final look to double check the general condition of the aircraft, along with a few specific items.

Stuff we look for: Loose/missing inspection panels, unlatched maintenance access doors, pitot covers and gear pins, condition of probes, pressurization valves, tires, evidence of leaks, foreign object damage, and snow/frost/ice. There’s a lot to check, but it’s easy when you go with the flow.

Programming “The Box”While the captain is strolling around the aircraft, the first officer programs the flight management computer (FMC), often referred to as “The Box.”

The crew programs the box with aircraft coordinates, weight, route of flight, winds aloft, and performance requirements (speeds and altitudes) as planned by the dispatcher.

A blank FMC Performance Initialization (PERF INIT) page, ready for programming. First officer enters en route wind data.Depending on aircraft, airline, and type of FMC, the crew may be able to download the information via datalink. A pilot with exemplary typing skills can complete the task manually in about 10 minutes. When complete, the other pilot proofreads the programming.

Takeoff performance dataShortly before loading is complete, a load supervisor provides the weight and balance data to the crew via paper, or ACARS datalink. A pilot loads the data into the FMC and submits an ACARS takeoff performance data request for the expected runway (in the old days, we used thick binders of airport specific charts).

ACARS: Text messages for flight crewsAircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) is a digital datalink system for transmitting messages and data between aircraft and ground stations. It’s been around since 1978.

My airline uses Garmin subsidiary AeroData to deliver live takeoff performance data to the aircraft. AeroData provides the crew with runway-specific takeoff thrust setting, speeds, flap setting, and critical engine out performance data. It takes only seconds to submit a request and receive the response through ACARS. The performance data takes into account current weather, weight & balance, and configuration options specified by maintenance, dispatch, and/or crew.

Takeoff data for Kuala Lumpur runway 32R at intersection A9The above image displays an example of live data received via ACARS for departing Kuala Lumpur runway 32R from intersection A9. The takeoff performance report provides a tremendous amount of information. I print the report with the aircraft’s thermal printer for easy reference.

ACARS takeoff data for Kuala Lumpur runways 32R and 32L767 preflight checklistAfter the crew completes the preflight flows, the captain calls for the preflight checklist. Thanks to flows, the checklist is short and sweet. A typical 767 preflight checklist has about 5 items. Here’s an example:

Cockpit Windows – Closed and locked (pretty important!)
Oxygen system & masks – Checked
Altimeters – ____
Parking Brake – Set
Fuel Control Switches – Cut Off

We’re almost ready to start the engines.

ClearanceAbout ten minutes before departure, the flight crew requests a route clearance by VHF voice or data link. The clearance delivery controller (usually located in the control tower) will tell the crew their expected runway, departure route, altitude, departure frequency, and a transponder code. A typical departure clearance from Kuala Lumpur:

Aerosavvy 101, cleared to the Shenzhen airport via runway 32 right, KIMAT One Delta departure. 5000 feet. Lumpur Departure 135.25. Squawk 2137.

After scribbling down the clearance, the pilot will read it back to the controller for confirmation.

Departure briefingLoading is nearly complete and the crew is running out of things to do. The captain and first officer will determine whose turn it is to fly (captain’s decision, coin toss, or rock/paper/scissors). The flying pilot will brief the departure:

OK, Skipper [I always laugh when they call me “Skipper”], we’re departing KL runway 32 Right. Taxi route will probably be Hotel, hold short of Bravo. Let’s be careful after Bravo, taxiways are confusing; likely Bravo 13 and Alpha 11 to the holding point.

Takeoff will be NADP-2 on the KIMAT One Delta SID. I’ll call for autopilot at 200 feet. LNAV is already armed. VNAV at 1,000 feet. We’re cleared to 5,000. Transition altitude is 11,000.

If we have an engine failure after V1, I’ll fly straight ahead to 1,100 feet. After that, our engine-out procedure is to continue runway heading. Let’s climb to 4,000 and plan on returning to 32 Left. We have 3,000 pounds in the center tank we can dump if we need to.

Threats tonight include a few thunderstorms near the coast. We may need to deviate a little north. It’s our first night flight this schedule, so I plan on making coffee when we reach cruise. There’s hot water in the pot.

I’ll select terrain, you’re on radar. Any questions? No? Groovy!

And that’s it! When the ground crew finishes loading, the pilots will close the doors and buckle in. The aircraft is ready for pushback and engine start.

Ken Hoke is a recently retired captain for a major US package express airline with 32 years experience flying the Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 757/767. His writing can also be found on his website, Aerosavvy.com. Ken has previously contributed to Flightradar24 on pieces regarding emergency situations and go-around procedures.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the crash of Yeti Airlines flight 691, a major safety incident in New York that could have been much worse, and Gabriel Leigh sits down with John Nilsson of Swedavia to learn about what airports are doing to get ready for electric and hydrogen powered aircraft.

Yeti Airlines flight 691 crashes in PokharaA Yeti Airlines ATR 72-500 en route from Kathmandu crashed on approach to Pokhara this week. We discuss what we know so far and the status of the investigation.

Delta 1943: Cancel take off clearance!We unpack what we know about last week’s runway incursion at JFK Airport in New York as AA106 crossed the active runway as DL1943 was on its take off roll.

Delta comes up short in AmsterdamA Delta A330 touched down well before the runway touchdown zone in Amsterdam.

QantasA Qantas 737 suffered an engine failure. But the real story is how incredibly wrong some publications got the story.

NOTAMAn update on the FAA NOTAM outage.

LufthansaLufthansa is ready to move forward with a stand alone bid for ITA Airways, initially planning on a minority stake.

737 MAX back in service with ChinaChina Southern operated the first Chinese 737 MAX flight since March 2019 this week. The MAX is back in China.

How can airports support the future of aviation?John Nilsson is the strategic manager for electric and hydrogen aircraft at Swedavia, the Swedish airports authority. That puts him at the forefront of creating the airport of the future that can support new types of aircraft. Gabriel Leigh sat down with Nilsson at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport to learn more.

