When an aircraft’s tires make contact with the ground during landing, it’s common to observe smoke. This phenomenon occurs due to several factors related to the landing process and the properties of the tires themselves.

As the aircraft descends and prepares to land, the tires are not rotating. Upon touchdown, in a fraction of a second, they transition from zero speed to an average speed of 240 to 260 km/h. This sudden acceleration creates a point of friction between the tires and the runway surface, leading to the generation of smoke.

The smoke results from the intense heat generated by the friction between the rubber tires and the asphalt runway. This heat is significant enough to cause the rubber on the tires to almost evaporate, resembling the smoking effect seen when a bike tire skids on the road.

Various factors influence the intensity and frequency of smoke during landings. For instance, the number of landings a tire undergoes within a given period, such as within 24 hours, affects its wear and tear. Aircraft operators closely monitor tire condition, inspecting for any damage or signs of wear before every flight. Tires may be replaced if necessary to ensure safety.

The type of aircraft and its operational requirements also impact tire design and durability. For example, the Airbus A330-200’s tires differ in material composition and weight capacity compared to those of a typical car. Additionally, the environmental conditions, such as runway temperature variations and altitude, play a role in tire performance.

Aircraft tires are specially constructed to withstand the rigors of landing and takeoff. They feature multiple nylon layers for reinforcement and a wire core to prevent slippage on the rim. These tires are filled with nitrogen instead of compressed air, offering better properties for aviation use.

In a recent announcement, Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter disclosed that the much-anticipated arrival of the German airline’s first widebody Boeing 777-9 is likely to face a significant setback.

Originally slated for delivery in 2025, the aircraft’s arrival is now expected to be pushed back to 2026 at the earliest, according to Ritter’s statements during a Lufthansa event on May 2.

This delay stems from persistent challenges plaguing the 777X program, with developmental issues causing postponements. Despite Boeing’s maintained optimism for the aircraft’s entry into service in 2025.

Recent quality concerns along the assembly line have triggered heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Lufthansa, holding firm orders for 27 777-9s, is among the launch customers of the 777X family eagerly awaiting their first deliveries.

However, the program’s delays have forced the airline to adjust its expectations, with Ritter indicating that the earliest possible arrival for Lufthansa’s fleet would coincide with the summer timetable of 2026.

This revised forecast mirrors similar sentiments expressed by Emirates Airlines president Tim Clark earlier in the year. With Emirates, another key launch customer, contemplating the possibility of delayed deliveries stretching into 2026.

The ripple effects of Boeing’s production woes extend across the industry. Emirates, boasting an order book of 205 777Xs, stands as the largest customer for the type, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.

United Airlines Holdings Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. have given the green light to Chicago’s proposed overhaul of O’Hare International Airport, a significant step forward following extensive negotiations.

The ambitious $8.5 billion renovation project aims to revamp O’Hare, the world’s fourth busiest airport, ensuring its continued prominence on the global aviation map.

In statements released, both airlines underscored the collaborative effort required to navigate the challenges ahead and emphasized the importance of completing the project within the allocated budget. American Airlines expressed optimism about the endeavor, acknowledging the upcoming hurdles while highlighting the necessity for ongoing cooperation.

United Airlines particularly commended Mayor Johnson and the aviation department for presenting a phased approach that prioritizes essential components such as the O’Hare Global Terminal and Satellite 1. This strategic phasing enables the swift realization of key modernization objectives, crucial for maintaining Chicago’s status as a vital hub in the aviation network.

Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any alterations to the project scope or budget must receive approval from the airlines. Additionally, construction will proceed in stages, with initial focus directed towards one of the two satellite concourses. The Chicago Department of Aviation will oversee the phased construction of the Global Terminal, slated to replace the existing Terminal 2.

The revised plan has garnered praise from American Airlines, affirming its alignment with the goal of preserving O’Hare’s competitiveness. Earlier assessments have indicated substantial economic benefits associated with completing the project as envisioned, including a projected $18.4 billion in economic activity and the creation of 95,000 jobs by 2033.

Furthermore, upon project completion, an estimated 1,600 jobs would be generated, with a significant portion directly linked to airport operations. The anticipated increase in state and local tax revenues underscores the broader economic implications of the O’Hare redevelopment initiative.

