No ‘serious injuries’ reported, Alaska Airlines grounds Boeing 737-9 planes

Alaska Airlines has grounded 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft after a fuselage section of Flight 1282 broke off in flight during departure from Portland International Airport on Friday night.

In a statement posted on the airline's website, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said, “Following tonight’s event on Flight 1282, we have decided to take the precautionary step of temporarily grounding our fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft.”

Flight 1282, a Boeing 737-9 jet, departed Portland International Airport on Friday night and reached an altitude of 16,000 feet before it had to return for an emergency landing. A large window section of the aircraft had ripped off the plane during departure.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated on X no “serious injuries” were reported.

“Safety is our foundational value and the most important thing we focus on every day,” Minicucci said in his statement, “Each aircraft will be returned to service only after completion of full maintenance and safety inspections. We anticipate all inspections will be completed in the next few days.

“I am personally committed to doing everything we can to conduct this review in a timely and transparent way.

“We are working with Boeing and regulators to understand what occurred tonight and will share updates as more information is available. The NTSB is investigating this event, and we will fully support their investigation.

“My heart goes out to those who were on this flight – I am so sorry for what you experienced. I am so grateful for the response of our pilots and flight attendants. We have teams on the ground in Portland assisting passengers and are working to support guests who are traveling in the days ahead.”

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 loses part of fuselage after departing Portland International

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the emergency landing of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that returned to Portland International after a large section of the fuselage separated from the plane during departure.

The Boeing 737-9 MAX jet reached an altitude of 16,000 feet before safely returning to Portland after experiencing severe depressurization. The NTSB said no serious injuries were reported.

The airline said Flight 1282 from Portland, Ore. to Ontario, Calif., experienced an “incident” soon after departure Friday night.

“The aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport with 171 guests and six crew members,” the airline said in a statement on its website. “The safety of our guests and employees is always our primary priority, so while this type of occurrence is rare, our flight crew was trained and prepared to safely manage the situation. We are investigating what happened and will share more information as it becomes available.”

Alaska Airlines announced on Thursday they had just received their first Boeing 737-8 long-range aircraft to add to their fleet. Friday night's emergency landing involved a Boeing 737-9 jet.

In a press statement announcing the delivery of the Boeing 737-8 on Thursday, Alaska Airlines Senior Vice President of Fleet, Finance and Alliances, Nat Pieper, had high praises for the 737-9 model.

“We have achieved terrific results with the 737-9 in guest satisfaction, economics, and fuel efficiency, and we are excited for our future with the other 737 models,” Pieper said.

“We proudly fly the youngest fleet of all U.S. airlines, and from 2024 through 2027, we are on track to add 15-25 new Boeing aircraft each year,” the company said in a press release Thursday. “We currently have firm orders for 80 more 737 MAX aircraft, and options and purchase rights for another 105. Our first 737-10 is scheduled for delivery in 2025.”

The NTSB said they will post any updates regarding the investigation of Flight 1282 when they are available. Boeing said they are ready to support the investigation.

“We are aware of the incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282,” Boeing said in a statement on its website. “We are working to gather more information and are in contact with our airline customer. The Boeing technical team stands ready to support the investigation.”

NASA to unveil new X-59 supersonic aircraft with a ‘sonic thump’

For the first time, the public will get a look at NASA’s new X-59 aircraft designed as part of the agency's Quesst mission to make commercial supersonic flight over land possible.

The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA's Quesst mission to collect community response data from flights over representative communities across the United States. This data will be used by NASA to recommend an acceptable commercial supersonic noise standard to regulators to possibly repeal the current ban on supersonic flight over land and thereby change the future of commercial aviation, reducing flight times by half of what they are currently. 

The experimental aircraft will be unveiled during a ceremony hosted by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, Calif.

Members of the public can sign up to get a virtual boarding pass for the X-59's first flight. Via NASA's Flight Log experience, participants' names will be digitized and downloaded onto a storage device that will be carried personally by the X-59 pilot. Participants will also receive a printable boarding pass with their names, and the flight will be entered into their logbooks.

The X-59 is a one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft that will demonstrate the ability to fly supersonic while generating a gentle "sonic thump" rather than a loud sonic boom. “Similar to a car door shutting in the distance,” NASA said in a statement Friday.

Once the X-59 completes assembly and testing, NASA's Quesst team will select several U.S. communities to fly the aircraft and gather data on how people perceive the sound it produces.

The X-59 was designed and built by Lockheed Martin at its famed Skunk Works facility.

The X-59 rollout ceremony on Jan. 12 will feature remarks from Lockheed Martin and NASA leadership before the aircraft is unveiled to the public.

First long-range Boeing 737-8 for Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines welcomed the company’s first Boeing 737-8 aircraft into their fleet recently.

