Blog•Feb 17, 2026
British Airways Passenger Reveals The Clever Way He Won Compensation Despite An ‘Extraordinary Circumstance’
A British Airways passenger successfully claimed £520 compensation after the airline cited a tropical storm in Nassau as an “extraordinary circumstance” to deny liability. The passenger appealed to an independent arbitrator, who ruled that BA had not demonstrated that it exhausted all possible rerouting options, such as booking onto U.S. carriers. Under UK261, which mirrors EU261, airlines must offer alternative transport before refusing compensation, even when weather disrupts operations. The case highlights shortcomings in BA’s recent £350 million IT system upgrade, which still limits rerouting choices.
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
Greens Demand US Military Flights Be Barred From Prestwick
The Scottish Greens have demanded that the Scottish Government evict US military forces from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, citing over 550 landings since April 2025 as evidence of routine use. They plan to raise the issue in a parliamentary debate, arguing...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
Privatizing Air Traffic Control: Why Canada’s Success Story Won’t Work Here
Recent commentary reignites calls to privatize the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control system, citing Canada’s NAV CANADA as a benchmark of efficiency and cost savings. The article argues that while Canada’s model reduced delays and operating expenses, the United...
By Leeham News and Analysis
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
Pilots of SAS Flight To Malaga Forced To Divert After Passengers Spot Rodent Stowaway
SAS pilots diverted a Stockholm‑Malaga Airbus A320 after passengers spotted a mouse aboard, turning the aircraft back after roughly two hours in flight. This marks the second rodent‑related diversion on a SAS Malaga route within eighteen months, following a similar incident...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
Dutch Defence Secretary Boldly Claims F-35 Software Could Be ‘Jailbroken’
Dutch Defence Secretary Gijs Tuinman told Dutch radio that the F‑35’s software could potentially be “jailbroken,” hinting at a future where the Netherlands might operate the jet without U.S. approval. He stopped short of confirming any concrete plan, noting the...
By The Aviationist
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
Jimmy Dempsey's Frontier Airlines
The episode examines Frontier Airlines’ turnaround under new CEO Jimmy Dempsey, focusing on his four‑point strategy: rightsizing the fleet, tightening cost discipline, cutting cancellations and boosting on‑time performance, and deepening customer loyalty. Analysts debate the merits of increasing frequency on...
By Swelbar on Airlines (Substack)
Blog•Feb 14, 2026
United Airlines Opens Once in a Decade Opportunity For Flight Attendants To Move To ‘Dream Location’
United Airlines has announced that its London flight‑attendant base, the only overseas crew hub it still operates, will accept transfer applications for the first time in more than a decade. The opportunity is limited to senior attendants who have waited...
By Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Blog•Feb 14, 2026
British Airways Is Now Letting Passengers Know If Wi-Fi Is Not On Their Flight… Why Did It Take So Long?
British Airways has begun sending proactive emails to passengers on long‑haul flights that lack in‑flight Wi‑Fi, giving a six‑hour heads‑up to download work or adjust schedules. The notice is purely informational and will not waive change‑fee penalties for switching to...
By Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Blog•Feb 13, 2026
Delta Rolls Out Airbus A321neo Aircraft With Massive 44-Seat First Class Cabin
Delta is temporarily configuring seven new Airbus A321neo aircraft with a 44‑seat First Class cabin, more than double the usual layout for this narrow‑body type. The expanded cabin will debut on high‑traffic Atlanta‑to‑West‑Coast routes beginning in June, with bookings opening...
By The Bulkhead Seat
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
United, JetBlue Roll Out Cross-Platform Booking
United Airlines and JetBlue have launched cross‑platform booking, allowing customers to purchase eligible itineraries on either carrier’s website or mobile app. Travelers can pay with cash, points, or miles, instantly expanding the flight inventory displayed on both platforms. The feature...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Arizona Airport Eyes Commercial Expansion
Buckeye officials approved a lease of five acres at the municipal airport to build 12 private hangars, which Vermillion Development will construct and sell. The move is framed as a catalyst for economic growth and a first step toward a...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Tens Of Thousands Of Passengers Set To Be Stranded As Lufthansa Pilots Announce Strike in Pension Dispute
Lufthansa’s pilots union Vereinigung Cockpit announced a one‑day strike on Thursday, February 12, over a pension dispute, potentially stranding tens of thousands of travelers. The walkout will affect all mainline Lufthansa and cargo flights departing Germany, while subsidiaries such as...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
European Allies Take over NATO Joint Force Commands
NATO approved a major leadership reshuffle, assigning all three Joint Force Commands to European allies while the United States keeps control of the Alliance’s theatre component commands. The United Kingdom will lead Joint Force Command Norfolk, Italy will take Joint...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
El Al Adds Destinations for 2026
Israel’s flag carrier El Al announced nine new routes, split between three mainline Boeing 787 services and six seasonal flights operated by its low‑cost arm Sundor. The airline will begin three‑weekly flights to Hanoi on Oct 25 and to Seoul in March 2027, with...
