Spirit made a significant change to its livery, introducing a new yellow color scheme that is a stark departure from the traditional blue and white design.
Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.
Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.
In 2014, Spirit Airlines made a significant change to its livery, introducing a new yellow color scheme that is a stark departure from the traditional blue and white design. This bold and bright yellow hue has generated a great deal of discussion among aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike.
The yellow livery is a striking contrast to the airline’s previous color scheme, which was known for its simplicity and clean lines. The new design features a predominantly yellow fuselage, with dark lettering on the tail and fuselage. While some have criticized the yellow livery as being too garish or attention-seeking, others have praised it for its boldness and originality.
A Spirit Airlines Airbus A319 prepares for landing. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
The introduction of the new yellow livery was part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to refresh its brand and appeal to a wider audience. The airline also made changes to its cabin interior and some of its other offerings at the time.
Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.
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.
An American Airbus A321 landing in Charlotte.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Roughly 28,000 Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) members voted on Thursday to ratify the union’s tentative agreement with American Airlines after years of bargaining.
A Facebook post made by the APFA shortly after the vote ended on Thursday confirmed that 87% of members voted to approve the contract.
A tentative agreement was reached between APFA leadership and American Airlines in July after extensive federal mediation. Voting on whether the agreement should become an official contract was held on APFA’s website starting Aug. 13 and closed at 12 p.m. CDT on Thursday.
“With a 99.47% strike authorization ‘YES’ vote and endless system-wide pickets and protests, we forced management off their rigid ‘industry-standard’ framework to an industry-leading agreement,” union leaders said in a message to members.
“This agreement would not have been possible without the support of our Union Siblings across industries and occupations,” the message continued. “Industry-wide Union solidarity works and is key to fighting for the contract we deserve.”
This comes as the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) voted last month to reject ratifying a tentative agreement with Alaska Airlines. AFA members voted 68% against the agreement, sending union leadership back to the negotiating table.
“It’s an exciting day for American’s nearly 28,000 flight attendants and our entire airline,” said American CEO Robert Isom in a press release. “Reaching an agreement for our flight attendants has been a top priority, and today, we celebrate achieving this important milestone. Both the APFA and company negotiating teams had a shared mission of delivering an agreement our flight attendants have earned, and I greatly appreciate their work and relentless focus.”
What’s in the Contract?
In its online statement, APFA leadership highlighted several items in the contract including:
Adding $4.2 billion beyond the value of APFA’s current agreement
Exceeding compensation constraints preferred by management that was comparable to Delta
Retroactive pay
Keeping work rules for Trip Trade System/Unsuccessful Bidders List (TTL/UBL) additional trading options, more deadheading options, more reserve flexibility and hotel penalty pay.
Over the next five years, the contract will increase the pay scale of flight attendants by 33% to 36%. The $4.2 billion increases these pay rates, 401(k), per diem, profit sharing, premium, retroactive pay and other items.
It also adds a new boarding pay premium that equals 50% of the hourly rate for all boardings based on published boarding times.
The immediate Date-of-Signing (DOS) scale sees increases of 18% to 20.5%. The 401(k) increases from 5.5% to 9% Per Diem increases by 27% at DOS to $2.85 domestic or $3.40 international – the same as pilots– with increases by $0.05 per year.
The profit sharing percentage increases from 5% to a 10%/20% model – the same as pilots, mechanics, and agents. $514 million is added in retroactive pay, and sit rig pays for sits greater than 2.5 hours – the same as pilots.
Vacation pay increases from 3.5 to 4 hours pay per day for under seven days. Instructor-led recurrent training pay is also doubled to $150 per day.
According to the union, compensation increases take effect on Oct. 1, 2024. The agreement becomes amendable on Oct. 1, 2029.
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 Qatar Airways A350-900 pushing back for its next flight in Zurich. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Qatar Airways is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia with the resumption of flights to Abha and an increased frequency to Neom. Starting Jan. 2, 2025, the airline will offer two weekly flights to Abha International Airport. Additionally, Qatar Airways will boost its Neom flights from two to four per week during the winter season.
The carrier says this expansion will provide passengers with more travel options and seamless connections to over 170 global destinations through Doha’s Hamad International Airport. It also complements the airline’s existing services to AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, Neom, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu.
Abha: A New Addition
Abha is now Qatar Airways’ 11th destination in Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer highlighted the importance of these additions.
