Aviation News

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.

Qatar Airways has made a pair of notable schedule adjustments for the upcoming 2025/26 Northern Hemisphere winter season concerning its use of theAirbus A380. Specifically, it will reduce the presence of the superjumbo on its route from Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) to London, while boosting it in Bangkok.

As the world's largest passenger airliner, theAirbus A380 is known for its considerable capacity that results from its sheer size, with the double-decker widebody quadjet being among the most recognizable commercial aircraft on the planet. However, aside from this, the superjumbo also has long-range credentials.

American Airlines has officially opened its new grab-and-go lounge atCharlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in the US federal state of North Carolina. While passengers with lounge access often like to arrive early to sample their delights in full, some are more pressed for time, and this new concept targets such guests.

Arendal-based Norse Atlantic Airways has just released its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. The airline posted a 27% rise in passenger revenue, buoyed by a record-setting 97% load factor and 36% year-over-year passenger growth, a rare feat in today’s uneven aviation recovery. CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen attributes the success to the airline’s commercial model and enhanced operational efficiency

Aviation International News is reporting that the Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japanese company Yamaha to explore the development and deployment of uncrewedhelicopters. It's focusing on how these aircraft can be deployed in hard-to-reach areas where traditional crewed missions pose risks. The move reflects a growing recognition that conventional approaches may no longer be enough.

Earlier today, August 19, one passenger aboard a Volaris Airbus A320ceo pushing back from the gate to take off somehow managed to deploy the emergency evacuation slide. The motivation or exact details surrounding the incident are not yet clear, but the perpetrator appeared to be in police custody afterwards in Facebook posts online.

Delta Air Lines flight 466 was delayed a little over an hour on Saturday, August 16, after the pilot in command refused to fly the jet based on his “gut feeling.” The passengers waiting to board applauded the safety-first decision of the captain and co-pilot and were seated in a new jet in short order.

On Sunday, August 17, a Scandinavian airlines Airbus A320neo operating flight SK-1458 from Copenhagen to Oslo was forced to return shortly after departure when the crew reported a hydraulic issue. The jet landed safely back in Copenhagen Airport, and the planned rotation was canceled.

Earlier this month, Simple Flying reported that Turkish Airlines had become the sole bidder for Mallorca-based Air Europa after other European carriers stepped aside. Now, the Turkish flag carrier has confirmed that its offer to acquire a minority stake in the Spanish airline has been accepted.

Southwest Airlines has announced it will begin selling its new in-house vacation package product, Getaways by Southwest, marking another new feature in its shifting business model. The new platform will allow passengers to book and bundle airfare, hotel, car and ground transportation options. And to entice customers, the airline is offering a list of unique benefits such a free checked bags and enhanced earning of loyalty points.

Earlier this month, an Airbus A380 flying from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in South Africa toLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the United Kingdom was forced to return to its point of origin due to reports of smoke in the cabin. It has emerged that the problem also affected the jet's crew rest area.