By AirlineGeeks
![DEFAERO Strategy Series [Feb 10, 26] Steve Grundman on Acquisition Reform and Recent Headlines](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/7f41b5478cfc1b47b8fa96373c97b2b2.webp)
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
DEFAERO Strategy Series [Feb 10, 26] Steve Grundman on Acquisition Reform and Recent Headlines
Steve Grundman appeared on the DEFAERO Strategy Series to outline the Pentagon’s latest acquisition reform push, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s forthcoming list of underperforming contractors. He highlighted the Trump administration’s new equity stakes in key defense suppliers and the...
By Defense & Aerospace Report
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
WestJet Slashes U.S. Routes
WestJet announced it will suspend more than a dozen U.S. cross‑border routes, citing a sustained decline in transborder travel demand throughout 2025. The carrier said full‑year U.S.‑Canada flights will drop close to 10 percent, with a 15 percent cut during historically peak...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Press Release: EGYPTAIR Takes Delivery of Its First of 16 A350-900s
EgyptAir has received its first of 16 Airbus A350‑900 aircraft, becoming the launch operator for the type in North Africa. The new wide‑body will modernise the carrier’s long‑haul fleet, enabling nonstop routes from Cairo to the US West Coast and...
By Runway Girl Network
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
UK Urged to Embrace Prototype Warfare
Senior defence officials warned that the UK’s traditional, long‑term procurement model is too slow for modern conflict, urging a shift toward "prototype warfare" and rapid frontline experimentation. They propose adopting a minimum viable product approach, deploying early‑stage equipment to troops...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Edinburgh Student Forum Spotlights Hybrid War Lessons
The University of Edinburgh and Kyiv National University hosted an online student forum that gathered Ukrainian and UK experts to dissect drones, disinformation, civil resilience, and energy security, showing how Ukraine’s war is reshaping European security thinking. Panels highlighted drone‑induced...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Swedish Gripens Take Lead in NATO Iceland Air Policing
Sweden has deployed six JAS 39 Gripen fighters and more than 110 personnel to Iceland, marking its first leadership of NATO’s Icelandic Air Policing mission. The rotation, based at Keflavík Air Base, will run until mid‑March 2026 and maintain a...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Chicago O’Hare’s Gate Fight Gets Even More Complex… and Spirited
Chicago O’Hare’s gate reallocation is entering another round after United secured full control of Terminals 1 and 2 and American’s presence in Terminal 3 weakened. Spirit sold two gates (G8, G10) to American for $30 million and two (G12, G14) to United...
By Cranky Flier
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
NATO Planners Deploy to Bulgaria to Sharpen Eastern Defence
NATO has deployed a Joint Planning Team to Sofia to fine‑tune Bulgaria’s contribution to the Eastern Sentry mission, which bolsters situational awareness and defensive posture on the Alliance’s eastern flank. The team, drawn from Allied Air Command, Joint Force Command...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
UK Defence Warned Against Complacency on Drones and AI
Defence experts warned that drones and artificial intelligence are rapidly redefining warfare, yet UK armed forces remain complacent. Air Marshal Edward Stringer criticised officers for dismissing Ukraine’s lessons, emphasizing low‑cost drone integration with conventional forces. Dr. Keith Dear highlighted AI’s...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Harith Targets FlySafair in Strategic Airline Buyout
Harith and its affiliates have signed a sale‑and‑purchase agreement to acquire 100% of FlySafair, South Africa’s leading low‑cost carrier, from ASL Aviation’s 74.86% stake. The transaction, still pending approval from the South African Competition Commission and aviation regulators, follows years...
By AirInsight
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Despite some Turbulence, SPEEA Exec Sees Progress Under Boeing’s Ortberg
Kelly Ortberg, who took the Boeing helm in August 2024, has been working to repair strained labor relations across multiple unions. While the IAM 751 contract ended after a 53‑day strike and the Teamsters deal closed without walkouts, the IAM...
