Boeing Sells U.K. Hangar to British Airways

British Airways has announced it will purchase the Boeing maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at London Gatwick Airport.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 02:59 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A British Airways Boeing 777 at London Heathrow. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

British Airways has announced it will purchase the Boeing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hangar at London Gatwick Airport.

The carrier stated in a Monday news release that the move will secure jobs at the site and expand British Airways’ presence at the airport.

“It will ultimately benefit BA customers by bringing additional skills, expertise and facilities into the business which will help to support the BA operation,” British Airways stated in the release.

Under the transaction agreement, British Airways will create a new wholly-owned subsidiary called British Airways Engineering Gatwick (BAEG), which will join the carrier’s current engineering operations in South Wales and Glasgow.

Boeing’s employees who work at the facility will be transferred to the new subsidiary in the second quarter of 2025 – subject to an “employee information and consultation process.”

British Airways stated the investment is in line with the carrier’s strategy to expand its engineering operations. Taking over the Boeing facility will enable the carrier to continue carrying out minor maintenance on Boeing 777 aircraft at the airport.

This increased capacity will also allow the airline to in-source some scheduled heavy maintenance work on its Airbus A320/A321 fleet.

“Longer-term, it’s expected the carrier will recruit additional colleagues and grow this new facility at Gatwick,” the release stated. “British Airways’ existing engineering operation at Gatwick is a vital part of the airline’s family, and its role and capability as a key engineering hub or ‘line station’ in the airline’s network will be enhanced with the hangar now under British Airways ownership.”

Andy Best, British Airways’ chief technical officer, said the purchase will help the carrier “be the very best in the business” by bringing the expertise of former Boeing workers and adding a large MRO hangar to BA’s portfolio of engineering facilities.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

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.

Duffy: Less Than 400 FAA Employees Fired

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said less than 400 probationary employees at the Federal Aviation Administration have been fired recently.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 02:14 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Southwest aircraft taxis in Austin. (Photo: Shutterstock | Ceri Breeze)

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said less than 400 probationary employees at the Federal Aviation Administration have been recently terminated.

In a scathing response to his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, Duffy said on X that zero air traffic controllers and critical safety personnel were let go during last weekend’s round of layoffs. A Department of Transportation spokesperson also confirmed the agency is continuing to onboard air traffic controllers and other safety positions, including technicians.

“Mayor Pete chose to use this amazing department—that is so critical to America’s success—as a slush fund for the green new scam and environmental justice nonsense,” he said in the post. “Not to mention that over 90% of the workforce under his leadership were working from home – including him. The building was empty!”

Mayor Pete failed for four years to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system. In less than four weeks, we have already begun the process and are engaging the smartest minds in the entire world.

Here’s the… https://t.co/LCL1dswC2T

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) February 18, 2025

The post was in response to a previous X post by Buttigieg demanding answers detailing how many personnel – and in what positions – were fired.

Duffy justified the decision to lay off less than 1% of the FAA’s 45,000-member workforce saying these probationary employees were hired less than a year ago.

On Monday, Elon Musk’s SpaceX employees visited the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center in New Baltimore, Virginia, to make improvements to the federal air traffic control system.

On Feb. 5, Musk said in a post on X that President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will aim to make “rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system.”

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

FAA Warns of Boeing 747 Water Leaks

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a new airworthiness directive for Boeing 747-400, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8i aircraft.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 01:55 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A UPS Boeing 747-8F (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a new airworthiness directive for certain Boeing 747-400, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8i aircraft. The directive, which goes into effect on March 21, 2025, requires the installation of additional safeguards to prevent water leaks from damaging critical electronics.

The AD was prompted by an incident in which multiple engine indicating and crew alerting system messages occurred during potable water servicing of a 747. Investigators later determined the cause was a separated fitting and water supply tube above an electronics cooling air filter.

To address this safety issue, the FAA is mandating several modifications depending on the specific aircraft configuration, including shrouds and shields over various water lines.

These changes aim to prevent water from leaking into the main electronics bay, which could impact multiple systems essential for safe flight. The FAA estimates the modifications will cost U.S. operators up to $1.2 million to implement across the affected fleet of 178 U.S.-registered aircraft.

Past Incident

In 2008, a Boeing 747-400 experienced widespread failures on approach to Bangkok after a galley leak allowed water to flood electronic components. Though the aircraft landed safely, several systems became inoperable, including the autopilot and the first officer’s instruments.

No scheduled U.S. airline operates the 747. However, the jet still remains in service with various charter and cargo operators.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Avianca Continues U.S. Expansion With Another New Route

According to Avianca, the new service complements the airline’s existing flights to Bogota and its recently announced route to Medellin, Colombia.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 12:56 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Avianca Airbus A320neo (Photo: Noah Escobar)

Avianca announced a new nonstop route connecting Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Managua, Nicaragua. The Latin American carrier continues to add new routes to the U.S.

The new route will operate with an Airbus A320neo aircraft, each with a capacity of up to 180 passengers. The airline expects the addition to contribute more than 2,500 seats per week between the two cities.

