United's cabin crew now the highest-paid in the US airline industry

After nearly six years of negotiations, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) announced today that nearly 30,000 United Airlines flight attendants have officially approved a new five-year contract with 82% support. 

UNITED AIRLINES BOEING 787-9 N29981 (MSN 66142)

Key takeaways from the new five-year agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

• Nearly 30,000 United flight attendants approved the deal with 82% support.
• Average base pay will rise by 31% this summer.
• Flight attendants will receive $741 million in retroactive pay.
• Boarding pay is being introduced for the first time, adding an estimated 7–8% more compensation on average.

The agreement includes:

• “Sit pay” for long ground waits over 2.5 hours
• Restrictions on red-eye scheduling
• Expanded maternity, parental, and adoption leave
• Improved 401(k) contributions and per diem rates
• Reforms to reserve scheduling, replacing 24-hour on-call reserve periods with 14-hour availability windows
• Additional job protections related to regional/Express and codeshare flying

From an industry perspective, this continues the broader post-COVID labor trend where airline workers — pilots, mechanics, and cabin crews — have gained substantial leverage amid staffing shortages, strong travel demand, and inflationary pressure. The addition of boarding pay is especially notable because flight attendants across the industry have long argued they should be compensated for all time spent working, not just time after the aircraft door closes.

The agreement could also increase pressure on competitors such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines to maintain competitive compensation packages for cabin crews.

The aircraft mentioned, the Boeing 787-9, is one of United’s long-haul widebody aircraft commonly used on international routes where many of these work-rule improvements — especially around reserve scheduling and red-eyes — may have a meaningful operational impact.

Do you have a fear of flying?

I was chatting with a family member who has a fear of flying and refuses to travel by air, which got me thinking about how many other people have this fear.

A lot of people get nervous about flying, especially when they hit turbulence. But the truth is, flying is one of the safest ways to travel. Today’s planes are built with cutting-edge technology, strict safety measures, and skilled pilots who are trained to keep passengers safe no matter what.

Turbulence is a common source of anxiety for many passengers. It occurs when a plane flies through uneven air currents, much like a car hitting bumps or potholes. While it can feel unsettling or even scary, turbulence is rarely dangerous. Planes are designed to withstand much harsher conditions, and pilots know how to navigate it safely. Most of the time, it’s just a bit of temporary shaking that doesn’t impact the plane’s safety.

Airlines stick to strict maintenance routines to keep planes in top shape before every flight. Pilots, cabin crews, and air traffic controllers work as a team to make air travel as safe as it can be. In fact, millions of flights take off and land without incident around the world each year.

For those nervous about flying, it’s good to remember that turbulence is a normal part of the journey, and planes are built to keep passengers safe. Knowing just how reliable modern air travel is can ease worries and make the experience much more relaxing.

Here are approaches that often help:

Before the flight

• Learn what causes turbulence and aircraft sounds. Understanding what’s normal can reduce uncertainty.
• Choose flights strategically:
  • Morning flights sometimes have smoother air.
  • Larger planes can feel more stable.
  • Seats over the wings usually feel less turbulence.
• Avoid excess caffeine or alcohol before flying, since both can increase anxiety symptoms.
• Arrive early so the airport experience feels less rushed.

During the flight

• Use grounding techniques:
  • Slow breathing (for example, inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds)
  • Notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, etc.
• Distract your brain:
  • Movies, podcasts, games, music, audiobooks
• Tell the cabin crew you’re nervous. Flight attendants are used to helping anxious passengers.
• Focus on facts rather than feelings:
  • Commercial flying is one of the safest forms of travel.
  • Turbulence is uncomfortable but rarely dangerous to the aircraft.

Man hit and killed by jet on runway

According to airport authorities, a person who jumped a fence and ended up on a runway at Denver International Airport was hit and killed by a Frontier Airlines plane during takeoff. The impact caused an engine fire, prompting passengers to evacuate.

