An Envoy Air E175 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Envoy Air, a wholly-owned regional subsidiary of the American Airlines Group, announced it will add 19 Embraer regional jet aircraft to its fleet, with deliveries starting later this year.
The order comprises eight Embraer 175s and eleven Embraer 170s, adding to a series of fleet expansion announcements made throughout 2023. This includes six E175s announced in March, seven E175s and five E170s in June, and four E175s in October.
With Wednesday’s addition, Envoy’s total fleet commitment stands at 169 aircraft, including 126 E175s and 43 E170s.
“This measured, sustainable success is a direct outcome of Envoy’s commitment to safety, quality and cost,” said Envoy President and CEO, Pedro Fábregas, said in a press release. “These three principles are central to everything that we do, and enable us to provide safe, high-performing, and cost-effective regional service for the thousands of customers we serve each day, for American Airlines Group and its shareholders, and for more than 19,700 Envoy employees in the Pacific, North America, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.”
Increasing Popularity
The Embraer 170 and 175 are popular choices for regional airlines due to their increased fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft can seat up to 78 passengers in a high-density configuration.
Envoy is one of the largest operators of the E170-series of aircraft with approximately 140 in its fleet. The airline is a key player in American’s regional network, operating roughly 800 daily American Eagle-branded flights. Last year, Envoy retired its last 50-seat E145 aircraft.
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.
A Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900 at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (Photo: Shutterstock)
A Japan Airlines Airbus A350 caught fire on Tuesday after colliding with a Bombardier Dash 8 operating for the Japanese Coast Guard. The commercial aircraft had just landed and was rolling out on runway 34R at Tokyo’s Haneda airport when the collision occurred.
There was no indication of any problem onboard the Japan Airlines plane before landing. Officials believe that the collision happened in what is known as the “touchdown zone” on the runway, the area where a commercial jet must land in order to ensure a safe rollout. The touchdown zone starts at the runway threshold, which marks the beginning of the available landing distance, and extends for several thousand feet. This means that the collision occurred early in the touchdown sequence, where the Dash 8 might have been waiting to depart once the passenger jet cleared the runway.
The A350 burst into flames immediately after the collision. According to reports, 70 fire trucks were required to put out the blaze.
Without question, this image will be part of the investigation into the collision of #JAL516 vs. Japan Coast Guard flight. Who was in the wrong place at the wrong time? A massive failure of Japan’s “safety first” culture followed by a textbook evacuation by Japan Airlines’ crew. pic.twitter.com/IdzQEZ0KjE
All 379 passengers and crew onboard the Japan Airlines plane were evacuated in just over 90 seconds, in line with aircraft certification requirements and crew training guidelines. However, five of six people onboard the coastguard aircraft were killed; only the pilot, who is in critical condition at the time of writing, survived.
Analysts are highly commending the Japan Airlines crew for not only evacuating the plane so efficiently and successfully but also for keeping the jet on the runway and away from other aircraft. This made it easier for fire crews to fight the blaze without risking more aircraft.
“The cabin crew must have done an excellent job. It was a miracle that all the passengers got off,” said Paul Hayes, director of air safety at U.K.-based aviation consultancy Ascend by Cirium, to Reuters.
The Coast Guard aircraft was flying to an airbase in Niigata prefecture to assist with the rescue efforts after an earthquake killed nearly 50 people. The aircraft was heading to deliver humanitarian aid to the earthquake site.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida commended the Coast Guard crew for their service to Japan and thanked other crews for their continued efforts.
“This [accident] is a great regret as the crew members performed their duties with a strong sense of mission and responsibility for the victims of the disaster area,” Kishida said, referring to those killed on the Coast Guard plane.
Runway Incursion Speculation
It will take time to determine what caused the crash. Investigations for most accidents, especially those involving multiple transport category aircraft at busy airports with hundreds of passengers and military crews, can take two years or more, as investigators must analyze every piece of information and every potential factor to accurately determine what happened. However, we already know that the Japan Airlines plane received and read back a clearance to land on the runway they were using. The Coast Guard plane was issued a hold-short clearance.
The question must arise, therefore, whether a runway incursion occurred. Again, such is unconfirmed, but the fact that it was an evening hour with minimal lighting means it might have been more difficult for the Coast Guard crew to identify the ground markings that note where the taxiway ends and the runway begins.
ATC communications, and cockpit discussions, will be heavily scrutinized during the investigation. Was there any uncertainty about what either the Japan Airlines A350 or the Coast Guard aircraft was cleared to do? Did each crew know where they were and what they were doing, and did either see the other aircraft before the collision? If a runway incursion did occur, did the Coast Guard crew suspect as much, and did air traffic controllers say anything?
