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The Week in Aviation

The biggest aviation stories of the week, ranked and gathered in one place — updated continuously as the news breaks.

Southwest Airlines flight attendant standing near aircraft on airport apron at sunset
AirlinesAug 19, 9:04 PM

Southwest Must Correctly Inform Flight Attendants on Religious Discrimination Rights

Southwest Airlines reinstated flight attendant Charlene Carter and helped pay a $946,102.87 judgment after a jury found it liable for religious discrimination case - it fired her at the behest of the union as a result of her speaking out with anti-abortion and anti-union messages. But the airline triggered a contempt fight by refusing to send flight attendants the message about their rights that the judge demanded.

Boeing 787 aircraft parked on airport apron during daylight with airline livery visible
Business AviationAug 20, 6:33 AM

Norse Atlantic reports $95 million loss amid pivot to leasing and own network cutbacks

Second-quarter income slumps as Norse cuts own network activity while lease business for IndiGo underperforms. Long-haul low-cost operator Norse Atlantic has turned in a $95 million net loss for the first half – more than four times deeper than last year – as its shift to a split business model led to a heavy fall in second-quarter revenues. Norse Atlantic operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 787s but has allocated half of them to lease activity, with aircraft serving routes on behalf of Indian carrier IndiGo. This resulted in a sharp drop in second-quarter passenger revenues, down more than $100 million to $82.4 million – a decline only partly offset by increased lease and charter revenues of $45 million. Norse points out that its lease and charter operations achieved "fewer block hours than planned", and involved longer flight durations. IndiGo's usage in the second quarter fell short of the intended 420 block hours in both May and June. The weaker revenue performance amplified the impact of higher fuel costs. Although lower production and the shift to lease activity meant operating expenditure fell to $140 million during the quarter, the airline still posted a $71 million loss for the three months – substantially worse than the previous figure of $6 million. "We are, of course, not satisfied with the financial results," says chief executive Eivind Roald. "But I believe we have taken important steps to strengthen our commercial operations and financial platform." The airline is engaged in an efficiency exercise, named 'Project Falcon', to reduce costs by $50 million. It adds that it is managing capacity on a profitability basis, taking steps including cancelling its summer programme to Los Angeles. "We have, in addition, strengthened our balance sheet and progressed the strategic review that has attracted strong international interest," says Roald. As well as carrying out a recent rights issue , the carrier reinforced its liquidity on 19 August with a $52 million senior secured financing agreement, which matures in May next year. IndiGo has been using the damp-leased Norse 787s for operations to Europe, but disruption from airspace closures has affected the economic business case. IndiGo and Norse will end the partnership on 1 November, and the Indian carrier will return all six of the leased aircraft. Roald says this will provide "more flexibility to optimise our fleet deployment" across the company's two business streams. "We plan to further strengthen our ability to capture new market opportunities, while pursuing a more flexible and selective [charter and lease] approach with a clear focus on profitability," he adds. Roald says the carrier is aiming to be an "airline on demand", with over half its fleet on "high-graded" own network operations, ramping up and down as required, while less than half will be allocated to lease and charter, in order to maximise profits. "Fully transitioning to an 'airline on demand' across both segments opens new strategic paths for Norse," he says. "This is recognised by potential partners." Norse is continuing with a strategic review which could lead to a sale, merger or other partnership for the company. Roald says "multiple parties" have signed non-disclosure agreements as part of this process.

Airbus A220 wing manufacturing facility in Belfast under construction extension
Business AviationAug 19, 8:36 PM

Airbus expanding Belfast wing plant to boost A220 production to 13 jets per month by 2028

Airbus has started construction on a major extension to its Airbus A220 wing facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as it prepares to almost double the production tempo of its smallest commercial aircraft. The Irish News reports that the 6,221-square-meter (67,000-square-foot) expansion is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2028, while Airbus says the investment is critical to supporting its target of producing 13 A220s per month by 2028.

Sydney Airport security checkpoint with body scanners and passengers in line
MRO/MaintenanceAug 20, 5:00 AM

Sydney Airport's $2 Billion Security Upgrade Outpaces TSA's $781M Scanner Rollout

At the start of this year, Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) completed a government-mandated security overhaul. It introduced a range of new features, including mandatory body-scanner screening. The changes applied to all passengers across both domestic and international terminals. This rollout is part of a nationwide security overhaul that will cost $2 billion, both upgrading the level of security and the speed through which passengers travel through it.