NASA awards sustainable flight demonstrator project to BoeingNASA has awarded the the sustainable flight demonstrator project to Boeing, contributing $425 million to the development of the Transonic truss-braced wing concept. The concept, which Boeing hopes to fly by the end of the decade with feature longer, thinner wings that traditional aircraft with diagonal supports between the wing and the fuselage.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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Yeti Airlines flight 691 crashed into a gorge near Pokhara, Nepal on 15 January. The flight was operating from Kathmandu to Pokhara’s new international airport, which opened just this month. YT691 was operated by an ATR 72-500 registered 9N-ANC.

UPDATE 1: Authorities announced they have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder in good condition.

Yeti Airlines 691Yeti Airlines 691 departed from Kathmandu at 04:47 UTC. Flightradar24 receivers gathered position data from the aircraft until 5:05 UTC. The last signal received from the aircraft was at 5:12 UTC at an altitude of 2875 ft AMSL. Pokhara Airport elevation is approximately 2700 ft AMSL.

Throughout the flight, the transponder on 9N-ANC sent erroneous altitude and speed data. The rapid change in altitude shown in the graphic above (as noted by the different colors in the trail) is indicative of those erroneous values.

The flight stopped transmitting position data 7 minutes before the last data from the aircraft was received. The aircraft continued to send altitude, speed, and extended Mode S data until 5:12 UTC.

Flightradar24 downloaded and processed granular ADS-B data (multiple frames per second) to better understand the flight data. Using historical data from other similar aircraft operating the same route over the past few weeks and the “MCP alt” settings received for this flight, we’ve removed erroneous altitude data to show a clearer picture of the flight path.

Aircraft informationYeti Airlines 691 was operated by an ATR 72-500 registered 9N-ANC (MSN 754). The aircraft was initially delivered in 2007 and acquired by Yeti Airlines in 2019.

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January 13, 2023 In this video we head to Skellefteå, in the north of Sweden, to try flying an electric airplane. It’s the two-seater Pipistrel Velis Electro and it’s being used as a trainer aircraft at the brand new Green Flight Academy, a flight school that aims to remake flight training – starting with drastically reducing its emissions. We get a look at their facilities and take the Velis Electro for a half-hour flight lesson. Can we land it on the first try?

More info about Green Flight Academy: https://greenflightacademy.com

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On this episode of AvTalk, we walk through what we know (so far) about the FAA’s NOTAM system outage. And Casey Humphries from the United Network for Organ Sharing and Chris Curran of New England Donor Services join us to explain how transplant organs get from donor to recipient and the critical role played by the aviation industry.

The great NOTAM outage of 2023On Tuesday afternoon the FAA system that provides air crews and dispatchers with NOTAMs (NOtice to Air Missions) stopped working. By Wednesday morning, the FAA took the decision to ground flights across the US while the system was rebooted and tested. We discuss what we know (so far) and what the practical effects of the outage have been.

🎧 Listen to our episode all about NOTAMs — what they are, what they do, and why most pilots hate them.

Raising regional pilot pay proves problem, possiblyWe discuss a recent article by friend of the show Ned Russell, quoting comments by a financial analyst that American Airlines’ move to raise regional pilot pay is a bet that has backfired.

Airbus and Boeing 2022 DeliveriesAirbus and Boeing delivered over 1000 aircraft combined, but the number fell short of expectations.

Organ Transplant LogisticsCasey Humphries is the Logistical Products Service Line Leader for the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Chris Curran is SVP of Organ Utilization for New England Donor Services. They join the show to explain the logistics involved in getting an organ for transplant from donor to recipient. We discuss how organ transportation has changed over the past 25 years and the many challenges to getting it right each and every time in literal matters of life and death.

Quick takesChina Southern may put the 737 MAX back into service this weekend, the last 747 is painted, Alaska Airlines retired its A320 fleet, FedEx retired its DC-10 fleet, and a Delta 767 diversion to Madrid gets the avgeek detective agency up and running.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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On our first episode of 2023, we see how Southwest has recovered from its meltdown; investigators issue their final report on ET302, but the NTSB and BEA have more to add; and airspace in the Philippines is recovered after a power outage closed the entire Manila FIR to flights.

Southwest’s recoverySouthwest Airlines’ operations returned to normal over the past week as the airline seeks to alleviate customer anger following the operational meltdown of the airline the week of Christmas. What’s the airline doing to solve the problem and make customers whole?

Investigators issue ET302 final report, but NTSB & BEA have issuesEthiopian investigators finally released their final report on the crash of ET302 just before the end of 2022. But the NTSB and BEA have taken the unusual step of publishing public comments on the report.

Philippines airspace closed due to power failureThe Manila FIR was closed to traffic at the start of the year due to a power failure at the main air traffic control facility in the country.

China drops quarantineChina will drop quarantine for arriving international passengers beginning 8 January. The US will reintroduce a Covid test requirement for passengers arriving from China on 5 January. And round and round we go.

San Diego fuel issuesIssues with the fueling infrastructure at San Diego have led to some odd short flights by some international airlines for technical stops before continuing on.

“Emergency” landings in IranStop us if you’ve heard this one before: four former Turkish Airlines A340s that have been in storage in South Africa for a few years and recently re-registered in Burkina Faso were being transported to Uzbekistan, but all developed in-flight “emergencies” over Iran and had to land in Tehran.

Aeroflot buys 10 777-300ERsUsing a provision added to the EU sanctions regime in April, Aeroflot has bought out 10 777-300ERs it had leased from VEB.

Jetstar’s Bali mistakeJetstar upgauged its Bali flight from Melbourne on 27 December, but didn’t tell the Bali airport that a 787 would be coming. The airport was unable to accommodate a 787 at the time, so the flight turned back to Melbourne.

Airlines we lost in 2022There weren’t all that many airlines that stopped operating in 2022. We take a look at Brett Snyder’s yearly list to see which planes are now parked.

A new flight tracking recordIn 2022, we set a new record for total number of flights tracked, but commercial flight recovery remains in stasis.

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Just before the end of the year, Ethiopian investigators published their final report on the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302. Flight 302 crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa Bole Airport on 10 March 2019. Operated by Boeing 737-8 MAX ET-AVJ, it was the second crash of a 737 MAX in just over four months and led to a worldwide 20 month grounding of the MAX while Boeing and regulators made changes to the aircraft.

Read the full final reportFollowing the publication of the final report, both the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and French Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) took the highly unusual step of publishing separate comments on the report.