What is known is that the Coast Guard aircraft was not equipped with a “modern ADS-B transponder,” a type of device used to identify an aircraft’s location and send information about it to air traffic control and other aircraft, per Sky News. This means that, regardless of the equipment installed at Haneda to alert controllers to a plane’s location or warn them of runway incursions, the plane might not have activated warnings on its proximity to the runway or the Japan Airlines aircraft because it would not be emitting the most accurate signals about its position. ADS-B is more accurate than conventional radar surveillance.
ADS-B has been required on all airplanes with a transponder since 2020 in the United States. Aircraft around the world tend to conform to requirements in major aviation markets such as the U.S. in order to maintain type certification around the world. The Japan Airlines plane certainly had ADS-B equipment onboard, but it is currently unclear why a Coast Guard aircraft would not.
What is clear is that this accident was likely just that. Airports, and aviation in general, have such thorough safety measures that significant accidents never occur due to a single mistake. Rather, a chain of mistakes and minute failures usually add up to cause accidents.
This incident calls to mind a 2022 incident in Peru. A fire truck on a training exercise missed a turn and entered a runway where a LATAM aircraft was taking off. The plane burst into flames, but all the passengers survived.
First A350 Hull Loss
This accident represents the first hull loss of any Airbus A350 jet. The type started flying in commercial service in 2015. This was also the first hull loss of any composite airliner, per Leeham News.
The A350 joins the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as only the second commercial airliner made entirely of composite materials. When the Dreamliner was undergoing testing, significant research was done into how composite airliners react to fires. Two 787s have experienced fires before: another Japan Airlines aircraft had a battery problem in Boston that caused a fire, and an Ethiopian 787 was set on fire by pinched wiring in London. Both planes were heavily damaged but subsequently repaired.
When the Dreamliner was introduced nearly 15 years ago, airport fire departments feared that they would need to change the way they fight fires to adapt to the characteristics of composite aircraft.
“This will fundamentally change everything from strategy and tactics and equipment,” said Bill Davis, the assistant chief of the Denver Fire Department assigned to the Denver International Airport, in 2009. “It strikes me that we’re definitely going to have to train to and equip ourselves differently. I’ve studied fires in military composites. This (B-2A crash) is the first of an all-composite airplane; usually, there are just parts that are composites.”
JAL’s first A350 in Toulouse (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
However, Boeing said at the time that there is no effective difference between an airplane made of composites and one made of traditional parts. The manufacturer advised fire departments to treat the 787 like any other airplane.
“Boeing has done extensive testing on the properties of the composite materials being used on board the 787 and its reaction in both in-flight fire and post-crash fire scenarios. Boeing has found – and by law must demonstrate to the FAA – that the 787 will be as safe, or safer than, today’s airplanes. The composites used on the 787 demonstrate performance that meets those requirements,” Boeing said in a statement in response to concerns.
Tuesday’s A350 crash will provide useful information about how composite aircraft respond to fires in real-world situations and will help guide how fire brigades respond to fires on composite aircraft in the future. As is unfortunately the case, accidents are often among the best ways to determine how to keep aviation safe and refine safety practices for the future.
Ongoing Investigation
The runway on which the collision occurred is still closed at the time of writing, and it likely will be for some time more. Crash investigators will need to inspect the wreckage of both the Dash 8 and the A350 to collect preliminary data, including the flight data and voice recorders from both aircraft. They will also collect debris from the site, take pictures, interview crewmembers, and more.
Airbus is sending employees to Japan to assist with the investigation.
A significant number of flights have been canceled at Haneda, as all runways were closed for a time to facilitate rapid response. Though the airport has begun to reopen, it will be a while before it is again operating at full capacity.
The A350 involved was only two years old and was registered in September 2021.
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.
FLYING Media Group Acquires FindaPilot.com
FLYING Media Group (FMG) has acquired FindaPilot.com, a website which matches a wide-array of pilots with over 4,000 aviation employers.
FLYING Media Group (FMG) has acquired FindaPilot.com, a website which matches pilots with aviation employers. FindaPilot was founded in 1997 and has 25,000 pilots and 4,000 aviation employers registered on its platform.
Findapilot.com attracts a diverse range of customers, primarily companies involved in the business aviation sector. This sector includes charter companies, corporations with private jet fleets, aviation consulting firms, and flying clubs. The website is the largest source of contract pilots, providing flexible employment opportunities to commercial pilots with a range of backgrounds and type ratings.
Small businesses, which often lack the resources of large recruiting departments, have relied upon FindaPilot.com for the past two decades to reach pilots for missions and careers. FMG plans to expand the focus to include large national employers, while creating additional tools for small aviation businesses, all focused on helping pilots find the perfect career opportunities, regardless of where they are geographically or in what phase of their career.
However, FindaPilot.com is more than a career website; it offers a rich set of pilot profile data that can be used by employers targeting a specific type rating or skill set and for pilots seeking contract employment or new career opportunities.
FindaPilot founder John Peroyea will stay involved with the business after the transaction.
“Over the past 25 years, I have been passionate about building the most successful platform to help pilots maximize their career potential and achieve their goals,” Peroyea said. “I believe that by joining the FMG family, FindaPilot can deliver advanced opportunities for pilots beyond our wildest dreams.”
“With this acquisition, FMG will connect its content platform with FindaPilot.com, providing a comprehensive platform for pilot career development and continuing education,” said Craig Fuller, CEO of FMG.
FLYING Media Group provides content and information for more pilots than any other source in the world through its network of nearly 30 aviation brands.
Globally, there is a shortage of more than 34,000 pilots in the aviation industry, and the situation is expected to get more challenging over the next decade. FMG is investing significantly in resources that will expand the number of pilots that join the industry and help them along the way as they advance in their careers.
Through the Learn to Fly series on FLYINGMag.com, continuing education journals (Aviation Safety, IFR, Aviation Consumer), news and information (AVweb and FLYINGMag.com) enthusiast content (FLYING Magazine, Plane & Pilot, Kitplanes, Airline Geeks), or B2B resources (AvBuyer, Business Air, Aircraft for Sale), FMG offers the most comprehensive set of resources for pilots anywhere.
“We are thrilled to welcome FindaPilot.com to the FLYING Media Group family,” Fuller added. “With a strategic product roadmap for our aviation career platform, we are going to blend education, community, mentorship, and job matching into a comprehensive offering for the aviation community.”
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.
Minors under 18 are now barred from jetting off to international destinations without their guardians, increasing policies around unaccompanied minors.
An EgyptAir Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner preparing to depart for Cairo using sustainable aviation fuel. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
On January 1, EgyptAir introduced new regulations, signaling a transformative start to 2024 for young travelers. Minors under 18 are now barred from jetting off to international destinations without their guardians, a move aimed at prioritizing the safety and well-being of these young globetrotters.
There’s an interesting exception in the rules for sports teams approved by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. They are granted the liberty to travel without the need for prior permission, provided they have official approval from the ministry, excluding cases where sports teams only possess a letter from their sports federation.
Unaccompanied minors, as defined by EgyptAir, include children traveling alone without the supervision of a sibling aged 16 or older, a parent, or a legal guardian. This encompasses scenarios where children are seated in a different class or cabin from their family members or guardians.
To adhere to these regulations, minors traveling without an adult must carry proper identification and ensure they have a confirmed reservation. The transportation of unaccompanied minors under the age of two is not approved, while those aged two to below six may travel, accompanied by a flight attendant.
An Additional Flight Attendant
Guardians bear the responsibility of covering the flight attendant’s ticket cost. The EgyptAir unaccompanied minor form must be diligently completed and signed, with the authorized guardian handing over the child at the departure airport and the designated parent or guardian meeting the child upon arrival.
During the flight, additional flight attendants accompany unaccompanied minors, and they are not permitted to occupy emergency exit seats. The ticket fare for unaccompanied minors is set at 100% of the applicable adult fare, plus the full fare for accompanying flight attendants.
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.
Cathay Pacific to Resume Hong Kong-Barcelona Route
Cathay Pacific announces the resumption of its Hong Kong-Barcelona route, resuming the route to a oneworld hub after cutting the route during the pandemic.
A Cathay Pacific A350. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ben Suskind)
Cathay Pacific opened reservations for flights from Hong Kong to Barcelona last week, and the service will resume on June 17, 2024. The airline will operate the flight with its Airbus A350-900XWB. The aircraft is configured with 38 flatbed business seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 214 economy seats.
The Hong Kong-based carrier will operate three weekly flights through the summer season and will temporarily end service on October 26, 2024. The airline currently states that this is a seasonal operation.
The flight departs from Hong Kong at 12:25 a.m. local time on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It arrives in Barcelona at 8:30 a.m. local time. The return flight departs from Barcelona at 1 p.m. local time and is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong at 7:05 a.m. the next day.
