First U.S. 737 MAX 9 Returns to Revenue Service

The first Boeing 737 MAX 9 operated by a U.S. airline has returned to revenue service after a nearly three-week-long grounding

Ryan Ewing

Friday, January 26, 2024 at 08:15 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Alaska mechanics inspect the door plug on a 737 MAX 9 (Photo: Alaska Airlines)

The first Boeing 737 MAX 9 operated by a U.S. airline has returned to revenue service after a nearly three-week-long grounding. Alaska flight 1146 from Seattle to San Diego took off on Friday afternoon following the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Wednesday announcement that the aircraft could return to service pending certain inspections.

On Jan. 5, 2024, Alaska flight 1282 experienced a rapid decompression after a door plug detached from the fuselage, falling nearly 16,000 feet. The incident prompted the FAA to ground the combined 144 737 MAX 9 aircraft operated by both Alaska and United. At Alaska, the 737 MAX 9 was slated to operate nearly 25% of the carrier’s planned January schedule.

First Alaska 737 MAX 9 returns to revenue service (Photo: Flightradar24)

Alaska and United reported that they each found loose bolts in the door plugs of their respective 737 MAX 9 aircraft. “I’m more than frustrated and disappointed. I am angry. This happened to Alaska Airlines. It happened to our guests and happened to our people,” Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci told NBC News.

Boeing paused production at its 737 assembly facility in Renton, Wash. on Thursday as part of a so-called safety ‘stand-down.’ The FAA has also halted Boeing from expanding 737 MAX production.

Both U.S.-based 737 MAX 9 operators are planning to resume revenue service with the type on Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)’s investigation into the January 5 incident is ongoing, however, investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the door plug’s fastening bolts were not installed at all.

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.

Livery of the Week: Qantas’ Wunala Dreaming

In the vast Australian skies, a Boeing 747 once adorned itself not in the traditional airline livery, but in a vibrant tapestry of colors and symbols.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, January 26, 2024 at 04:36 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

John McDermott

A Qantas 747 in the Wunala livery (Photo: Phil Vabre (GFDL or GFDL ), via Wikimedia Commons)

Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is excited to launch 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 the vast Australian skies, a Boeing 747 once adorned itself not in the traditional airline livery, but in a vibrant tapestry of colors and symbols. This was Qantas’ Wunala Dreaming, a livery that transcended its role as a mere mode of transportation to become a symbol of cultural respect and artistic expression.

A Canvas on Wings

Crafted in 1994, the Wunala Dreaming design was the first of its kind, conceived and painted by Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Her bold strokes and vibrant hues, inspired by the Dreaming stories of her Western Desert country, transformed the aircraft into a mesmerizing canvas.

The kangaroo, a symbol of ancestral spirits and journeys, took center stage, its silhouette dancing across the fuselage amidst circles and dots representing waterholes and stars.

A Qantas 747-400 in the Wunala Dreaming livery (Photo: Kambui, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Beyond Aesthetics

Wunala Dreaming was a powerful statement of reconciliation and cultural pride. For many Australians, it served as a poignant reminder of the continent’s rich Indigenous heritage, often overshadowed by colonial narratives. The aircraft’s global journeys carried these stories far and wide, sparking conversations and challenging perceptions.

Wunala Dreaming flew the friendly skies for nearly two decades, captivating audiences and earning accolades. It was recognized as the world’s largest flying canvas and even featured on an Australian postage stamp. The last aircraft to wear the special paint scheme was VH-OEJ until 2011.

Qantas’ Wunala Dreaming stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and intercultural understanding. Today, the airline continues to be known for its Flying Art series, which most recently included a special paint scheme on the carrier’s first A220 aircraft.

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 Ewing

Lufthansa Rebuts EU Concerns, Says ITA Deal Will Boost Competition

he planned acquisition of shares in ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group is being subject to a comprehensive investigation by the European Commission

Tolga Karadeniz

Friday, January 26, 2024 at 04:04 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Lufhtansa aircraft at Munich Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fabian Behr)

The planned acquisition of shares in ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group is being subject to a comprehensive investigation by the European Commission. The Commission announced on Jan. 23, 2024 that the deal, which would see the German airline acquire a 41% stake in the Italian airline for €325 million, will be subject to a pre-contractual “phase 2” review.

While the German carrier is eager to establish a stronger presence in the European aviation sector, the European Commission is concerned that the deal could lead to a reduction in competition in passenger air transport services on various short-haul and long-haul routes.

Regarding the issue, Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy, had previously made a statement: “By opening the in-depth investigation, we want to further assess the transaction and ensure that the acquisition of ITA does not reduce competition in short-haul and long-haul traffic and that it will not lead to higher prices, less capacity or lower quality for passenger air transport services in and out of Italy.”

Lufthansa Breaks Silence

In response to these claims, Lufthansa has issued an official statement: “On 23 January 2024, the Lufthansa Group received confirmation that the EU Commission will continue to examine the planned acquisition of shares in ITA Airways in a so-called phase 2.’ The Lufthansa Group will continue to follow this process closely and constructively.

The Lufthansa Group will continue to work vigorously for a swift conclusion of the EU Commission’s review and for the subsequent implementation of the investment. The company continues to firmly believe that the transaction will be approved following the review. ITA Airways is to become a complementary and important part of the Lufthansa Group’s multi-hub system, which currently consists of four network airlines. Lufthansa Group believes that participation in ITA will have an overall positive effect on competition in Italy and Europe.

Lufthansa Group has been in intensive discussions with the EU Commission since June 2023 in the run-up to the official notification a the participation and as part of the ‘Phase 1’ procedure.”

Consequences of Deal Loom Large

The Commission’s in-depth investigation adds a layer of uncertainty to the ITA-Lufthansa deal. While Lufthansa remains confident, analysts predict possible concessions or modifications to appease competition concerns. Smaller airlines express anxieties about potential market dominance, while consumers cautiously hope for improved connectivity without price hikes.

The next few months will be crucial in determining the fate of this high-stakes merger, with its ripple effects felt across the European aviation landscape. The Commission now has 90 working days, until June 6, 2024 to decide whether to greenlight the merger, demand concessions, or even block it altogether.

Tolga Karadeniz

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.

BermudAir Adds Two New Routes

Bermuda's newcomer boutique airline, BermudAir, announced earlier this week the expansion of its network with the planned launch of two new destinations.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, January 26, 2024 at 09:11 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A BermudAir E175 aircraft (Photo: Dave from Airport Operations, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Bermuda’s newcomer boutique airline, BermudAir, announced earlier this week the expansion of its network with the planned launch of two new destinations: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Flights to Baltimore and Orlando Begin in March

Starting March 18, 2024, travelers from Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area will have the opportunity to fly nonstop to Bermuda on BermudAir’s Embraer E175 aircraft. The dual-class cabin features 14 business-class seats and 52 economy-class seats.

Service to Orlando will commence on March 26 with the same aircraft type. The two new East Coast destinations complement the airline’s existing service to New York/Westchester, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale.

“The addition of Baltimore and Orlando to our network, subject to imminent final regulatory approval, is a clear indicator of BermudAir’s ongoing growth,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir, in a statement to The Royal Gazette.

According to current schedule information, the carrier’s flights to Baltimore will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights to Orlando are planned on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Future Growth

The airline – which began operations in September 2023 – currently has two aircraft in its fleet. Speaking with The Royal Gazette, Scott says that the new routes do not mean the airline will add additional aircraft.

“This is an optimisation of our schedule, and we have some redundancy or excess capacity with the existing two aircraft,” he shared.

In terms of markets, Scott added, “I think there will be additional updates in terms of markets for us. We are definitely keen to expand our presence and put Bermuda more on the map.”

Ryan Ewing

GOL Airlines Files For Bankruptcy in the U.S.

GOL Airlines, a Brazilian carrier, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States, following in the footsteps of other Latin American airlines.

Arya Karnik

Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

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

GOL Airlines — a Brazilian low-cost carrier — recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a United States Bankruptcy Court, according to a press release issued by the airline.