Ethiopian investigators’ probable cause: MCASIn their final report, Ethiopian investigators solely focus on the activation of the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System as the probable cause of the accident.

“Repetitive and uncommanded airplane-nose-down inputs from the MCAS due to erroneous AOA input, and its unrecoverable activation system which made the airplane dive with the rate of -33,000 ft/minclose to the ground was the most probable cause of the accident.”

Section 3.2, ET302 final report

MCAS is the software system Boeing introduced on the 737 MAX to make the aircraft’s behavior in certain phases of flight the same as the previous generation 737NG so as to minimize the differences training for pilots between the two generations of aircraft. When activated at high angles of attack, MCAS pushes the nose of the aircraft downward.

At the time of the accident, MCAS was activated based on data from a single angle of attack sensor, which in the case of ET302 was damaged and providing erroneous data. The is caused the aircraft to believe its AOA was much higher than it actually was.

The Ethiopian investigators further list a series of contributing factors to the accident that focus on the design of MCAS, the design and certification of the 737 MAX generally, and Boeing’s training and operational materials. The report does not address any issues related to human factors or crew actions.

ET302 accident investigation report processIn most accident investigations, the final report is a product of the collaborative effort of all agencies that are party to the investigation speaking in a singular voice. To this end, the state conducting the investigation sends a copy of the final report to all parties before publication, inviting their “significant and substantial comments” [ICAO Annex 13, Chapter 6.3] on the draft report.

Any comments received within 60 days are to either be incorporated into the draft report or, “if desired by the State that provided comments, append the comments to the Final Report.” [ICAO Annex 13, Chapter 6.3] In the case of the Ethiopian ET302 final report, the Ethiopian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau neither incorporated the comments of the US NTSB and French BEA nor did it append their full comments to the final report as requested. The electronic version of the Ethiopian final report includes only links to the “earlier and now outdated version of the NTSB’s comments” and according to the BEA, “the EAIB report contains a link to a BEA document which does not contain the comments that the BEA had finally requested to be appended [to the final report].”

NTSB and BEA release their commentsGiven this unusual situation, both the NTSB and BEA separately released the full comments each agency wished to see appended to the final report. Both the NTSB and BEA agree with the EAIB regarding MCAS’ contribution to the accident and both agencies’ comments relate to the human factors and crew actions that are not discussed in the EAIB report.

“The BEA shares the analysis and conclusions of the EAIB report regarding the contribution of the MCAS system of the 737 Max to the accident. BEA's comments are mainly related to the analysis of the crew's performance and its contribution to the accident scenario, in particular during the first part of the flight (between the rupture of the angle of attack vane and the activation of the MCAS system). The BEA considers that this analysis would make it possible to draw safety lessons beyond those related to the MCAS system.”

BEA press release accompanying comments on the ET302 final report

For its part, the NTSB also says the “final report included significant changes from the last draft the EAIB provided the NTSB” and it is in the process of reviewing those changes to see if further comment is necessary.

Read the NTSB’s commentsRead the BEA’s commentsMore to the probable cause than just MCASThe NTSB and BEA’s comments both focus on the additional contribution the crew’s actions had on the accident, areas on which the EAIB spends little to no time in the final report. The NTSB comments propose two additional factors be added to the probable cause:

the operator’s failure to ensure that its flight crews were prepared to properly respond to uncommanded stabilizer trim movement in the manner outlined in Boeing’s flight crew operating manual (FCOM) bulletin and the FAA’s emergency airworthiness directive (AD) (both issued 4 months before the accident) and

the airplane’s impact with a foreign object, which damaged the AOA sensor and caused the erroneous AOA

The BEA focuses most closely on the crew’s actions during the period of time after the AOA vane was damaged, but before the first activation of MCAS. Regarding the accident’s probable cause, the French agency says it “believes that the crew’s inadequate actions and the insufficient Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) played a role in the chain of events that led to the accident, in particular during the first phase of the flight, before the first MCAS activation.”

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In 2022, we activated hundreds of new receivers on all seven continents and thousands more volunteers added their home-built receivers to the Flightradar24 network. These amazing contributions by dedicated receivers hosts and volunteers helped us track 70,744,552 total flights including 35,874,450 commercial flights.

In December alone, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each new receiver helps us increase flight tracking coverage and provide redundancy across our network of more than 35,000 terrestrial receivers. New receivers in places like Australia, Brazil, India, New Zealand, and the United States are helping to fill in low-level coverage and MLAT tracking. New receivers in places like Antarctica, India, and Thailand are adding areas of coverage to our network.

The December mapHelp Add ADS-B coverageWe are always looking for new receiver hosts. Especially if you or someone you know lives in a remote location, please apply to host a receiver. All of our receiver hosts get a free Flightradar24 Business Subscription, which can be used on the web or within our mobile app. If you’re interested, please apply today using our simple form. If you’d like more information about our application process, you can read more about it in our blog post.

Most wanted new receiver locationsThe best locations for new Flightradar24 receiver kits are near an airport with a 360 degree view of the sky. We prioritize airports that currently lack ground coverage or would benefit from additional coverage. Do you live near an airport, but don’t see aircraft on the ground when you open Flightradar24? If so, we’d love to have you as an ADS-B receiver host. Apply to host a receiver today!

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From people who live and breath the nuts and bolts of running an airline to journalists covering the business of aviation, our conversations took us all over the world and down more than one rabbit hole. To close out the year, we revisit some of our favorite AvTalk conversations from 2022.

Flying Zero GNovespace chairman and former astronaut Jean-François Clervoy explains the physics of parabolic flights and we find out that we came very close to seeing a much different aircraft used for these zero g flights. And Pilot Bertrand Rameau explains exactly how pilots perform the parabola maneuver and what it takes to become a zero g pilot.

Making sure the airline keeps movingMichael Karrels is a dispatcher for a major legacy airline in the US. He joined us to discuss what it’s like to be a dispatcher and how the work of a dispatcher differs in the US compared to other countries. Michael’s own Flying and Life podcast is a great jumping off point for going deeper into the life of a dispatcher.

Happy new year and happy tracking!

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On this special episode of AvTalk, we’ve reproduced the audio from our video live stream episode about Southwest Airlines’ cancellations and operational meltdown that began with massive storms across the United States on 22 December and morphed into a IT infrastructure nightmare for the airline and its passengers.

