Jake Hardiman
(He/Him)
Norfolk County, UK
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Simple Flying
Covers:
Commercial aviation
Doesn't Cover:
Non-aviation subjects
Articles by Jake Hardiman
KLM Forced Into 'Painful' €1B Financial Overhaul
KLM has announced a widespread restructuring and consolidation program as it looks to improve its earnings in what is an increasingly challenging operational environment. This year, more than most, has seen airlines around the world come to terms with various external pressures, such as the airspace closures and fuel price hikes related to the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
Fresh Off FAA Approval, Boeing Lands 140-Jet 737 MAX 10 Order From Major Lessor
The year is ending strongly for the Boeing 737 MAX 10, with Irish aircraft leasing giant Avolon having just placed an order for 140 examples of the stretched narrowbody twinjet. This comes just weeks after the type finally received its type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, paving the way for it to enter commercial service in the near future after a long and drawn-out regulatory battle.
Multiple European Flights Hit By Bomb Threats In Single Day
At least six flights traveling to destinations in Europe are said to have faced bomb threats on Tuesday, just a day after a Wizz Air flight from London Luton Airport (LTN) to Sofia (SOF) had to divert to Budapest (BUD) on Monday. For the most part, the flights in question were able to continue to their destinations as normal, but one did have to divert, prompting a temporary closure at its new destination.
Boeing Predicts China’s Airliner Fleet Will Double To Almost 10,000
2026 has been a largely positive year for Boeing as far as its Chinese prospects are concerned, with improving diplomatic relations between the US and China paving the way for the American planemaker to land several major orders and continue deliveries. Going forward, China is certainly a market where Boeing will want to have a strong footing, given its latest projections for the Asian country.
US Tennis Star Slams United After ‘Canceled’ Flight Suddenly Takes Off With Her Bags
American tennis icon Jessica Pegula took to social media on Monday night after her United Airlines flight departed without her but with her bags still on board. Given the use of 'we' and 'us' in her post, it seems that Pegula was not the only passenger affected by this unusual turn of events, which reportedly came about after her flight was canceled and then 'un-canceled' after sitting in a downpour.
Urgent Warning Issued For Frontier Airlines Flyers
Online scammers are targeting Frontier Airlines passengers in a sophisticated phishing campaign that has resulted in some flyers entering their credit card details under false pretenses. Online discourse suggests that it is a wider problem affecting large numbers of the airline's customers, suggesting a major breach. In order to keep its passengers informed, Frontier has set up a dedicated website page.
Ryanair Considers Pay Freeze Amid Projected €2B Annual Fuel Bill Increase
Ryanair has announced that it may have to temporarily implement a pay freeze as it comes to terms with concerning long-term fuel prospects. This radical move remains under review for now, and it is one of several angles from which the Irish carrier is looking to tackle its fuel bill in the 2028 financial year. The reason for this is that, with fuel hedges running out, higher fares won't fully offset rising costs.
Boeing Cleared To Sell Parts & Jets To Belarus Despite Fears They’ll End Up In Russia
Boeing has officially been cleared to resume direct business with Belarusian flag carrier Belavia, which flies 12 aircraft from the US planemaker. The airline had been placed under sanctions by the US, but these were initially eased back in September of 2025. Now the US has gone a step further after its Commerce Department licensed Boeing to deal directly with Belavia in terms of both parts and planes.
Air Transat Cancels All Flights To 7 International Destinations: See Full List Now
Modern commercial aviation can be a volatile business, and, this year in particular, increasing operating costs tied to fuel price hikes amid the US-Israeli attacks on Iran have forced airlines around the world to take stock when it comes to network consolidation. Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat is one such airline, and, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, it has stopped flying to seven cities in 2026.
United Airlines Eyes 1st Flights To Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan: Here's Why
United Airlines may be considering launching flights to the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the near future, based on comments made by Scott Kirby, the Star Alliance founding member's CEO, during a recent podcast. The airline is clearly taking these prospects seriously, as Kirby confirmed that one of his fellow United executives recently visited the two countries.
