Tuesday, May 22: We’ve all heard the warnings from the airline staff as we take off on a flight: “When you’re in your sets keep your seatbelts fastened.” Folks, there is a reason for this…and our top story IS the reason why: 1 passenger dies and over 30 are injured in a Singapore Airlines turbulence event.
ALSO: Boeing CEO will walk with $33 million, Hertz moving away from EVs as they take a huge financial hit, flight attendant ‘spills the beans’ on getting flight deals (so she says!) PLUS: Lots of route news…
Top Stories
1 Dead, 30 Injured After Severe Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Flight
In a tragic incident, a 73-year-old British man has died, and over 30 individuals sustained injuries when a Singapore Airlines flight from London encountered severe turbulence. The Boeing 777-300ER, en route to Singapore, was forced to divert and make an emergency landing in Bangkok at 15:45 local time (08:45 GMT).
According to passengers aboard, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop, resulting in passengers and items being hurled across the cabin. “The aircraft suddenly dropped – and people and objects were thrown around the cabin,” recounted one of the passengers.
The flight, which was carrying 211 passengers along with 18 crew members, has brought attention to the unpredictable nature of air travel and the challenges it poses even with modern aviation technology. Singapore Airlines has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
This unfortunate event underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the aviation industry.
Outgoing Boeing CEO Calhoun to Receive $33 Million Compensation
In a recent development reported by the BBC, Boeing shareholders have sanctioned a noteworthy 2023 compensation package for departing President Dave Calhoun, tallying up to a staggering $33 million. The verdict, delivered during the company’s annual gathering, bears a caveat—it’s not binding. Additionally, shareholders have greenlit Calhoun’s continuation as a director, as he prepares to step down during a pivotal phase for the aerospace giant.
Quoting newly elected Board Chair Steve Mollenkopf from the meeting, “The months and years ahead are critically important for our company as we take the necessary steps to regain the trust lost in recent times.”
Hertz Reevaluates EV Strategy After Facing Hefty Financial Losses
In an electric twist of fate, Hertz is putting the brakes on its once ambitious EV initiative, citing the vehicles as both unreliable and pricier to maintain compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
The Estero, Florida-based rental giant announced a steeper cut to its electric fleet, planning to offload an additional 10,000 electric vehicles. This decision escalates the total number of EVs Hertz intends to sell in 2024 to 30,000, following a costly $195 million charge in the first quarter due to fleet depreciation.
Airlines
> A flight attendant has revealed five secrets that they claim “airlines don’t want you to know”, including a handy tip which could save you money when booking your next flight. The cabin crew member, speaking with Ski Vertigo, explained that you might be able to snap up the exact same seats for your flight for a cut of the price when booking through a “code-share” or “partner” airline.
Fares, Miles, Points
> Let’s look at how you can maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits to ensure you’re saving the most money — and earning the most points — as organically possible. It’ll help you gauge whether the card is worth keeping year after year.
Hotels
> Hilton and the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton’s philanthropic arm, announced today the latest progress towards their shared goal of creating a better world for travel with the release of the 2023 Hilton Global Foundation Impact Report and the 2023 Hilton Travel with Purpose Report.
> When it comes to extended stays in San Jose, it’s all about finding the balance between comfort and affordability. Whether you’re in town for business, leisure, or relocating, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
> The global hotel franchise market is anticipated to grow from USD 37.02 billion to USD 77.16 billion in 10 years. Frequent travellers always opt for the reliability and facilities of well-known hotel chains, which significantly boosts the prosperity of hotel franchises.
> Hilton has announced the European debut of its industry-disrupting premium economy brand Spark by Hilton, with the signing of Spark by Hilton London Romford. Set to open in the coming weeks, the 125-room property, signed as part of a franchise agreement with Romford South Ltd., marks Hilton’s entry into the premium economy segment in Europe.
> Saudi hospitality startup Amsa Hospitality and Radisson Hotel Group have announced the signing of the Radisson Hotel Madinah, marking their first partnership property in the Holy City of Madinah (Medina).
