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uAvionix vice president of general aviation Shane Woodson
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AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
An EVA Air 777-300ER in Los Angeles (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Taipei-based carrier EVA Air has confirmed it is starting a new service between its base at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. The flight will be operated three times a week as of Oct. 3 instead of November as previously reported by AirlineGeeks, and will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration.
The outbound flight will depart at 7.10 p.m. local time from Taipei on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and will arrive in Dallas at 7.30 p.m. local time on the same day. The inbound flight will operate on the same days departing Dallas at 10.50 p.m. and arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at 4.05 a.m. two days later.
This is the seventh destination in the U.S. served by EVA Air after Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle, and the ninth in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
Historic Cargo Destination
“EVA Air has been operating cargo service to and from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport since 1998. Now, we are seeing strong passenger demand for this route due to the influx of numerous companies in recent years and strong economic and population growth. Dallas has become one of Texas’ economic and commercial centers,” said EVA Air President Clay Sun.
“The opening of the direct passenger flight to Dallas makes us the only airline in Asia to operate two routes to Texas. As the third largest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic and transfer to major cities in the United States, Central and South America, having service in this market creates more convenience for our passengers.”
EVA Air is a privately owned airline affiliated with the global container-shipping company Evergreen that has been operating since 1989. It currently operates a fleet of 87 Airbus and Boeing passenger and cargo aircraft, and 51 new aircraft are ordered to be delivered by the end of the decade.
Vanni fell in love with commercial aviation during his undergraduate studies in Statistics at the University of Bologna, when he prepared his thesis on the effects of deregulation on the U.S. and European aviation markets. Then he pursued his passion further by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Air Transport Management at Cranfield University in the U.K. followed by holding several management positions at various start-up carriers in Europe (Jet2, SkyEurope, Silverjet). After moving to Canada, he was Business Development Manager for IATA for nine years before turning to his other passion: sports writing.
Hawaiian Makes Moves at Two Airports
As of this week, Hawaiian’s services in Los Angeles are now operating out of Terminal 6, where Alaska is already based. The carrier is also moving in New York.
Hawaiian A330 in Los Angeles (Photo: Shutterstock | Angel DiBilio)
Alaska and Hawaiian have announced the co-location of their airport operations at several U.S. airports.
The initiative includes Hawaiian relocating to Alaska’s terminals in Los Angeles and New York-JFK. As of this week, Hawaiian’s services in Los Angeles are now operating out of Terminal 6, where Alaska is already based.
At JFK, Hawaiian transitioned from Terminal 4 to Terminal 8 on Tuesday, with full co-location with Alaska expected by October, following Alaska’s move from Terminal 7. Alaska already operates some flights from Terminal 8.
According to the airlines, the move is designed to enhance operational efficiency and convenience by situating gates, ticket counters, and other facilities in close proximity. In some locations, the airlines will share fully integrated spaces.
“The new long-term lease at Terminal 8 and our resulting move strengthen our commitment to enhancing the guest experience, improving employee spaces and driving better economic outcomes for our JFK operation,” said Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, revenue products and real estate at Alaska, in a news release.
“Terminal 8 is home to American Airlines — our long-standing oneworld partner — and this move demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering seamless connectivity for our guests. After two years of thoughtful evaluation, we’re excited to be closer to American and other global partners to better serve guests.”
American Airlines JFK Terminal 8 check-in. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Tom Pallini)
As part of the alliance integration, First Class travelers on both Alaska and Hawaiian now have access to American’s premium lounges at Terminal 8.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Picture yourself soaring through the sky aboard a private luxury jet, catering to celebrities on their way to film festivals. Or imagine yourself aboard a charter aircraft, flying into conflict zones to deliver military personnel.
Flight attendants serve in roles far beyond the familiar scene of a smiling crew member performing the safety demonstration or pushing a beverage cart down the aisle of a commercial airliner.