Travel Rebounds from 2020
As seen earlier this year, Cathay Pacific has benefited from the rebound of Hong Kong’s travel demand after the lifting of travel restrictions. This enabled the carrier to bring back many destinations, including Barcelona, that it had cut during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. This move not only benefits Cathay Pacific but also strengthens the oneworld alliance, as fellow member Iberia utilizes Barcelona as a hub.
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.
AirlineGeeks Year in Review: 2023
With 2023 coming to a close, we look back on some of the wide-array of stories that shaped the commercial aviation industry.
Various Boeing 737 MAX aircraft sit in storage at Boeing Field in Washington.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Undoubtedly, 2023 was another historic year for the aviation industry. On a global scale, airlines continued to blossom again following turbulent COVID-19 times. With vaccine availability increasing around the world, the industry slowly recovered: countries loosened restrictions, opened borders and once again welcomed travel.
As we fly into a new and promising year for the commercial aviation sector, let’s take a moment to look back at some of this year’s biggest headlines. The articles below are listed in chronological order and relevant articles may be linked in each header.
January
The last Boeing 747 ever built taking off on its delivery flight. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fangzhong Guo)
Boeing’s 737 MAX gained approval from CAAC, the Chinese aviation authority, to fly again. This is followed by the long-awaited resumption of delivery to Chinese carriers at the end of 2023.
Ethiopian continued to strengthen its position as the key connecting player into Africa with the launch of the flight to Atlanta from Addis Ababa and the restoration of pre-covid capacity to China, with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
The new Terminal A opened 21 of the 33 gates, which now serve Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue, and some United Airlines flights, after several delays to the planned openings.
On Jan. 31, 2023, Boeing delivered the last Boeing 747 ever built to its owner, Atlas Air. The delivery marks an end to the iconic jet’s 54-year production run at Boeing’s Everett factory, with a total of 1,574 units built. It also marks a real end to an era in aviation regarded by many to be one of the most thrilling.
International Airlines Group (IAG) agreed to purchase the remaining 80% stake of Air Europa that it did not already own from Spanish company Globalia. In announcing strong financial results for 2022 and a positive outlook for 2023, IAG revealed that it had finalized an agreement to pay 400 million Euros ($422 million) to acquire full control of the Spanish airline.
With much anticipation, Qantas revealed the cabin design of its A350-1000s which are set to operate the routes in Project Sunrise. The cabin features a ‘wellness zone’ where passengers can relax on the soon-to-be world’s longest flight. The initial routes include flights to London and New York.
Air India ordered 250 aircraft in total from European manufacturer Airbus. The order includes 40 A350s to be split between the -900 and -1000 variants.
Taiwanese carrier Starlux launched flights between Taipei Taoyuan and Los Angeles International Airport, marking its entry into the long haul and trans-pacific market. The route was later joined by a connection to San Francisco later this year and both are operated by A350-900.
March
JetBlue and Spirit’s combined route network. (Photo: JetBlue)
Once unthinkable, Emirates and United launched a strategic partnership including redemption schemes, interline agreements and resulted in the launch of United flight between Newark and Dubai.
The Lufthansa Group announced an order which included 22 aircraft consisting of Airbus A350-1000s and A350-900s along with Boeing 787-9s valued at 7.5 billion dollars. This announcement also included a timeline for the ill-fated four-engine aircraft and older fleet types operated under the group.
The United States’ Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that they would launch a lawsuit to block the $3.8 billion JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines merger that has been in the works since July 2022.
Boeing announced that Riyadh Air — the brand new Saudi Arabian national carrier — would order 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with options for 33 more of the 787-9 variant . This announcement came at the same time flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines, SAUDIA, also placed an order for 39 787 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 10.
Two percent of aviation fuel supplied at European Union airports needs to be comprised of sustainable aviation fuels by 2025, this grows to six percent in 2030, 20% in 2035, and all the way up to 70% by 2050.
Violent clashes on April 15 between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group erupted in the capital city of Khartoum, leading to the closure of Khartoum International Airport (KRT) and the destruction of two parked aircraft.
The Board of Directors of ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier and wholly owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), approved the business plan shared with the Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa Group is set to acquire a minority stake in ITA Airways.
Icelandair confirmed that Airbus A321XLR and A321LRs will replace its fleet of Boeing 757 aircraft and that the airline will begin to operate a mix of Boeing and Airbus planes from 2025.
Delta became one of the many carriers that started or resumed service to London Gatwick Airport this year as more legacy carriers seek to boost capacity to London without having to contest for Heathrow slots or pay hefty fees.
