So, we’re just a few days into March 2024 and we already have plenty of aviation news. There are also 2 memorable birthdays to celebrate….
Concorde – on 2 March 1969, the supersonic airliner flew for the first time. At the controls was Captain Andre Tucart, the chief test pilot. Yes, it really is 55 years ago! Plenty has been said over the years, enough to fill many books, so we’ll finish this birthday tribute with the words of Captain Tucart –
“Finally the big bird flies and I can say now that it flies pretty well”
Airbus A320 – launched in March 1984, with its first flight in February 1987. The first delivery made in April 1988 to Air France. This aircraft has grown in popularity, leading to production of variants including A318, A319, A321 and now the Neo and XLR variants. Such is the demand that final assembly is now carried out at Airbus factories in France, Germany. China and USA. More recently the A380 assembly line was converted to A320 family production to meet demand. Look at FR24 on any day and there will be delivery flights to airlines across the world. Wonder if the late Bernard Ziegler envisioned the A321XLR being used on transatlantic routes!
SAS – recently retired its final B737 and decided not to send it to the scrap yard. Instead, it underwent conversion to an air ambulance. Most recently, it ferried the King of Norway from Malaysia where he was taken ill. Not sure whether it will always carry the flight number SK7186 but should be easily trackable on FR24.
Qatar Executive – one of their fleet was a surprise visitor at FNC last Friday. A 3-day bitcoin conference in Madeira saw the arrival of a number of biz-jets. The Qatar Executive caused a lot of excitement as it was a first time visit to the island. The arriving passenger left on the BA LHR flight on Saturday…
Boeing – the saga continues! With the FAA imposing stricter regulation, the company is now making efforts to try and improve their reputation. A lot of senior management have left or been replaced. It’s believed that Boeing will purchase Spirit Aero Systems, who’s poor workmanship is believed to have contributed to the Alaska Airlines’ incident. The company also undertakes work for Airbus, who have no objection to the transaction. However, they’re likely to be working behind the scenes to find an alternative supplier for their A220 parts. More news to surface over the past few days is details of the lawsuit filed by 3 Alaska Airlines passengers, who were seated just behind where the window blew out. That legal action is likely to carry a multi-million dollar bill.
The following comment is purely an observation made by an ex-BA employee on social media -
“If American Airlines announces an A350 order to replace their 777-200s…, Boeing are done….”
MAN – if all the new routes materialise, then it’s going to be a busy time. This week Royal Jordanian starts flights from AMM, having been brought forward from June. The “Turkish invasion” seems to have stabilised for the time being. With varying start dates announced, increased frequency and new destinations in Türkiye, it may be better to wait and see exactly what happens. However Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and Sun Express have all introduced more flights. The social media controversy about China Eastern seems to have dissipated with many adopting a “wait and see” stance.
Air Peace – LGW-LOS flights will be operated by Norse, commencing April. This has been possible because Norse will be operating less transatlantic flights during the Summer. The deal initially for 2 months, as the CEO is still pressing for LHR slots to compete with BA and VS.
Turkish Airlines – last week saw the launch of IST-MEL. There are plans for IST-SYD later this year.
ABZ – celebrates its 90th birthday in July 2024. To recognise this milestone, passengers are being invited to share their stories/experiences. Any information should be emailed to
Lufthansa City – with the first routes already operating, has anyone spotted their first aircraft in this new livery? The A319 aircraft serve routes within Germany, also MUC-BHX, MUC-MAN and MUC-BOD.
Finally…
Jet2 – back to FNC again! Congratulations to the 757 Captain who executed what could be the smoothest landing in limited visibility last Monday. Having entered the hold during heavy rain and high winds, diversions were most likely being considered. However, the aircraft emerged from low cloud and driving rain, with many onlookers expecting a go-around. “Butter landing” seems to be a popular expression on YouTube streaming sites, but I know 2 Captains who would say “it’s all in a day’s work!”
SAS – did anyone hear the transmission between the Captain and RAF Tornado on the recent interception and diversion to MAN? It’s available on social media, most likely FR24 and/or YouTube. Rather than recreate the conversation, it appears that the Airbus Captain voiced his displeasure that the RAF jets were escorting him, asking if it was really necessary. The RAF Tornado pilot replied that it was normal when the SAS jet had lost comms.
Information courtesy of Twitter/X, Business Traveller, Madeira Runway Spotting/Madeira Woman Spotter
Images courtesy of Aviapages, Jet2 stock photo
©TPSC and Poshgirl