While most people associate flight attendants with major airlines and passenger service, the scope of flight attendant work is far more diverse and fascinating. From private charters and corporate jets to military missions and government operations, these professionals work in unique environments, support specialized passengers, and adapt to high-stakes circumstances.
Whether you’re intrigued by the glamour of VIP service or the sense of pride derived from serving your country, the world of flight attendant careers is broader and more specialized than most ever imagine.
Private Jet Flight Attendants
Private jet companies cater to high-net-worth individuals. Unlike their commercial airline counterparts, they typically work on smaller, private aircraft where the focus is on flexibility, privacy, and attention to detail. While many of these jets are owned and operated by companies, some individuals own their own private jets as well.
In addition to standard safety and service duties, flight attendants are often expected to create a tailored experience for each VIP client. This can include curating gourmet meals, offering expert wine pairings, arranging last-minute details like ground transportation, and anticipating needs before they are even expressed. Discretion, professionalism, and adaptability are essential in this role.
NetJets aircraft (Photo: NetJets)
Flight attendants working on private jets must have the skills required of their airline counterparts, such as customer service experience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. However, they also often possess more specialized skills and backgrounds like training in fine dining etiquette, sommelier-level wine knowledge, and high-end concierge service.
While the role offers benefits such as luxury travel, access to exclusive destinations, and the potential for higher pay, it also comes with challenges. Schedules can be unpredictable, clients may have demanding or specific expectations, and time away from home can be frequent. Despite the pressures, many consider it a rewarding career for those who thrive in a high-end, fast-paced environment.
Corporate Aviation Flight Attendants
Working in the business world, flight attendants on corporate jets support the travel needs of executives and business teams. These jets can be owned by companies that specialize in corporate jet operations, or by large companies like Walmart that have their own fleets of private jets.
Flight attendants working on corporate jets have jobs centered on professionalism, efficiency, and discretion, with a focus on ensuring that passengers can maximize productivity while in the air. Corporate aviation flight attendants may also often work closely with a company’s flight department and executive assistants to plan trips, coordinate catering, and manage passenger preferences. They are responsible for creating a seamless travel experience, from greeting executives on the tarmac to providing a quiet, well-organized cabin conducive to work or rest.
As is the case with other private jet flight attendants, cabin crew working on corporate jets should have strong customer service and organization skills. Meanwhile, they also require a solid grasp of business etiquette and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. These professionals must also be excellent communicators, capable of anticipating needs and adjusting quickly to changing schedules or itineraries.
One of the advantages of working in corporate aviation is the potential for more predictable schedules and the opportunity to build rapport with a regular group of passengers. Some companies use private jets to avoid overnight hotel stays, allowing crew members to return to the same airport within a day. However, the role may also include administrative duties such as inventory management or coordinating ground logistics. For those who thrive in a professional environment and want to avoid the general traveling public flying on the airlines, business aviation offers a rewarding and stable career path.
Military Flight Attendants
For those with a desire to serve their country, the United States Air Force (USAF) offers the unique opportunity of being a flight attendant in the military. These aircrew work on the USAF’s fleet of VIP transport aircraft, serving government officials and other distinguished guests, all the way up to the Vice President and President.
Like their corporate and private jet counterparts, military flight attendants have to maintain an atmosphere of professionalism and privacy while ensuring a comfortable and productive environment. While many of the onboard tasks performed by USAF flight attendants are like those on corporate and private jets, they are also responsible for sourcing and preparing the food served to their government travelers.
USAF flight attendants are all trained military members who have conducted Air Force Basic Military Training. On top of that, they also complete the USAF’s Basic Flight Attendant Course, which covers topics like general flight attendant knowledge, survival exercises, emergency procedures, and culinary knowledge. Most USAF flight attendants are cross-trained from other Air Force specialties, but some do enter the field straight from Basic Training.