By Leeham News and Analysis
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Hypersonic Systems Startup Emerges From Stealth with Series A and Test Launch
Munich‑based Hypersonica has emerged from stealth, announcing a €23.3 million Series A round led by Plural and backed by Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, General Catalyst and 201 Ventures. The startup also reported its first successful hypersonic missile test on 3 February from...
By European Spaceflight
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Frontier Sues American Airlines For $100,000+ After Collision At Miami International Airport Badly Damaged Plane
Frontier Airlines filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida seeking more than $100,000 from American Airlines after a March 7 ground collision at Miami International Airport badly damaged Frontier’s Airbus A321neo. The incident forced the aircraft to remain...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Newcomer ERC, Now Flight Testing, Keeps Germany’s eVTOL Dreams Alive
Germany’s eVTOL sector has faltered, with Lilium and Volocopter bankrupt and Airbus pausing CityAirbus, leaving the country’s air‑taxi ambitions in doubt. This week Munich‑based ERC System completed the maiden flight of Romeo, a full‑scale lift‑plus‑cruise eVTOL weighing over 6,000 lb, making...
By The Air Current
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
PLA Navy’s J-15 Reportedly Seen Carrying YJ-15 Anti-Ship Missile for the First Time
China’s supersonic YJ‑15 anti‑ship cruise missile was reportedly photographed mounted on a J‑15T carrier‑borne fighter, marking its first confirmed air‑launched deployment. The missile, unveiled at the September 3, 2025 parade, is believed to exceed Mach 5 and reach 1,200‑1,800 km, extending the PLAN’s standoff...
By The Aviationist
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Air Canada Suspends Service to Cuba Amid Fuel Shortage
Air Canada announced the suspension of all flights to Cuba after the island nation ran out of aviation fuel. The airline will operate empty southbound trips to bring roughly 3,000 stranded Canadians home, and may tanker extra fuel for return...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
British Airways Helicopters: A Pioneering Chapter in UK Rotary Aviation
British Airways Helicopters, originally formed as BEA Helicopters in 1964, operated scheduled passenger routes such as the iconic Penzance‑Isles of Scilly service and provided extensive offshore support for the burgeoning North Sea oil industry. Its fleet progressed from Sikorsky S‑61s...
By UK Aviation News
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
The EU Is Under Pressure To Suspend Contentious Airline Deal With Qatar After Key Official Accepted Free Business Class Flights
European aviation unions and watchdogs are urging the EU to suspend its 2019 Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement with Qatar after evidence surfaced that senior Commission transport official Henrik Hololei accepted complimentary business‑class flights from Qatar Airways during negotiations. The deal...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Air France Expands Service to U.S.
Air France announced a summer‑time expansion of its New York service, adding up to six daily flights between Paris and JFK and a second daily frequency to Newark from June through October. The carrier will tap its Delta joint‑venture partner for...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Interview with RFA CEO Indulis Kalnins
In this interview, Rocket Factory Augsburg CEO Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins reflects on his first nine months leading a young, international team and outlines the company’s focus on completing the Helix engine development, finalizing the RFA ONE first stage, and preparing the...
By Europe in Space (Substack)
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
APFA Board Issues No Confidence Vote in American CEO
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) voted unanimously to express no confidence in American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, marking the first such measure against an American Airlines chief. The union, representing 28,000 flight attendants, cited weak fourth‑quarter earnings, operational...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
ESA Is Preparing to Announce Aeolus-2 Prime Contractor
The European Space Agency has cleared a €70 million award to launch Phase B2 of its Aeolus‑2 weather satellite programme and is set to announce the prime contractor. Aeolus‑2 will consist of two 2.5‑tonne satellites equipped with a Doppler wind lidar, delivering...
By European Spaceflight
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
MAX 8-200’s Fuel Burn Surprise, Backed by New Data
Recent Skailark data confirms that Boeing’s 737 MAX 8‑200 variant burns fuel per seat at a rate comparable to the Airbus A321neo, validating earlier US DOT findings that were based on a single operator. The new dataset expands coverage beyond Allegiant, incorporating...
By AirInsight
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Press Release: Air Cambodia Selects AirFi for Wireless Streaming IFE
Air Cambodia has partnered with AirFi to roll out a wireless streaming inflight entertainment (IFE) system across its Airbus A320 and ATR 72 fleet, launching on February 1. The browser‑based platform lets passengers use their own devices to stream movies,...
