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Southwest Airlines B 737’s Engine inlet torn away in flight.

Southwest Airlines B 737's Engine inlet torn away in flight.

The Boeing 737-700, flight #3472 was flying from New Orleans to Orlando early Saturday when it suffered the engine failure, causing the jet to divert to Pensacola International Airport in northern Florida at 9:40 a.m. CDT,
Photos taken aboard showed the B737-700’s engine inlet completely torn away, revealing extensive structural damage to the engine nacelle that hangs underneath the wing. The spokesman said the failure caused a depressurization of the cabin.

The 737 was flying around 30,700 feet and climbing before it began descending around 9:23 a.m. CDT.

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CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric Co. and France’s Safran SA, is the sole supplier of engines to Boeing for the single-aisle 737. Southwest is the single largest operator of the single-aisle workhorse jetliner in the world.

All 99 passengers and five crew aboard are safe.
Source  :  Wall Street journal

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Aerospace

US FAA clears Boeing flight tests for 737 MAX 10 certification

Boeing is in celebration mode as its B737 Max receives FAA approval for commercial operations.

The FAA recently granted type inspection authorization for the 737 Max 10, a crucial step that enables FAA pilots to participate in the necessary flight testing for the aircraft’s certification for regular operations. In a letter to employees, three Boeing executives highlighted this milestone as a significant step forward.

This development comes as a pivotal moment for Boeing, following the global grounding of the 737 Max series. The long-awaited type inspection authorization (TIA) for the 737-10 signals the commencement of formal FAA certification flight testing, representing a substantial achievement in Boeing’s progress since the 737 Max’s return to service.

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Boeing 737 Max competing with A321

The Boeing 737 Max 10 is an enhanced version of the 737 Max family, capable of accommodating more passengers and offering an extended range in the aircraft segment. Positioned as a direct competitor to the European-built Airbus A321, the 737 Max 10 boasts the latest avionics, engines, and framework.

The history of the Boeing 737 Max has been marked by intense scrutiny, primarily due to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. These incidents prompted regulatory bodies worldwide, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to mandate comprehensive changes and improvements to the 737 Max series before it could resume operations.

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Boeing responded by implementing software updates and modifications to address the identified issues, accompanied by enhanced pilot training programs.

Significant step closer to the global entry of the 737-10 into passenger service.

Despite facing significant market backlash and revenue losses, Boeing has diligently worked on the recertification of the 737 Max series. While some variants received certification in early 2021, the latest addition, the Boeing 737 Max 10, was temporarily on hold.

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The recent certification marks a significant achievement, as expressed in the statement by Boeing’s senior executives, signaling a step closer to having the 737-10 enter passenger service globally.


The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval for Boeing (NYSE: BA) to initiate flight tests for its 737 MAX 10, the company’s largest aircraft. This authorization represents a key milestone in the progression of the aircraft’s testing and certification process.

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Airlines

North America’s Most Punctual Airlines in October

North America's Most Punctual Airlines in October

The rankings of the most punctual airlines in North America were released in October by Cirrum, a well-known authority in aviation performance analysis. Each airline’s dedication to punctuality is comprehensively captured by Cirrum’s rigorous evaluation process, which meticulously examines elements like departure and arrival times.

This analysis serves as a valuable resource for both frequent flyers seeking reliability and industry stakeholders interested in understanding the dynamics of on-time performance in the competitive North American aviation landscape.

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The most on-time North American Airlines

Source: Cirrum

Delta Air Lines secured the top spot in on-time performance in October, boasting a remarkable 90.84% on-time arrival rate out of 141,704 total flights. United Airlines followed closely with an 86.31% on-time rate for its 132,530 total flights. while Alaska Airlines claimed the third position with an 86.07% on-time arrival rate across 34,032 flights.

In October, North American Airlines achieved an impressive on-time arrival rate of 80.13%, with a total of 730,107 flights tracked by Cirrum. This translates to a remarkable performance considering the extensive scope, as 99.62% of the total flights were successfully monitored. These figures underscore the industry’s commitment to operational efficiency, ensuring that a significant majority of flights adhered to their schedules during this period.