Police officers stationed on an airport jet bridge observing boarding passengers
RegulatoryAug 19, 4:48 PM

Black Comedians Settle Lawsuit Over Racially Targeted Jet Bridge Stops at Atlanta Airport

What to Know Comedians Eric André and Clayton English have settled their lawsuit against Clayton County over a jet bridge stop program at Atlanta’s airport, which disproportionately targeted Black passengers. In This Article The statistics behind the lawsuit, including odds researchers say are less than one in 100 trillion that the racial disparity happened by chance. What each comedian experienced when police intercepted them on the jet bridge before boarding. What Clayton County has agreed to change, including body cameras and constitutional rights training for officers. How much each comedian will receive, and what the county did and didn’t admit to. 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The lawsuit dates back to October 2022 when André and English took the Clayton County Police Department to court in a bid to shut down the 'jet bridge stop program' which involved police officers standing on a jet bridge as passengers are boarding a plane and "randomly" stopping people. On April 21, 2021, Eric was flying from Atlanta to Los Angeles when he was intercepted by two police officers who were waiting on the jet bridge. The officers questioned him for five minutes, during which time they asked if he was carrying illegal drugs, all while other passengers "gawked" at him as they squeezed past. Eric was allowed to board the flight, but he says the encounter with the police officers was a "humiliating and degrading experience". Clayton had a very similar experience as he went to board a flight to Los Angeles just six months earlier in October 2020. In an eight-month period, the Clayton County Police Department had 402 "consensual encounters," of which only two resulted in passengers being charged with drug offenses. During that same time period, however, the police department seized more than $1 million in cash and money orders based on the "slightest suspicion" that the money was connected to criminal activity. An Open Records Act request revealed that 56% of the passengers stopped during the same eight-month period were Black. Researchers from the Policing Project, which supported Eric and Clayton, claim that the odds that Black passengers were randomly selected for these stops are less than one in 100 trillion. The actors have, however, now reached an out-of-court settlement with Clayton County. The settlement includes a $15,000 payout for each of the actors. “It´s a major victory that Clayton County has confirmed that it has ended this program and is now taking steps to prevent this type of abuse from happening in the future,” André said after the settlement was announced on Tuesday. In a separate statement, English said: “What happened to me was wrong, and I wasn´t willing to let it happen to other people.” Clayton County did not make any admission of guilt or liability as part of the settlement. The county has, however, committed to putting its police officers through constitutional rights training, and will require officers on duty at Atlanta-Hartsfield to wear body cameras.

Airbus A320neo taxiing on runway with modern business class seating
AirlinesAug 19, 4:26 PM

Eurowings Introduces Real Business Class Seats on All A320neos Across Multiple European Routes

