Pilar Wolfsteller
Pilar Wolfsteller, European Aviation Editor, joined FlightGlobal in 2019. She covers all aspects of the industry including airlines, future-oriented sustainable aviation technology, advanced air mobility projects, aviation safety and pilot training topics. Pilar is also a passionate aviator, and holds flight instructor (CFI) and commercial pilot certificates. She began her journalism career at the global news agencies Bloomberg and Reuters, and has reported from more than 50 countries.
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NewsLATAM Airlines Group first-quarter profit reaches $258m
LATAM Airlines Group reported a first-quarter profit of $258 million, a record for the period, profiting of ongoing strong demand during Latin America’s high travel season.
NewsAir Canada lost C$81m in first quarter as costs rose
Air Canada lost C$81 million ($59 million) in the first quarter of 2024 as higher costs related to increased capacity, and less cargo revenue, weighed on the company.
NewsIATA’s Walsh blasts Germany for ‘unhealthy obsession’ with aviation taxes
IATA has blasted the German government for a rise in aviation taxes that went into effect on 1 May.
NewsAvianca turns first-quarter profit as passenger revenue rises and cargo sags
Colombia’s Avianca reported a $13 million profit in the first quarter, reversing last year’s $12 million loss for the first three months of the year.
NewsSwiss first-quarter profit slips as yields decline and costs rise
Swiss International Air Lines cites lower yields, a weaker cargo business, inflation and higher fuel and personnel costs contributed to lower profit for the first quarter of 2024.
NewsJoby completes construction of second prototype aircraft, destined for USAF
Joby Aviation has completed construction of its second prototype production aircraft and broken ground on an expansion of its production line in Marina, California.
NewsVolocopter may need to ‘consider insolvency’ in near future: reports
German media have reported that advanced air mobility developer Volocopter’s bid to gain up to €100 million ($107 million) in government loan guarantees has failed, putting the late-stage start-up in a precarious financial situation.
NewsAzul will add 13 Embraer E195-E2 jets to its fleet this year
Brazilian carrier Azul will add 13 new Embraer 195-E2 jets to its fleet in 2024, representing an investment of R3 billion ($590 million).
NewsNew US rule requires airlines to refund passengers for ‘significant’ delays
The US government has issued a new consumer-friendly rule on how and when airlines must refund travellers if their flight itineraries are ”significantly” altered, their luggage is lost, or ancillary services are not delivered.
NewsVolaris remains ‘sceptical’ of Pratt & Whitney progress on GTF engines, says CEO
Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris is facing an uphill battle in 2024 as it deals with a capacity shortfall caused by a substantial part of its Pratt & Whitney-powered narrowbody fleet being out of service for much of the year.
NewsVolaris squeezes out $33m first-quarter profit despite capacity cut due to GTF groundings
Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris has disclosed a first-quarter profit of $33 million – its first since 2019 – as the company kept a sharp eye on costs and despite the hit to capacity caused by the enforced grounding of Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF)-powered aircraft.
NewsDrone incursions stopped Frankfurt airport traffic twice in 2023
Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt airport, one of continental Europe’s busiest, says that air traffic had to be completely halted on two days in 2023 due to drone incursions around the airfield.
In depthPipistrel delivers first four Velis Electro airframes to US customers
Slovenian aircraft maker Pipistrel recently delivered the first four Velis Electro fully-electric aircraft to US customers under a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness exemption that allows the aircraft to be used in flight training for the first time.
NewsVoltAero targeting maiden flight of Cassio 330 ‘at year-end’, says CTO Botti
French hybrid-electric aircraft developer VoltAero is maintaining its end-2025 goal for certification of its five-seat Cassio 330 as it gears up for a busy year of testing, including a hotly anticipated maiden sortie.
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).