The Emirates A380 and Jetman Dubai take to the skies of Dubai for an unprecedented formation flight.

DUBAI, UAE – 5 November 2015: The Emirates A380 and the Jetman Dubai duo recently took to the skies of Dubai for an extraordinary formation flight which showcased just how far aviation has come. The formations were conducted over the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa in the background. See the stunning footage here.

While the formation flight looked effortless on film, painstaking planning and meticulous collaboration with an intense focus on safety drove all efforts. Click here to watch what went into making the Emirates A380 and Jetman Dubai team formation happen.

The carefully choreographed aerial showcase involved the world’s largest passenger aircraft flying at 4,000 feet in two holding patterns. The A380 aircraft was then joined by the Jetmen Dubai duo, experienced pilots and operators of the smallest jet propelled wing, who were deployed from a helicopter that hovered above the aircraft at 5,500 feet. The duo conducted formations on both sides of the aircraft and joined to one side thereafter before breaking away.

Emirates Flight Training Academy receives delivery of first training aircraft(Opens in a new browser tab)

Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Emirates said: “This display between man and machine celebrates the magic and beauty of flight, a feat which just over a hundred years ago would have seemed an impossible dream. It also showcases how far human vision and ambition has, and can continue to push aviation’s boundaries. A spectacular formation flight like this is unprecedented, but as with all of Emirates’ operations, every aspect was painstakingly evaluated and practiced in our simulators to address all possible contingencies. Over the last three months, Emirates and the Jetman teams worked closely to diligently plan and coordinate every detail of this project, with safety at the forefront of every decision taken. Thorough stakeholder collaboration was also key and regulators from the General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Air Traffic Control (ATC), SkyDive Dubai and Aerovision, as well as numerous departments at Emirates were actively involved in the planning and execution of the flight formations to make this project a success. In this regard we would like to thank the entire team involved in the preparation and successful execution of this unique experience.”

Ismaeil Al Hashmi, Managing Director of Jetman Dubai said: “This demonstration of winged innovation is a perfect celebration of the values and intentions that both Jetman Dubai and Emirates share: striving for excellence and shaping perceptions. Dubai, a city that’s constantly breaking boundaries and creating history, is the ideal host for this exceptional Jetman formation flight, which once again pushes the frontiers of aviation.”

Michael Rudolph, Head of Aviation Regulations & Safety at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said: “From a DCAA Safety Oversight perspective, this event raised a number of challenges, as this was the very first time two humans, would fly in close formation to the largest passenger aircraft in the world. To this, a number of risk assessments where undertaken and workshopped to ensure the event would go ahead without incident. Further it was imperative to lesson, if any, the impact to commercial traffic approaching and departing from Dubai International Airport. Overall, this was achieved and even with slight schedule changes, the event went off without delay any safety concerns to any party associated to the project. DCAA is proud to be a part of aviation history.”

Yves Rossy from Jetman Dubai said: “I come from a background of piloting commercial aircraft and it was always a dream to fly without the constraints of being inside a cockpit. Vince and I are thrilled to partner with Emirates and would like to thank them for helping us turn yet another dream into reality. It was absolutely surreal flying alongside the biggest aircraft there is and we felt like mosquitos beside a gigantic eagle.”

Vince Reffet, Jetman Junior said: “This is yet another historic flight for the Jetman Dubai team and we are so happy and thankful to be part of something this incredible. We spent a long time preparing, going over every tiny detail in the quest for perfecting our first formation flight with the Emirates A380 aircraft. It is incredibly humbling to be a part of what is such a significant achievement for Dubai and the Jetman team.”

During the formation flight, the Emirates A380 flew at a weight of just 350 tonnes (the maximum weight of an A380 is 575 tonnes). As the largest passenger aircraft in the world, wake turbulence was the most significant risk to Jetman during the flight.

To mitigate the risk, the duo’s formation positions were carefully selected to avoid the areas of wake turbulence and jet efflux from the Emirates A380. During the planning stages, Emirates ensured the Jetman duo had proper visual reference points of the A380 so that both Jetmen could safely join and hold their choreographed positions. The Jetman team’s reference points were confirmed with flight simulation along with using visual orientations using actual A380 aircraft at the Emirates Engineering Centre. These helped to confirm that the proposed formations would work seamlessly from the first flight.

A practice flight was done on 12 October 2015 to ensure that the formation positions worked, and the final formation flight and filming were conducted on 13 October 2015.

To ensure precision of the Emirates and Jetman Dubai display, the Emirates pilots, Flight Operation managers, and Air Traffic Controllers worked together to discuss the smallest details of the mission at hand, taking into account air traffic, areas over flown, potential wind and weather. The Emirates A380 flew at a conservative altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level in two holding patterns that were away from the arrival and departure traffic flows of both Dubai airports (DXB and DWC). The Jetman Dubai duo launched from a helicopter well above the A380’s flying altitude and all activity was protected within a Temporary Restricted Area controlled by Dubai ATC.

