The Up Front
@theupfront.media
In-depth, independent aviation journalism for the digital age — up front with what we write, how we write it, and the way we operate.
Read and subscribe for more: https://theupfront.media
Read and subscribe for more: https://theupfront.media
Reposted by The Up Front
In 1941, Pan Am's California Clipper had to do something no commercial flight had done before: circumnavigate the world.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
Into the unknown: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 3
Unable to source military-grade aviation fuel, our crew are forced to cross the Indian Ocean using regular gasoline. Something no Boeing 314 has ever flown on before.
theupfront.media
November 14, 2025 at 11:16 AM
In 1941, Pan Am's California Clipper had to do something no commercial flight had done before: circumnavigate the world.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
Reposted by The Up Front
What the hell is “NEW TERMINAL 9” at JFK?
The PANYNJ capital plan summary lists $1.8 billion for work on a new terminal 9 that I have never heard of or seen in any plans. Where would it even go?
And $1+ billion for the JFK AirTrain fleet expansion and station overhaul
How the hell?!
The PANYNJ capital plan summary lists $1.8 billion for work on a new terminal 9 that I have never heard of or seen in any plans. Where would it even go?
And $1+ billion for the JFK AirTrain fleet expansion and station overhaul
How the hell?!
November 14, 2025 at 12:11 AM
What the hell is “NEW TERMINAL 9” at JFK?
The PANYNJ capital plan summary lists $1.8 billion for work on a new terminal 9 that I have never heard of or seen in any plans. Where would it even go?
And $1+ billion for the JFK AirTrain fleet expansion and station overhaul
How the hell?!
The PANYNJ capital plan summary lists $1.8 billion for work on a new terminal 9 that I have never heard of or seen in any plans. Where would it even go?
And $1+ billion for the JFK AirTrain fleet expansion and station overhaul
How the hell?!
Reposted by The Up Front
Riveting story! Subscribed so I don't miss the final parts!
In 1941, Pan Am's California Clipper had to do something no commercial flight had done before: circumnavigate the world.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
Into the unknown: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 3
Unable to source military-grade aviation fuel, our crew are forced to cross the Indian Ocean using regular gasoline. Something no Boeing 314 has ever flown on before.
theupfront.media
November 14, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Riveting story! Subscribed so I don't miss the final parts!
Reposted by The Up Front
In December 1941, Pan Am flight 18602 was trapped the wrong side of the Pacific by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
The Long Way Round: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 1
In 1941, the Japanese attacked Hawaii, leaving Pan Am flight 18602 trapped the wrong side of Pearl Harbour, To get home, its civilian crew would have to do something incredible: circumnavigate the wor...
theupfront.media
October 31, 2025 at 10:21 PM
In December 1941, Pan Am flight 18602 was trapped the wrong side of the Pacific by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
Reposted by The Up Front
Air Algérie becomes the latest A330neo operator
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo - an A330-900neo. The move marks a major point in the modernisation of the airline's long-haul fleet and in its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The A330-900 will play a role in Air…
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo - an A330-900neo. The move marks a major point in the modernisation of the airline's long-haul fleet and in its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The A330-900 will play a role in Air…
Air Algérie becomes the latest A330neo operator
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo - an A330-900neo. The move marks a major point in the modernisation of the airline's long-haul fleet and in its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The A330-900 will play a role in Air Algérie's expansion plans from Algiers, enabling the launch of new transatlantic and Asian routes. Air Algérie is set to receive…
economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Air Algérie becomes the latest A330neo operator
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo - an A330-900neo. The move marks a major point in the modernisation of the airline's long-haul fleet and in its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The A330-900 will play a role in Air…
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo - an A330-900neo. The move marks a major point in the modernisation of the airline's long-haul fleet and in its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The A330-900 will play a role in Air…
Reposted by The Up Front
EVTOLs debut in Dubai flying display - check out our #DubaiAirShow preview here! #avgeek #DAS25 www.aerosociety.com/news/dubai-a...
November 14, 2025 at 12:30 PM
EVTOLs debut in Dubai flying display - check out our #DubaiAirShow preview here! #avgeek #DAS25 www.aerosociety.com/news/dubai-a...
