Malcolm

Air Transat faces strike as soon as January after 2,100 workers overwhelmingly vote in favour of walkout Compensation issues the major sticking point for flight attendants Pete Evans · CBC News · Posted: Nov 27, 2023 7:30 AM MST | Last Updated: 2 hours ago Air Transat's 2,100 unionized staff are in a legal strike position as soon as January after voting to give their union a strike mandate. (Evan Mitsui/CBC) Social Sharing Facebook LinkedIn X Email Reddit 45 comments Air Transat flight attendants are in a position to strike as soon as Jan. 3 after an overwhelming majority voted to give their union a mandate to walk off the job if a new labour deal can't be reached. A unit of The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents more than 2,100 Air Transat workers, says 99.8 per cent of them voted to go on strike if necessary if their union can't hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement with the Montreal-based airline. Air Transat's current labour deal expired in October 2022 and the union has been trying to negotiate a new pact with the airline since April. More than 33 different issues are on the table but compensation is a major one. "The vote reflects the flight attendants' exceptionally high level of dissatisfaction with their working conditions, particularly with wages and purchasing power," the union said in a release. "Following a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall outlook for the industry is once again extremely positive." A shortage of pilots is making travel chaos in Canada even worse Dominic Levasseur, president of the Air Transat Component of CUPE, says there's still plenty of time to get a deal done without disruption to passengers, but in the event of a strike, all of the airline's flights would be cancelled starting at the tail end of the critical holiday flying season. "Faced with the dizzying rise in the cost of living and the industry's favourable prospects, they are ready to take action," Levasseur said. "More than 50 per cent of them have been forced to take on a second or even a third job to make ends meet, and their starting salary is only $26,577 per year." Andréan Gagné, a spokesperson for the Montreal-based airline, said that a strike mandate for a union is a normal part of negotiations and said the airline is "confident we will find an agreement." "The tone at the bargaining table remains cordial and respectful, and discussions are progressing well on both parties' respective demands," Gagné told CBC News in a statement. "Transat maintains excellent working relations with its employees and CUPE, and intends to make every effort to find an agreement that will satisfy both parties." If a labour disruption does happen, it will be one of many to bubble up in Canada's aviation sector recently. WestJet and its major union faced a strike last May before the two sides hammered out a deal to avert major disruptions at the 11th hour of negotiations. And Air Canada is in the midst of its own labour talks right now with its pilots' union after the latter group pulled out of its existing deal earlier than planned.

Interesting story.

N1122F Aircraft Registration Aircraft Summary Summary 1966 CESSNA 172G Fixed wing single engine (4 seats / 1 engine) Owner DOLLOSSO FRANK G LAKEPORT , CA, US (Individual) Airworthiness Class Standard/Normal Serial Number 17254717 Engine CONT MOTOR 0-300 SER (Reciprocating) Horsepower: 145 Weight Less than 12,500lbs Speed 105mph Mode S Code 050033105 / A03645 Registration Details Status Assigned Certificate Issue Date 2022-01-18 Airworthiness Date 1966-06-15 Last Action Date 2022-01-18 Expiration 2025-01-31 Registry Source FAA

do you have a goto to the article showing the picture and of course info re the particular cessna? Might be interesting reading

Exploring the Narrow Streets and Passageways of Cornwall’s Coastal Towns and Villages – Britain and Britishness

Somehow the 30,000 ft just does not fit.A Cessna 172 has a service ceiling of 14,000 feet