By Runway Girl Network
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Nat Pieper Tackles the Tall Task of Fixing American’s Revenue Problems
American Airlines hired former oneworld CEO Nat Pieper as chief commercial officer to reverse a deep revenue slump. Pieper, with a background in finance, alliances and fleet strategy at Northwest, Delta and Alaska, faces the challenge of making the carrier...
By Cranky Flier
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Cardiff Airport in Court over £205m Welsh Government Subsidy
Cardiff Airport faces a tribunal over a £205.2 million subsidy granted by the Welsh Labour Government in April 2025. Bristol Airport has filed the case, alleging the aid breaches competition law and unfairly diverts airlines and passengers. The subsidy, equivalent to...
By UK Aviation News
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
CAA Data Shows Most Complained About UK Airlines
UK Civil Aviation Authority data covering mid‑2024 to spring‑2025 shows over 43,000 airline complaints. Hungarian ULCC Wizz Air topped the list with more than 10,000 complaints, translating to roughly 900 complaints per million passengers and £1.5 million in compensation payouts. Air France...
By UK Aviation News
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Outlook 2026: The State of the Major eVTOL Projects
The eVTOL sector suffered a sharp contraction in 2025 as Lilium, Volocopter, Hyundai’s Supernal, Airbus’s CityAirbus, Textron’s Nexus and Overair all ceased development or shut down. Only China’s EHang EH216‑S achieved full certification, receiving a Type Certificate in 2023, a...
By Leeham News and Analysis
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
New Video Shows Ukrainian F-16 Scoring Gun Kill on Russian Drone
Ukrainian Air Force F‑16s have been captured on video using their M61 20 mm Vulcan cannon to shoot down a Russian Shahed (Geran‑2) drone, marking the clearest gun‑kill footage to date. The engagement highlights a broader shift toward gun‑based interceptions, which are...
By The Aviationist
Blog•Feb 8, 2026
Boeing and Airbus in Line for Large Order From Saudia
Saudia Airlines is in early‑stage talks with Boeing and Airbus for a potential order of up to 150 aircraft, with Boeing likely supplying wide‑body jets and Airbus the A321neo single‑aisle family. The mix would include both passenger and cargo variants...
By UK Aviation News
Blog•Feb 8, 2026
Israel Scrambles Fighter Jets To Intercept Wizz Air Plane From London As Terror Alert Is Declared
Israeli fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Wizz Air Airbus A321 en route from London to Tel Aviv after pilots reported a security situation. The alert was triggered when a passenger’s phone broadcast a private Wi‑Fi network labeled “Terrorist”...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 8, 2026
United Airlines Dangles Immediate Pay Rises to Push Flight Attendants Toward Controversial Scheduling System
United Airlines is offering flight attendants an immediate pay increase if they agree to a Preferential Bidding System (PBS) in a new contract. The airline argues PBS will streamline scheduling, cut administrative costs, and free up funds for higher wages....
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 7, 2026
OHB Establishes European Moonport Company
German space contractor OHB announced the launch of Luna Europa – the European Moonport Company – to centralise its lunar‑related activities. The subsidiary, founded in May 2025 and disclosed on 4 February 2026, will coordinate work on ESA’s Argonaut lander, the ESPRIT...
By European Spaceflight
Blog•Feb 7, 2026
UK Reinforces RAF Akrotiri With Deployment of Six F-35Bs
The United Kingdom moved six F‑35B Lightning jets from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri, escorted by two Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft, to reinforce the base’s defensive posture amid heightened Middle‑East tensions. Akrotiri already hosts ten Typhoon FGR4s, ISR platforms and U.S. U‑2 assets,...
By The Aviationist
Blog•Feb 7, 2026
AerCap Grows Its Portfolio, but Without New Direct Orders
AerCap expanded its order book by 103 aircraft in FY25, but all were secured through indirect transactions rather than direct purchases from Airbus or Boeing. The bulk of the new orders stem from the Spirit Airlines Chapter 11 restructuring and...
By AirInsight
Blog•Feb 7, 2026
Elbit Is Working on an Electronic Warfare, ISR Variant of C-390 Millenium
Elbit Systems displayed a concept version of Embraer’s C‑390 Millennium configured for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) at the Singapore Airshow. The model incorporates an EO/IR ball turret, a chin‑mounted MS‑110 multispectral pod and wing‑tip electronic‑warfare pods....
By The Aviationist