Emirates is the largest operator of the A380 double-decker aircraft with 68 in its fleet and a further 72 on order. The A380 is Emirates’ flagship aircraft and has been setting benchmarks in the industry for its operational efficiencies, state of the art technological advancements and reduced noise and environmental footprint. The aircraft continues to be extremely popular with Emirates passengers with strong customer interest and demand wherever it is deployed. The Emirates A380 currently flies to 34 destinations from Dubai.

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Airlines

These are the 5 oldest airlines Still Operating in the World

The history of aviation is an exciting adventure formed by the pioneering efforts of several individuals and organizations. The world’s oldest airlines, which have played a vital role in establishing the global travel sector, are among these trailblazers.

In this article, we will explore the five oldest airlines still in operation today, highlighting their remarkable journeys and enduring legacies in the world of aviation.

Finnair modifies ten of its A350s to carry more customers and cargo

1. Finnair:

Founded: November 1, 1923
Headquarters: Vantaa, Finland
Primary Hub(s): Helsinki Airport
Fleet Size: 84
Destinations: 132

As a pioneer in European aviation, Finnair, founded in 1923, Marked its remarkable centennial milestone on November 1, 2023. Being among the oldest airlines in Europe, Finnair has witnessed many changes over the past 100 years, going from a small regional airline with few routes to a global leader in both air travel and hospitality.

Finnair’s adaptability has been demonstrated by its ability to quickly adjust to recent geopolitical developments and continue providing clients with exceptional service in its distinctive Nordic manner, even as it expands its services to North America and Southeast Asia.

Qantas says cost to fly may rise, Due to Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

2. Qantas:

Founded: November 16, 1920
Headquarters: Mascot, Sydney, Australia
Primary Hub(s): Brisbane Airport, Melbourne Airport, and Sydney Airport
Fleet Size: 130
Destinations: 85

Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier and the country’s and Oceania’s largest airline in terms of fleet size, overseas flights, and international destinations. It is the second-oldest airline still in operation.

Australian carrier Qantas holds its name among the oldest airlines in the world, with its foundations dating back to November 1920. Recently On November 16, 2020, QANTAS celebrated its remarkable centenary.

3. KLM Royal Dutuch Airlines

Founded: October 7, 1919
Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
Primary Hub(s): Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
Fleet Size: 116
Destinations: 145

KLM, officially known as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is the world’s oldest airline that is still in operation under its original name. On October 7, 1919, the company was founded. Four years ago, On 07 October 2019, KLM celebrated its remarkable centenary. As an airline from the beginning of the 20th century, it survived World War II and is currently part of the Air France-KLM company.

4. Aeroflot

Founded: February 3, 1923
Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
Primary Hub(s): Sheremetyevo International Airport
Fleet Size: 247
Destinations: 146

Aeroflot is Russia’s national carrier and largest airline. It is also Eastern Europe’s oldest airline, having been founded in early 1923. DOBOROLET, or The Russian Society for Voluntary Air Fleet, was the airline’s original name.

Aeroflot concentrated on foreign routes out of Moscow when the airline was separated into several enterprises. In celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2023, Russian airline Aeroflot (SU) recently began a series of retro-style flights, transporting customers on a nostalgic journey through time.

5. Avianca

Founded: December 5, 1919
Headquarters: Bogotá, Colombia
Primary Hub(s): El Dorado International Airport and San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (Avianca El Salvador)
Fleet Size: 102
Destinations: 114

On December 5, 2019, Avianca commemorated its 100th anniversary. The airline was founded in late 1919, according to its history. After acquiring a number of airlines in nearby nations, Avianca has grown to become one of Latin America’s biggest airline groups, with a fleet of over 130 aircraft and a network of subsidiaries covering almost the entire continent.

Aviation

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aerospace

A Peek Inside BOEING 777X Test Flight at Paris Airshow.

Boeing 777X at Paris Airshow

Have you ever wondered, How aircraft undergo the process of earning final approval certificates from the FAA or EASA for passenger flight operations after testing?

Let’s have a look at it in the article below. Before building a physical model, the aircraft undergoes extensive design and material selection. As well as testing to determine its requirements and viability.

Jetline Marvel received permission to visit the inaugural Boeing 777-9 at Paris Airshow 2023. Granting a unique opportunity to glimpse the typically undisclosed aspects of the aerospace industry.

Boeing redesigned the Boeing 777x and B737. Giving them a more contemporary appearance, more spacious cabin, and more sophisticated amenities than the models that came before.

