Welcome to our weekly Week In Review series where we look at the latest news in the Aviation Industry!

Bonza Enters Administration 

Australia’s newest Ultra Low Cost Airline, Bonza, has entered administration amidst its financial woes, resulting in its aircraft being repossessed by lessors. Bonza has also temporarily suspended services due to be operated up to and including Tuesday 7 May 2024, according to a statement on its website at the time of publishing. 

This incident started on the night of 29 April 2024, at 11:51 AEST, when the Lessors of the Aircraft leased to Bonza issued notices terminating their leases in place for the aircraft, requiring Bonza to immediately cease to operate the Aircraft. 

Employees were reportedly left “screaming and crying” when they learnt that they would not be receiving their salaries for the month of April due to the current financial condition of the company, according to an article published by news.com.au. 

In a statement, it was also revealed that due to insufficient cash flow and funding, the Administrators are unable to recommence full operations, and they have no alternatives but to stand down the majority of the employees of Bonza. 

AirAsia Cambodia starts operations 

AirAsia Cambodia, the newest member in the AirAsia chain of airlines have started its flight operations in Cambodia on 2 May 2024 to much fanfare. 

The Airline’s first flight departed from Phnom Penh International Airport at 7:40am and landed at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport at 8:30am Local time. The airline will continue operations from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville today, therefore increasing connectivity within Cambodia. 

In celebration of this historic event for AirAsia Cambodia, Mr Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia said “The timing of AirAsia Cambodia’s domestic flight launch is also opportune, coinciding with the government’s concerted efforts to attract more tourists to the culturally rich province of Siem Reap through the recently launched ‘Visit Siem Reap 2024’ campaign.”

AirAsia plans to serve these routes in Cambodia daily with 2 Airbus A320 Aircraft based at Phnom Penh International Airport. The AirAsia Group flies to Cambodia Internationally from its hub at Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok with 63 flights weekly, and AirAsia Cambodia would help to further enhance that connectivity through offering domestic flights in Cambodia. 

Global Airlines A380 first flight 

A United Kingdom Startup, Global Airlines has just received its first Airbus A380 aircraft, previously operated by China Southern Airlines. On the 30th of April, the A380 begun its journey to Glasgow, Scotland from Mojave, through Montreal, in a journey which lasted just under 14 hours in flying time. The Airbus A380 aircraft also had to undertake the entire journey in a gears down configuration, as the aircraft was only scheduled to undergo checks for its landing gears when in Glasgow. 

Global Airlines plans to fly the A380 aircraft between London Heathrow and New York JFK airport, capitalising on the high traffic volume between these two airports. The flights are expected to start somewhere later this year.

Air China and China Southern Airlines places order for C919

China Southern Airlines has placed orders for a 100 of COMAC’s newest C919 aircraft, being the last of the three Chinese State-owned airline to place orders for the indigenously manufactured aircraft. The order was placed just three days after Air China announced its orders for 100 C919 aircraft. With these 2 deals in 3 days, this would mean that COMAC has received orders from all 3 Chinese State-owned airline. 

The variant of C919s which China Southern placed orders for were the basic version of the C919, which has been rated to fly for a maximum range of 4630km, and would be sold at a slightly lower list price as compared to its extended range counterpart. 

Meanwhile, Air China placed orders for the extended-range version of the C919, which features additional fuel tanks, together with the presence of winglets for improved aerodynamics. The C919-100(ER) can fly for a maximum range of 5556km, slightly longer than its non extended range counterpart. 

Bonza Airlines, an ultra low cost airline in Australia has temporarily suspended services for the 30th April, amidst ongoing discussions regarding the viability of the business. This move caused thousands of its travellers to be stranded, with some customers flocking to the airline’s social media pages to voice their discontent with the cancellation.

Launched last year in January to much fanfare as a ‘new and only independent low-cost airline enabling Australians to explore more of their own backyard for less’, Bonza Airlines embarked on a rather ambitious expansion plan initially. The airline initially set its sights on a ambitious 27 routes flying to 17 domestic destinations with a fleet of 4 Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline also has prided itself on saving passengers more than AUD125 million in its first year of flying. 

In view of the sudden flight cancellations, the Transport Department of Australia has established a hotline for the stranded travellers, with the line operating until 10pm on the 30th of April. Furthermore, Australian airlines Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have all mentioned that they would be offering complimentary seats to customers who were affected by the Bonza cancellation, subject to availability of seats on the routes. 