another picture

When this film airs, it might just be worth going to see. John Travolta recalls near-death experience in the sky 24th November 2023, 06:00 GMT-7 Share By Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporter John Travolta stars in the short film adapted from Frederick Forsyth's novella The Shepherd The London screening for a new Disney+ film is already running late - but it isn't John Travolta's fault. de Havilland Vampire - Wikipedia (google.com) The star of the short film in question, The Shepherd, is already sitting in the audience, patiently waiting to see the story on a big screen for the first time, 30 years after he first dreamed of adapting it. When it becomes clear that there are more people entering the screening room than there are seats, he happily gives up his chair and perches at the end of the row. Despite taking place on Christmas Eve and being called The Shepherd, the story is not what you might expect. Set in 1957, it follows a young Royal Air Force pilot returning home for Christmas who runs into trouble when his plane suffers electrical failure. With navigational systems down and his radio not working, he accepts his fate. But through the darkness and fog, the pilot suddenly spots another plane, flown by a man who offers to help guide him to safety. The story is an adaptation of the 1975 novella by Frederick Forsyth - one of the other famous faces in the audience at the screening. By the time Travolta came across the book, he had coincidentally just had a near-death experience of his own when piloting a plane. "The kismet of the project is, I actually experienced a total electrical failure, not in a Vampire but a corporate jet, over Washington DC, prior to my discovering the book," he tells journalists after the screening. "So when I read the book, it resonated more because of this experience I personally had had. "I knew what it felt like to absolutely think you're going to die. Because I had two good jet engines but I had no instruments, no electric, nothing. "And I thought it was over, just like this boy, portrayed so beautifully [by actor Ben Radcliffe]. He captured that despair when you think you're actually going to die." The Grease actor recalls: "I had my family on board and I said, 'This is it, I can't believe I'm going to die in this plane.' "And then, as if by a miracle, we descended to a lower altitude, I saw the Washington DC Monument and identified that Washington National Airport was right next to it and I made a landing just like [character Freddie] does in the film." Travolta did not discover Forsyth's book until a few years after his own brush with death. "I had just purchased a Vampire jet just like the one in the film. I had flown it for two years and I'm doing a film in Canada and I'm at a book store, and I see a small novella with a Vampire jet on the front of it, and I said, I have to read this." When he read the novel, Travolta says he was struck by the feeling he had experienced the events in real life. "I instantly fell in love with this book. And it was my dream to one day make it into a film. So a couple of years later I purchased the rights to this book, but because it was right after Pulp Fiction, I was doing one movie after another. "So after 10 years, I let it go and decided I was never going to get to do it. Then this hero [director Iain Softley] came along who had also fallen in love with it, and brought me back into the group." When Travolta first had the idea of starring in the film more than three decades ago, he envisaged himself portraying the young pilot who runs into difficulty. Instead, the film sees him play the older man who helps him. "I was young enough then that I could've play that part," he jokes. "But I had to wait 30 years to play the shepherd." The film was shot largely in the UK, which explains why Travolta was spotted in Wetherspoons and Morrisons in Norfolk last April, taking selfies with fans. Thursday's screening - overcrowded because some are here for the second showing an hour later - is the first chance for an audience to see the story come to fruition on the silver screen. Most viewers will watch it on Disney+ when it is released on the streaming platform in December, and at 38 minutes it is the kind of snackable, family-friendly tale that could make easy viewing over the holidays.ng The film also stars Millie Kent, Simon Wilson and Steven Mackintosh, while Oscar winner Alfonso Cuarón, who directed Gravity and Roma, serves as producer. The Shepherd has previously been adapted for the stage and radio, including by the BBC. In Canada, the story has been read on radio network CBC almost every Christmas since 1979. "One of the reasons I think it is so enduring is the genius of the story," says Softley. "It makes you question and examine what home means and what is important. "And it goes beyond that. It's about the kind of sacred nature in a lot of religions of bringing people home and looking after the lost traveller. "And it's self-sacrifice," he adds. "I think also at Christmas, you don't only think about your loved ones, it's a time when you think about other people who are less fortunate. "I think it encapsulates all of that, and I think that's why people find it moving and resonant."