Military flight attendants have the opportunity to serve their country while traveling the world. The role comes with the benefits of being in the military but also requires flight attendants to conform to the USAF’s strict standards and regulations. The job can come with the need to relocate, potentially unpredictable and demanding schedules, and long periods away from home.
Charter Airline Flight Attendants
For those looking for variety and adventure in their aviation career, working as a flight attendant for a charter airline offers a unique and dynamic experience. Charter airline flight attendants serve a wide range of passengers, from sports teams and tour groups to corporate clients and government personnel, sometimes flying to destinations not served by commercial carriers.
The actual tasks performed by charter airline flight attendants often mirror those of their large airline counterparts: performing safety functions, providing food and beverage service, and taking care of their passengers. However, the level and type of service provided on each flight can vary greatly, depending on the client and trip.
Charter flight attendants need to possess many of the same skills and abilities of other types of flight attendants. A key difference between their job and their airline colleagues is that charter airlines can have unpredictable schedules with different destinations. While a scheduled commercial airline might offer daily or weekly service to an airport, a charter airline might only fly to a particular destination once for a particular contract.
While the role of a charter flight attendant can include long hours and unpredictable travel, it also offers the opportunity to visit a wide variety of locations and work with diverse groups of people. Charter flying may be a good fit for those who thrive on change and enjoy a fast-paced, non-routine work environment.
The Vast World of Flight Attendant Opportunities
The work of flight attendants extends far beyond the aisles of commercial airliners. From luxury private jets to military aircraft and charter services, these roles demand specialized skills ranging from fine dining service and business etiquette to adaptability and discretion.
Each path offers its own rewards and challenges, whether it’s the glamour of VIP travel, the structure of business aviation, or the adventure of military flying. For those with a passion for service and a love of flight, the sky truly is not the limit. It is a window to a career filled with extraordinary opportunities above and beyond the traditional airline route.
Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 in San Francisco. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Alaska plans to add three new routes from San Diego starting later this year. With this added service, the carrier says it will serve 44 destinations from the Southern California city with over 90 peak-day departures.
Chicago
Beginning on Oct. 4, the airline will link San Diego and Chicago O’Hare with three times daily service. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 737 series aircraft.
Service between San Diego and Denver will start on Oct. 4. Flights will operate three times per day on a mix of 737s and Embraer E175 aircraft.
The airline will go head-to-head with Frontier, Southwest, and United on this route.
A Horizon Air E175 in Seattle (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Phoenix
The Seattle-based airline plans to connect San Diego and Phoenix starting on Aug. 20. Flights will operate three times daily on a 737.
American, Frontier, and Southwest also link Phoenix and San Diego.
“We’re proud to already serve San Diego and the surrounding region with the most nonstop destinations from San Diego. These exciting new additions to our network further expand our ability to take San Diegans directly to where they want to go, better than any other airline, with our premium onboard service and global loyalty program,” Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci said in a news release.
Additional Frequencies
In addition to the new routes, Alaska plans to bolster service in existing markets. Beginning on Oct. 26, its routes from San Diego to Las Vegas; Sacramento and San Jose, California; and Salt Lake City, will each see two extra daily frequencies.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
This callsign was officially approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for the period of Sept. 21 to Oct. 15, 2015. The papal charter was the seventh time that American, and previously TWA, had transported a pope.
The pope’s itinerary included stops in Washington, New York City, and Philadelphia before he returned to Rome. American’s crew for this mission comprised personnel from various locations, including Dallas/Fort Worth; Chicago; Los Angeles; Miami; New York; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The team represented a diverse array of backgrounds and faiths, the airline said in a news release at the time.
In recognition of this event, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier installed a commemorative plaque inside the aircraft near the L2 door. The plaque, manufactured by its teams in Tulsa, reads:
“This aircraft served as ‘Shepherd One’ during Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States from September 24-28, 2015: Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Rome.”
