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Boeing 737 MAX 10 taxiing on airport runway during daylight
RegulatoryAug 3, 10:30 AM

FAA prioritizes certifying Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 before 777-9 amid extensive delays

Boeing currently has three aircraft models that have been stuck in certification hell for years: the 737 MAX 7, the MAX 10, and the 777-9. All three of these were supposed to be certified between 2019 and 2020 when initially launched, but over six years later, Boeing has not delivered a single example to an airline. Certification and entry-into-service for all three have been continuously delayed, but earlier in 2026, Boeing provided a more concise timeline. The 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 will be certified by the end of the 2026 summer season, while the 777-9 will come in 2027.

Top stories right now

  1. 01
    Sustainability

    Federal Judge Allows Class Action Suit Over Delta's False Carbon Neutral Claims to Proceed

  2. 02
    Airlines

    WestJet Flight Attendants Strike Halts All Boeing 737 and 787 Flights in Canada

  3. 03
    Airlines

    Boeing 777-9 challenges Airbus A350-1000 dominance in long-haul widebody market

  4. 04
    Military/Defense

    UK delays delivery of expanded F-35 fleet until early 2030s amid strategic and logistical challenges

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Embraer E195-E2 jet taxiing on runway with mountains in the background under sunny sky
Business AviationAug 3, 12:30 AM

Embraer E2 Jets Gain Ground in South America Against Airbus A220

The market for small narrowbodies has traditionally been smaller than the one for mainline aircraft, but it's still a space with significant demand. Embraer has long been a dominant player, with its E-Jet family having received nearly 2,000 orders since its launch. Still, the company's refreshed E2 family has sold in relatively low numbers, as the Airbus A220 (formerly the Bombardier C Series) has been grabbing market share.

Boeing 777-9 taxiing at an airport with folded wingtips in daylight
AirlinesAug 2, 10:00 PM

Boeing 777-9 challenges Airbus A350-1000 dominance in long-haul widebody market

When the Boeing 777-9 finally enters commercial service, it will become the largest twin-engine airliner ever built. By then, however, its main rival will already have spent nearly a decade carrying passengers, building a global customer base, and proving itself on some of the world's longest routes. That unusual timing means the contest between the 777-9 and Airbus A350-1000 is not about which widebody aircraft is better on paper. It is about whether Boeing's larger, higher-capacity design can overcome Airbus' years-long operational head start.

Golf cart escorting first class passengers from luxury lounge to aircraft gate at Singapore Changi Airport
AirportsAug 2, 9:15 PM

Singapore Airlines Trials New First Class Concierge Service at Changi Airport

Singapore Airlines is known for its great first class experience ( marketed as First Class on the 777 , and Suites Class on the A380 ) — the airline has a great onboard experience , and a very good lounge at its Singapore Changi hub. I'd say the one thing that has been missing with Singapore Airlines' first class experience is making the ground experience seamless and end-to-end, and that's something that the airline seems to be addressing… at least in a trial. New Singapore Airlines first class concierge service The MileLion reports how Singapore Airlines is quietly trialing a new service for first class passengers at its hub. Historically, first class passengers have had to get from the first class check-in facility to the lounge on their own, and then from the lounge to the gate on their own. Keep in mind that at Singapore Changi Terminal 3 and Terminal 2, security is at each individual gate, meaning that actually clearing security as a first class passenger typically isn't seamless. So the airline is now unofficially trialing a personal concierge concept, which includes a buggy service from the lounge to the gate, including being able to cut the line at security. What's interesting here is that the personal concierge service starts when someone arrives at The Private Room , so this isn't from check-in all the way to the lounge, but instead, starts at the lounge. Once there, the personal concierge can help with monitoring your flight, any rebookings in the event of irregular operations, shopping requests, etc. The personal concierge service will start in The Private Room Then when it's time to board, they'll drive you to the gate in a golf cart, help you cut the line, and drop you all the way at the jet bridge to the plane. You can also decide whether you want to board first or last. This first class concierge service is just a trial for now For now this concierge service is being operated as a trial, and the airline will reportedly decide in the near future whether to keep this on a permanent basis. I imagine the timing with trialing this service is no coincidence, as Singapore Airlines will be introducing a new first class product in 2027 , and I would imagine the airline may be looking at raising the bar in terms of the soft product. Ultimately Singapore Changi is a very efficient airport, so I don't think anyone can argue that this level of service is "needed." However, first class is more competitive than ever before, and it's not just about taking care of all the necessities, but also about making the journey as frictionless as possible, and even adding some frills. Singapore Airlines A380 Suites is a great product Bottom line Singapore Airlines is trialing an airport concierge service for its first class passengers at Singapore Changi Airport. The idea is that when guests arrive at The Private Room, they'll be assigned a concierge who will look after them during their time there, and then bring them to the gate, help them clear security, etc. For now this is just temporary, though in the coming months the airline is expected to decide whether to make this a permanent feature. What do you make of Singapore Airlines trialing personal concierge service? Would you value this as a first class passenger?

