And news to ponder….
Concorde – it’s the 50th anniversary of the first commercial flight. BA’s Alpha Alpha flew LHR-BAH, with an Air France one CDG-GIG. With so much written about the supersonic airliner, here’s more information about G-BOAA.
Now known as Scotland’s Concorde, Golf Bravo Oscar Alpha Alpha. Since her maiden flight in January 1976, she flew a total of 22,768 hours 56 minutes, landing 8,064 times and going through 6,842 supersonic cycles. In 25 years she had touched down at JFK, CDG, BAH, MIA, CCU, AKL and BGI.
In 2024 G-BAAA said goodbye to LHR began her journey to Scotland’s National Museum of Flight at East Fortune. The first part by water, she was loaded onto a special barge at the small Thames port of Isleworth. Out into open sea, she made her way up the East coast, arriving in Scotland one day early. After coming ashore at the British Energy jetty at Torness, her journey ended with an hour-long trip across muddy fields to East Fortune. Guided by 39 Engineer Regiment’s 53 Field Squadron (Air Support), with a helicopter hovering overhead. Her arrival greeted by 2 pipers. At the time, Concorde’s journey north thought to be one of the most complex of any transport venture ever undertaken.
US1549 – 15 January marked the 17th anniversary of “The Miracle on the Hudson”. Whilst the facts surrounding this amazing feat are well-known, it should be remembered that until this event water landings were not included in pilots’ simulator training. So, what’s happened since that day? The museum housing the aircraft at Charlotte, North Carolina has been refurbished and named after “Sully”. It’s extremely popular and attracts many high-scoring reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor. All the crew have now retired, Jeff Skiles being the final one in 2024. The event is still remembered by aviation enthusiasts on social media. It’s also a key factor in the argument to retain two-pilot flightdecks.
In other news –
Allegiant – recently announced a merger with Sun Country, another US based ultra low-cost carriers. Whilst many questioned the logic behind such a move, analysts consider it a wise move to boost Allegiant’s market position. Discount carriers are struggling in the USA, so this could be the first consolidation in 2026. Their niche business models and small size will not have a substantial impact on the airline industry. Combined, they account for 2.5% of US domestic seat share. It will not change the dynamics that allowed legacy carriers to achieve better financial results since the pandemic. However, a negative impact is that it reduces the number of potential buyers for Spirit.
Sun Country is heavily focused on flights from MSP, whereas Allegiant has a wider network, serving small/midsize cities and secondary airports in large markets. Allegiant could also become an international carrier to Sun Country’s 18 routes to Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. As far as the fleet is concerned, Allegiant will have a mixed fleet of 121 B737 and A320, with the acquisition of 45 B737. Sun Country also has a sizeable charter and cargo operation.
There are interesting side issues from this merger. Will the Sun Country livery disappear or be retained for 2 years as a condition of the merger? Also, will Allegiant now revamp its own livery and what impact will this have on its agreement with Jet2? No one has yet asked….
And finally –
Don’t believe everything you read/hear on social media, especially YouTube live chat. Again, the story about easyJet LIS pilots flying to FNC has raised its head. Not content with spreading malicious stories that they are refusing to return to Madeira after instigating go-arounds, the perpetrator is now stating that they get rattled. This is disturbing, especially for nervous passengers. Let’s set the record straight. Part of a pilot’s character/personality is their ability to remain calm and focussed when dealing with problems. Hours in ground school, simulator and check flights prepares them for whatever the FNC weather conditions throw at them. Controlled problem solving is the order of the day, there’s no room for anger…
If you’re looking for aviation-related content to forget about the dismal weather, here’s a recommendation from Instagram. Pete the Irish Pilot, a former military and commercial aviator. He has a style of his own with unique commentaries on landings, take-offs, go-arounds, etc. On YouTube there's Planes & Friends usually based at JFK, EWR and LGA. To escape the freezing weather there, he ventures to MIA and FLL. His channel growing in popularity, with several UK based followers that are easily recognised from MAN live streams. Sadly, it’s also a time when some want a reset and decide to take a step back from the arduous task of satisfying their audience. It’s a temporary goodbye on YouTube for Macc Aviation and HorisBox. Let’s hope they return soon, well rested and ready to provide great aviation content.
Information courtesy of National Museum of Flight, Travel Weekly
Images courtesy of National Museums Scotland, SkyTrax
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