“We proudly fly the youngest fleet of all U.S. airlines, and from 2024 through 2027, we are on track to add 15-25 new Boeing aircraft each year,” the company said in a press release Thursday. “We currently have firm orders for 80 more 737 MAX aircraft, and options and purchase rights for another 105. Our first 737-10 is scheduled for delivery in 2025.”

Referencing the addition of the 737-8, and eventually the 737-10, Alaska Airlines Senior Vice President of Fleet, Finance and Alliances Nat Pieper said the new aircraft will create “new opportunities for us to fly longer nonstop routes and maximize our revenue potential.” Pieper added, “We have achieved terrific results with the 737-9 in guest satisfaction, economics, and fuel efficiency, and we are excited for our future with the other 737 models."

In March 2022, Alaska adjusted its existing 737-9 aircraft order with Boeing to include the bigger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8.

The airline will add a new nonstop Anchorage to New York seasonal route with the 737-8, launching June 13. Anchorage to JFK (at 3,386 miles) will become the longest flight Alaska operates.

Alaska is scheduled to take delivery of seven more 737-8s in 2024, with the next four slotted to enter the fleet in March. The 737-8, -9, and -10 all offer a common cockpit, common engines, and similar components.

Alaska's regional carrier, Horizon Air, also continues to grow its fleet of jets.

Over the next three years, Horizon will add nine new Embraer E175s, bringing its total to 50 by the end of 2026. 

Alaska's regional partner SkyWest also operates 42 E175s on the airline's behalf. Our combined fleet size of mainline and regional jets is currently 310.

“Our guests will soon enjoy refreshed updates to our 737-800 aircraft,” Alaska said. “With modifications beginning in late 2024, we are investing $130 million to overhaul those cabins.”

“The updates we're making to our older Boeing aircraft will provide a more consistent guest experience on our Boeing fleet by making the cabins look and feel more like our 737-9 and 737-8 aircraft," said Todd Traynor-Corey, managing director of guest products at Alaska Airlines.

The enhancements to the -800s include a move to a 161-seat configuration with 16 seats in First Class and new seats in Premium Class and the main cabin.

New Utah location strengthens Jet Linx’s presence in Mountain West region

Private jet company Jet Linx announced Wednesday they have opened a new base at Salt Lake City International Airport. This is the company’s 22nd location.

With established locations in Denver and Scottsdale, the new Salt Lake City base strengthens the company's presence in the Mountain West region and provides localized private jet services to Aircraft Owners and Jet Card Members throughout Utah.

"Salt Lake City and the great state of Utah attracts national and international visitors year-round and we look forward to serving as Salt Lake City's most trusted resource for private jet travel and aircraft management services," said Brent Wouters, Jet Linx CEO.

Woulters joined Jet Linx in July following CEO Jamie Walker’s move to chairman.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Brent and trying to recruit him to our team for the last 10 years,” Walker said in a company press release announcing the appointment of Woulters.

Wouters joined Jet Linx from Iron Valley Supply, a global outdoor shooting sports, equipment and adventure company, where he served as President & CEO. He was also previously president & CEO of Cirrus Aircraft.

Jet Linx opened its first private terminal in 1999 in Omaha, Neb. In the 24 years since the company has expanded to 22 bases nationwide.

"We look forward to providing the Salt Lake City market access to our fleet of 100+ aircraft while engaging one-on-one with our expert team based right at their home airport to meet their aviation needs,” said Dan Pasque, Jet Linx regional base president.

The company plans for further national expansion as part of its strategic growth initiative to increase fleet size and grow Jet Card clientele.

US Forest Service plans purchase of additional Kodiak 100 aircraft

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is planning to purchase additional Kodiak 100 aircraft to add to its growing fleet. The deal was announced in a Special Notice contract document released Tuesday.

Manufactured by Daher, the Kodiak 100 is a multi-mission workhorse, operated worldwide in applications that range from wildfire suppression, the monitoring of national resources, and the protection of public safety to humanitarian services and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance duties.

The Special Notice issued by USFS states the agency is looking to purchase up to five Kodiak 100 aircraft (only one guaranteed). The estimated total contract value is $2.6 million to $13.3 million, the agency said in the notice.

The Kodiak Aircraft Company, Inc. is the sole source for the Kodiak 100 aircraft. The USFS already owns multiple Kodiak 100 aircraft.

“It is the intent of the USFS to procure a fleet with commonality,” the agency said. “This is due to the economical and logistical benefits of operating a standardized fleet of aircraft that share common maintenance, parts, training, etc.

