Are Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) adding any real value to the aviation industry? Will they ever? — Are Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) adding any real value to the aviation industry? Will they ever? Why is this important: No doubt there have been impressive technological developments for sustainable aviation fuels. However, we must ask the all-important question: What value is being added to the aviation industry currently due to SAFs? Here’s another question: Are there any positive impacts on the environment? …

Does the recent buyouts (layoffs) of 200 pilots by UPS mark the beginning of the end of the pilot shortage? Not so fast… — Does the recent buyouts (layoffs) of 200 pilots by UPS mark the beginning of the end of the pilot shortage? Not so fast… Why this is important: The aviation industry has been experiencing a pilot shortage since the FAA introduced its 1500 Rule back in 2013 for first officers of airlines. While the 1500 Rule might have kick-started the pilot shortage, we believe that other factors are prolonging the pilot shortage. We discuss…

Is this the beginning of the end of the pilot shortage? UPS let go of 200 pilots, as pilot hiring levels off. — Is this the beginning of the end of the pilot shortage? UPS let go of 200 pilots, as pilot hiring levels off. Why is this important: UPS recently provided buyout severance packages to approximately 250 pilots, citing a lack of shipping demands. FedEx might be looking to do the same. It is said that there was an increase in pilot hiring post-pandemic. We must remember that a lot of the hiring that…

Are you concerned or even fed up with holiday travel delays, and hoping for a change? Don’t hold your breath just yet… — Are you concerned or even fed up with holiday travel delays, and hoping for a change? Don’t hold your breath just yet… Why this is important: If the past few holiday seasons are any indication, then we might not want to hold our breath on having a smooth Thanksgiving holiday travel season. No doubt we could be wrong about this, but we believe that the underlying factors that led to large numbers…

A very strained aviation braces for a flood of travelers this Thanksgiving. — A very strained aviation braces for a flood of travelers this Thanksgiving. Why is this important: Due to staffing shortages, and in some cases, outdated technology, the aviation industry has been strained lately. Even as it struggles to operate smoothly during times of normal travel, there are hiccups along the way. …

Why are we seeing a spike in near-misses (runway incursions) at airports across the United States and globally? — Why are we seeing a spike in near-misses (runway incursions) at airports across the United States and globally? Why this is important: For decades, the aviation industry, through sweat, blood, and tears, has prided itself on having the best track record for safety compared to other modes of transportation. This pride and reputation have been duly earned. However, in recent years we have seen a spike in near…

Authorities are very concerned about the spike in near-miss incidents and mishaps at US airports. — Authorities are very concerned about the spike in near-miss incidents and mishaps at US airports. Why is this important: Recently there has been a very noticeable increase in the number of near-misses (runway incursions, and mishaps) at US airports. The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are very concerned, and in our view, these concerns are justified.

Many in the aviation industry are working overtime to meet Net-Zero mandates, but has reality set in for many others? — Many in the aviation industry are working overtime to meet Net-Zero mandates, but has reality set in for many others? Why this is important: while the goals for Net-Zero carbon emissions for the aviation industry by 2050 are quite ambitious, many airlines and businesses are working tirelessly to come up with innovative solutions to meet this mandate. There are undoubtedly others who are realizing that the cost of meeting the…

The aviation industry seems to be working overtime to meet mandates for net-zero set by governments around the world; will they make it? — The aviation industry seems to be working overtime to meet mandates for net-zero set by governments around the world; will they make it? Why is this important: Governments and special interest groups globally have been pushing for net-zero within aviation, and in particular within the airline segment. While there is undoubtedly tremendous progress forward, efforts have been hampered by the cost-prohibitive nature of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Therefore, there is some progress on…