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Channel 7 Australia To Show Outstanding MH370 Documentary

MH370

Channel 7 Australia will broadcast the new BBC documentary “Why Planes Vanish: The Hunt for MH370” which is outstanding and shines a light on the facts surrounding the loss of the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 and 239 souls ten years ago.

The documentary to be shown at 8.30 pm Sunday, March 10, local time across the country, focuses just on facts, the extensive debris found and the work of aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey and his revolutionary tracking of MH370.

The disappearance of Flight MH370 is the greatest mystery in aviation. Many questions the families of the missing passengers and crew had on the night the plane vanished have still not been answered.

Sadly a raft of documentaries and over 120 books have spread countless bizarre conspiracy theories for which there is not one shred of evidence.

The documentary features interviews with relatives of the missing, aviation experts, former Malaysian Airlines employees, as well as current and former pilots and unpicks other commercial aviation incidents to try and piece together what may have happened to MH370.

Key interview subjects are British aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey (below) and wreck hunter Blaine Gibson. Mr Godfrey discusses his WSPR tracking technology and the documentary introduces excellent graphics to illustrate how it works.

Mr Gibson, (below) a retired US Lawyer, talks about his motivation to both find the debris and encourage others to hand it in. Mr Gibson has found more pieces (7) than anyone, while another 34 pieces have been handed in.

MH370
Blaine Gibson with MH370 cabin debris in Madagascar.

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An innovative mix of current-affairs investigation and scientific analysis, the film also explores other cases of missing aircraft, to examine what lessons can be learned to make the aviation industry safer. It investigates recent cases of mass-murder suicide by pilots – and asks what can be done to improve the mental health of flight crew who are responsible for the lives of 10 million people who fly every day.

“Why Planes Vanish: The Hunt for MH370” will be shown on Channel 7 on Sunday, March 10 at 8.30 pm local time across the country.

Thomas Questions Virgin Australia’s Pets on Planes

Pets on Planes

Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas has questioned Virgin Australia’s initiative of allowing pets on planes.

Thomas appeared on Channel 9’s News at Five and fielded a host of valid questions about pets on planes from viewers.

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On Thursday Virgin Australia announced its Pets on Planes strategy

The Virgin Australia service, which may have pet lovers rejoicing but will be met with horror by others, is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to launch within 12 months.

The airline says that in a social media survey of Virgin Australia’s Facebook followers in 2021, 85 per cent of respondents voted in favour of the airline launching pets in cabin flights. It adds that In more recent research conducted by Virgin Australia with Australian pet owners, nearly 70 per cent of respondents advised they would travel with their pet in the cabin, with 57 per cent saying they would fly more regularly if the service was a reality.

READ: Why I used to hate Virgin BUT not anymore.

Proposed pets in cabin in-flight experience

For the comfort of all guests, Virgin Australia has today announced several parameters for pets in cabin flights:

  • The service will be limited to small cats and dogs on specific domestic routes;
  • Pets will be restricted to a limited number of designated rows and will not be allowed to roam freely or sit on laps;
  • Pets must also be carried in a Virgin Australia-approved pet carrier under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.

Airlineratings.com is packed with information about air travel and answers questions that many of us may have thought of, but didn’t know who to ask. Well, now you do!

Airlineratings.com was developed to provide everyone in the world with a one-stop shop for everything related to airlines, formed by a team of aviation editors, who have forensically researched nearly every airline in the world.

Our rating system is rated from one to seven stars on safety – with seven being the highest ranking. Within each airline, you will find the country of origin, airline code, booking URL and seat map information. The rating system takes into account a number of different factors related to audits from aviation’s governing bodies, lead associations as well as the airline’s own safety data. Every airline has a safety rating breakdown so you can see exactly how they rate.

Over 230 of the airlines on the site that carry 99 per cent of the world’s passengers have a product rating. Given that low-cost, regional and full-service carriers are so different we have constructed a different rating system for each which can be found within each airline.

Video Of Lightning Strike On Air Canada 777

Lightning

A video of an Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER being struck by lightning on take-off from Vancouver has been posted on Twitter.

Although a lightning strike can be terrifying to passengers, aircraft are designed to be able to withstand most strikes.

On average, every plane is hit once a year.

Most lightning strikes on aircraft occur below 4000m (12,000ft).

Only 10 per cent of strikes are a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time — nine out of 10 are triggered by the aircraft as it flies through a heavily charged area of cloud.

