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Newark Airport's Incredible Operational Turnaround: Have You Noticed A Difference?
In recent years, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the US state of New Jersey has become the airport that American flyers love to hate. Serving the wider New York City metropolitan area alongside JFK and LaGuardia, Newark is one of United Airlines' main East Coast gateways, but, in recent times, it has gained an unwanted reputation for being prone to operational disruption. However, as Simple Flying reported yesterday, the facility has now completed an impressive operational turnaround to lead the rankings for airports in the northeast of the US in terms of on-time flights. With this in mind, it would be great to hear about your recent experiences flying through Newark. Have things got better? What has changed to enable this turnaround? How can the airport continue to improve? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Which American Airlines Hub Is The Best To Connect Through?
Last week I asked which Delta and United hubs are the best to connect through, and there were a lot of thoughts and personal experience shared. So it's only fair to ask the same question about the other "Big Three" member: American Airlines. I have virtually no experience of connecting with American, but I know there are plenty of experts out there that have spent a lot of time at airports like DFW, CLT, or ORD. So share your thoughts and experiences — which American hub is the best to connect through? And are there any that you avoid?
Will Any Other Airlines Order The ULRs?
For over a decade, major airlines have been constantly developing their long-haul network, opening up the world more than ever before. Perhaps an airline that stands out is Singapore Airlines, which currently holds the title for operating the world's longest non-stop routes - Singapore to New York JFK and Newark Airports. They are able to operate this route efficiently with the help of the specially designed Airbus A350-900ULR twin-engine jet (significantly more economical than the previously operated A340 quadjets). That being said, Airbus is currently flight-testing another specially designed aircraft for ultra long-haul travel, the Airbus A350-1000ULR, destined to be delivered to Qantas. This aircraft would allow the airline to operate non-stop services from Sydney, Australia, to cities such as London and New York. However, each of these aircraft sub-variants has received limited orders from only one airline each. Do you see this changing, as airlines continue to operate longer fl
Upstairs Or Downstairs On The Airbus A380? Where Would You Like To Sit?
The Airbus A380 is an iconic full-length double-decker aircraft. Its current operators have various designs and configurations onboard, with primarily upstairs catering for the premium passenger (such as first, business, or premium economy class). Upstairs, it is suggested that it is a quieter, more intimate experience with better window-side storage compared to downstairs, which has a more dense configuration. Due to the upstairs also being further away from the engine, there is less aircraft noise. One downside, as reported by some travelers, is that upstairs can feel somewhat claustrophobic due to the curved walls of the fuselage. Not considering the class of service you travel in, would you rather sit upstairs or downstairs? For me, it would have to be upstairs!
Will Lack Of Slots Push For Larger Aircraft?
The concept behind aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 was to carry large numbers of passengers from hub to hub, while smaller aircraft were used to feed these hubs using point-to-point routes. However, the market shift across the industry to operate more point-to-point routes directly, along with the fact that these aircraft were quadjets, essentially killed the two aircraft programs. That being said, it is an undeniable fact that for several years now, major hubs around the world have been experiencing traffic congestion and a lack of slots, which hampers airline growth, but also prevents new airlines from entering a market. While it is easier in some places to expand existing airports or even build an entirely new airport, the same cannot be said for every single hub. A key example can be that of the challenges faced by London Heathrow Airport (LHR) when it tried to expand or its attempt at getting a third runway. The upcoming Boeing 777-9 can suitably replace the like
Aircraft Boneyards: Where Planes Go To Die
Airplane graveyards or boneyards are crucial recycling hubs for aviation materials and are a destination for older planes that are past their life cycle. These destinations were a magnet during the COVID-19 Pandemic as many airlines re-evaluated their fleet and retired older planes. These are also great destinations for storing aircraft temporarily, as the dry conditions prevent corrosion or rust. Have you ever been to an aircraft boneyard, or live near one? Below is a list of some of the largest: - Davis Monthan Air Force Base - Mojave Air And Space Port - Pinal Airpark - Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville - Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage, Alice Springs, Australia
What Is Mode Confusion And Why Does It Still Matter In Modern Airliners?
Modern airliners are remarkably capable, but automation introduces a challenge that is often invisible until something goes wrong: mode confusion. This occurs when pilots believe the aircraft is operating in one mode while it is actually operating in another. The danger isn't that the automation fails, it's that the aircraft follows instructions that the crew may not realize are active. A well-known example is the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in 2013. Investigators found that a complex interaction between automation modes contributed to the crew's misunderstanding of the aircraft's energy state during the approach. The pilots believed the automation would maintain airspeed, but the system was not providing the protection they expected. As the aircraft slowed below the desired speed, the situation deteriorated rapidly. The lesson highlighted from that accident wasn't that automation is unsafe. Instead, it showed how important it is for pilots to understand exactly which modes
Do Airlines Secretly Want First Class Back?
