View from the Wing

In Midst Of Heightened Tensions Boeing 737 Crashes In Iran

by Gary Leff on January 8, 2020

Jan 08 2020

Ukraine International Airlines flight PS753 from Tehran to Kiev crashed into an open field in a Tehran suburb minutes after departure. The three year old Boeing 737-800 with 176 souls on board ceased broadcasting from its transponder as it climbed through 8000 feet.

Several Iranian sources and a Dubai-based news agency reported the cause as an accidental missile strike although it is too early to offer any conclusions. Initial reporting on such incidents is often wrong.

The Mileage Run From Hell Is Going To Be A Movie

by Gary Leff on January 7, 2020

Jan 07 2020

A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian Gave a CES Keynote: What Tech Changes Did He Reveal?

by Gary Leff on January 7, 2020

Jan 07 2020

Delta has been promoting their CEO Ed Bastian’s keynote at the Computer Electronics Show as a Really Big DealTM, the ‘first airline’ to do such a thing, as though that suggested on its own that Delta is a leader in technology. At CES you find virtual reality, 8k TVs and next gen wearable devices. And Delta has tech to unveil that’s so big it’s a keynote at the conference. Given the prominence of the forum and the buildup, what did he reveal? Free inflight wi-fi someday, with no specifics. They say this is an area where other airlines have struggled although of course JetBlue offers free wifi and American has just been waiting to see what Delta announces so they can copy it. Biometrics in partnership with the government to track you throughout your journey.…

How Much Is Boeing Paying American Airlines To Settle 737 MAX Claims?

by Gary Leff on January 7, 2020

Jan 07 2020

American Airlines has previously said they’ve lost about $580 million from the grounding of the MAX. I actually don’t believe they’ve lost anything close to that since they’ve largely cut what they believe are the biggest money losing flights.

However the fact that American is saying they’ll contribute an additional $30 million to employee profit sharing gives us some indication of the value of the settlement.

A Way To Book Singapore Airlines First Class Awards Not Even Available To Singapore’s Own Members

by Gary Leff on January 7, 2020

Jan 07 2020

Alaska Airlines partners with Singapore Airlines. Alaska has access to more award space than other Singapore Airlines partners. Usually partner airlines, like fellow Star Alliance members United and Avianca, cannot book business or first class long haul awards on Singapore Airlines at all.

Alaska not only is able to book premium cabin awards between the U.S. and Asia on Singapore Airlines but Alaska seems to show availability soemtimes when Singapore isn’t offering the space to its own Krisflyer members.