May
COMAC’s C919 at the tarmac when passengers are boarding (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Lei Yan)
The Chinese jet set to compete with Boeing and Airbus narrowbodies took to the sky with revenue passengers onboard for the first time from Shanghai’s Hongqiao International Airport to Beijing’s Capital International Airport. The China Eastern flight MU9191 took off at 10:32 a.m. local time from Shanghai.
Qantas said ‘Blue Mountains’ is the third 717 to retire and the fleet of QantasLink’s 20 Boeing 717s will be gradually replaced by 29 Airbus A220 aircraft as part of the Project Winton fleet renewal program revealed in 2022. A320s and A220s are expected to become the backbone of its domestic fleet for the next twenty years.
Emirates Group posted a record profit of AED 10.9 billion ($3.0 billion) in 2022-23, compared to the previous year’s loss of AED 3.8 billion ($1.0 billion).
June
The Dreamliner’s tail tapers to a lighter shade of purple. (Photo: Riyadh Air)
The partnership between the EL AL and Delta will allow passengers to check in, check bags, and get their boarding passes for their entire journey on the two carriers. EL AL also announced a code-share agreement with All Nippon Airlines.
The Paris Air Show 2023 kicked off with exciting developments from African airlines. Air Mauritius announced the purchase of three additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bolstering its long-haul fleet for expanded operations in Europe and South Asia. Meanwhile, TAAG Angola Airlines entered into a lease agreement with Aviation Capital Group for four Airbus A220-300 aircraft, a significant step in the airline’s fleet modernization plan.
The announcement comes approximately one week after it was revealed that WestJet would be shuttering its ultra-low-cost subsidiary Swoop and less than two months after WestJet completed its acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations.
Saudi Arabia’s new Riyadh Air has unveiled its first livery. The first of two expected designs, the airline called it a “perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance.” Riyadh Air painted the scheme on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, of which it has ordered up to 72.
July
A JetBlue Airways Airbus A220 prepares for landing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
A judge ruled that a partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue called the Northeast Alliance was anticompetitive. In order to pursue its merger deal with Spirit Airlines, JetBlue decided not to appeal the decision, thus marking the end of the years-long partnership.
The highly-anticipated airline, now known as New Pacific Airways, took off for the first time from Ontario, Calif. to Las Vegas. AirlineGeeks was onboard the first flight to mark the momentous occasion.
Air India announced its plans to rebrand under new ownership. The move brings a new logo; a new livery for the airline, which was recently unveiled on the carrier’s first Airbus A350 aircraft; and a modernized cabin.
AirlineGeeks.com found itself under new ownership this summer. FLYING Media Group says the purchase serves to increase its coverage of commercial aviation.
Delta Air Lines announced a new prototype for an airplane seat that allows passengers to stay in their powered wheelchairs, and United Airlines will add braille to all of its aircraft. US Senators praised the announcements as critical for disabled travelers on American carriers.
Red Way Airlines, a new carrier based in Nebraska, was born and died within the span of just a few months. The carrier took the aviation industry by storm but ultimately could not garner the traffic it needed to stay afloat.
September
An Airbus A321 on approach to Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
BermudAir started flying as an all-premium airline based in Bermuda. The carrier announced it would fly Embraer E190s in an all-business-class configuration to cater to premium travelers connecting to the United States. Three destinations were originally planned: Fort Lauderdale, Boston, and Westchester, New York.
American-based premium carrier JSX announced plans to move from larger airports to smaller secondary airports in a number of markets. Most notably, they revealed plans to move from Miami to Opa-Locka Airport, from San Diego to Carlsbad, and from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Scottsdale.
Alaska Airlines once again became “Proudly All-Boeing” after retiring the last Airbus A320 inherited from its Virgin America merger. The carrier has over 200 Boeing jets in its fleet and has more on order.
Airbus beat out Boeing for a sizable widebody order from the Air France-KLM group. The company ordered 50 Airbus A350 jets, making the group among the largest operators of the type in the world. The order moves the carriers one step closer to a major fleet renewal.
Former American Airlines CEO Doug Parker kicked off a busy October by announcing a plan to start a new charity to help underrepresented minorities launch careers in aviation. The charity, called “Breaking Down Barriers,” hopes its efforts will help ease the pilot shortage currently facing the US.. airline industry.
United Airlines announced in October a plan to purchase 110 new jets, split between 60 Airbus A321neos and 50 Boeing 787s. It brings the carrier’s 787 order book to 250 on top of an order it already placed.
Joby Aviation announced in October that it began testing its electric air taxis with pilots onboard, a significant step towards FAA certification and entry into service. The tests come ahead of Joby’s first delivery to the United States Air Force, scheduled for early 2024.