Dart-shaped ‘Son of Concorde’ could fly you from London to New York in 90 minutes Son of Concorde could fly you from London to New York in 90 minutes | Tech News | Metro News Nasa’s X-59 supersonic plane is getting ready for take-off (Picture: Nasa/SWNS)© Provided by Metro A‘son of Concorde’ set to fly from New York to London in one and a half hours is a step closer to take-off – hopefully with a ‘supersonic thump’. Nasa’s X-59 quiet supersonic passenger plane aims to fly faster than the speed of sound, at almost twice as fast as Concorde. In preparation for its maiden voyage, the plane has been moved to the paint barn at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ facility in Palmdale, California, say the space agency. And the paint job isn’t just for looks – it will provide vital protection as the plane blasts through the skies at up to 925mph. Once painted, the team will take final measurements of its weight and exact shape to improve computer modelling and help reduce the sound of the typical sonic boom to a sonic thump, minimising disruption to people on the ground. Nasa said in August they have identified potential passenger markets in about 50 routes between cities. The supersonic jet could travel from London to New York in an hour and a half (Picture: Nasa/SWNS)© Provided by Metro It is hoped one route would offer flights from New York City to London up to four times faster than normal jets. ‘The X-59’s paint scheme will include a mainly white body, a NASA “sonic blue” underside, and red accents on the wings,’ said Nasa in a statement. The new paint job will help protect the plane as it travels at up to 925mph (Picture: Nasa/SWNS)© Provided by Metro ‘The paint doesn’t just add cosmetic value. It also serves a purpose – the paint helps to protect the aircraft from moisture and corrosion and includes key safety markings to assist with ground and flight operations.’ Cathy Bahm, the low boom flight demonstrator project manager, said: ‘We are incredibly excited to reach this step in the mission. When the X-59 emerges from the paint barn with fresh paint and livery, I expect the moment to take my breath away, because I’ll see our vision coming to life. Engineers at Lockheed Martin working on the plane last year (Picture: Nasa/Lauren Hughes/SWNS)© Provided by Metro ‘The year ahead will be a big one for the X-59, and it will be thrilling for the outside of the aircraft to finally match the spectacular mission ahead.’ The aircraft is the centerpiece of Nasa’s Quesst mission, through which Nasa will fly the X-59 over several yet-to-be-selected US communities and gather data about people’s perceptions about the sound it makes. Nasa hopes to turn down the jet’s supersonic boom to a supersonic thump (Picture: Nasa/SWNS)© Provided by Metro Nasa will provide that data to regulators, which could potentially adjust current rules that prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land. Earlier this year, the space agency investigated the business case for supersonic passenger air travel aboard aircraft that could theoretically travel between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535 to 3,045mph at sea level). By comparison, today’s larger airliners cruise at roughly 600mph, or about 80% of the speed of sound. Concorde had a maximum cruising speed of 1,354mph, or Mach 2.04. Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more by signing up to Metro's News Updates newsletter More for You

Looks like they are now back on track or ???? FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max 10 Jet for Test Flights - WSJ The Wall Street Journal Follow FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max 10 Jet for Test Flights US. air-safety regulators cleared Boeing to begin key flight tests on its 737 MAX 10 jet, a milestone toward preparing the plane for commercial service. The airborne checks are a preliminary validation for Boeing by the Federal Aviation Administration and put the company on track for its first deliveries next year. “Our entire team has remained focused on this goal, working with diligence and resilience in a dynamic environment,” Boeing executives said in a message to employees announcing the development. The 737-10 is Boeing’s biggest offering in the MAX family of single-aisle airplanes. United Airlines, Ryanair, Air India and SunExpress are among the airlines that have placed orders for the jets. Boeing in recent years has faced a series of delays and setbacks in getting new planes in service and in restarting deliveries of its 737 MAX airplanes after a pair of fatal crashes grounded those planes in 2019. The plane maker had hoped to win FAA certification for the MAX 10 by last year. Earlier this year, Boeing executives said they expected the signoff by late this year or early 2024. Boeing is still awaiting FAA certification for its MAX 7 and 777X jets. Boeing had said it expected to begin delivering the MAX 7s this year. The company initially said the 777X would be ready by 2020, but, after a series of delays, executives more recently said the wide-body jetliner won’t be delivered to customers until 2025. Write to Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com Related video: Malaysia Airlines expands fleet with new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (Dailymotion)

For me it would be watching basketball or golf on TV

Some of the reasons you cannot afford a house Want Need Separate bed rooms for children Bunk beds 2 cars for convience 1 car with other travel on public transport Sunshine vacation every year Buy a tent and go camping Designer clothing No name brand knockoffs Pricey Hair cuts Home barber kit Multiple tvs one for all to share Nextflix etc. basic cable tv plan New Cell phones use old ones until they wear out Guest bed room Pull out couch No budget for groceries etc establish and keep to the budget Buying designer coffee Pack a thermos Eating lunch at a cafe Pack your lunch grabbing a breakfast muffin on the way get up early enough to make your breakfast Best cuts of beef Buy cheaper and cook to suit Skip the dishes Plan your meals and shop for the ingredients Purchasing books get and use a public library card. And the list goes on……. +

Blast from the past Rusrussia's Monster Plane That Actually Flew | Kalinin K-7 [Aircraft Overview #11] | Watch (msn.com)

better picture:

'and of course there would have been a release stamp from customs.....