While strikes are common, serious accidents are rare as the aircraft and its passengers are protected by the design of the aircraft which forces the lightning to redistribute itself on the outside skin.

In about a third of cases, aircraft suffered minor damage such as burn marks, residual magnetism and arcing at hinges.

To see a lightning encounter from the cockpit see here.

Lightning by the numbers:

1800                The number of thunderstorms storms worldwide is in progress at any given moment.

40-100             The number of lightning flashes every second

24,000             Average deaths from lightning each year

240,000           The number of injuries from lightning

58                   The number of deaths in the US

90 Per cent of people who are struck survive.

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Airlineratings.com is packed with information about air travel and answers questions that many of us may have thought of, but didn’t know who to ask. Well, now you do!

Airlineratings.com was developed to provide everyone in the world with a one-stop shop for everything related to airlines, formed by a team of aviation editors, who have forensically researched nearly every airline in the world.

Our rating system is rated from one to seven stars on safety – with seven being the highest ranking. Within each airline, you will find the country of origin, airline code, booking URL and seat map information. The rating system takes into account a number of different factors related to audits from aviation’s governing bodies, lead associations as well as the airline’s own safety data. Every airline has a safety rating breakdown so you can see exactly how they rate.

Over 230 of the airlines on the site that carry 99 per cent of the world’s passengers have a product rating. Given that low-cost, regional and full-service carriers are so different we have constructed a different rating system for each which can be found within each airline.

British Airways to resume flights to Kuala Lumpur

British Airways will resume flights to Kuala Lumpur starting November 10, offering daily services from London Heathrow using its Boeing B787-9 aircraft. This initiative aims to enhance direct connections between Malaysia and the UK.

Sean Doyle, the chairman and CEO of British Airways, affirmed the reintroduction of flights to Kuala Lumpur and other Southeast Asian destinations as part of the airline’s £7 billion (RM42 billion) modernization strategy, aiming to improve services and fleet.

The announcement of the Southeast Asia network’s resumption was made during British Airways’ unveiling of its modernization plans.

Previously, direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and London Heathrow were solely operated by Malaysia Airlines. British Airways had suspended its Kuala Lumpur services in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, despite resuming direct flights in May 2015. Prior to 2015, the airline’s last flight to Malaysia’s capital was in 2001.

The flights on the B787-9 will feature a four-class configuration comprising eight First Class, 42 Club Class, 39 World Traveller Plus, and 127 World Traveller seats. Return fares start from £620 (RM3,718) in economy, £1,388 (RM8,323) in premium economy, £3,200 (RM19,190) in business, and £4,000 (RM23,987) in first class.

British Airways will also resume services to Bangkok, this time from London Gatwick, with a thrice-weekly service using its B777-200ER aircraft.

Doyle highlighted that British Airways’ modernization plan encompasses new aircraft and cabins, enhanced customer service, operational efficiency, sustainability efforts, a new website and mobile app, as well as new First Class suites and premium airport lounges.

Ailsa Terry, the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, expressed appreciation for the resumption of British Airways’ direct flights between London and Kuala Lumpur, reflecting the deepening ties between the UK and Malaysia. The enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit students, professionals, and holidaymakers traveling between the two nations.

Virgin Australia To Launch Pet Flights

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia has announced its intention to be the country’s first airline to operate flights with pets onboard under a plan unveiled today.

The Virgin Australia service, which may have pet lovers rejoicing but will be met with horror by others, is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to launch within 12 months.

The airline says that in a social media survey of Virgin Australia’s Facebook followers in 2021, 85 per cent of respondents voted in favour of the airline launching pets in cabin flights. It adds that In more recent research conducted by Virgin Australia with Australian pet owners, nearly 70 per cent of respondents advised they would travel with their pet in the cabin, with 57 per cent saying they would fly more regularly if the service was a reality.

Almost all major carriers in North America offer pets onboard service for domestic flights, including United Airlines and Air Canada.

READ: Why I used to hate Virgin BUT not anymore.

Proposed pets in cabin in-flight experience

For the comfort of all guests, Virgin Australia has today announced several parameters for pets in cabin flights:

  • The service will be limited to small cats and dogs on specific domestic routes;
  • Pets will be restricted to a limited number of designated rows and will not be allowed to roam freely or sit on laps;
  • Pets must also be carried in a Virgin Australia-approved pet carrier under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.

Speaking at a press conference at Melbourne Airport, Virgin Australia Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, said Virgin Australia is thrilled to finally reveal its plans to be the first Australian airline to offer pets onboard flights.

“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights,” said Ms Hrdlicka.

“Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality. It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well.

“Almost 70 per cent of Australian households have a pet, so this announcement is really significant for a large proportion of the country. It’s also a great thing for pet-friendly accommodation providers who will benefit greatly from increased connectivity and the ease for travellers to fly with their pets. It really will be a whole new economy for pet travel in Australia.

“Pets on flights is another example of Virgin Australia leading the way with new and improved service offerings and first-to-market experiences for our guests.

“Innovation has always been a hallmark of Virgin Australia. We were the first airline in the country to offer online check-in. This year we were the first Australian airline to launch baggage tracking and a fully integrated self-service disruption management tool. It’s this innovation and first-to-market drive that underpins who we are in the market,” she said.

The airline said that the proposed pets in cabin flights will not result in any change to approved assistance animals being able to travel in the cabin of Virgin Australia aircraft at no additional cost. The existing procedure for assessing the eligibility of these assistance animals to travel onboard will not change. Additionally, Virgin Australia will continue to offer pets to be transported as cargo through approved pet carrier services, as this remains an important part of the Virgin Australia pet offering.

Why I used to hate Virgin Australia, but not anymore.

Image: Ryan Fletcher/ Shutterstock

For the longest time, I had hated Virgin Australia, and it all boiled down to one word: inconsistency.

Seriously, flying with them was like playing airline roulette. Would I get a free cup of water and some in-flight entertainment, or would I be left high and dry? If you were beyond row 24 you had an additional concern and that was whether there would actually be any food left by the time the cart came to you. The amount of times I had THIS conversation…

‘Im sorry we are all out of sandwiches and hot meals [on your five hour flight today], can we interest you in a chocolate bar?’

Virgin kept changing its look and feel more times than I can quite frankly remember. First, they were Virgin Blue, the classic buy-on-board budget airline with cheap fares. Then, out of nowhere, they upgraded to swanky seat-back screens and a ton of Foxtel channels. It was like flying in luxury! Except, of course, if you lived in Perth, where those fancy planes were as rare as hen’s teeth. There’s that inconsistency again!

Then Virgin decided to be a bit of everything—a hybrid airline, if you will. Free water, tea, and coffee for all, and if you flew long enough, you’d even get a meal and some booze. But guess what? The in-flight entertainment was still a roll of the dice. Some planes had screens, some streamed content, and some had nada. Talk about inconsistency, right?

Virgin tried their hand at business class and oh, it was divine! Think amenity kits, gourmet meals, and plush blankets. But alas, it didn’t last. People still saw Qantas as the primo choice, even though Virgin’s business class was a class apart.

But you know what’s been a constant with Virgin? Their awesome staff, a 30 inch seat pitch and the absence of blankets and pillows on domestic flights.

Now, let’s talk about the new, post-COVID Virgin Australia. They’ve gone back to being a real hybrid. Free water, tea and coffee, a menu to buy from, and in-flight entertainment if you’ve got your own device. Finally, some consistency! Plus, you can choose what you want to pay for—baggage, seat selection, you name it.

They’ve got a basic business class, all on those trusty 737s. Sure, the legroom’s a tad snug in economy, but their route network is tops. And here’s the kicker: I hardly hear any complaints about them. No gripes about delays, no fuss about cancellations and always compliments for the staff.

Nowadays, I see Virgin fitting snugly between Jetstar and Qantas—right where it belongs and a very attractive choice for me indeed. I now love Virgin Australia.

Check out my recent flight on Virgin Australia and no, I was NOT a guest of the airline.

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines Ponders Fokker 100 Replacement

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines
Embraer 195-E2 at the Dubai Air Show

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines is investigating replacing its Fokker 100 fleet with either the Embraer E190-E2 or Airbus A220-100.

In a memo to staff, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) Executive GM Nathan Miller said: “We have narrowed down the potential replacement aircraft for our F100s to either the Embraer E190-E2 or Airbus A220-100. These are new-generation aircraft providing superior performance compared to the F100, lower fuel consumption and emissions through the employment of geared turbofan engines, enhanced customer product and improved operational performance.”

See our review of the Embraer E195-E2.

Mr Miller told staff that “in 2021, VARA undertook a review of various options to replace the F100s, which now have an average fleet unit age of 30 years. The outcome of the review identified the Boeing 737-700 as a suitable replacement option for the majority of the network, however, some airports we operate into are unable to accept the B737-700 due to aerodrome compatibility. To be able to continue to service our customers in these locations, we retained a small number of F100s.” 

