Author: FlyMarshall Newsroom

Oman has signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to design, build, and launch the country’s first communications satellite, OMANSAT-1, marking a major step in the Sultanate’s space program. According to Oman’s state news agency Oman Observer, OMANSAT-1 will provide high-capacity communications services over Oman, including its territorial waters, and extend coverage to parts of the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia. The satellite should also strengthen the country’s communications network, enhance digital sovereignty, and build national expertise in space and related technologies. The satellite will be based on Airbus’ OneSat platform, which will offer full digital flexibility for…

During my review trip to Bangkok, I had one night in Bangkok. I ended up booking the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok for my one night stay, as it’s still a new property, having only opened in late 2024. Why did I book it? Well, a variety of reasons — I need a couple more nights to requalify for Marriott Ambassador status, I had a $300 Amex hotel credit to use at an eligible property, and the hotel also looked genuinely nice. I’ve gotta say, I had a great stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Now, Bangkok is…

As technology advances and the provision of in-flight Wi-Fi becomes available with more carriers, American low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines, is expected to be the next carrier to offer onboard connectivity to its passengers. This proposed upgrade comes in time for the carrier to start offering first-class services on board. While the potential of introducing in-flight Wi-Fi was only floated around earlier this week, the fact that the carrier will introduce a first-class cabin on board its aircraft was announced by the carrier earlier in the year. Simple Flying has reached out to the airline, requesting details on the potential Wi-Fi…

Rising security concerns in Venezuelan airspace have prompted several international airlines to suspend operations to the country due to growing safety risks for commercial aviation in the region. The move comes after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice warning carriers of a potentially hazardous situation caused by increased military activity in and around Venezuela. According to the FAA, these risks could affect aircraft at all stages of flight, including overflights, approaches, landings, and even while on the ground at airports. Airlines are urged to exercise heightened caution when planning flights to or over Venezuelan territory. Following the…

I’m an airline product geek, and every so often, I like to publish a list of what I consider to be the world’s best first class airlines, best first class lounges, best business class airlines, best business class lounges, etc. In this post, I’d like to provide an updated ranking of what I consider to be the world’s best business class seats, as this is an area where we’ve seen lots of developments over the years. Business class seats have come a long way We’ve seen a significant amount of innovation when it comes to business class seats, with some…

When we think of an aircraft’s overall shape, we instinctively think of a long fuselage section pointed at both ends, a wide wingspan perpendicular to the fuselage, and a horizontal and vertical stabilizer at the aft section of the aircraft. A shape replicated in anything from a Cessna 172, all the way up to the Airbus A380. Of course, not every aircraft follows this shape. Ultimately, aircraft design shapes are based on many factors, usually related to the aircraft’s size and role. Fighter jets like the F-16 have a very different shape from that of a Boeing 737, which in…

Australian carriers are the latest to announce a change in rules when it comes to power bank utilization onboard the airlines’ aircraft. The rule coming into force in the coming weeks will ban passengers traveling on Qantas and Virgin Australia from using power banks on board the aircraft. With the number of safety incidents reported wherein a fire started inside the passenger cabin from unsuspecting power banks has resulted in airlines around the world issuing such regulations. While this rule does not prevent passengers from carrying power banks, it does specify the capacities of the banks that can be carried,…

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on the United Airlines Boeing 737 high-altitude collision incident over Utah last month, concluding that the aircraft most likely collided with a commercial weather balloon. The impact caused considerable damage to the cockpit’s windshield, showering the pilots with glass before the aircraft safely diverted to Salt Lake City. The captain sustained lacerations to his right arm following the collision, which was initially thought to be caused by space debris. United Airlines 737 Struck Weather Balloon At High Altitude Credit: Shutterstock Last month, Simple Flying reported on an incident involving a…

The Airbus A350 has silently become one of the most recognizable long-haul aircraft in the skies today, but its most distinctive asset is likely not going to be its curved wingtips or ultra-efficient engines, but rather the aircraft’s cabin itself. From the beginning, Airbus designed the Airbus A350’s cross-section and interior architecture around overall passenger wellbeing, before wrapping that in the airline’s “Airspace” design language. The aircraft features higher ceilings, wider sidewalls, and large overhead bins that all combine with low cabin noise, large windows, and advanced air management systems in order to create a noticeably calmer environment on long…

To get to smaller European cities, you’ll likely need to connect at another airport. The hub and spoke model of travel allows passengers to travel between various points via a central hub. An airline may have one or multiple hubs, although in Europe local flag carriers typically route passengers through a single airport. However, it’s important to know which airport you should transfer to for an easier connection. In this list, we will look at a combination of factors, primarily layout, size, interior design, and amenities, to determine the best airports for connections in Europe. This list will also only…