Aviation Stats Update: May 16, 2022

"Europe has had a tough road to recovery, but in the last week (May 8-15), commercial airline traffic has reached its highest point since 2019, with an average of 22,138 airline flights a day, which is only 13% down from the same week in 2019. These numbers are exciting to see as Europe heads into the summer, its busiest travel season each year." (blog.flightaware.com) More...

JetBlue Launches Hostile Takeover Bid to Acquire Spirit Airlines

Yet another twist occurred this morning when JetBlue launched a hostile takeover bid to win back Spirit from Frontier Airlines. JetBlue is now offering $30 per share, significantly more than its ultra-low-cost rival, and claims a deal offering $33 per share is still a possibility. (aeroxplorer.com) More...

Southwest Airlines proposed a ploy to deceive FAA on Boeing 737 MAX, legal filing alleges

In April 2016, when Boeing’s 737 MAX was in flight test a year ahead of its certification by the Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Airlines made a strange proposal to Boeing — one that suggests an effort to deceive the FAA. According to a legal filing by attorneys pursuing a lawsuit against the airline, Southwest manager Bill Lusk asked Boeing officials, including the MAX chief technical pilot Mark Forkner, if engineers could install a new flight control safety alert required for the… (www.seattletimes.com) More...

Lockheed Martin holding hiring event, plans to expand F-16 workforce in Greenville

Lockheed Martin is planning to add 300 people to its Greenville workforce this year to help meet the increasing demand for the F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jet being produced here. The company said in a news release that it will conduct interviews and make hiring decisions at a hiring event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at McAlister Square in Greenville. The hires are in addition to 150 new hires already this year, according to a news release. (www.msn.com) More...

The U.S. is facing its worst pilot shortage ever, forcing airlines to cut flights and growth plans

The U.S. is facing its worst pilot shortage ever, forcing airlines to cut flights for a summer travel season that is expected to surpass 2019 levels... (www.aviationweekly.org) More...

Small Plane Crash on Miami Bridge

Sorry for all involved. 1 perished, 4 survivors. Hit an SUV on Bridge. Good luck all. Will be curious of cause. (tampa.cbslocal.com) More...

JetBlue Launches Hostile Takeover Bid for Spirit Airlines

JetBlue Airways on Monday commenced a hostile all-cash takeover bid for Spirit Airlines, days after the discount carrier rejected an offer from the larger rival (www.cnbc.com) More...

American Airlines just showed the door to customers who aren't rich

Airlines have needs. They tend to revolve around money. Which is harder to make when you fire a lot of people during the pandemic and then find it difficult to hire more people once the pandemic begins to recede. Despite the claims of many, business travel hasn't reached pre-pandemic levels. Leisure travelers, however, are desperate to get on a plane and get out of wherever here is. So how can airlines make more money out of this less-than-ideal situation? A clue emerged last week when… (www.zdnet.com) More...

Ryanair Calls Boeing Managers ‘Headless Chickens,’ Seeks Shakeup

Ryanair Holdings Plc Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary joined in industry criticism of Boeing Co.’s leadership, saying the company needs a shakeup as production snags afflict its three main jetliner models. (www.bnnbloomberg.ca) More...

Russian Airlines Expected To Start Cannibalizing Western Aircraft For Spare Parts

The Russian aviation industry has found a way to keep its fleet operational despite sanctions. (simpleflying.com) More...