Asia’s largest low-cost carrier Air Asia is considering introducing flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa.
Flights to South Africa
Air Asia’s Chief Commercial Officer Paul Carroll told Tourism Update that the carrier is exploring options for scheduled flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
“We are still negotiating this but hope to have the flights in place by the fourth quarter of 2025.” Carroll said. He noted that the Nairobi route will be used as a case study for route expansion into Africa.
“The Nairobi route will test demand for flights into and from Africa,” he said.
The route will be operated four times a week, using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, seating up to 377 passengers.
The eight-hour service is expected to carry 16,000 passengers between Nairobi and Malaysia in 2024. In 2025, more than 140,000 passengers are projected to travel on this route.
Previous Indian Ocean Route
The airline’s new Nairobi route marks Air Asia’s first real foray into Africa. In 2016, Air Asia commenced scheduled services from Kuala Lumpur to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
However, Air Asia terminated the route in 2017, deciding to redeploy the aircraft in more profitable markets.
Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.
How Airports Are Preparing for Hurricane Milton
Major airports throughout the state have halted operations completely, including Tampa International Airport, which shut down on Tuesday morning.
Crew secure airfield equipment ahead of Hurricane Milton (Photo: Tampa International Airport)
Florida is bracing for Hurricane Milton as it barrels toward the state’s Gulf Coast. Airlines have canceled 2,400 flights so far on Wednesday in preparation for the storm, according to FlightAware.
Major airports throughout the state have halted operations completely, including Tampa International Airport, which shut down on Tuesday morning. Orlando International Airport remains open but has paused all commercial operations.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport also closed on Tuesday afternoon.
Crews at Tampa International Airport brace for Hurricane Milton (Photo: Tampa International Airport)
‘Batten Down the Hatches’
Tampa is among the cities set to be hit the hardest by Milton. The city’s main airport — the state’s fourth-busiest — shut down early to prepare facilities for the storm. John Tiliacos, the airport’s executive vice president of airport operations, said this process takes up to 24 hours.
“Our team has been planning and executing all of the preparation that we need to take for Hurricane Milton’s arrival,” Tiliacos said during a press conference.
In a Facebook post, the airport said its team has been working around the clock to “batten down the hatches.” The airport has 58 jet bridges, each of which needs to be chained down, which can take around an hour each to complete.
Crews secure airport equipment (Photo: Tampa International Airport)
Aircraft and other airfield equipment also need to be secured in advance of the storm.
“Tampa International Airport is extremely close to Tampa Bay and storm surge and flooding are a top concern for us. … [I]f you consider that we may potentially face 10 to 15 feet of storm surge, we are talking about a lot of water that will find its way onto the airport,” Tiliacos added.
Crews secure jet bridges in Tampa (Photo: Tampa International Airport)
The airport says it will reopen after a damage assessment is conducted.
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.
Aero and JSX aircraft (Photo - Top: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson | Bottom - JSX)
Both Aero and JSX operate so-called semiprivate flights on Embraer aircraft. This week, the two carriers announced new and returning routes.
Aero Adds New Service
From its base in Van Nuys, California, Aero serves just a handful of markets, including Aspen, Colorado; Sun Valley, Idaho; Napa and Palm Springs, California; and Los Cabos, Mexico. In December, the carrier plans to add Las Vegas to its route map.
On Nov. 23, Aero will operate a one-time “Jet In, Jet Out” flight between Van Nuys and Las Vegas for the Grand Prix race. Just over a month later, on Dec. 27, the carrier will add regular service between the two cities.
“The experience of flying Aero is seamless and elegant — it’s the ideal way to travel to a destination like Las Vegas. Our new service takes inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood when stars would jet between Los Angeles and Las Vegas for a weekend of glitz and the kind of escape that only Las Vegas can provide,” said CEO Ben Klein in a news release. “Jetting to Vegas on Aero means that the fun will begin the moment guests arrive at our private airport terminal.”
Regular flights between Van Nuys and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport are slated to operate twice per week, on Fridays and Sundays.
Aero’s Embraer E135 jets can accommodate up to 16 passengers and operate via fixed-base operators (FBOs). The carrier just recently added Napa and Palm Springs earlier this year.
JSX Returns to New Mexico Town
Thanks to a partnership with the local community, JSX is returning to Taos, New Mexico, this winter. The popular ski town received over $8.4 million in funding from the state of New Mexico to attract JSX’s service.
From Taos, JSX will serve Dallas; Carlsbad and Burbank, California; and Austin starting Dec. 9. Flights are slated to operate once daily, four days per week.