“We are proud to resume flights to Abha and increase frequencies to NEOM, further strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia,” said Al-Meer. “This resumption reflects our commitment to connecting passengers to the Kingdom’s most sought-after destinations.”
Tolga is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. From an early age, his fascination with aviation went beyond a mere passion for travel, evolving into a deliberate exploration of the complex mechanics and engineering behind aircraft. As a writer, he aims to share insights , providing readers with a view into the complex inner workings of the aviation industry.
British Airways Bolsters North America Network
British Airways is gearing up for a bolstered summer schedule in 2025, with plans to operate a record number of flights to North America.
A British Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
British Airways is gearing up for a bolstered summer schedule in 2025, with plans to operate a record number of flights to North America. The airline says it will offer more than 400 flights per week during peak periods, serving 26 U.S. cities along with Canada and Mexico.
British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Neil Chernoff, said in a Thursday press release: “The US remains a priority market for us, and we know these network changes will be welcomed by both our business and leisure customers, providing more options than ever before to travel between the UK and the USA.”
Key Highlights of the Summer 2025 Schedule:
Increased service from London Heathrow:
Miami: Seven additional flights per week, totaling 14 and establishing a year-round twice-daily service.
Austin: Six additional flights per week, bringing the total to 13. Virgin Atlantic dropped its route between Austin and London earlier this year.
Las Vegas: Three additional flights per week during peak season, for a total of 10 weekly flights.
Pittsburgh: Increased from six to seven flights per week, becoming a daily service for the first time.
Washington Dulles: Seven additional flights per week, totaling 21 for three times daily service.
Vancouver: Up to seven additional flights per week from London Heathrow, reaching a peak summer total of 21, when combined with the daily flight from London Gatwick.
In the last decade, the British flag carrier has added six new U.S. destinations, including New Orleans, Nashville, and Portland, Ore.
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.
Flight dispatchers diligently work behind the scenes to plan and monitor each flight to help ensure the safety and efficiency of an airline’s operations.
Inside American's Integrated Operations Center (IOC) in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo: American Airlines)
While travelers will see pilots, flight attendants, ramp agents, and airport staff throughout their air travel experiences, there is another critical group of professionals behind every airline flight. Flight dispatchers diligently work behind the scenes to plan and monitor each flight to help ensure the safety and efficiency of an airline’s operations.
What Does a Flight Dispatcher Do?
A few hours before a flight departs, a dispatcher will create a flight plan. They will review factors like the weather, air traffic constraints, and airport conditions to determine the most appropriate routing for the flight.
Dispatchers also work closely with pilots to make changes to the flight plan as needed. After a flight departs, a dispatcher will monitor its progress and advise pilots of any major changes to the weather or other circumstances.
In the case of irregular operations such as dangerous weather or diversions, dispatchers will also work closely with pilots to decide what will happen. This can include choosing an alternate or diversion airport or making the decision to delay or cancel a flight.
Steps for Becoming a Flight Dispatcher
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Prospective dispatchers in the United States must be at least 23 years of age to be certified and hired. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permits candidates to test when they are 21 years old, so it is possible to start training for the job before turning 23.
You will also need to have a high school diploma or GED and be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. To be hired, candidates will also need to pass a 10-year FAA background check and a pre-employment drug test.
Complete the Required Training
The FAA requires dispatchers to complete a minimum of 200 hours of training. You will typically have to do this on your own time and at your own cost through an FAA-approved training program. Many colleges and schools offer dispatcher training courses that will help you meet the training requirements.
Obtain an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
To receive your FAA certificate, you will need to complete a written test and an oral practical exam. The written test – known as the ADX – is an 80-question multiple-choice exam that includes topics such as regulations, meteorology, and flight operations.
The practical test takes a few hours and involves demonstrating the ability to plan a flight and answer questions about subjects like emergency procedures, navigation, government regulations, and weather. You can receive your FAA aircraft dispatcher certificate after completing both tests.
Get Hired as a Dispatcher
New flight dispatchers typically start their careers at a regional airline. You will usually need to work at a regional carrier for anywhere from one to five years before you have enough experience to apply for a dispatcher job at a major airline.
An American Eagle CRJ-200 in Charlotte (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Some airlines will also hire internal candidates without any prior dispatching experience to become flight dispatchers. These employees will still need to complete the required FAA training and certification, but the company may cover the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to become a flight dispatcher?