“As VARA has grown, and gone from strength to strength, we have earned the right to consider whether there is a better solution for the remaining lines of flying which really require a 100-seat aircraft. The Western Australia charter market is the biggest charter market in Australia, with the most vigorous competition being in the 100-seat segment, so we need to ensure we can provide a great solution for our charter clients with this requirement.”  

Mr Miller said that VARA foresees an opportunity for at least four new aircraft based in Perth, commencing mid-2025.

“These aircraft will predominately operate charter activity, along with some RPT activity in shoulder periods where charter activity is low (Friday and weekends). If we go ahead with either of these aircraft, this will be the first time that the WA 100-seat charter market has had new aircraft, since the days of Ansett, which would be great for our business and great for our clients,” Mr Miller said.  

“Ultimately, our Board will make the decision on the business case for these aircraft, so it’s important that we can make a strong and clear case for the investment. An essential part of that process is ensuring we consult with all of our key stakeholders – that includes our VARA team members, customers, aircraft manufacturers, clients and unions. We will commence these discussions in the coming days, as we look to understand how we can provide ongoing opportunities for our people while remaining competitive within the 100-seat segment of the charter market,” Mr Miller said. 

Scoot Announces Its E190-E2 Destinations

SCoot

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), revealed the initial six Southeast Asian destinations to be served by its new fleet of Embraer E190-E2 aircraft on Tuesday (Mar. 5). These destinations include the newly added routes to Koh Samui and Sibu, alongside existing routes in Malaysia and Thailand, covering Hat Yai, Kuantan, Krabi, and Miri.

Scheduled to commence in May 2024, Scoot’s E190-E2 services will kick off after the delivery of the first of nine aircraft from Embraer’s manufacturing facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil, in April.

These aircraft will facilitate direct connections to and from Singapore, enhancing the SIA Group’s accessibility to non-metropolitan cities across Southeast Asia. This expansion aims to link passengers through the Singapore hub and beyond, leveraging Scoot’s extensive network connectivity.

The first E2, named Explorer 3.0, is set to arrive in Singapore in April 2024. It will take over Scoot’s existing flights to Krabi and Hat Yai from 7 May 2024, boosting flight frequencies to both destinations from 7 times to 10 times weekly.

The second E2 is also slated for delivery in April 2024. Its induction will enable Scoot to service four additional cities – Koh Samui, Kuantan, Miri, and Sibu. Daily flights to Koh Samui will commence on 13 May 2024, with the frequency progressively increased to twice daily from early June 2024. The addition of the second E2 will also enhance frequency to Miri and Kuantan from three to four times weekly starting from 20 May 2024 and 3 June 2024, respectively, as well as launch thrice-weekly flights to Sibu from 5 June 2024. Together with destinations served by Scoot’s existing fleet, the airline will operate 103 weekly flights to Malaysia and 92 weekly flights to Thailand by June 2024.

READ the rest of the story here.

Vietjet adds Hanoi – Melbourne plus Hirsohima

Vietjet is poised for further international expansion, reinforcing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by introducing brand new routes linking Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, to Hiroshima in Japan and Melbourne in Australia. These additional direct air connections, including the transcontinental route, promise significant customer benefits with convenient scheduling and cost-effective travel options, catering to the increasing demand across the regions.

The announcement of these new routes was made today at the Vietnam-Australia Business Forum 2024, attended by Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Both Vietnamese and Australian leaders expressed appreciation for the enhanced connectivity and congratulated Vietjet on its substantial growth.

READ: Vietjet wins safety award

The Hanoi – Melbourne route is scheduled to commence operations on June 3, 2024, with flights operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays departing from Hanoi and arriving in Melbourne later on the same day. Return flights from Melbourne will be available on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Vietjet currently operates numerous flights between Vietnam and Australia, offering 58 flights per week between Ho Chi Minh City and the five largest Australian cities, namely Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, utilizing modern aircraft such as A330 and A321.

Additionally, Vietjet will introduce direct flights between Hanoi and Hiroshima starting May 12, 2024. This new service marks the first regular non-stop air link from the Chugoku and Shikoku regions to Vietnam. The Hanoi – Hiroshima route will operate twice weekly return flights on Thursdays and Sundays, with an approximate flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes. This new service will expand Vietjet’s flight network between Vietnam and Japan to eight direct routes, providing comprehensive connectivity between Vietnam’s major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima.

