https://simpleflying.com Love reading the latest airline news? You've come to the right place. From American Airlines to ZIPAIR Tokyo, we have it all at Simple Flying! Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:27 GMT en-US hourly 60 China's Shenzhen Airlines launched direct flights between Shenzhen and Barcelona on Monday. The route links China's tech hub with the northeast coast of Spain, known for its art and architecture. The flight is the second European route that the carrier operates. It comes as both Shenzhen and Barcelona are reportedly celebrating the second anniversary of establishing friendly ties.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/shenzhen-airlines-airbus-a330-flights-barcelona/ Even as Vistara prepares for its eventual merger with Air India, the airline continues to offer new flights until the deal is finalized. The latest announcement is for its non-stop service between Delhi and Malé in the Maldives. The carrier already operates a Mumbai-Malé flight and will be the only airline flying this route from Delhi.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/vistara-delhi-maldives-non-stop-flight/ Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is accused of losing a woman’s dog amid a flight from the Dominican Republic to the US. Paula Rodriguez embarked on a long journey from Santo Domingo to San Francisco but noticed her dog was not with her during a layover in Atlanta.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:31:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/passenger-claims-delta-air-lines-lost-dog-atlanta-airport/ From today, passengers traveling on around 70% of Virgin Australia flights will be able to track where their checked bags are via the airline's app. Virgin Australia describes the innovation as Australia's "first-ever airline baggage tracking tool," and its launch follows a successful pilot of the program in May this year.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/virgin-australia-unveils-aussie-bag-tracking/ In another development that could further sour the relationship between Go First and its lessors, important parts are reportedly missing from at least two of its aircraft. One of Go First’s lessors has raised concerns regarding this and wants to take back the planes to avoid further losses.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:15 GMT https://simpleflying.com/parts-missing-from-go-first-planes/ Malaysia Airlines currently has six Airbus A350-900s in its fleet, which were all delivered between November 2017 and July 2018. With all of these units not even six years old yet, there are plenty of prospects to be had with the type, especially on Malaysia Airlines' flagship route to London.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/malaysia-airlines-airbus-a350s-meet-demand-london-heathrow-kuala-lumpur/ The flag carrier of the United Kingdom, British Airways, announced major upgrades to its airport lounge at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR). The new upgrades include an exclusive martini mixer at its exclusive Concorde Room in Terminal 5.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-martini-experience-heathrows-concorde-room/ Earlier this month Fiji Airways greeted the arrival of its third Airbus A350 XWB, with the fourth soon to arrive in Nadi. The new aircraft is named the Island of Beqa and follows in the footsteps of the initial two A350s that joined Fiji Airways in 2019.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:46:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/fiji-airways-a350-business-class-very-high-bar/ On August 25th, a Jet2 A321-200N en route from Bodrum to Manchester diverted to Antalya because of a problem with one of the engines. The pilots landed the aircraft safely at Antalya International Airport (AYT).