Navy surveillance plane flying in rainy weather overshot a runway Monday at a military base in Hawaii and splashed into Kaneohe Bay, but all nine aboard were uninjured, authorities said. The Coast Guard responded, but rescue operations were quickly called off, said Petty Officer Ryan Fisher, a Coast Guard spokesperson. "It sounds like all parties involved were rescued," he said. Marine Corps spokesperson Gunnery Sgt. Orlando Perez had no information about what caused the P-8A Poseidon aircraft to go off the runway at s. A photo taken by witness Diane Dircks showed the plane in water just offshore, a sight reminiscent of the 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson" when a passenger jet piloted by Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger made an emergency landing on the New York river. All 155 people aboard survived. This photo provided by Diane Dircks shows a U.S. Navy plane that overshot a Marine base on Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. An official says all nine people aboard the plane have escaped injury. DIANE DIRCKS / AP The P-8A and the Airbus A320 that Sullenberger piloted are roughly the same size. Dircks and her family had just returned to the dock after rainy weather cut their pontoon boat trip short when her daughter noticed the plane in the water. "We went running over to the end of the dock, and I took some pictures," she said. Dircks, who is visiting from Illinois, said her daughter keeps a pair of binoculars on her for birdwatching, so she was able to see the plane and the rescue boats arriving. "It was unbelievable," she said. The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call for a downed aircraft shortly after 2 p.m., spokesperson Malcolm K. Medrano said in an email. It was cloudy and rainy at the time. Visibility was about 1 mile, said Thomas Vaughan, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Honolulu. The P-8A is often used to hunt for submarines and for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. It is manufactured by Boeing and shares many parts with the 737 commercial jet. The plane belongs to the Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron 4 stationed at Whidbey Island in Washington state. Patrol squadrons were once based at Kaneohe Bay, but now deploy to Hawaii on a rotational basis. Marine Corps Base Hawaii is about 10 miles from Honolulu on Oahu. The base houses about 9,300 military personnel and 5,100 family members. It's one of several key military installations on Oahu. Aircraft expert Peter Forman told Hawaii News Now the runway at the base is shorter, and bad weather and winds may also have played a part. "The pilot probably didn't put the plane down exactly where he wanted to on the runway," Forman said. "It's probably a combination of all those factors put together." The base sits on Kaneohe Bay, which is home to coral reefs, a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks and a University of Hawaii marine biology research institute.

People or airline? The author likely meant Virgin Atlantic.

The major airline with the most space in economy—and the one with the least Airlines with the Most Seat Space in Economy Class (seatmaestro.com) From the article Airlines with the Most Seat Space in Economy So, which airlines offer the most seat space in economy or coach class? Jet Blue and Air Canada are leading the race for most comfortable airline seats, but you’ll also find a pretty cozy airline seat on Virgin America, Hawaiian Airlines, and American Airlines– among a few international airlines. The following is a summary of the air carrier that offer the most seat space in economy for domestic and international flights: Jet Blue Jet Blue is the leader in the “most pitch” and “widest seat” contest because the majority of their economy and coach class seats are roomy. Jet Blue’s cheapest seats offer a pitch range of 32 to 35 inches (on most flights), with some planes offering a pitch between 37 and 41 inches. Seat width on Jet Blue planes typically runs from 17.8 to 18.5 inches. Air Canada Air Canada has the largest pitch range for coach class seats. In the economy cabin on Air Canada flights, you can opt for seats with a pitch that runs from 29 to 35 inches. The seat width on Air Canada planes – in economy class – ranges from 17 to 18.5 inches. This is compared to an industry-wide standard of 31 inches for seat pitch and 17 inches for seat width (some low-cost carriers actually come in at 28 inches for seat pitch)! Virgin America

