Flight Delays: The New Normal?

If you're planning a trip anytime soon, especially with Memorial Day around the corner, you might want to brace yourself. Flight delays and disruptions are at an all-time high, and it's not just bad luck – major problems in the aviation industry are to blame. We're talking about technology glitches, airlines struggling to find enough staff, and air traffic control hiccups. It's a recipe for travel chaos.

Do You Have A REAL ID?

According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance company, flight delays are the number one thing travelers are worried about. And it's no wonder. With the summer travel season kicking off, things could get even trickier. The new REAL ID requirements are causing confusion and longer lines at airports. The Transportation Security Administration is even suggesting you get to the airport a whole three hours before your flight. A recent mess at Newark Airport, a major hub, has led to tons of cancelled flights, leaving many travelers stranded.

The stats are eye-opening. Squaremouth reports that almost half (48%) of Memorial Day travelers are super concerned about their flights being delayed or cancelled. Last year, that number was only 36%, so things are getting worse.

Stranded Passengers Rewarded

In April, a United Airlines flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) was delayed over four hours. A few passengers missed their United connecting flight at IAD to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport. United provided meal vouchers and hotel rooms for passengers stranded at IAD.

After passengers posted their experience on X, United customer service representatives rewarded passengers on the flight.

“As a goodwill gesture, we're able to deposit 10,000 miles into each traveler's MileagePlus account,” United said in response to the post on X.

Spirit Airlines partners with Contour Airlines to support EAS market

Contour Airlines announced Monday that it has entered a strategic partnership with Spirit Airlines to bring affordable travel options to underserved communities in the U.S.

Contour currently serves 22 cities under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The EAS program was put into place to guarantee that communities maintain a minimum level of scheduled air service.

Meanwhile, the White House has proposed a plan to slash subsidies for the EAS program. EAS could see a $308 million cut if the proposal is approved.

Partnership Details

Under the partnership with Spirit Airlines, Contour will continue to perform EAS contracts from the U.S. Department of Transportation, providing service to the major connecting hubs of its interline partners, American, United, and Alaska Airlines.

Spirit will introduce service to major leisure destinations from several of Contour's EAS markets. Spirit and Contour's partnership will significantly expand the utilization and reach of the airports served. Contour will provide ground handling support to Spirit at its EAS locations and will leverage its deep community relationships to cross-market Spirit flights.

By working with Contour, Spirit will offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy affordable and convenient ways to visit exciting leisure destinations at an unmatched value. Spirit's low fares and nonstop flights will eliminate the need for long drives to larger airports. The partnership also highlights Contour's commitment as a community stakeholder by increasing the scope and affordability of air travel in its EAS markets.

"EAS communities no longer need to choose between national connectivity and low fares. The combination of service from our two airlines is the best formula to grow passenger traffic in these underserved airports," said Ben Munson, president of Contour.

"Our new partnership with Contour gives us an exciting opportunity to grow our network and explore low-cost entry into new markets that currently have limited service," said John Kirby, vice president of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. "We look forward to welcoming new guests onboard and providing convenient connectivity in historically underserved regions through Spirit's affordable, high-value service."

The initial markets to be served under the partnership will be announced this summer.

Critical Transformation for Spirit

Just last month, Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., parent company of Spirit Airlines, LLC, announced that its Board of Directors appointed Dave Davis as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a board member of Spirit Airlines.

The airline, which recently emerged from bankruptcy, announced a long list of management changes with the new CEO appointment.

Coast Guard lease of Gulfstream G-550 aircraft

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is looking to lease a Gulfstream G-550 aircraft to serve as a Command-and-Control aircraft to meet Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements. The service released a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation contract document on Friday that provides details for the lease.

The primary location of the aircraft will be U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Washington (ASW), located at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The primary mission for ASW is the rapid, safe, and efficient transportation of passengers around the globe. The leased aircraft must be configured to provide global dual-band connectivity to facilitate unrestricted communication capabilities that provide the flexibility to maintain awareness of emergent situations, enable operational tasking, and perform normal duties while airborne.

DHS will be the primary user of the Long-Range Command and Control Aircraft (LRCCA).

The U.S. Coast Guard operates a fleet of LRCCA assets, primarily the C-37B Gulfstream G550, for transporting senior officials and serving as a command-and-control platform. These aircraft ensure continuous secure communications for coordinating operations and responding to contingencies.

“This transport will be used to respond to national and international emergencies in which DHS and USCG resources are needed, including environmental disaster relief operations (hurricane, flood, earthquake), marine environmental responses, major search and rescue operations, mass migrant interdictions, etc.,” the Coast Guard said in contract documents.

The USCG warns the aircraft “may incur greater wear and tear during the lease period than would be incurred via normal corporate operations, as it may be required to fly up to 50 hours per month.”

The lease will have a base period from June 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2025, with month-to-month options until May 31, 2026.

FBI purchase of Gulfstream jet, or equivalent

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is scanning the aircraft market in search of a business jet, according to a Request for Information (RFI) document released this month.

The agency is conducting market research to gather information from qualified vendors regarding the availability, pricing, and contractual terms for purchasing or leasing-to-own a Gulfstream G550, G650ER, G700, or equivalent aircraft.

According to JetSpy, the FBI already has at least one Gulfstream G550. The aircraft, built in 2012, has serial number 5361. The aircraft’s registration, our tail number, is N616RK.

