There’s always variety in the world of aviation…
Skybus – has won NQY-LGW PSO contract after demise of Eastern Airways. Using ATR-72 chartered from Blue Islands, daily service starts 23 November. Becomes 2xdaily from 14 February 2026.
BA – recently announced the introduction of Starlink across its entire fleet. Currently, they have several wi-fi suppliers so this at least brings continuity. It’s not just passengers that will benefit. Flight crew will have access to IATA Turbulence Aware data inflight, as wi-fi will show real time automatically reported turbulence occurrences from multiple airlines. Back in 2021, a B787 Training Captain commented on social media about the possible uptake of Starlink by commercial aviation. He suggested that the superior bandwidth, permanent connectivity and relatively cheap price could be a gamechanger. In fact, this upgrade applies to all airlines in IAG.
Airbus – announced their October deliveries and order book additions. 78 aircraft delivered including the first A350 for Swiss. 112 aircraft added and 2 new customers welcomed for A350F, MNG Airlines and Korean Air. Deliveries remain consistent for A220-300, A320neo and A321neo.
In joint social media posts with Qantas, Airbus have published the first sighting of the Australian carrier’s first A350-1000ULR on the assembly line in Toulouse. A significant step for Project Sunrise, with non-stop flights from Australia’s East Coast to LHR and JFK. All key airframe components including the forward/centre/rear fuselage sections have come together. The wings, tail section and landing gear now attached. The aircraft will now be transferred to a new hangar for installation of engines and flight test instruments. An extensive test flight programme will start in 2026, ahead of delivery later the same year.
Wizz Air – postponed delivery schedule for 88 aircraft by 3 years. The airline has also slashed its A321XLR commitment to just 11. Possibly a reflection of its failure to enter mid-haul market, resulting in closure of its Abu Dhabi base.
Boeing – although not officially announced yet, 53 aircraft were delivered in October. This figure included 39 737MAX, 4 767, 2 777 and 5 787. Kazakhstan carrier Air Astana ordered 15 737MAX9 and Tajikistan’s Somon Air 4 787-9 and 10 737MAX8.
Air Greenland – happy 65th birthday to the national airline. We featured them in a recent blog, so it’s still available in the website library.
EasyJet – Monday 10 November is the airline’s official birthday. It’s 30 years since their first flight. The rumours about being taken over by a cruise company seem to have died down…
Atmosphere Airlines – someone’s mentioned it again! Tried a dummy booking on their website and only other carriers flights were offered. Therefore, can only assume that it’s, err, still starting up….
In other news –
Condor – held a “party in the sky” before retiring 757-300 D-ABOM last week. Journalists, employees and a small group of 757 fans were onboard. The lucky fans had taken part in an auction for just 75 seats on the FRA-VIE-FRA flight. There was a grat atmosphere with glo-sticks, an onboard DJ and plenty of smiles to celebrate the end of an era. The “Red Passion” livery aircraft tracked by 10,000 people on FR24, at various points of the journey. Completing a series of high altitude turns, the aircraft drew a joined-up 757 in the sky before landing at FRA.
Dubai Air Show – this year 17-21 November, will be held at DWC. A showcase not only for aircraft but also technology, space and aerospace innovation.
And finally –
BA Euroflyer – please spare a thought for one of their Captains operating LGW-FNC recently. The return flight had to be cancelled because, in his words, “I can’t fly from the toilet!” Apparently, he blamed food poisoning. It’s unclear whether all the delayed passengers are now on their way back to LGW as originally there was limited availability until Sunday. Again, the social media “experts” rose to the occasion with their suggestions as to what had happened. Some said he shouldn’t be flying; how do they know when he started to feel ill??! The standout comment “BA food is horrible so not surprised he’s got ill”. Pilots do not eat the same food as passengers. They have their own choices. This depends on flight time, but ranges from hot meals to salads or snacks such as protein bars and fruit. Sometimes they’ll pick up something in the terminal before boarding. Having seen a picture of BA’s long haul pilots’ Christmas dinner, it looks very nice. I’m also assured it's very tasty!
Information courtesy of Forecast International, FlightGlobal, Aerospace Global News, Dubai Air Show
Images courtesy of UK Aviation News, Cornwall Reports
©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers