Latest news with #aviationindustry
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Which US Airlines Have The Largest Boeing Fleets?
The past several years have not been kind to U.S. aerospace company Boeing. Its 737 Max airliner was grounded between March 2019 and December 2020 after two of the jets crashed in less than five months, killing 346 people. Then in January 2024, a panel covering an unused emergency exit blew out at 16,000 feet and opened a large hole in the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9. Although passengers' belongings were sucked out of the plane, the seats next to the hole were empty, so nobody was seriously hurt. The door-plug incident earned the 737 Max another grounding for about three weeks in early 2024 while aircraft were checked for the missing bolts that caused the panel to detach. Even more recently, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a warning over certain variants of the 737 MAX's engines leaking smoke into the cabin or cockpit following a bird strike — yikes! Finally, there's the fresh Air India Boeing 787 crash, which killed all but one of the 242 people on board, as well as at least 29 on the ground. It's too early to determine cause of the Air India crash, but just the fact that it was another Boeing plane is enough to make some nervous flyers even more paranoid. So if your goal is to avoid Boeing planes, which U.S.-based airlines have the largest Boeing fleets? Let's take a look. Read more: These Are The Cars You'd Buy If They Were $20,000 Cheaper For starters, Boeing haters will want to steer clear of Southwest Airlines. That's because the carrier's entire fleet is composed of Boeing jets, all 803 of them. Granted, some flyers will now be avoiding Southwest anyway because recent policy changes removed most of what loyal customers loved about the airline — for example, free checked bags and the quirky boarding system. Even though Southwest has an all-Boeing fleet, it's not the largest U.S. operator of Boeing products. That honor goes to United Airlines, which flies no less than 843 Boeing jets according to the most recent information from the civil aviation database Planespotters. With a total fleet size of 1,038 jets, that's 81% built by Boeing. The remaining 19% of United's fleet come's from Boeing's competitor, Airbus. The distribution at both American Airlines and Delta is a little more balanced between the two largest airplane manufacturers; Boeing and Airbus. Once again referencing Planespotters' data, American operates 510 Boeing jets out of a total fleet size of 992 aircraft. Over at Delta Airlines, 487 jets are made by Boeing out of the carrier's 989 total airframes. To be sure, airlines' fleets are in a constant state of flux, so the information presented may no longer be accurate down to the very last plane in the coming months, or even weeks. That said, it's safe to generalize that when flying with the three largest U.S. carriers, your chances of traveling on a jet manufactured by Boeing range from approximately 50% up to 80%. Of course, that excludes America's fourth-largest carrier, Southwest, and its all-Boeing stable. To fully avoid Boeing products, it's worth noting that U.S.-based low-budget carriers Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines operate all-Airbus fleets, with no Boeing jets whatsoever. If the concept of ultra-low-cost carriers and their myriad of fees for things like baggage isn't appealing to you, JetBlue also operates a mostly Airbus fleet, including to and from several cities in Europe and South America. We say "mostly" because JetBlue does operate a handful of smaller Embraer regional jets for short hops. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Sustainability Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'UK Aviation Enters New Era': Scotland's LoganAir Teams Up with ZeroAvia to Launch World's First Zero-Emission Flights
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 LoganAir partners with ZeroAvia to pioneer sustainable aviation through hydrogen-electric technology. partners with ZeroAvia to pioneer sustainable aviation through hydrogen-electric technology. ✈️ ZeroAvia's engines use hydrogen fuel cells , producing only water as a byproduct for zero emissions. , producing only water as a byproduct for zero emissions. 🔧 The Cessna Caravan is chosen as the initial airframe for the ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. is chosen as the initial airframe for the ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. 💡 Hydrogen fuel cells are seen as a promising alternative for smaller aircraft due to their efficiency and potential to reduce maintenance costs. Scotland's regional airline, LoganAir, is embarking on a groundbreaking journey towards sustainable aviation. Partnering with ZeroAvia, the airline aims to integrate hydrogen-electric engines into its fleet, marking a significant step in the aviation industry's shift towards greener alternatives. This collaboration was announced during the prestigious Paris Air Show, highlighting LoganAir's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. By utilizing ZeroAvia's innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology, LoganAir hopes to set a new standard for zero-emission flights. This initiative not only positions LoganAir as a pioneer in eco-friendly air travel but also paves the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. The Promise of Zero-Emission Flights ZeroAvia's cutting-edge technology revolves around hydrogen fuel cells, which power electric motors to drive aircraft propellers. This process results in zero emissions, with water being the only byproduct. This remarkable innovation could revolutionize the aviation industry by significantly reducing its environmental impact. ZeroAvia's engines are designed to operate efficiently at lower altitudes, where regional turboprops typically fly, eliminating the formation of contrails and further minimizing their ecological footprint. LoganAir's collaboration with ZeroAvia represents a bold move towards adopting this technology, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. The partnership aims to retrofit LoganAir's existing aircraft with ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric engines, starting with the Cessna Caravan as a testbed. This venture underscores LoganAir's dedication to sustainable air travel and sets a precedent for other airlines to follow suit in embracing green aviation solutions. 'It's Like Magic Fabric That Makes Power': Record-Breaking Flexible Solar Cells Deliver Unmatched Efficiency in Any Shape ZeroAvia to Retrofit Cessna Caravan as Launch Platform for ZA600 ZeroAvia has strategically selected the Cessna Caravan as the initial airframe for its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. This decision underscores the company's confidence in its technology and its applicability to regional aircraft. Since the first sale of the ZA600 to Jetcruzer International in February, ZeroAvia has amassed over 2,000 preorders, including a noteworthy conditional agreement with United Airlines for 100 units. The company is actively pursuing certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority for both its ZA600 and the larger ZA2000 systems, targeting aircraft models like the Twin Otter and ATR series. With LoganAir operating a diverse fleet that includes these aircraft, the airline is well-positioned to leverage ZeroAvia's technology. LoganAir CEO Luke Farajallah expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the airline's commitment to a sustainable aviation future and the promising fit between ZeroAvia's technology and LoganAir's operational needs. 'Green Hydrogen Just Got Cheap': Scientists Achieve Low-Cost Production Breakthrough That Could Transform Global Energy Markets Fuel Cells Better Suited for Smaller Aircraft Due to Size and Weight Limits Despite the higher cost of hydrogen fuel compared to kerosene, its increased efficiency may offset overall fuel expenses. While traditional jet engines currently remain more cost-effective, hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative for smaller aircraft. These cells require a larger and heavier system to match the power output of conventional jet engines, making them ideal for regional turboprops, where power density is less critical. Switching to hydrogen fuel cells eliminates the need for liquid hydrogen storage and complex transportation infrastructure at airports. Additionally, fuel cells have fewer moving parts than traditional engines, potentially reducing maintenance costs. As the technology continues to evolve, the aviation industry could witness a shift towards these more sustainable power sources, furthering efforts to reduce aviation's carbon footprint and environmental impact. 'Dead Batteries Aren't Dead Anymore': US Lab Uses Nano-CT Scans to Revive EV Cells With Shocking Precision The Future of Sustainable Aviation LoganAir's partnership with ZeroAvia represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable aviation. By embracing hydrogen-electric technology, the airline positions itself at the forefront of eco-friendly air travel. This collaboration not only enhances LoganAir's environmental credentials but also sets a benchmark for other regional airlines. The aviation industry stands at a crossroads, with sustainability becoming an increasingly important focus. As hydrogen fuel cell technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, will other airlines follow LoganAir's lead and embrace zero-emission flights? The future of aviation may depend on the industry's willingness to innovate and invest in greener solutions. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Watchdog recommends up to 100% foreign airline ownership amid low competition