Papal plaque on American 777 (Photo: American Airlines)
The seat used by Pope Francis during the flight was removed during a subsequent retrofit of the aircraft and is now part of the collection at the C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Pope’s Travels
It isn’t uncommon for popes to travel around the world, and Francis was no exception. Italian flag carrier Alitalia typically flew the papal entourage.
However, ITA Airways took over these missions soon after the carrier began operations in 2021. Pope Francis referred to the airline as “the Pope’s wings that allow me to fly to the ends of the earth bringing the Gospel of hope and peace.”
On Monday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had passed away at 88 years old. He was the first Latin American pontiff.
“His death leaves an immense void in our hearts and in our lives,” an ITA news release stated. “His words of peace, gestures of mercy and constant call for brotherhood among peoples will remain a beacon for future generations.”
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Alaska will serve one fewer country by the end of this year. The carrier confirmed Monday that it will no longer operate scheduled flights to the Bahamas.
An Alaska Boeing 737-900ER. (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
Alaska will serve one fewer country by the end of this year. The carrier confirmed Monday that it will no longer operate scheduled flights to the Bahamas.
In its latest schedule update, the Seattle-based airline axed a handful of routes, including flights between Washington Dulles and San Francisco along with Los Angeles. An airline spokesperson attributed this change to a lull in demand “potentially connected to economic uncertainty and a decrease in government-related travel.”
International Changes
But the airline will also completely exit Nassau, Bahamas, in August. Alaska started service to Nassau in 2023.
The market was served from both Los Angeles and Seattle on a seasonal basis.
Service from Los Angeles to Nassau ends this summer, with the last flight operating on Aug. 17. The airline’s Seattle-to-Nassau route will not resume next season after it stops this month, the spokesperson added.
“For the past year and a half, we’ve tried a variety of strategies to make the route financially successful from both Seattle and LAX,” the spokesperson said.
At 2,886 miles, the airline’s Seattle-to-Nassau flight is one of its longest during the winter months.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
A Delta A330-300 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
A Delta Airbus A330-300 suffered a reported engine fire on the ground in Orlando, Florida, on Monday. The aircraft – registered as N807NW – was operating flight 1213 to Atlanta when a fire was reported while the jet was leaving the gate.
So far, no injuries have been reported among the 282 passengers, a Delta spokesperson said. 10 flight attendants and two pilots were also on board. Passengers evacuated the aircraft via slides.
“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience. Nothing is more important than safety and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible,” the spokesperson stated.
Delta 1213 fire (Photo: Dylan Wallace)
Photos on social media show flames near the jet’s No. 2 Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engine.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.
“Delta Air Lines Flight 1213 was pushing back from the gate for departure at Orlando International Airport around 11:15 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21, when an engine caught fire. Passengers evacuated the aircraft using slides,” an FAA spokesperson said. “The Airbus A330 was headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.”
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
The staggered 2-2, 1-1 layout of SAS Business on its A321LR (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
A lot has happened in the past year for SAS; it left the Star Alliance and joined SkyTeam, and with this change, it has moved around network operations, especially in North America, to fit its new partnerships. The airline has expanded at SkyTeam hubs such as New York-JFK with more service and aircraft upguages, as well as a new nonstop flight to Seattle.
For this flight, I would be flying in SAS business class to New York from its hub in Copenhagen, on board one of the carrier’s Airbus A321LRs.
This would be my first time ever crossing between mainland Europe and North America on a narrowbody aircraft.
Day of the Flight
I got to the airport about four hours before the flight, and with my business class ticket, I got access to the airline lounge in Copenhagen.
The lobby of the SAS lounge in Copenhagen (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Like I mentioned already, at the time I took this trip, the airline was still part of Star Alliance so some of the signs do say “Star Alliance” in the pictures, but they have since been changed to SkyTeam as of September 2024.
The lounge was very nice and clean, and despite there being a lot of people, its massive size helped spread everyone out. On offer was a typical European breakfast with lots of cheese and vegetables, and it was on the lighter side.