“The USFS desires uniform fleets for several reasons. One of high importance is expediting aircraft swaps for maintenance events. This is especially important for fire and aviation, where turnaround times are critical. Fleet commonality aids in streamlining maintenance procedures. This can be a cost savings, as well as allow maintenance operations to become more proficient (one airframe causes less maintenance training and more proficient maintainers). Cost of maintenance also decreases when operating a common fleet. For example, the inventory of maintenance parts on hand at a Forest Service hangar to support currently owned Kodiaks averages $25,000. Support of an additional model of airframe would require a separate inventory of parts and additional storage facility, effectively doubling the cost to support the new aircraft.”

The USFS also trusts in pilot standardization, enabling pilots to fly common aircraft with the same training.

“This increases efficiency and reduces training costs, reduces risk of learning and flying multiple aircraft, thus increasing pilot effectiveness,” USFS said. “Commonality also benefits operations when it comes to crew training and rostering. For example, initial training costs for the Kodiak 100 and the Cessna Caravan are $12,380 and $15,300, respectively. Recurrency training for the Kodiak is $5,110 and $4,430 for the Caravan. A pilot maintaining both certifications would incur costs of $27,680 for initial training and $9,540 for recurrency.”

Market research was conducted by the Forest Service to identify potential sources that could supply Kodiak 100 aircraft. No other contractor sells the Kodiak 100.

Army Corps of Engineers contract for KC-46A Tanker site in Israel

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Europe District is seeking interested U.S. firms capable of constructing a “Bed-down site” in Israel for a fleet of Air Force KC-46 Tanker aircraft. The Corps announced the work in a Sources Sought contract document released Tuesday.

U.S. government leaders have been pushing for the expedited delivery of the KC-46 aerial refueling tanker to Israel for some time now.

U.S. House of Representatives Mike Garcia (R-CA), August Pfluger (R-TX), Scott Franklin (R-FL), and Jake Ellzey (R-TX) announced the launch of the MACH 1 Caucus in February 2022. Members of the caucus are dedicated to policy issues important to the fighter pilot community and educating other members on these issues.

In May, the Mach 1 Caucus said the KC-46 in Israel could act as a deterrent against attacks from Iran.

The caucus called on military leaders to ensure that Israel receives and is ready to fly, these aircraft as soon as possible.

The Corps Source Sought document released on Tuesday calls for the construction of a KC-46A Bed-down site at a base in Israel with pavement improvements and five new structures (concrete and steel).

The potential acquisition includes:

KC.1 – I-Level Hangar (approx. area: 5400 m2)

KC.2 – Storage Parts/Supply Warehouse (approx. area: 1200 m2)

KC.3 – Alternative Mission Equipment Storage (approx. area: 300 m2)

KC.4 – Age Ground Equipment Shop (approx. area: 600 m2)

KC.5 – Wash Rack and Run Up Pad (approx. area: 4000 m2)

KC.6 – Pump House (approx. area: 100 m2) + Storage Tanks

“Airfield access pavement, circulation drives for deliveries and parking, utilities, grading and drainage are all required components of the construction,” the Corps said in the document. The contract is valued between $25 million and $100 million.

Interested companies must be United States prime contractors and have experience with the construction of aircraft hangars and support facilities.

All interested contractors have until Jan. 23 to submit a response to the USACE Sources Sought request.

“Should the acquisition proceed, USACE anticipates issuing the solicitation to contractors that respond to this notice in or around March 2024 and award of the contract in or around September 2024,” the Corps said.

Olathe Spray Service aircraft on the lookout for coyotes in Colorado

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $50,000 contract to Olathe Spray Service to support “predator damage management activities” in Colorado.

The USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services program announced in December they were seeking to establish a contract for commercial aviation services in support of predator damage management activities in Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Mesa, Pitkin, Gunnison, and San Miguel counties in Colorado. Companies interested in supporting the contract had until Dec. 28 to bid on the request.

An Award Notice was released Monday with a contract award date of Jan. 1, 2024, showing Olathe Spray Service, Inc. as the awarded contractor. Olathe performs crop-dusting and has repeatedly over the years assisted in search and rescue efforts, as well as other public service work in Colorado.

In November 2022, an Olathe helicopter joined the search for a missing hunter who was later found dead in Black Canyon, Colo.

In August 2019, an Olathe helicopter pilot survived a crash while spraying a cornfield in Montrose County.

The new USDA work will be performed under a firm fixed price indefinite delivery indefinite quantity commercial services contract.

Olathe shall furnish, operate, and maintain one fixed-wing aircraft and one pilot for use by the USDA, the documents say.

“Flights will be required to reduce coyote predation on livestock, for disease monitoring, or to remove invasive species,” the agency said in the contract. “Flights may not be required for extended periods because of lack of predation or inclement weather conditions, but the aircraft must be available to provide services when needed upon 48 hours’ notice. Most aerial operations will occur from January through April and sporadically in October, November, and December.”

The USDA requests the aircraft must be a Piper Super Cub PA-18 or Cub Crafters CC18.