8 Airlines Drop 17 Airbus A380 Nonstop Routes This Winter: See Full List Now
After its pandemic-induced lull, the Airbus A380 has risen to prominence again in the mid-2020s. This winter, however, it is set to be absent from some 17 route that it served in the winter 2025/26 season, with these cuts having been made by eight users. Churn is inevitable across all airlines and aircraft, but particularly with the A380, which can serve only certain routes viably due to its size.
Not Dead Yet: Airbus Clears Up Retirement Rumors Concerning The First-Ever A380
Earlier this week, F-WWOW, the first-ever Airbus A380 to roll off the production line, operated a 96-minute circular test flight that started and ended at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) in the southwest of France. After the double-decker widebody quadjet touched down, reports began to circulate that this had been its last-ever flight. However, Airbus has now confirmed that this is not the case after all.
Why US Airlines Aren't Happy About New 21 Day Ebola Rules For Passengers
Airlines in the United States of America are taking issue with the country's new rules and regulations regarding passengers returning from Ebola-affected areas. As of next week, all passengers flying back to the US on an international service will have to confirm that they have not been in certain hotspots within the last three weeks. This applies regardless of where in the world their flights is originating.
American & United Airlines Continue Price Hikes For Solo Travelers, Report Finds
Research by Thrifty Traveler has found that American Airlines and United Airlines are continuing to charge solo flyers more for their tickets on certain flights than those traveling in groups of two or more. While the trend is not ubiquitous, it is widespread enough to raise alarm bells, particularly when, according to Thrifty Traveler's research, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines do not do so.
United Airlines Adds 30 New Chef’s Table Dishes To Polaris Business Class From November 1
United Airlines has revealed its next wave of Chef's Table seasonal dishes that passengers flying in its Polaris business class cabin will be able to enjoy from November 1 to December 31. The forthcoming rotation is the second full portfolio that United Airlines has rolled out as part of this initiative, following an initial summer launch on August 1. United's new dishes offer tastes from all across its network.
Smell It Or Be Delayed: Pilot Holds Pre-Flight Vote After Dog Urinates On Plane
Footage that recently emerged on social media highlighted a curious occurrence at an airport before a flight. According to coverage of the matter by View From The Wing, the viral clip was shared by TV host Jennifer Coffey and appears to take place at a Delta Air Lines gate at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City. The incident in question concerns passengers voting on whether to delay the flight.
Three Atlas Air Boeing 747s Sport Giant Mustaches On Their Noses For Movember
In a world where twinjets are the dominant force, Atlas Air is a rare oasis of four-engine aircraft, with the US-based cargo and charter specialist still flying both the Boeing 747-400 and the 747-8F. These double-decker widebodies are recognizable enough in their own right, but three of them have just got a bit more distinctive after the application of mustaches on their nose cones to raise charity awareness.
Airbus Boosts A320neo Order Book With New European Flag Carrier Deal
Airbus has shaken hands with Faroese flag carrier Atlantic Airways on a firm order for another two examples of the multinational European planemaker's popular A320neo narrowbody twinjet. The airline is already familiar with the type, which it flies alongside older examples of the previous-generation Airbus A320-200. Going forward, however, Atlantic Airways is hoping to modernize to an all-A320neo fleet.
Iran Air Attempts Unprecedented Boeing 747 Overhaul Amid Sanctions
Keeping its fleet going tends to be a challenging undertaking for Iran Air at the best of times, with the carrier forced to rely on older aircraft due to Western sanctions. This year, the commercial aviation sector in Iran as a whole has been hit hard, with the country having had to come to terms with both military attacks and further sanctions. Iran Air, however, is confident that its sole 747 will soon fly again.
United Lands Most Of The Final Gates At Delta’s Salt Lake City Fortress As $5.1B Rebuild Ends
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah has finally completed a 12-year construction and redevelopment project valued at more than $5 billion. The final phase will officially go live on Tuesday with the opening of the last section of Concourse B East. Here, the majority of the new gates are set to be used by United Airlines, despite its US legacy rival Delta Air Lines being SLC's top user.
Alaska Airlines launches 10 new nonstop routes: See full list now
Alaska Airlines is a carrier that has been on the up in recent years, with its ongoing growth fueled by such factors as its long-haul debut and the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines . This growth is also reflected in its continued route-network expansion, with a total of ten new nonstop links set to begin operations between November and June 2027, according to Cirium , an aviation analytics company.
Alaska Airlines Launches 10 New Nonstop Routes: See Full List Now
Alaska Airlines is a carrier that has been on the up in recent years, with its ongoing growth fueled by such factors as its long-haul debut and the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. This growth is also reflected in its continued route-network expansion, with a total of ten new nonstop links set to begin operations between November and June 2027, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company.
What Are The Benefits Of Flying On Emirates’ Airbus A380?
For many travelers, the Airbus A380 has become more than just another aircraft type. Even as airlines around the world have retired the superjumbo, Emirates has continued to operate the world’s largest A380 fleet and position it as a defining part of its long-haul product. This has led to a common question among passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike: what are the real benefits of flying on Emirates’ Airbus A380?
Pegasus Airlines Airbus A321neo Lines Up The Wrong Way On Frankfurt Runway
A Pegasus Airlines Airbus A321neo that was set to depart from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) for Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) recently had to come to a stop after it turned the wrong way upon entering the runway. It did so at a relatively low speed and was able to safely depart in the other direction shortly after. Nonetheless, it highlighted what could have been an alarming situation.
Jetstar & Qantas Ban Influencer Over Pre-Flight Life Jacket Inflation Stunt
A social media influencer from Australia has been banned from flying on Jetstar and Qantas after inflating his life jacket during the safety demonstration before a domestic flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Adelaide Airport (ADL). Hugh Lovett was filmed doing so, and claimed that he was just having fun and was not a good listener. However, safety in modern aviation is no laughing matter.
“Threatening”: American Airlines Flight Turns Back To Miami After Man Allegedly Rushes Crew
On Thursday night, passengers flying on the evening American Airlines service from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Georgetown, Guyana, were delayed after their flight had to return to its Florida origin. The reason for the diversion was disruptive passenger behavior, with one of the people on board having allegedly threatened and rushed at the crew.
Typhoon Champi Threatens Asian Hubs With Flight Cuts: Military Aviation Also Hit
In the coming days, Typhoon Champi is expected to approach the coasts of eastern Asia. The tropical storm, which is described by such publications as the South China Morning Post as being the strongest of the year, is currently heading towards Taiwan and mainland China. Elsewhere in the region, it is thought that the storm may later hit the south of Japan, resulting in pre-emptive flight cancelations.
Aeromexico Set To Reveal Which US Cities Are Getting New Nonstop Flights To Mexico City
Aeromexico is reportedly preparing to announce a raft of new routes to the US from its main hub at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). The news comes off the back of the US Department of Transportation dropping restrictions put in place this time last year that prevented airlines from launching new routes from Mexico City's two main airports to the United States.
Boston Go-Around Caused By An Uncleared Etihad Boeing 787 Entering The Runway
Last week, an Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner twinjet committed a runway incursion at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The US-built widebody had just touched down from Etihad Airways' main hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in the UAE, and it was taxiing to its gate when its pilots were instructed to hold short of one of Boston's six runways as part of their route to the stand.
3 Hospitalized: Suspected Norovirus Outbreak Sparks Panic On Eurowings Flight
On Sunday evening, airport authorities at Germany's Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) prepared for a mass casualty event as a Eurowings Airbus A321-200 operating a flight from Rhodes (RHO) in Greece reported an illness outbreak onboard. Current suspicions suggest that it was an outbreak of norovirus, although this remains unconfirmed as Eurowings investigates the matter and those affected receive treatment.
