Turkish Airlines Announces Recruitment for Second Pilot Cadets: Apply Now for Take-Off Cadet Program

Turkish Airlines has opened up an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in becoming second pilots through its Take-Off Cadet Program. The airline has officially published an advertisement for second pilot candidates to undergo specialized training, making it possible for individuals from any undergraduate background to apply.

Key Details:

• The recruitment is open to all undergraduate graduates, regardless of their department, and candidates born between December 31, 2004, and January 1, 1995.
• Successful candidates will receive extensive training over a two-year period.
• During the training, applicants will be provided with generous benefits including two gross minimum wage salaries, accommodation, rent assistance, meal cards, insurance, and discounted flight tickets.

Abdulkerim Çay, Deputy General Manager of Turkish Airlines’ Human Resources, shared the airline's ongoing commitment to enhancing its workforce, stating, “As the airline that flies to the most destinations in the world, we continue to increase our fleet and employee count in line with our strong financial structure and future goals.” He emphasized that strengthening both the airline’s physical and human resources is key to achieving sustained success and maintaining a leadership position in the aviation industry.

Turkish Airlines remains dedicated to maintaining high standards of service quality and contributing to the growth of the aviation sector. Those interested in joining the Turkish Airlines family and pursuing a career as a second pilot can apply through the airline’s official recruitment platform, kariyer.thy.com.

Qatar Airways to Resume Flights to Damascus Starting January 2025

Qatar Airways has announced its plans to re-establish operations to Damascus International Airport, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional connectivity. Starting January 7, 2025, the airline will operate three weekly flights connecting the Syrian capital, Damascus, to over 170 destinations worldwide via Doha.

In a recent statement, Qatar Airways emphasized its commitment to meeting passenger demands while working closely with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with safety, security, and operational standards.

Badr Mohamed El-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO, expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating:
"We are delighted to resume flights to Damascus, a city of great historical and cultural significance. This development demonstrates our commitment to further enhance the connectivity and ease of travel we offer our passengers."

This announcement comes as Damascus International Airport regains its operational capacity after significant political changes in Syria. On December 18, a Syrian Airlines passenger plane marked a new era by flying from Damascus to Aleppo, signaling progress in the region's aviation sector.

With its robust global network, Qatar Airways aims to position itself as a key player in reconnecting Syria to the world, fostering both travel and economic growth in the region.

Tragic Plane Crash in California: Kit Plane Crashes into Warehouse, 2 Dead, 19 Injured

A devastating aviation accident occurred in Fullerton, California, when a single-engine Van's RV-10 kit plane crashed into a warehouse, resulting in a fire that claimed two lives and left 19 others injured.

According to Fullerton police spokeswoman Kristy Wells, the crash took place in a building used to store sewing machines and textiles. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, extinguishing the flames and evacuating nearby businesses.

Six people were treated on-site for minor injuries, while several others were rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, two fatalities were confirmed by authorities.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with police and fire teams working tirelessly to uncover details about the incident. This tragic event has raised concerns about aviation safety and its potential risks to urban areas.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

Busiest Airline Routes in 2024: The Top International and Domestic Paths

As the travel industry continues to rebound post-pandemic, the latest data from OAG, a leading travel intelligence firm, reveals the busiest airline routes of 2024. From the popular international connections to bustling domestic paths in the U.S., these routes are where passengers are flying the most this year.

Top International Routes in 2024 According to OAG’s analysis, the most popular international route for 2024 was Hong Kong (HKG) to Taipei (TPE), with a remarkable 6.78 million seats available. This 1 hour, 45-minute flight tops the charts, showing a 48% increase in passenger capacity compared to 2023, although it's still 15% below pre-pandemic levels.

Following closely, Cairo (CAI) to Jeddah (JED) ranks second, with 5.47 million seats, while Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) took third place with 5.41 million seats. Other notable international routes include Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore Changi (SIN), and Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Osaka Kansai (KIX).

Interestingly, the New York (JFK) to London Heathrow (LHR) route made the top 10, with 4.01 million seats, despite being the eighth most popular route in 2019.