Business class on narrow-body jets within Europe is known for being lackluster, generally just consisting of economy seats with blocked middles and improved service. In 2025, a Lufthansa Group carrier announced it would install more comfortable seats in business class on narrow-body aircraft. Ironically, it wasn't a full-service airline like Lufthansa or SWISS, but instead the group's low-cost carrier, Eurowings. Initially, this product was marketed as a limited-time trial, and it was available exclusively to and from Dubai (DXB) last winter. There's now an update : Eurowings plans to expand this concept to many more planes, including some intra-Europe flights… that's really cool! Eurowings rolls out Premium BIZ seat concept Eurowings operates a fleet of roughly 90 Airbus A320-family aircraft. Historically, the airline has configured its planes in a standard European regional configuration, with all seats in a 3-3 layout. The carrier's business class just consisted of economy seats at the front of the cabin, with blocked middle seats. However, the airline is getting legitimately innovative and is installing "real" business class seats on all eight of its Airbus A320neo aircraft. The airline is offering a reclining business-class product from Italian manufacturer Geven, with an adjustable backrest, ergonomic design, and much more pitch than you'll otherwise find. Eurowings Premium BIZ seats Eurowings Premium BIZ seats What's interesting is that Eurowings is actually offering two tiers of business class. On most routes (though there are exceptions), this new product isn't in lieu of the other business class, but rather is in addition to it. Eurowings BIZclass continues to be offered, featuring economy seats with blocked middles. Then there are eight Eurowings Premium BIZ seats at the front of the cabin. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat cabin Eurowings Premium BIZ seats Eurowings' A320neos boast 180 seats, spread across 30 rows, in a 3-3 configuration. The first three rows of the plane (18 seats, 12 of which are bookable, due to blocked middles) are being replaced by two rows of these recliner seats, meaning the per-seat footprint is around 50% bigger than in standard business class. In addition to more space (nearly one meter of legroom) and recline, the seats feature a cocktail table and a USB charging port. Furthermore, those seated in these special seats will receive a welcome drink, a refreshing towel, and nuts on all routes. On medium-haul service to Dubai, there's also a pillow and blanket, an amenity kit, and special dining served on porcelain. Here's how Eurowings CEO Max Kownatzki describes this move: "Comfort and relaxation in the air should never be taken for granted – and we're making them the new standard for business travelers and leisure guests. With the Premium BIZ Seat, we're among the first airlines in the world to introduce a genuinely comfortable seating experience on short-haul continental flights, including longer medium-haul routes. It's designed for all guests who want to make flying more comfortable and relaxed. While other airlines are adding more and more seats to their aircraft, we're giving our guests more of what makes flying easier: Space, privacy and an experience that feels genuinely special. That's our response as Europe's leading Value Airline." Which routes get Eurowings Premium BIZ seats? The Eurowings Premium BIZ seat concept is being rolled out in the winter 2026/2027 schedule, with many routes getting the seats as of December 1, 2026. The airline explains that this product is being introduced "where the demand for relaxed, premium travel is greatest." Specifically, you'll find this product on flights to: Mallorca (PMI), including daily flights from Dusseldorf (DUS), and up to 4x weekly flights from Berlin (BER) Malaga (AGP), including 4x weekly flights from Dusseldorf (DUS) London Heathrow (LHR), including up to 4x daily flights from Dusseldorf (DUS), and weekly flights from Berlin (BER) Dubai (DXB), including daily flights from Berlin (BER), 4x weekly flights from Stuttgart (STR), and 3x weekly flights from Cologne (CGN) As things currently stand, on the Spain routes, the Premium BIZ seat is the only business class option, while on the London and Dubai routes, the Premium BIZ seat is in addition to the standard business class option. All Eurowings Airbus A320neos will get recliner seats Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing & how to book Eurowings has put its Premium BIZ seat concept on sale for all of the above routes. So, what is pricing for this product like? As I hinted at above: On the Malaga and Mallorca routes, this is the only business class option on most flights, so all business class passengers enjoy the elevated experience On the London and Dubai routes, this is one of two business class options, so you can choose which you want to pay for For some examples, let's look at the flight between Berlin and Dubai, where I see a €309.99 BIZclass fare. Eurowings pricing to Dubai Then assigning one of the Premium BIZ seats costs €315, on top of that fare, so you're looking at paying a total of €624.99. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing Looking at a flight between Dusseldorf and London, I see a €119.99 BIZclass fare. Eurowings pricing to Dubai Then assigning one of the Premium BIZ seats costs €60, on top of that fare, so you're looking at paying a total of €179.99. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing Looking at a flight between Dusseldorf and Malaga, I see a €199.99 BIZclass fare. Eurowings pricing to Dubai That automatically includes the Premium BIZ seats, as there's no "basic" business class on these routes. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing I think these upgrade prices are reasonable, given the quality of this product. There's of course a certain irony to a low cost carrier being the first to introduce such a product, given that customers are (at least in theory) more price sensitive than on full service airlines. I realize it's a bit more nuanced than that, given the unique markets Eurowings operates out of vs. Lufthansa, as cities like Dusseldorf are actually pretty premium. But still, you'd think something like this could also work quite well on a full service carrier. What this new product could mean in the long run We've gone from a Eurowings trial last winter, to the airline expanding this to eight aircraft and more routes this winter, so that's progress. What could we expect in the long run? First of all, keep in mind that Eurowings is overhauling its fleet as of 2027, as the airline has 40 Boeing 737 MAXs on order . So it's possible that if this project continues to succeed, we could see these cabins integrated on those jets. Second of all, Eurowings has noted that what it's doing will "also provide other airlines in the Lufthansa Group with important insights for the future configuration of new aircraft fleets." Unfortunately I don't think we'll see a "proper" business class introduced on short flights within Europe any time in the foreseeable future (I don't want to say "never," but… close enough). However, there are many medium haul markets that might not consistently have demand for wide body aircraft, but where something better than the typical intra-Europe business class is expected. In the case of Lufthansa or SWISS, we're talking about destinations like Amman (AMM), Cairo (CAI), Tel Aviv (TLV), etc. These are all destinations where some airlines offer a "proper" business class, while others don't. Offering a more competitive business class product on narrow body aircraft would allow airlines to better right size capacity while managing expectations. As a matter of fact, earlier this year Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr indicated that the airline might be looking at introducing "real" business class seats on select narrow body planes , for exactly the missions described above. We'll see if anything comes of that, but it sure would be nice. We could see similar concepts at other Lufthansa Grou