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Aerospace

The First 787 Dreamliner Lands in Antarctica with Norse Atlantic Airways

Pioneering Polar Exploration: Norse Atlantic Airways’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner Touches Down at Troll Airfield

The First 787 Dreamliner Lands in Antarctica with Norse Atlantic Airways


Norse Atlantic Airways, recognized as The Explorer’s Airline, proudly commemorates a historic milestone in aviation by successfully landing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with registration LN-FNC and christened “Everglades,” at Troll Airfield (QAT) in Antarctica. This groundbreaking moment occurred at 02:01 local time on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023.

Flight N0787 carried 45 passengers

In collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute and Aircontact, Scandinavia’s premier air brokerage firm, Norse Atlantic Airways spearheaded this pioneering mission to transport essential research equipment and scientists to the remote Troll research station in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.

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Flight N0787 carried 45 passengers, including scientists from the Norwegian Polar Institute and other nations, bound for various research stations in Antarctica. The flight also transported 12 tons of vital research equipment crucial for Antarctic exploration.

Commencing its journey from Oslo on November 13th, the Dreamliner made a stop in Cape Town, South Africa, before embarking on the challenging Antarctic leg.

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Departing Cape Town at 23:03 on Wednesday, the aircraft spent over 40 hours in South Africa before accomplishing its historic landing at Troll Airfield.

first 787 Dreamliner to land in Antarctica

Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed immense pride and honor in achieving this historic milestone:

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“It is a great honor and excitement on behalf of the entire team at Norse that we have achieved together this momentous landing of the first 787 Dreamliner. In the spirit of exploration, we are proud to have a hand in this important and unique mission.

It is a true testament to our highly trained and skilled pilots and crew, and our state-of-the-art Boeing aircraft.”

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Given Antarctica’s lack of conventional paved runways, Norse Atlantic Airways executed the landing on a ‘blue ice runway,’ measuring 3,000 meters in length and 60 meters in width, at Troll Airfield.

The Norwegian Polar Institute operates the research station situated in Jutulsessen in Queen Maud Land, approximately 235 kilometers from the coast.

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Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute, emphasized the environmental benefits of utilizing large and modern aircraft like the 787 Dreamliner for operations at Troll:

“The most crucial aspect is the environmental gain we can achieve by using large and modern aircraft of this type for Troll. This can help reduce overall emissions and the environmental footprint in Antarctica,” stated Brekke, underscoring that landing such a large aircraft opens up new logistics possibilities at Troll, contributing to strengthening Norwegian research in Antarctica.

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Daniel Carey, air broker and spokesperson for Aircontact stressed the importance of involving civil aviation authorities for operational quality and security, securing their approval ahead of the mission.

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Airlines

Your Complete Guide to Frontier Airlines’ $499 Annual Pass

Enjoy the freedom of unlimited travel, allowing you to jet-set to your journey without any restrictions.

Your Complete Guide to Frontier Airlines' $499 Annual Pass

Embark on a boundless journey with Frontier Airlines‘ latest offering – the GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Annual Pass. This revolutionary pass unlocks a world of limitless travel possibilities, allowing you to soar through the skies and explore destinations without limitations.

In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of obtaining Frontier Airlines’ GoWild! Annual Pass, which unlocks a year-long adventure filled with excitement, convenience, frontier airlines manage booking, and unparalleled freedom.

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Here’s a glimpse into the remarkable benefits that come with this pass:

  1. Unlimited Flights: Enjoy the freedom of unlimited travel, allowing you to jet-set to your journey without any restrictions.
  2. Access to Domestic and International Destinations: Explore the vast Frontier network with access to both domestic and international destinations, opening up a world of possibilities.
  3. Guaranteed Bookings: Secure your seat with ease. For domestic travel, get confirmed bookings the day before your flight, and for international travel, confirmations are available starting 10 days before departure.
  4. Early Booking Option: NEW! Plan your adventures ahead by booking select flights early. Simply search and choose GoWild! when available. Please note that a GoWild! Early Booking charge may apply.
  5. Mileage Preservation: Keep your miles from expiring while enjoying the perks of travel. Additionally, leverage your Elite Status for complimentary bags and seats.