Most Popular Domestic U.S. Routes In the United States, Atlanta (ATL) to Orlando (MCO) tops the list as the busiest domestic route in 2024, offering 3.47 million seats. This route is closely followed by Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG), with 3.37 million seats, a route often taken for island-hopping within Hawaii.

Other popular U.S. domestic routes include the busy Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Angeles (LAX) path, which saw 3.35 million seats available, and Denver (DEN) to Phoenix (PHX) with 3.21 million seats. The classic Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) route also remained a staple, offering 3.16 million seats in 2024.

Why These Routes Are So Popular The surge in passenger demand, particularly for short-haul flights and popular vacation destinations, has shaped these rankings. The Asia-Pacific region has experienced a post-pandemic recovery, with routes like Hong Kong to Taipei and Seoul to Tokyo benefitting from increased connectivity. Meanwhile, U.S. domestic routes like those to Orlando and Las Vegas continue to be strong as travelers return to their favorite holiday destinations.

As airlines continue to cater to both long and short-haul travel, it’s clear that these routes are key to the aviation industry’s recovery. Whether for business or leisure, these routes are where the majority of global travelers are heading in 2024.

Aeromexico Named World's Best for On-Time Arrivals in 2024

In 2024, Aeromexico ranked as the top airline globally for on-time arrivals, with 87% of its flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, according to the Cirium report. Saudia followed in second place at 86%, while Delta Air Lines took third place with 83%, despite challenges from a summer technology outage.

In the Asia Pacific region, Japan Airlines led with 80.9% on-time arrivals, followed by ANA and Singapore Airlines. Qantas was the only Australian airline in the global top 10, with 73.9% of its flights arriving on time.

Other top airlines include LATAM Airlines, Qatar Airways, Azul, Avianca, Iberia, and United Airlines. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was the most on-time airport, with 87% of flights departing on time.

This ranking highlights the resilience and operational excellence of these carriers and airports, despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry in 2024.

South Korean Police Ban Jeju Air CEO from Leaving Country Amid Deadly Flight 2216 Investigation

South Korean authorities have placed a travel ban on Jeju Air's chief executive, Kim E-bae, as part of an ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216. The crash, which occurred on Sunday, claimed the lives of 179 of the 181 people on board, making it the deadliest air disaster in South Korea's history.

Police have stepped up their efforts to uncover the cause of the disaster, with aviation authorities intensifying their probe. In a statement released on Thursday, the police vowed to "swiftly and rigorously determine the cause and responsibility" for the devastating accident. This move reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgency with which the investigation is being conducted.

China Eastern Airlines Launches C919 Aircraft on Shanghai-Hong Kong Route

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comac_C919

China Eastern Airlines has officially begun operating the domestically produced C919 aircraft on its scheduled flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. The historic flight MU721 took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Wednesday at 08:21, carrying 157 passengers, marking the first time the C919 has been used on this route.

This milestone also makes China Eastern Airlines the first carrier to offer scheduled commercial flights to Hong Kong with the C919. The airline plans to operate daily round-trip flights, highlighting China's growing capabilities in the aviation industry. The C919, developed by COMAC, is expected to strengthen China's position in the global commercial aviation market.

Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea: 179 Identified, Investigation Underway

The recent plane crash in South Korea has left 179 people dead, and the identities of the victims have now been confirmed through DNA samples taken from their families. The painful process of identification was necessary as the bodies were unrecognizable due to the severity of the crash. Families were taken to the wreckage site, where the sight of the destruction deepened their grief. Many prayed at the site, while others visited a memorial corner set up at the airport in honor of those lost.

The tragic incident occurred when a Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 passengers, attempted an emergency landing after a bird strike caused an issue with its landing gear. The plane skidded off the runway, crashed into a concrete wall, and erupted in flames. Only two survivors, both from the crew, are currently receiving hospital treatment.

Investigations into the cause of the crash continue, with inspectors from the United States providing assistance. One of the plane's black boxes, which recorded cockpit sounds, will be sent to the US for further analysis, though retrieving data from the second black box may prove more challenging. The investigation is focused on determining the precise cause of the crash, as funeral procedures for the victims are being expedited.