You can replay the video live stream here if you prefer.

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On this episode of AvTalk, Boeing ends the year on a high note with a Congressional reprieve for the 737-7 and 737-10 certification, the return of the 777X to flight tests, and the final first flight of the mighty 747.

Christmas comes early for BoeingCongress included the Cantwell amendment in the Omnibus spending bill, giving the FAA the green light to certify the 737-7 and 737-10 MAX without additional crew alerting systems. However, Boeing will be required to retrofit all MAX aircraft with the new technology developed for the -10 MAX. Boeing also put the 777X back in the air following a months-long pause due to an issue with GE9X engine. And to close out the year—and indeed more than 50 years of first flights—the final Boeing 747 first flight took place this week.

EASA issues proposed A321XLR fuel tank requirementsEASA issued proposed guidance for the certification of the A321XLR, specifically the modifications Airbus should make to the rear center tank, which we discussed last week.

Hawaiian Airlines flight encounters severe turbulenceAbout 30 minutes prior to landing in Honolulu, a Hawaiian Airlines A330 experienced severe turbulence, injuring 36 people and sending 20 to the hospital.

NTSB docket points to Transair pilot confusionThe NTSB updated the docket regarding the Transair 737-200 ditching to include interviews with the crew, highlighting the confusing nature of the incident.

Airbus sends team to Dubai to fix Emirates A380sAs Emirates brings back more A380s it’s finding more wing spar cracks. Airbus has responded by sending 60 engineers to work on the problem in Dubai.

End of the year orders and deliveriesCondor, TransNusa, and China Eastern make history with their aircraft deliveries.

Turkish A400s make it homeAfter being stuck in Kyiv since February, two Turkish Air Force A400Ms flew home to Turkey this week.

Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!)Thank you so much for listening! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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Santa’s elves are putting the finishing touches on the toys and the ground crew is readying the sleigh. Rudolph’s ~~anti-collision beacon~~ red nose has received a polish as well. With the work nearly complete, Santa is ready for tracking on Flightradar24.com or in the Flightradar24 iOS and Android app!

How to use our Santa trackerTo track Santa on Flightradar24, use our special tracking link or search SANTA1, HOHOHO, or R3DNO53 beginning at 01:00 UTC on 24 December. This year we’re once again using tracking Santa with a mix of terrestrial and satellite-based ADS-B coverage. Fortunately, Santa was able to extend the reach of his transponder by using the reindeer antlers as additional antenna.

Track Santa in 3D by pressing the 3D button in the bottom left corner of flight info panel on the web or in the app.

Based on filed flight plans, Santa is warming up his reindeer and ensuring the sleigh is peak condition for his Christmas Eve deliveries. He is currently scheduled to depart the North Pole around 04:00 UTC on the 24th to make his way to the first houses.

Santa tracker facts and figuresSanta’s sleigh is an unique 9-engine Rangifer tarandus registered HOHOHO (MSN 0001). At 1,752 years old, it’s the oldest active airframe in the world. While the sleigh itself is ancient, a ninth power plant was added a number of years ago on an instrument flight rules-conditions Christmas Eve due to fog. This nose so bright has guided Santa’s way each Christmas Eve since 1939.

More recently, we’ve worked closely with Santa’s workshop to ensure the sleigh is outfitted with the latest tracking technology. An ADS-B transponder was installed a few years ago, allowing us to precisely track Santa’s position and help all good little children get to bed before he arrives.

To enable Santa to check in with air traffic control, ICAO has issued the type designation SLEI.

Happy tracking and a merry Christmas to all!

Santa Clause 3D model credit

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December 19, 2022 In this video we take the Air Greenland Dash 8-200 flight from Nuuk (GOH) to Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport (KEF) via Kulusuk (KUS), a gravel runway nestled in the mountains of East Greenland. See the long sunrise give way to a long sunset over three and a half hours of Dash 8 flying, the second part of which is over open ocean to Iceland.Along the way we get a look at the Nuuk fjords and surrounding mountains, wide vistas of the Greenland ice sheet (we even spot a Cold War era DYE radar station!), the mountains of East Greenland and the most productive glacier on the island, the stunning moon over Kulusuk and a Bell 212 about to take off there (not to mention some polar bear skins), and we perform a lovely dusk landing into Keflavik. This was one of the most stunning flights ever!

Flight GL4710 GOH-KUS-KEF

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December 16, 2022 In this video we head to Toulouse to meet Air Greenland’s brand new A330-800neo “Tuukkaq”. We join for the delivery ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Centre and then fly the beautiful red airplane on its ferry flight from Toulouse (TLS) to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ). Along the way we take an up close look at the new Premium cabin and economy class, we take part in the delivery ceremony, we chat with @qsgreenland about Greenlandic pronunciation, we talk to the pilots about some of the new features and particularities of the A330neo, we listen to some music by Greenlandic musician Andachan and see a traditional Greenlandic mask dance, and we hear from CEO Jacob Nitter Sørensen about why this was such an important and emotional moment for Greenland and its airline.We also have a special guest appearance in this one by @JoshCahill who gives us his thoughts as the only human as of that day to have been on all the A330-800neo’s of the world. A very fun couple of days in Toulouse and Kangerlussuaq, full of great views of red engines and icy landscapes and much much more – join us!

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, United orders every Boeing plane they can get their hands on, Boom announces a trio of companies it says will help build an engine for its Overture supersonic jet, and we speak with Jim Fawcett, lead Flight Test Engineer at Airbus about the 13 hour A321XLR test flight earlier this week that also drew a giant “XLR” in the sky.

United orders all the planesUnited Airlines placed a massive order with Boeing this week for 787 and 737 MAX aircraft. The carrier ordered 100 787s (plus options for 100 more), exercised options for 44 737 MAX, and ordered an additional 56 737 MAX—for a total of 200 firm orders and 100 options. It’s the largest single widebody order in US airline history.

BOOM hires a trio of companies to build it an engineAfter being left engineless by Rolls Royce earlier this year, Boom has found a trio of companies to design and build what it is calling the Symphony engine for its Overture supersonic jet.