Potential ATC nightmare? Sign In Joby's milestone: Quiet electric air taxi takes flight over Manhattan Joby Aviation achieves a historic milestone with the first manned eVTOL air taxi flight in New York City, showcasing its commitment to quiet, emissions-free urban air travel. ir Published: Nov 15, 2023 06:00 PM EST Joby’s electric air taxi in the skies above New York City Joby Aviation Joby Aviation achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the first manned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi flight in New York City, the company announced. The demonstration at the Downtown Heliport in Manhattan showcased Joby's commitment to revolutionizing urban air travel. Electrifying NYC's iconic heliport The flight coincided with an announcement by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, revealing the city's plan to electrify the Downtown Heliport. This strategic move aligns with Joby's vision to make New York a global leader in adopting clean, quiet flight technology. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed gratitude for the city's support, emphasizing their dedication to providing affordable, emissions-free air travel for New Yorkers. SEE ALSO RELATED Joby Aviation just started testing its eVTol with a pilot Joby delivers first of nine eVTOL 'Air Taxis' to USAF Joby Aviation invests $500M in Ohio to build air taxis Transforming transportation with innovative partnerships Joby's partnership with Delta Air Lines positions New York as an early launch market for their electric air taxi service. The piloted, four-passenger aircraft promises fast, quiet journeys with zero operating emissions. Delta's commitment to sustainability and innovative technology aligns with Joby's mission to reduce the impact of traditional helicopter noise while offering efficient transportation solutions for busy metropolitan areas. Revolutionizing air travel with quieter technology The Joby aircraft, designed for rapid, back-to-back flights, boasts an impressive range of up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a single charge. This capability covers 99 percent of all trips within New York City's five boroughs. The aircraft's lower acoustic footprint, confirmed through collaboration with NASA, registers at just 45.2 A-weighted decibels (dBA) at an altitude of 1,640 feet (500 meters) – quieter than a typical conversation. Plans and collaborations Joby and Delta are collaborating with the Port Authority of New York and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to plan initial operations, including infrastructure development at JFK and LaGuardia International Airport. Gail Grimmett, SVP of Sustainability Performance and Strategic Partnerships at Delta, emphasized the progress toward launching clean, quiet, and convenient air taxi services for Delta customers traveling to and from New York. The Adams Administration has been a leader in driving technology innovation and economic growth while simultaneously improving quality of life,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “EDC’s new strategy for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport reflects these priorities while making it an industry leader in the embrace of eVTOLS – a quieter and greener helicopter alternative – while at the same time facilitating maritime freight with last mile e-bike deliveries that take trucks off the roads.” Joby and Delta are working closely with the Port Authority of New York and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as they plan for initial operations infrastructure development at JFK and LaGuardia International Airport (LGA). This builds on significant recent investments Delta has made in upgrading the customer experience at its New York hubs. “Delivering exceptional experiences for our customers is why Delta has invested over $7B in New York City, especially at our LaGuardia and JFK hubs,” said Gail Grimmett, SVP of Sustainability Performance and Strategic Partnerships at Delta. "Today's announcement demonstrates the great progress that's been made toward launching clean, quiet and convenient air taxi services for Delta customers traveling to and from New York, and is a testament to our innovative partners at Joby and the support of Mayor Eric Adams in advancing new and sustainable technologies.” Joby’s aircraft was designed to have a radically lower acoustic footprint than today’s helicopters, allowing it to operate in densely populated areas such as New York City without adding to the background noise. In 2022, Joby collaborated with NASA to measure the sound of its aircraft, confirming it registered the equivalent of 45.2 A-weighted decibels (dBA) when flying overhead at an altitude of 1,640 feet (500 meters) – quieter than a typical conversation. Joby has flown more than 30,000 miles with its full-scale prototype eVTOL aircraft since 2017. The Company recently celebrated the first aircraft to roll off its Pilot Production Plant in Marina, California. It delivered the first-ever electric air taxi to the US Air Force for on-base operational testing. Joby expects to launch its commercial passenger service in 2025.

