New CFO announced as part of Southwest Airlines’ transformational plan

Southwest Airlines Co. announced Tuesday that Tom Doxey has been named executive vice president & chief financial officer effective March 10, bringing extensive experience in aviation finance, operations, and strategic transformation.

"Tom's expertise in financial planning, fleet management, and operational leadership makes him a tremendous asset to our executive team as we drive progress on our transformational plan," said Bob Jordan, president, chief executive officer, & vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines. "We are confident that his experience in strategic transformation will be an asset as he builds upon our financial strength, operational excellence, and our deep commitment to our employees, the investment community, and our shareholders."

According to a CNBC article, the airline was facing pressure from activist Elliott Investment Management pushing for leadership changes at the company.

Last month, Southwest Airlines announced two of the company’s longtime executive officers have made plans to retire. Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Tammy Romo and Chief Administration Officer Linda Rutherford will retire from their positions effective April 1.

Doxey Experience

Doxey most recently served as President of Breeze Airways, where he led the airline through a successful transformation from a startup to profitability in under two years. Under his leadership, Breeze developed a strong guest-focused brand, launched a loyalty program and co-branded credit card, optimized its fleet and network, and became the country's largest NCAA basketball charter operator.

Before Breeze, Doxey held several leadership roles at United Airlines, including Senior Vice President of Technical Operations and CFO of Operations. At United, he oversaw global maintenance, supply chain, and engineering teams, managed a $5 billion budget, and led strategic initiatives, including a complex aircraft storage program during the global pandemic. He also led United's fleet transactions and planning teams and had financial oversight for United's $18 billion operations budget.

Doxey's aviation career began in financial planning and fleet management roles at Allegiant Air and US Airways, where he gained deep expertise in aircraft transactions, cost optimization, and corporate finance.

United Airlines service to Israel restarts among ceasefire in the region

United Airlines announced on Tuesday they plan to resume service to Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 15. The flights will depart from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. A second daily flight will begin March 29.

The restart of United flights to Israel follows an announcement that Hamas and Israel have entered phase two of a ceasefire and hostage release in the region. Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump this week told reporters there are “no guarantees” the ceasefire will hold.

United’s decision to resume flights came following a detailed assessment of their operations.

“This resumption follows a detailed assessment of operational considerations for the region and close work with the unions who represent our flight attendants and pilots,” United Airlines said in a company press release. The flights will use Boeing 787-10 jets.

United has a longstanding commitment to serving Tel Aviv. “This return will make United the first U.S. airline to resume service this year,” the company said. “United also offers connections to Tel Aviv through partners including Lufthansa Group airlines. United will continue to evaluate opportunities to restore additional flights based on demand.”

Shareholders approve Boeing's purchase of Spirit AeroSystems

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., has announced that its shareholders have approved the proposed acquisition by The Boeing Company. The vote, held during a special meeting on Friday, signifies a major step forward for the planned transaction. This acquisition, initially announced in the summer, is now on track to reshape the landscape of the aerospace manufacturing industry.

The deal aims to bring Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier of aircraft structures, under Boeing's umbrella, aiming to streamline operations and enhance supply chain stability.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to closing conditions including the receipt of regulatory approvals.

"Our shareholders’ resounding approval today represents an important milestone in our carefully planned merger with Boeing," said Irene Esteves, Spirit AeroSystems chief financial officer. "As we continue executing our transition planning, we remain focused on Spirit's foundational principles of safety, compliance, and quality."

Spirit will continue to operate as an independent company until the transaction closes.

Regional passenger jet collides with Blackhawk helicopter in Washington, DC

A collision between a PSA Airlines regional jet and a Blackhawk helicopter on Wednesday is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

A Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet (tail number N709PS) operated by PSA Airlines collided in midair with a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter (Flight ID: PAT25) while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday.

The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said they started receiving multiple calls for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River at 8:53 p.m. DC Fire and EMS, the MPD, and numerous partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.

The flight-tracking website ADS-B Exchange provided a view of three helicopters searching the Potomac River near the airport.

“There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time,” MPD said in a statement.

The PSA Airlines jet was operating as American Eagle flight 5342 inbound to Reagan National Airport from Wichita, Kan. There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB will investigate the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

Reagan National announced at 9:12 p.m. that all takeoffs and landings had been halted at the airport. “Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield,” airport officials said on X. “The terminal remains open.”

Audio recording of fatal plane crash near Charlottesville, Virginia

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash of a single-engine plane near Charlottesville, Va.

In a post on X, the agency said a Beech V35B plane (tail number N2UZ) crashed in northern Albemarle County on Saturday. Local news reports state the crash site is located just off East Monacan Drive. The pilot, the only person aboard the plane, died in the accident.

An audio recording of communications between Charlottesville Airport and the pilot posted to the Internet provided some details before the crash. The pilot reported an emergency 10 miles south of Charlottesville's airport.

“Declaring an emergency,” the pilot reported. “I’m 10 miles south. Just lost my engine. I hope I make the airport.”

Charlottesville airport tower gave Highway 29 and a few golf courses in the area as alternate landing spots if he didn’t reach the airport.

“2 Uniform Zulu is not gonna make it,” the pilot reported. “I’m gonna go for a field in front of me. Three or four miles south of the airport.”

Watching air traffic control radar in the tower, Charlottesville controllers asked two pilots flying in the local area to begin searching for the aircraft on the ground. One of those aircraft was the Civil Air Patrol trained in search and rescue.

Fire and rescue units found the aircraft later. The plane was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

The plane is registered to Brent E. Hippert of Titusville, Fla., according to Federal Aviation Administration records. The pilot was enroute to Charlottesville from Richmond County Airport, N.C.

Premier Private Jets purchases Aviation Sales Inc. FBO in Dayton

Premier Private Jets, a provider of charter flights, airport services, and maintenance, is significantly expanding its presence at its Dayton, Ohio, hub with the acquisition of Aviation Sales Incorporated (ASI), a fixed-base operator (FBO) at James M. Cox Dayton International Airport. The announcement, made on Thursday, marks a strategic move to enhance service capabilities and customer experience in the region.

“With the acquisition of ASI, we'll have more capacity and capability for maintenance customers, local operators, and transient traffic,” stated Premier's CEO Josh Birmingham in a company press release. He emphasized the importance of ASI's experienced staff, adding, "An FBO is more than fuel trucks and a lounge. It is the dedicated employees who understand safe and proper aircraft handling and create a great customer experience and repeat business. We will have that with ASI."

This acquisition builds upon Premier's commitment to Dayton, following its late 2023 purchase of a major maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) base previously slated for closure. Premier successfully revitalized the MRO, preserving jobs and establishing a comprehensive service center offering airframe, engine, avionics, paint, and interior services. The MRO boasts a growing network of upgrade supplier relationships, featuring the latest Garmin and Universal flight deck systems, Blackhawk engine upgrades, and Raisbeck modifications.

The existing, smaller FBO at the MRO base will be integrated into the larger ASI facility this month, offering a broader range of services to customers. ASI, with 67 years of experience at Dayton, brings to Premier a substantial 20,000 square feet of hangar and office space alongside 195,000 square feet of ramp space.

The acquired facility will be led by General Manager Matthew Spaugy. Beyond serving its existing clientele, Premier plans to leverage the expanded capabilities to support larger, commercial-sized aircraft, including those anticipated for sports team charters visiting Dayton for the upcoming NCAA Final Four in March. To accommodate these larger aircraft, Premier is investing in equipment such as belt loaders, air stairs, large de-icing equipment, and additional ground power units.

The new facility will become a key component of the PremierFBO network, joining its existing location at Oakland County International Airport in Pontiac, Mich. Premier also maintains a smaller MRO facility in Stuart, Fla., where the company is headquartered.

Not all Roulette table games are created equal

Okay, buckle up folks. We are about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, spinning world of Roulette. This game can be thrilling and utterly baffling at the same time.

Roulette is a sophisticated game of "Where will this tiny ball decide to land and completely ruin my carefully laid financial plans?" Step one: Don’t do that.

Little Old Me

I’ve been writing this blog for over 10 years, covering various topics (aviation, industry, government, space, and stocks). It’s time to try something a little different. I’m taking a gamble, and it’s just for fun.

I’ve been covering the gambling “industry” for quite a while. But I’d say this is the first time I’m stepping into the “how to” arena and talking from my personal experience.

You really should look at the world of gambling as just fun. It’s not a way to make money or get rich. Years ago, a dealer at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races said, “Not one game in this casino is designed for you to win.” Which is true. But you can get lucky, right?

So, you are ready for a night on the town and a visit to your local casino. How much money should you bring to a casino? That’s usually the first question a person asks if they have never been to a casino before or gambled. The simple answer is to bring money that you are willing to lose with no negative impact on you. We all know people can get carried away.

We all spend money, and we all spend it in different places. But I challenge you to visit a local sporting event, music concert, grocery store, or winery and walk away with an extra $100 in your pocket after a complimentary dinner.

Gambling is for fun and entertainment, not a way to make money or get rich. About Roulette, it's a mesmerizing ballet of chance, performed by a spinning wheel and a tiny defiant sphere. You, the hopeful participant, are left to wager bets on which pocket, or number, this rebellious little marble will choose as its temporary landing pad. Just pick a number or a group of numbers. Where is this ball going to land? There are so many options that it's like trying to choose what to have for dinner in a supermarket the size of Texas.