Onboard the recently refurbished JSX E-145. (Photo: AirlineGeeks: Mateen Kontoravdis)
“JSX is thrilled to return to Taos this winter, offering the region’s only regular air service to communities across America,” added David Drabinsky, JSX’s chief commercial officer, in a news release. “We take pride in our ongoing commitment to the State of New Mexico and look forward to connecting travelers to the Enchanted Circle’s pristine skiing, fine arts and culture, and noteworthy cuisine.”
The carrier currently serves Denver and Las Vegas from the New Mexico town. Similar to Aero, JSX’s fleet is equipped with just 30 seats, flying to and from FBOs and smaller airports that have little to no commercial service.
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 Turkish Airlines A350-900XWB (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Turkish Airlines flight 204 from Seattle to Istanbul diverted to New York-JFK on Wednesday after the captain passed away while in flight.
An airline spokesperson confirmed the pilot’s death on Twitter/X, adding that he initially fainted during the flight.
“When the first medical intervention to our captain on the plane was ineffective, the cockpit crew consisting of 1 captain and 1 co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but our captain lost his life before landing,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
At 59 years old, Capt. Ilcehin Pehlivan was a 17-year veteran of the carrier. His last airman medical examination was in March, the airline noted, which found no issues.
“As the Turkish Airlines family, we wish God’s mercy upon our captain and patience to his grieving family, all his colleagues and loved ones,” the spokesperson added.
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 Boeing 737 MAX tail in Renton (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety alert to airlines Monday warning certain Boeing 737 rudders could become jammed or restricted.
In the FAA’s Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) statement, the agency said that operators of Boeing 737 NG and 737 MAX jets equipped with Collins Aerospace SVO-730 RRGA should instruct flight crews that the rudder control system could become jammed or restricted in flight or during landing.
The FAA stated that this can occur due to moisture that could accumulate and freeze in the Rudder Rollout Guidance Actuator (RRGA).
“If the rudder restriction condition is encountered in flight, Boeing recommends flight crews follow the Jammed or Restricted Flight Controls Non-Normal Checklist (NNC),” the statement continued. “If this rudder restriction is encountered on the ground, use differential braking to maintain runway centerline. Avoid using nosewheel steering above 100 Knots Indicated Airspeed (KIAS) unless necessary for airplane control as a potential for overcontrol exists.”
The FAA also recommends that operators familiarize themselves with the information in Boeing’s Multi-Operator Message (MOM) 24-0142-02B. More on this is available in the full SAFO, which can be read here.
This safety alert comes after a rudder pedal anomaly occurred on a United 737 MAX 8 landing in Newark earlier this year. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigating the incident issued urgent safety recommendations in September concerning the Collins Aerospace-supplied rudder control systems on Boeing 737 NG and 737 MAX aircraft.
NTSB Blasts FAA
A week later on September 30, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy blasted the FAA in a letter for not taking the potential rudder jamming “more seriously.”
“Boeing’s August 23, 2024, Multi Operator Message stated that 353 affected actuator units were delivered to Boeing starting in February 2017,” Homendy stated in the letter, published on X/Twitter by CNN Correspondent Pete Muntean. “Of these 353 units, we understand that 73 have not yet been installed on airplanes. Another 271 affected actuators that may be installed on aircraft in service operated by at least 40 foreign air carriers; 16 may still be installed on US-registered aircraft. In addition to the 353 affected actuators Collins provided to Boeing, Collins sent 75 affected actuators directly to operators for aftermarket installation; some of these may be spares, while others may currently be on airplanes in service. Accordingly, it is essential that aftermarket installations of affected actuators also be clearly addressed.”
The letter went on to state NTSB’s concern that other airlines were unaware of the presence of these actuators on their 737 jets.
“Not making operators fully aware of the installed systems and equipment on the airplanes delivered to them is unacceptable and cannot continue to be tolerated,” the letter stated.
In a statement to The Hill following the safety alert, Boeing said that it “will continue to work under the oversight of regulators regarding the actuator on an optional autoland system on a subset of 737s.”
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.
Aircraft at Orlando Airport (Photo: Orlando International Airport)
Over 700 flights have been cancelled across seven Florida airports Tuesday morning in preparation for Hurricane Milton.
The massive Category 5 storm is expected to hit Florida’s already vulnerable Tampa Bay area, which is still writhing from Hurricane Helene’s impact just two weeks prior.
Outgoing Flight Cancellations
According to flight tracking service FlightAware, 186 flights from Tampa International Airport have been cancelled. Orlando International Airport has had 371 flights from the airport cancelled.
“The airport is not closed and will remain open to accept emergency/aid and relief flights as necessary,” Orlando International Airport’s news release stated. “We will resume commercial operations as soon as possible based on damage assessment.”
Additionally, Southwest Florida International Airport has had 74 of its origin flights cancelled; Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport has had 30 origin flight cancellations; and Clearwater International Airport has had 16 cancelled origin flights.