United Airlines CEO Defends Charging Non-Frequent Flyers $70 To Avoid The Middle Seat
When it comes to plane seats, everyone has their preferences. Some flyers prefer to gaze out of the window, while others like the freedom of movement that comes with sitting in an aisle seat. Both parties, however, are united on one front: their dislike of the middle seat. These spaces offer neither the prime view of the window seat nor the freedom of movement of the aisle, and thus flyers look to avoid them.
65,000 More United Airlines Flyers A Day Can Now Preorder Food On Shorter Flights
In the early years of commercial aviation, food and drink were all part of the pageantry of taking a flight. While catering plays less of a role today, it is still an important aspect to many passengers, with some preferring to choose their meals on the fly (quite literally!), while others favor the approach of pre-ordering their dish(es) of choice. A recent policy change at United Airlines has improved the latter move.
End Of An Era: Lufthansa's Last A340-600 Flight Touches Down After 23 Years Original
Lufthansa has officially closed the book on a 23-year period of Airbus A340-600 operations, with its final scheduled service with the type having touched down at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Monday morning. While its last few examples of the Airbus A340-600 were not its oldest aircraft overall, their relative inefficiency necessitated an expedited replacement.
Bomb Threat Forces Austrian A320 From Tel Aviv To Land In Bulgaria Under Fighter Escort
On Sunday night, an Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200 flying from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Vienna International Airport (VIE) was forced to divert to Vasil Levski Sofia Airport (SOF) in Bulgaria due to an alleged bomb threat. The seriousness of the situation prompted the Bulgarian Air Force to dispatch MiG-29 'Fulcrum' fighter jets to escort the airliner to Sofia Airport.
This Is Breeze Airways' New #1 Airport: Is It Where You Think?
As 2026 comes to an end, airlines are already keeping one eye on their plans for 2027. At Breeze Airways, a notable quirk of the first quarter of next year is that it will have a new busiest airport in terms of scheduled departures, namely Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Florida. This facility ranked third in Q1 2026, but an 82% increase in flights has pushed it to the top spot in Q1 2026. This considerable uptick reflects Breeze's strong, continued growth in 2026.
Virgin Atlantic Launches New 14-Hour Nonstop Heathrow Route Today: See Map Now
After almost a year of waiting, Sunday marks the day that Virgin Atlantic is finally launching its hotly anticipated new route from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Phuket International Airport (HKT). This Thai destination is a key long-haul leisure gateway for Europeans looking for much-needed winter sun, and Virgin's new route marks the first time it has been served from LHR.
Only 68% Full: Will JetBlue End This Long-Haul Route To The UK?
Recently released load factor data from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has illustrated a challenging and contrasting picture on JetBlue Airways' two transatlantic routes to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). The hybrid carrier flies there from both Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with one route being much busier.
American Airlines Teases New Lounges & Tech Upgrades Coming To DFW Airport
Located in the northeast of Texas, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has long been American Airlines' largest and busiest hub. Much like how Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) works for its SkyTeam rival, Delta Air Lines, the oneworld carrier uses DFW as a focal point for both point-to-point and transit passengers. Given its importance, the ongoing upgrades are unsurprising.
Unruly Passenger Forces Transpacific Turnaround On Singapore Airlines Airbus A350
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) had to return to the Bay Area on Wednesday after a disruptive passenger caused an onboard disturbance. He reportedly injured himself in the process, and was arrested once the aircraft had arrived back in San Francisco after what turned out to be an eight-hour flight to nowhere.
Lufthansa Orders Select Frankfurt-Bound Flights To Carry Extra Fuel Over Supply Concerns
Time and again this year, fuel price concerns have dictated decision-making processes at the top of the airline industry. Primarily, this has been driven by supply chain concerns in the Middle East, amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. On Thursday, it emerged that Lufthansa was engaging in 'tankering' to allay fears about fuel supply concerns, but this is driven by factors closer to home.