How It Works:

  1. Purchase the GoWild! Pass: Acquire the GoWild! Pass to unlock a year-long journey of boundless exploration.
  2. Login to FRONTIER Miles Account: Access your FRONTIER Miles account on FlyFrontier.com (not the Frontier mobile app) to manage your travel with ease.
  3. Search & Book: Search and book your flights on FlyFrontier.com the day before domestic travel and starting 10 days before international travel. Pay just $0.01 in airfare plus applicable taxes, fees, and charges at the time of booking. Customize your travel by adding options such as bags, seats, and other ancillary products.
  4. Fly, Repeat, and Explore: Take to the skies and repeat the process, booking an unlimited number of flights for as long as your GoWild! Pass is valid. Your journey of limitless travel awaits – seize the opportunity to redefine your travel experience. See below for additional details on pass validity.

Take flight for an entire year of boundless adventures with the GoWild! Annual Pass, available at a limited-time offer of $499, valid from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. This incredible deal automatically renews at $599 annually, ensuring uninterrupted access frontier 599 unlimited flights.

Alternatively, for a flexible and short-term travel solution, the Monthly Pass is up for grabs. Take advantage of the limited-time offer for the first month at $0, with a $99 enrollment fee. After the initial month, the pass automatically renews at $149 monthly, providing you with the freedom to travel for 30 days from the date of purchase. Choose the pass that suits your travel needs and embark on a journey of limitless possibilities. frontier airlines manage my booking

Flights can be booked and confirmed the day before flight departure for domestic travel and starting 10 days before flight departure for international travel.

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Aerospace

B-21 Raider takes first flight. Nuclear stealth bomber Price, Operating cost and Features

The highly anticipated inaugural flight of the B-21 Raider, the United States’ next-generation bomber, has been successfully completed. This futuristic “flying wing” bomber represents the successor to the long-serving B-2 bomber in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal.

The milestone flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base, with the B-21 Raider accompanied by a dedicated fighter aircraft serving as a chase plane to ensure the safety and oversight of this historic event.

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B21 is estimated to be around $750 million.

An official spokesperson from the United States Air Force has verified that the B-21 Raider has entered the critical phase of flight testing, following its public debut in December 2022.

This cutting-edge aircraft carries a substantial price tag, estimated at $750 million each. It’s important to note that certain cost details are classified by the Air Force, making it challenging to validate the proposed costs.

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B1, B2 Operating expense is $65,000

The U.S. Air Force’s ambitious plan involves acquiring a minimum of 100 of these advanced bombers to gradually replace the aging B-1 and B-2 aircraft.

This move is driven by the considerable operating expenses of the current fleet, with the B-1 costing approximately $60,000 per hour and the B-2 around $65,000 per hour, according to data from the Pentagon.

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The B-21 Raider represents a significant leap forward in the United States arsenal of long-range nuclear-capable stealth bombers, proudly developed by Northrop Grumman.

The B-21 Raider, a product of more than three decades of innovation in strike and stealth technology, represents the next generation of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet and is the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft.

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The Raider offers the Air Force long-range capabilities, high survivability, and versatile mission payload options, making it capable of precise strikes in the most challenging environments globally.