We will immediately support any passengers stranded mid-journey by offering complimentary seats on Virgin Australia-operated flights to the airport nearest to their final planned Bonza destination. For those at an airport please see your nearest customer service representative or call our Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89. Virgin Australia

Beginning of the End?

According to an internal note to staff seen by the Financial Review, Founder Tim Jordan mentioned that the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircrafts have been repossessed. Bonza Airlines is also currently under voluntary administration, with Hall Chadwick appointed as the administrator for both its operating and holding companies.

We have been informed this morning that effective 0300 today that all our aircraft have had repossession proceedings had been commenced by AIP Capital, the aircraft lessor.  Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza airlines

At the time of writing, one of Bonza’s aircraft is currently flying with Flair airlines, while the other 5 aircrafts are all grounded respectively. More information will be added as the fate of the aircrafts become clear. 

Welcome to another series of Week in Review! Let’s look at the major aviation news this week!

British Airways A380 on a 5 hour ‘flight to nowhere’ 

A British Airways A380 aircraft bound for London-Heathrow from Singapore landed back at Singapore Changi Airport after 5 hours after a technical issue required the flight to turn back. The aircraft had to dump its fuel onboard to reach the maximum landing weight, before being able to land. The flight, BA12, was originally delayed by 4 hours due to an issue with the aircraft’s weather radar and returned to the stand for repairs. After the issue was resolved on the ground, the plane took off, bound for London-Heathrow again. However, the issue recurred mid-flight, resulting in the aircraft having to dump fuel before returning back to Singapore Changi Airport. This ordeal resulted in passengers being on a 5 hour ‘flight to nowhere’, landing back at Singapore Changi Airport. 

Royal Malaysian Navy Helicopter mid-air collision 

Ten people were killed after a collision between two Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Helicopters over Lumut Naval Base, Perak. The crash was between an a Eurocopter Fennec Military Chopper from 502 Squadron and a Augusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter from 503 Squadron. Both helicopters were part of an aerial display rehearsal to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the TLDM, and were reportedly in a combined rehearsal for the first time. The AW139 crashed into the stairs of the TLDM Stadium, while the Fennec crashed into a swimming pool in the Naval Base, injuring one personnel. In light of this disaster, the Malaysian Higher Education Ministry announced measures to fund the higher education of the children of the victims, including RM1000 (USD $208), which will be credited into their National Education Savings Schemes account. Investigations on the crash are still ongoing, 

Indigo places an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 wide body aircraft. 

Indigo, an Indian carrier, has placed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900, becoming the latest airline to be ordering the widebody jet. This comes after Indigo placed a largest single aircraft order by an airline for 500 aircraft in June 2023 so as to ensure that it meets its ambitious expansion plans. Currently, the only widebody aircraft operated by Indigo airlines are the two Boeing 777s which are leased from Turkish Airlines. The exact configuration of the aircraft are still being decided, with the aircrafts scheduled to begin deliveries in 2027. 

Emergency Exit falls off Boeing 767

A Delta Airlines flight, en route to Los Angeles from New York, was forced to make an emergency landing after an emergency slide detached from the right wing emergency exit mid-flight. Originally reported by pilots as an alert on the plane’s overwing emergency exit, together with an unusual sound near the wing, the Boeing 767 aircraft made an emergency landing back at John F Kennedy Airport in New York and landed safely. Upon landing, a closer observation showed that the overwing emergency raft had been detached from the aircraft. The Boeing 767 in question has been taken out of service by Delta Airlines and would be ‘thoroughly evaluated’. The cause for the separation between the slide and aircraft is still unknown, and investigations to find the cause are still ongoing. 

Ten people were killed after a collision between two Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Helicopters over Lumut Naval Base, Perak. 

In a statement, TLDM said ‘All victims were confirmed dead at the scene and sent to the Lumut Naval Base Military Hospital for Identification’ 

The helicopters, a Eurocopter Fennec Military Chopper from 502 Squadron and a Augusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter from 503 Squadron, both of which are used by the TLDM, were part of an aerial display rehearsal to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the TLDM. In a video circulating on local media, one of the helicopters seems to have impacted the tail rotor of the other helicopter, after which both aircraft entered a spin. Debris could be seen right after the contact. The AW139 crashed into the stairs of the TLDM Stadium, while the Fennec crashed into a swimming pool in the Naval Base. 

