Santa Got A Checkride Again This Year

“You better watch out.  You better not cry.” His experimental craft and isolated North Pole location didn’t prevent Santa from getting a no-notice check. Santa had a big job to do last night.  He has to do what is seemingly impossible. That is to deliver Christmas gifts to millions of toys to good little boys … Read more

Germany Awards Contract for the Taurus NEO

The Taurus NEO is an enhanced variant of the German-Swedish Taurus KEPD 350 air-launched cruise missile. Setting the stage for the development and future production of the German-Swedish Taurus KEPD 350 Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a contract for “preparing a serial production … Read more

Air Vs Airlines Vs Airways: What’s The Difference?

Why do some airlines call themselves “airlines” (or “air lines”) while others call themselves “airways,” and still others call themselves “air”? To some degree, the names reflect different ways of conceptualizing the revolutionary new mode of travel in the skies. At the end of the day, what an airline calls itself is mostly a marketing … Read more

Singapore Airlines Adds The Airbus A380 On This Long-Haul Route

In a highly intriguing development, Singapore Airlines has confirmed that the Airbus A380 will be flown to Dubai. Even more unusually, it’ll be used during the summer, when temperatures are boiling hot. It’ll replace the Boeing 777-300ER. According to Cirium Diio, the Star Alliance member had only previously deployed the superjumbo to the ever-popular Middle … Read more

U.S. Navy Awards Leonardo UK Contract to Equip F-35 with BriteCloud Active Expendable Decoys

The U.S. Navy is acquiring and undisclosed number of BriteCloud Active Expendable Decoys specifically for the F-35 Lightning II. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded Leonardo UK a contract to supply the U.S. Navy with an undisclosed number of BriteCloud decoys, designated by the military as AN/ALQ-260(V) Anti-Missile Countermeasure. The development follows report … Read more

United Express Bombardier CRJ700 Strikes Wing Tip During Landing In Charlottesville

A United Express flight landing in Charlottesville experienced a scare after its right wing tip impacted the runway during an attempt to touch down. The aircraft — a Skywest-operated Bombardier CRJ-700 — conducted a go-around after the wing strike and landed safely on its second attempt. While the aircraft ultimately landed safely, questions are being … Read more

How Santa’s Sleigh Keeps Flying Year After Magical Year

Is Santa’s Sleigh the Most Reliable Airframe Ever Built? Spoiler: Yes. Yes, it is. And it’s not even close.  Every 24th of December, without fail, Santa launches the most ambitious overnight operation in aviation history. No test flights. No press conferences. No NOTAMs lighting up ForeFlight. Just wheels up, world covered, mission complete. And perhaps … Read more

How Cabin Crew Rest & Sleep On The Airbus A380

On the Airbus A380, crew rest is not just a spare jumpseat shrouded by a curtain, but rather an entirely dedicated sleeping space that has been built into the aircraft for the people working on your specific flight. On the long-haul sectors, airlines will roster large cabin teams and rotate them through planned breaks so … Read more

This Is What Passengers Can Expect On American Airlines’ New Long-Haul Aircraft

American Airlines is entering a new phase of long-haul flying with the introduction of its latest premium Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking one of the most significant cabin overhauls in the carrier’s recent history. Designed around the new Flagship Suite concept, the aircraft promises a more private, technologically advanced, and passenger-focused experience across all cabins, not … Read more