A critical investigation by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works revealed the cause of cracks appearing in the SR-71 Blackbird’s titanium skin. This issue stemmed initially from repeated summer welding attempts that proved unsuccessful, leading engineers to explore potential sources of contamination. Researchers ultimately identified Burbank, California’s...
Reporting from across the global aviation industry
This week's Cranky Frank review, presented by Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, features Brian and an examination of key summer 2027 announcements impacting major airlines. The discussion primarily centers around the evolving strategies surrounding the...
CommuteAir has been granted clearance to operate international charter flights, marking a significant expansion beyond its domestic operations. The airline announced its inaugural charter destination is located outside of the United States. These flights...
Cathay Pacific is planning to introduce lie-flat beds in its business class cabins across select Asian routes as part of a broader upgrade initiative. The airline anticipates these new seats will be particularly suited for flights lasting approximately...
Flight attendants consistently name the flagship aircraft of several elite airlines as their preferred type to operate. This preference stems primarily from the superior comfort and amenities offered by these planes, particularly those operated by...
Delta Air Lines is significantly increasing its operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as part of a major expansion initiative. The airline will be adding three new routes, connecting to Philadelphia and Monterey, California. Furthermore,...
ANA, or All Nippon Airways, maintains a distinctive livery that has endured over forty years. The airline's signature appearance consists primarily of blue and white colors. This established visual identity is instantly recognizable to travelers worldwide....
Singapore Airlines has overtaken the Middle Eastern giant in the Skytrax Awards' most prestigious category.
El Al Airlines is set to resume flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), commencing on October 25th. These new routes will feature nonstop service lasting approximately 15 hours. The airline plans to operate the flights...
Breeze Airways has announced plans to introduce new flight routes commencing in December. The airline intends to launch these services without specifying particular destinations or aircraft types at this time. Breeze representatives confirmed that the...
In episode 304 of the Simple Flying podcast, host Channing discusses recent developments in the aviation industry. A news helicopter crashed in Los Angeles, California, prompting investigations into the cause and contributing factors. The episode also...
The United States Navy has recently installed a laser weapon system onto the USS Powell (DD836), its newest guided missile destroyer. This marks an important step in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to integrate directed energy weapons into naval operations....
Corendon Airlines Group will reduce its aircraft fleet from 30 Boeing 737s to 21 this winter season. This significant reduction represents nearly a third of the airline’s current operations, driven primarily by escalating fuel expenses. The decision...
Delta Air Lines’ operations out of its Atlanta hub are experiencing significant underutilization across numerous routes. Data indicates that only approximately 48 percent of seats were filled during flights originating from the airport. This situation...
Delta Air Lines announced plans to expand its operations significantly across the West Coast region. Specifically, Delta intends to introduce several new routes connecting various cities within California and Nevada. The airline’s expansion will include...
Singapore Airlines is set to relaunch flights between London Heathrow and Madrid Barajas on October 26th, marking a significant shift in service offerings. This new route will operate as an ultra-long flight, with a total duration of approximately sixteen...
Two Royal Danish Air Force F-35A fighters successfully landed at Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) located in western Greenland on September 16th. This marked the initial landing of these advanced aircraft within Greenland as part of a significant NATO Arctic...
Malaysia Airlines is poised to finalize an order for its inaugural Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, marking a significant shift in the airline’s fleet strategy. The move aims to facilitate the replacement of seven existing Airbus planes currently operated...
As of December 2026, air traffic controllers at some of the world’s busiest airports are experiencing significantly increased compensation due to a persistent worldwide workforce deficit. This critical need has driven substantial raises across various...
British Airways is launching a new, direct flight route to a previously underserved region of Europe. This innovative service offers passengers a convenient connection via London Heathrow Airport. The inaugural flights are scheduled to begin operations in...
Vietjet has finalized a significant agreement with Thales to secure comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for its Airbus A320 and A330 fleets. This Repair-By-The-Hour contract will see Thales providing specialized component maintenance...
Accident involving Serve Air Cargo aircraft at Kindu occurred days after Kinshasa DC-8 excursion.Congolese investigators are probing an accident involving a Boeing 737-300 freighter at Kindu airport during which the aircraft apparently suffered a main...
Operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) were temporarily suspended on Tuesday, August 29th, following an unauthorized drone presence in the vicinity of the airport. Air traffic control officials initiated a brief halt to all flights...
AirAsia Group co-founder Tony Fernandes announced a strategic shift, prioritizing domestic and Southeast Asia operations during an adjustment period. This decision stems from high fuel prices impacting the airline’s financial situation. Fernandes refuted...
Lufthansa Group finalized the purchase of twenty Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft on Thursday, September 17th. This decision marks a significant step in Lufthansa’s ongoing strategy to modernize its short- and medium-haul fleets. The order builds upon an...
Qantas has announced that it will discontinue its lengthy, 16-hour nonstop route operated by Airbus A380 aircraft within one month. The decision stems directly from softened economic conditions impacting passenger travel demand across their network. To...
Denver International Airport (DIA) faces significant financial challenges due to design flaws discovered during construction. The airport has committed substantial investment towards extensive infrastructure upgrades, estimated at $14 billion. These...
United Airlines’ flight attendants have secured a significant compensation overhaul following recent negotiations. The new agreement establishes a tiered wage structure based on seniority levels, offering substantial increases for all employees....
Everyone thinks about Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, or Denver as the busiest connecting hubs in the US, but these 10 airports are equally deserving.
Manchester Airport, located in England, experienced a significant increase in passenger numbers during July 2023, surpassing the volume recorded at London Heathrow Airport. Data released by Manchester Airport revealed that it handled 647,871 passengers...
American Airlines and Condor have announced a new interline agreement, effective October 26th, 2023. This collaboration will provide enhanced travel options for passengers utilizing both airlines’ networks. Specifically, customers traveling with Condor on...