The World’s Coolest Airports

A long layover in an airport is every traveler’s worst nightmare, but not if you happen to be in one of the world’s coolest airports. Terminals around the world have been upgraded to offer other experiences and a variety of lifestyle. Some pulled out stops and became destinations of their own right. The airport’s lounges,…

Virgin Australia issues profit warning

Virgin Australia’s new Chief Executive Paul Scurrah, has revealed that the company expects full year underlying earnings to be $A100 million ($US68.72 million, £53.99 million, €61.56 million) less than last year. That would result in a minimum loss of $A35.6 million ($US24.6 million, £19.22 million, €21.91 million). Revenue, however, is expected to grow 6% for…

Four people have been killed after a calibration plane crashed near Dubai International Airport

Three Britons and a South African were aboard the UK-registered DA42 plane, UAE authorities said. The four-seat plane flies around the world to inspect and calibrate navigation aids – which include radars and landing systems for airports and airfields. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) says an investigation is under way. According to local media…

ALERT Boeing says the update of the 737MAX software is complete and will work with the FAA to schedule the certification test flight

Boeing has completed development of the updated software for the 737 MAX, along with associated simulator testing and the company’s engineering test flight. To date, Boeing has flown the 737 MAX with updated MCAS software for more than 360 hours on 207 flights. Boeing is now providing additional information to address Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)…

ILS is insecure and can be hacked

These instrument landing systems (ILS) are considered precision approach systems, because unlike GPS and other navigation systems, they provide crucial real-time guidance about both the plane’s horizontal alignment with a runway and its vertical angle of descent. In many settings—particularly during foggy or rainy night-time landings—this radio-based navigation is the primary means for ensuring planes…

ALERT Transport Canada issued an airworthiness directive ordering Airbus A220 operators to inspect the fuel feed tubes

According to an Airbus A220 airworthiness directive issued by Transport Canada on May 13, the fuel flowing to engines could be blocked due to fuel tubes eroded by a clamp. The directive says that operators have reported damages on multiple aircraft caused by bonding clamps that are touching the tubes. Transport Canada mandated Airbus A220…

US Department of Transportation orders the suspension of all commercial passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday ordered the suspension of all commercial passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela, citing reports of unrest and violence around airports in the South American country. In a letter to the Transportation Department requesting the halt, the Department of Homeland Security said “conditions in Venezuela…

Qantas announces Points Plane

Qantas has announced a “points plane.” The flight can only be booked with Qantas Frequent Flier Points. The first Qantas points plane will be an A380 flying Melbourne to Tokyo on 21 October, with seat bookings opening 7:00am AEST 16 May. The flight will have 14 first class, 64 Business, 35 Premium Economy and 371…