> After traveling on the road for hours, Red Roof believes you deserve your own comfortable and affordable space to relax, recharge and rest. That’s why, when travelers book and complete two separate stays at any Red Roof Inn®, Red Roof PLUS+®, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof®, or The Red Collection® property between May 24 – September 3, 2024, – including Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends – they will earn 8500 points, enough for a free night at any Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, or HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof.
Aviator
> Brussels Airlines is reportedly considering its options for a possible fleet expansion plan. In contention for any future order being placed in the near future is the Airbus A321neo for short-haul operations while the A350 would potentially be added to the fleet for longer routes.
> You won’t see a Boeing 747 carrying the Space Shuttle flying over the Proud Bird restaurant in Los Angeles again. That was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But a short journey from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the restaurant will prove a bonanza to hungry plan-spotters, whether they’re interested in the airliners flying overhand or the forever-parked fighter planes at the Proud Bird.
Routes
> Hawaiian Airlines has officially launched its operations in Utah, perfectly timed for the summer season. The airline celebrated the commencement of daily nonstop flights between Salt Lake City (SLC) and Honolulu (HNL) with a vibrant celebration at the gate.
> British Airways has unveiled a new route to Saudi Arabia, adding Jeddah to its list of destinations from the UK. Competing with airlines such as Emirates, United Airlines, and American Airlines, British Airways has updated its offerings for UK travelers heading to Saudi Arabia.
> Air France continues to expand its network. During the 2024-2025 winter season (November 2024 to March 2025), the airline will offer 5 additional routes from its global hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, including 3 new destinations.
> Emirates has announced expanding its operations in Vietnam by adding a second daily flight between Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City starting from 15 January 2025. Originally planned for 1 February 2025, this additional flight is strategically timed to meet the surge in demand around the Lunar New Year festival, which falls on 29 January 2025.
> Spain’s Iberia announced last Thursday that it will increase its capacity on the Madrid-Buenos Aires route by 50% for the upcoming northern winter season, consolidating the operation the airline is offering this summer season.
> With 136 passengers onboard, China Eastern Airlines resumed its direct flight between Shanghai and Kashgar in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Saturday, which is the longest domestic flight operated by the Shanghai-based carrier.
> Avelo Airlines is adding nonstop service from Connecticut to another city in Florida. You’ll now be able to fly out of Tweed New Haven Airport to Destin, Florida, located in the panhandle of the state. The airline announced Friday that they are now offering exclusive service from Connecticut to the Emerald Coast.
> WestJet says it’s adding new winter flights to the island of Grenada, as well as to Tulum, Mexico. It’s also enhancing its transborder offerings with new flights to FLL from YVR and YWG.
> Air France is adding Salvador in the northeast of Brazil to its network during the winter 2024-25 season—one of three new destinations set to be served by the carrier.
Airports
> New nonstop flights to Philadelphia and Raleigh-Durham started Thursday at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The Frontier Airlines flights run three times a week and are offered, initially, quite cheaply.
> The FAA has reinstituted a ground stop at O’Hare International Airport, with ground delays of more than 90 minutes reported amid a severe weather outbreak. According to the latest information from the FAA, flights are being held at their respective airports, but flights are also being impacted at O’Hare as storms pound the area.
> All foreigners arriving in Singapore, regardless of nationality, can now use the automated lanes at Changi Airport to clear immigration. The feature was rolled out in early May, allowing even first-time visitors to Singapore to use the automated lanes without any prior enrolment in the system.
Incidents
> A laptop that got “stuck in an inaccessible location” in the cabin of an United Airlines aircraft caused a transatlantic flight to be diverted this weekend, arriving at its final destination more than a day later, according to the airline.
> The death of a British passenger and injuries to others on a Singapore Airlines passenger flight from London has underlined the potential dangers of turbulence. But what causes turbulence, how much risk does it pose – and is the climate crisis making it worse?
Rental Cars and Rideshare
> A plan to boost pay for Uber and Lyft drivers in Minnesota that lawmakers believe would prevent the companies from leaving the market advanced in the state Legislature on Sunday before the midnight deadline.
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