Punta Gorda Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport have both cancelled all outgoing flights.
Incoming Flight Cancellations
For flights traveling to Florida airports, 410 inbound flights have been cancelled at Orlando International Airport and 192 at Tampa International Airport. 92% of inbound flights to Orlando and 91% of inbound flights to Tampa have been cancelled.
Southwest Florida International Airport has had 80 (98%) of its inbound flights cancelled, and Clearwater International Airport has cancelled 16. Punta Gorda Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, and Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport have axed all incoming flights.
Allegiant and Breeze have been the hardest hit so far, cutting 64% and 46% of their flight schedules respectively.
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.
American Airlines now serves all 50 states, a title last held by Delta nearly two decades ago. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier added Wilmington, Delaware, to its route map on Monday.
But getting to and from Wilmington will be an intermodal experience. The airline is partnering with Landline to operate motorcoaches between Delaware’s largest city and American’s Philadelphia hub.
The roughly 30-mile bus ride operates six times per day in each direction. In what is being dubbed a “tarmac-to-tarmac” service, passengers will clear security in Wilmington and arrive in the post-security area at Philadelphia International Airport.
This isn’t the airline’s first partnership with Landline. It also markets bus routes from Philadelphia to Allentown/Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Landline has partnerships in place with other airlines as well, including United, Sun Country, and Air Canada.
“At the end of the day, airlines are passenger transportation systems. There’s no law of physics that says an airline has to operate an airplane. It just comes down to like seats and how much those seats cost to produce, holding a certain level of customer satisfaction constant,” Landline CEO David Sunde told AirlineGeeks during an interview last year.
Wilmington Air Service
Due, in part, to the city’s proximity to Philadelphia, Wilmington has seen several changes in air service over the years. Currently, it only has regular air service via a single airline: Avelo.
The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) offers service to more than a dozen cities and is also one of Avelo’s bases. Frontier also flew to Wilmington at various points between 2013 and 2022 before ending service altogether.
Delta served the city from its Atlanta hub for just over a year beginning in 2006. When the airline axed the route in 2007, the state was left with no commercial flights.
For decades, Delaware has been the only state without regular air service at various points. Most recently, the state lacked service between June 2022 and January 2023.
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.
Aircraft on the move at New York's LaGuardia Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
The airline industry has notoriously thin margins, and airlines are constantly striving to maximize their revenue. Airlines use large quantities of data to decide how much to charge their customers.
Teams of revenue management professionals work behind the scenes at each airline to conduct complex data analysis and make pricing decisions. Here is what you need to know about jobs in airline revenue management.
What is Airline Revenue Management?
Airline pricing involves a multitude of decisions: how to price flights, how many tickets should be available in each fare class, whether or not to overbook a flight, and much more. The factors behind these decisions change depending on the circumstances of each particular flight, such as the route, the season, and the departure time.
Revenue management is the process of analyzing data to project future demand and set prices accordingly. Airlines have to consider a multitude of factors, including historical data, changing market conditions, and future capacity.
What Does a Revenue Management Analyst Do?
Analysts are the backbone of any revenue management team. They are responsible for reviewing and analyzing the vast amounts of data available to an airline. Revenue management analysts then use this data to make recommendations and decisions about pricing. To perform these tasks, analysts rely on a variety of software and other technological tools.
Revenue management workers monitor factors such as booking trends, competitor behavior and pricing, and financial performance. They also work with other teams within the airline – like network planning, sales, and marketing – to ensure that an airline’s overall strategy is being followed.
What Types of Jobs Are Available in Airline Revenue Management?
Revenue management jobs typically follow a common corporate structure found at airlines and other companies. The entry-level role is typically called an analyst. The next step up is a senior analyst. Subsequent career progression can include movement to manager and director roles. There are also often opportunities for revenue management professionals to move to other departments within an airline.
What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need to Work in Airline Revenue Management?
Prospective revenue management professionals should have strong analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail. Since revenue management requires teamwork and coordination with other stakeholders, communication skills are also very important. Similarly, airlines typically look for candidates who can work well both individually and in a team environment.
Some airlines also require a degree in a related field – such as finance, economics, or statistics – or relevant experience. Applicants should also have strong computer skills, and proficiency with specific data software can be an asset as well. Airlines also tend to prefer those who have relevant airline experience or an understanding of airline economics.
How Much Do Airline Revenue Management Workers Get Paid?
Airline revenue management analyst positions typically pay between $50,000 and $100,000. The wide range exists because an employee’s pay depends on the company and their individual experience and qualifications. Those in management positions can expect higher salaries.
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.
