About this episode
United leverages its MileagePlus program to improve its balance sheet, one study says the Amazon Air fleet will grow to 200 aircraft, a British aircraft carrier takes a step towards operational capability next year, and Southwest Airlines wants you to provide a “customer health declaration” at check-in. Also, the Finland fighter competition, flight sim hardware from Thrustmaster, and how old is too old to get your pilot’s license? Aviation News Surprising Statistics About United MileagePlus United is mortgaging its frequent flyer program to raise $5 billion Cash flow remains a major concern for airlines. United announced financing of $5 billion secured through the airlines’ loyalty program. It’s part of their plan to have $17 billion in liquidity by the end of September. CNN says that’s 3 times the cash they normally have on hand. United estimates the value of its Mileage Plus program as a standalone business at $20 billion. Amazon Air Fleet to Grow from 39 to 200 by 2028 A report from Joseph Schwieterman and Jacob Walls of the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development predicts that the Amazon Air fleet will grow to 200 aircraft by 2028. The report, Insights into Amazon Air: 2020’s Transportation Juggernaut [PDF] was published on May 22, 2020. HMS Queen Elizabeth ready to conduct carrier strike operations After a six week test, the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth takes the next step toward operational capability in 2021 when it could deploy with two frigates, two destroyers, a nuclear submarine, as well as support vessels. The ship will also carry 24 F-35B jets, including US Marine Corps aircraft, in addition to a number of helicopters. The recent training demonstrated that carrier jets could be ready to take off on short notice and provide combat air patrols. See also, Why Britain needs aircraft carriers and The Aircraft Carrier We Need . Southwest now requires a ‘customer health declaration’ from passengers before flying Southwest Airlines announced they’d require a “customer health declaration” from customers at online check-in. Customers must acknowledge an awareness of Southwest’s face covering policy and confirm they do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Also that they have not been diagnosed with or exposed, to COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to travel, and they do not have a fever when they travel. The declaration will appear during the online check-in process via the Southwest app, Southwest.com, SWABIZ.com, and the carrier’s mobile website. This is consistent with the recently published Southwest Promise . Airlines ban alcohol on planes in response to Covid-19 A number of airlines are suspending all or part of their alcoholic drinks service in response to Covid-19. Finding Finland’s next fighter jet: HX challenge Under its HX fighter program, the Finnish Air Force plans to replace its F/A-18 C/D Hornet aircraft. Competing for the buy are Eurofighter, Boeing, Dassault, Lockheed Martin, and Saab. Mentioned EAA membership Brian. Thrustmaster revealed their new range of flight sim hardware, officially licensed by Airbus and designed for integration in civil aviation games including X-Plane 11 and Microsoft Flight Simulator. The range includes a modular sidestick, a dual thrust lever throttle with add-on modules, the Officer bundle pack (sidestick + throttle), and an all-new metal desk clamp. RenegadeAV8R S2 EP24 – USAF Thunderbird #8 FLACK Promo https://youtu.be/bvrFOXHo0TM 6-Year-Old Genius Kid Becomes Etihad Airways Pilot for a Day https://youtu.be/maPB_KMmMJU Learn to Fly, Live your Dream and Get a Pilots’ License! – eBook by Max Trescott. [PDF] SkyVector Areonautical Charts AirNav Airport Information Wallingford Sign