Airbus’ 13 hour test flightAirbus’ A321XLR certification campaign continued this week with a 13 hour test flight over 9 countries in Europe, with a small detour over the Bay of Biscay to draw a large “XLR” in the sky. We hear from Jim Fawcett, lead Flight Test Engineer at Airbus to learn about the purpose of the flight (other than a bit of sky art) and what it’s like to be on a 13 hour flight to nowhere.

Delta ditches the sky dinghyDelta, a pioneer of 50-seat jets, is ditching the last of them by summer 2023. While it’s good news for passengers who will be getting an upgraded aircraft, what does it mean for smaller communities whose only flights come in on the CRJ-200?

Emirates opening new city ticket officesEmirates is opening new city ticket offices to bring their onboard experience to the ground. A novelty now, this was the norm up until not that long ago.

China Eastern gets the first COMAC C919China Eastern took delivery of the first COMAC C919 last week. The aircraft is expected to enter service with the airline soon.

NASA’s SOFIA Telescope retiredThe heavily modified 747SP flew for the final time this week, saying goodbye to Palmdale, CA and flying to Tucson, AZ and its new home at the Pima Air and Space Museum.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 194: What do you do on a 13 hour test flight? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Airbus took its prototype A321XLR on a 13 hour test flight this week covering nine separate countries and drawing a large XLR in the sky over the Bay of Biscay. While the flight and special sky art was exciting to follow on Flightradar24, the crew was busy monitoring the aircraft’s systems. For this flight in particular, the pilots and flight test engineers were checking that the unique modifications to the A321’s fuel systems performed as they should during an extended flight.

What makes the Airbus A321XLR fuel system unique?The rear centre fuel tank (RCT) for the Airbus A321XLR built directly into the fuselageTo further extend the range of the A321 from the A321LR’s 7,400 kilometers to 8,700 km for the A321XLR Airbus added a permanent rear center fuel tank integrated directly into the fuselage. It’s this range that truly sets the A321XLR in rare air, bringing single-aisle economics to routes that were previously only serviceable with a widebody aircraft, like the A330 or 787. As lead flight test engineer Jim Fawcett explains of the fuel tanks, “We’ve made some modifications on this aircraft and it was important to check that those work correctly over the full flight envelop of the aircraft.”

To accomplish this test, the A321XLR was fueled to maximum capacity and flown all the way down to the minimum allowable fuel level before landing. This gave the flight test team plenty of time—more than 13 hours—in the air to study the fuel system. Fawcett reports, “all of the transfers worked correctly, all of indications to the crew were good, all of the transfer rates were nominal, so it was very important for us to perform a long flight to check that.”

In addition to testing the actual operation of the fuel system over such a long flight, engineers were validating the thermal model of the system within the A321XLR. The air at cruising altitude is very cold, regularly reaching temperatures of -60℃ or less and that affects the temperature of the aircraft and the fuel inside. Ensuring that the aircraft’s system designed to keep the fuel above critical temperatures is operating correctly is an important step toward certification.

Putting the XLR in A321XLRWith a 13 hour test flight, there’s room for other activities and Airbus took advantage of the time in the air to do a little sky writing. 90 minutes into the flight, the aircraft flew over the Bay of Biscay and drew a 500 km wide, 150 km tall “XLR” in the sky. Impressively, and unlike nearly all other pieces of sky art created by large transport aircraft, the Airbus pilots flew the entire drawing by hand. The entire XLR logo took just over three hours to complete at 27,000 feet.

Missing a bit of the XFor this test flight, Airbus decided to not use the A321XLR ADS-B transponder, instead broadcasting only in Mode S. ADS-B is not required in all jurisdictions yet and Airbus decided to test the Mode S transponder as some customers may opt not to include ADS-B when they take delivery. Fawcett says the long flight using Mode S only validates that “the aircraft still works correctly and is well-integrated with the air traffic control system.”

That’s certainly important for Airbus to test, but it makes the aircraft much more difficult to track over open water. With ADS-B, the aircraft sends Flightradar24 all the data we need to plot the aircraft on the map. When the aircraft broadcasts Mode S only, we need to use a technology called Multilateration, which requires signals from the aircraft reach four of our terrestrial receivers to determine the position of the aircraft. The lower left of the “X” was just outside our MLAT coverage area at that altitude.

What’s next for the Airbus A321XLR flight test program?The A321XLR is currently expected to enter service in 2024. Ahead of certification in late 2023 or early 2024, the flight test aircraft will have a full schedule of system checks. In early 2023, Airbus will send the A321XLR for cold weather testing, which will be the aircraft’s first intercontinental flight.

Track the A321XLR test flightsThe post Filling up the tanks: the Airbus A321XLR 13 hour test flight appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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December 9, 2022 In this video we ride along on the A320neo flight deck to Funchal in Madeira – one Europe’s most difficult landings, famous for its unpredictable winds and remarkable runway stretched over the sea on top of massive support beams. Lufthansa brings us along in the jumpseat from Munich (MUC) to Funchal (FNC), a roughly 4-hour flight, and along the way we get to hear some fascinating info from the captain about operating to Funchal as well as a number of other insights into being an A320NEO captain.Look out for some nice views of Mont Blanc by the way, and some other nice scenery too. But nothing can beat the landing views into Funchal, including Porto Santo just to its north and the 180-degree right turn over the island to land on Runway 05. Enjoy!

Landing footage courtesy Pedro at Madeira Airport Spotting. Subscribe to Madeira Airport Spotting for the best Funchal videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/madeiraairport

The post Video: Flight deck to Madeira on the Lufthansa A320neo! appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the final Boeing 747 rolls out of the factory, Airbus didn’t deliver nearly as many planes this year as they thought they would, and Gabriel Leigh talks to Air Greenland CEO Jacob Nitter as the airline takes its first (and only) A330-800neo.

The final 747 leaves the factoryWith little fanfare, the final Boeing 747 rolled out of the factory this week, capping 54 years of continuous production. We discuss the airplane’s impact on aviation, travel, and popular culture.

Another setback for 737 MAX certificationThe amendment proposed by Senator Maria Cantwell is not (as of now) included in the must-pass defense authorization bill that the US Congress will take up before the end of the year. The amendment would have removed the time limit for certifying the 737-7 and -10 MAX and required retrofitting the 737-8 and -9 MAX with the new Angle of Attack sensor and stick shaker disabling technology developed for the -10 MAX.

