Qantas is operating a special repatriation flight to evacuate Australian citizens from Lebanon and return them to Australia. The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departed Sydney for Cyprus, with a total flight time of 18 hours. The return leg is shorter due to prevailing winds. The aircraft is currently over the Arabian Sea, … Read more
The FAA is urging pilots to be aware of airspace restrictions in areas affected by Hurricane Helene as rescue and recovery operations are ongoing. Those who interfere with these efforts could face fines or prosecution. The airspace in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee is crowded with aircraft, including drones and helicopters. The National Guard … Read more
Cathay Pacific will launch a new route between Hong Kong and Dallas in April 2025, using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This will be the airline’s sixth passenger destination in the US and eighth in North America. They plan to operate four services a week, offering 1,336 weekly seats per leg. Cathay Pacific also intends to increase … Read more
The Navy has tested hand-deploying sonobuoys from the CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter, resembling early-World War I bomber tactics. The test, announced on Sept. 27, 2024, included crewmembers throwing sonobuoys out of the open cargo door. This tactic provides redundancy for the Navy and increases resources for missions. The aircraft’s flexibility was highlighted, showcasing its ability to … Read more
Stearman Aircraft Corporation, founded by Lloyd Stearman in 1927, made significant contributions to aviation through its rugged and affordable aircraft designs. Its iconic Model 75 biplane became the standard trainer for military pilots and was widely used during World War II. Despite being absorbed into Boeing, Stearman’s legacy lives on, with its aircraft remaining popular … Read more
Southwest Airlines is planning to introduce assigned seating in response to pressure from activist investors. The airline’s research showed that 80% of customers prefer assigned seats, especially on longer flights. Southwest will offer extra legroom options for about a third of its seats. The airline will maintain its ‘bags fly free’ policy, as it is … Read more
Due to escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, multiple airlines have canceled flights to and from Beirut. Israeli strikes resulted in over 550 casualties in Lebanon, with Hezbollah retaliating by launching rockets into northern Israel. Emirates, Air France, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and Egyptair have suspended services to Lebanon, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, Middle … Read more
A Flightradar24 Business subscription offers exclusive features for commercial users, including access to ADS-B data for detailed flight tracking. Business subscribers can also view historical flight information, airport and fleet views, as well as additional weather overlays like turbulence and lightning strikes. The subscription provides crucial data for understanding global aviation movements and weather-related disruptions. … Read more
The Boeing Stearman, with a top speed of 124 mph, was not built for modern airports, having been developed in the 1930s as a trainer during WWII. Only around 1,000 of the 11,000 built are still flying today. Dream Flights, a charity founded in 2011, provides veterans with free flights in vintage biplanes. Recently, they … Read more
Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton drone successfully demonstrated its navigation system’s ability to operate in the Arctic Circle during a test flight. The drone flew within 100 miles of the North Pole, showcasing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance platform designed for missions in harsh environments. It supports maritime patrol, … Read more