Becoming a flight dispatcher takes time and hard work. It requires completing a formal training course and building an extensive knowledge base. However, the path to becoming a flight dispatcher typically takes less time than that of jobs such as airline pilot or air traffic controller.
How long is flight dispatcher training?
Most standalone flight dispatcher training programs in the United States are approximately five to six weeks long. Some colleges and universities also offer the training as part of an aviation degree or as an add-on.
How much do flight dispatchers get paid?
Salaries for dispatchers at regional airlines start at around $20-25 an hour, which translates to approximately $40,000 to $50,000 per year. Dispatchers at major airlines start at around $80,000 per year but experienced dispatchers can make upwards of $200,000 later in their careers.
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.
In its decision, the airport commission cited more favorable frequencies for both business and leisure travelers. SkyWest plans to operate 12 round-trip flights per week between Eau Claire and Chicago O’Hare under the United Express brand.
With regular service to its Minneapolis hub along with seasonally rotating routes to Orlando, Fort Myers, and Las Vegas, Sun Country currently offers four-weekly round-trip flights to the community on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The carrier began serving Eau Claire in December 2022, becoming its only EAS contract.
On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation (DOT) sided with the airport commission’s vote, choosing SkyWest to serve Eau Claire again beginning Dec. 1, 2024. The regional carrier previously flew to the community before Sun Country.
SkyWest’s contract will run through November 2027 and includes nearly $7 million in annual subsidies by its third year.
A Sun Country spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that service between Minneapolis and Eau Claire will end on Dec. 1, 2024. However, the airline shared that it will continue to offer seasonal service to Fort Myers on Mondays and Fridays between Jan. 31, 2025 and April 7, 2025.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Sept. 11, 2024 at 3:20 p.m. ET to add a statement from Sun Country’s spokesperson.
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.
Southwest 737 MAX 8 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Following a string of high-profile “safety events” in recent months, Southwest is forcing its pilots to attend additional training. Bloomberg reports that the training sessions will begin as early as November, lasting into 2025.
The requirement extends to all of the airline’s nearly 11,000 pilots with training sessions taking place for one day at its Dallas headquarters. A company memo cited by the news outlet said the training sessions are intended to discuss “specific events and working together as a flight crew to appropriately manage risks.”
In the same memo, the airline acknowledged the spike in incidents, adding that “meaningful work is underway to address these events and advance our safety.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently conducting a safety audit on the carrier, similar to what United faced earlier this year.
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.
In addition to halting flights to the U.S., Air Sénégal has also closed reservations for routes to Cotonou (Benin), Douala (Cameroon), and Libreville (Gabon).
Air Senegal's Airbus A330 in Toulouse.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Air Sénégal has recently settled its outstanding debts with Carlyle Aviation, following months of financial strain between the two parties. According to reports from Senegalese media on Sept. 2, 2024, the airline cleared its outstanding payments amounting to $10 million.
The dispute began when Carlyle Aviation, an American aircraft leasing firm, secured a court order to ground four of Air Sénégal’s leased aircraft due to unpaid debts. This order, issued by a U.S. court on Aug. 21, 2024, involved two Airbus A319s and two A321s, which Air Sénégal has been leasing since 2018, as reported by Africa Intelligence.
In response, Air Sénégal quickly dispatched a delegation, including its chairman, General Joseph Diop, and legal director, Dolores Diop, to negotiate directly with the Miami-based lessor. The airline’s newly appointed CEO, Tidiane Ndiaye, who took office just a few weeks prior, was unable to join the talks due to visa issues.
The court order specifically targeted two A319 aircraft (6V-AMA, leased in November 2018, and 6V-AMB, leased in May 2019) and two A321 aircraft (6V-AMC, leased in November 2020, and 6V-AMD, leased in February 2021).
However, the airline’s financial struggles extend beyond these four aircraft. Air Sénégal is reportedly facing payment delays with other financial institutions, such as Bpifrance in France and the UK’s Export Finance. Furthermore, the airline is still awaiting the delivery of five A321neos by 2025, which are part of a revised order initially placed for A220-300s—an acquisition the airline has since abandoned.
Amid these financial difficulties, Air Sénégal has also begun scaling back its operations. On Sept. 19, 2024, the airline will suspend its Dakar-New York route. The final outbound flight from Dakar is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2024, with the last return flight from New York on Sept. 16, 2024, according to Aeroroutes. This route, operated twice a week using an Airbus A340-300 leased from Hi-Fly Malta, will no longer be available for booking after these dates.