FRONTIER AIRLINES AIRBUS A320-251N N339FR (MSN 8535)

The pilots from the plane, on route from Denver (DEN/KDEN) to Los Angeles International Airport (LA/KLAX), “reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at Denver at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday,” according to a post on the airport’s official X account.

A spokesperson for the airport said the person, who jumped a perimeter fence, has died. They said the unidentified person was hit two minutes after entering the airport. The person is not believed to be an airport employee.

“We’re stopping on the runway,” the pilot tells the control tower according to the site ATC.com. “We just hit somebody. We have an engine fire.”

The pilot tells the air traffic controller they have “231 souls” on board and that an “individual was walking across the runway.”

The air traffic controller responds that they are “rolling the trucks now” before the pilot tells the tower “we have smoke in the aircraft. We are going to evacuate on the runway.”

“We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities,” the airline said.

Passengers were evacuated via slides, and the emergency crew bused them to the terminal. The airport spokesperson said 12 passengers suffered minor injuries from the slides and five were taken to hospitals.

Denver Airport said the National Transportation Safety Board had been notified and that runway 17L, where the incident took place, was closed amid an investigation. It reopened Saturday around 11 a.m.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on X that the person “breached airport security at Denver International Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto the active runway.”

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident. 

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Frontier  

Code: F9/FFT    
Aircraft: Airbus A321-271NX
Registration: N646FR
Serial Number: 11952
Engines: P&W PW1133G-JM
First Flew: 11th April 2024

Age: 2 years

Emirates employees to receive 20-week salary bonus after record profits

EMIRATES AIRBUS A380-861 A6-EUF (MSN 218)

The Emirates Group employees are to receive a 20-week salary bonus in response to the company’s record financial performance in fiscal year 2025-26.

The Dubai-based aviation conglomerate, which includes Emirates airlines and ground services arm dnata, announced the bonus on the 7th of May 2026. 

The payout comes after a year in which the group achieved historic highs in net profits, revenues, and cash reserves, despite significant disruptions caused by regional conflict in the final month of the fiscal year.

In a letter to staff, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, acknowledged the challenges employees faced during the year, particularly in March when military activity in the region severely disrupted operations.

“March 2026 will fade into memory, but we will never forget your bravery and incredible resilience,” Sheikh Ahmed wrote. “You were called upon during one of the most complex and challenging times in our history and you showed up with commitment and passion. For that, I will remain forever grateful to you.”

The group’s workforce grew 8% over the year to a total of 130,919 employees. Emirates Group shortlisted 390,000 candidates from 3.5 million applications and onboarded more than 9,700 people in the UAE during the same 

Emirates Group reported a record profit before tax of Dh 24.4 billion (US $6.6 billion), up 7% year-on-year. Group revenue reached Dh 150.5 billion (US $41 billion), a 3% increase, while cash assets climbed 12% to Dh 59.6 billion (US $16.2 billion). Emirates’ airline alone posted a pre-tax profit of $6.2 billion, with its profit margin rising from 16.5% to 17.4%.

Air New Zealand is now the Best of the Best

AIR NEW ZEALAND BOEING 777-319 ZK-OKQ (MSN 40689)

Air New Zealand has consistently ranked among the World’s Top 10 Safest Airlines. Now, following the success of its most recent onboard cabin safety audit, the airline has been elevated into an even more exclusive category, the Seven Star PLUS category.

The achievement places Air New Zealand within a select group of Seven Star PLUS carriers including airlines such as Etihad Airways, Starlux and Cathay Pacific recognising its continued commitment to rigorous operational standards onboard.

The CEO of Airlineratings.com Sharon Petersen said of the recognition:
"What distinguishes Air New Zealand as a Seven Star PLUS safety-rated airline is not only its performance but also its growth mindset. Whilst our auditor identified very few recommendations, at our exit briefing, the airline's leadership treated each one of those as an opportunity to refine an already exceptional operation. This is the absolute epitome of a Seven Star PLUS airline: exceptional safety standards underpinned by a team that refuses to grow complacent."

Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said: "We're incredibly proud to receive AirlineRatings.com's Seven Star PLUS safety rating, its highest accolade. It recognises the dedication of all Air New Zealanders to maintaining safe, reliable operations and caring for our customers at every step of their journey. While this is a fantastic milestone, we know safety is an ongoing journey, and we remain focused on continuing to raise the bar every day."

ANZ has also just won the World's Best Economy Class for 2026, mainly due to the Skycouch, but the real question is whether paying $249 to $1,200 extra for a 5' 1" (1.55 m) flat surface actually beats just buying a premium economy ticket. As fuel costs and demand drive international fares to new heights, these mechanical and financial trade-offs become far more critical for anyone crossing the Pacific or heading toward the East Asian markets.

Competitors like Singapore Airlines and Korean Air were runners-up, but the unique ability to convert a standard row into a bed remains a significant differentiator for the Kiwi carrier. 

“Let’s Buy Spirit” Do you want to own a share in an Airline

Just days after Spirit Airlines shut down operations, a surprising movement is gaining serious attention. A grassroots campaign called “Let’s Buy Spirit” has already raised over $24 million in public pledges, aiming to bring back the ultra-low-cost carrier — but this time, it will be owned by the people.

The idea? 

Turn Spirit into a community-backed airline, similar to how the Green Bay Packers operate, giving everyday travelers a real stake in the future of affordable flying.

Spirit officially ceased operations on the 2nd of May after years of financial struggles, rising fuel costs, and failed merger attempts. The sudden shutdown left thousands of passengers stranded and marked the end of 34 years in the skies.

Despite its controversial reputation, many travelers are now realizing how important Spirit was in keeping ticket prices low. Its presence forced bigger airlines to stay competitive — meaning even people who never flew Spirit benefited from cheaper fares.

Now the big question is:

Can a community-funded airline actually survive in such a tough industry?

Aviation experts remain skeptical, pointing out that running an airline requires billions, not millions. But the rapid support shows one thing clearly — people don’t want low-cost travel to disappear.

What do you think, would you invest your money in Spirit? 

British Airways to bring back the A380 on the London - Singapore route

British Airways is gearing up to bring back its flagship Airbus A380 on the route between London's Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) and Singapore (SIN/WSSS), boosting long-haul connections between England, South Africa, and one of Asia’s top aviation hubs. 

Starting on the 7th of September 2026, the superjumbo will once again fly the London Heathrow–Singapore Changi route, coinciding with Singapore’s passport being ranked among the strongest globally, further cementing the city-state’s reputation as a premium gateway for travelers from India, Europe, and beyond.

The A380’s return will be short-lived however, as it will only be running from the 7th of September 2026 to the 16th of March 2027.

The airline runs two daily flights on this route, using Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft, with the 787 flights continuing on to Sydney Australia. 

Come September Singapore will be served by three A380 operators: Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways.

Flight Schedule (all times local)

From the 7th of September 2026.
London Heathrow - Singapore (A380-800)

Flight BA11 departs London at 19:25 and arrives in Singapore at 16:05 +1 day.
Flight BA12 departs Singapore at 23:20 and arrives in London at 06:35 +1 day.

London Heathrow - Singapore - Sydney (B787-9):

Continues to Sydney (SYD/YSSY). Boeing 777 to be deployed from October 2026.

Flight BA15 departs London at 22.00 and arrives in Singapore at 18:40 +1 day.

Flight BA15 departs Singapore at 20.20 and arrives in Sydney at 06.05 +1 day. 

Flight BA16 departs Sydney at 14.35 and arrives in Singapore at 21.00. 

Flight BA16 departs Singapore at 22.40 and arrives in London at 05.35 +1 day.

British Airways operates a fleet of 12 Airbus A380-841 aircraft with 469 Seats.

Seat Configuration: 

14 First Class

97 Business Class

55 Premium Economy

303 Economy Class