In August 2018, Aviation Week reported the FBI was in the market to buy a Gulfstream G550 to support its Counterterrorism Division and other missions.

The new aircraft purchase, announced this month, appeared in an RFI document released on April 14. This week, the bureau released an update to that RFI.

“This RFI is issued solely for information-gathering and planning purposes; it does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment to procure any goods or services,” the FBI said.

“The FBI requires a long-range business jet capable of supporting operational airlift missions and required-use executive travel,” the agency said. “The Gulfstream G550, G650ER, G700, or equivalent, is being considered for its range, speed, and performance capabilities. The FBI seeks information to purchase the aircraft, lease-to-own options, associated costs, and terms for leasing versus lease-to-own agreements.”

The agency invites aircraft vendors to respond to the RFI and contact FBI contracting officers by April 29.

NASA seeks replacement engines for aging WB-57 aircraft

NASA’s Ames Research Center (ARC) in California is soliciting information from potential sources for a feasibility study on replacing the existing Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines on its WB-57 aircraft.

Planning Purposes Only

No contract solicitation exists at this time, NASA said in a Request for Information (RFI) document released on Tuesday. The RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal, nor does it constitute a commitment to procure any goods or services.

“Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references,” the agency said in the RFI.

NASA is seeking information from industry regarding potential replacement engine options for the WB-57 aircraft, which currently operates with Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines.

WB-57 Mission

The WB-57 aircraft is a high-altitude, long-endurance platform used for atmospheric research, sensor testing, and communication relay. NASA aims to modernize the fleet and ensure long-term sustainability by exploring potential engine upgrades.

Performance Improvements

NASA seeks quantifiable performance improvements, including but not limited to:

                 o Increased thrust

                 o Improved fuel efficiency

                 o Reduced maintenance costs

                 o Extended operational range

                 o Enhanced operational ceiling

                 o Other relevant performance metrics

Interested firms having the required capabilities necessary to meet the above requirements should submit a capability statement to NASA ARC no later than May 22.

New leadership at Spirit Airlines during “critical transformation” time

Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., parent company of Spirit Airlines, LLC, announced Thursday that its Board of Directors appointed Dave Davis as President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and a board member, effective April 21. Davis joins Spirit from Sun Country Airlines, where he served as President, Chief Financial Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors.

"We're excited to welcome Dave as Spirit's new president and CEO. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a solid track record of accomplishments from his many years in the airline industry. Dave's background at both Northwest Airlines and, more recently, at Sun Country Airlines, positions him well to lead Spirit's continued transformation," said Robert Milton, chairman of Spirit Airlines.

"I am thrilled to join Spirit at this critical time in the company's history," said Davis. "I look forward to working with the more than 11,000 Spirit team members to deliver value for our guests, shareholders, and the communities that we serve."

Spirit also welcomes Duncan Dee as Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, with responsibility for all aspects of the internal and external communications of the airline. A seasoned industry leader, he has been an airline analyst who regularly appears on the main Canadian media networks, including CBC, CTV, and Global News. Before that, Dee served in a variety of leadership roles at Air Canada, ultimately as the airline's chief operating officer.

In addition, Trey Urbahn will serve as Senior Commercial Advisor to support and help guide all aspects of Spirit's commercial efforts, including network, pricing, and yield management, as well as the airline's onboard configurations and offerings. He has an extensive career in the airline industry across five airlines, including Etihad, Breeze, Azul, TAP Air Portugal, and JetBlue, spanning four continents, where he played key commercial leadership roles.

"Spirit is pleased to welcome these new additions to our leadership team as the company continues to advance its transformation,” Milton said. “The board would also like to express its gratitude to Spirit's frontline team members, whose commitment to our guests, the company, and safety has never wavered. The three new members bolster an experienced team that will together develop, convey, and execute a powerful new plan that will propel Spirit forward," concluded Mr. Milton.

The new team members join the existing executive team: 

• John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
• Fred Cromer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Thomas C. Canfield, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
• Rana Ghosh, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
• Linde Grindle, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
• Rocky B. Wiggins, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

United Airlines maintenance technicians rally at Orlando International Airport

After a week of contract negotiations, United Airlines Teamsters aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) are rallying at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to reject the company’s most recent proposal.

Following an overwhelming 99.5 percent rejection, Teamsters at United Airlines said, “We will accept nothing less than an industry-leading contract that keeps jobs in America," Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said in a press statement. "United's greedy executives disrespected our members with an insulting, un-American proposal last month. It's time for this company to stop playing games and put real proposals on the table — ones that don't outsource jobs to China but deliver the dignity and respect our members have earned."

The Teamsters Union represents over 10,000 United Airlines AMTs across the country. The group is demanding a contract with top-tier pay, a faster wage progression for new technicians, and protection from United's growing practice of outsourcing critical maintenance work to China and other countries.

"United Airlines is one of the most profitable in the entire industry, yet it refuses to reward the workers responsible for those profits with a fair contract," said Chris Griswold, director of the Teamsters Airline Division. "We will continue to hold United's feet to the fire until it recognizes the indispensable role United Airlines Teamsters play in the carrier's success and the safety of the flying public."

"United's previous offer would have slashed our wages and shipped more of our work to China," said Martin Acosta, a United technician at MCO and member of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. "If United prioritizes safety like it says it does, it wouldn't be trying to outsource critical maintenance work overseas. We aren't just fighting to protect our work — we are fighting to protect the American aviation industry. United has the power to do both by agreeing to our demands for a fair contract.”