Will there ever be a new Malev?

It is well known now that experts and enthusiasts alike started thinking about a new Hungarian airline almost the day after the sad collapse of the 66 years old icon, Malev. Not much has happened so far, obviously, investing in a new airline is not a high priority for anyone and investing in a new… Continue reading Will there ever be a new Malev?

It is not easy to work with the airlines – Why the SJU should be careful

Having airspace users on board in SESAR is an important development by anyone’s measure. Thinking that having individual airlines involved is the same as having the industry involved is a grave mistake that can cost dearly to all concerned. The signs of trouble are already there. What do you think about there being a hard-won… Continue reading It is not easy to work with the airlines – Why the SJU should be careful

Air France and Hungarian water-melons

While Hungarians are being urged by their Minister of Agriculture to buy a few extra pieces of water-melons, thereby helping local growers, French politicians under the leadership of right-wing MP Bernard Carayon are proclaiming: “Air France is Airbus, not Boeing”. Excuse me? Of course this incredible folly is a direct retaliation for the US Air… Continue reading Air France and Hungarian water-melons

KLM Fokker 100 lands safely on Schiphol Airport’s panorama terrace

No, this was not an ATC error or a botched landing. The Fokker 100 is leaving the KLM fleet for good and one of them got a truly special destination for its days in pension. This Fokker 100 is there not only as a static specimen you can look at from the outside. She continues… Continue reading KLM Fokker 100 lands safely on Schiphol Airport’s panorama terrace

Getting Knighted for merits in navigation -Theo van de Ven

Those who have met Theo van de Ven of KLM will remember him as a gentle guy who nevertheless knows full well what he is about. Always ready to help and to explain things he is the ultimate teacher who is always remembered by his pupils and colleagues alike. He is currently working at KLM’s… Continue reading Getting Knighted for merits in navigation -Theo van de Ven

A kid in the tower, a pilot without license and other things

The unprecedented success of the air transport industry is due mainly to the spectacular improvements in safety booked overt the years. True, the convenience of being able to travel to the other end of Europe for a meeting and back the same day count for a lot, but without the safety factor, few passengers would… Continue reading A kid in the tower, a pilot without license and other things

KLM and Aeroflot take-off from taxi-ways

Strange as it may seem one of the more difficult things that pilots have to deal with is finding their way around airports. Despite ICAO standardisation many obvious things like airport signage are not always the same at every airport, and even if they were, airport layouts will always differ. Surprisingly, navigating the aircraft down… Continue reading KLM and Aeroflot take-off from taxi-ways

A taxiway will do… KLM 737 takes-off from Taxiway B in Amsterdam

I do have a trip scheduled to Warsaw… what I pity I was not on KL1369 two days ago! As I said in another article, I am one of the few air travelers who does check the life west (under your seat you know), follows the safety briefing and confirms the nearest exit (may be… Continue reading A taxiway will do… KLM 737 takes-off from Taxiway B in Amsterdam

Anniversary – Boeing 747 first revenue flight

40 year anniversary on 22 January 2010 Pan American World Airways is long gone but the 747, into its fifth generation, still strives. Forty years ago on 22 January 1970 it was a Pan Am clipper that introduced this undisputed king of large aircraft to revenue service. N736PA, a 747-100 flew from New York to… Continue reading Anniversary – Boeing 747 first revenue flight