Aviation News

Despite avgeeks' love of the Boeing 747, and its instantly recognizable nature among members of the general public, it is widely accepted that the 'jumbo jet' has become increasingly obsolete in recent years, and will continue to do so as time passes. As such, it comes as a bit of a surprise to see thatLufthansa is operating more flights with aircraft from the 747 family this August than it did back in 2024.

A Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 operating flight NK2298 from Philadelphia to San Juan has drawn attention after flight-tracking data suggested it crossed paths with Hurricane Erin on Monday, August 18. The service appeared on radar maps to cut through the Category 4 storm, which sparked questions about safety and flight planning.

Earlier this week in Japan, aDash 8 twin turboprop airliner was involved in a near-miss incident with an airport vehicle while landing. The vehicle in question had been working on a runway performing bird control work when the regional airliner touched down on the strip in question after switching late due to adverse weather.

Earlier this week, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-200 flying fromNew York JFK Airport to San Francisco International had to make an unplanned stop in Ohio due to a medical emergency. There were 135 passengers and six crew members onboard, and, while this, at face value, is not unheard of, the emergency in question was more unusual, in that a passenger had gone into labor during the flight.

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, and airlines across the country are preparing for one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year. United Airlines says it will see its busiest Labor Day yet, with millions of passengers expected to fly during the six-day period.

California-based aerospace startup JetZero is advancing its ambition to reshape commercial aviation with the announcement of a new partnership focused on hydrogen propulsion. The company revealed it is teaming up with SHZ Advanced Technologies to develop liquid hydrogen storage and distribution solutions tailored for JetZero’s blended-wing airliner.

New Zealand has announced a significant investment in the modernization of its defensive capabilities, as the government has committed to acquiring new Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawks and Airbus A321XLRs. These orders will thoroughly modernize New Zealand's air force and navy to ensure that both are combat-ready and can respond to any regional threat.

On August 21, the Air Canada (AC) fleet got back in the sky with the resumption of full service, including 260 aircraft available to fly. The service disruption caused by labor negotiations is on hold for now, at least as flight attendants (FAs) will vote whether to accept or decline the latest offer next week.

Spirit Airlines warned last week that it may not survive the next year without securing additional cash. The budget carrier’s disclosure came just five months after it exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which has raised doubts about its recovery.

Portland International Jetport Airport (PWM) has found itself in the middle of political crossfire over deportation flights conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Questions have been raised regarding the conditions around a grant for $18 million, according to Portland local CBS affiliate WGME.

While SWISS is far from the largest airline in the world, it stands out for the fact that, unlike most others, every single one of its widebody aircraft features afirst class cabin of some variety. According to aeroLOPA, these range in size from four to eight seats, making them an extremely exclusive environment for high-flyers.

United Airlines has announced that its venture capital arm, United Airlines Ventures, has invested in supersonic aviation startup Astro Mechanica. This boosts United's commitment to the future of widespread supersonic flight, as the Chicago-based carrier also holds orders for theBoom Overture Supersonic Transport.

On Tuesday, August 19, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 flew from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) with a severe mechanical issue that caused its flap to essentially hang from the wing. The turbulence alerted passengers, who captured the incident in videos and pictures as the jet was still en route.

The Jerusalem Post is reporting that Israel has finalized a new defense procurement agreement that will see it acquire two Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers. The $500 million agreement is being financed through US military aid, underscoring Washington’s ongoing commitment to bolster Israel's military. With this latest purchase, Israel is strengthening its long-term aerial refueling capabilities, a critical aspect of power projection and regional security.

A US Navy pilot ejected from a Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet in the water off the coast of Virginia just before 10:00 EST today, August 20. The pilot is a member of the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, or the “Rampagers.”

Alaska Airlineshas elected to launch Atmos Rewards, a new loyalty program that unifies the formerMileage Plan and HawaiianMiles loyalty programs into a single flexible loyalty program. Loyalty program members will now be able to choose how they earn miles, whether it be by distance flown, price paid, or number of flight segments. Customers will be able to redeem miles for flights to more than 1,000 destinations across the combined networks of Alaska, Hawaiian, and their large network of global partners.

Norse Atlantic Airways will be cutting half of its US network. The latest move is a testament to just how difficult it is to operate long-haul low-cost flights on the highly competitive transatlantic market. Of the route cuts, it will also be suspending its longest route - between Athens and New York-JFK Airport.

Delta Air Lines is inviting its customers and employees to help shape its network growth in a way no airline has done before. Described as Delta’s first-ever "Route Race", SkyMiles Members and Delta employees will get to vote for one of three brand-new European destinations. Whichever one wins will join the map for the Summer 2026 schedule.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary since Boeing’s best-selling widebody, the 777-300ER, first took to the skies. Since its entry into service, the aircraft has become the backbone of many airlines’ long-haul fleets. It is valued for its range, efficiency, and ability to carry large numbers of passengers across continents.

Thousands of Airbus UK workers who are part of Unite, the UK’s leading union, will strike next month over pay disputes with the European aircraft manufacturer. The strikes will commence in early September and last for 10 days if the issue is not resolved in the coming days.