Out With The Old, In With The New: SWISS Retires An A340 As Lufthansa Teases A350-1000
As one generation of widebody aircraft makes way for another, it is no secret that the world's widebody fleets are in a state of transition. However, this trend has rarely manifested itself as clearly as yesterday, when two Lufthansa Group airlines reached different milestones concerning their long-haul aircraft. Specifically, SWISS sent an A340 to retirement while Lufthansa announced its first A350-1000 route.
Airbus: Airlines Will Need 2.4 Million New Workers By 2045 As Aviation Services Sector Doubles
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus revealed today at a press conference in Toulouse that it forecasts significant growth in the aviation services market in the coming two decades. Specifically, the planemaker says that this sector is set to double in size between 2026 and 2045, as the global fleet exceeds 45,000 aircraft. This forecast is based on an average 3.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
FAA Urged To Halt AI Air Traffic Tool At DC Airports Over "Life Or Death" Concerns
Around a month ago, the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States began its rollout of a new AI system as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic control in the country. Known as SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace Routes and Trajectories), the system went live in an initially limited capacity at three Washington airports: Baltimore (BWI), Dulles (IAD), and Reagan (DCA).
False Hijack Alarm Prompts Fighter Jet Escort & Airport Closure In Germany
Earlier on Tuesday, an emergency involving a Corendon Airlines Boeing 737-800 caused Nuremberg Airport (NUE) in Germany to stop its operations. The narrowbody twinjet was flying to Bavaria from Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU) on the Greek island of Corfu when its crew changed its squawk code to '7500,' which indicates a hijacking or other unlawful interference to air traffic control.
Bedbugs Infest Qantas Boeing 787, Forcing Flight Cancellation
On Saturday, Qantas had to cancel a scheduled flight from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Perth Airport (PER) and onwards to Melbourne (MEL). While cancelations are a rare but unavoidable part of modern commercial aviation and can arise for various reasons, the circumstances surrounding this particular shelving were more unusual than most. Specifically, this was caused by a bedbug outbreak.
‘Legally Blonde’ Actress Charged After Allegedly Biting Delta Crew, Kicking Cop In The Head
On Sunday, a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to New York JFK Airport took an eventful turn when US actress Selma Blair reportedly lashed out at the service's cabin crew, prompting her to be restrained on board. She was subsequently arrested upon her arrival in New York City, where she is then said to have kicked a police officer in the head and assaulted a nurse.
Saudia Hardest Hit As Riyadh Flight Cancelations Soar Amid Missile Attacks
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Saudi Arabia has recently been the target of multiple Houthi missile attacks as war continues to rage in the Middle East. According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, Riyadh Airport is Saudi Arabia's second-busiest hub, with 11,222 departures scheduled in October of 2026. It sits behind Jeddah (JED), whose total of 11,832 ranks in first place.
Crisis Averted: Boeing Strike Called Off Thanks To New Pay Deal, Saving 777X Certification
Engineers working at Boeing have decided not to strike after ratifying a new four-year pay deal. After an initial 10% raise, workers will see futher incremental pay hikes in 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, and the new contract also features other changes and perks. Approval was far from unanimous among the union members who voted on the matter, but it was ultimately enough to get it over the line.
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Escapes Tail Strike By Inches At LAX As Pilots Abort Landing
On Saturday, a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 flying from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) had a rather eventful arrival in Southern California when it came within inches of a tail strike during touchdown. The alarming incident was caught on camera by a planespotting livestream at the airport, forcing the widebody quadjet to go around and land at LAX on the second attempt.
Air Canada Cancels 14 Routes In 2026: See Full List Now
2026 has been a difficult year for aviation, with airlines of all shapes and sizes around the world coming to terms with fuel price hikes and fluctuations in demand that are often tied to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. With this in mind, some route churn has been inevitable, and even major airlines like Air Canada have not been exempt: the flag carrier has cut 14 routes this year.
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