Curiosities
1,987 news found
CuriositiesCatherine Labuschagne is the first female Pilot to fly the Gripen
Makhado, South Africa - She made her first flight at the Makhado airbase
Captain Catherine Labuschagne writes a new page in the aviation history: she is the first female Pilot to fly a Gripen. After having successfully completed the Operational Conversion Course (OCC) instructed... more
CuriositiesPrince William completes his first air exercise "SAR"
Anglesey, Wales - As a co-pilot of a RAF Sea King helicopter
On Saturday, 2 October 2010, William of Wales completed his first Search And Rescue (SAR) shift. The Prince was employed as a co-pilot on a Sea King helicopter of the Royal Air Force, RAF, called "Rescue... more
CuriositiesMiami: a swarm of bees on a plane
Fort Lauderdale, USA - A fire rescue's intervention to move away it
A swarm of bees chose a Falcon jet as a good place to nest. This is the reason why a Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue truck had to hose down the airplane at the Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale International... more
CuriositiesCebu Pacific: dancing safety demonstrations
Manila, Philippines - Hostess dance songs by Lady GaGa and Katy Perry
The passengers of a Cebu Pacific flight saw a very particular show on board: flight assistants started their safety demonstrations while dancing songs by Lady GaGa and Katy Perry. Some videos are now... more
CuriositiesInvasion of Kuwait: Iraqi Airlines to sell 5 Boeing airplanes blocked at Amman airport since 1990
Amman, Jordan - The block follows UN sanctions to Iraq for the invasion of Kuwait 20 years ago
Iraqi Airlines has announced the sale of 5 commercial aircraft Boeing, blocked in Jordan since 1990 following the United Nation sanctions to Iraq after the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein's troops. The... more
CuriositiesCharlie Brown & Co. take Condor flights
Berlin, Germany - The Peanuts logo on the German airline Boeing and Airbus airplanes
They said it at the "Ila" (Internationale Luft-und Raumfahrtausstellung) in Berlin: Condor, a German airline, will cooperate with the Luftfahrt Ohne Grenzen (Wings for Help) foundation. It will put its... more
CuriositiesSheraton hotel of Milan-Malpensa airport was waiting for its first customers
Milan, Italy - Last Friday; 20 reservations at the moment of the opening
The new Sheraton hotel at Milan-Malpensa airport opened to the public on Thursday, 1 October 2010. Personnel is still at work for last preparations of the hospitality structure, which hosted about 30%... more
CuriositiesPhoto exhibition at Helsinki Airport for six months
Helsinki, Finland - By American Carolyn Russo
Helsinki Airport will offer visitors a break from traditional aviation photography. On Monday, October 4th the airport will host the grand opening of a photo exhibition by the American photographer Carolyn... more
CuriositiesWorld's only flyable B-29 completes testing
Midland, USA - It will attend to "CAF Airsho" in Midland, in October
Following an extensive re-engineering project, the world's only flyable Boeing 29 Superfortress has returned to the skies. A “Comeback-in-service” which the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) says it is jus... more
CuriositiesBergamo, gold bar vending machine at Italian Orio al Serio airport
Bergamo , Italy - First "Gold to go" dispenser of Italy inaugurated yesterday
The first gold bar vending machine in Italy was presented yesterday at Bergamo-Orio al Serio airport. The machine, whose name is "Gold to go", was located in the departures area, beyond the security check.... more
CuriositiesHigh-flying high fashion: Skyscanner's survey about airlines' uniforms
Milan , Italy - Italy only ranked 5th in users' preferences
"The very awaited fashion week is taking place in Milan. What better opportunity to combine fashion and aviation? The two elements have always been going together, from the first hostesses' mini-skirts,... more
CuriositiesNearly standing on new "Seat-saddle"
Long Beach , Usa - It will create "Cattle-truck" travel conditions, British tabloid "Daily Express" says
A new seat for airplanes, produced by Aviointeriors Group, an Italian company specialized in aircraft interiors manufacturer, was unveiled on the occasion of "Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas", recently... more
CuriositiesHarry of England "Celebrates" his 26th birthday on an Apache helicopter
London , England - The prince in training to become an attack aircraft pilot