According to Avianca, the Fort Lauderdale-Managua service complements the airline’s existing flights to Bogota and its recently announced route to Medellin, Colombia. Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit also flies between its Fort Lauderdale hub and Managua.

“Avianca is committed to strengthening its network and providing travelers with more options. The launch of this new route between Fort Lauderdale and Managua underscores our dedication to connecting key markets and offering seamless access to the best destinations in Latin America,” said Rolando Damas, director of sales for Avianca in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe, in a news release.

Beginning on May 10, flights will operate on a daily basis. Recently, Avianca added flights between Bogota and Dallas/Fort Worth along with San Salvador, El Salvador, and Chicago O’Hare.

Ryan Ewing

Frontier Adds 14 Routes, Returns to Two Airports

Frontier plans to launch 14 new routes this spring, including resuming service to Boise, Idaho, and Spokane, Washington.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:35 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Frontier Airbus A320neo. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Frontier plans to launch 14 new routes this spring, including resuming service to Boise, Idaho, and Spokane, Washington.

The ultra-low-cost carrier last served Boise in 2021 and Spokane in 2022, according to Cirium Diio schedule data.

Additional Flights

From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport:

Miami and Philadelphia: Begins May 22, three times per week.

American currently serves all of these routes.

From Nashville International Airport:

Cleveland: Begins May 23, three times per week.

From Boise Airport:

Denver: Begins May 15, three times per week.

From Spokane International Airport:

Denver: Begins May 20, three times per week.

From Boston Logan International Airport:

Cleveland: Begins May 22, three times per week.

From Rafael Hernández Airport in Puerto Rico:

Miami: Begins May 24, weekly.

From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport:

Washington Dulles: Begins May 22, daily.
Norfolk, Virginia: Begins May 22, two times per week.

From Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas:

Tucson, Arizona: Begins May 22, three times per week.

From Los Angeles International Airport:

Chicago O’Hare and Philadelphia: Begins May 22, daily.

From Miami International Airport:

Washington Dulles: Begins May 22, daily.

From Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Washington Dulles: Begins May 22, three times per week.

Frontier’s February 2025 network expansion (Photo: gcmap)

The airline plans to roll out a new first class product later this year.

Ryan Ewing

Southwest Slashes Corporate Workforce

Southwest has never involuntarily furloughed or laid off workers in its 53-year history, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, February 17, 2025 at 05:32 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Southwest 737 MAX 8. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Southwest is cutting its corporate workforce, the airline said Monday. This move ‒ a first for the airline ‒ is set to impact roughly 1,750 jobs, or 15% of non-union workers, per a news release.

“We must improve how we work together, maximizing efficiencies and reducing costs. To achieve this goal, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce, almost entirely in Corporate and Leadership positions,” CEO Bob Jordan said in a memo to employees.

Jordan called the move “unprecedented” in the airline’s 53-year history. Southwest has never involuntarily furloughed or laid off workers, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Dallas-based airline continues to aggressively cut costs, including offering some early buyouts to front-line employees at various airports. Monday’s round of layoffs will only impact noncontract employees.

According to the release, these cuts include senior leadership and directors. Eleven senior leadership positions (vice president and above) will also be eliminated, the airline said. Separations will be “substantially complete” by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

With these layoffs, Southwest expects to save approximately $210 million in 2025 and $300 million in 2026. “We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” Jordan stated in the release.

Most employees will no longer work for the company, but will continue to be on payroll until late April.

Ryan Ewing

Latest: Delta CRJ-900 Crashes While Landing in Toronto

Delta flight 4819 is involved. The CRJ-900, which was operated by Delta regional subsidiary Endeavor Air, was flying from Minneapolis to Toronto.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, February 17, 2025 at 03:05 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Endeavor Air CRJ-900 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

A Delta Connection flight has crashed in Toronto, with multiple injuries reported so far.

Delta flight 4819 is involved. The CRJ-900, which was operated by Delta regional subsidiary Endeavor Air, was flying from Minneapolis to Toronto.

Photos on X show the aircraft upside down in the snow. In another post, the airport confirmed that all passengers and crew members were “accounted for.”

pic.twitter.com/sgfflk4Hlu

— Joe San Diego (@KenPlatt45) February 17, 2025

“Delta Connection flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air using a CRJ900 aircraft, was involved in a single-aircraft accident at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) around 3:30p ET on Monday. The flight originated from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP),” the airline said in a statement.

18 passengers with injuries were transported to local hospitals, Delta added. Four crew members and 76 passengers were on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed all 80 people evacuated the CRJ.

“Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada around 2:45 p.m. local time on Monday, February 17,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement. “All 80 people on board were evacuated. The CRJ-900 departed Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada will be in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates.”

According to CTV News, at least three people are critically injured.

ATC Audio at the time that EDV4819 was on approach and flipped over. CYYZ Tower
byu/Aiden_Dijakovic inaviation

This is a developing story.

