Hello and welcome to Simple Flying's final 'Sunday Reads' weekly digest for the month of August 2023. Let's end the month in style by taking a few minutes to look back at some of our most notable stories from the last seven days.
British Airways Celebrates 75 Years Of Japan Flights
BA is celebrating 75 years of service to Japan. The carrier first flew to Japan with its fleet of flying boats just after World War II, back when it was still known as the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). You can read more here.
Bomb Threat: Police Remove Passenger From Turkey-Bound Jet2 Flight
When departing for a long-awaited holiday, passengers are generally itching to get on their way in order to let the fun begin. However, a plane-load of British travelers were made to wait a little while longer this week after their Jet2 flight to Turkey was delayed under dramatic circumstances due to an alleged bomb threat.
Embraer Legacy 600 Carrying Wagner Group Leader Crashes In Russia
A private aircraft crashed just north of Moscow, Russia, earlier this week. The boss of the Wagner Group, a private military company that was funded by the Russian government, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and his commander, Dmitry Utkin, were both aboard the plane that crashed. Wagner Group has had its fighters deployed in support of the Russian government's allies several times. You can read more here.
Go First Stays Afloat With A $12 Million Lifeline
India's cash-strapped and grounded budget carrier Go First has been granted $12 million as corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) cost to take care of urgent and mandatory liabilities. The airline is in the process of making a comeback, but no date has been finalized yet. It has several financial liabilities, such as aircraft upkeep, employee salaries, and airport fees, among many other things.
Two Firm Orders & Two Options: Air New Zealand Pens Deal With ATR To Bolster Its Regional Fleet
Air New Zealand has committed to growing its regional fleet by placing an order for up to four ATR 72-600 turboprops. The deal that it has signed with the Franco-Italian manufacturer has seen it place two firm orders for the type, with options for another pair. Elsewhere, the carrier's short-haul jet fleet is also set to see growth.
Air India Express Can Finally Soar With New Boeing 737 MAX Planes
Air India Express is an airline that performs well but somewhat silently. Perhaps it's to do with the kind of operations it runs - low-cost medium-haul flights don't get as much attention as the full-service routes to locations such as London and New York. But with the Tata Group taking charge, the new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft heading Air India Express' way could finally give it the space it needs to expand.
What was your favorite story this week? Let us know what you think in the comment section.