In addition to halting flights to the U.S., Air Sénégal has also closed reservations for routes to Cotonou (Benin), Douala (Cameroon), and Libreville (Gabon), further reflecting the operational cutbacks the airline is facing.
Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.
A SpiceJet 737 (Photo: Jane Mejdahl [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)])
India’s SpiceJet received a financial lifeline again from Carlyle Aviation. According to Reuters, the aircraft lessor wrote off $40.2 million of the airline’s lease arrears and converted $30 million into equity. As of now, the firm holds a roughly 6% stake and will “significantly” increase it as a result. Carlyle also converted part of its debt to the airline into equity in August 2023.
SpiceJet operates around 21 aircraft and its market share is below 4%. Over 30 aircraft have been grounded over legal disputes. Some aircraft lessors even requested the aviation regulator to de-register the airline’s aircraft. It currently owes 3,700 Crore ($442 million) to lessors.
Meanwhile, the no-frills airline faces another setback, The Delhi High Court has refused involvement in the dispute between SpiceJet and two French lessors demanding three engines be grounded. The decision could put a strain on the airline, potentially grounding two additional jets in the future.
SpiceJet Makes a Profit For First Quarter
According to the airline, SpiceJet reported a profit of 150 Crore with the highest domestic load factor of 91% for the first quarter of 2024-25. However, the ongoing financial difficulties resulted in cancelling flights in Dubai last month.
The new investment comes a week after the decision to place 150 cabin crew members on furlough for three months.
“In response to the current lean travel season and the reduced fleet size, with the long-term stability of the organization in mind,” the airline said in a statement to India TV News.
In the meantime, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, opted to place the airline under so-called “enhanced surveillance.”
“In light of the past record and the special audit carried out in August 2024, SpiceJet has once again been placed under enhanced surveillance with immediate effect,” DGCA said.
Southwest Stands With CEO as Board Retirements To Bring New Leadership
Southwest announced the next phase of its board’s transformation as six directors are slated to retire in November along with Executive Chairman Gary Kelly.
A Southwest 737-800 on final approach to Los Angeles. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Southwest Airlines announced the next phase of its board’s transformation on Tuesday as six directors are slated to retire in November along with Executive Chairman Gary Kelly.
According to a news release from the airline, the board presented its plans at a meeting on Wednesday and invited Elliott Investment Management L.P. to participate in reorganizing its corporate governance.
Kelly announced his intention to voluntarily retire from his position immediately after the company’s regular scheduled board meeting in November along with the following six directors:
David Biegler (Compensation Committee Chairman)
Veronica Biggins (Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair)
Senator Roy Blunt
Dr. William Cunningham (Lead Director)
Dr. Thomas Gilligan (Audit Committee Chairman)
Jill Soltau
Kelly’s letter to shareholders regarding his resignation can be read in full here.
The board expects to appoint four new independent directors in the near future. In addition to considering Elliott’s director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is also leading an independent search to identify candidates.
Elliott currently owns 10% of Southwest’s common stock and has been an outspoken critic of the airline’s leadership amidst less-than-spectacular stock performance over the past few years. The activist investing firm announced intentions to nominate 10 candidates to Southwest’s board of directors on its “Stronger Southwest” website.
The airline has added or appointed eight directors over the past three years, including the recent appointment of Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of India’s largest airline, InterGlobe Aviation. Per the release, Southwest expects the number of directors to be reduced to 13 following the regularly scheduled November board meeting and to 12 following the 2025 Annual Meeting.
“Inclusive of all of these changes, 75% of the airline’s Directors will have three years or less tenure on the Board as of the 2025 Annual Meeting and the average Board tenure will be approximately 2.5 years, reduced from 7.3 today,” the release stated.
“Jordan is implementing intentional changes to transform the business, meet evolving Customer preferences, enhance the Customer Experience, further modernize the airline, and drive Shareholder returns,” the release states. “During his tenure as CEO, Jordan has been the visionary and key driver behind the review and development of the commercial initiatives outlined at the airline’s second quarter financials and made substantial improvements to the airline’s operational performance, all with a commitment to driving improved financial performance. Introducing leadership change in the middle of Southwest Airlines’ largest transformation to-date would present significant risk to the Company and its Shareholders.”
The release reiterates that the board has high expectations for Jordan and the executive leadership team and will hold them accountable for delivering results.
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.
