News and notes from around the interweb:

• Somehow I never knew about this: Military cargo jets use a modular VIP configuration – standardized, palletized pods that can be quickly loaded into a cargo hold. The so‑called “silver bullet” version is outfitted with comfortable seating and integrated secure communications gear. A pallet loaded with airline-style seats can be installed for a more conventional, comfortable ride.

  This approach maximizes flexibility. It lets the same aircraft serve in a purely cargo role and a high-end, secure VIP transport when needed.

  When they use cargo jets to fly around high-level officials, they have a special palletized pod for them.

  It’s known as the “silver bullet”; it’s comfortable & is equipped w/ various forms of communications.

  They can also load a pallet of airline-style seats for comfort. https://t.co/EzVoQuLJG2 pic.twitter.com/Y2sjO3dPbq

  — KC-10 Driver ✈️ ‍✈️ B-737 Wrangler (@MCCCANM) February 11, 2025

• Lufthansa makes the strangest decisions with its aircraft interiors and frankly the strangest and seemingly least savvy decisions with.. everything? I’m honestly not sure how their CEO still has his job.

  Lufthansa plans to retrofit its Boeing 747-8s with new business class seats, but to begin they’re going to fly around with some passengers getting new seats and others getting old seats because they haven’t figured out how to make the seats fit on the upper deck.

  By end of the year new business class will go into the lower deck, while keeping the old seats upstairs (including first class). Around 2027 they think they can get regulatory approval to introduce new seats upstairs.

  NEWS from @lufthansa: Two #boeing747-8 will fly with split Business Class starting this year: 48 new #lufthansaallegris seats on main deck, but old2012-style seats in the upper deck. 3 new First suites and new C seats on upper deck will be retrofitted only in 2027 #PaxEx #avgeek pic.twitter.com/PonDDsbSCk

  — Andreas Spaeth (@SpaethFlies) February 11, 2025

• The Mesa card, which lets you earn points for mortgage payments is out of beta and applications are now available without wait list. They say they’ll be introducing points transfers to airlines by end of the quarter.

  Since Bilt says they’re introducing points for mortgages this year (and Bilt points are probably the single most valuable currency) I’m waiting to see what that looks like, and haven’t applied for Mesa. But I’m giving up points in the meantime – so maybe a mistake!

• Context, please?

• Alaska Airlines is leaving Dallas Love Field. These were gates they had obtained through the Virgin America acquisition – gates that American gave up as part of signoff on its deal to be acquired by US Airways.

  Alaska Airlines appears to be leaving Dallas Love Field (DAL).

  The airline’s remaining route, Seattle (SEA) to DAL, has been removed after May 14.

  Alaska began flying to DAL upon acquiring Virgin America. They previously served other routes, such as DCA, LGA, LAX, PDX, SAN,… pic.twitter.com/mbrLEqEl5Z

  — Ishrion Aviation (@IshrionA) February 11, 2025

• I guess that makes the window a Dutch oven.

  PSA: window seats can double as stroopwafel ovens
  byu/pharm888 inunitedairlines