By
David Parker Brown, on January 12th, 2010 at 6:49 am
What's left of American Airlines Flight 331 that crashed in Jamaica
I normally keep a nice little collection of stories I consider blogging. Sometimes I get too busy or other stories pop up and I just delete the ones that don’t make it to the blog. Even if these aren’t the most timely, I still think they are interesting and wanted to share:
* Amazing Photos of American Airlines Flight 331’s Boeing 737 that crashed in Jamaica (via NYCAviation). Flight Global talks about how the pilot was advised to use a different approach.
* US Department of Transportation finds Virgin America is a US Citizen (via Seattle PI). Some were accusing Virgin America as not following the rules to operate as a US company. As long as they make some changes they are in the clear.
* United Airlines has Unlimited Baggage Plan (via Flight Wisdom). For $249 per year, you and your closest 8 friends, on your same reservation, get to check up to two bags per trip for free. For the frequent traveler, this can be quite the savings. Read more.
* Boeing joins in study of potential biofuel source (via the Seattle PI). Boeing is working with others to find a viable saltwater-based plant for a more environmentally friendly jet fuel.
* Pilot rehired after gun discharged on plane (via Today in the Sky). Pilot’s gun went off during flight, he got fired, he fought it and US Airways hired him back on.
* Inside the Emirates A380 First Class shower (via Gadling). Take a close look at an airborne luxury most will never be able to afford. It might only be a five minute shower, but that can make all the difference on a very long flight.
* U.S. airlines set record for on-time flights in November (via Dallas Morning News). Almost 89% of flights in November were considered on-time. That is great for airlines and for passengers.
* California’s Surplus Chihuahuas Airlifted To New York (via NPR). Too many unwanted dogs were showing up in California and Virgin America flew them over to the east coast where nice homes were waiting for them. Thanks Selena for the tip!
connect | web | twitter | facebook |
By
David Parker Brown, on December 24th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Antlers are now allowed back on United Airlines. Photoshopped by AirlineReporter.com
I realize the timing of this story might be a bit poor, but it is just a coincidence…
I never realized that airlines allowed passengers to check or carry-on antlers. About a month ago, United Airlines tried to stop the practice, but met with harsh protest. A combination of antlers damaging other people’s luggage and hunters complaining that their antlers got damaged, caused United to put an end to transporting them all together.
Most other airlines allow the transport of antlers, but have strict packing policies and won’t transport them unless they are packed safely. The Professional Outdoor Media Associates (POMA – a big group of hunting/fishing writers) complained loud enough to make United re-think their ban. Robin Urbanski from United Airlines stated that United, “heard their customers’ complaints”, and was responding. “Soon,” he told POMA, “we will begin accepting antlers and animal horns as checked baggage again.”
“We will soon publish new requirements — and ones we previously did not have — about packaging and cleaning antlers and animal horns to ensure their safe, clean transport,” Urbanski continued. United will limit the size of antlers and horns brought on an aircraft according to the size of the plane.
follow | web | twitter | email | rss |
Source: PressConnects.com Orig Image: Drewski2112
By
David Parker Brown, on November 27th, 2009 at 6:55 am
United Airlines livery
Thank goodness! United’s appearance has annoyed me for a while now. Flying on some of their planes is like time traveling back to the late 80’s. It seems United has had issues with deciding if they want to update their fleet or not.
Not too long ago they re-painted their fleet in a stormy clouds (my name) livery, which people didn’t like and didn’t last too long. I kind of liked it, even though it was dark, but they decided on a lighter livery (see photo). But they haven’t fully changed over their entire fleet (which I am ok with, b/c the new livery seems dated). It has been the slowest livery change I have ever seen.
The livery is not the only thing they have been slacking on. Anyone who has flown United Airlines in the last 10 years will see a familiar site: the same seats. They call the design “Tequila Sunrise“ and I call it “dated and ugly”.
Good news! United plans to replace all the dated seats with new blue leather seats and they plan to re-paint all their aircraft. And not too soon! Brett Snyder with CrankyFlier.com recently flew on the last United Boeing 737 and it was obvious they were avoiding replacing those seats and I wouldn’t doubt other plans have the same “quick fix”.
United will also be updating their overhead bins, allowing more carry-on luggage and creating a friendlier atmosphere. The crew won’t be left out. Designer Cynthis Rowley is creating more trendy crew uniforms to match the airline’s new (or really consistent) interior look.
This also comes at a time where United Airlines is looking to purchase 150+ planes very shortly. Hopefully this is a sign that United is not going to be a dinosaur and fight for its survival. I wish them the best of luck!
follow via | web | twitter | email | rss |
Source: Gadling Image: Thomas Becker
By
David Parker Brown, on October 20th, 2009 at 7:48 am
United 737-200 taking off at LAX. Circa 1992
On April 28, 1968, United Airlines flew its first Boeing 737-200 on an inaugural flight between Chicago and Grand Rapids. Over 41 years later, a Boeing 737-300 will be the last Boeing 737 to fly in United Airline colors.
Instead of going with the next generation of Boeing 737’s, United chose to go with Airbus A320s instead. The last flight will start off in Washington DC on October 28th and end up in San Francisco where it will be prepared for its retirement. The airline was only flying 737-300’s and 737-500’s and most likely the Airbus A320 will replace the lost 737’s.
Source: NYC Aviation Image: JW Jets
By
David Parker Brown, on August 20th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Vietnam Airlines Boeing 777 being towed at Frankfurt
American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, US Airways, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and UPS have agreed to use up to 1.5million gallons of synthetic diesel made from plant waste per year. The fuel would be used to fuel their ground service equipment at Los Angeles International Airport.
Rentech Inc. will be supplying the alternative fuel starting in 2012, made mostly from urban yard waste and clippings.
Most people only think about aircraft causing much of the pollution in air travel, but there are thousands of support vehicles at each airport that also cause harmful emissions. Rentech is currently in talks with other airlines and airports to increase the fuel’s usage.
Image: Thomas Becker