TLDM also mentioned in the same statement that an investigation body would be formed so as to determine the cause of the incident. In light of the incident, TLDM’s 90th Anniversary Celebrations would be postponed, with prayers to be held for the victims. 

A disturbing occurrence involving a United Airlines flight is explained in a recent preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

A concerning issue occurred on February 6 when a Boeing 737 Max 8 carrying United flight 1539 from Nassau, Bahamas, to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey experienced “stuck” rudder pedals during the landing roll. According to the early results of the NTSB, the captain of the aircraft claimed that the rudder pedals remained locked in a neutral position and could not be moved in response to normal foot pressure.

There are serious safety issues because of this problem with the rudder controls, which are in charge of turning the airplane left or right.

Fortunately, none of the 161 occupants were hurt, and the aircraft made a safe landing back at the gate. Later testing, however, revealed that United maintenance personnel had indeed identified the stated fault.

Subsequent examination indicated that the most likely culprit was a servo, which is a part attached to the rudder controls of the 737 Max 8. The autopilot servo’s maker, Collins Aerospace, discovered during cold temperature testing that the servo’s output crank arm might indeed restrict the movement of the rudder pedals.

United Airlines effectively resolved the issue as soon as it was brought to their attention by replacing three defective parts and turning off the malfunctioning servo. Boeing and United worked together to guarantee the aircraft’s safe return to service following the required repairs. As reported by Reuters.

United Airlines and Boeing are supporting the NTSB’s inquiry, which aims to fully identify the malfunction’s primary cause and stop it from happening again. The severity of the situation was highlighted by the flight data recorder, which supported the pilot’s account of what happened.

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As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and global travel continues to rise, airports play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of people and goods across the globe.

In 2024, the largest airports in the world continue to serve as bustling hubs of activity, offering a glimpse into the sheer scale and complexity of modern air transportation infrastructure. These airport parking , which represent the possibilities of contemporary aviation and function as essential hubs in global travel networks, range in size from expansive terminals to vast networks of runways.

In this article, we will explore the ten largest airports in the world in 2024, highlighting their key features, significance, and the role they play in shaping global air travel. From major aviation hubs in established metropolises to emerging airports in rapidly growing regions, each of these airport tsa precheck contributes to the seamless operation of the global air transportation system, connecting people and cultures across continents.

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Hawaiian Airlines launched Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband internet onboard one of its Airbus A321neos, N228HA, on a flight from Honolulu to Long Beach, making it the first major carrier in the world to do so.

As the A321neo aircraft are brought online over the next several months, the carrier’s Wi-Fi will be available on a few of them. It is free of charge and accessible as soon as passengers board the aircraft, eliminating the need for lengthy registration forms or complicated payment portals.

Hawaiian’s new in-flight internet connection is fast enough to enable connected activities like gaming, streaming, and other activities that are typically done at home—even when flying across the furthest reaches of the Pacific Ocean.

Hawaiian and Starlink carried out testing, including live flights, to verify optimal performance. These tests assessed connection in various scenarios and pinpointed areas for user experience enhancement.

Hawaiian is implementing the technology throughout its long-haul fleet in collaboration with Starlink. By spring, the airline plans to install and turn on antennas on all eighteen of its A321neo aircraft. By the end of the year, it plans to do the same with its A330s, and then with its new flagship, the Boeing 787-9. The service will astonish and thrill passengers when they board their planes until it is made available to the entire fleet.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has reportedly acquired a Boeing 737-800 that was previously operated by Air China, according to records and planespotter footage. The aircraft, registered as N154TS, was observed landing at Los Angeles International Airport with a distinct grey livery, drawing attention from onlookers.

Public records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reveal that the jet is now owned by Falcon Aviation Holdings LLC. Notably, the address listed for Falcon Aviation Holdings matches SpaceX’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California. The registration of N154TS under Falcon Aviation Holdings occurred in August 2023, following its retirement by Air China in July 2022. The aircraft had been parked at Lake Charles Chennault until mid-December 2023.

It’s worth mentioning that Falcon Aviation Holdings, which owns this Boeing 737, shares the registration address with SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA. Interestingly, SpaceX’s Gulfstream Aerospace executive jets are registered under Falcon Landing, a sister Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) associated with the same corporate address.