Jake Bissell-Linsk, a New York attorney whose firm is suing Boeing over safety issues after an Alaska Airlines plane lost a door plug midair in January, said he was surprised to see the emergency slide outside his oceanfront home in Belle Harbour Queens on Sunday.

The slide that fell off a Delta flight departing from JFK Airport on Friday was found two days later, washed up in front of the lawyer’s beachside house.

Authorities had been looking for the missing slide in Jamaica Bay since Friday afternoon, but since Bissell-Linsk’s house fronts the Atlantic Ocean, it appears the slide was farther away than they had thought.

The emergency slide was discovered on the south side of the Rockaway Peninsula, directly off Beach 129th and Beach 130th Streets.

About five hours later, according to Bissell-Links, a Delta Air Lines crew came at the location to remove the emergency slide from the water. The airline has recovered the emergency slide, an airline representative informed The Post, adding the airline will “fully cooperate” with any pertinent inquiries.

According to Bissell-Linsk, his law firm has not yet determined if the recent emergency slide event has objects to do with the lawsuit it is currently pursuing against Boeing.

In a remarkable display of humanitarianism and innovation, Etihad Airways has redefined the purpose of its Boeing 777 aircraft, transforming them into flying hospitals to aid thousands of Palestinian victims of the Gaza crisis.

These aircraft, once symbols of travel and exploration, have now become beacons of hope and healing, traversing the skies to deliver much-needed medical care to those in need.

The 16th batch of wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients recently touched down in the UAE. Among them were 25 individuals requiring urgent treatment and medical attention, accompanied by 51 families.

This endeavor, undertaken in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, underscores the unwavering commitment of the UAE to extend a helping hand to those facing adversity.

UAE has pledged to provide treatment and healthcare to 1,000 wounded Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients from the Gaza Strip. State hospitals in the UAE stand ready to offer the highest standards of medical care, embodying the vision and foresight of the nation’s wise leadership.

Behind the scenes, the crew members of Etihad Airways exemplify extraordinary strength and compassion, providing solace and support to the patients throughout their journey. Speaking to The National, Coughlan, a representative of Etihad, praised the resilience and empathy displayed by airline personnel, highlighting their innate ability to interact with individuals on a deeply human level.

The gestures of kindness and care extended by the Etihad crew serve as a beacon of hope for passengers, alleviating their stress and discomfort as they embark on a journey towards healing.

LATAM Group is setting a new standard for Economy class travel with the introduction of its innovative cabin design on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The rollout begins with the deployment of a second Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft across select subsidiaries, marking the commencement of a $15 million investment per aircraft. This investment underscores LATAM’s commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and staying at the forefront of aviation technology and passenger comfort.

Economy class travelers will enjoy unparalleled access to a vast array of entertainment options, seamlessly accessible via Bluetooth connectivity and showcased on generous 12-inch high-definition touchscreens.

With a diverse library featuring over 170 movies, 550 TV show episodes, and 100 music albums, passengers can immerse themselves in an endless stream of content. What’s more, exclusive offerings from premier streaming services like HBO Max, Paramount+, and Disney+ promise to elevate the in-flight entertainment experience to new heights.

LATAM Group is proud to announce that the newly designed seats will be crafted using 57% recycled leather—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing environmental impact. By leveraging recycled materials, LATAM aims to slash carbon emissions by up to 60%.

While conserving water and land use by an impressive 55%. Furthermore, LATAM+ seats offer passengers the option to elevate their travel experience with enhanced comfort and convenience.

Featuring increased legroom, greater recline, exclusive luggage space, and priority boarding and disembarkation privileges, LATAM+ ensures that every journey is a seamless and enjoyable affair.

• SkyTeam and SAS, flag carrier of Scandinavia, have signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement concluding that SAS will join SkyTeam on 1 September 2024.
• SAS customers will benefit from seamless products as well as enjoy more travel options to several previously unserved destinations.
• All EuroBonus members will benefit from earning and burning points, while Gold and Diamond members will enjoy SkyPriority services and lounge access.

As a significant step towards SAS’s official admission into the global airline alliance, SkyTeam and SAS have signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement, marking an exciting milestone today.

A smooth transition for every customer SkyTeam and SAS are dedicated to achieving. As of September 1, 2024, SAS will formally join SkyTeam, providing the alliance with the finest possible access to important hubs in Scandinavia.

Through new destinations, improved connectivity, and a more smooth and superior customer experience for all travellers, this partnership will strengthen SkyTeam’s worldwide network.

EuroBonus members will receive perks on most SkyTeam aircraft as soon as SAS joins the alliance. Gold and Diamond members will be identified as Elite Plus, and EuroBonus Silver members as SkyTeam Elite level.

They will be able to take advantage of SkyPriority services at eight airport touchpoints, including as priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, as well as a network of more than 750 airport lounges.

Easy connectivity throughout SkyTeam’s network of 1,060+ destinations, including both SAS customers’ favourite cities and hitherto undiscovered ones, especially in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, will be available to SAS customers. SkyTeam and SAS are committed to delivering a positive client experience by means of superior products, inventive solutions, and committed customer support.

An amusing yet persistent inconvenience has befallen for American women during their recent flights, courtesy of a ticketing system that consistently misidentifies them as infants.

The issue arises because American Airlines’ systems struggle to grasp the fact that Patricia, who prefers not to disclose her surname, was born in 1922, not 2022. Despite the mix-up, Patricia and the cabin crew managed to find humor in the situation.

“It was funny that they thought I was only a little child and I’m an old lady!” she remarked. However, the centenarian expresses a desire for the glitch to be rectified, citing past challenges it has posed.

One such instance saw airport staff caught off guard, expecting a baby who could be carried instead of a 101-year-old woman. Patricia recounts the inconvenience she faced, with supervisors needing to intervene and escort her through security due to the confusion.

As a frequent traveler even after turning 100, Patricia’s adventures include a trip to London in September 2023 for a transatlantic cruise and a recent stopover in New York for a talk show appearance. Despite declining to disclose her last name, Patricia’s experiences shed light on the need for airlines to address such technical hiccups promptly.

Accompanied by her daughter on flights, Patricia’s journey is marked by resilience and humor, even in the face of logistical challenges. She hopes for a resolution to the glitch to spare her and fellow travelers from unnecessary hassles, such as having to transport luggage across airport terminals due to miscommunication.

In a strategic move to navigate the challenges posed by Boeing’s aircraft delivery delays, Southwest Airlines has announced the suspension of services at four airports across the United States.

The airline, facing a significant reduction in the expected delivery of Boeing 737 Max 8 planes for 2024, is adapting swiftly to mitigate operational and financial impacts. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan underscored the gravity of the situation in the company’s first-quarter financial results statement, highlighting the necessity of reacting promptly to the evolving circumstances.

The airports affected by the service suspension include Bellingham International Airport in Washington state, Cozumel International Airport in Mexico, Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. However, service to Houston’s other airport will continue unaffected.

The decision to suspend operations at these airports comes as part of a broader effort to implement cost control initiatives. These initiatives include limiting hiring and offering voluntary time-off programs. Consequently, Southwest anticipates ending 2024 with approximately 2,000 fewer employees compared to the previous year.

This strategic shift by Southwest Airlines is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by the aviation industry due to Boeing’s ongoing production issues. Boeing’s recent announcement of prolonged production constraints, aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of its aircraft, has created a domino effect throughout the air travel ecosystem.

United Airlines, too, has felt the pinch, halting pilot recruitment and implementing voluntary leave programs in response to Boeing’s delivery woes. These developments underscore the intertwined nature of the aviation industry, where setbacks at one company reverberate across the entire sector.

In a significant move aimed at enhancing child safety and passenger convenience, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a new mandate for airlines regarding the seating of children.

Effective immediately, airlines are now required to allocate seats for children aged up to 12 years alongside at least one of their parents or guardians who are traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR).

This directive, announced by the DGCA, emphasizes the crucial importance of ensuring children’s well-being during air travel. By facilitating seating arrangements that keep families together, the regulation addresses a common concern among parents: the potential separation of young children from their caregivers during flights.