Boeing engineers do the mathA large contingent of Boeing engineers chose to retire before a November deadline that would have seen their pensions slashed due to US tax rules.

Airbus falls short of its delivery targetAirbus will fall far short of its stated goal of 700 commercial aircraft deliveries in 2022. The manufacturer withdrew its guidance this week and offered no new target for the end of the year.

Air Greenland takes delivery of its A330-800neoAir Greenland took delivery of its first and only A330-800neo this week in Toulouse. Gabriel Leigh was on board and spoke with CEO Jacob Nitter.

Air India leasing more aircraftAir India will lease additional aircraft as it continues to ramp up operations. The carrier announced plans for six additional 777-300ERs and six A320neos.

First Lufthansa A380 removed from storageLufthansa flew its first A380 out of storage last week as it prepares to return the aircraft to service by mid-2023.

WestJet goes westWestJet is continuing its long-haul realignment and launching flights from Calgary to Tokyo on the 787.

Viva Air Colombia low fuel updateColombian officials released their preliminary report regarding the Viva Air Colombia A320neo that landed with very little fuel in October. The report (PDF, Spanish only) confirms the aircraft landed with less than 300 kg of fuel onboard. The discussion of the flight also indicates that the pilots and ATC handled the rapidly changing weather conditions about as well as possible.

Another day, another tugJason reports on KLM and Schiphol Airport’s efforts to once again cut emissions by changing out aircraft get from the gate to the runway.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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The final Boeing 747 rolled out of the assembly building in Everett, Washington this week, capping a 54 year production run for the iconic Queen of the Skies. The final 747, line number 1574, will be delivered to Atlas Air in early 2023. While the 747 is no longer in production, it is still busy flying passengers and cargo around the world.

Where can you find the 747?93% of all 747 flights in November 2022 were dedicated cargo flights, while just 5.9% of 747 flights carried passengers. No city embodies the cargo 747 more than Anchorage. Because of its perfect location as a stopover between Asia and North America, Anchorage sees nearly double the amount of 747 traffic than the next highest city. In November 2022, there were 4,101 747 take offs and landings at Anchorage, all of them cargo flights. For sheer numbers, one cannot beat Anchorage for 747 plane spotting. 21 separate airlines operated 747 flights through Anchorage during November, with Atlas Air in the lead by far with 847 flights. Rounding out the top 5 airlines were UPS (762), Cathay Pacific Cargo (600), Kalitta Air (496), and China Airlines Cargo (351).

Other good choices for 747 plane spotting are Seoul, with 2,684 flights in November, Hong Kong (2,518), Frankfurt (1,274), and Chicago (1,152).

What if I want to fly onboard a 747?In the past month, six airlines operated passenger 747 flights, but flying on a few of them are out of reach for most people. For most people around the world, the easiest way to fly on a 747 is by booking a ticket on a Lufthansa or Korean Air flight.

Lufthansa operates the greatest number of 747 flights per day at 26. The airline offers daily service from Frankfurt to 10 cities: Bengaluru, Chicago, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Miami, Mexico City, New York, São Paulo, Tokyo, and Washington. Korean Air offers daily service to Atlanta and Honolulu, as well as frequent service to Tokyo-Narita.

It’s also possible to travel on passenger 747s operated by Air China, Asiana Airlines, and Mahan Air. The most difficult 747 seats to book are those on Atlas Air’s passenger 747s as you’ll need to charter the entire aircraft.

The 747 will be around for a long time747s are known for their longevity, with multiple operators still flying 747-200s produced in the 1980s. Given its utility, especially with a nose-loading cargo door, the 747-8F is likely to remain in service for many decades to come. Seeing a 747 depart Anchorage in 2050 would not be a surprise.

As for passenger aircraft, Lufthansa has committed to its fleet for the foreseeable future, though the airline has indicated it would like to retire the 747-400 as quickly as is practicable.

Tracking the Boeing 747To follow the all Boeing 747s on Flightradar24, create an aircraft filter for “B74” or select the Boeing 747 family from the pre-populated list in the Flightradar24 app.

If you’re only interested in a specific variant, use the following ICAO aircraft type codes.

- Boeing 747-200: B742
- Boeing 747-300: B743
- Boeing 747-400: B744
- Boeing 747-8: B748
- Boeing 747SP: B74S

We have a full tutorial on adding aircraft filters available here.

See the 747 production listThe post Not gone yet: the 747 will be flying for decades to come appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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In November, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each new receiver helps us increase flight tracking coverage and provide redundancy across our network of more than 34,000 terrestrial receivers. New receivers in places like Australia, Brazil, India, New Zealand, and the United States are helping to fill in low-level coverage and MLAT tracking. New receivers in places like Afghanistan, Antarctica, Cuba, and Tanzania are adding areas of coverage to our network.

The November mapHelp Add ADS-B coverageWe are always looking for new receiver hosts. Especially if you or someone you know lives in a remote location, please apply to host a receiver. All of our receiver hosts get a free Flightradar24 Business Subscription, which can be used on the web or within our mobile app. If you’re interested, please apply today using our simple form. If you’d like more information about our application process, you can read more about it in our blog post.

Most wanted new receiver locationsThe best locations for new Flightradar24 receiver kits are near an airport with a 360 degree view of the sky. We prioritize airports that currently lack ground coverage or would benefit from additional coverage. Are reading this in a place where an encounter with a polar bear while out for a walk is possible? If so, we’d love to have you as an ADS-B receiver host. Apply to host a receiver today!

The post New Flightradar24 ADS-B Receivers Activated in November 2022 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, an aircraft catches the wire—and we’re not talking about aircraft carriers. Plus, Airbus details its plans for the future at its Summit in Toulouse, GE Aviation is trying to figure out what’s wrong with the GE9X engine, and Senator Maria Cantwell may just have a way forward for Boeing.

Catching the Wire(s)A Mooney M-20J attempting to land in Gaithersburg flew too low and instead became entangled in high-voltage transmission lines to the northwest of the airport. The pilot and passenger were uninjured in the crash, but it took crews many hours to secure the lines and the aircraft and bring them down.