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:31:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jet2-airbus-a321neo-returns-bodrum-engine-flames-spotted/ The Indonesian Government has released a proposal to merge three state-owned carriers to cut costs and streamline operations, Indonesia’s Minister for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir announced over the weekend.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/indonesia-merger-garuda-indonesia-citilink-pelita-air/ The administration of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has doubled down against its employees, who are currently in the midst of a strike. The airline has completed legal consultations to move forward and take action against its employees.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:29:56 GMT https://simpleflying.com/pakistan-international-airlines-legal-action-protesting-staff/ Saudi Arabia's newest carrier, Riyadh Air, has outlined a rather interesting plan for how the airline will operate once it commences commercial flights in 2025. However, the plan appears to be deviating from the formula of success that was created by fellow Middle Eastern giants Emirates and Qatar Airways.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 19:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/difference-riyadh-air-neighbors/ At a quick glance, Europe's three most prominent airline groups have been enjoying a significantly strong summer this year with bolstered capacities across their route networks compared to last summer. But despite these increased efforts, these airlines are still lagging a fair bit compared to pre-pandemic numbers - highlighting how everyone still has some distance to cover before reaching previous levels of flying.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:15:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/summer-capacity-iag-lufthansa-air-france-klm/ United Airlines has reportedly agreed to pay a $30 million settlement to the family of a quadriplegic passenger who fell into a coma following an incident during the deplaning process.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 15:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-30-million-settlement-quadriplegic-passenger/ On August 23rd, a Boeing 787 operated by LATAM had to divert and return to its origin airport after a fuel leak was suspected by the crew. The aircraft was flying from Santiago, Chile, to Auckland, New Zealand, when the incident occurred.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/latam-boeing-787-suspected-fuel-leak/ After a hiatus of over 17 years, the flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is set to connect Dhaka (the country's capital) to Tokyo Narita with a direct service. The service will commence next month and will contribute to increased passenger connectivity.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/biman-bangladesh-restarts-dhaka-tokyo-narita-flights/ The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) of Moldova has declared the suspension of Air Moldova's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) due to the absence of aircraft with valid airworthiness certificates.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 09:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/authority-suspends-air-moldova-air-operator-certificate/ Two passengers on separate vacations flying on TUI Airways are engaged after meeting during a delay in England nearly four years ago. The couple, who says the moment they met was "love at first sight," are reportedly planning to get married next month.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/tui-passengers-engaged-bournemouth-airport/ On August 26th, a brand new Airbus A220-300 touched down at Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport and became ITA Airways' 5th A220 and 75th aircraft overall. The jet departed Airbus Canada's assembly facilities in Montreal on August 25th and flew into the evening with a midnight stopover at London's Stansted Airport.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 06:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ita-airways-5th-airbus-a220-300/ Australia has a population approaching 27 million, and between them, Qantas Loyalty and Virgin Velocity have 26.7 million members of their frequent flyer programs. Both airlines want more members, so it seems the best way to get them is to entice each other's members to jump ship; at least that's what Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer program has in mind.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 05:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/virgin-australia-velocity-luxury-escapes-qantas-gold/ Air Koryo, North Korea’s state-owned flag carrier, returned to Vladivostok, a far eastern city in Russia, on Friday after a hiatus of more than three years due to COVID-19 restrictions. The flight reportedly represents the resumption of commercial flights between the two countries.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 04:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-koryo-resumes-flights-vladivostok/ Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes flight G3 1312 had planned to operate an uneventual service from São Paulo–Congonhas Airport to Belo Horizonte on August 22nd; as the aircraft was accelerating down Congohas's runway 35L for take-off, the crew noted an engine stall, calling for an aborted takeoff.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 02:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/gol-boeing-737-max-rejects-takeoff-engine-problem/ Fly Angola has found itself treading in deep water, with flights suspended seemingly indefinitely from August 18th.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 01:20:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/fly-angola-suspends-domestic-flights-following-economic-constraints/ While running an airline anywhere is a tricky business, there are some parts of the world where regional cultural, political and economic pressures add another whole layer of complexity for management to deal with. Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China throws up plenty of curve balls for Cathay Pacific Airways as it straddles the one country-two systems tightrope.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 01:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/cathay-pacific-launches-recruiting-mainland-china/ On 24 August 2023, Canadian carrier Air Inuit received the first two of its Boeing 737-800s which will soon be converted into combi freighters. These aircraft will replace the carrier's trademark Boeing 737-200 combis, the retirement of which was announced this past June. The aircraft in question are over 40 years old and have served thousands of passengers throughout their lifespans.