Harry of England "Celebrated" his 26th birthday on an Apache attack helicopter yesterday, a St James' Palace spokesperson said. No day of rest for the prince, who began a 8-month military training in July... more
CuriositiesThe airline caterer "Gategroup" will provide "Halal" menu to eat on planes
Zurich , Switzerland - Most of its dishes will be prepared according to Islamic dietary prescriptions
Gategroup, the big airline caterer which produces and distributes meals for some of the most important airlines, such as Delta, Cathay Pacific and British Airways, decided that most of its dishes will... more
CuriositiesEtihad pilot qualifies to become first female captain
Abu Dhabi, EAU - She's Sophie Blanchard
Etihad Airways is celebrating the maiden commercial flight of its first female Captain, Sophie Blanchard. Captain Blanchard, a French national, will take the controls of the left hand seat in the flight... more
CuriositiesYesterday the 150th anniversary of the "Weather forecasts"
London, England - Memories of Robert FitzRoy, the father of weather forecasts and the one who published first ones on "The Times"
On September 6th 1860, the first daily weather forecasts were published on "The Times". They were made by Robert FitzRoy, an admiral whose life was full of events. Born in 1805 in Ampton Hall, England,... more
CuriositiesChina publishes official Chinese names for places on the moon
Beijing, China - Starting with 468 out of more than 9000
China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has published the official Chinese names for places on the earth's moon, in a first attempt to eliminate confusion and to help the nation's lunar exploration efforts. The... more
CuriositiesA survey by Petfinder.com establishes the best airlines for pets
New York City, USA - JetBlue, AirTran and Frontier among the most equipped, safe and cheap airlines
At now, unfortunately, travelling by airplane with pets is not so easy, because of the high costs and restrictions imposed by the carriers. Petfinder.com, a website owned by Discovery Communications... more
CuriositiesTurkish Airlines: Overweight ... the hostess, not luggage. Stranded
Ankara, Turkey - "Zero tolerance" carrier applied to 28 flight attendants
Turkish Airlines stranded 28 flight attendants because they are too "Curvy". The "Zero Tolerance protocol" from the carrier gives overweight employees - 15 of them are men - 6 months to resume healthy... more
Curiosities"Air Sarkò One" draws the ire of French taxpayers: Presidential aircraft is not full of rigor
Paris, France - 180 million to renew the A-330 supplied to Sarkozy, who also wants an in-flight bathtub
Even the bathtub in the new Sarkozy's presidential plane, an A-330 the president is customizing with changes that - frankly - we can not help but appreciate: according to rumors in the press releases beyond... more
Curiosities"Cluster-balloonist" Trappe at "EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010"
Oshkosh, USA - If weather allows, a takeoff on board his bunch of balloons
Flying a balloon attached to colorful. The dream that many people experience as children. And someone has succeeded ... 70 maybe attached to balloons. This was the undertaking of "Balloons" Jonathan... more
CuriositiesFrench hostesses unpopular, Brazilian passengers fall. Air France runs for cover
Sao Paulo, Brazil - Carrier forced to take Brazilian flight attendants to win back customers
Air France assume 90 assistenti di volo brasiliana. Ciò che appare come un servizio di notizie regolare , nasconde in realtà un sintomo ben più succoso che sembra dichiarare il declino del fascino della do... more
CuriositiesCaught Colton H. Moore, the "Barefoot bandit", famous for his crash landings
Nassau, Bahamas - On the run for 2 years, he is a self-taught pilot
The Bahamas Police caught Colton Harris Moore, nineteen years old American fleeing two years, called in the US the "Barefoot bandit". The boy was wanted for a week in the archipelago after a crash with... more
CuriositiesThe AB-47G helicopter "1955-2010" celebrated: a perfectly restored "Pearl"
Cascina Costa, Italy - A series of cards and a special stamp obliteration for the important event
The Agusta-Bell AB-47G helicopter, code I-ASFD NC 020, completely restored by some voluntary members, has been admired yesterday, on Sunday July 4 in Samarate (Varese). It was delivered on May 9, 1955... more
CuriositieseasyJet will recollect funds on board of its airplanes during the summer months
Milan, Italy - Addressed to the Alzheimer's Society