Canada should allow 100 per cent foreign ownership of domestic-only airlines, the Competition Bureau says in a new report highlighting the country's "highly concentrated" aviation industry. In a market study released Thursday, the watchdog suggested creating a new class of airline that operates only in Canada but could have owners from outside its borders, opening the gate to global expertise — and cash. The current foreign ownership cap sits 49 per cent. In addition, no more than 25 per cent of a carrier can be owned by any one foreign entity, a proportion the Competition Bureau proposed raising to nearly half. "Allowing more foreign investment in Canadian airlines improves access to capital, drives growth and promotes competition," the report said. Low competition in the airline industry remains a big hurdle to lower prices and better service across the country, and remote communities especially, the report found. 'Competition in Canada's airline sector has struggled to take off,' it said, noting consumers' dissatisfaction with fares, flight options and service quality. Air Canada and WestJet together account for between half and three-quarters of all domestic passengers at major airports, according to the study. Though competition improved between 2019 and 2023 with the arrival of Flair Airlines and the expansion of Porter Airlines, market concentration remains 'extremely high' and competition from new entrants fragile, the bureau said, with the field dominated by a few large airlines. 'Many Canadians report that international flights are often cheaper than flights within Canada,' it noted. The report recommended a basket of reforms that include shifting the financial burden of airport maintenance away from passengers, thus lowering ticket prices and allowing more consumers to book flights on budget carriers, as well as expanding market access for new entrants by allowing secondary airports to compete with major hubs. Currently, flight exclusivity clauses often mean only one airport in a local area can host international flights. 'New entrants to the market face aggressive competitive responses,' the study found. The report also called for an end to the transport minister's power to override mergers and acquisitions deemed anticompetitive under a federal review process. It also urged industry-wide publication of data on delays and cancellations to help consumers make informed choices, on par with the United States and United Kingdom. It further stressed the unique challenges faced by remote communities and recommended a working group to ramp up service to the North, where air transportation is an 'essential lifeline, even for residents who never fly' but whose food and medicine arrive by plane. 'New entrants face major barriers because existing carriers control critical assets at the major northern airports,' the report said. It asked the government to "tailor regulations to the northern context" and weed out unnecessary costs. Over the past 20 months, four low-cost carriers have disappeared from the skies, as Lynx Air and Canada Jetlines shut down and WestJet folded subsidiary Swoop and the recently acquired Sunwing Airlines into its main-line service. While the country's biggest cities remain amply served, smaller ones have fewer options, which can also result in higher prices and, when things go awry, stranded passengers. The Calgary-Saskatoon route saw flights fall 39 per cent to 412 last month from 673 in May 2019, now that the airspace between Alberta and Saskatchewan's two biggest cities is served with non-stop flights by WestJet only — Air Canada pulled out over two years ago — according to aviation data firm Cirium. Flight volumes between Ottawa and Fredericton decreased 23 per cent in the same period to 89 trips after Air Canada exited the route, leaving Porter as its sole carrier. Routes served by just one airline tend to be more expensive, the report noted. 'Our research shows that when just one new competitor flies on a route between two cities, airfares go down by nine per cent on average,' the report said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025. Companies in this story: (TSX: AC) Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
The main problem with e-fuel, a net-zero solution for air travel
A third generation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), known as e-fuel or "power to liquid" fuel, has emerged, offering a potential net-zero solution for air travel. E-fuel is produced by converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or industrial emissions into carbon monoxide, which is then combined with hydrogen and later refined to create jet fuel. While e-fuel offers environmental benefits by avoiding feedstock limits and land-use concerns, its current cost is significantly higher than other SAF types and conventional jet fuel. The high cost is attributed to expensive e-fuel plants, the scarcity of specific hydrogen types, and the energy-intensive process of capturing CO2. Scaling e-fuel production to commercial levels at a reasonable cost requires substantial investment and supportive governmental policies to overcome current economic hurdles. Planes could one day run on thin air — here's how
Skift
16-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Air India: Tragedy Amid Transformation
Skift Take Just two weeks ago at the IATA AGM in Delhi, the aviation world was celebrating a new golden age for Indian aviation. Last week, the mood abruptly shifted as the industry confronted its worst nightmare. For all the marvels of air travel – its economic influence, its cultural influence, all the jobs it provides, all the joy it provides – there's nothing more distressing than a fatal accident. Our sympathies go to all affected by the Air India tragedy. In this week's issue, we explore Air India's turnaround plan as it grapples with last week's crash.