WestJet Boeing 737 on runway amid summer day with terminal in background
AirlinesAug 2, 7:57 PM

WestJet Flight Attendants Strike Halts All Boeing 737 and 787 Flights in Canada

WestJet flight attendants have officially gone on strike after last-minute contract negotiations failed, forcing Canada's second-largest airline to cancel all scheduled Boeing 737 and Boeing 787 operations. The strike began on Sunday, August 2, at the height of the country's busy summer holiday period, immediately disrupting travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers across Canada and on international routes. More than 300 flights were canceled before the strike even officially started as the airline attempted to wind down operations in an orderly manner.

Airlines

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An Airbus A321XLR climbing after takeoff from an airport at sunset.
AirlinesAug 3, 8:00 AM

Airbus A321XLR Challenges Hub-and-Spoke Model with Long-Range Narrowbody Flights

Long-haul international travel has, for many of the largest airlines of the modern age, operated using a simple economic formula. The goal is to gather passengers from regional spoke airports, funnel them through mega-hubs like London Heathrow , Frankfurt , or Atlanta , and consolidate them onto twin-engine or four-engine widebody jets. Connecting traffic was the only way airlines could consistently guarantee high load factors on 250-to-300-seat aircraft when crossing oceans. However, the arrival of the Airbus A321XLR has changed this thinking by introducing a single-aisle jet capable of flying 4,700 nautical miles (8,704 km).

Boeing 777-9 taxiing at an airport with folded wingtips in daylight
AirlinesAug 2, 10:00 PM

Boeing 777-9 challenges Airbus A350-1000 dominance in long-haul widebody market

When the Boeing 777-9 finally enters commercial service, it will become the largest twin-engine airliner ever built. By then, however, its main rival will already have spent nearly a decade carrying passengers, building a global customer base, and proving itself on some of the world's longest routes. That unusual timing means the contest between the 777-9 and Airbus A350-1000 is not about which widebody aircraft is better on paper. It is about whether Boeing's larger, higher-capacity design can overcome Airbus' years-long operational head start.

WestJet Boeing 737 on runway amid summer day with terminal in background
AirlinesAug 2, 7:57 PM

WestJet Flight Attendants Strike Halts All Boeing 737 and 787 Flights in Canada

WestJet flight attendants have officially gone on strike after last-minute contract negotiations failed, forcing Canada's second-largest airline to cancel all scheduled Boeing 737 and Boeing 787 operations. The strike began on Sunday, August 2, at the height of the country's busy summer holiday period, immediately disrupting travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers across Canada and on international routes. More than 300 flights were canceled before the strike even officially started as the airline attempted to wind down operations in an orderly manner.

Business Aviation

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Embraer E195-E2 jet taxiing on runway with mountains in the background under sunny sky
Business AviationAug 3, 12:30 AM

Embraer E2 Jets Gain Ground in South America Against Airbus A220

The market for small narrowbodies has traditionally been smaller than the one for mainline aircraft, but it's still a space with significant demand. Embraer has long been a dominant player, with its E-Jet family having received nearly 2,000 orders since its launch. Still, the company's refreshed E2 family has sold in relatively low numbers, as the Airbus A220 (formerly the Bombardier C Series) has been grabbing market share.

An Airbus A321 taxiing on a Vietnamese airport apron under overcast sky, illustrating Bamboo Airways' limited active fleet situation.
Business AviationAug 2, 6:00 AM

Bamboo Airways Suspends Scheduled Flights Amid Tax and Fleet Troubles

Bamboo Airways now owes more than VND440 billion (about US$16.8 million) in unpaid taxes. Vietnam’s Gia Lai Provincial Tax Department has warned it may impose a temporary travel ban on the airline’s beneficial owner if the debt is not paid. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); Tax Pressures and Route Cuts This tax problem arrives at a difficult time. The carrier has progressively cut operations after years of restructuring. From 1 August 2026, Bamboo Airways suspended its Hanoi–Lijiang charter flights. Officials said the route was no longer commercially viable. The airline apologised to passengers and travel partners affected by the cancellation. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); More significantly, the carrier has now stopped selling tickets for domestic scheduled flights from 1 August 2026. Its website and booking systems show no available options on major routes such as Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi–Da Nang and Hanoi–Quy Nhon. The last scheduled service is set for 22 August. Bamboo is operating only limited charter services with a single active Airbus A321 (registration VN-A227). Once flying up to 44 aircraft, the airline now lists just three on its books, with two parked. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Image Credit: Boeing Fleet Collapse and Daily Disruptions By the end of 2025 Bamboo still had eight aircraft. Today only three Airbus narrowbody jets remain on paper. In practice, just one flies regularly. The reduction stems from ongoing talks with lessors over delayed payments and outstanding debts. These constraints force the airline to maximise every available plane. On 28 July 2026, a single Airbus A321 (registered VN-A227) handled a six-sector rotation linking Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Macau. Delays built up through the day. Five of the six flights arrived between nearly two and almost three hours late as problems cascaded along the itinerary. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Planespotters.net data shows only one of Bamboo Airways’ two leased Boeing aircraft was operational at the time. Limited fleet availability has driven poorer performance. Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority reported the airline’s on-time rate at 66.8 percent in June 2026, well below the industry average of 75.7 percent. Bamboo Airways has apologised for the disruptions and introduced a refund process for affected passengers. It acknowledged that high request volumes may slow processing times. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); A Turbulent History These troubles have deep roots. Bamboo Airways launched in 2019 under the FLC Group, founded by Trịnh Văn Quyết. It grew quickly and once held around 20 percent of Vietnam’s domestic market. The carrier operated nearly 30 aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and served dozens of routes. Everything changed in 2022. Authorities arrested Quyết on stock-manipulation charges. FLC’s financial crisis hit the airline hard. Bamboo recorded a record after-tax loss of VND17.6 trillion that year. Accumulated losses pushed equity negative. Photo Credit: Melv_L – MACASR, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons In 2023 a new investor group, linked to Him Lam and led by Lê Thái Sâm, took control. They injected capital and tried to restructure. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Yet the debt burden stayed high. An independent audit in July 2025 showed more than VND9,000 billion owed to suppliers, banks and other creditors. The biggest single creditor is Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) with roughly VND2,600 billion. Sacombank holds nearly VND4,000 billion. By September 2025 the new owners handed operational control back to FLC. At that point the airline had only seven aircraft and 12 domestic routes. The recovery that followed proved short-lived. Lessors reclaimed planes after payment delays. The fleet shrank further. Many domestic schedules for August 2026 simply disappeared from booking systems, culminating in the near-complete halt of scheduled services. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); Looking Ahead Despite the crisis, Bamboo Airways still talks of recovery. Management aims to add eight to ten aircraft each year from 2026 to 2030 and rebuild the fleet to around 40 jets. Talks have taken place with Boeing, Eastbridge Partners and South Korea’s RAKSO Holdings. Most of these plans remain early proposals. For now the outlook stays highly uncertain. With scheduled flights effectively suspended, heavy legacy debt, a tiny active fleet and ongoing tax pressure leave little room for error. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(133); }); Passengers face disruptions while the airline fights to stay aloft through limited charters. The coming weeks will show whether Bamboo Airways can stabilise, resume regular operations, or must shrink even further.

