A Gulfstream broke the polar circumnavigation of the Earth record, accomplishing the flight in 46 hours, 39 minutes, and 38 seconds. Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the flight departed from Cape Canaveral, Florida, stopping in Kazakhstan, Mauritius and Chile along the way.

Google Air Traffic Control

Alphabet (Google’s parent company) continues its takeover into every part of our life – including the skies. A new app by an offshoot of the behemoth called OpenSky, aims to become an air traffic control system for delivery drones. The system will help to prevent mid-air collisions and adhere to regional legal restrictions.

NATA Safety 1st Program Updated

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) have announced new changes to the Safety 1st Training program, the first major update since the program launched in 2008. The new program sees refreshed videos, photos and audio as well as to the training model. A mixture of e-learning, practical and written exams and on-the-job training must be completed by applicants.

London Airports to Face Strike Delays

Travelers from Stansted and Heathrow airports could face delays this summer holiday period, as workers including security guards, engineers and drivers plan to strike. Unite Union confirmed strikes are set to take place from 26 and 27 July, 5 and 6 August and 23 and 24 August. The strike action is over pay disparity between airport workers and top executives.

Pakistan Airspace Re-Opens

Flights between India and Pakistan can now resume after a ban implemented in February has been lifted, according to reports. The ban, a result of political tensions, affected most Indian carriers, increasing fuel costs and flight times.

Supermodel Behavior

We all have our own rituals when we’re flying – noise cancelling headphones, or maybe you prefer the window seat. But do you have a cleaning routine? Model Naomi Campbell gave us a glimpse into her travel routine, including disinfecting her plane seat before take-off.

The post Weekly Roundup July 18th appeared first on FBO Networks, Ground Handling, Trip Planning, Premium Jet Fuel.

For the second time in a week Singapore’s Changi Airport experienced delays due to unauthorized drone activity. Approximately 15 departures and 3 arrivals were delayed and 7 flights were diverted. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has deemed it illegal to fly within 5km of any airport or military airbase, or higher than 200 feet. With the widespread use of drones by the public it’s an ongoing battle for airports and authorities.

New Aircraft Design Concepts

As well as the explosion of new startups for hybrid and fully electric aircraft, there are a growing number of projects that aim to boldly change the efficiency of current aircrafts. These unconventional designs could help to reduce engine noise, shorter take off and landing, minimized weight and reduced drag. Take a look at our blog for some of the concepts from NASA, Onera and Boeing.

Russia Cancels Georgia Flights

Russian news outlets are reporting that they plan to halt flights by Russian carriers to neighboring Georgia from July 8th. The ban comes after Russia reported Georgia failed to pay debts accrued for air navigation services. It’s estimated that 150,000 Russians will have to cancel planned trips to Georgia in the coming months.

This Week’s Why Fly Private

A woman travelling on an Air Canada flight had a rude awakening. She woke up to find herself on the empty darkened plane – and to top things off her phone was dead. She attempted to use the cockpit comms and eventually managed to unlock a cabin door, gaining the attention of ground crew who assisted her off the aircraft. Air Canada have not yet commented on how the woman was left overlooked.

The post Weekly Roundup June 27th appeared first on FBO Networks, Ground Handling, Trip Planning, Premium Jet Fuel.