Key Points about the B-21 Raider:

  • Sixth Generation: The B-21 sets new standards for sixth-generation technology, featuring advanced stealth and low observable processes for easier and cost-effective maintenance. Its open architecture allows for rapid upgrades and adaptation to evolving threats.
  • Partnership Approach: The B-21 Raider program reimagines traditional acquisition processes through a partnership between Northrop Grumman and the Air Force, emphasizing transparency and data sharing.
  • The backbone of the Fleet: The B-21 Raider is the future cornerstone of U.S. air power, offering advanced integration of data, sensors, and weaponry for both conventional and nuclear missions.
  • Production Focus: The program focuses on building a production-representative test aircraft equipped with mission systems, ensuring a smooth transition into full production.
  • A Digital Aircraft: The B-21 leverages agile software development and digital engineering tools for enhanced production and sustainment practices.
  • Advanced Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing techniques are employed throughout the B-21’s lifecycle, reducing risk, enhancing efficiency, and promoting expertise in the manufacturing workforce.
  • A National Team: A nationwide team consisting of over 8,000 personnel from Northrop Grumman, industry partners, and the Air Force, along with more than 400 suppliers across 40 states, collaborates on the B-21 project.
  • Sustainment at the Forefront: Sustainment has been a priority from the design phase, ensuring long-term efficiency and immediate benefits.
  • Global Reach: The B-21 Raider is crucial to the U.S. strategic deterrence strategy, offering advanced precision strike capabilities and being part of a larger system for various military functions.
  • Continuing the Legacy: The B-21 Raider pays homage to the Doolittle Raid of World War II and its pioneering spirit, which changed the course of air superiority in the U.S. military.


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Aviation

World’s Top 21 riskiest Travel Destinations – U.S. State Department’s Level 4 Advisories”

World's Top 21 Riskiest Travel Destinations – U.S. State Department's Level 4 Advisories"

The US government provides travel advisories to warn its citizens about the safety and security circumstances in numerous places across the world. These recommendations are intended to assist travelers in making informed decisions and minimizing risks while abroad.

While many countries are typically safe to visit, the US Department of State advises exercising caution or avoiding travel altogether owing to a variety of concerns such as political instability, terrorism, and natural disasters.

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Travel advisory levels are released by the U.S. State Department for over 200 countries worldwide. These levels are updated regularly depending on a range of risk factors, including health, terrorism, and civil unrest. Level 1 travel advisories advise taking standard precautions, while Level 4 advisories advise not going there.

As of October 23, over 10% of countries—21 in total—had a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advice. The State Department states that in Level 4 countries, the United States government may have “very limited ability” to take action if travelers’ security or safety is in risk.

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Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

Afghanistan: According to the State Department, the Central Asian nation is dealing with “armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.”

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Burkina Faso: This West African country is plagued by crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. With little to no notice, schools, restaurants, and hotels may become targets of terrorist strikes.

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma): The main barriers to visiting this Southeast Asian nation are civil chaos and armed conflict.

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Gaza: Due to the current conflict, US officials advise visitors to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to either postpone their plans or stay away.

Iran: All visitors are at danger for kidnapping and unjust detentions, but Americans are particularly vulnerable to “arbitrary arrest and detention.”

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Iraq: The State Department bases its Level 4 designation on “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict civil unrest.”

Libya: Conflict between armed groups in Libya’s East and West has plagued the country since the fall of its dictatorship over a decade ago.

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North Korea: is home to one of the longest-running dynastic dictatorships in history, and US passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this nation.

Russia: The invasion of Ukraine, arbitrary law enforcement, and intimidation of American citizens by Russian government officials are among the factors that led to the country’s Level 4 travel recommendation.

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South Sudan: Weapon assault, kidnapping, and crime are the main risk factors, with violent crime being widespread in the nation.

Sudan: Due to the continued turmoil in the nation, the United States withdrew its embassy from Khartoum in April 2023 and blocked its airspace.

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Yemen: Yemen has six of the nine risk categories listed by the State Department: landmines, terrorism, civil instability, health hazards, and kidnapping.

Malawi: Level 2
The Department of State is warning visitors to Malawi to travel with extra caution in light of recent criminal activity and civil upheaval.

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Bangladesh: Level 2
US residents who are in Bangladesh or intend to travel there should be especially careful because of the country’s high crime rate, terrorist attacks.

Saba: Level 1
The most recent alert states that visitors to Saba should take standard safety precautions.

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