Airbus SummitAirbus hosted their second Summit this week in Toulouse and Munich and showed off their progress on hydrogen and electric propulsion.

GE9X problemsAccording to Emirates president Sir Tim Clark, on of the test engines on the the 777-9 “blew up”. While it doesn’t sound like the engine actually blew up, GE Aviation has been working to understand what went wrong and how serious the issue is.

Good news/bad news for BoeingSenator Maria Cantwell is proposing a legislative fix that would allow Boeing to certify the 737-7 and 737-10 without adding a new crew alerting system. But there’s a catch.

Air India, Vistara to mergeAir India and Vistara are set to merge. Vistara minority owner Singapore Airlines will end up with 25.1% of the combined company while Tata Group will control the larger share.

Eurocontrol establishes fund to ATC in countries impacted by Russian invasionCountries party to Eurocontrol will contribute to a fund to make grants and loans to ATC in countries impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Orders, deliveries and new routesPlenty of orders, deliveries, new routes, and aircraft certification news. But most importantly, one airline has “exciting new plans for future growth.”

Going over the North Pole on the flight deckGabriel Leigh recently joined Finnair’s A350 crew on the flight deck from Tokyo to Helsinki, flying over the North Pole. Watch the video here.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the tragic collision between a LATAM A320neo and an airport fire fighting rig in Lima and what we know so far about why they fire truck was on the runway. We also have a our first listener contestants, Ciara and Ganning, play the AvTalk trivia game. LATAM …

The post AvTalk Episode 191: What happened in Lima? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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The World Cup kicks off this weekend and airlines are showing their national pride with special liveries. We’ve put together a list of airlines and aircraft sporting special paint for this year’s World Cup in Qatar. Click on the images throughout to track each aircraft. Aerolíneas Aregentinas Aerolíneas Argentinas has, of course, put Lionel Messi …

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On this episode of AvTalk, we have a lot of news to catch up on after last week’s episode solely focused on Boeing’s future. And Ian and Jason preview an avgeek trivia game that you can play on the show! If you’d like to play on next week’s show, send us an email. P-63 King …

The post AvTalk Episode 190: Would you like to play a game? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by The Air Current’s editor-in-chief Jon Ostrower to parse the news from Boeing’s first investor day in four years last week. We cover CEO Dave Calhoun’s comments that Boeing will not begin building a new airplane until at least the next decade and the status of Boeing’s current …

The post AvTalk Episode 189: Looking into Boeing’s Future appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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In this video we take the two-hour hop back from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min City but on the Vietnam Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner this time (aircraft swapped from the original A350).

The post Video: Vietnam Airlines 787-9 Review: can it beat Bamboo Airways on Hanoi–Saigon? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, Ian is harassed by a mystery drone, Cathay Pacific resumes flying over Russia, and pilot Mark Vanhoenacker joins us to discuss his new book, Imagine a City. Ian gets harassed by a mystery drone While grocery shopping, Ian gets harassed by a DJI Mavic 3. Boeing hosts its first investor …

The post AvTalk Episode 188: Harassed by a Drone appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Each month we send out complete ADS-B receiver kits that include an ADS-B receiver, antennas, and all necessary cabling to qualified hosts to help increase flight tracking all around the world. You can apply to host one of our receivers or easily build your own. In October, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each …

The post New Flightradar24 ADS-B Receivers Activated in October 2022 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Korean Air A330 overruns the runway while attempting to land in Cebu. And a Cuban pilot flies his An-2 crop duster to Florida, 20 feet above the ocean. Korean Air 631 Korean Air flight 631 was attempting to land in Cebu, Philippines during poor weather when it overran …

The post AvTalk Episode 187: Korean Air goes off-roading appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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In this video we take new, fast-growing and highly ambitious Vietnamese airline Bamboo Airways for a spin on one of the world's most-trafficked domestic routes: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

The post Video: Impressive Bamboo Airways 787-9 business class: trip report from Saigon to Hanoi appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Korean Air flight 631 overran the runway at Cebu Mactan International Airport during landing on Sunday, 23 October. The aircraft, an A330-300, came to rest approximately 300 meters beyond the runway. None of the 162 passengers and 11 crew members sustained serious injuries. Korean Air 631 Korean Air 631 departed Seoul at 19:20 local time …

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On this episode of AvTalk, the FAA tells Boeing to get its act together if it ever wants to certify the 737-7 MAX, let alone by the end of the year and another pilot union weighs in on certification deadline extension. Plus, a close call in Chicago as a United flight making an emergency landing …

The post AvTalk Episode 186: Unexpected runway appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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In this video we continue the Asia adventure with a quick hop on Vietnam Airlines from Siem Reap (REP) to Ho Chi Minh City a.k.a. Saigon (SGN).

The post Video: Trip report – Vietnam Airlines A321 business class from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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In this video we head out on a two-hour hop from Singapore to Siem Reap (REP) in Cambodia, gateway to Angkor Wat.

The post Video: Trip report – flying the downright wonderful Singapore Airlines 737 MAX to Cambodia appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, a Boeing Dreamlifter loses a wheel, the fate of the 737-7 and -10 MAX remains firmly on the ground, and we welcome back Airline Weekly editor Edward Russell to fill us in on Delta and Joby’s new agreement for eVTOL operations. Boeing Dreamlifter loses a wheel On departure from Taranto, …

The post AvTalk Episode 185: Wheel’s Away! appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On 10 October 2022, MIAT Mongolian Airlines became the first airline to operate a 737 MAX passenger flight in China since March 2019. The flight from Ulaanbaatar to Guangzhou was operated by EI-MNG, the airline’s only 737 MAX. Domestic Chinese airlines have not yet been cleared to resume 737 MAX service. Ulaanbaatar — Guangzhou MIAT Mongolian …

The post MIAT Mongolian Airlines operates first post-grounding 737 MAX service in China appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, airline dispatcher Michael Karrels joins us to talk about his work at a legacy carrier in the US and some of the differences in dispatching around the world. Plus, the FAA finalizes rules extending cabin crew rest, and we close the show with a story from the early days …

The post AvTalk Episode 184: The life of an airline dispatcher appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Pilot Amal Larhlid climbed aboard her Piper PA-28 this week to pay respect to the late Queen Elizabeth II and raise money for Hospice UK with the world’s largest portrait of the Queen. The two hour flight covered 413 kilometers, creating a portrait 105 km tall and 63 km wide northwest of London. Planning the …