The history of the Boeing 737-800 reveals that it was originally delivered to Air China approximately 21.6 years ago. After a decade of passenger service, Air China converted the aircraft into a freighter configuration. The current status of its configuration and its intended use by SpaceX remain unclear.

This acquisition stands out as a unique addition to SpaceX’s fleet, considering the company’s renowned focus on space exploration and transport. The purpose of acquiring a commercial airliner like the Boeing 737-800 by SpaceX raises intriguing questions about potential modifications and applications within the context of the company’s broader operations.

At times, the cabin crew assumes pivotal roles in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers during flights. Their responsibilities extend beyond routine tasks, as they undergo training to address critical situations such as human trafficking and other illicit activities that may transpire within the confines of an aircraft.

A rare incident unfolded aboard an Indigo aircraft, where the courageous cabin crew member, Ms. HT Vanlalruati, played a pivotal role in aiding law enforcement to identify and apprehend the culprit responsible for transporting illegal drugs.

Indigo issued a statement expressing profound pride in individuals like Ms. Vanlalruati, emphasizing how her unwavering dedication and exceptional efforts contribute significantly to upholding the airline’s highest safety standards. The airline expressed heartfelt appreciation for her noteworthy contribution.

The Mizoram Police also lauded the exemplary efforts of Ms. HT Vanlalruati, who serves as the Executive Security at Indigo Airlines at Lengpui airport. Her outstanding role in the seizure of a substantial quantity of Crystal Meth and the detection of live .22 ammunition did not go unnoticed.

The Mizoram Police, recognizing her invaluable assistance, presented her with a letter of appreciation and a monetary reward of Rs 5,000. Mizoram DGP Anil Shukla commended Ms. Vanlalruati for her pivotal role in assisting them in seizing drugs worth Rs 25.49 crore from two Myanmar nationals and uncovering ammunition from a passenger originating from Manipur.

The acknowledgment underscores the collaborative efforts between airline staff and law enforcement in ensuring the safety and security of air travel.

• – easyJet is offering new luggage collection, delivery, and door-to-door services in collaboration with Airportr
• – Customers can now choose to check in their luggage from home, skip bag drop on departure and breeze past baggage collection on arrival.
• – The service has initially been introduced for customers flying from London Gatwick and Geneva and will also be included for easyJet FLEXI fare customers. 
• – First 300 bookers of the new services will receive a 30% discount by using the code 30OFFAIRPORTRLAUNCH

Europe’s leading airline, easyJet, has launched a new luggage collection, delivery and door-to-door service in partnership with baggage collection and delivery specialist, Airportr, providing passengers travelling from London Gatwick and Geneva the option to check in their luggage from home, skip bag drop on departure and breeze past baggage collection on arrival.

The airline has partnered with Airportr to introduce this new choice to help make travel even easier, following research that showed 40% of easyJet customers would be interested in these services when they travel to and from their flight.

The airline will initially offer three services for customers at London Gatwick and Geneva airports:

1. Departure: customers flying from London Gatwick or Geneva can now check in their bags from a designated pick-up point like your home office or hotel, which will be collected by an accredited driver and then collected from the baggage belt on arrival at their destination.
2. Arrival: Customers arriving into Geneva from any easyJet airport can book for a delivery of their bags to their final destination, like their home or hotel.
3. Door-to-door: customers flying from London Gatwick to Geneva can book a door-to-door service – a totally seamless luggage experience that means customers can check in their bags from home and sees them delivered to their final destination.

easyJet also becomes the first airline to include the service in a bundle fare, meaning FLEXI fare customers flying from London Gatwick and Geneva have the service included in their booking.

The services are available for flights to any of easyJet’s destinations across Europe from the airline’s biggest UK base London Gatwick, and from Switzerland’s largest airport, Gevena, from just £37 at www.airportr.com/en/easyjet. The first 300 customers will receive 30% off their booking by using the code 30OFFAIRPORTRLAUNCH

· The first post-pandemic Embraer China Regional Aviation Forum will be held in Qingdao 7-8 November.

·150 participants from home and abroad.

·The forum pools the wisdom and experience of the most qualified and knowledgeable people on a variety of topics ranging from regional aviation market development to successful business models and experience sharing for airlines.

