Author: FlyMarshall Newsroom
The Airbus Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has slowly become the default freight of choice for many global air forces, as it is a capable plane that can be used to refuel combat and non-combat aircraft, haul troops and cargo, and serve as a surge capacity outlet for when operators are in a state of crisis. An aircraft built from the proven Airbus A330-200 airliner and converted in Getafe, Spain, the MRTT blends the reliability of a top-shelf commercial aircraft with military-grade mission systems. The aircraft features a fly-by-wire refueling boom, under-wing hose-and-drogue pods, mission avionics, and a…
Apple Camping, a UK-based company, has converted a retired Etihad Airbus A320 into a fully equipped vacation rental, which it has named “Apple Air.” The converted rental is available for around $250 per night and can accommodate up to four guests. It blends authentic aviation touches, including working cabin doors, actual trolleys, and original overhead lighting signage, with modern comforts. The aircraft includes a kitchen, Wi-Fi, heating, and a lavatory that has been refitted as a hot shower. Outside, a west-facing deck and themed seating area extend the experience. Social videos showcase the aircraft’s build and interior, highlighting just how…
OMAAT reader Mike asked me a question about my experience with being a lifetime World of Hyatt Globalist member, and in particular, whether there’s any difference in treatment compared to being a “standard” Globalist member. He’ll be earning the status soon, and is curious if he can expect a difference in terms of his on-property treatment. On paper, lifetime Globalist doesn’t come with special treatment I’d argue that World of Hyatt Globalist is the most useful hotel elite status. The program also offers lifetime Globalist status for those who rack up one million base points, equivalent to $200,000 in spending.…
The commercial aviation industry has evolved drastically over the years. The once highly regulated sector has become a competitive global market where efficiency and cost control often determine success for airlines around the world. A major factor in this development is the introduction of new generations of narrowbody aircraft, which can fly farther, burn less fuel, and open new markets that were once reserved for larger aircraft. The introduction of the Boeing 737 MAX marks another turning point in this evolution, especially as Boeing begins to certify the entire family of this powerful aircraft, including the 737 MAX 10. Carriers…
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2025 Global Passenger Survey, revealing a significant shift in how travelers prefer to navigate the air travel experience. The survey found a strong preference for modern technology — from digital boarding passes to biometric security — to enhance the journey. The survey also notes key differences between regions and passenger demographics, showing the balancing act that airlines and airports must juggle to keep their customer bases happy. IATA Survey Shows Passenger Faith In All Things Digital Credit: British Airways The airline industry has undergone a major digital transformation in customer service over…
To make sure their distress signal is understood and not confused with other transmissions, pilots say “Mayday” three times. This practice dates back to the early days of radio, when single calls could be drowned out by excessive traffic and poor signal quality. Pilots use “Pan-Pan,” which is also repeated three times, for less serious circumstances that do not pose a life-threatening emergency. The repetition accomplishes three main goals: first, it increases the probability of a clear transmission in the face of interference and indicates an urgent, life-threatening emergency that takes precedence over other communications; second, it reduces ambiguity by…
I’m always fascinated by the business side of miles & points. Loyalty programs can be huge profit centers for airlines and hotel groups, and the more we know about the economics of these programs, the better we can understand the evolution of credit card rewards. While airlines and hotel groups have SEC filings that reveal some information about their loyalty programs, for the most part, we’ll never learn the real nitty-gritty of the economics. Some time ago, I wrote about how much airlines pay for partner award tickets. In other words, when you redeem United MileagePlus miles for an All…
The partnership between the United States Air Force (USAF) and American aerospace companies, that of a defense industrial base, is arguably the most powerful “secret weapon” the USAF has. Instead of one individual technological marvel, the secret weapon is rather an intricate system of industrial efficiency, manufacturing scale, and innovative collaboration. That relationship has kept the superiority of American air power at the forefront around the world for decades, hearkening back to lessons from World War II, when the US outpaced its enemies by pivoting its powerful industrial base to wartime needs. Termed the “Arsenal of Democracy,” the defense industrial…
The Supreme Court of India has said in a preliminary report on the June 2025 Air India Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people does not insinuate anything against the flight’s captain. The court is set to hear a petition on November 10, and it is seeking an independent expert probe. An earlier interim report noted that both engines’ fuel control switches had been moved to an inappropriate setting shortly after takeoff. This was a highly abnormal condition that is central to investigators’ timelines. The government has defended this inquiry as both clean and thorough. These rulings and the technical…
“Over 2025, Vertical has shown that when we set targets, we deliver. Whilst maintaining our industry-leading capital efficiency, we are not only demonstrating all piloted flight phases, but we are the only eVTOL OEM that has done so under stringent regulatory scrutiny – as mandated by the UK/European Permit to Fly regime.” Source: Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, as they released a ‘first look’ at its certification aircraft ahead of a full public unveiling on December 10, 2025. The company says the VX4, its flagship electric air taxi, is entering the piloted transition flight phase, where it will hopefully…