De Havilland DHC-515 water bomber undergoing assembly at Calgary facility
Business AviationJul 27, 2:48 PM

De Havilland to begin final assembly of DHC-515 water bomber with 2028 delivery target

Assembled in Calgary, the DHC-515 is a modernised variant of the prior CL-415 water bomber. De Havilland Canada is marching toward an expected 2028 delivery of its first DHC-515 water bomber, with much of the aircraft already manufactured and final assembly expected to start this year. “The mid…and the forward fuselage [sections] have been put together,” De Havilland vice-president of corporate affairs Neil Sweeney said on 21 July at the Farnborough air show. “It’s on track for delivery in 2028.” Also on that day De Havilland released a video showing major airframe components being assembled at the company’s Calgary site. Workers have joined the first aircraft’s cockpit to its hull (forming the forward fuselage), and the mid-fuselage “is now being integrated with the forward fuselage”. De Havilland has also completed production of the first DHC-515’s 28.6m (93.8ft)-span wing box. “It’ll be moved over to final assembly, I think, by the end of the year, and then we’ll start to do test flights next year,” Sweeney says. The twin Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW100-powered DHC-515 is an update to the prior CL-415, itself a sibling in a CL-series product line starting with the 1960s-era piston-powered CL-215. Long-defunct Canadair launched the programme before it was taken over by Bombardier, which produced the CL-415 in Montreal until shuttering the line in 2015. Then in 2016, Viking Aircraft – a subsidiary of Longview Aviation Capital, which also owns De Havilland – acquired the CL programme. Longview later moved the programme from Viking to De Havilland, which set up a DHC-515 assembly site in Calgary. Development is several years behind an original schedule but De Havilland has since 2024 been working toward the 2028 first-delivery goal. Roughly 80 of the prior variant CL-415s remain in service, according to fleet data provider Cirium. Source: De Havilland Canada The DHC-515 differs from the CL-415 in having modern Garmin G300 avionics, a new “water-drop control system”, improved corrosion protection and a new air conditioning system, the company has said. It will cruise at up to 187kt (346km/h), carry up to 6,140 litres (1,620gal) of water and be capable of filling its tanks within 12sec by performing an in-flight scooping manoeuvre over lakes and other water bodies. Alternatively, the DHC-515 can carry 680 litres of firefighting foam. De Havilland has also pitched the aircraft as suitable for surveillance, maritime patrol and medevac missions. The company holds orders for 38 of the aircraft, says Sweeney. That figure is up from about 20 two years ago. Buyers include state authorities in Croatia, Greece, France, Indonesia, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Aviation Safety

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Malaysia Airlines aircraft at Kuala Lumpur International Airport with security personnel near boarding gate
Aviation SafetyAug 3, 3:00 AM

Malaysia probes airport security after pilot caught smuggling drugs on Malaysia Airlines flight

Malaysia's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) has opened a regulatory investigation into airport security procedures following the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot in Indonesia on alleged drug smuggling charges, marking the latest development in a case that has prompted parallel investigations in both countries. The regulator announced the probe on August 2, saying it will examine whether all aviation security requirements were fully complied with before the pilot departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The review will assess airline compliance with aviation security regulations as well as airport screening procedures carried out before the flight leaves Malaysia. The investigation follows an incident that began on July 28, 2026, when Indonesian customs officers detained a Malaysia Airlines pilot after the arrival of flight MH727 from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). Authorities allege they discovered approximately 25 kilograms of ecstasy pills and methamphetamine, equivalent to more than 70,000 capsules, concealed in the pilot's luggage. Indonesian officials estimate the seized drugs have a street value of around $10.5 million. On August 1, Malaysian police confirmed they had launched a parallel criminal investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and baggage screening records at KLIA while cooperating with Indonesian authorities. Investigators are also examining whether the case is linked to a wider cross-border drug trafficking syndicate and whether aviation routes were exploited for smuggling operations. CAAM Chief Executive Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the regulator's review will determine whether all applicable security measures were followed before the aircraft's departure. He stressed that flight crew are not exempt from airport security screening and must undergo the same screening procedures as other individuals entering security-restricted areas, including X-ray inspection of cabin baggage and personal belongings, in accordance with Malaysia's Civil Aviation Security Regulations 2019 and the National Civil Aviation Security Program. The authority added that it is collecting evidence and will take enforcement action within its jurisdiction should any breaches of aviation regulations or security requirements be identified. Malaysia Airlines has said it is fully cooperating with the Indonesian investigation while conducting its own internal review.