Airbus A320neo taxiing at Frankfurt Airport with passengers boarding under clear skies
Business AviationAug 19, 12:04 PM

Lufthansa debuts Starlink wi-fi on first A320neo, plans 850 aircraft retrofit by 2029

German airline group is installing the SpaceX in-flight wi-fi service on all of its carriers' aircraft. Lufthansa Group has installed SpaceX's Starlink in-flight wi-fi service on its first aircraft, kicking off a programme that will see 850 jets operated by all of its airlines equipped with the system by 2029. The first aircraft to feature the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based system, a Lufthansa mainline Airbus A320neo (D-AINM), entered service on 19 August after undergoing installation by Lufthansa Technik in Berlin. The inaugural flight featuring the service was between Frankfurt and Rome. A further 10 Lufthansa and Lufthansa City A320-family aircraft will have the system installed by the end of this year, says the carrier. Installations will also take place at Lufthansa Technik’s facilities in Budapest and Sofia, and are being timed to coincide with scheduled downtime for technical checks. The system is being retrofitted to existing aircraft and will be added as a linefit solution to future aircraft ahead of delivery, says Lufthansa. The German airline group aims to install Starlink on 850 aircraft across all of its carriers – Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines and Eurowings – over the next three years. Installations on the other carriers will begin “soon”, says the group. Starlink uses a network of LEO satellites to provide low-latency global coverage, including across polar regions. Lufthansa claims that passengers will experience "an internet bandwidth above the clouds that, in many cases, is faster than their internet connection at home or in the office". The group will provide the wi-fi service free-of charge for members of its Miles & More frequent flyer programme and for users of its Travel ID service. Lufthansa tells FlightGlobal that wi-fi access will remain free to use in the future, noting that “any customer can register” for Travel ID “for free, in an easy process, even during the flight”. The connectivity service, which will be branded as Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi, is sponsored by Mastercard. The credit card company also sponsored the carrier's previous FlyNet in-flight wi-fi service, which was provided by Deutsche Telekom and Viasat. Lufthansa Group’s Discovery unit had also previously selected Panasonic Avionics’ multi-orbit connectivity service for its Airbus A330s. Satellite wi-fi competition heats up Lufthansa announced at the beginning of this year that it was switching to Starlink as its connectivity provider across its entire fleet, dealing the latest blow to the geostationary satellite market. SpaceX through its Starlink service and Amazon with its own Leo-branded in-flight connectivity offering have been taking market share from incumbent satellite providers , which have begun offering multi-orbit services to airlines in response. Other European airlines to have selected Starlink include IAG – with Spanish unit Vueling set to become "the first low-cost carrier in Europe" to offer the service when it is installed on its incoming Boeing 737 Max jets, according to the airline group – Air Baltic, Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic. The service is also proving popular in North America, having been selected by Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines , Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines , WestJet and charter carrier JSX. Last month, Frontier Airlines also announced that it would install Starlink on its entire fleet , as part of a programme that will see five Indigo Partners-backed carriers equip more than 1,000 aircraft with the system. Amazon's Leo service, meanwhile, counts Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways among its customers.