A Boeing 757 jet operating for FedEx ran off the side of the runway in Chattanooga, Tenn. during an emergency landing. The crew reported an issue just after departure and eventually requested to return to the airport; however, on approach, a gear unsafe light illuminated, and the pilots decided to try a second time, eventually performing a gear-up landing and skidding off the side of the runway. All three onboard survived.
Israeli flag carrier El Al made the intentional decision to keep flying into, out of, and through Israel after war broke out, even after other carriers suspended service. The airline aimed to help citizens get into Israel to reconnect with family or evacuate to safety elsewhere.
As the new international airport in Tulum, Mexico neared opening, carriers began announcing flights to the airport. Delta Air Lines was the first US carrier to announce plans to the city, with seasonal services starting in March. American Airlines and United Airlines followed suit, as did JetBlue and Air Canada.
The first Airbus A321neo bound for United Airlines arrived stateside to complete proving flights. The aircraft is first of the airline’s order for nearly 100 of the type and will help to both expand operations and replace other aging A320 family planes in United’s fleet.
Akbar Al Baker, who lead Qatar Airways for nearly 30 years, announced he was stepping down from his leadership role with the company. He was among the longest-serving airline CEOs in the world and is credited with growing Qatar’s prominence around the world.
An Alaska Airlines pilot jumpseating on a Horizon Air Embraer E175 attempted to disable both plane’s engines midflight using the fire suppression system. The flight’s crew managed to subdue him, and he was subsequently charged with attempted murder, reckless endangerment, endangering an aircraft, and interfering with a flight crew; the attempted murder charges have since been dropped.
November
The sun rises on a busy morning at the Barbara Jordan terminal at Austin-Bergstrom. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Mateen Kontoravdis)
For a moment, it seemed that JetBlue’s services to Amsterdam would be short-lived when the government of the Netherlands announced plans to bar the carrier, along with others, from Schipol Airlines for environmental concerns. The decision was reversed after the US government announced plans to restrict KLM’s slots at the busiest American airports.
Once the largest airline in Austin, American Airlines has announced plans to reduce its network out of the Texan airport. Demand in Austin has skyrocketed (pun intended) in recent years, and the number of incidents at the airport has equally increased. Now, American says that its expansion was too aggressive, so it will limit its flights at the airport.
As the global economy recovers from the covid-19 pandemic, the reduced demand for cargo means that courier companies like FedEx do not need as many pilots as they once did. FedEx has established a flow with American Airlines that allows FedEx pilots a guaranteed job after spending time at wholly-owned regional carrier PSA Airlines. This will both bring FedEx’s workforce down to a more reasonable level while also easing American’s shortage of crewmembers.
Norse Atlantic Airways became the first operator to fly a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the continent of Antarctica. The aircraft was on a charter flight for the Norwegian Polar Institute and stopped in Africa before continuing on to the South Pole.
After Airbus earned big widebody deals earlier in the year, Boeing leaped ahead during the Dubai Airshow with orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777X fleets. Most notably, low-cost airline flyDubai ordered the Dreamliner, marking the first widebody aircraft that it will ever operate.
The FAA granted Boeing a Type Inspection Authorization for its 737 MAX 10, allowing the manufacturer to begin flight testing the MAX 10. Boeing expects to deliver the first of the type in 2024, though some fear that entry into service could slip to 2025 if flight testing faces delays.
Both Gulfstream and Virgin Atlantic operated aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean powered solely by Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Both heralded their operations as major steps forward in aviation sustainability.
December
An Alaska A330-200 in Seattle (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Delta Air Lines decided to slash all Bombardier CRJ-200s from its regional fleet in favor of jets that can handle two-class configurations. The final flight operated on an Essential Air Service route out of Salt Lake City and will replaced by larger Bombardier CRJ variants.
Soon after returning to an all-Boeing fleet, Alaska Airlines announced it would buy Hawaiian Airlines which is replacing its aging Boeing 717s with Airbus A321s. Alaska says it plans to keep the two brands separate to maintain brand loyalty with customers but that the airlines’ networks complement each other well. The deal will need to be approved by U.S. regulators.
Though the proposed contract between Southwest and its flight attendant union was soundly rejected, issues with the voting system soon arose. The union is thus preparing for a recount with new voting software to ensure an accurate representation of the opinions of their flight attendants.
Qantas Airways took delivery of its first Bombardier CSeries…or Airbus A220…earlier this month. The aircraft bears a special livery and will be operated under the Qantas Link brand. Qantas says the aircraft will usher in a new era of modernity and efficiency.
