Dubai Floods, Alaska Getting Sued Over Hawaiian, United's Threat & More [Roundup]

Welcome back to another edition of the weekend roundup, where we pick out some of the most interesting aviation articles from the past week and give our quick take on the matter. This week saw a lot of drama between airlines and even private citizens.

I think the two biggest pieces of news this week were the floods in Dubai and flights being halted to Israel again. We saw some pretty amazing videos from all the rain coming down in the area, however the one that stuck out to me was the Emirates flight attendant wading her way through knee-deep water to try to get to the airport. She looked like she had a long day and just wanted to get to where she was going.

Emirates Flight Attendant Braves Dubai Floods In Style... - Live and Let’s Fly

As Flooding Overwhelms Dubai, Emirates Flight Attendant Faces Rain With Style

Live and Let's FlyMatthew Klint

However, I don't think flights resumption to Israel will be returning as fast as they were about to. Flights were temporarily put on hold again, and some international destinations were cancelled completely again after further attacks. But that didn't stop British Airways from threatening crews who are scared to fly to the region. I believe that they have a valid point for being nervous, but British Airways doesn't see that.

British Airways Threatens to Discipline Crew Members Who Are Scared of Flying to Tel Aviv Amidst Rising Tensions With Iran

British Airways has reportedly threatened to discipline crew members who are scared of flying to Tel Aviv amidst rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with Benjamin Netanyahu still weighing up a potential retaliatory strike following Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel on Saturday night. The airline resumed flights to Tel Aviv earlier this month following…

PYOKMateusz Maszczynski

If you'd like a little insight to airline operations, when an airline stops flying an aircraft type, they don't typically get sold off immediately. They are usually parked in a desert somewhere while they are waiting to be sold or parted out. This process can sometimes take months or years to happen. Air India had stopped flying the 747 long ago, but they finally just removed the aircraft from their registration, probably to be parted out or converted to a freighter.

Air India’s Boeing 747s are now sold - Live from a Lounge

Air India’s Boeing 747 aircraft are gone for good. And now, they are sold.

Live from a LoungeAjay

Airlines fly a variety of passengers, from those going on vacation, business travelers, and even school groups going on trips. Someone who happened to be listening to the ARINC frequency, which is a service airlines can pay for to connect pilots to their dispatchers or maintenance. The person who recorded this audio happened to catch a captain complaining about some rowdy kids and was threatening to divert the aircraft if they didn't calm down.

United Airlines Captain Threatens to Divert Over Misbehaving School Kids - The Bulkhead Seat

A recent flight saw a United Airlines captain trying to decide if he should divert a plane packed with schoolchildren over their rowdy behavior. Apparently, there were groups from three schools on the aircraft and their behavior was so raucous that flight attendants felt disrespected as they acted rambunctious and climbed over the seats.

The Bulkhead SeatAnthony Losanno

I believe the acquistion of Hawaiian by Alaska Airlines is still under review by federal authorities, but a group of private citizens is suing Alaska Airlines over their acquisition attempt by complaining that it will hurt competition. I would agree with these citizens. Both Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines have a enormous presence in Hawaii, so much so they may become the dominate power on the islands.

A Group of Private Citizens Are Sueing to Block Alaska Airlines $1.9 Billion Takeover of Hawaiian Airlines

A group of eight private citizens have come together in an attempt to block the attempted takeover of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines, arguing that the merger will threaten harm to passengers, as well as lead to the death of Hawaiian’s ‘famous Aloha spirit’, and the loss of Hawaii-based jobs. The lawsuit, which was filed…

PYOKMateusz Maszczynski

As we all know, American Airlines is getting rid of their First Class product. It will be replaced by quite the smart looking business class cabin. And much like jetBlue, the bulkhead seats will become premium seating that will cost an extra amount on top of your ticket. Airlines are starting to get smart to bulkhead and exit row seats, and it's yet another way they can squeeze money from you.

American Unveils New Flagship Suite Preferred Seat

American will introduce the Flagship Suite Preferred seat, a special front row business class experience with more space and amenities.

One Mile at a TimeBen Schlappig

United has had quite the last few months, from engine failures, wheels falling off their aircraft, and skidding off taxiways. Despite all this, they still had a strong quarter. However, they have sent a warning to Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, if they don't get their problems fixed the airline will be leaning more heavily on Airbus for their future orders.

United Airlines Sends Subtle Warning To Boeing, Pratt & Whitney After Surprisingly Resilient Quarter - Live and Let’s Fly

United Airlines is sending a subtle (or perhaps not so subtle...?) warning to two of its greatest partners, Pratt.& Whitney and Boeing.

Live and Let's FlyMatthew Klint

What do you think?

Is Airbus the future for United? Should Alaska Airlines acquire Hawaiian?