easyJet, low-cost European airline, announced the annual fundraising in favour of Alzheimer's Society, an association for research and assistance to the persons which suffer from this disease and their... more
CuriositiesPassengers want food for free on board, as it used to be
Boston, USA - A poll conducted by airfarewatchdog.com shows passengers preferences
The low-cost way of flying has really changed airlines world. Ticket prices decreased and passengers started paying for food and beverages. Baggage weight was limited and some airlines started asking money... more
CuriositiesPeanuts be banned on airplanes? Could be lethal for allergics
Washington (D.C.), USA - Born on blogs, issue come to U.S. Department of Transportation's proposal
“Off with them peanuts!”, saith the Red Queen. So it will go if U.S. Department of Transportation's recent proposals for improving air travel will have its way including the possibility of banning pac... more
CuriositiesEU Airports: risk of theft rise if luggage is wrapped
Rome, Italy - Protection is provocation: the "Naked" baggage 3 times safer
The service of "Safe luggage" should protect your luggage in airports: in many airports there are machines that plasticize the luggage with some layer of transparent film. The service isn't for free. And... more
CuriositiesJuventus FC flies to New York from Turin
Turin, Italy - The direct flight Turin-Newark by an A-319CJ airplane in VIP configuration
The Airbus A-319CJ airplane of the German DC Aviation has taken off at 9:30am of last Friday on May 21 from Turin-Caselle to Newark; on board the Juventus FC on the luxury airplane with a 48 seat configuration... more
CuriositiesOutstanding finding of a rare American flight plane from Word War II
Harlec, Wales - The "Maid of Harlec" makes its appearance in Wales
An American fight plane has been found on a beach in Wales, more than sixty years after the crash. The aircraft, a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, was created after 1937. According to the US Air Force, 9,923... more
CuriositiesAir France Spoleto's "Two Worlds Festival" official carrier
Rome, Italy - Taking place from next 18th June to 4th of July
Air France Italy is Spoleto's (Perugia) "Two Worlds Festival" 53rd edition official carrier taking place from 18th June to 4th July 2010. The French air company, always near to the world of art and... more
CuriositiesCA celebrates "Earth Day" by commitment to environment
Houston, Usa - Between 2006 and 2009, the airline collected more than 16.6 million pounds of recyclable materials
Continental Airlines recognizes the importance of protecting and preserving the environment: between 2006 and 2009, the airline collected more than 16.6 million pounds of recyclable materials from its... more
CuriositiesAir Safety and controls: iPad can stay in carry-on baggage
Washington, Usa - Transportation Security Administration clarified it
A good news for those hi-tech gadgets-loving travelers. USA's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) affirmed it last week that iPad, last born for brand Apple, wouldn't have to be removed from carry-on... more
Curiosities"John Lennon Airport" says "Buon Giorno" to new Italian flight to Trapani
Liverpool, UK - Served by Ryanair
Liverpool "John Lennon" Airport (JLA) celebrated Italian style with passengers departing on a new route, to Trapani on the Italian island of Sicily, with top Italian Liverpool City centre restaurant Il... more
CuriositiesTravelling with a dead man
Liverpool, Great Britain - "He has just fallen asleep", they act to avoid corpse repatriation's costs
A story comes from England having form of those seen at cinema, but happened in real life at check-in desk of Liverpool's airport gate. The man near to be embarked last Saturday, ready to fly to Berlin... more
CuriositiesRyanair: vending machines on airplanes and cut on cabin crew
Milan, Italy - The airline will reduce the number of flight assistants to lower costs
The airline Ryanair has announced that it will install vending machines onboard its 225 aircraft in a drive to further reduce costs and increase ancillary revenues through increased passenger choice (obviously... more
CuriositiesNew uniform for KLM's flight crew
Amsterdam, Holland - Designed by stylist Mart Visser, inspired to 70's uniforms
Uniforms of hostesses and air companies' other employees are a distinctive sign that, together with other media, communicate the company brand identity to customers. In travellers imaginary these have... more