Exploring Boeing's Testing Process for the 777X and B737 Aircraft

Take into consideration that the aircraft has an even larger engine to increase its speed and carrying capacity. The massive fan is only marginally smaller than the fuselage of a Boeing 737, with a diameter of 128 inches. The GE90-115B held the title of the world’s largest jet engine. Until the introduction of the even larger GE9X for the 777X. Although the engine has a diameter of 134 inches, it does not have the same thrust as the GE90.

Safety in the Skies: How Boeing Ensures Airworthiness Through Testing

Boeing’s 777X test planes, Including the 777-9 variant, feature a range of instruments and systems tailored for flight testing and validation.

These test aircraft assess the aircraft’s performance, safety, and compliance with regulatory requirements before it is ready for commercial service. Here are some of the key components and features typically found inside a Boeing 777X test plane.

Flight Testing the Boeing 777X and B737: What Goes Onboard

Boeing 737-10 and Boeing 777 planes are experimental aircraft. Which are the forthcoming Boeing family aircraft that are currently in the testing process. The B737 Max has undergone minor fitness improvements. Boeing 777X is presently undergoing critical testing phases for its components, with an anticipated completion timeline of another 18 months.

Both aircraft arrived at the 2023 Paris Airshow. They permitted a few reporters to take a look inside the plane. It appears incredible to view the experimental airplane.

From Instruments to Ballast Tanks: The Tools of Aircraft Certification

The interior is designed to accommodate over 400 passengers in a standard two-class commercial layout. Resembles a vast, open space filled with numerous instrument racks.

Even the lateral walls, were devoid of wall finishings and fixtures. contributed to the overall work-in-progress feel of the space.

The large tanks you can see in this photo are at the back of the aircraft and serve a number of important functions for it to understand its own motion.

To achieve the required balance when the center of gravity of an aircraft or ship falls outside specified tolerances or the designated position, operators use ballast, which primarily consists of rubber or sand.

Engineers need to transfer water between the tanks to calculate the maximum weight balance of the aircraft under cruising conditions.

Difference between the Airbus A350 and B777x

Here is the difference between the Airbus A350 and B777x fuselage size which is quite bigger than A350 aircraft and the windows are slightly larger as well.

The cockpit boasts a modern design and incorporates cutting-edge avionics and engine features, elevating the aircraft’s capabilities.

In the aircraft, there are seats in the middle and on the right side, all of which come with soundproof covers. One of the middle seats also has a sensor installed. The left and right sides of the cabin have designated walking areas.

The difference between the Airbus A350 and B777x can be found in this article.

Furthermore, if you continue moving to the rear, you will notice some of the tanks that will be filled with water based on their weight

On the right side, we can see one of the engineers can sit and monitor the sensors and outside views. Most of the seats in the airplane are in the middle, where computers and sensor panels are arranged along with all the wires and sensors.

according to the weight load balance during the flight test mode. Internally coupled with pipers and pressure tanks, the tanks can instantaneously flow water within each other.

As we move back, we can see one of the controllers, which is usually used to manage the water lines.

At the back end, we can see the fuselage encased and insulated with soundproof materials, which works as a shield for the aircraft fuselage.

There are approximately four tanks on each side of the row, with around twelve tanks at the back end. We can see outside from the plane’s window and door.

More computers and sensor monitoring chambers appear as we proceed. Engineers’ tasks are critical since they ensure that each test phase is completed. Some of the other journalists are shooting pictures inside the plane.

The aircraft looks impressive even prior to the installation of its seats. Understanding the variations in the aircraft’s data is made possible by the fact that the majority of the sensors are connected to different parts of the aircraft.

Furthermore, the aircraft is being equipped with the following types of instruments and equipment:

Flight Test Equipment: Test planes have special tools and sensors to gather data about how well the aircraft works. They look at things like how it flies, its technology, and how strong it is.
Controlling the Aircraft: They check if the systems that control the plane, like the fly-by-wire system, work the right way and are safe.
Measuring Stress and Load: Sensors are put in different parts of the plane to see how much stress and pressure it can handle during the tests.
Engineers on Board: Engineers are on the plane to keep an eye on everything, collect data, and make decisions during the tests.
Computer Programs: They use special computer programs to study the data from the tests. This helps them see how well the plane is doing and what they can make better.
Special Tools: Sometimes, they use special equipment, like tanks filled with weights, to copy different conditions during the tests.
Safety First: Safety is a big deal, with backup plans and systems to keep the test crew and the plane safe.
Like a Prototype: The test plane is like a prototype or an early version of the plane, so it might not have all the fancy features and systems of the final passenger plane.

Please share your thoughts on this article in the comments section. We would also be interested in hearing about any suggestions you may have for future aviation-related articles.