About an hour and a half before the departure time, I started making my way to the gate as I needed to pass through customs, as the lounge is located in the general area of the airport before customs.
Walking towards my departure gate in Copenhagen for the flight to JFK (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
It’s interesting as SAS currently says they have 10 destinations in North America, however, they technically fly to 11 airports as they count Newark and JFK in New York City as a single destination.
The departure board for my flight to JFK (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
My aircraft for this flight is SE–DMR, an Airbus A321neoLR. This registration was actually the very first of the type that was delivered to the airline in September 2021 and carries the name ‘Åsa Viking.’ It wasn’t very long after getting to the gate that we started the boarding process for the flight.
SAS’ A321LRs have seven rows of business class in a staggered 2–2 and 1 – 1 configuration, with the odd-numbered rows being in the 2 x 2 configuration, and the even-numbered rows being in a 1×1 configuration. I would be sitting in 3F, one of the 2 x 2 configured rows.
Waiting for me at my seat was a pillow and blanket as well as an amenity kit. Not long after sitting down, the crew came around with our pre-departure drinks, which were a choice of orange juice, water, or champagne.
My pre-departure drink on SAS to JFK (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Prior to pushing back, they also came around and took our orders for the main course, of which we had a choice of three options. The options were either beef, chicken, or pasta, and I chose the beef, which I will discuss more further down.
Pushback as well as taxi to the runway didn’t take very long, and we took off into the sky for our just over eight-hour flight to JFK in New York.
Departing from Copenhagen on the SAS A321LR (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
In-Flight
All of the seats in the SAS business cabin on this flight, turn into a lie-flat bed, no matter if you are in a 1×1 or 2×2 row, with the1×1 “throne seats” having extra table space on either side of you. But even in the 2 x 2 seats, there is still plenty of room.
Next to you, there was a control panel for the seat that would turn it into a bed as well as turn on the seating lights, along with a massage feature on the back of the seat. There is also a retractable remote that way you didn’t have to lean forward and touch the screen if you were in the reclined position. There was also a more in-depth panel to control the seat movement near shoulder level.
Also near your shoulder level is a power outlet along with two USB-A ports, and a three-pronged headphone jack for the noise-canceling headphones that they let you borrow during the flight.
My amenity kit in SAS Business (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
In the amenity kit, there were socks, an eye mask, as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste, plus earplugs. All of which was presented very nicely in an amenity kit that looks like you could use it again.
It didn’t take very long before we got up to our cruising altitude of 34,000 feet/10,363.20 meters.
Roughly 20 minutes after takeoff, they brought around the tablecloth as well as a hot towel to get ready for the meal. First, they came out with warm nuts, as well as a choice of drink, and I chose what they call an “SAS mopolitan.”
After about an hour after the initial takeoff, they brought around the starter along with our choice of the main course. For a starter I chose a mixed salad that came with roasted and puffed seeds, local air-dried ham with smoky cream cheese and roasted pickled rhubarb, along with homemade bread and local butter.
My starter course in SAS Business to JFK (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Next came the main course, which for me was the smoked beef burnt ends, and came with red wine sauce, thyme and pearl onions, fried potato, along with tomatoes and green beans.
The main course I chose on SAS: beef (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
To round out the excellent meal service on board this flight, there was dessert and you had a choice of two options; I chose the organic ice cream, which was vanilla ice cream pop that was coated in chocolate, and had fruit on the side.
My dessert on board SAS Business (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Before settling in for the rest of the flight, I decided to take a look at the inflate entertainment screen in front of me.
The large IFE screen had a lot of useful information that would keep you busy during the flight, and included many options, such as world clocks, movies, TV, information about SAS, how to connect to the Wi-Fi, as well as as of course a live flight map, which was always fun to look at especially as an AvGeek.
The IFE screen onboard my SAS Business flight to JFK (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
On the IFE screen, they also gave you a list of the drink options that you could order during the flight, including an SAS-branded beer.
Two hours after initial takeoff, the meal service had been pretty much cleaned up by this point, and I decided to settle in, turn my seat into the lie-flat position, and try and get some sleep. I got some relatively decent sleep for the next five or so hours, especially considering this was a westbound daytime flight.
Getting ready to sleep for a majority of the flight (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
I did eventually wake up to the smell of food, which usually tends to be what wakes me up during flights. The flight attendants began handing out the hot towels for the pre-arrival meal. At this point in the flight, there was about an hour or so left, and we were over New Brunswick in Canada.
Starting our descent into JFK (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Just like the main course hours prior, you also had a choice for the pre-arrival meal, and there were two options for this as well: either a vegetarian meal or a sandwich, and I chose the sandwich option. It was a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich, which had Atlantic shrimp, dill mayonnaise, eggs, pickled red onions, where was all on Danish rye bread. There was also a bowl of fruit along with a small box of Swedish chocolates on the side for dessert, and of course, your choice of drink.
My pre-arrival meal (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
About 40–45 minutes before landing, the service ended and the crew started cleaning up for the arrival into JFK, and 15 minutes before arrival, they turned the seatbelt sign on.
Just before landing, they showed a video on the screen that showed all the passengers how to get ready for the arrival, including putting away bags and storing anything they may have taken out during this flight across the Atlantic.
Approaching JFK, with NYC in the background (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
We touched down at JFK airport in New York at 3:32 p.m. local time after eight hours and 16 minutes of flying time from Copenhagen.
Conclusion
As mentioned previously, this is my first time flying a narrow-body aircraft between mainland Europe and the United States. It was weird at first flying across the ocean on a single aisle aircraft as I had never done it before this point, but I would definitely do it again given the opportunity.
Just after landing at JFK following my SAS flight from Copenhagen (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
A video account of this trip report can be found below:
Editor’s Note: SAS provided AirlineGeeks with a seat on this flight, but this trip report is an objective portrayal of the events and is in no way swayed by that aspect.
Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.
Boeing Accused of Stonewalling in MAX Case
The case stems from the well-publicized issues with Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft, which was grounded worldwide in 2019 following two fatal crashes.
Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Boeing is facing accusations of deliberately obstructing the discovery process in a lawsuit over its 737 MAX and 787 aircraft. The plaintiffs, which include subsidiaries of Norwegian Air, have filed a motion to compel Boeing to produce documents and appoint a special discovery master, citing months of delays and evasive tactics by the manufacturer.
The motion, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on Thursday, alleges that Boeing has failed to respond adequately to discovery requests dating back to July 2024. According to the plaintiffs, Boeing initially responded only with “boilerplate objections” and a statement that it believed discovery was unwarranted due to its pending motion to dismiss the case.
“Boeing’s pattern of stonewalling and delay jeopardizes the Parties’ ability to complete discovery under even the extended case schedule that Boeing has proposed,” the filing states. “Moreover, Plaintiffs have significant concerns about Boeing’s good faith compliance with discovery obligations, given what appears, in this and related cases, to be the Boeing playbook of repeated delay, resistance, and obfuscation.”
Despite repeated attempts by the plaintiffs to move the discovery process forward, Boeing allegedly continued to delay, failing to produce documents or provide clear information about what it would agree to produce. The motion claims that Boeing did not begin producing any documents until January 2025, nearly six months after the initial requests were served.
The plaintiffs argue that Boeing has waived its right to object to the discovery requests by failing to assert timely, specific objections as required by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. They also accuse Boeing of attempting to unilaterally narrow the scope of discovery by limiting searches to specific aircraft rather than the types of aircraft at issue in the case.
In their motion, the plaintiffs are asking the court to strike Boeing’s objections, order immediate production of responsive documents, and appoint a special discovery master to oversee the process. They argue that Boeing’s tactics have significantly prejudiced their ability to prepare their case, which alleges fraudulent misrepresentations about the safety and reliability of Boeing aircraft.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