Commercial airliner at night parked at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport with customs officers nearby
Aviation SafetyAug 1, 9:49 AM

Malaysia Airlines Pilot Arrested in Indonesia with 70,000 Ecstasy Pills and Multiple Drugs

A lot of drug smuggling happens by airplane, and it's not totally uncommon to see pilots and flight attendants involved, given how much they travel, plus the special privileges they have at some airports. Well, here's one of the most extreme stories I've ever heard — a Malaysia Airlines pilot was caught in Indonesia transporting 57 pounds of ecstasy. Not only that, but he even tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine. Malaysia Airlines pilot caught smuggling drugs into Indonesia This incident happened on the night of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK). Customs officers at the airport were inspecting baggage at the international arrivals hall via x-ray, and noticed a bag that looked suspicious. The bag was later collected by a 39-year-old Malaysia Airlines pilot who had just completed flight MH727 from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL). At that point, customs officers approached the pilot, and took him and the suitcase to a customs inspection room for further examination. It was there that authorities discovered 14 large packages containing more than 70,000 ecstasy pillows, weighing a total of 26 kilograms (57 pounds). There was also a separate package of methamphetamine. As you'd expect, the pilot was detained, and authorities are still trying to figure out the network he was involved in. During questioning, the pilot stated that he had been instructed by another person to transport the drugs to Jakarta, and that they would be picked up from his hotel. He was offered 50,000 MRY (11,700 USD) for doing the job. The pilot also admitted that he had previously transported drugs on two occasions. In addition to once previously transporting seven kilograms (15 pounds) of methamphetamine to Jakarta, he had also once transported methamphetamine to Sabahh, Malaysia. Unfortunately for this pilot, Indonesia has some of the strictest anti-drug laws of anywhere in the world, and drug trafficking charges can carry a life sentence, or even the death penalty (though the country has maintained a moratorium on executions for the last decade). This Malaysia Airlines pilot was caught at Jakarta Airport The pilot also tested positive for three different drugs Here's what makes this story even more shocking. When this all happened, the pilot also had a drug test administered on him, and that showed positive results for methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine. I'm not an expert on this stuff, but I'd interpret that to mean that the results were positive for this being in his system, rather than him just coming in contact with these drugs? Because if so… wow! One would certainly hope that he hadn't consumed these drugs shortly before flying, and that they were just in his system from days earlier. Of course that still completely violates rules and is unacceptable, but there's a difference between doing these drugs days before a flight, vs. an hour before a flight. Sometimes we'll see airline employees get caught drug smuggling because they need (or want) the money, even if they wouldn't consume any of these drugs themselves. However, in this case it seems the pilot both consumed and smuggled drugs. This Malaysia Airlines pilot also tested positive for drugs Bottom line A Malaysia Airlines pilot was caught smuggling a huge quantity of drugs at Jakarta Airport, including 57,000 ecstasy pills. He admitted he had done something like this twice before, and that someone was supposed to pick up the drugs at his hotel. Unfortunately for him, this is going to come with quite the punishment, given Indonesia's strict anti-drug laws. What makes this even wilder is that a drug test was performed on him, and he tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine. What do you make of this Malaysia Airlines pilot drug bust?

JetBlue aircraft parked at JFK Airport amid operational delays
Aviation SafetyAug 1, 2:50 AM

JetBlue Offers $5,000 Bonuses to Flight Attendants Amid Severe Staffing Crisis

The beleaguered New York-based airline JetBlue is reportedly offering flight attendants bonuses of $5,000 to pick up additional flying on their scheduled days off as the carrier seeks to recover from days of disruption that have resulted in hundreds of flights being canceled, and many more being delayed. On one night last week, JetBlue was forced to ground all flights due to arrive at New York JFK as widespread thunderstorms caused havoc across the Northeast, leading to FAA-mandated ground stops in Baltimore, Boston, Newark, New York, and Washington Dulles and Washington National airports. Jetblue unconfirmed "Emergency meeting today. Inflight Management today sent every inflight crew in a Special Assignment (SPA or our version of TDY in another temporary role) back to the line to fly. Only exception is those on Special Assignment as Inflight Supervisors. Every… — JonNYC (@xJonNYC) July 31, 2026 To give another indication of the kinds of disruption that JetBlue has been battling, on July 22, the airline was forced to cancel 257 flights, representing a quarter of the airline’s planned flights, and an additional 373 flights were delayed. The continued disruption has led to a situation in which flight crews have been left ‘out of position’ or, in other words, in a different destination than where they were meant to be to work their next flight. This has resulted in a shortage of flight attendants to operate flights. To add to JetBlue’s woes, sources cited by trusted aviation insider JonNYC on X claim that the number of fatigue and sickness calls has been on the rise, further adding to the airline’s attempts to staff its flights. In an attempt to ‘reset the system,’ JeBlue has reportedly called on flight attendants who have been on ‘special assignment,’ such as taking on office-based roles, to return to flying on a temporary basis to fix the staffing shortage. This will include flight attendants who work as instructors at JetBlue’s training center in Florida. A flying bonus is also being offered to all flight attendants for August, with the ability to earn between 2,000 and 4,000 Crewbucks – an internal currency that can be exchanged for confirmed flights or even cash. 2,000 Crewbucks is worth $2,000, and 4,000 Crewbucks are worth $4,000. The airline has also been offering ‘holiday pay’ on many days in July, which is worth around double the normal flying pay for flight attendants who picked up work on their scheduled days off.

Flight Training

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Modern Spirit Airlines corporate headquarters campus in Dania Beach with adjacent residential units and parking
Flight TrainingAug 1, 9:04 PM

Spirit Airlines' $250M Dania Beach Campus Faces $88M Bankruptcy Bid

Spirit opened its new $250 million "Spirit Central" corporate campus in 2024, complete with training facilities, employee housing, and space for more than 1,000 workers. Now, in bankruptcy, a stalking horse bidder is offering just $88 million for much of the nearly brand-new headquarters complex — an extraordinary markdown for a project that symbolized how far the airline had drifted from its ultra-low-cost roots.

United Airlines Boeing 777 parked at an international airport with crew boarding
Flight TrainingJul 29, 2:11 PM

