Airlines

Southwest Airlines lowers requirements for new pilots

An A320 plane flew for 28 minutes with both pilots asleep

In an effort to hire more pilots this year, Southwest Airlines Co. will cut the amount of prior flying experience required of candidates for the position by half.

Starting February 7, candidates would only need 500 hours of “turbine time,” as opposed to the 1,000 hours that were previously needed, the airline announced on Saturday. Southwest Airlines spokeswoman: “More highly-skilled aviators will have the option to pursue a career at Southwest Airlines as a result of the move, which was explained in a memo to pilots.

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Even while major airlines assert they have an abundance of pilots, the lower standards come amid a widespread industry chase for them. Regional airlines have been boosting salaries and providing other incentives as a result of the shortfall that has resulted.

According to Jordan, Southwest employed about 1,000 pilots in 2022 and has plans to hire over 1,700 more this year. As per him, the organization has a shortage of experienced pilots to operate aircraft due to various challenges with training capacity. But if the business does decide to bring on 1,700 more pilots this year, it would face fierce competition from other carriers.

The FAA’s 1,500-hour requirement for pilots to obtain their Air Transport Pilot certificate is not eliminated by Southwest’s criteria adjustment, but it does call for experience flying in jet or turboprop aircraft. Basically, this means that new Southwest hires will have had to fly for a regional airline, a freight company, or in some other professional role.

Southwest stated that their new hiring policies will continue to be in compliance with or exceeding FAA standards, adding that they “will continue to pick competitively-qualified, world-class aviators that demonstrate considerable flight experience, professionalism, and Southwest values.”

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Airlines

These 6 Airlines Are Giving You Free Wi-Fi on Your 2025 Flights

In a world where staying connected is more important than ever, airlines are stepping up their game by offering passengers free Wi-Fi during their flights.

Gone are the days of paying exorbitant fees to check your emails or scroll through social media at 30,000 feet. Staying connected during a flight is becoming easier than ever, and in 2025, wireless password wifi airport and several airlines are taking it a step further by offering free Wi-Fi for their passengers.

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Here’s a look at six airlines that are leading the way in offering free high-speed internet for everyone on board.

1.Air France
Starting in the summer of 2025, Air France is teaming up with Starlink to offer ultra-fast Wi-Fi on all its flights. The service promises a “ground-like” internet experience and will be available free of charge for passengers in all cabin classes. To access the Wi-Fi, passengers can log in using their Flying Blue loyalty program accounts.
2.Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines made history as the first U.S. airline to partner with Starlink back in 2022. By September 2024, the airline successfully installed the high-speed Wi-Fi on all of its Airbus aircraft. With this partnership, airport wifi passwords passengers can enjoy reliable internet throughout their flight.
3.JetBlue
JetBlue has been a pioneer in offering free Wi-Fi to its passengers. The Boston-based airline was the first major carrier to provide free Wi-Fi for all its customers, regardless of cabin class. The service is powered by ViaSat, ensuring that JetBlue passengers stay connected even in the sky.
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4.Delta Air Lines
Delta is rolling out fast, free Wi-Fi across its fleet, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile. As of 2025, SkyMiles® Members on most domestic flights can enjoy free Wi-Fi. The airline is also working to extend this service to its international and regional routes, ensuring more passengers can stay connected.
5.Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is one of the first international airlines to offer free Wi-Fi, thanks to its partnership with Starlink. The airline has already rolled out free Wi-Fi on many of its flights, allowing passengers to enjoy seamless internet access while traveling to and from New Zealand.
6.China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines offers free Wi-Fi on select flights to and from major U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Chicago. American passengers flying on these routes can stay connected with no extra cost during their journey.