The airline stated that it plans to continue “safe and reliable air transportation” with no scheduled interruptions. All flights will operate, and it will continue to honor all existing reservations.

The airline’s filing announced that its holding company, Abra Group, has committed to providing financing of USD 950 million, which the company will attempt to secure through court approval.

Celso Ferrer, GOL’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that “GOL has undertaken significant efforts to provide the best travel experience” for its customers while continuing to improve its “profitability and financial position.”

Abra Group is the holding company for Avianca Colombia, which went through Chapter 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other significant airlines still in service, including LATAM, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Aeroméxico among others, have all undergone this process.

The company stated that this process “is in the best interest of its stakeholders, including employees and customers,” while promising a reliable flight schedule and “best-in-class service.”

Ramifications of the Pandemic

GOL is not the only carrier feeling the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As mentioned, the airline is following the example of fellow Latin American airlines such as LATAM and Avianca with the Chapter 11 process.

The decision to file for bankruptcy is not a shock, as the airline has been facing issues with aircraft delivery throughout 2023. Ferrer stated in December 2023 that Boeing’s delay with their 737 MAX aircraft has been its “main challenge,” which will continue to affect the airline in the new year with the new restrictions facing Boeing’s production lines.

With these delays, Ferrer added that the airline is “not able to grow at the pace” that it planned to, keeping Gol’s capacity offering below pre-pandemic levels.

Analysts and rating agencies agree that the airline has “strong operating figures,” with the airline posting a historic net operating revenue record in Q3 of 2023. However, because of its capacity strain, the airline faces multiple issues balancing increasing expenses without increasing cash flow. The airline holds a 33% market share in Brazil, only second to LATAM Brasil, making it a vital part of the Brazilian air network.

The airline is confident that this move will secure a brighter future for the airline, helping to pay off existing debts while strengthening its financial base. With capacity issues looming, GOL will need delivery of its new aircraft sooner rather than later to keep competing with LATAM Brasil and providing low-cost services nationwide for Brazilians.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. ET to correct a grammatical error.

Arya Karnik

Ever since he was a kid, Arya has been interested in aviation. With his entire family overseas, he has taken many family trips worldwide to places like the United Kingdom and India. He lives in Colorado but attends The University of Alabama, studying Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. He hopes to obtain his PPL and eventually translate his engineering degree to working in operations at an airline.

First JAL A350-1000 Flight Takes Off for JFK

The first A350-1000 international service took off from Haneda with 206 passengers, marking a new era in JAL's long-haul fleet.

Anthony Bang An

Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 11:22 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

JAL's first A350-1000 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Anthony An)

Japanese carrier JAL’s first A350-1000 revenue flight took off from Tokyo Haneda Airport on January 24 for New York JFK as JL6. The flight marks a new era in JAL’s international offering and the first time in over 20 years that JAL has upgraded its long-haul aircraft.

The A350-1000 for JAL was delivered in December last year during a ceremony in Toulouse. The aircraft has 239 seats with a rather premium heavy configuration, similar to the 777-300ERs that the aircraft is set to replace. According to the Japan News, the first flight had 209 passengers onboard. JL6 was also the first A350-1000 flight in the world with a first class cabin and dimmable windows, among other cabin innovations.

Executives and staff post in front of JAL’s first A350-1000 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Anthony An)

The new flagship for the Japanese carrier will fly between Haneda and JFK four times a week until the second A350-1000 is delivered, which will see a daily A350 service on the route. The second destination will be Dallas/Fort Worth, which will commence after more aircraft arrive.

The flight departed in the shadow of the recent accident involving a JAL A350-900 at Tokyo Haneda, which resulted in the hull loss of the aircraft and causalities in a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft. Preliminary investigation suggests that the accident was not caused by JAL pilots or the aircraft design but rather a miscommunication made by the Japanese Coast Guard pilots.