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 00:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-inuit-receives-boeing-737-800-combi-freighter/ All Nippon, British Airways, Etihad, EVA Air, KLM, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines use the 787-10, to be joined by Qantas in the future. These are the five longest routes in September.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 21:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/five-longest-boeing-787-10-routes-september-2023/ Air India recently got hit with quite a big blow after the flag carrier failed an internal safety audit upon further verification by a two-member surveillance team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). During the routine exercise, the aviation regulator determined significant lapses and is currently investigating this matter with the airline.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 18:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/lapses-in-air-india-internal-safety-audits/ China Eastern Airlines has announced a direct flight from its base in Shanghai to Istanbul starting September 28. The airline will connect Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with non-stop flights three times a week. The new flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Shanghai.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/china-eastern-shanghai-istanbul-flights-september/ Over the years, Delta Air Lines Sky Clubs have become widely popular, leading to overcrowding in the luxurious airport spaces. As a result, the Atlanta-based US legacy carrier introduced significant changes to the Sky Club access policy last year.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/delta-air-lines-sky-club-potential-changes-2023/ Nordic flight connections will soon be improved as Finnair is preparing to launch a new 'Arctic Express' service that will connect Helsinki with Rovaniemi and Tromsø. These new flights will be the only direct connection between Rovaniemi and Tromsø, allowing passengers to experience the hometown of Santa Claus and the gateway to the Northern Lights.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/finnair-arctic-express-service/ The Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines has partnered with the Norway-based climate tech firm CHOOOSE to provide passengers with the opportunity to understand and offset their travel emissions.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 12:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/pegasus-airlines-estimate-carbon-impact/ An American Girl doll that meant the world to its owner found its way back after being stranded halfway across the globe, thanks to her parents' perseverance and the goodwill of a stranger.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:32:22 GMT https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-pilot-locates-nine-year-old-missing-doll-japan/ British Airways will ask passengers aged 16 and above to show photographic identification, such as a passport, a driving license, or a valid EU national identity card, for domestic flights within the United Kingdom starting September 1, 2023.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-id-domestic-flights/ SWISS International Air Lines cabin crew has recently become involved in a spot of trouble with the airline for publicly posing for pictures and selfies on top of the wing of a parked Boeing 777 aircraft belonging to the airline while on the ground in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:01:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/swiss-crew-selfies-boeing-777/ Pilots at Seattle-based Alaska Airlines will receive an increase in their wages beginning next month. To keep up with pay at other competing airlines, the pilots will see a pay bump of more than 10%.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 07:18:13 GMT https://simpleflying.com/alaska-airlines-pilots-wage-increase-september-2023/ Qantas is gearing up to deploy its luxurious Airbus A330 aircraft to Bali in the coming months. It comes as the province of Indonesia is reportedly one of the world's most in-demand travel destinations.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 04:07:17 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qantas-airbus-a330s-bali/ Nevada-based ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air (G4) has released its latest figures for passenger numbers, and according to the data, there hasn't been a massive improvement from last year.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 03:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/allegiant-airlines-minimal-growth-july-2023/ Wamos Air will leave the skies between Auckland and Perth in October, as Air New Zealand announced its intentions to redeploy the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 02:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-new-zealand-reintroduces-boeing-787-auckland-perth/ After a four-year pause, aircraft manufacturer Boeing is patiently awaiting the opportunity to recommence deliveries of the 737 MAX to mainland China. The Chinese government had grounded its 96 units in 2019 following two fatal crashes.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 01:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/boeing-reportedly-ready-resume-737-max-deliveries-china/ Aeromexico is set to increase its weekly capacity between Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and the Canadian airports Toronto International (YYZ), Montreal International (YUL), and Vancouver International (YVR) the following winter season.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 22:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aeromexico-canada-expansion-august-2023/ After coming under fire in June for giving a passenger an empty oxygen bottle onboard, a flight from Minneapolis-Sant Paul International Airport (MSP) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Delta Air Lines is gearing up to bolster its onboard medical technology to safeguard the continued health and well-being of its customers and crew members.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 20:12:01 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-delta-air-lines-is-improving-onboard-medical-emergency-response/ Corendon Airlines will soon offer an adult-only section on specific flights in November for passengers who genuinely dislike flying with families and children. Known as the new only adult zone, the Turkish-Dutch leisure carrier hopes to cater to passengers aged 16 and above seeking a child-free environment during their flight, with dedicated seats onboard its Airbus A350s.