In 1941, Pan Am's California Clipper had to do something no commercial flight had done before: circumnavigate the world.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
Into the unknown: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 3
Unable to source military-grade aviation fuel, our crew are forced to cross the Indian Ocean using regular gasoline. Something no Boeing 314 has ever flown on before.
theupfront.media
November 14, 2025 at 11:16 AM
In 1941, Pan Am's California Clipper had to do something no commercial flight had done before: circumnavigate the world.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
Reposted by The Up Front
We've had this well-written and illustrated opinion piece from @ntlmuseumsscot.bsky.social on hand for some time, but it’s still relevant. What do you say? Do you think there are other aircraft that could be added to this list? Or perhaps there are some listed here that ought not to be? | 🛩️ 📍 🏴 🥇
Five aircraft that pioneered commercial aviation | National Museums Scotland
Many have become accustomed to air travel, with the low-cost of airline tickets allowing regular flights to Europe and beyond. It is hard to believe that i
www.nms.ac.uk
November 13, 2025 at 3:49 PM
We've had this well-written and illustrated opinion piece from @ntlmuseumsscot.bsky.social on hand for some time, but it’s still relevant. What do you say? Do you think there are other aircraft that could be added to this list? Or perhaps there are some listed here that ought not to be? | 🛩️ 📍 🏴 🥇
Reposted by The Up Front
I really struggle to describe just how utterly insane it is that the California's crew kept her in the air.
They had to work out how to fly a plane designed ONLY for military-grade fuel on the same stuff you get at a petrol pump.
And they had to work that out MID AIR OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN.
They had to work out how to fly a plane designed ONLY for military-grade fuel on the same stuff you get at a petrol pump.
And they had to work that out MID AIR OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN.
A sneak look at the next in our series on the extraordinary round-the-world flight of the California Clipper during WW2.
Our crew must work out how you can fly a Boeing 314 on regular grade gasoline.
And they must work it out over the Indian Ocean.
Start here: theupfront.media/the-long-way...
Our crew must work out how you can fly a Boeing 314 on regular grade gasoline.
And they must work it out over the Indian Ocean.
Start here: theupfront.media/the-long-way...
November 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
I really struggle to describe just how utterly insane it is that the California's crew kept her in the air.
They had to work out how to fly a plane designed ONLY for military-grade fuel on the same stuff you get at a petrol pump.
And they had to work that out MID AIR OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN.
They had to work out how to fly a plane designed ONLY for military-grade fuel on the same stuff you get at a petrol pump.
And they had to work that out MID AIR OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN.
A sneak look at the next in our series on the extraordinary round-the-world flight of the California Clipper during WW2.
Our crew must work out how you can fly a Boeing 314 on regular grade gasoline.
And they must work it out over the Indian Ocean.
Start here: theupfront.media/the-long-way...
Our crew must work out how you can fly a Boeing 314 on regular grade gasoline.
And they must work it out over the Indian Ocean.
Start here: theupfront.media/the-long-way...
November 13, 2025 at 3:14 PM
A sneak look at the next in our series on the extraordinary round-the-world flight of the California Clipper during WW2.
Our crew must work out how you can fly a Boeing 314 on regular grade gasoline.
And they must work it out over the Indian Ocean.
Start here: theupfront.media/the-long-way...
Our crew must work out how you can fly a Boeing 314 on regular grade gasoline.
And they must work it out over the Indian Ocean.
Start here: theupfront.media/the-long-way...
Reposted by The Up Front
The story continues. Aviation today is an exercise in risk management, and the risks the Pan Am crew had to face to get home were unreal. Amazingly written.
Part 2 of our history of the remarkable flight of the California Clipper in WW2 is now available.
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
Flying blind: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 2
What Pan Am were asking of Ford, his crew and his aircraft was to do something that no commercial flying boat had ever done before: complete a circumnavigation of the world.
theupfront.media
November 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM
The story continues. Aviation today is an exercise in risk management, and the risks the Pan Am crew had to face to get home were unreal. Amazingly written.
Reposted by The Up Front
Part 2 of our history of the remarkable flight of the California Clipper in WW2 is now available.
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
Flying blind: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 2
What Pan Am were asking of Ford, his crew and his aircraft was to do something that no commercial flying boat had ever done before: complete a circumnavigation of the world.
theupfront.media
November 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Part 2 of our history of the remarkable flight of the California Clipper in WW2 is now available.
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
Flying blind: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 2
What Pan Am were asking of Ford, his crew and his aircraft was to do something that no commercial flying boat had ever done before: complete a circumnavigation of the world.
theupfront.media
November 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
We're back with more ambient music and air traffic control chatter in our Contact Decimal podcast (trust us, it works).
This time we're off to Geneva. Come on over to the site to listen for free, or (if you're a subscriber) access the podcast feed directly.
theupfront.media/listen-now-c...
