This time, the question is being asked of Global Airlines…...
After the fanfare surrounding the arrival of its first A380, we could be forgiven for thinking we are all a bunch of cynics and this new airline will be on schedule to launch its transatlantic flights in 2024. Indeed, the CEO takes to social media frequently to give progress reports towards that goal. He even found time to get married recently….
However, the anticipation has been short-lived. Global has announced that its inaugural flight is now delayed until 2025. A new financial partner is offering specialist support, according to a recent press release.
It appears that Global Airlines are wanting to take things one step at a time, especially with launch of flights. Maintenance and repaint of the A380 will be done by then, which will set them up for next steps. All eyes will be on additional announcements that the airline makes between now and then. According to one aviation media outlet, with the airline consistently giving announcements, it gives some form of credibility. This is in contrast with the wave of UK start-up carriers that have failed to materialise over the last few years. Everyone but Global Airlines have been consistent in their own demise before they start.
More news…
Avooma – no further announcements or progress on their website. Again, there is plenty of cynicism amongst aviation media although someone on PPrune (the pilots and enthusiasts forum) has seen an ATR 72 mock-up. So maybe Flybe Mk 3 will come to fruition….
IATA - the Cabin Waste Composition Audit was trialled on 25 short, medium and long-haul flights at Singapore’s Changi Airport in November 2023 and again in April 2024. It found that food and beverage waste accounts for 65% of cabin and catering waste, with untouched meals accounting for 18% of all waste. Airlines are increasingly focusing on reducing food waste inflight. Examples inlcude Lufthansa Group carriers making fresh food items available at a discount on the last flights of each day.
Technology enabling customers to pre-order inflight meals also allows carriers to better forecast what needs to be loaded onboard, and KLM recently said it was employing AI to help determine the number of meals for a flight. IATA is collaborating with the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF) to launch a standardised Cabin Waste Composition Auditing Platform later this year. The audit data would help “guide the airline industry and policy makers in their efforts to reduce the levels of waste produced and improve circularity by identifying opportunities for re-use and recycling”.
ITA – EU has approved Lufthansa Group’s bid to take a 41% stake in the Italian carrier. Despite posting huge losses, LH seems intent on creating the largest airline group in the world!
Ask the Captain - I recently asked JetCaptain some more questions…
PG: I've noticed on landing, it's either left or right wheels that go down first. Is there a good reason why both don't touch runway together?
JC: The left or right wheel is purposely put down first in any crosswind conditions, the wheel (and wing) into wind first, followed by the downwind wheel (and wing), then nose wheel. With no crosswind, both main wheels put down at the same time.
PG: Seems that Jet2's 757s all have smoky right engine on take-off. Is this normal for type or just a sign of age? (Freight conversions for DHL do it too)
JC: Smoky right engine - no idea on that one! Maybe a difference if P&W or RR engines?
PG: FNC - someone on live stream asked if you do radio as well as hand flying approach and landing. I said F/O does it, hope I'm right!
JC: You are correct, pilot not flying does the radio - FNC is Captain only landing so the FO does the radio.
PG: When do you take over for approach and landing into FNC? F/O brought us out of MAN last year, Captain's final PA may have signalled handover, I remember it was about 30 mins before landing.
JC: Depends on the standard operating procedure of each airline, TCX didn’t change over, the pilot flying did the whole sector, but for example BA always change for landing, somewhere between 15 to 45 mins before landing.
And finally….
Boeing – the saga rumbles on! They’re buying back Spirit Systems, at least for their parts. It’s reported that a hefty fine recently imposed in the court case relating to the 2 Max accidents may never be paid. Such is the company’s battered reputation that every event involving their aircraft is looked on as their fault. If a wheel falls off a United jet, then it’s poor maintenance at the airline and not necessarily the result of faulty workmanship by the manufacturer!
Information courtesy of Aviation Source, Business Traveller, JetCaptain
Images courtesy of Aviation Source, Delicious
©TPSC and Poshgirl