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/correndon-airlines-adult-only-cabin-sections/ ASKY Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The aircraft is yet to enter commercial service, flying alongside other 737s in the ASKY’s existing fleet. The aircraft is a 4.9-year-old jet, first delivered to Okay Airways in China in October 2018. The aircraft was ferried from Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD) to Lomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW) to join the airline. The carrier has not scheduled services for the newest aircraft yet.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/asky-airlines-1st-boeing-737-max-delivery/ Spirit Airlines recently celebrated its 15th anniversary of flying to Colombia. The airline marked the occasion with a donation to a nonprofit organization in Colombia as well as offering limited anniversary-special fares to passengers. Spirit has grown its network in Colombia extensively over the years and now has close to 500 monthly return flights to the country.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:07:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/spirit-airlines-15-years-flying-colombia/ On the face of it, flying a route from Kuala Lumpur to Perth to Auckland seems a long round, but today Malaysian-based carrier Batik Air launched just that service. It is an interesting route that is more about the city pairs than what a direct flight from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur would deliver.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/batik-air-boeing-737-max-kuala-lumpur-auckland-perth/ British Airways 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.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:04:55 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-75-years-japan/ As demand for travel in Asia and Southeast Asia comes back, IndiGo is also catering to the trend and restarting services that it dropped during the pandemic. Among those is the flight between New Delhi and Hong Kong, which the carrier will resume this October.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 06:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/indigo-to-restart-delhi-hong-kong-flights/ 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, and the latest cash approval will help with those.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/go-first-stays-afloat-with-emergency-funds/ The Toronto, Canada-based airline Porter Airlines announced seven new routes on August 24. These routes include five different destinations in Florida. The new routes are the first United States-based routes that the airline's new Embraer E195-E2s fly. The airline is set to connect its new Florida destinations through Toronto Pearson and Ottawa.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 03:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/porter-airlines-announces-seven-us-routes-embraer-e195-e2/ Since Bonza first appeared on the Australian radar, its mantra has been about connecting communities who don't have access to affordable fares with nonstop flights. Yesterday Bonza did precisely that by announcing a first-ever year-round direct service between Queensland's Gold Coast and Launceston on the island of Tasmania.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 01:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/bonza-737-max-links-gold-coast-tassie-nonstop/ In a significant milestone for aviation and cross-continental manufacturing collaboration, JetSMART has etched its name in history by becoming the first South American carrier to receive an aircraft manufactured in the Airbus factory in Mobile, Alabama, in the United States. The delivery of the Airbus A320neo marks an achievement for regional aviation and underscores the growing range of the European OEM.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jetsmart-south-america-first-carrier-receive-alabama-made-airbus-aircraft/ Aeromexico is Mexico’s oldest carrier and the only one operating long-haul flights to destinations in Europe and Asia. Employing a fleet of over 150 aircraft, including 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners (eight -8s and 12 -9s), it has plenty of routes well over 5,000 miles in distance. Which ones are they? Let’s find out.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 22:01:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aeromexico-ten-longest-routes-august-2023/ BermudAir, the new startup to launch flights as Bermuda’s flag carrier, has received its first aircraft, an Embraer E175, that arrived on the island at L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) earlier this week.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 19:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/bermudair-receives-first-embraer-e175/ Despite a brief flicker of hope that Thai Airways' quadjet fleet would return to service amid a surge in demand late last year, its days of Airbus A380 ownership appear to be at an end. As reported by Aerotime Hub, the Thai flag carrier has opened bidding on its superjumbos until September 12.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/thai-airways-selling-6-airbus-a380s/ Just a couple of months before the resumption of its long-haul service, South African Airways (SAA) has updated its flight schedule, indicating that it will replace the Airbus A340 with the A330 on both routes between South Africa and Brazil.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/south-african-airways-swaps-airbus-a340-a330-brazil-flights/ Frontier Airlines is now facing a class action lawsuit in United States District Court, District of Colorado over its “All You Can Fly Pass”. According to the complaint filed August 17, the lead plaintiff paid $599 for her pass and could book no flights.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/frontier-airlines-lawsuit-all-you-can-fly-pass/ 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.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-new-zealand-atr-order/ In an August 22 interview with Simple Flying, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) President Jason Ambrosi discussed issues around pilot supply and pilot safety in the United States. Those issues include crewing, pay and more.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 09:21:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/a-case-for-maintaining-two-pilots-in-commercial-aircraft-cockpits/ After racking up billions of dollars in losses during COVID, Qantas has produced a stunning turnaround, posting an underlying profit of AU$$2.47 billion ($1.63b) for the twelve months ended June 30th, 2023 (FY23).