CuriositiesSwivel chair shown at "Un secolo con le ali" exhibition
Turin, Italy - Provided with rotation gear and brake
A last historical piece showing at ""Un secolo con le ali" exhibition, testifies one hundred years of military flying in Italy finished last week-end in Turin. The exhibition, presented during a press-conference... more
CuriositiesAir Malta sells its 1 millionth seat booked through its portal
Milan, Italy - With the flight Milan-Brussels
"Air Malta (AM) has celebrated another important milestone as onboard its flight to Brussels, KM420, it carried a passenger who bought the one millionth seat from the portal www.airmalta.com. Little... more
CuriositiesFlight simulators: "Bleriot" at "Un secolo con le ali" exhibition
Turin, Italy - Later abandoned because of obtained results not giving objective
Other historical pieces, two flight simulators, showed in Turin during the "Un secolo con le ali" exihibition lasting until 29th of March. It's the oldest of two flight simulators property of ASTUT,... more
Curiosities"Un secolo con le ali" exhibition: the Ansaldo SVA-9 airplane
Turin, Italy - It was built in about 2000 units
"Il secolo con le ali" is the title of the historical exhibition promoted by Italian Air Force (AMI) to celebrate a hundred years of the military flight in Italy, ongoing in Turin until next March 29. Here... more
CuriositiesRyanair donates €10,000 prize to children’s charity
Milan, Italy - 40,000 passengers vote in on-line poll
Ryanair confirmed that it will present €10,000 to Nottingham children’s charity "When you Wish Upon a Star" after 40,000 passengers voted in on-line poll to select which charity should receive the unc... more
CuriositiesRyanair launches boarding cards avertising
Milan, Italy - From tomorrow
Ryanair announced today that it will publish third party advertising on its boarding cards from tomorrow following the successful introduction of its 100% on-line check-in service. This will allow advertisers... more
Curiosities50 people contact Ryanair claiming to have eaten €10,000 scratch card on a carrier's airplane
Milan, Italy - 40 weren’t even on the plane
Ryanair today confirmed that 50 people have contacted them claiming they ate the €10,000 scratch card onboard a Ryanair airplane from Poland to the UK last week. In a bizarre attempt to get their hands o... more
CuriositiesPassenger winner with Ryanair scratch card and eats winning ticket
Milan, Italy - A vote to decide to which charity association to receive this not cashed prize
"Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline confirmed that the winner of a € 10,000 scratch card, on Thursday’s FR1724 flight from Krakow to East Midlands, ate the € 10,000 winning ticket after crew confirmed he ha... more
CuriositiesRyanair presents to "KIDS" the proceeds by cabin crew calendar
Milan, Italy - € 300,000 raised from calendar in just three years
"Ryanair, the Irish airline, presented UK children’s charity “KIDS” with € 110,000 from the sale of all 11,000 copies of the 2010 Cabin Crew Charity Calendar which sold out in just five weeks. The “... more
CuriositiesSome British hostesses push their fantasy too much over
London, England - Some sexy photos published on a website and English tabloids
Some hostesses pushed their fantasy too much over. On a hard website is possible to see photos of some hostesses working with one of best known airlines, the British Airways. They took pictures of... more
CuriositiesAna: only women toilet on its airplanes
Tokyo, Japan - Japanese carrier, because of women customer claims, takes this singular initiative
Women's remark on mixed way of using toilet can hear also on board. In fact, because of many claims by feminine passengers, All Nippon Airways will take this singular initiative. The air company will... more
CuriositiesOddities on landing field
Rome, Italy - Landing on ice, sand, among buildings, landing field built on artificial islands
American website Popolar Mechanich's filled a list of the strangest scenarios, arising curiosity (and sometimes worrying) travellers or just observers and present some difficulties for pilots who are landing:... more
CuriositiesThe most pleasing airports according to "Lonely Planet"
Rome, Italy - For services offered, but also for sight and attractions for who doesn't fly
The airport is not only a site where to take an airplane or to welcome to arrival by friends and relatives. These sites are also as unusual reference to who wants to spend times in an agreeable for sight,... more