To celebrate the launch of the new routes, Vietjet is offering budget-friendly tickets starting from just USD0 (exclusive of tax and fees) through its website www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app. These promotional tickets will be available every Friday from March 8, 2024, for travel between March 8 and December 31, 2024 (excluding holidays and peak seasons).

Hanoi, known as the heart of Vietnam, holds cultural, economic, and political significance deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity. With over a thousand years of history, Hanoi boasts enchanting lakes, vibrant urban areas like the bustling Old Quarter, and an array of architectural treasures from the French colonial era. Renowned for its culinary heritage, Vietnam’s capital also serves as the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Ha Long Bay, as well as scenic destinations like Ninh Binh and Sapa in northern Vietnam. From Hanoi, travelers can easily access various parts of the country, including Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and many more destinations. Thanks to Vietjet’s extensive international flight network, travelers can also connect to numerous destinations across ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.

These new services play a pivotal role in Vietjet’s strategy to expand its flight network in response to growing travel demand, facilitating cultural exchange, education, economic development, and tourism between Vietnam and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Turkish Airlines Expands To Australia

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has touched down in Melbourne, Victoria, making it its first destination in the continent of Australia, adding to its huge network.

Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier will operate flights to Melbourne via the Singapore Changi International Airport transfer point initially and will operate four flights a week to Sydney later this year. Non-stop flights are expected by 2026.

The airline has been granted an initial 21 flights a week to Australia increasChairman ing to 28 flights per week from October and 35 from October 2025. However, the airline says it’s focused on Melbourne and Sydney with no plans for Brisbane or Perth.

With the addition of Melbourne flights, Turkish Airlines increased its destinations to 346 served with 450 aircraft.

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat (below) stated: “Today marks a monumental milestone for Turkish Airlines, as we celebrate the realization of a long-held ambition—to extend our reach to the Australian continent. This achievement follows meticulous planning and extensive infrastructure developments, symbolizing the successful bridging of Istanbul with a new and vibrant continent.

“The inauguration of our Melbourne route is a testament to our growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and communities across the globe. Australia, with its breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted people, now becomes the 130th country to join our expansive network, signifying our presence across six continents. Through our unparalleled network, we are thrilled to offer our guests a gateway to global exploration, ensuring that our legacy of exceptional service quality continues to flourish in every corner of the world.”

Victoria’s Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins stated: “Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Türkiye-born community, a big nod to our vibrant multicultural state. We look forward to creating easier connections for this community and boosting tourism with the arrival of Turkish Airlines.”

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the airline’s entry into the Australian market provides new options for travellers and local exporters: “Turkish Airlines has an extensive network and flies to more countries than any other airline so this new competitor in the Australian market is fantastic news for consumers. We’ve worked closely with the Victorian State Government to bring Turkish Airlines to Melbourne, and we now look forward to seeing them grow their services over the coming years.

“Increased competition helps put downward pressure on prices, which will ensure Victorian residents and businesses can stay connected with family, friends and clients around the world. Melbourne is proudly home to the largest Turkish population in Australia, so we expect these flights will prove particularly popular with people looking to visit friends and relatives.

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Airlineratings.com is packed with information about air travel and answers questions that many of us may have thought of, but didn’t know who to ask. Well, now you do!

Airlineratings.com was developed to provide everyone in the world with a one-stop shop for everything related to airlines, formed by a team of aviation editors, who have forensically researched nearly every airline in the world.

Our rating system is rated from one to seven stars on safety – with seven being the highest ranking. Within each airline, you will find the country of origin, airline code, booking URL and seat map information. The rating system takes into account a number of different factors related to audits from aviation’s governing bodies, lead associations as well as the airline’s own safety data. Every airline has a safety rating breakdown so you can see exactly how they rate.

Over 230 of the airlines on the site that carry 99 per cent of the world’s passengers have a product rating. Given that low-cost, regional and full-service carriers are so different we have constructed a different rating system for each which can be found within each airline.

Airlineratings.com has information on over 30 types of aircraft from the latest Boeing 787 to the A380 and smaller jets.

Best of all, there are simple answers to many of the quirky questions including:

  • “What are all those noises after takeoff and before landing?”
  • “Why do you have to put the window shades up for landing and takeoff?”
  • “What is a winglet and what is it for?
  • “Why is it so costly to fly short distances?”
  • “How often is an aircraft maintained?
  • “How strong is a wing?”
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