There are several start-up airlines looking to compete with major carriers on a number of levels, which is also likely to have an impact on airline rates. These newly formed competitors are trying to fast track their plans so they can start operating within the next year or less. Generally the process is quite lengthy due to the certifications needed, purchasing equipment and organizing employees & infrastructure. However, many new start-ups are finding ways to cut the time necessary so … >> Read More

As you may well know, Sun Country Airlines has been going through bankruptcy proceedings which may lead some to believe that this is a result of lower bookings and a depressed economy. The bankruptcy was actually a result of Sun Country Airline’s owner, Tom Petters, losing about $3.5 billion as a result of a ponzi scheme. Unfortunately this bankruptcy has hurt Sun Country Airlines reputation die in part to the fact that when people hear the word bankruptcy associated with … >> Read More

The cost of all types of oil based fuel has been rising in recent months which begs the question “how will the rising price of fuel impact low cost airlines?”. Now obviously the rising cost of fuel has a direct impact on the cost to fuel the jets and keep them in the air. However, that is just the beginning of the effects that rising fuel prices have on low cost airlines. Most of the airlines operating today use futures … >> Read More

While most everyone has heard about the incident where a 737 operated by Southwest Airlines had to make an emergency landing due to a hole that developed in the roof and now the question is what kind of impact will this have on aircraft sales. This incident seems to keep reappearing in the news as a result of follow up inspections revealing possible problems among other 737s that Southwest operates and potential problems with 737 models operated by other airlines. … >> Read More

As NASA is wrapping up its space shuttle program, private space corporations are beginning to take a stronghold in space exploration. Recently, SpaceX or Space Explorations Technologies Inc. announced a new rocket called the Falcon Heavy that is only second in size to the Apollo Era’s Saturn V. The Falcon Heavy is planned to have a payload of 117 000 pounds, twice that of the Space Shuttle and rival company United Launch Alliance LLC’s Delta IV. The new rocket is … >> Read More

The Boeing X-37 OTV (Orbital Test Vehicle) is an unmanned spacecraft similar to the space shuttle in appearance that made its first flight on April 22 of last year. The flight lasted for 225 days and the OTV successfully landed on Vandenburg Air Force Base on December 3 of that year. The OTV is powered by solar energy during its orbit. It features new thermal protection technology, avionics systems, and an autonomous guidance system. The OTV has generated much controversy. … >> Read More