SpaceX's second launch of massive Starship postponed until Saturday Launch was originally scheduled for Friday at 8 a.m. ET Nicole Mortillaro · CBC News · Posted: Nov 16, 2023 2:00 AM MST | Last Updated: 1 hour ago SpaceX's 120-metre tall Starship sits at its launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, on April 1 ahead of its first integrated test flight. (SpaceX) After a spectacular end to its first test flight where it lost control and then exploded, the second launch of SpaceX's 36-storey Starship rocket has been rescheduled to Saturday. The 20-minute launch window opens at 8 am ET. If they fail to launch Saturday, there is another opportunity Sunday morning. Founder Elon Musk tweeted Thursday afternoon that a component on the spacecraft needed to be replaced. The rocket had been scheduled to lift off early Friday morning. Last April, the massive spaceship successfully launched from Boca Chica, Texas, but after veering out of control, was blown up over the Gulf of Mexico. Many looked at it as a failure, and the Federal Aviation Authority ordered dozens of fixes before a second attempt. However, SpaceX hailed it as a success since they said their aim was to just have it clear the launch tower. This time, SpaceX is going for Take 2, with the hope that this time the spaceship can complete its mission: reaching near orbital altitude before splashing into the ocean near Hawaii. "I really believe it'll go," said space launch historian and former NASA illustrator Paul Fjeld. "I think they've been ready to fly probably for about a month." A 2nd integrated test of Starship Starship is SpaceX's super heavy launch vehicle. Musk has said many times that he believes the spacecraft will some day take humans to Mars. It has two stages: the booster stage, called the Super Heavy, and the spaceship itself. Stacked together, they are called Starship, but the spaceship itself is also called Starship. The Super Heavy has an impressive 33 engines, more than any rocket. SpaceX's Starship turns after its launch from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on April 20, before exploding. (Eric Gay/The Associated Press) Starship the spaceship has only ever flown to 12.5 kilometres in altitude on its own. Of the four high-altitude test flights, only one has ever successfully landed. This launch is often referred to as an "integrated test," meaning Starship and the Super Heavy will be launching together as one vehicle. What is the mission? Those tests saw the spaceship return to SpaceX's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. But the integrated test will be much different, and very interesting if all goes well. First, the pair will launch together before the booster stage separates, the same way SpaceX's Falcon 9 operates. If that goes well, the booster will perform a "boost back" where it flips and then returns to Earth, again, the same way the first stage of the Falcon 9 rockets do. However, in this case, it will be a "water landing" in the Gulf of Mexico, and will not be recovered. At the same time, Starship will continue to ascend reaching near orbital altitude, before it re-enters the atmosphere, and also makes a water landing near Hawaii where it will sink to the bottom of the ocean. ANALYSIS Why SpaceX's Starship launch was hailed as both a great success and a colossal mess The whole point of this mission is to test Starship's systems to see how they perform in tandem. Though Musk's ultimate goal is to get to Mars some time in the next decade, in the nearer term, NASA is also counting on it for the Artemis III mission to the moon in 2025. SpaceX is providing the Human Landing system (HLS), a variation of Starship, to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface of the moon itself. What happened the first time? Starship's first integrated test flight definitely put on a show both in the sky and on the ground. Once the engines ignited, it took a while to clear the launch pad. And when it did, it blew a crater several metres deep below it. It also sent boulders, rocks and dust for kilometres, which upset many nearby residents, some up to four kilometres away. There was also concern over the welfare of nearby wildlife. As well, several engines failed, which may have been due to damage caused from the flying pieces of concrete. A person walks through debris at the launch pad on April 22 after the flight test of SpaceX Starship in Boca Chica, Texas. The rocket successfully blasted off, but exploded shortly after. ( Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images) As the rocket ascended, it began to flip uncontrollably, and the first stage didn't separate. Rockets are equipped with flight termination systems for just such cases. However, it appeared that the ones on Starship failed to work. Eventually, the rocket exploded, four minutes after liftoff. The fallout from the launch triggered an investigation by both Fish and Wildlife Services and the Federal Aviation Authority. In the meantime, SpaceX continued to work on several issues to improve both the launch pad and the rocket. "They had that one launch ... [where] they got a tremendous amount of data, I am sure," Fjeld said. The FAA required SpaceX to take 63 corrective actions and to apply for a modified licence before launching again. What's new this time? SpaceX started working on the issues of concern immediately after the launch. Among other changes, there have been modifications to the launch pad itself. Most launch pads have a way of ensuring the rocket and the pad aren't damaged due to the powerful forces — especially acoustic waves — that happen once the engines are fired (and remember, the Super Heavy has a whopping 33). Sometimes, it's a water suppression system or a large trench that diverts the flames away. The Starship launch pad had none of that, just a form of heavy-duty concrete called Fondag. WATCH | Starship's 1st integrated test (April 20, 2023): But since then, they've made some changes to the pad, reinforcing the foundation and including a water suppression system, which they tested with a static fire (meaning they light the engines without allowing the rocket to lift off) in October. They also added another component to the rocket itself. "The attempt we saw last time back in April, the Starship failed to separate from the Super Heavy booster," said Jordan Bimms, a space historian and professor of science communication at the University of Chicago. "So now they are going to a hot staging method where the the upper stage Starship will ignite with the bottom stage still attached." Elon Musk's SpaceX can't launch its giant rocket again until 63 fixes are made, FAA says That hot stage method helps boost performance, saving energy and time in an industry where both are incredibly valued. "Musk is a fanatic about not losing performance where you don't have to," Fjeld said. He's optimistic about the launch's prospects. "I'm very excited to see it go. And I actually think that they've probably solved most of the problems," he said. "I would be more surprised than not if they did not make it to near-orbit." As for Bimms, though he loves every rocket launch, he'll be watching this second test cautiously. "I want to be more excited than I really am, you know, because I do see this opening up more activity in space, which to me is exciting," he said. "But it's like, who is holding the keys, who is directing this area of of technological innovation? It's not somebody who I'm particularly excited about being in control of it."