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:21:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qantas-a247-billion-profit-mega-sale-points-giveaway/ French bee has appointed a new CEO, opting for former TAP Air Portugal head Christine Ourmières-Widener. She becomes the first female CEO to lead French bee, bringing 35 years of experience to the table.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/french-bee-hires-first-female-ceo/ Recent developments with India’s Star Air, along with the induction of its latest aircraft, have made it a dominant player in India’s regional aviation space. The airline now claims to be India's largest private regional airline, with robust expansion plans for the current financial year.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:04:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/star-air-largest-private-regional-airline-india/ It has been a bumper financial year and a bonza day for the two airline heavyweights from Australasia. Starting the day, Air New Zealand announced statutory earnings of NZ$574 million ($344m) and a few hours later Qantas chipped in with an underlying profit of AU$2.47 billion ($1.63b).

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:30:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-new-zealand-profit-airbus-a321neos-trans-tasman/ More than 300 lives were put in danger when two aircraft entered an active runway at Delhi Airport, with one of the planes taking off while the other was crossing after landing. The incident happened due to a momentary lapse by the ATC, but thankfully the tower controller realized the mistake in time and averted a potential accident.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:21:52 GMT https://simpleflying.com/vistara-aircraft-runway-incursion-delhi/ American ultra-low-cost-carrier (ULCC) Frontier (F9) is set to soar this winter, as the carrier announced a long list of new routes across its ever-expanding network.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 02:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/frontier-airlines-mexico-dominican-republic-expansion-2023/ Today Australia's flag carrier Qantas announced an underlying profit of AU$2.47 billion ($1.63b) and immediately set about spending it on new aircraft. After much speculation Qantas confirmed it had placed firm orders for Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft to ultimately replace its fleet of A330 and A380 jets.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:51:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qantas-orders-a350s-787s-replace-a330s-a380s/ In a significant development, the alliance between JetSMART and American Airlines has achieved a major milestone with the inclusion of Peru in their codeshare agreement. This strategic partnership has taken another leap forward, expanding its reach beyond Chile and the United States to now encompass Peru.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jetsmart-increases-codeshare-american-airlines/ Qatar Airways, a longtime partner of FIFA, has extended its partnership with the world football organization. At this time, the exact details of the extension are unknown.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qatar-airways-extends-partnership-fifa/ Aerolíneas Argentinas’ four unions rejected the airline’s first wage increase proposal on Tuesday during the ongoing salary negotiations. According to the Unions, the proposal presented by the state carrier was “well below the inflation rate,” prompting them to reject it firmly.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/argentinian-union-rejects-aerolineas-argentinas-wage-increase/ This summer has been one of the busiest for air travel in history, with airlines worldwide surpassing previous highs in every category ranging from passengers carried to total profits. Like countless other airlines, Emirates has profited heavily from the summer travel demand. Since June, it has carried over 14 million passengers, averaging a seat load factor of over 80%. While this is undoubtedly one of the busiest summers for Emirates, it is also one of the most profitable.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/emirates-14-million-passengers-summer-2023/ Korean Air has donated first aid kits manufactured from upcycled aircrew uniforms to two community groups in Seoul. The move forms part of the airline's efforts to become a more sustainable company and benefit local projects.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/korean-air-upcycle-uniforms-first-aid-kits/ After ten years of connecting East Africa with the Republic of Korea, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is scaling up its frequency between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to six weekly flights, starting on October 28. The carrier will also deploy its latest Airbus A350 aircraft on the route.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:31:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ethiopian-airlines-ups-seoul-schedule-airbus-a350/ Qatar Airways has confirmed that it will cease flying to Philadelphia. While expected, it comes as partner American Airlines adds Philadelphia-Doha. It resulted from its exit from New York JFK-Doha, which meant that Qatar Airways grew JFK flights to triple daily.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qatar-airways-drops-philadelphia-american-airlines-takes-over/ IndiGo’s appetite for more aircraft and, consequently, more flights is constantly increasing. The airline, which has close to a thousand planes on order, has signed a lease agreement for 10 Airbus narrowbody planes as it doubles down on its domestic network and rapidly expands to foreign shores.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:00:34 GMT https://simpleflying.com/indigo-signs-lease-agreement-for-10-airbus-a320neos/ easyJet will fly to the Egyptian capital of Cairo for the first time this winter. The low-cost carrier will operate a thrice-weekly service from Luton Airport beginning at the end of October.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 08:00:33 GMT https://simpleflying.com/easyjet-launches-cairo-flights/ A Spirit Airlines passenger has claimed that they and around 200 others were stuck onboard an aircraft for seven hours without going anywhere. A disgruntled passenger took to TikTok to share their experiences, and in one video was reportedly seen asking fellow passengers how long they had been on the flight so far, with one responding, "seven hours."