On November 6th, 2023, in Qingdao, China, the first post-pandemic Embraer China Regional Aviation Forum is returning as China’s civil aviation market continues to grow, fueled by rising domestic demand.

6th China Regional Aviation Forum (RAF 2023)

Embraer is organizing the 6th China Regional Aviation Forum (RAF 2023) in the city of Qingdao from November 7th to 8th, 2023. The event’s theme is “Connectivity and Differentiation – New Momentum in Regional Aviation Development.”

The forum is set to welcome over 150 participants from government agencies, domestic and overseas airlines, airports, lessors, institutes, trade associations, and other relevant organizations.

Speakers will include airline executives, industry experts, and think tanks, who will lead discussions on various topics, including the development of the global and China regional aviation market, successful business models, and sharing experiences among airlines.

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, stated, “Embraer is providing a platform through the forum that gathers the wisdom and experience of the most qualified and knowledgeable individuals to discuss and debate how to expand regional networks and boost connectivity.

The key is to offer efficient and rightsized aircraft to build China’s connectivity. The E2, which complements China’s indigenous products perfectly, is the ideal aircraft for achieving this, as it will connect second and third-tier cities, as well as remote regions.

China Civil Aviation embrace a more sustainable aviation future

With both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 certified by CAAC, we are confident about our prospects in China, supporting growth and helping China Civil Aviation embrace a more sustainable aviation future.”

Guo Qing, Managing Director and VP Commercial Aviation at Embraer China, commented, “We believe the regional market is a key driver of future growth. There are one billion people living in China who have never taken a flight.

China Civil Aviation Authority places significant importance on the integration of the overall network, connecting trunk and regional routes to feed traffic to each other. In this context, our E2 aircraft will be an efficient tool to assist small and medium-sized airlines in focusing on the regional segment by differentiating their business models, market access, product, and service offerings.”

The China Regional Aviation Forum was previously held in Kunming, Yinchuan, Guiyang, Ordos, and Sanya. This year’s event is being jointly organized by China Aviation News and Civil Aviation Management Institute of China (CAMIC).

Another significant event is marked by the Airbus A330neo D-ANRB, the ninth brand-new A330neo that Condor has received. On Saturday morning at 11:04, a flight from Toulouse bearing the registration D-ANRB touched down at Frankfurt Airport. The inaugural commercial flight is scheduled to arrive in Canada at the end of the next week.

EasyJet launches flights for the first time to Cairo, Egypt(Opens in a new browser tab)

As a result, Condor has received half of the long-haul fleet that was ordered after beginning to receive one aircraft per month as scheduled since the end of 2022. The newest member of the fleet and an A330neo carrying the “Sea” livery were delivered for the first time. This completes the long-haul fleet’s color palette and going forward, travelers will fly in the shades “Island,” “Beach,” and “Sea” to the most breathtaking locations on earth.

According to Christian Schmitt, Chief Operations Officer and Accountable Manager Condor, “We have already been able to fleet half of the 18 aircraft ordered with the current aircraft thanks to the great commitment of our Condor team, the well-rehearsed cooperation with Airbus, the suppliers, and the authorities.” The comfort, design, and facilities of the new long-haul aircraft have received positive praise. We are honoured to be able to provide our customers with a brand-new Condor border experience with this and to begin using the A330neo on all long-distance flights in 2024.

Azerbaijan Airlines orders 12 A320neo(Opens in a new browser tab)

In order to replace the present B767 fleet entirely by 2024, Condor aims to receive a total of 18 new long-haul aircraft as part of its overall long-haul fleet renewal programme. The three aircraft colors—”Island”-green, “Beach”-sand, and “Sea”-blue—will be flown in equal numbers. Up to five further purchase options for an A330neo have also been approved by the Supervisory Board, although no orders have been placed as of yet. The next A330neo will also be delivered at the end of this month in the “Sea” color.

Condor’s short- and medium-haul fleet will be replaced by 41 brand-new A32Xneo aircraft, including 13 A320neo and 28 A321neo, when the long-haul fleet renewal is finished. The present Airbus A320/1 and Boeing 757 aircraft will be replaced. In 2024 and 2025, 14 aeroplanes will be delivered in total. As a result of the fleet renewal programme, the Condor fleet will eventually increase overall.