Aviation

Airbus delivers first C295 to India

The Indian Air Force (IAF) received its first C-295 transport plane on Wednesday during a ceremony in Seville, Spain. The aircraft may carry out unique missions such as disaster relief and marine patrol.

“The IAF has placed an order for 56 aircraft.” The aircraft is also required by the Coast Guard, the Home Ministry, and, in the future, the Indian Navy. “The numbers could easily exceed 56,” Chaudhari said from Spain.

Airbus, a multinational aircraft maker, built the aircraft for India at its Seville factory.

“The first aircraft was delivered 10 days ahead of schedule,” the IAF chief stated after receiving the plane’s symbolic keys from Airbus.

The Indian Air Force has inked a deal for a total of 56 C-295 aircraft, with 16 of them being manufactured in Spain and the remaining 40 to be built as part of a joint venture between Tata and Airbus at their facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

The C-295 is a versatile transport plane with a cargo capacity ranging from 5 to 10 tonnes. It is intended to replace the aging Avro aircraft in the IAF’s fleet and boasts advanced technology features. Notably, the aircraft is equipped with a rear ramp door, facilitating rapid cargo and troop para-dropping operations.

The C-295 is a twin-turboprop aircraft that can fly great distances with fully equipped personnel while also having the ability to land on tiny airstrips. To improve its capabilities in the operational zones, the IAF says all 56 aircraft would be equipped with a native Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS).

According to the agreement, Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft in “flyaway” condition from Spain within 48 months of the contract’s signature, and the Tata consortium would produce the 40 additional aircraft in India over the course of the next ten years. This represents a groundbreaking initiative, as it marks the first time a private firm in India will be responsible for producing military aircraft.

This move aligns with the Indian government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,” providing a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter the highly technical and competitive aviation industry. It’s anticipated that this initiative will bolster domestic aircraft production, reducing dependence on imports and potentially leading to increased exports in the future. This development is a significant step forward in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Rolls-Royce Successfully Tests UltraFan Technology Demonstrator using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

The first tests were conducted using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) today announces it has successfully completed the first tests of its UltraFan technology demonstrator at its facility in Derby, UK. The first tests were conducted using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Rolls-Royce UltraFan technology ready to test(Opens in a new browser tab)

This is a historic moment for Rolls-Royce – it’s the first time in 54 years the aero-engine manufacturer has tested a brand-new engine architecture and is proof of what can be achieved when industry and Governments work together.

We have announced the successful completion of the first tests of our #UltraFan technology demonstrator. The tests were conducted using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel at our facility in Derby, UK.
Read more about this historic moment here: https://t.co/acGW9RZbIf pic.twitter.com/TVRy6JuRqY— Rolls-Royce (@RollsRoyce) May 18, 2023

Confirming the capability of the suite of technologies incorporated in the demonstrator is a big step towards improving the efficiency of current and future aero-engines. UltraFan delivers a 10% efficiency improvement over the Trent XWB, which is already the world’s most efficient large aero engine in service.

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In the nearer term, there are options to transfer technologies from the UltraFan development program to current Trent engines, providing our customers with even greater availability, reliability, and efficiency.

Rolls-Royce reaches new milestone building world’s largest aero-engine(Opens in a new browser tab)

In the longer term, UltraFan’s scalable technology from ~25,000-110,000lb thrust offers the potential to power new narrowbody and widebody aircraft anticipated in the 2030s.

Aviation

Is it true that airplanes cannot fly over the Bermuda Triangle? Why?

It’s not accurate to say that aircraft can’t pass over the Bermuda Triangle. Over the years, a number of ships and aircraft have mysteriously vanished in the Bermuda Triangle, a location in the western North Atlantic Ocean. However, a large percentage of airplanes that fly over the Bermuda Triangle do so safely and incident-free.

Despite this, some people choose not to cross this part of the ocean because of the widespread superstition there. You’d be surprised at how many people have flown or sailed over the area without noticing anything peculiar despite the strange stories.

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The Bermuda Triangle is not inaccessible to aircraft, as is commonly believed. There are no official flying restrictions in place, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Bermuda Triangle is not considered a special area of concern.

The reasons why so many ships and aircraft have vanished in the Bermuda Triangle are the subject of numerous theories, ranging from human error to natural disasters to alien action. However, none of these explanations are supported by scientific data, and the majority of the disappearances may be accounted for by natural factors like bad weather or navigational mistakes.

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In conclusion, despite having a bad reputation for being a hazardous area for ships and airplanes, there is no evidence that the Bermuda Triangle is any more dangerous than other oceanic regions. The final communication that was received described compasses acting strangely and the crew continuously getting lost no matter how many times they changed course. What had started out as a typical training flight quickly transformed into a big mystery.