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/spirit-airlines-passenger-stuck-tarmac-seven-hours/ Japan Airlines is gearing up for a busy winter due to a favorable market recovery, resulting in a steady increase in travel demand for both business and tourism customers. The carrier is increasing its flight frequencies to popular US and Asia routes and preparing for its New York flight later this year with its new flagship A350-1000 aircraft.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/japan-airlines-increase-international-service-winter-2023/ A United Airlines pilot faces criminal charges after destroying a parking barrier with an axe. The bizarre incident happened at an airport employee parking lot at Denver International Airport.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 05:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-pilot-swinging-ax-denver-airport-parking-lot/ A flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) was forced to divert to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) on Sunday, August 20. American Airlines flight AA1680 diverted after a passenger inadvertently discharged their pepper spray while onboard the aircraft, which spread throughout the cabin, causing passengers to panic due to the lingering mist.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 03:01:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-flight-diversion-jacksonville-pepperspray-incident/ Delta Air Lines is cutting service from Boston to Mexico City before the route even launches. Service between the two cities was supposed to start on December 21.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:01:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/delta-air-lines-cuts-boston-mexico-city-route-before-launch/ South Korea's Air Premia has added its next US route: Seoul to Honolulu. While not available to book at the time of writing, it is now in the schedules. The addition comes three months after it inaugurated Seoul to Newark in May 2023. Like all the carrier's routes, Honolulu will entirely rely on point-to-point demand, which can be tricky for long-haul operators.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 23:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-premia-boeing-787-flights-honolulu-united-states/ Earlier today, Japan Airlines made a subtle announcement that the business class product for its new Airbus A350-1000s would be unveiled in October.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:20:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/japan-airlines-new-airbus-a350-business-class-unveiled-october/ The Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris has embraced the realm of Non-Fungible Tokens (or NFTs). On Monday, the company introduced its own collection of NFTs, each a distinctive digital piece that doubles as a collective. It includes a one-of-a-kind Annual Pass membership, allowing the owner to travel to any destination within the Volaris route map.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/volaris-launches-nft-annual-pass/ Europe’s largest ultra-low-cost carrier, Ryanair, announced today it will open a new base in Copenhagen Airport (CPH), the second one in the country, after its base at Billund (BLL). Ryanair is returning to Copenhagen (as a base) after exiting the airport in 2015.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-reopen-base-copenhagen/ Air Koryo operated its first international service in three years, flying to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) from Pyongyang International Airport (FNJ). This came after the carrier scuppered plans for the same service the day before without notice, leaving many confused.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:30:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-koryo-resumes-north-korea-international-flights/ Ethiopian Airlines is set to introduce its long-haul Airbus A350 fleet on flights to South America starting this October, the company announced on Monday. Additionally, the Addis Ababa-based airline is celebrating its tenth year of operations to Brazil.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ethiopian-airlines-send-airbus-a350-brasil-october-2023/ Welcome to my 96th weekly routes newsletter! I've covered a few subjectively exciting routes that took off recently. Why not sign up and receive my newsletter in your email inbox every week?

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/notable-airline-routes-96/ An Emirates Airbus A380 landing in Nice was damaged after reportedly striking a drone. One of the plane's wing slats suffered damage from the collision, and the jet remains grounded four days after the incident.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:54:22 GMT https://simpleflying.com/emirates-airbus-a380-nice-drone-collision-reports/ South Africa is celebrating a new direct connection with North Africa, as Air Algérie operated its longest African flight between Algiers and Johannesburg on Monday, August 21.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:30:49 GMT https://simpleflying.com/air-algerie-longest-africa-route-johannesburg-airbus-a330/ An airline's route network dictates what it has, does, and generates. The following five carriers have the highest number of routes this August-December. Based on the latest information from Cirium and OAG, it includes all scheduled offerings.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/airlines-most-routes-planned-august-december-2023/ When departing for a long-awaited summer 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 yesterday after their Jet2 flight to Turkey was delayed under dramatic circumstances due to an alleged bomb threat.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jet2-bomb-threat-police-remove-passenger/ On August 15th, a Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 flying from London to Bahrain diverted to Frankfurt due to a fuel leak. The crew landed safely, reportedly using only one engine. Technical issues aside, passengers on the affected flight may have been improperly looked after upon landing in Frankfurt.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:10:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/gulf-air-boeing-787-9-diverts-to-frankfurt-due-to-fuel-leak/ An Australian Senate inquiry into the cost of living pressures has become embroiled in the government's decision to reject an application by Qatar Airways to operate more flights to Australia's major cities. The subject has turned into the proverbial political football, with some pundits suggesting the relationship between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and out-going Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is too close.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 08:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/virgin-australia-ceo-qatar-airways-dispute/ A routine flight of Alaska Airlines ended up with a hard landing, severe enough to damage one of its wings, engine, and main landing gear. The Boeing 737 performed the landing at John Wayne Airport in California during heavy winds and storms and slammed hard onto the runway. While an online video taken from inside the plane shows passengers panicking, thankfully, no injuries were reported from the incident.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:14:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/alaska-airlines-boeing-737-800-damage-landing-john-wayne-airport/ Spain's women's national football team is back home in Madrid following a win against England at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Sydney, Australia. On Monday, Spain's flag airline Iberia carried the world champions back to the country onboard a specialized Airbus A350.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/iberia-flies-womens-world-cup-winners-madrid-airbus-a350/ Last week Australia's largest independent regional and domestic airline Rex launched its latest 737 domestic service between Melbourne and Hobart, the capital city of the island of Tasmania. The Rex Group also announced that Canada's Enterprise Aviation Group had joined its team, preparing to bid to supply aerial services in Antarctica.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/rex-adds-aviation-heavy-hitter-antarctic/ It wasn’t too long ago when Akasa Air hiked the salaries of its pilots. And now, another report has surfaced that the budget carrier has once again given salary increments to its cockpit crew amid increasing competition from other airlines to attract the best industry talent. Akasa, however, remains confident about its long-term plan, which also includes maintaining an adequate workforce.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:06:43 GMT https://simpleflying.com/akasa-air-pilots-get-another-salary-hike/ The flag carrier of Australia, Qantas Airways, is reportedly close to completing an order for several new aircraft. The airline is looking to purchase an unspecified number of Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. Industry sources told Investing.com that the order for new Dreamliners could be announced as early as this current month, although no decision is final until the airline board reaches approval.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 03:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/qantas-boeing-787-order-rumors-august-2023/ American Airlines is about to pay out up to $9.6 billion over the next four years as part of a new agreement with pilots to increase wages, entitlements, and quality of life benefits to its 15,000 pilots.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 02:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-pilots-approve-contract-august-2023/ Whenever an airline launches new cabins, lounges, or inflight service products, it is often focused on the pointy end of the plane. So it was heartening to find last week that Cathay Pacific is launching new dining choices for long-haul passengers seated in its economy and premium economy cabins.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/cathay-pacific-refreshes-long-haul-dining/ The data is in, and as reported by OAG, the busiest international route on the planet is currently held by many carriers operating between Hong Kong and Taipei.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/hong-kong-taipei-worlds-busiest-international-route-august-2023/