Southwest Airlines and its pilot union have been deadlocked on a new contract for years, and calls for improved benefits were heightened after 2022’s holiday meltdown. Now, the pilots finally have a new proposal. The preliminary agreement needs to be voted on by union leadership, at which time, if approved, it becomes a Tentative Agreement and is passed to the general union membership for voting. The entire process could take months to complete.
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.
ITA Airways: 2023 Results and 2024 Goals
ITA Airways saw financial improvement in 2023, but its position in the aviation industry will depend on its ability to navigate financial and legal challenges/
As ITA Airways strides into 2024, the airline faces challenges and opportunities, grappling with financial losses and legal battles. The outcome of these situations will be crucial in determining ITA Airways’ role in the competitive and dynamic aviation landscape in 2024.
The Italian national carrier, which launched operations in October 2021, taking over from the defunct Alitalia, has had a rocky start financially. In 2022, the Italian airline reported revenues of €1.58 billion ($1.745 billion) and over 10 million passengers, but these figures were overshadowed by a staggering net loss of €486 million ($537 million). The previous year, 2021, wasn’t any better, with the airline accruing €90 million ($99 million) in revenues and an operating loss of €147.9 million ($163 million), despite transporting 1.32 million passengers in two months (since October 2021).
The airline’s performance was significantly hampered by the challenging “startup” phase and a weak market, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic and macroeconomic factors like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and fluctuating euro/dollar exchange rates.
At the end of 2023, the airline aims to break even operationally, possibly achieving slightly favorable terrain, contrasting starkly with the previous year’s losses.
Strategic Alliance with Lufthansa in 2024
A pivotal development for ITA Airways is its emerging partnership with Lufthansa. The Italian airline is negotiating with the German carrier to sell a 40% stake, estimated to be worth €250-300 million. The deal, which involves the Italian Ministry of Economy and the German Group, is set to define ITA’s development in terms of fleet, network, and strategic goals.
The preliminary agreement awaits approval from Italian and European regulatory authorities. The pronouncement from the European Commission should not arrive before late spring, with adverse effects on the high summer season of the Italian national carrier. However, the EU Antitrust’s green light is anticipated between late July and early August 2024. The stake sale to Lufthansa is expected to close by the end of 2024, after which Lufthansa can begin managing ITA Airways.
Complicating ITA Airways’ journey are legal issues concerning hiring former Alitalia employees. Nearly 180 ex-Alitalia workers have been waiting for months to be employed by ITA Airways. Despite a court ruling in their favor, ITA Airways still needs to comply with this decision. The case revolves around whether the transition from Alitalia to ITA Airways constituted a transfer of a company branch or two separate operations.
ITA Airways argues for the latter, stating the two airlines are distinct entities. This stance has legal implications regarding the obligation to rehire Alitalia’s former employees. Despite the legal contention, ITA Airways has pledged to follow the court’s decision, aligning with its business needs and plans.
In 2024, ITA Airways will negotiate with several banks for a €300 million ($321 million) loan to finance its fleet expansion. To be guaranteed 80% by the state-controlled Italian trade credit insurer Sace SpA, this loan aims to expand ITA’s fleet from 82 to 95 aircraft by the end of 2024.
Vincenzo graduated in 2019 in Mechanical Engineering with an aeronautical curriculum, focusing his thesis on Human Factors in aircraft maintenance. In 2022 he pursued his master's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Palermo, Italy. He combines his journalistic activities with his work as a Reliability Engineer at Zetalab.
A Delta Air Lines A319 holds short as an American Airlines A321 departs Los Angeles. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | James Dinsdale)
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has met with several U.S.-based airlines to discuss frequent flyer programs (FFPs). According to Reuters, the DOT is researching some ‘unfair and deceptive’ practices in airline FFPs that may be negatively impacting members.
These practices were categorized as “troubling reports” by Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Roger Marshal in October. These included ‘transparency practices when booking award tickets, transferability of miles and notice given before making changes.’ It was noted that ‘the devaluation of frequent flyer miles over time’ would also be investigated as this practice ‘makes it harder to book award tickets.’
The news agency cites a DOT spokesperson as stating: “We plan to carefully review complaints regarding loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that hurt travelers as warranted. DOT officials are actively meeting with U.S. airlines and gathering more information on this issue.”
The announcement of the DOT engagement with airlines regarding FFPs follows concerns raised in recent months by customers and U.S. politicians. In September, Delta Air Lines was the subject of a torrent of negative publicity after the carrier announced changes to its FFP. One of the main changes that raised the ire of FFP members at the time was the Medallion system of elite status qualification.