Upgraded Interior

AirlineGeeks had the chance to see the cabin before its delivery. The new airplane will feature 239 seats, with six in first, 54 in business, 24 in premium economy, and 155 in economy class. Regarding cabin floor space, the premium cabin will occupy door 1 to door 3, with only the very last section of the cabin for economy class.

The first class cabin is configured in a 1-1-1 arrangement, with sofa seats that can be turned into a double bed and 4K personal IFE screens. There are sliding doors for privacy, and all overhead compartments are removed to create space. The Business Class seats have a 1-2-1 configuration with private suites that come with doors and dividers. Each lie-flat seat has a personal IFE screen, plenty of storage, and a smart cushion.

First Class on JAL’s A350-1000 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Anthony An)

JAL has stated that many Japanese elements are consciously incorporated into the designs of the seats and cabins. Especially in business class, the Japanese rice paper wall, or Shoji, is incorporated in sliding doors and closets. The individual lights also carry an Eastern flair.

A350-1000, the Rising Star

Though not having been as successful as its smaller variant, the A350-900, the type is gaining momentum coming into 2024. Less than a month into 2024, Airbus has already announced two orders for its A350-1000s. Delta Air Lines is set to purchase 20 of the type, with another 20 options to be delivered starting from 2026. The type will give the airline much-needed capacity for significant international connections.

EVA Air also announced a significant order of 18 A350-1000s and a number of A321neos in 2024. The airline will replace some of its 777-300ERs with the Airbus jet in its international network.

In 2023, Airbus received orders from Air Algerie, Ethiopian, Philippine Airlines, Air France-KLM, Turkish Airlines, and Air India, with over 60 firm orders last year. It is proving to be a serious contender for airlines worldwide looking to expand or replace their older fleet.

Anthony Bang An

Anthony is an aviation enthusiast who grew up around the world from St. Louis to Singapore, and now lives in Amsterdam. He loves long-haul flying and finds peace in the sound of engine cruising. He aspires to share his passion for the sky though writing and providing another angle on the stories.

Alaska, United Expected to Fly 737 MAX 9 Again This Weekend

The FAA has announced it will allow Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to resume flying once they receive a series of inspections and maintenance checks.

John McDermott

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11:51 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Alaska 737 MAX 9 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will allow Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to resume flying once they receive a series of inspections and maintenance checks. The announcement ends a weeks-long saga that began when a plug filling an unused emergency exit blew off an Alaska Airlines jet.

“We grounded the Boeing 737-9 MAX within hours of the incident over Portland and made clear this aircraft would not go back into service until it was safe,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a statement from the FAA. “The exhaustive, enhanced review our team completed after several weeks of information gathering gives me and the FAA confidence to proceed to the inspection and maintenance phase.”

The grounding mainly affected Alaska and United. Alaska self-grounded its MAX 9 fleet just after the plug door incident, and both carriers found loose bolts in the door plug assembly.

“We are preparing to begin detailed final inspections of our 737-9 MAX aircraft after getting final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement. “We expect to safely bring the first planes back into scheduled commercial service on Friday.”

“Each of our aircraft will only return to service once the rigorous inspections are completed and each aircraft is deemed airworthy according to the FAA requirements. We have 65 737-9 MAX in our fleet. The inspections are expected to take up to 12 hours for each plane,” Alaska continued.

An Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

“We will only return each MAX 9 aircraft to service once a thorough inspection process is complete. We are preparing aircraft to return to scheduled service beginning on Sunday,” said Toby Enqvist, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in a memo to employees. Enqvist continued that inspections have also occurred on Boeing 737-900ER planes as recently recommended by the FAA.

The FAA will require 737 MAX 9 operators to complete an inspection of specific bolts, guide tracks, and fittings; perform detailed visual inspections of left and right mid-cabin exit door plugs and dozens of associated components; retorque fasteners; and correct any damage or abnormal conditions.

Halting Expansion of 737 MAX Production

The move coincides with the FAA’s decision to bar Boeing from expanding 737 MAX production as part of a larger quality control investigation into the manufacturer. The Seattle Times reports that the door plug that failed on Alaska 1282 was removed and replaced by Boeing engineers to complete a repair, while Reuters reports it is normal for Boeing to remove door plugs and replace them.