There has been a strong trend in the past decade of several major airlines moving away from first class and focusing on more premium business class products. That being said, in recent times, there has been another trend, especially with the latest business class cabin designs airlines are unveiling. From Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa in Europe to United Airlines and Air Canada in North America, these carriers (among many) in recent years have unveiled new cabin products within the business class space. However, within some of their cabins, the airlines have made use of their business class bulkhead rows, or in some cases, just the central seats in the bulkhead row (Virgin Atlantic's Retreat Suite, for example), to offer slightly elevated products at a premium. Granted, the airlines are only making use of the extra space usually available at bulkhead rows to offer their standard products with a few additional amenities and upgrades. But as more airlines utilize similar tactics of cha
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End Of An Era: Icelandair Accelerates Boeing 757 Retirement To This Winter
Icelandair is bringing forward the end of one of the most important aircraft chapters in its history. The Icelandic flag carrier, long associated with the Boeing 757 and its ability to connect smaller European and North American markets through Keflavik Airport, now plans to retire the type this coming winter rather than keep it flying into summer 2027 as originally planned.
The Last Airlines With A380 First Class
Of the 159 Airbus A380s flying today, only a fraction carry something increasingly rare in commercial aviation: a genuine first-class cabin. As airlines have quietly retired the product in favor of premium business class, the Airbus A380 has become one of the last great theaters for true airborne luxury: private suites, onboard showers, and in one case, a three-room private apartment 40,000 ft above the ocean. If you want to experience it, you need to know exactly where to look and exactly how much to budget. So in this video, we take a look at the only nine airlines still operating the Airbus A380 with a true first-class cabin in 2026, how their products compare, and just how much passengers are paying for some of the most exclusive seats in commercial aviation.
One Of Europe's Last Boeing 767 Operators: Austrian Airlines
Today we turn our attention to the former, and look at the 66 or so aircraft in service - from the Embraer E195 up to the 777-200ER. The carrier is also one of the few remaining European airlines still operating the 767!
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The 5 Most Advanced Military Drones In Service Today
A closer look at some of the deadliest remote controlled planes in the sky.
Why 22 Russian-Built Jets Have Sat Rotting At Mexican Airports Since 2020
Why are Interjet's Sukhoi Superjets still parked in Mexico? Exploring the fleet's unusual journey and uncertain future.
How Many Hours Can The Airbus A380 Fly Without Refueling?
The Airbus A380 can fly up to 16 hours nonstop. Here’s how its massive fuel capacity and range make ultra-long-haul flights possible.
4.5-Hour Flights: Why Condor Flies The Embraer E190 On This Intercontinental Route
Condor is making a surprising equipment change on this route to North Africa.
A Huge Gamble? Low Cost Carriers Are Now Adding Starlink WiFi To 200+ Aircraft
European low-cost carrier Wizz Air has made a bold move by becoming the first airline of its kind to offer super fast Starlink WiFi in Europe, signaling the end of 'airplane mode' as it begins to roll out the technology from next year.
Why The Boeing 777X Can't Simply Replace The 777-300ER On Every Route
The 777-9's size becomes problematic when replacing the 777-300ER.
How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade To Business Class On British Airways?
A closer look at the price bump that is required to fly in BA's Club cabins.
A Look At The Salaries Of US Navy Carrier Air Wing Commanders In 2026
How much does a US Navy Carrier Air Wing Commander earn in 2026?
Why The Nation That 1st Deployed A 5th-Gen Fighter May Fall Decades Behind
Even as China narrows the technological and quantitative gap, the claim the US could fall behind remains alarmist and not supported by evidence.
Spirit Won't Be The Last: IATA Warns Of More Failures, Halves Profit Outlook To $23B
2026's steadily worsening forecast for affordable airlines.
Coffin Corner: Here's What Worries Pilots Most When Flying Above 40,000 Feet
Low oxygen, high stall speeds, and thin air require pilots to be very focused at high altitudes.
The NATO Nations' Presidential Aircraft Ranked
The USAF operates the most militarized president aircraft, while other major NATO countries also operate militarized widebody airliners.
Here's What It Costs To Replace Every Aircraft The US Lost In Iran
The heavy toll of Operation Epic Fury.
Only 5 Aircraft: British Airways Pauses Starlink Installations For The Summer
British Airways has paused Starlink retrofits after equipping only five aircraft, delaying its ambitious plan for fleet-wide free Wi-Fi.
Why Flight Attendants Say This Seat Is The Best To Sit In On An Airplane
Finding the best seat in the house can be tricky.
Only 51% Full: New York-JFK's 10 Emptiest Long-Haul Routes [List & Map]
The long-haul market can be a tough nut to crack.
The Striking Differences Between Russia's 2-Seat Su-57D & Every Western Stealth Fighter
Why is every US 5th-gen a single-seater?
WestJet Launches 8 New Nonstop Routes To Europe [List & Map]
The Canadian carrier has a busy summer in store!
Here's The Real Reason Airlines Keep Ordering Aircraft They Don't Need Yet
Getting orders in early can really shield airlines down the line.
United Airlines’ CEO Slams Rolls-Royce, Says It Only Wins Orders Due To An Airbus A350 Monopoly
United’s CEO criticised Rolls-Royce’s A350 engine exclusivity and warned global engine shortages are grounding hundreds of aircraft worldwide.