STORIESJan 04, 2024Pilots Who Didn't Pay Attention Overshot Their Destination by Over 150 Miles: Northwest Airlines Flight 188On October 21, 2009, one of the strangest aviation incidents occurred. A regularly scheduled Airbus A320 flight on Northwest Airlines Flight 188 landed over one hour late at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), after flying from San Diego. However, the delay was not caused by a mechanical problem or weather. The plane landed late simply because the pilots forgot to land the plane. Read More →
STORIESJan 03, 2024Pilot Bets He Could Land a Plane Blind, Then Crashes: Aeroflot Flight 6502The tragic Aeroflot Flight 6502 incident occurred on October 20, 1986, as a result of a perilous cockpit bet between the captain and first officer. Captain Alexander Kliuyev attempted to land the Tupolev Tu-134A using instruments only, ignoring warnings and crashing the aircraft, resulting in 63 fatalities and seven injuries. Kliuyev faced legal consequences with a 15-year prison sentence, emphasizing the severe consequences of disregarding safety protocols in aviation.Read More →
NEWSJan 02, 2024Japan Airlines A350 Catches Fire on Runway at Tokyo Haneda Airport, Killing FiveA Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900 aircraft caught on fire after landing on a runway at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) on January 2. The A350 had flames inside that were seen coming out of the plane's windows and below the aircraft. The plane collided with an aircraft from the Japan Coast Guard that was on the runway at the same time. All 379 passengers and crew onboard were safely evacuated, with no deaths or life-threatening injuries reported.Read More →
INFORMATIONALJan 01, 2024Children in the Cockpit: The Crash of Aeroflot Flight 593The idea of having children visit the cockpit of an aircraft raises few eyebrows nowadays due to the assumption that the plane is not in flight and the pilots, who are not occupied with controlling the plane, have allowed the visit. The narrative understandably changes when the scenario changes to the aircraft being in flight. Having children or any otherwise unauthorized individual visiting the cockpit during this time is a risky endeavor. Such a scenario was present in the tragic case of Aeroflot Flight 593.Read More →
STORIESDec 31, 2023AeroXplorer Screener's Choice Photo Awards 2023Out of the 11,000 photos screened on AeroXplorer in 2023, here are our favorites from every month.Read More →
STORIESDec 30, 2023In Case You Missed It: Our Top Stories in 20232023 has been a rollercoaster of a year in the aviation industry. From record-breaking aircraft orders to close calls, the past 12 months have pretty much had it all. In this exclusive end-of-year recap, take a look at some of our top stories and pieces, hand-selected by our very own writers.Read More →
INFORMATIONALDec 29, 2023Why do Airlines Ask Passengers to Use Airplane Mode?So you've buckled in, stowed your tray table, and prepared for takeoff. But before that thrilling climb, you hear "Please switch your electronic devices to airplane mode." But beneath this simple instruction lies a crucial layer of safety for both passengers and crew. Let's unravel the mystery of airplane mode and understand why it's essential on every flight.Read More →
ROUTESDec 27, 2023Revived Mexicana Begins Operations, Diverts on Inaugural FlightMexicana de Aviación was inaugurated in 1921 and was Mexico's biggest and flagship airline. The carrier suspended operations in 2010; at the time, it was the oldest airline in the country. In January 2023, the Mexican government purchased the Mexicana brand, planning to relaunch the carrier as a state-owned entity. On December 26, 2023, the new-look Mexicana took to the skies again with the inaugural flight from Mexico City to Tulum. However, things did not occur as anticipated.
Read More →
NEWSDec 20, 2023The Effects of Iceland's Volcano Eruption on Flights and TourismOn December 19, the fiery spectacle of a volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula unfolded, casting a glow of uncertainty over aviation and tourism in the region. While the eruption itself showcased the Earth's awe-inspiring power, its consequences on air travel and the tourism industry became immediate areas of concern. The Icelandic government swiftly reassured that flights were unlikely to be affected, seeking to dispel the haunting memories of the widespread chaos caused by the ash cloud from the 2010 eruption.Read More →
NEWSDec 19, 2023Japan Airlines' New Airbus A350-1000 Takes FlightJapan Airlines, the crown jewel of Japanese air travel just unveiled its latest plane. The Airbus A350-1000, a sleek giant of the skies, this plane isn't just for travel but rather for luxury and comfort. When you first set foot on this plane, you'll be greeted by luxury and innovation. Every detail, from the meticulously crafted seats to the mood-adjusting lighting system, has been designed to ensure comfort and well-being. Read More →