You can bet on a color: red, black, or green. Even or odd numbers. Or a specific number that, for some reason, you feel is lucky. Or you could just go completely rogue and play the corners – because, why not? How about playing it safe?

What if I told you a player can cover 32 out of 37 numbers on the wheel with only eight chips? That’s covering over 80% of the wheel. Ok, too early for that. I was never good at math either. More on that later.

The best part about roulette? The suspense, of course. That moment when the ball slows down and bounces around like it's playing hopscotch, and you hold your breath, convinced you’ve finally cracked the code, only to have it land on the one number you didn’t bet on. Ah, the sweet taste of defeat. It's a humbling experience. But let's not get all negative. People do win playing Roulette.

How To Play

So, how do you play Roulette? Before you start playing, let's go over bankroll management. Your bankroll is the money you have with you to gamble. Again, just make sure it's money you are willing to lose.

So, let's say you have $500 with you. Each Roulette table will have limits on how much you can bet, known as a minimum and maximum. Minimum bets can start anywhere from $1 to $25, and maximums can reach $100 to $300.

You will exchange your money for chips at the table. Always put the money down on the table. Do not hand it directly to the dealer. Your transaction is with the casino, not the dealer. They can’t take it from your hand. Make sense?

Time to play. Pick a number, any number; pick two, pick three, or pick a group of numbers. When the little defiant sphere, also known as the Roulette ball, drops into one of your numbers on the wheel, you win. You are picking numbers in hopes that the ball lands on the one you picked.

The Dreaded Betting System

There are a million ways to play Roulette. Don't even get me started on the betting "systems." The Martingale, the Fibonacci, or the guy that says, "Trust me, I've seen this work before.” All gamblers have a betting system. Name one that doesn’t.

Do I use a betting system? Sure, I do. And you will too. Most so-called “professional gamblers” say betting systems don’t work. They will claim they don’t use betting systems. Sorry, everyone has a system. They just don’t agree with your system, but we all use them. Think about it.

Betting systems all sound so promising on paper. In practice, they tend to drain your wallet faster than a toddler with a juice box. But hey, who am I to judge? Chasing a win is part of the fun, isn’t it? It’s like a beautiful (and sometimes expensive) train wreck in slow motion. But yes, you can be a winner at Roulette.

Single Zero, Double Zero, Triple Zero

As mentioned earlier, not one casino game is designed for you to win, and not all roulette tables are created equal. You can still win, and people do, occasionally, but the casino always has the advantage, properly referred to as the “house edge.”

There are three variations of the Roulette table in casinos. Once you do find a table, check and see if the wheel has a single green zero, a double green zero, or a triple green zero. Each table has a different house edge. The best one to play is a single-zero table; it has the lowest house edge. They are becoming increasingly difficult to find these days.

Single Zero Roulette – House Edge 2.7%

Double Zero Roulette – House Edge 5.3%

Triple Zero Roulette – House Edge 7.69%

Five Street Bet

Let's talk about a few wagers you can try with the best chance of winning. I’m just going to call this first one Five Street Bet. With this bet, you are covering 30 numbers on a single zero wheel with five chips (See image below).

One chip covers 4 through 9, one covers 10 through 15, one covers 16 through 21, one covers 22 through 27, and the last covers 28 through 31.

Betting a total of $5.00 will win 6.00 ($1.00 profit). Of course, the more you bet, the more you win. You can also play this bet on double zero and triple zero tables unless it’s an Electronic Table Game (ETG) or online. Some ETGs and online casinos won’t even allow this bet.

The 8 Chip Bet

We’ll call this The 8 Chip Bet. This is the wager I mentioned earlier. The 8 Chip Bet will cover 32 numbers on a single-zero wheel with eight chips. Three chips in the 13-24 second dozen, three chips in the 25-36 third dozen, and one chip on the 7, 8, 10, 11 corner, and one on the 2, 3, 5, and 6 corner (see image below).

Betting a total of $8.00 will win $9.00 ($1.00 profit). Again, the more you bet, the more you win. Once again, some ETGs and online casinos won’t even allow this bet.

These are just some easy bets to have fun with while playing Roulette. Experiment with different bets yourself.

Roulette Spy

So, the next time you find yourself near a Roulette table, go ahead and look (single zero wheel? double zero?), then take a spin.

Always remember that the odds are stacked against you. There is still a chance for a win, big or small. Just enjoy the dizzying spectacle of chance, the nail-biting anticipation, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll walk away with a great story to tell.