The trend away from how many times and the distance FFP members have traveled to a focus on how much they spend has been adopted by a growing number of airlines in recent years. As Forbes reported at the time, those members of Delta’s FFP who utilized Delta-branded credit cards and other spending avenues would ‘need at least $60,000 worth of annual spending to achieve the lowest Medallion status without flying.’
Such was the backlash from Delta FFP members that chief executive officer Ed Bastian publicly admitted the carrier may have gone too far with the changes. In a ‘Note from Ed’ on the airline’s website, Bastian acknowledged the amount of feedback received on the subject. He stated: “Your response made clear that the changes did not fully reflect the loyalty you have demonstrated to Delta.” Citing the popularity of Delta’s FFP since the pandemic. Bastian noted: “It’s been a challenge to balance the growth of our membership with our need to deliver premium service experiences.
Though not all of the changes were reversed several amendments were made to the announced program changes. “When I read your emails, you clearly expressed how much Delta is part of your lifestyle,” added Bastian. “I greatly appreciate that, and we don’t take it lightly. Our investment in your experience will always be at the heart of everything we do. I know the modifications we have made won’t solve for every disappointment. Our goal is to do our best to ensure we deliver the service and benefits your loyalty deserves.”
John has always had a passion for aviation and through a career with Air New Zealand has gained a strong understanding of aviation operations and the strategic nature of the industry. During his career with the airline, John held multiple leadership roles and was involved in projects such as the introduction of both the 777-200 and -300 type aircraft and the development of the IFE for the 777-300. He was also part of a small team who created and published the internal communications magazines for Air New Zealand’s pilots, cabin crew and ground staff balancing a mix of corporate and social content.
John is educated to postgraduate level achieving a masters degree with Distinction in Airline and Airport Management. John has held the positions of course director of an undergraduate commercial pilot training programme at a leading London university. In addition he is contracted as an external instructor for IATA (International Air Transport Association) and has been a member of the Heathrow Community Fund’s ‘Communities for Tomorrow’ panel.
Livery of the Week: The American Eagle Retro Jet
Unveiled in August 2021, this special paint scheme adorns a single Embraer E170 aircraft, paying homage to the airline's history under the American Eagle brand.
Envoy's retro livery on the airline's E170 (Photo: Envoy Air)
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 a world dominated by sleek, modern, and sometimes bland designs, Envoy Air, a wholly-owned regional subsidiary of American Airlines, took a charming detour down memory lane with its retro livery.
The retro Envoy Air livery on one of the airline’s newly-acquired E170s (Photo: Envoy Air)
A Blast from the Past
The retro livery resurrects the iconic design used by American Eagle from the 1980s to the early 2010s. It features a bold red, white, and blue color scheme, with the American Eagle logo prominently displayed on the tail. The fuselage boasts a striking red cheat line and stylized lettering.
In 2013, American unveiled a new livery, which also meant a paint refresh for its regional fleet. As part of the merger with US Airways, American Eagle – which flew under the legacy American brand – was rebranded to Envoy Air in 2014, making room for the carrier’s other regional subsidiaries.
Now, all of American’s regional subsidiaries are branded as ‘American Eagle,’ including PSA, Piedmont and Envoy. The original American Eagle livery on N760MQ once adorned historic airliners such as the Convair 580 and Short 360.
An American Eagle Embraer Regional Jet featuring a yellow ribbon (Photo: Ian McMurtry)
The retro-liveried E170 is a rare sight in the skies. Only one aircraft currently sports this nostalgic design out of Envoy’s 137 aircraft, making it a catch for aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters alike. The aircraft operates various routes within the American regional network.
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 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.
An Air Algerie 737-800 (Photo: Anna Zvereva / Wikimedia Commons)
A stowaway was found alive in the landing gear of an Air Algerie 737-800 on Thursday morning after a flight from Oran, Algeria to Paris’ Orly Airport. The man, who was between the ages of 20 and 30 years old, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, according to reports.
Per FlightRadar24 data, flight AH1060 arrived in Paris after a nearly two and a half hour duration, cruising at 36,000 feet. The man was reportedly discovered during a routine maintenance inspection shortly after landing.
Earlier this year, an Avianca A320neo aircraft likely flew around Latin America for several days before authorities discovered the bodies of two stowaways in a gear well. The bodies were found during a routine maintenance inspection.
Between 1947 and 2012, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data indicates that roughly 96 individuals attempted to stowaway on commercial flights. However, very few survive the harsh conditions; over 70% do not survive.
Freezing temperatures coupled with limited oxygen at high altitudes often create a life-threatening situation. Landing gear wells are not pressurized on airliners.
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.