This time we're off to Geneva. Come on over to the site to listen for free, or (if you're a subscriber) access the podcast feed directly.
theupfront.media/listen-now-c...
Listen now: Contact Decimal: #4 A Snow-dusted Sky - GVA/LSGG
Welcome back to our relaxing ambient music x air traffic control podcast, Contact Decimal. Whether you're working, flying or relaxing with a good book, this time we're taking you to Geneva.
theupfront.media
November 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
We're back with more ambient music and air traffic control chatter in our Contact Decimal podcast (trust us, it works).
This time we're off to Geneva. Come on over to the site to listen for free, or (if you're a subscriber) access the podcast feed directly.
theupfront.media/listen-now-c...
This time we're off to Geneva. Come on over to the site to listen for free, or (if you're a subscriber) access the podcast feed directly.
theupfront.media/listen-now-c...
Reposted by The Up Front
Fascinating read and can’t wait for part 2
In December 1941, Pan Am flight 18602 was trapped the wrong side of the Pacific by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
The Long Way Round: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 1
In 1941, the Japanese attacked Hawaii, leaving Pan Am flight 18602 trapped the wrong side of Pearl Harbour, To get home, its civilian crew would have to do something incredible: circumnavigate the wor...
theupfront.media
November 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Fascinating read and can’t wait for part 2
In December 1941, Pan Am flight 18602 was trapped the wrong side of the Pacific by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
The Long Way Round: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 1
In 1941, the Japanese attacked Hawaii, leaving Pan Am flight 18602 trapped the wrong side of Pearl Harbour, To get home, its civilian crew would have to do something incredible: circumnavigate the wor...
theupfront.media
October 31, 2025 at 10:21 PM
In December 1941, Pan Am flight 18602 was trapped the wrong side of the Pacific by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
Don't miss the latest edition of The Up Front Update — fascinating news on Eurostar, WestJet, American (and Collins' Aurora seat), Emirates, Finnair and more!
theupfront.media/update-22-eu...
theupfront.media/update-22-eu...
Update #22: Eurostar’s new trains, WestJet’s new owners, American’s new A321XLRs, Emirates’ new accessibility options, Finnair’s new seat covers, and more…
What’s behind Eurostar’s small order for big TGV trains, the Delta-Korean-Air France-KLM purchase of a chunk of WestJet, American’s A321XLRs (and Collins Aurora) arrive, plus more on those Finnair air...
theupfront.media
October 25, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Don't miss the latest edition of The Up Front Update — fascinating news on Eurostar, WestJet, American (and Collins' Aurora seat), Emirates, Finnair and more!
theupfront.media/update-22-eu...
theupfront.media/update-22-eu...
Reposted by The Up Front
Out now: how Cathay is targeting top-tier frequent flyer members with its new Diamond Exec super-elite tier.
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Update #21: Cathay revamps its top-tier loyalty offer, plus your passenger experience news filter this week
How Cathay is making genuine improvements to its loyalty program, aiming at top tier spenders — plus news from Finnair, updates on proposed China-US flight bans, yet more Lufthansa fleet and seat move...
theupfront.media
October 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Out now: how Cathay is targeting top-tier frequent flyer members with its new Diamond Exec super-elite tier.
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Reposted by The Up Front
IndiGo converts its June A350 MOU to a firm order. The carrier now holds contracts for 60 A359s to be delivered in the years ahead.
#AvGeek
#AvGeek
October 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
IndiGo converts its June A350 MOU to a firm order. The carrier now holds contracts for 60 A359s to be delivered in the years ahead.
#AvGeek
#AvGeek
Out now: how Cathay is targeting top-tier frequent flyer members with its new Diamond Exec super-elite tier.
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Update #21: Cathay revamps its top-tier loyalty offer, plus your passenger experience news filter this week
How Cathay is making genuine improvements to its loyalty program, aiming at top tier spenders — plus news from Finnair, updates on proposed China-US flight bans, yet more Lufthansa fleet and seat move...
theupfront.media
October 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Out now: how Cathay is targeting top-tier frequent flyer members with its new Diamond Exec super-elite tier.
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Plus: Finnair gets done dirty with seat cover cleaning, MORE Lufthansa fleet-and-seat details, and our weekly filter of the firehose of aviation news.
theupfront.media/update-21-ca...
Reposted by The Up Front
Part 2 of our in-depth analysis of Lufthansa's Capital Markets Day dives into the seats, fleets, onboard product… and just where those two extra types of Allegris seat from 2023 disappeared to.