Airports are complex pieces of infrastructure. Countless components must function properly and efficiently in an environment where safety is the priority.
A Delta 757-200 over the runway at LAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Airports are exceptionally complex pieces of infrastructure. Countless components need to function properly and efficiently in an environment where safety is the overarching priority.
The process of planning and designing airports is therefore a multifaceted and complicated one. From addressing environmental concerns like wildlife and drainage to ensuring that there is adequate parking capacity, airport planners have a dynamic and challenging job. Here is what you need to know about being an airport planner.
What is Airport Planning?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) describes airport planning as “a systematic process that establishes a strategy for the efficient development of airports consistent with local, State and national goals.”
Airport planning rarely involves designing or planning a brand-new airport. Instead, most airport planners work on problems and projects for existing airports. This can include routine planned work, such as ensuring that airport facilities stay in compliance with government regulations.
The work of airport planners can also include one-off projects. For example, large capital improvements like a new terminal or runway require extensive design and planning. Airports also undertake maintenance projects like rehabilitating the apron lighting or replacing jetways.
On a broader level, airport planning also takes a holistic look at the goals and needs of the airport. Considering factors like forecasted demand, regulatory changes, and infrastructure deterioration, an airport will develop plans to meet the future air transport needs of the area.
What Does an Airport Planner Do?
The work of an airport planner can vary depending on the airport and the individual’s qualifications and experience.
Some of the responsibilities of an airport planner can include data analysis and forecasting. This could include performing capacity and demand assessments, conducting planning studies, and creating models to estimate passenger and traffic flow.
Airport planners also prepare reports and presentations, work with internal and external stakeholders, and develop conceptual plans for future airport developments. They are also involved in the project management process when their plans come to fruition.
Construction crews work late nights to keep a major artery to the Nation’s Capital open. (Photo: MWAA)
Employers of airport planners typically fall into one of two categories: airport authorities and professional service companies. Firstly, airports often have their own planners, employed either by the airport authority or the government body that is responsible for running the facility.
Meanwhile, there are consulting companies and engineering firms that also hire airport planners. These companies are hired by airports to provide planning and management services for specific projects and tasks.
What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Airport Planner?
The role of an airport planner requires sound analytical and organizational skills. Being an airport planner also requires a strong set of other workplace skills. Communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as a team are all valuable assets for prospective airport planners.
Airport planner jobs will also often require or value prior experience in a related field, such as project management, facility design, or other aviation roles. Some positions also have technical requirements such as the ability to use certain design software or modelling tools.
Most postings for airport planners require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as architecture, transportation, aviation, or another related field. Some positions require a master’s degree or professional certifications in engineering or architecture.
How Much Do Airport Planners Make?
The salary of an airport planner varies depending on the employer and level of experience. Entry-level jobs in airport planning typically pay between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, while experienced airport planners can make upwards of $120,000 to $150,000 per year.
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.
Breeze helps with hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina. (Photo: Charleston International Airport)
A joint effort by Breeze Airways, Charleston International Airport, and travel group Explore Charleston brought much-needed relief to the Asheville, North Carolina, region in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The partnership coordinated the transportation of thousands of pounds of essential supplies, including generators, propane, chainsaws, water, and other critical items, to support recovery efforts. Communities in the region are still recovering from the storm, which left thousands without electricity and killed over 220.
“Having lived through Hurricane Hugo, we respect the power of these storms and the type of damage they can do,” said Elliott Summey, executive director and CEO of Charleston International Airport, in a news release. “We were blessed to receive help from communities nationwide and are proud to stand in solidarity with our neighbors in western North Carolina during this challenging time. This collaboration underscores the spirit of community and the importance of coming together and helping those in need.”
A Breeze aircraft is loaded with hurricane relief supplies. (Photo: Charleston International Airport)
With its large base in Charleston, South Carolina, Breeze stepped up to aid in the recovery efforts by using one of its aircraft to move supplies. On Thursday, the carrier used an Embraer E190, which was chock-full of cargo and volunteers.
This plan came together in just 72 hours, said Chris Plunkett, Breeze’s station manager in Charleston, who was also on the flight.
“Obviously, when a call like that comes in and you have an opportunity to help, we were going to do just that,” Plunkett said during an interview with AirlineGeeks. “We’re going to see what opportunities existed. So we didn’t have a lot of time to play with, but when it all came together, it was just really something cool.”
Breeze helps bring relief to hurricane-hit communities. (Photo: Charleston International Airport)
He said the airline and its partners in the effort worked with a wide array of stakeholders to make the flight possible. Those included the Transportation Security Administration and staff at the Asheville airport.
“It was nothing short of spectacular when you think about the amount of effort and logistical support that went into it in the amount of time that we had,” Plunkett added.
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.
