Pilar Wolfsteller
Pilar Wolfsteller, Americas Air Transport Editor, is an FAA-certified flight instructor (CFI), and holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating. She joined FlightGlobal in 2019, and is based in Las Vegas. She covers airlines across the hemisphere and her interests also include future-oriented sustainable aviation technology, advanced air mobility projects and pilot training topics. Pilar began her journalism career at the global news agencies Bloomberg and Reuters, and has reported from more than 50 countries.
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NewsGAMA redoubles efforts to convince Europeans of business aviation’s value
Trade body the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is redoubling its efforts to convince European lawmakers and the public of business and general aviation’s importance to the continent’s technology value chain.
NewsItaly’s Tecnam launches updated P2006T NG
Italian airframer Tecnam has launched an updated version of its popular P2006T four-seat piston-twin, which it designates the NG.
NewsLilium begins producing battery packs to power its eVTOL jet
German advanced air mobility developer Lilium has begun producing battery packs designed to power its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet on its first piloted flight, scheduled for the end of this year.
AnalysisJetSmart looks to grow in Argentina as economics and regulations improve: CEO
After launching domestic service in Colombia last month, JetSmart chief executive Estuardo Ortiz is already marching toward his next conquest – Argentina – with the goal of taking advantage of seismic economic and regulatory changes.
NewsEdelweiss A340 experiences apparent windshear incident in Zurich
An Edelweiss Air Airbus A340 experienced a possible windshear incident on take-off from Zurich airport, which nearly sent it back onto the runway.
NewsUS Senate committee to consider Homendy for second term as NTSB chair
The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing next week on the nomination of Jennifer Homendy for a second three-year term as chair of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
NewsAzul reports higher Q4 earnings as it taps into new markets and keeps costs low
Brazil’s Azul increased fourth quarter revenue and profit in 2023, as it tapped into new markets while keeping costs in check.
NewsGol slips to fourth quarter loss as it works through bankruptcy process
Restructuring Brazilian low-cost carrier Gol swung to a net loss of R1.1 billion ($221 million) in the fourth quarter, the first results it has disclosed since entering bankruptcy protection in January.
NewsFAA set to fine Spirit Airlines over hazardous materials mishandling
The US Federal Aviation Administration has proposed fining Spirit Airlines $146,500 after employees allegedly mishandled hazardous materials, thus violating US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
NewsAvianca increases 2023 earnings on back of record passenger numbers
Colombia’s Avianca saw earnings rise in 2023 as it transported 31.9 million passengers, the most in its history, while keeping costs in check.
NewsWestJet chief operating officer Pen adds president role
Canada’s WestJet has named chief operating officer Diederik Pen to the post of president, effective on 1 April.
NewsBoeing aims to get near 38-per-month 737 production rate this year: CFO
Boeing this year plans to gradually increase 737 production, but its output will be restricted to “below 38” jets monthly as it works through quality issues raised by two recent safety audits.
NewsTaxes and strikes slowing Frankfurt traffic recovery
Fraport expects passenger numbers at Frankfurt airport to increase to be between 61 and 65 million this year, still leaving the Lufthansa hub airport some way short of the nearly 71 million high it handled before the pandemic in 2019.
NewsULCC JetSmart launches domestic operations in Colombia
Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier JetSmart has launched its operations in Colombia after securing an air operator certificate (AOC) from the country’s aviation regulator, Aerocivil.
AnalysisFreshly listed Air Astana eyes more growth after profitable 2023
Kazakhstan’s Air Astana Group is eyeing further growth this year after continued expansion of its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan helped it lift its adjusted EBITDA slightly to $301 million in 2023.
NewsEmbraer’s E2 jets secure 120min ETOPS certification in Europe, Brazil and USA
Brazilan airframer Embraer has secured regulatory approval in several jurisdictions for 120min extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) for its new-generation E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft.
NewsSwiss skydiver aircraft crash likely caused by ‘unintentional’ parachute opening
Aviation accident investigators in Switzerland have said that the crash of a Pacific Aerospace P-750 utility aircraft last month was likely caused by the unintentional opening of a skydiver’s parachute while he was still in the aircraft.
NewsLufthansa Technik plans investments of €1.2bn in the next four years
Lufthansa Group’s engineering unit Lufthansa Technik plans to invest €1.2 billion ($1.31 billion) in the next four years to support its “Ambition 2030” strategic growth plan.
NewsDozens injured as LATAM Boeing 787 experiences ‘strong movement’
Several dozen people were injured after a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced a “strong movement” before it landed in Auckland, New Zealand.
NewsSwiss remains Lufthansa’s crown jewel with record profit and double-digit EBIT margin
Swiss International Airlines posted a record operating profit for 2023 as healthy demand for air travel and disciplined cost-cutting allowed the airline to “definitively master the corona crisis and the major challenges that it posed”.