“This won’t be back to business as usual for Boeing. We will not agree to any request from Boeing for an expansion in production or approve additional production lines for the 737 MAX until we are satisfied that the quality control issues uncovered during this process are resolved,” Whitaker said.

Boeing has been under intense scrutiny for a number of years over quality control issues on its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Workers who build the planes report many around them disregard standard safety practices, and in-house inspectors at both Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems say supervisors have disregarded quality concerns to prioritize deliveries.

“The quality assurance issues we have seen are unacceptable,” said Whitaker. “That is why we will have more boots on the ground closely scrutinizing and monitoring production and manufacturing activities.”

The FAA says that it is placing increased oversight on Boeing by taking steps such as capping the number of 737 MAX aircraft Boeing can produce, investigating Boeing’s compliance with manufacturing requirements, increasing floor presence at all Boeing facilities, and more.

Boeing and Spirit Aerospace have yet to make a public comment as these allegations are under review.

Editor’s Note: On Jan. 19, 2024, AirlineGeeks published a story regarding an alleged move by the FAA to return the aircraft to service. However, the original source of the story proved to have incorrect facts. As a result, the story was removed.

John McDermott

John McDermott is a commercial pilot pursuing a career in professional flight. His passion for aviation began in an Ann Arbor bookstore with a tale of enemy pilots during World War 2, and he hasn't looked back. Besides flying and writing for AirlineGeeks, John volunteers with Professional Pilots of Tomorrow and travels whenever he gets the chance.

Boeing to Shut Down Facility for a Day

On Thursday, Boeing’s 737 factory teams will conduct a “Quality Stand-Down” in Renton, Wash., which involves shutting down the entire facility for a day.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11:32 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Boeing’s 737 factory in Renton. (Photo: Boeing)

On Thursday, Boeing’s 737 factory teams will conduct a “Quality Stand-Down” in Renton, Wash. According to Boeing, during the session the company’s production, delivery, and support teams will not build airplanes but instead “take part in a working session focused on quality.”

In an internal communication sent to employees of Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes division, division CEO Stan Deal said this was the first of many quality stand-down days for the factories involved in the 737 program.

“Production, delivery, and support efforts will pause for a day, so teammates can take part in working sessions focused on quality,” Deal said. “The sessions allow all teammates who touch the airplane to ‘pause, evaluate what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and make recommendations for improvement.’

“During the stand-downs, teammates will participate in hands-on learning, reflection, and collaboration to identify where quality and compliance can be improved and create actionable plans that will be tracked to closure.”

Quality Stand-Downs will be held over the next several weeks at other Boeing factories and fabrication sites to include all airplane programs.

According to The Seattle Times, a whistleblower at the Renton plant allegedly has paperwork that claims the door plug was removed for repair from the fuselage of the Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 that lost the plug in flight, then reinstalled without the required four bolts that hold the door in place. If the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation confirms this, the blame for the event would fall on Boeing, rather than Spirit AeroSystems, the makers of the 737 fuselages.

The aircraft was delivered to Alaska Airlines in October 2023. It did not have enough time in the air for it to be subject to a so-called “heavy maintenance” cycle.

The door plug was found in the backyard of a Portland, Ore., area schoolteacher. It has been sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington, D.C., for analysis. Investigators are trying to determine if the four bolts that are supposed to hold the door plug in place were installed correctly.

In the meantime, the entire fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft remains grounded and subject to extra inspections. The Max9 is primarily used by United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Both carriers are having to cancel flights and adjust schedules to make up for the loss of aircraft while they continue to closely inspect their fleets.

According to Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, a close inspection of the 737 Max 9—which makes up 20 percent of the company’s fleet—uncovered loose bolts in many of the airplanes.

“I am more than frustrated and disappointed,” Minicucci told NBC News. “I am angry. This happened to Alaska Airlines. It happened to our guests and happened to our people. And my demand on Boeing is, what are they going to do to improve their quality programs in-house?”