United Flight Attendants Can Now Use Secret Crew Bunks During Non-Rev Travel

A few weeks ago, it emerged that flight attendants at United Airlines who are using their ‘non-rev’ staff travel privileges might soon be able to occupy one of the most comfortable flat beds on board the Chicago-based carrier’s international widebody aircraft fleet. And, no, we don’t mean a Polaris Business Class seat. We’re referring to something far more comfortable and spacious… the secret crew bunks, or what is officially called the ‘Overhead Flight Attendant Rest’ or OFAR on Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners. The idea behind the policy is that non-rev flight attendants who have been left with a jumpseat because every seat is otherwise occupied by a fare-paying passenger will now be able to get some rest during a long-haul flight – something that is almost otherwise impossible if you’re stuck on a pull-down jumpseat. While some other U.S. airlines, including non-unionized Delta Air Lines, have allowed their non-rev jumpseating flight attendants to use crew bunks for several years, the opportunity has only now been opened up to United Airlines flight attendants following an agreement between the carrier and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) as part of the successful conclusion of very lengthy contract negotiations. But there was a delay in actually implementing the benefit because the union needed to lock down a policy to make it as fair as possible. Thankfully, that policy has now been agreed. Here’s how it will work: The crew bunks (or crew rest seats on aircraft without bunks) will only be offered to flight attendants who have been assigned a jumpseat. If a non-rev passenger has been assigned any type of passenger seat, that’s where they have to stay. The bunks will only be available for use by United Airlines flight attendants. If a flight attendant for another airline is jumpseating, then they can’t use the crew bunks, even if they are trained on that aircraft type. Dependent on the aircraft type and the number of crew actually working the flight, there may or may not be a spare bunk that can be used. And no, flight attendants can’t share bunks. If there is more than one non-rev jumpseater, then use of the bunks will go in seniority order. The bunks can only be occupied when the aircraft is at an altitude of at least 15,000 feet on Boeing 787s and 25,000 feet on Boeing 777s. For taxi, takeoff, ascent, descent, and landing, non-rev crew have to be in their jumpseat. Non-rev flight attendants need to be careful not to disturb the working crew when they are taking their assigned breaks. United Airlines managers, even those who have gone through flight attendant training, aren’t allowed to occupy the bunks as part of this policy. Even when there aren’t enough crew rest seats or bunks available for non-rev flight attendants when the working crew is taking their breaks, that doesn’t mean they can’t still be used. A non-rev traveler could use the bunks during the first and second meal service, and then sit on their jumpseat during the assigned crew breaks. Every flight attendant who works on widebody aircraft will have their favorite bunk, so you can probably imagine there being some type of coordination with the international purser over which bunks the non-rev travelers are allowed to occupy, so as not to annoy the working crew. The bunks of the Boeing 777-300 are generally regarded as one of the best OFAR facilities, with every bunk being equal in the amount of space available and the threat of noise disturbance from the cabin. In contrast, the Boeing 787 has some bunks that are slightly more private, and one bunk that is slightly roomier… but additional space comes at the expense of peace as it is located right above the galley area. While not a concern for United’s flight attendants, one of the most hated crew bunks are one the Airbus A380, and, specifically, a module that was built in the cabin on the main deck. These bunks are not only pretty cramped, but they also carry every bit of sound from within the cabin.

Military/Defense

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RAF F-35B Lightning II jets taxiing on runway at RAF base under overcast sky
Military/DefenseAug 3, 5:00 AM

UK delays delivery of expanded F-35 fleet until early 2030s amid strategic and logistical challenges

Due to severe worldwide backlog pressures within the F-35 Joint Program Office and a strategic procurement delay by the Ministry of Defense, the United Kingdom will not receive any new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets from its enlarged fleet order until the early 2030s. The upcoming batch introduces the F-35A variant to the UK fleet for the first time, intended to fulfill NATO nuclear-sharing missions.

B-1B Lancer bombers lined up on RAF Fairford runway during daytime operations
Military/DefenseAug 1, 4:00 PM

US Air Force Deploys Nearly One-Third of B-1B Bomber Fleet to RAF Fairford

At the peak of Operation Epic Fury (around late March 2026) , the US Air Force deployed around 15 B-1B Lancers and around six B-52H Stratofortresses at the UK's RAF Fairford airbase. The initial wave of B-1Bs arrived on or after March 6, with B-52s arriving soon after. As of the time of writing (late July), a large share of the Air Force's operational Rockwell B-1 Lancer fleet remains deployed at RAF Fairford.

NASA X-59 experimental aircraft flying against a clear blue sky during a test flight
Military/DefenseAug 1, 7:00 AM

NASA X-59 Quesst Breaks Sound Barrier After Nearly Seven Months of Careful Test Flights

The NASA X-59 Quesst aircraft, built by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, took roughly seven months from its first flight on October 28, 2025, to safely cross the sound barrier for the first time on June 5, 2026. Rather than immediately flying at full speed, experimental aircraft must undergo a careful process called envelope expansion. Even though the X-59 is intended to pioneer quiet supersonic flight for commercial airliners, engineers must slowly push the aircraft's limits to ensure it remains safe and controllable.