It’s today, Sunday 7 December….
So, what’s this all about? The day encourages awareness of how important civil aviation is to countries and their development globally. It also supports the relevant organisations and fosters a safe, secure and environmentally responsible air transport for all.
It all started back in 1996 when the UN General Assembly announced that 7 December was to be International Civil Aviation Day. Although, the day had been celebrated by ICAO since that date in 1994, to mark the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The 80th anniversary in 2024. Under the theme “Safe Skies & Sustainable Future for All”, ICAO is highlighting its long-term essential aspirations that anchor its Strategic Plan for 2050. This includes zero fatalities, net-carbon emissions and air transport for all. From the UN’s perspective, it is supporting Agenda 2030 and advocating for ICAO’s strategic plan.
It's therefore not surprising that social media is full of posts to mark this important day. Some mainstream media outlets are also featuring. Airlines, pilots, support staff and sometimes CEOs actively promote this especially important date every year. Many of the ways we can celebrate are simple. Spreading our wings is the obvious one. Other suggestions are to visit a local aviation museum, watch an aviation themed movie, take an introductory flying lesson or share your first flight experience. As expected, Emirates quickly took to social media with a short but concise message:
“Celebrating the majesty of air travel and those who keep the world connected through it. Happy International Civil Aviation Day”
As enthusiasts/spotters, we know how far our hobby has evolved from binoculars and the latest Civil Aircraft Markings book. Partly through the rise of social media, the community has grown immensely. There’s now more opportunity to engage with pilots, ground crew, support staff, etc to find out more. Sadly, there’s still airlines and airports that don’t appreciate how valuable we are….
In other news –
Global – here we go again! After 2 flights to JFK from MAN and GLA, their A380 (operated by HiFly) reportedly went to LDE for maintenance back in May. Other media sources stated that there was no interest in the airline, so the aircraft is in storage. A few days ago, the CEO proudly announced the acquisition of a second four-engine jet. No, not another A380 but a 25-year-old A340. The main question being, why is this airline building its future on fuel-thirsty widebodies that most airlines have already abandoned? Again, they’ve teamed up with HiFly to lease 9H-SUN. However, a spokesperson for the Portuguese carrier has stated it does not have an operational relationship with Global for this aircraft and it was used solely for “brand promotional purposes”. Aviation and business media is again questioning whether this airline will ever operate passenger services, adding that someone somewhere has a lot of money to waste….
HiFly – the airline made history last week when it became the first to land an A330 on Antarctica’s blue ice runway. This happened just 1 month after celebrating 5 consecutive years of flights there. The aircraft, A330-302 registration 9H-HFI touched down on Wolf Fang’s runway after its flight from CPT. Commanded by Captain Carlos Mirpuri, Vice Chairman of the company. He also operated their A340 flights.
New Pacific – the US based carrier has ceased operations. It stopped all scheduled flights in 2024, to concentrate on charters only. Operating 3 B757-200 in a 78-seat configuration, it planned to acquire more as American Airlines updated their fleet.
Airbus – wanted, a free home for its first Beluga. However, handing over the jet would represent a huge logistical nightmare! In the 1990s, 5 were built based on the A300 fuselage. With the arrival of the XL, the early ones are now surplus to requirements. Exhibition sites around Europe are an obvious choice. If there are no takers, then they could be used for educational purposes. If not exhibited at airports, then some form of ground transport would be needed during the journey to their final resting places. Travelling by road would entail partial dismantling and a mammoth logistical operation with specialist road haulage companies. Watch this space….
And finally –
My positive social media journey continues, having ditched many of the YouTube channels I was following. Know it’s personal choice, but Instagram is now my go-to site for accurate aviation content (mostly!). Enter Pete Hutchinson, ex-commercial and military pilot. Known as @petetheirishpilot, he posts videos often with very amusing commentary. Yes, he always credits the owner and like Captain Chris, will answer all questions and direct messages.
Information courtesy of ICAO, UN, Business Insider, HiFly, aeroTELEGRAPH
Images courtesy of HiFly, Infinite Flight Community
©TPSC, LadyJet2, information and photo/diagram suppliers