Boeing and Alaska are facing lawsuits from passengers who were on board Flight 1282 on January 5. As the aircraft with the gaping hole in its side descended into Portland, several thought they were going to die and sent farewell messages to their loved ones via text.

Among the concerns were that the airliner had three maintenance write-ups regarding the pressurization system, but the aircraft was permitted to remain in service as long as it did not fly over water.

What Is a Door Plug?

The door plug covers a space that can be turned into an emergency exit if the operator of the aircraft desires. The outline of the door plug can be seen from the exterior of the airplane. Inside, if the emergency exit option is not selected, the space looks like a bulkhead in the fuselage with windows.

The fuselages for the 737 are made by Spirit AeroSystems, which is also investigating its quality-control measures. In December, two former employees at the Wichita, Kansas, facility filed a class-action suit alleging that a lack of quality control was endangering the company.

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared on FlyingMag.com.

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.

Frontier Slows Pilot Hiring Pipeline

Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Frontier is slowing down hiring from its pilot pipeline programs, the airline confirmed to AirlineGeeks.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 05:32 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Frontier A320neo landing in Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Frontier is slowing down hiring from its pilot pipeline programs, according to a report by Aero Crew News. The report states that the pipeline programs exceeded demand expectations and are subsequently at capacity.

Citing a January 19 memo from Frontier’s Vice President of Flight Operations Brad Lambert, the Aero Crew News report goes on to add that lengthy wait times for a training slot prompted the decision. The airline has a variety of pipelines for new aviators, including rotor transition and cadet programs.

A Frontier spokesperson confirmed the updated report in a statement to AirlineGeeks, adding that the airline is “slowing [its] hiring pipeline due to a full pool of pilots and smaller class sizes.” No specific timeline was provided on how long the slowdown will last.

According to one Reddit post, Frontier will also suspend its $50,000 pilot new hire bonus indefinitely.

Last year, fellow ULCC Spirit announced that it would be pressing the brakes on pilot hiring indefinitely following a net loss of $157.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. According to data from Future and Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA), major U.S. airlines hired 6% fewer pilots year-over-year in 2023.

New Bases and Routes

Frontier’s pilot hiring pull-down comes on the heels of the airline’s effort to pivot its network design to an ‘out-and-back’ model. As part of this effort, the airline has opened several new crew bases in recent months, including Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and most recently San Juan, Puerto Rico.

With the new San Juan base, Frontier has a total of 13 crew bases with over 2,000 pilots in its ranks. On Tuesday, the airline announced over 40 new and resuming routes.

Ryan Ewing

ANA Adds New European Destinations

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has released its 2024 flight schedule, with the airline introducing and resuming service on several international routes.

Andrew Chen

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 03:44 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An ANA 787 nears touch down in Munich (Photo: Fabian Behr | AirlineGeeks)

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has released its 2024 flight schedule, with the airline introducing and resuming service on several international routes. Throughout the year, the Tokyo-based carrier will be adding flights to Vienna, Milan, Stockholm, and Istanbul.

Summer Schedule: Resumption of Vienna Route and Increased International Frequencies

Starting from Aug. 1, 2024, ANA will operate three weekly flights between Tokyo Haneda Airport and Vienna International Airport using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The route is returning after a multi-year hiatus.

During the summer months, the carrier is also increasing the frequency of service on numerous international routes. Service between Haneda and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Munich will be increased to daily roundtrips.

Meanwhile, in Asia, ANA will be ending its three times weekly route between Narita International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport in favor of a daily Haneda service. The airline is also doubling its flights between Haneda and Shanghai Pudong International Airport to two flights daily.

New European Destinations in Winter 2024

ANA will be adding three additional European destinations in its winter 2024 schedule: Milan Malpensa Airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, and Istanbul Airport. All three routes will be operated from Haneda.

The Japanese carrier will be the only airline operating between Tokyo and Milan and Stockholm. Fellow Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines already flies between Istanbul and both Narita and Haneda. The three new routes will bring ANA’s total number of European destinations to nine.

Andrew Chen

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.