The post Drawing the World’s Largest Portrait of the Queen for Charity appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On 24 October 2008, Airbus delivered A380 MSN 013 to Emirates as A6-EDB. Later this October, Airbus could deliver pieces of the aircraft to you. On 13-15 October, Airbus will auction off components, fixtures, and parts from the dismantled aircraft to raise money for the Airbus Foundation. The life Airbus A380 MSN 013 Emirates took …

The post Airbus auctioning off (parts of) an A380 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Each month we send out complete ADS-B receiver kits that include an ADS-B receiver, antennas, and all necessary cabling to qualified hosts to help increase flight tracking all around the world. You can apply to host one of our receivers or easily build your own. In September, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers. Each …

The post New Flightradar24 ADS-B Receivers Activated in September 2022 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we look at the aviation effects of Hurricane Ian, check in on ICAO’s 41st assembly in Montreal, and try to understand how a rumor took off before we even knew it was on the runway. Hurricane Ian passes through Florida Replay of live stream on how to track Hurricane …

The post AvTalk Episode 183: Closing down, Opening up appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, American Airlines announces a major cabin refit and the end of international first class, prices for flights departing Russia skyrocket after Putin announces the mobilization of reservists, and electric aircraft makers have a mixed week. American Airlines’ unveils cabin refresh American Airlines will restyle its premium cabins on long-haul aircraft, …

The post AvTalk Episode 182: Electricity in the air appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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After Vladimir Putin announced a mobilization of reservists for Russia’s war in Ukraine, prices for international flights departing Russia this week skyrocketed and nearly every flight leaving Moscow or St. Petersburg sold out through the weekend. But with airspace restrictions in place and a dramatic decrease in international flight options for Russian travelers since February, …

The post Where are flights leaving Russia going? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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The flight carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II shattered the record for the most tracked flight of all time, nearly doubling the record set just last month by Nancy Pelosi. We talk about the records the Queen’s last flight set, how it affected Flightradar24, and what’s happening behind the scenes to continue upgrades to …

The post AvTalk Episode 181: The Queen’s flight appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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The Royal Air Force flight carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin from Edinburgh to RAF Northolt near London set an all-time flight tracking record on Flightradar24 with 5 million people following along. 4.79 million people viewed the flight across Flightradar24 web and mobile app services and a further 296,000 followed the flight via YouTube live stream. …

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On this episode of AvTalk, Ian heads to Bordeaux to experience weightlessness aboard the Novespace / Air Zero G A310 with the German Aerospace Research Center. Novespace chairman and former astronaut Jean-François Clervoy explains the idea behind parabolic flight and pilot Bertrand Rameau teaches us how to fly a parabola in the A310. Plus, Russian …

The post AvTalk Episode 180: Parabolic flight on the Zero G A310 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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I check that my feet are planted shoulder width apart and my knees are bent as the announcement for the start of the third parabola calls out 30 seconds. Then 20, 10, 5, 3, 2,1. Pull up! Immediately, I feel heavier—1.8 times heavier as the pilots pull the aircraft through 30 and 40 degrees to …

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On this episode of AvTalk, Jason makes his way down to Washington on the CRJ-550, Ian prepares for the ride of a lifetime, a pair of Air France pilots duke it out mid-flight, and an aircraft sale that came as a big surprise. See Gabriel Leigh’s review of the CRJ-550 here. Simulating space with an …

The post AvTalk Episode 179: French fisticuffs on the flight deck appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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When you click on an airport pin on the map or an airport code when following a flight on Flightradar24, you’ll be taken to our airport information panel. At the top of the panel we feature a photo of the airport and we want you to submit your best airport photos for display on Flightradar24. …

The post Submit your best airport photos for inclusion on Flightradar24 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Brett Snyder from Crankyflier joins us to discuss his analysis of American Airlines’ order for up to 60 of Boom’s supersonic jets. Plus, big moves by US regional airlines, Aha! declares bankruptcy, and Happy Airways wants you to help get them off the ground. Air Wisconsin moving to American …

The post AvTalk Episode 178: Behold the AmeriBoom! appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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An Ethiopian Airlines flight from Khartoum to Addis Ababa approached the city and overflew the airport at 37,000 feet earlier this week, reportedly because both pilots were asleep on the flight deck. Media reports indicate that the pilots were awoken when the autopilot disconnected after the aircraft passed the airport. Early morning from Khartoum Flight …

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In this video we take a scientific approach to finally answering the European business class question definitively: is it worth the extra money or should you just go economy? (Okay, this is all highly subjective and not scientific at all, but it's still good fun.)

The post Video: Is Euro biz a waste of money? Air France A320 economy vs business head-to-head duel appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we try our hand a quick summer break, but can’t fully get away from the news. For that, Airline Weekly editor and AvTalk’s chief short answer correspondent drops by for a brief comment on American Airlines’ order for Boom’s supersonic jet. Digital towers revisited And we revisit our conversation …

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In this video we take a nice long overnight ride on the KLM 777-200 from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam in business class. Despite being an older plane with an old, inferior business class seat, the overall experience is surprisingly good.

The post Video: 777-200 power and KLM old business class: a journey from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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On this episode of AvTalk, Boeing resumes deliveries of the 787 after more than a year, Russia begins stripping planes for parts, and a Southwest flight makes a landing hard enough to fracture a flight attendant’s vertebra. Boeing resumes 787 deliveries Boeing delivered its first 787 in more than a year this week, sending a …

The post AvTalk Epiosde 176: The 787 returns appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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Each month we send out complete ADS-B receiver kits that include an ADS-B receiver, antennas, and all necessary cabling to qualified hosts to help increase flight tracking all around the world. You can apply to host one of our receivers or easily build your own. In July, we activated dozens of Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receivers and hundreds more home-built receivers on …

The post New Flightradar24 ADS-B Receivers Activated in July 2022 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

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The US Air Force C-40C operating as SPAR19 had a busy week in Asia. While the flight carrying US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Taipei became the most-tracked flight of all time on Flightradar24, the movements of the aircraft were closely watched from the time it departed Washington DC. SPAR19’s flights List of …

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