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
A coda for Allegris: Lufthansa’s fleet and seat strategy problems, from its Group Capital Markets Day, Part 2
Completing our analysis, we examine the Lufthansa Group’s airline fleets, its seats onboard, the history and reality of Allegris (and FICE), and what Lufthansa needs to do to pull itself out of the bu...
theupfront.media
October 16, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Part 2 of our in-depth analysis of Lufthansa's Capital Markets Day dives into the seats, fleets, onboard product… and just where those two extra types of Allegris seat from 2023 disappeared to.
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
Part 2 of our in-depth analysis of Lufthansa's Capital Markets Day dives into the seats, fleets, onboard product… and just where those two extra types of Allegris seat from 2023 disappeared to.
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
A coda for Allegris: Lufthansa’s fleet and seat strategy problems, from its Group Capital Markets Day, Part 2
Completing our analysis, we examine the Lufthansa Group’s airline fleets, its seats onboard, the history and reality of Allegris (and FICE), and what Lufthansa needs to do to pull itself out of the bu...
theupfront.media
October 16, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Part 2 of our in-depth analysis of Lufthansa's Capital Markets Day dives into the seats, fleets, onboard product… and just where those two extra types of Allegris seat from 2023 disappeared to.
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
As the great philosopher Tatianna once said: "Choices."
theupfront.media/a-coda-for-a...
We talk about CMF — colour, materials, and finish — of airline cabins a lot, and folks are often surprised at how high-tech something like a seat cover can be in order to meet requirements like flammability, smoke toxicity and heat release.
Finnair is canceling some flights and performing inspections on 8 of its A321s because the seat covers on those aircraft were cleaned using water. www.flightradar24.com/blog/aviatio...
October 14, 2025 at 6:50 AM
We talk about CMF — colour, materials, and finish — of airline cabins a lot, and folks are often surprised at how high-tech something like a seat cover can be in order to meet requirements like flammability, smoke toxicity and heat release.
This week's edition of The Up Front Update delves into the design behind BA's new lounges in Miami and Dubai, plus:
• impending Russia airspace bans for Chinese flights to the US
• new transatlantic routes for Air Canada and Air Transat
• a new class for Hawaiian…
theupfront.media/update-20-ba...
• impending Russia airspace bans for Chinese flights to the US
• new transatlantic routes for Air Canada and Air Transat
• a new class for Hawaiian…
theupfront.media/update-20-ba...
Update #20: BA’s new lounges, China-US Russia airspace ban, new routes for Air Canada & Air Transat, Alaska-Hawaiian product renaming, and more…
Our weekly roundup delves into new lounges in Miami and Dubai, overflight bans for Chinese airlines, new A321XLR routes from Canada, the new Premium Class on Hawaiian, and a heads-up that a hundred or...
theupfront.media
October 12, 2025 at 12:44 PM
This week's edition of The Up Front Update delves into the design behind BA's new lounges in Miami and Dubai, plus:
• impending Russia airspace bans for Chinese flights to the US
• new transatlantic routes for Air Canada and Air Transat
• a new class for Hawaiian…
theupfront.media/update-20-ba...
• impending Russia airspace bans for Chinese flights to the US
• new transatlantic routes for Air Canada and Air Transat
• a new class for Hawaiian…
theupfront.media/update-20-ba...
Reposted by The Up Front
Our latest:
Airbus says its "modifications & upgrades" services business grew 18% last year — double some other segments — but Airbus expects 20-year growth of just 1.9% each year, on average.
That's less than half of some other segments from now to 2044.
Why?
theupfront.media/pro-readout-...
Airbus says its "modifications & upgrades" services business grew 18% last year — double some other segments — but Airbus expects 20-year growth of just 1.9% each year, on average.
That's less than half of some other segments from now to 2044.
Why?
theupfront.media/pro-readout-...
Pro Readout: Airbus’ services market forecast predicts drop in demand for seats and cabins “modifications and upgrades” business
Airbus says its aircraft modifications and upgrades work — including cabins and seats — have hit a peak in 2025, and forecasts strongly slowing demand for this category over the next 20 years.
theupfront.media
October 10, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Our latest:
Airbus says its "modifications & upgrades" services business grew 18% last year — double some other segments — but Airbus expects 20-year growth of just 1.9% each year, on average.
That's less than half of some other segments from now to 2044.
Why?
theupfront.media/pro-readout-...
Airbus says its "modifications & upgrades" services business grew 18% last year — double some other segments — but Airbus expects 20-year growth of just 1.9% each year, on average.
That's less than half of some other segments from now to 2044.
Why?
theupfront.media/pro-readout-...