Another airport looking for an additional fee. Calgary airport to introduce new taxi fee FILE - YYC Calgary International Airport. (CityNews image) By Lauryn Heintz Posted Nov 16, 2023 08:48:17 AM. Last Updated Nov 16, 2023 08:48:22 AM. Taking a cab to the airport in Calgary will cost travellers more starting next year. The Calgary Airport Authority says starting Jan. 15, 2024, it will introduce a $4.00 drop-off fee for all taxis coming to YYC Calgary International Airport and reduce its pick-up taxi fee from $5.00 to $4.50. It explains the inbound fee will be applied across the airport campus, which is contained by Aero Drive/11 Street and adjoining properties on the west, down to McKnight Boulevard, to McCall Way and adjoining properties, and the terminal. Vice President, Commercial, Strategy, and Chief Financial Officer Rob Palmer says that revenue collected from the fees is “reinvested in improvements to our facilities and operations to ensure guests have safe, efficient experiences.” The airport authority says the combined rates are in line with combined ride-share fees and will “create a level playing field for taxis and ride-share companies operating on the airport campus.” It explains inbound and outbound fees from taxi and ride-share operators are collected by the airport authority and are paid for by passengers.

WestJet growth plan soars with intercontinental expansion across Canada NEWS PROVIDED BY WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership 15 Nov, 2023, 07:45 ET SHARE THIS ARTICLE Announcement reaffirms commitment to Eastern and Atlantic Canada's transatlantic connectivity with reintroduction of European routes Airline announces exclusive service between Calgary and Reykjavik (Keflavik) and increased frequencies for international routes out of Calgary hub, including daily, exclusive service to Tokyo CALGARY, AB, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced an expansion of its European summer 2024 network. Propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, the airline reintroduced sought-after service connecting Eastern Canada and Europe and introduced new service from Calgary to Reykjavik (Keflavik). As WestJet continues to strengthen its presence in Western Canada, the airline is also enhancing its 787 Dreamliner hub, increasing frequencies for international routes and adding daily exclusive service to Japan. "Today's announcement underscores our commitment to affordably connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast to some of the world's most popular destinations," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "As we continue to expand upon our growth story, we are not only providing increased accessibility to Canadians but fostering crucial connectivity between communities and driving economic growth through inbound leisure and business travel." Western Canada's gateway to Iceland, unlocked With four-times weekly service, beginning May 15, 2023, WestJet will be the only airline providing direct connectivity to Iceland from Calgary. "In consultation with local partners, we agreed to announce our intention to begin service to Keflavik in May; we will continue to closely monitor volcanic activity in the region and follow the recommendations of local authorities," continued Weatherill. Route Service start date Frequency Departure time (local) Arrival time (local) Calgary – Reykjavik (Keflavik) May 15 4x weekly 7:55 p.m. 8:25 a.m. Reykjavik (Keflavik) - Calgary May 16 4x weekly 9:45 a.m. 10:43 a.m. WestJet's service to Reykjavik will be further enhanced by the airline's interline agreement with Icelandair, enabling guests to travel across Icelandair and WestJet's network via one boarding pass, with the convenience of a single check-in and baggage tagged and checked to their final destination. Eastern Canada's tourism pipeline strengthened with seasonal return of European service In keeping with its commitment to being Canada's leisure champion from coast-to-coast, WestJet is pleased to reconnect three major eastern Canadian cities to key European destinations this summer, with service from Toronto to Dublin and Edinburgh, Halifax to Dublin, Edinburgh, and London, and St. John's to London. Stimulating key leisure, business and cargo demand, WestJet's seasonal service to Europe this summer from Eastern Canada is reaffirmation of the airline's commitment to Eastern and Atlantic Canada's international air connectivity. Route Service start date Peak frequency Departure time (local) Arrival time (local) Halifax – Dublin June 19 4x weekly 10:30 p.m. 7:55 a.m. Dublin – Halifax June 20 4x weekly 9:30 a.m. 11:32 a.m. Halifax – Edinburgh* June 20 3x weekly 10:40 p.m. 8:04 a.m. Edinburgh – Halifax* June 21 3x weekly 9:30 a.m. 11:38 a.m. Halifax – London (Gatwick) April 28 4x weekly 11:00 p.m. 9:04 a.m. London (Gatwick) - Halifax April 29 4x weekly 11:00 a.m. 1:46 p.m. Toronto - Dublin March 1 Daily 9:45 p.m. 9:39 a.m. Dublin - Toronto March 2 Daily 11:00 a.m. 1:54 p.m. Toronto – Edinburgh May 14 Daily 10:15 p.m. 10:05 a.m. Edinburgh - Toronto May 15 Daily 11:25 a.m. 1:59 p.m. St. John's – London (Gatwick) May 1 3x weekly 12:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. London (Gatwick) - St. John's May 1 3x weekly 11:00 a.m. 1:15 p.m. *New route not previously operated Increased intercontinental frequencies bolster Calgary's position as a convenient two-way tourism gateway for Western Canada With increased frequency between Calgary and Tokyo and six transatlantic destinations, WestJet is providing Western Canadian communities with more choice and access to their favourite international destinations this summer. Following a highly successful introduction of non-stop service to Tokyo's Narita International Airport, the airline is responding to significant demand for the popular route and increasing service to daily this summer. Route Service start date Frequency summer 2024 Previous frequency summer 2023 Calgary - Tokyo April 3 Daily 3x weekly Calgary - Rome March 16 6x weekly 5x weekly Calgary – Barcelona April 30 4x weekly 3x weekly Calgary - Edinburgh May 12 4x weekly 3x weekly Calgary - Paris Year-round Daily No change Calgary – London (Heathrow) Year-round Daily No change Calgary - Dublin April 29 5x weekly No change Additional Quotes "We at Keflavik Airport are thrilled to welcome our new partners at WestJet to Iceland. WestJet is showing great confidence in Iceland as a destination and we look forward to welcoming their passengers to our beautiful country," said Grétar Már Garðarsson, Director, Airline Relations & Route Development, Keflavik Airport. "In addition, Icelandic travellers can fly to Calgary and enjoy all that the city and the province of Alberta has to offer. WestJet is an important and welcome addition to our Airport Community, a strong partner for years to come." "This exciting new route connecting YYC and Keflavik International Airport, Iceland's international hub, provides convenient direct access to the captivating beauty of Iceland, and unlocks more opportunities for travellers to explore and connect with destinations in Iceland, Europe and beyond, as we continue to expand Calgary's global connectivity and ensuring that YYC is a premier international gateway," said Chris Dinsdale, CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. "London's calling and we're on our way! We have worked hard to re-establish a direct connection to Europe, and Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the wide-reaching benefits – from our highly lucrative tourism industry to our business and trade markets. I extend my appreciation to WestJet for seeing the potential that exists in our province and the St. John's International Airport Authority for its dedicated air service development efforts. I look forward to seeing this route succeed," said The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Re-establishing non-stop transatlantic service from St. John's has been a strategic priority for the St. John's International Airport Authority," said Dennis Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, St. John's International Airport Authority. This St. John's to London-Gatwick route marks a significant air access milestone and demonstrates our commitment to providing passengers with convenient access to key destinations. We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with WestJet, and sincerely appreciate the commitment to address opportunities within our market." "WestJet has connected Halifax Stanfield and key European destinations for several years, and we're thrilled they plan to offer three non-stop transatlantic routes again next summer," said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. "Dublin and London Gatwick were popular routes in the past, both for Atlantic Canadians and Europeans, and we're delighted to add Edinburgh to our route map in 2024." "We are thrilled that WestJet is re-introducing transatlantic flights from Toronto to Dublin and Edinburgh," said Khalil Lamrabet, Chief Commercial Officer, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "The additional flights to these beautiful and historic cities will give our passengers greater choice when traveling to Ireland and Scotland."

The largest aircraft order in history: 540 planes and $120 billion The largest aircraft order in history: 540 planes and $120 billion | (thedailydigest.com) big win for Airbus or was it? Boeing bonanza leaves rival Airbus in the dust at 2023 Dubai Airshow with three times more aircraft orders Boeing bonanza leaves rival Airbus in the dust at 2023 Dubai Airshow with three times more aircraft orders – NBC New York