Ryan Ewing

Scores of FAA Employees Fired as SpaceX Plans Facility Visit

The Federal Aviation Administration has laid off hundreds of probationary employees as the agency planned a visit from Elon Musk’s employees.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Monday, February 17, 2025 at 01:50 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Air traffic control tower in St. Louis. (Photo: Shutterstock | ArtByArthur)

The Federal Aviation Administration has laid off hundreds of probationary employees as the agency planned a visit from Elon Musk’s employees on Monday.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated in a Sunday post on X that members of the SpaceX team would be visiting the Air Traffic Control System Command Center in New Baltimore, Virginia, on Monday to make improvements to the federal air traffic control system.

“America deserves safe, state-of-the-art air travel, and President Trump has ordered that I deliver a new, world-class air traffic control system that will be the envy of the world,” Duffy said in the post. “To do that, I need advice from the brightest minds in America. I’m asking for help from any high-tech American developer or company that is willing to give back to our country.”

America deserves safe, state-of-the-art air travel, and President Trump has ordered that I deliver a new, world-class air traffic control system that will be the envy of the world.

To do that, I need advice from the brightest minds in America.

I’m asking for help from any…

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) February 17, 2025

On Saturday, the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union issued a statement denouncing the termination of “several hundred” of its probationary employees at the FAA.

PASS stated that these employees were sent messages from a non-governmental email address late Friday night. The union said it was possible that other employees will be notified over the weekend or barred from entering FAA buildings on Tuesday following Monday’s federal holiday.

“We are troubled and disappointed by the administration’s decision to fire FAA probationary employees PASS represents without cause nor based on performance or conduct,” said David Spero, National President of PASS, in the statement.

“These are not nameless, faceless bureaucrats,” he continued. “They are our family, friends and neighbors. They contribute to our communities. Many military veterans are among them. It is shameful to toss aside dedicated public servants who have chosen to work on behalf of their fellow Americans.”

Spero concluded his statement by saying the decision to fire these employees was “hastily made,” “did not focus on mission-critical needs and was harmful to employees.

Early reports indicate the layoffs will impact around 300 PASS-represented employees.

Positions affected, according to PASS, include maintenance staff, aeronautical information specialists, environmental protection specialists, aviation safety assistants, and administrative personnel.

Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg posted on X Monday saying the flying public “needs answers” regarding how many FAA personnel were fired, what specific positions were affected, and why they were let go.

AirlineGeeks reached out to the FAA for comment.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Southwest Becomes IATA Member

Southwest added that its IATA membership will benefit the carrier in several ways, including partnerships and a broader voice within the travel industry.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, February 17, 2025 at 12:56 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Southwest 737. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Southwest has officially joined the International Air Transport Association. The Dallas-based carrier was welcomed into the global airline trade group last week.

IATA is made up of around 340 airlines from around the world and was established 80 years ago. Thirty-six new airlines – including Southwest – have joined the association in 2024 and 2025.

“The membership gives Southwest a voice in shaping the policies and procedures that govern our industry, and more access to resources that help level the playing field with more capabilities for us to be competitive,” the company stated in an internal memo.

In November, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the airline was looking at joining the group, but no decisions had been made. IATA Director General Willie Walsh also said during Skift’s Aviation Forum that he would welcome Southwest.

Southwest added that its IATA membership will benefit the carrier in several ways, including partnerships and a broader voice within the travel industry. The airline just recently formalized a partnership with Icelandair.

An airline spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that Southwest joined IATA last week.

Last month, Southwest completed IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). “IOSA represents the highest global standard for airline operational safety that is respected by regulators worldwide and well-established as a cornerstone for airline partnerships,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president operations, safety, and security, in a January news release.

Ryan Ewing

FlyDubai Looks to GoFirst for Indian Market Entry

UAE-based low-cost carrier FlyDubai has been looking at the acquisition of Indian airline GoFirst, reports Business Standard.

Sam Jakobi

Monday, February 17, 2025 at 11:10 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A flydubai 737 MAX 8 performing a test flight at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

UAE-based low-cost carrier FlyDubai has been looking at the acquisition of Indian airline GoFirst, reports Business Standard.

The move would be collaborative with Busy Bee Airways, in order to revive the brand. The company has claimed to have no interest in purchasing physical assets, such as aircraft or GoFirst’s large plot of land near Mumbai, but rather the branding and airport slots.

GoFirst, which filed for Bankruptcy in 2023, has faced offers from Busy Bee before. They originally offered to purchase the airline in March 2024, however withdrew their proposal, before citing that it could still be on offer. Now, the move looks more possible in a joint effort with FlyDubai.

GoFirst was originally founded in 2005, competing in the domestic market with airlines such as SpiceJet and Air India Express. It was the first airline to voluntarily seek bankruptcy in India and blamed American engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney for its downfall.

The offer currently stands at 10 Billion Rupees ($115 Million) for the complete purchase. Currently, according to the Indian government’s regulations, while 100% foreign investments in the Indian aviation industry are legal, any offer over 49% is subject to government approval and intense scrutiny.

This means that Busy Bee is currently waiting for approval from the NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal) in order for the deal to go ahead.

Sam Jakobi

Sam Jakobi is a young aviation journalist based in London, U.K. A lifelong Airbus fan, he has adored aviation for as long as he can remember. Sam writes articles and conducts interviews with members of the aviation community.