Modern airliners, like the 777, have had a restriction in place for years that limits them to fly within 180 minutes of the nearest airport. Due to continued advancements in engine design and reliability this restriction, known as ETOPS, has been increased to 330 minutes for certain models of the 777 aircraft. This opens the possibilities for new routes that haven't been flown before such as London to Hawaii. 

In other Santa themed news you can track Santa's progress right now ...

It looks like the previously announced double elite qualifying miles promotion has been extended across American Airlines' network. This is a great opporunity for some people to get triple elite qualifying miles. In an email outgoing President of AAdvantage Maya Leibman writes:

As my last act as outgoing president of the AAdvantage® program, and as a great introduction to the new president - Suzanne Rubin, we decided to give you what you've been asking for (yes, I heard you ...

Many airports expect you to pass the time giving them more money by reorganizing themselves into mini shopping malls. It's sad that so few airports have viewing areas or other aviation related activities to help encourage future aviation careers.  Syracuse airport is one of the exceptions, as land side they have a "Discover the Airport" exhibit with a cockpit and cross section from a 727 aircraft, airport equipment, and audio and video lessons on airport operations. The exhibit is free ...

BYOWED - that's the new slogan you may soon see on American Airlines advertising. Bring You Own Wifi Enabled Device. Now, with American Airlines' new Inflight Streaming Video you can rent movies and TV shows on demand.  Prices are currently set at the introductory price of $3.99 for a movie and $0.99 for a TV show. This streaming service is currently available on any 767-200 aircraft. This service will be rolled out to other American Airlines wifi enabled aircraft over the coming months.

Don't finish the movie in time? Don't worry,  you can finish watching the movie on the same device in the next 24 hours. An introductory video is below:

The rumor mill is back in full force to answer one of my questions regarding American Airlines purchase of Airbus A320s, specifically how will they paint the aircraft. Since Airbus aircraft come with a bonded primer and do not use Alclad, you cannot get the polished metal look that has been a staple at American for decades starting with their DC-3s.

American has always stuck by their no-paint scheme including explanations in their American Way magazine

The unpainted ...