Author: Sharad Ranabhat

On the 3rd of December 2024, two LATAM Airlines (LA) aircraft were involved in a ground collision at Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH).

Asia is home to some of the world’s busiest and fastest-growing aviation markets, with numerous routes connecting major cities and hubs in the region.

DOHA – Qatar Airways (QR) has unveiled a star-studded in-flight safety video featuring Hollywood star and comedian Kevin Hart, alongside an ensemble cast of global celebrities and social media influencers. Directed by renowned filmmaker Tim Story, the video is expected to redefine traditional safety video with humor and star power to captivate passengers’ attention. Kevin Hart is poised to bring his signature humor to ensure passengers stay engaged with vital safety instructions. Launching in December 2024, the video is part of QR’s effort to ensure passengers focus on essential safety procedures while starting their journey with entertainment. A Star-Studded Cast Joining…

SOUTH KOREA – Korean Air’s (KE) long-awaited merger with  Asiana Airlines (OZ) has recently received final approval from the European Commission (EC). This marks a major step forward in the airline’s bid to consolidate South Korea’s aviation market. However, the deal still hinges on approval from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), with the Korean flag carrier targeting completion by December 2024. The EC announced its decision on November 28, confirming that Korean Air had fulfilled all conditions required for the merger. These conditions, stipulated during the EC’s conditional approval in February 2024, aimed to address concerns over reduced competition on…

EDINBURGH – Edinburgh Airport could face significant flight disruptions during the festive season as tanker drivers employed by North Air threaten to strike amid pay dispute. Unite, the UK’s leading aviation trade union, confirmed on 2nd December that it may announce strike dates in the coming days if an agreement is not reached. North Air, which provides refueling services for domestic and international airlines at Edinburgh Airport, offered a 4.5% pay increase to its tanker drivers. However, Unite members overwhelmingly rejected the proposal, pointing to years of below-inflation pay rises and demanding a more significant offer. Efforts to resolve the…

KOLKATA – IndiGo Airlines (6E) has announced the launch of daily direct flights between Kolkata and Phuket, starting December 27, 2024. This marks the airline’s second direct route to Phuket, complementing its existing service from Delhi.  This new route is a part of the low-cost carrier’s (LCC) strategy to cater to the growing demand for travel between India and Thailand, further strengthening its presence in the Southeast Asia travel market. Expanding Connectivity to Thailand With the addition of the Kolkata-Phuket route, IndiGo will now operate 93 weekly flights between India and Thailand, including 11 weekly flights to Bangkok. This addition…

BANGKOK – Thailand is expected to resume direct flights to the United States in February 2025, following an anticipated upgrade in the country’s aviation safety rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This development comes after the American aviation watchdog’s recent audit of Thailand’s aviation sector, which showed major improvements in compliance with international safety standards. Category 1 Status Restored Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Thailand is set to regain its Category 1 (CAT 1) safety rating early next year. The FAA inspection was conducted from November 11 to 15, during which the Civil…

SYDNEY – Qantas (QF) has reached an exciting moment in its fleet renewal journey, as its first Airbus A321XLR has entered the final assembly line at Airbus’ Hamburg facility in Germany.  This milestone sets the stage for the first Asia Pacific A321XLR’s anticipated delivery in April 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Qantas’ domestic and regional operations. Significance of the A321XLR The A321XLR is the centerpiece of the Australian flag carrier’s plan to replace its aging Boeing 737 fleet over the next decade. Qantas has 28 of these next-generation aircraft on firm order, with options for additional…

Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, is as much about gathering around a table as it is about traveling to be with loved ones.

PARIS – A runaway dog named Amalka caused a rare disruption at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), leading to the closure of two runways during a search operation on 26th November. The search operation lasted for nine days. Owned by an Austrian tourist traveling with Air France (AF) from Vienna, Amalka, an emotional support dog escaped from her carrier during unloading on 19th November. The incident led to a large-scale search across the second busiest European airport, involving both airport staff and police. Posters were put up to alert workers, while search operations extended into the night with her…