When Airbus launched the Airbus A380, it projected that the global aviation market would require roughly 1,200 to 1,600 ultra-large aircraft over 20 years, of which at least half would be A380s. Airbus intended to produce standard and stretched passenger variants of the aircraft, a freighter variant, and VIP private jet variants.
Fare math analysis shows that premium economy is the ‘rational choice’ when there is a substantial gap to the business class fare. That is because it typically costs around 0.3x to 0.5x business class, making it a worthwhile trade-down, particularly for self-funded travelers.
Automotive journalist Brad Brownell sparked an interesting debate across aviation circles when he published a sweeping critique of commercial airliner design under Jalopnik’s Planelopnik outlet. Writing with the pragmatic eye of a transportation writer and former museum director, Brownell argued that cabin windows are “an irredeemable nuisance” that render commercial flying heavier, more expensive, and […]
The long-awaited Boeing 737 MAX 10 is expected to be certified by the end of September. Alaska Airlines expects its first aircraft by next spring, targeting an entry into service by April or May 2027. The aircraft type, which will face certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been delayed for years, and it […]
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II first flew on May 27, 1958, entered service on December 30, 1960, and stayed in production until 1981, by which point 5,195 had been built. It was fast enough to set 16 world speed and altitude records between 1959 and 1962, with the capacity to carry a serious war […]
The third runway for London Heathrow Airport (LHR)is now expected not to be completed until at least 2039, insiders have said, after the original deadline of 2035 was deemed unrealistic. The airport is expected to secure planning permission by 2039, after which it should open within a decade.
One of the final steps in producing large airliners is painting. All airlines feature carefully designed liveries to reflect their brand image, and they apply this to an airliner after assembly and before delivery. You’d think that before being painted, the aircraft would simply display bare metal, as seen on the former American Airlines livery, […]
Delta Air Lines has turned a certification delay into one of the most unusual cabins in the US airline industry. SevenAirbus A321neo aircraft that were intended to receive Safran VUE lie-flat suites are instead flying with 44 conventional domestic First Class recliners. That number is more than twice the 20 First Class seats installed on […]
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines will strengthen its presence at Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) this coming fall, as the airline grows its operations at the second Seattle airport by more than 50%. This growth will provide passengers even more options for traveling to and from the airport to destinations across the US West Coast.
On September 8, the US Air Force (USAF) awarded a split contract worth up to $149 million to four small steel companies, according to Defence Blog. The list reads: Superior Forge and Steel, Ellwood National Forge, Faxon Machining, and Grand Valley Manufacturing. Their task is to manufacture the hardened outer shell casings of the GBU-57 […]