Such separation can lead to heightened anxiety and stress for both children and parents, making the travel experience less comfortable and secure. Furthermore, the DGCA has mandated that airlines maintain records of these seat assignments, introducing a transparency measure to ensure compliance with the new rule.

Importantly, the regulation acknowledges that unbundled services, including seat selection, are typically offered by airlines on an “opt-in” basis and are not mandatory. Additionally, the DGCA has specified a provision for auto seat assignment for passengers who have not selected seats during web check-in before the scheduled departure.

This proactive approach by the DGCA aligns with its overarching responsibility for regulating air transport services and ensuring adherence to civil aviation standards. By collaborating with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the DGCA reinforces India’s commitment to upholding global aviation best practices.

In the vast expanse of his retirement years, a former dentist embarked on an extraordinary journey of ingenuity and adventure. Armed with a plane kit procured from the depths of the internet, he set out to defy gravity and conventional wisdom alike, crafting his very own jet aircraft from scratch.

With each meticulously placed rivet and calculated design choice, he breathed life into his airborne dream, proving that even in retirement, the spirit of innovation knows no bounds.

In the coastal town of Moruya, retired dentist Andre Viljoen has taken to the skies in a remarkable feat of engineering and passion. With over 3,000 hours spent meticulously crafting in his small hangar, Viljoen has brought to life his dream—a homemade jet aircraft, soaring at nearly 500 kilometers per hour. According to the report by ABC news.

This Subsonnex jet marks the pinnacle of Viljoen’s aviation journey, a journey that began with tinkering with model airplanes in his youth. Despite starting small with remote-controlled aircraft, his ambition knew no bounds. Transitioning to piloting gliders, Viljoen yearned for a craft to call his own, yet the prohibitive costs of traditional aircraft ownership stood in his path.

Undeterred, Viljoen took matters into his own hands. Over 21 months of tireless work and the placement of 15,000 rivets, his vision took shape. Utilizing kits ordered from the United States, each complete with detailed plans, Viljoen’s craftsmanship brought forth marvels that defied convention. Despite a price tag of approximately $230,000 per aircraft, the value of his creations transcends mere monetary worth.

Despite the technical complexities involved, Viljoen’s aircraft are not merely experimental novelties but meticulously crafted marvels that adhere to the strictest safety standards. Registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Viljoen’s creations have earned the respect of aviation enthusiasts and experts alike.

As he navigates the skies above southeast New South Wales, Viljoen’s passion for flight remains undimmed. For him, each journey is a testament to the enduring thrill of freedom and the indomitable spirit of human endeavor. From his first solo flight to the countless adventures that lie ahead, Viljoen’s homemade jet aircraft is more than a machine—it’s a symbol of possibility and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

On a routine Sunday flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, passengers aboard a FlySafair aircraft found themselves in the midst of an unexpected turn of events.

The flight, which commenced its journey at 11:32 am, encountered a harrowing situation during takeoff as ground staff observed what appeared to be damage to one of the rear wheels of the aircraft.

Reacting swiftly to the alarming observation, the flight crew was promptly alerted, and a collective decision was made to return to Johannesburg for the safety of all on board. With the aircraft en route back to its origin, a crucial yet standard procedure was enacted to ensure a safe landing: entering a holding pattern near Parys to burn off excess fuel. This precautionary measure aimed to lighten the aircraft’s load, enhancing safety during the impending landing.

In a display of meticulous caution, the aircraft performed a low pass over OR Tambo Airport, allowing safety and technical teams to visually inspect the landing gear before the final descent. It was during this inspection that the gravity of the situation became apparent: one of the four rear wheels had detached from the aircraft during the takeoff phase. Specifically, the affected wheel belonged to the left rear landing strut, further underscoring the severity of the incident.

Despite the harrowing circumstances, the skilled pilots and crew of FlySafair were commended for their adept handling of the emergency. Their extensive training and experience proved instrumental in ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members on board.

Upon executing a safe landing, passengers bound for Cape Town were swiftly rerouted to an alternate aircraft, guaranteeing their timely and secure arrival at their destination. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the wheel’s damage have been initiated by technical teams and authorities, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passengers were advised to stay informed by checking with their respective airlines for updates on their travel arrangements.