Eurocopter EC130 helicopter flying over a rugged mountainous safari landscape at dawn
Aviation SafetyAug 19, 8:07 PM

Seven perish in Eurocopter EC130 crash on Kenya safari flight near Mount Ololokwe

Five Americans were among seven people killed when a tourist helicopter crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya on August 19, 2026. The Eurocopter EC130 B4, registered 5Y-GYM, was carrying six passengers and one pilot when it crashed near Kirish, close to Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the accident occurred at approximately 09:13 local time while the helicopter was flying from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area. The aircraft was operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying guests of luxury safari company &Beyond. "We can confirm that on the morning of August 19, an aircraft registered as 5Y-GYM, carrying &Beyond guests, crashed near Kirish, close to Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, Kenya," the company said in a statement. The US State Department confirmed that five US citizens were among those killed. "We can confirm the deaths of five US citizens in a helicopter crash in Samburu County, Kenya," a State Department spokesperson said. "The US Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance." Lady Lori Helicopters identified the aircraft as 5Y-GYM and said it was operating the charter flight from Suyian Conservancy to Ololokwe. "Lady Lori Helicopters is deeply saddened to confirm that one of our aircraft, registered 5Y-GYM, was involved in an accident," the company said. "Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident." The six passengers included Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center; his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, a dual US-Ecuadorian citizen; and José Alberto Suárez, a senior Telemundo executive based in Florida. The Kenya Red Cross joined a multiagency response at the crash site. The remote and mountainous terrain complicated efforts to reach the wreckage. Kenya's Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the crash investigation. The EC130 B4 is a seven-seat, single-engine helicopter developed by Eurocopter, now part of Airbus Helicopters. The type is widely used for sightseeing and charter flights because of its large cabin, low external noise and unobstructed views. Mount Ololokwe, also known as Ol Donyo Sabache, rises above the Samburu region and is a popular destination for hiking and wildlife tourism. Loisaba Conservancy and the Ewaso Nyiro River are also part of Kenya's northern safari circuit.

Hybrid-electric Cessna Grand Caravan prototype during test flight for sustainable aviation
Technology/eVTOLAug 19, 11:11 AM

Ampaire Secures $19M Series B to Boost Hybrid-Electric Eco Caravan Development

Californian startup Ampaire, which is developing hybrid-electric aircraft, has raised $19 million in Series B funding. This fresh capital round, which brings the total raised so far by Ampaire to $68 million, has been led by DiamondStream Partners. Other investors include the venture capital arm of two prominent airline groups, International Air Group (IAG) and Alaska Airlines, as well as a number of other venture capital firms, such as Forward Ventures, Techstars Ventures and the Autodesk Foundation Impact Fund, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator Impact Fund. These funds will be deployed to accelerate the commercial readiness of Ampaire's hybrid-electric AMP-H570 propulsion system, which is being retrofitted into Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft in order to halve fuel consumption (Ampaire calls the resulting hybrid aircraft "Eco Caravan"). Ampaire is also one of the startups that has been selected to take part in the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) , backed by the US government and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to advance in the development of new air mobility technologies. The startup is also working on applications of its hybrid-electric technology to power the Auxiliary Power Units (APU) used by aircraft while on the ground. RELATED Ampaire starts hybrid-electric tests in Utah as part of the eIPP program

NTSB Releases New Video, Investigative Details From Fatal Philadelphia Learjet Accident
Aviation SafetyAug 19, 5:18 PM

NTSB Publishes New Video and Reports on Deadly Philadelphia Learjet 55 Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a new batch of investigative material from its probe of the January 2025 Learjet 55 crash in Philadelphia, including surveillance videos capturing the aircraft before and during the accident. The material was added to the NTSB's public docket Tuesday, Aug. 18. The docket now contains 59 items, including operational, airworthiness and maintenance reports, along with videos, audio recordings and other investigative data. Among the newly released videos are doorbell-camera and drive-thru footage showing the final seconds of the flight. Additional surveillance footage shows the aircraft at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport, including video of the crew conducting its preflight and the airplane taxiing for departure. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport shortly after 6 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2025, carrying a pediatric patient, her mother and four crewmembers on a flight to Tijuana, Mexico. The aircraft was airborne for about 22 seconds before crashing near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Mall. All six people aboard were killed, as were two people on the ground. At least 24 others were injured. The docket also includes an operational factors factual report, accident flight risk assessment, pilot training and flight-time records, aircraft weight-and-balance information, airworthiness and maintenance reports, and a checklist page recovered from the wreckage. Investigators also released reports covering the cockpit voice recorder , enhanced ground proximity warning system, aircraft performance and FAA ADS-B data. The NTSB has not yet determined what caused the crash. The newly released documents are factual investigative material and do not represent the agency's final findings or probable cause. The investigation remains ongoing, with the NTSB expected to address the cause and any contributing factors in its final report.

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