Aviation

British airways says goodbye first last 747 jumbo jets

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BRITISH AIRWAYS SAYS GOODBYE TO FIRST OF ITS LAST 747 JUMBO JETS :British Airways will tomorrow retire its first Boeing 747 since announcing last month that all 31 of its jumbo jets had sadly flown their last commercial services.

The Boeing 747-400, registration G-CIVD, will depart from London Heathrow on Tuesday, 18 August at 9am local time under flight number BA9170E after more than 25 magnificent years of flying.

British Airways’ fleet of 747s are being retired at an accelerated rate as a result of the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the airline and the aviation sector, which is not predicted to recover to 2019 levels until at least 2024*.

Al Bridger, British Airways’ Director of Flight Operations, said: “All of us at British Airways and so many of our customers will have fond memories and special moments from our travels on the iconic jumbo jet.

“As a pilot who was lucky enough to fly the aircraft, the sheer scale of it was unforgettable, you literally looked down on other aircraft. It changed aviation forever when it arrived in the skies and I know I speak for our customers and the global aviation community when I say, despite rightly moving to more sustainable ways of flying, we will still miss the 747 dearly.”

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A full fact file on G-CIVD is below. Video footage and photos of the aircraft’s final Heathrow departure will be available to download from the British Airways Media Centre tomorrow lunchtime.

British Airways 747 – G-CIVD fact file:

Date it entered service	14 December 1994
Retirement date	19 August 2020
Popular / recent routes	Last flight was to Lagos, part of the repatriation effort, on 18 April 2020
Liveries worn	Landor – ‘City of Coventry’ Current: Union Flag / Chatham Dockyard with oneworld logo
Seating configuration	First: 14 Advertisement Club: 52 World Traveller Plus: 36 Advertisement World Traveller: 243
Facts and stats (approximate)	Top speed: 565mph Take off speed: 180mph Advertisement Length: 70.6m, Height: 19.41m, Wingspan: 64.4m Weight: 184 tonnes, maximum take-off weight 378 tonnes Advertisement 4 x Rolls-Royce RB211-524 engines Flown 115,276.8 hours, 13,364 flights and over 50 million miles

The 747 has been an iconic part of British Airways’ fleet for nearly fifty years. At one point the airline operated 57 of the aircraft, with the jumbo jet’s first flight to New York in 1971.

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The fuel-hungry aircraft were slowly being phased out by British Airways as they reached the end of their working life in order to help meet the company’s commitment to net zero by 2050. The airline has invested heavily in new, modern long-haul aircraft including six A350s and 32 787s which are around 25 per cent more fuel-efficient than the 747.

Related Topics:Boeing 747 British Airways

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Aviation

FAA rolling out new technology at four US airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to debut cutting-edge airfield surveillance systems at four prominent airports across the United States.

Austin-Bergstrom, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Dallas Love Field will spearhead the implementation of the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) by July 2024, marking a significant stride in runway safety enhancement efforts.

SAI revolutionizes air traffic controllers’ situational awareness by leveraging Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data. Through this innovative technology, controllers gain real-time and precise depictions of aircraft and vehicles navigating the entire airfield, irrespective of weather conditions.

Icons representing aircraft and ADS-B-equipped vehicles will populate an airport map, offering comprehensive coverage of runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other critical areas.

This initiative is a pivotal component of the FAA’s accelerated surface safety portfolio, complementing other vital tools like Approach Runway Verification (ARV) and the Runway Incursion Device (RID). The proactive deployment of these technologies underscores the FAA’s unwavering commitment to fortifying runway safety and averting potentially hazardous incidents.

Beyond technological advancements, the FAA is taking multifaceted measures to bolster safety across the national airspace system. Initiatives include aggressive air traffic controller recruitment drives, enhancements to the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, and the deployment of upgraded tower simulator systems in numerous facilities nationwide by the end of 2025.

Additionally, the FAA is fostering collaborative efforts through regular runway safety action team meetings and investing substantially in runway lighting and surface improvements at airports of varying sizes.

Aviation

Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe

Boeing is standing firm on the safety and durability of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft despite mounting criticism and whistleblower allegations.

In response to concerns raised by whistleblowers and ahead of a congressional hearing, the aviation giant emphasized its rigorous testing protocols and asserted confidence in the integrity of its planes.

During a media briefing accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, boeing aircraft
reiterated its confidence in the safety of both the 787 and 777 aircraft models. Senior engineers showcased extensive testing procedures aimed at refuting claims that approximately 1,400 Boeing planes may be afflicted by significant safety issues. The company addressed specific allegations, including concerns about gaps in manufacturing processes that could lead to premature fatigue failure over time.

The upcoming Senate hearing is expected to feature testimony from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who has publicly criticized boeing airplanes safety practices and alleged retaliation for speaking out. Salehpour’s claims, currently under investigation by the FAA, include allegations of workers resorting to extreme measures during assembly, such as “jumping on pieces of the airplane” to align them.

Boeing officials stressed that thorough inspections of nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets revealed zero airframe fatigue findings, even after six and twelve years of heavy maintenance inspections. These results have been shared with the FAA, according to Boeing’s chief engineer, Steve Chisholm. He emphasized that the materials used in the construction of the 787 were specifically chosen for their resistance to fatigue and corrosion.

In response to Salehpour’s accusations of shortcuts in assembly processes, boeing planes
acknowledged instances where shims were not of the proper size and where areas did not meet skin-flatness specifications. However, the company dismissed claims of excessive force during assembly, stating that such practices were not part of their standard procedures.

Aviation

How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights

Are you eager to make the most of your American AAdvantage miles by exploring exotic destinations served by Etihad Airways? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of redeeming your AAdvantage miles for Etihad flights, ensuring you unlock the full potential of your rewards.

Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travelers to access a wider range of destinations and flight choices. jetnet american airlines What’s more, passengers can earn AAdvantage miles for their Etihad flights, enhancing the value of their travel experiences.

To start earning Etihad Guest miles, one convenient option is through credit card rewards. While Etihad doesn’t offer a U.S.-based cobranded credit card, you can seamlessly transfer rewards from renowned programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Once you’ve accumulated your miles, it’s time to embark on your Etihad journey. But how do you ensure your flights are credited to your American AAdvantage account? concierge key american airlines Fear not, for the process is simple. After your Etihad flights, wait at least three days before requesting to add them to your AAdvantage account. Utilize the provided form, entering your AAdvantage number and the 13-digit ticket number. Additional information may be required, readily available on your boarding pass stub or ticket receipt.

Etihad Airways boasts an extensive network, particularly in North America, with flights to major cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, Etihad can serve as your gateway to these captivating destinations.

Now, let’s talk redemption. If you’re eyeing the dream of using your AAdvantage miles for etihad airport, rest assured, the process aligns with the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. To provide clarity, consider these examples of one-way business aa pricing: