The US Attorney精东影业 Office in the Middle District of Florida said the officer, William Joseph Timothy, aged 43, stole approximately $18,700 in cash from airline passengers during 17 thefts between mid-2023 and early-2024. 

The incidents were uncovered by the CBP精东影业 Office of Professional Responsibility investigators.

One of the incidents studied found that Timothy was covertly stealing cash from passengers during border enforcement examinations and currency verifications, which he performed as part of his role. 

In one instance, a passenger arriving from the Bahamas noticed he was missing $2,200 after handing a US customs officer a stack of cash at the Naples Airport in Florida during a routine border examination. 

鈥淓vidence collected during the investigation showed that Timothy was surreptitiously stealing cash from arriving international passengers during border enforcement examinations and currency verifications performed as part of his official duties as an assigned CBP Officer at Naples Airport,鈥� the US Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a press statement

According to the DOJ, a sentencing date has not yet been set. However, Timothy faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.聽

Sydney Airport worker accused of stealing $32K in Cartier jewelry and goods

• Airport

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-01-25

A spokesperson for BARK Air reached out to 精东影业 to advise that Westchester County voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against the airline having reached an agreement on June 10, 2024.

The county initially filed a lawsuit against the world精东影业 first dog-focused airline on May 30, 2024 over its operations at Westchester County Airport (HPN). 

According to the lawsuit, which came just days after the carrier精东影业 inaugural flight, the terminal limits airlines from selling seats on aircraft with nine or fewer seats. The lawsuit also stated that larger aircraft must operate out of the airport精东影业 commercial terminal. BARK Air operates its flights using a Gulfstream G5, which has 14 passenger seats.

An agreement between BARK Air and Westchester County has been publicly filed, which means the canine-centric carrier can continue operations to and from HPN. 

鈥淒ogs can and will continue to fly first aboard BARK Air! On Monday, Westchester County voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit, which at no time impacted BARK Air’s operations. BARK Air will continue to operate flights to and from HPN,鈥� the BARK Air spokesperson told 精东影业.

BARK Air has currently not sold more than nine individual seats for human passengers on flights to Westchester County Airport. The agreement states that the airline must provide the county with a notice of such a sale or offer to sell if and when it has sold more than nine seats.

Under the agreement, BARK Air must provide the county with the number of human passenger seats it has sold to the public on each aircraft for BARK精东影业 flights into and out of Westchester County Airport every month. 

鈥淪o long as BARK does not sell or offer to sell to the public more than nine individual seats for human passengers on flights that depart from, or arrive at any of Westchester County Airport精东影业 Fixed Base Operator (FBO), the county agrees that the defendants are not in violation of Terminal Use Procedures (TUP),鈥� the agreement stated.

Dog-centric airline BARK Air slapped with lawsuit days after inaugural flight

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-06-11

However, just days later, the airline is now facing a lawsuit filed by Westchester County due to an alleged violated county law.

BARK Air operates from Westchester Airport精东影业 (HPN) airport terminal. According to the lawsuit, the terminal limits airlines from selling seats on aircraft with nine or fewer seats, and that larger aircraft must operate out of the airport精东影业 commercial terminal.  

BARK Air operates its flights using a Gulfstream G5, which has 14 passenger seats.

Due to this technicality, the county filed an injunction against the airline, which may lead to BARK Air being dismissed from the airport or moved to its commercial terminal. If this happens, it will defeat BARK Air精东影业 promise of private flight service to its customers and their pooches.

A spokesperson for BARK Air told USA Today that while the airline does not comment on litigation, it does not believe the lawsuit will impact its operations.

BARK Air currently offers one-way and round-trip flights between New York via Westchester County Airport and Los Angeles via Van Nuys Airport, as well as New York and London via Biggin Hill (BQH).

Unlike commercial airlines that allow pets on board with several requirements, BARK Air does not have any restrictions when it comes to size, weight, or breed of the dog.

Dog airline BARK Air completes inaugural flight from New York to Los Angeles

• This is interesting!

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-05-29

Alex Choi (real name Suk Min Choi), a YouTuber with over 900,000 subscribers, shot a video stunt in June 2023 involving two women shooting fireworks at a moving Lamborghini out of a helicopter.

The video, entitled 鈥楧estroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks鈥�, was published and shared on July 4, 2023, but has since been removed from Choi精东影业 social media channels. 

A snippet from the video can still be found on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, showing two women launching fireworks from a helicopter, aimed at a speeding Lamborghini in the Mojave Desert.

Choi was arrested on June 5, 2024, almost a year after he shot and orchestrated the reckless high-production stunt.

The lodged by the US Department of Transportation in the central district of California states that Choi精东影业 arrest warrant was for 鈥渃ausing the placement of explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft鈥�.

Even though Choi was not the subject of the video, outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage show that he directed the stunts and action shots in the video. Moreover, the video clip featured a 鈥榙irected by Alex Choi鈥� credit in the outro.

Aside from Choi精东影业 arrest and federal charges, the complaint also stated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revoked the helicopter pilot精东影业 license for the following reasons:

• operating the helicopter less than 500 feet from people and a moving car on the ground,

• operating the helicopter at less than the minimum altitudes prescribed in 14 C.F.R. 91.119, creating a hazard to persons and property on the surface

• not displaying the helicopter精东影业 鈥淣鈥� number

• creating a hazard to persons or property by allowing the fireworks to be launched at a moving passenger-carrying vehicle

• and operating the helicopter in a manner that was careless or reckless so as to endanger the life or property of another.聽

Choi appeared in court for the first time on June 6, 2024  and was released on a $50,000 bond. He did not enter a plea, and his arraignment is scheduled for July 2, 2024.

According to prosecutors, if convicted as charged, Choi could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

YouTuber pilot who crashed plane for views jailed for obstructing Federal probe

• Aviation Safety

byIan Molyneaux

2023-12-05

The men allege the airline forced them and other black male passengers to disembark a plane after a complaint about body odor.

Plaintiffs Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal, who were not known to one another, boarded American Airlines Flight AA 832 from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to New York精东影业 John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) on January 5, 2024.

The claims that prior to takeoff an American Airlines representative approached the plaintiffs, who were not seated together, and ordered them to deboard the aircraft without explanation.

Five other passengers were approached and were also removed from the flight. The plaintiffs said that all eight passengers removed from the flight were black men.

Once they were off the plane, an airline representative advised the men that they would need to be rebooked on another flight. 

The complaint alleges that when asked for an explanation, the airline representative said they were removed from the flight because a white male flight attendant had complained about an unidentified passenger精东影业 body odor.  

When the plaintiffs pointed out that it looked like they were being targeted because of their skin color, at least one American Airlines鈥� representative responded that she did 鈥渘ot disagree鈥�.

The complaint also claims the pilot announced to the remaining passengers that the men had been removed due to a complaint over body odor.

The plaintiffs and the other removed passengers were informed that the airline could not find an alternative flight and that they were allowed to return back to the aircraft. 

According to the complaint, as the men reboarded the flight, they were 鈥渆yed with suspicion by the predominantly white passengers鈥� who remained on board. 

Nonprofit consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, which represents the plaintiffs, filed the lawsuit in the federal court in the Eastern District of New York on May 29, 2024.

American Airlines told SkyNews that it was looking into the claims.

“We take all claims of discrimination very seriously and want our customers to have a positive experience when they choose to fly with us,” the airline said in a statement. “Our teams are currently investigating the matter, as the claims do not reflect our core values or our purpose of caring for people.”

Southwest sued for discrimination over free ticket program for Hispanic students

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-05-30

In a lawsuit filed in a Dallas federal court, American Alliance for Equal Rights alleged that the airline’s program violated federal civil rights laws by excluding non-Hispanic students. 

Launched in 2004, the low-cost carrier精东影业 is operated via a partnership with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. 

According to the airline精东影业 website, the program is an opportunity to help foster academic pursuits for Hispanic students while maintaining family ties, even when studying away from home. 

The airline said those eligible for the program are Hispanic students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a two- or four-year college or university at least 200 miles from their home. 

Recipients receive four round trip tickets valid for travel between any Southwest Airlines domestic destination. Since its launch, Southwest said the program has helped enable the possibility of studying far away from home for more than 1,500 students.

The lawsuit claims the airline can be sued under the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 because it received federal funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit also said the airline can be sued under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial bias in contracting.

The lawsuit said two Asian and white students who were members of American Alliance for Equal rights were barred from applying to the program. The lawsuit is seeking an injunction blocking Southwest from using its eligibility criteria.

“Southwest Airlines should immediately open this program to all students, regardless of their skin color or ethnic heritage,” Edward Blum, founder of American Alliance for Equal rights said in a statement.

Southwest Airlines fired pilot who spoke in Spanish during engine fire incident

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-05-23

David Legeros was in command of the B737-700 aircraft that took off from William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU) in Houston, Texas on August 15, 2023. The flight was headed for Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Mexico. 

Less than 20 minutes later, the aircraft returned to Houston after flames spewed from the aircraft精东影业 right-hand engine. 

Although the plane was able to land safely and no injuries were reported, showed that instead of taking control of the flight, Legeros chose to let the First Officer fly while he communicated with Houston air traffic control for a return emergency landing.

Moreover, the court papers state that Legeros then addressed passengers in Spanish and English to try and reassure them that the situation was under control.

According to a report by , Legeros stated that it was the decision to let the first officer fly during the diversion that 鈥渓anded him in hot water鈥� with Southwest management because the airline精东影业 standard operating procedures mandate that the captain should take control of the aircraft during an emergency situation.

Legeros reasoned that if he had taken control of the plane, the aircraft could have suddenly jolted and detached the burning engine, leaving the risk of it falling to the ground.

鈥淗ad SWA (Southwest Airlines) decided to reward Mr Legeros, or even ignore him, following his heroics, this story would be over, but SWA decided to punish him,鈥� the petition states.

The court documents also allege that Southwest management had criticized Legeros for speaking Spanish to the passengers, despite claims that the majority of the flight passengers were Hispanic. 

When investigations concluded on Flight WN307, the airline found that Legeros was engaged in serious misconduct, and, according to documents, was 鈥渇orced鈥� to sign a 鈥楲ast Chance Agreement鈥�.

鈥淏ased on the pretense of some 鈥榮erious misconduct,鈥� but in reality due to his status as a person of color, SWA [ Southwest Airlines] has been looking to push Mr. Legeros out,鈥� the complaint alleges.

While Legeros was still grounded from duty, he was advised that the airline needed to conduct a 鈥楩itness for Duty鈥� psychological evaluation in January 2024.

Legeros claimed he could not attend the initial evaluation due to his father being in hospital.

The lawsuit claims that Southwest now wants him to attend a meeting with its Chief Pilot where he would be allowed to resign or be terminated.

Legeros is seeking injunctive relief to prevent Southwest from compelling a psychological exam or the Fitness for Duty evaluation.

Southwest Boeing 737 engine spews flames shortly after take-off: video

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2023-08-18

A report by states that an employment tribunal in London will start examining more than 200 cases in June 2024. Former crew members will argue that the airline unfairly made them redundant while retaining cheaper new hires.

In March 2020, when COVID-19 prompted lockdowns and global travel, Virgin Atlantic grounded most of its fleet. The airline cut 3,000 jobs and reduced its workforce by over 40%. Staff that were later made redundant were initially placed in a 鈥榟olding pool鈥�, potentially to be rehired once flights resumed.

However, one of the claims alleges that Virgin Australia retained 350 new cabin crew who were in the pool, some with as little as one week精东影业 training, while onboard managers, who were on average aged 45 and had 20 years鈥� experience, were made redundant.

The Guardian reports that one of those who lost their jobs was Susan Mcentegart, now 53, who had worked for Virgin for 23 years. Mcentagart is part of a group of 51 claimants being represented by a Luton-based law firm.

Mcentagart told The Guardian: 鈥淚t seemed the world was closing down and losing jobs was inevitable. But the way they went about it seemed unfair. But I was flabbergasted that I wasn鈥檛 in the holding pool.

鈥淭here were people who hadn鈥檛 even got their wings 鈥� after six weeks of training 鈥� in the pool, and there seemed to be too many of us of an age that were left out.鈥�

An additional 150 former staff members are pursuing claims through the Cabin Crew Union, and 11 are represented elsewhere.

New gender policy: Virgin Atlantic staff can choose the best uniform for them

• Airlines

byVictoria Bryan

2022-09-28

According to the United States Attorney Office District of Massachusetts, Coast Guard helicopter 6039 was attempting to land at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) as part of a routine training mission with four crew members on board on the evening of September 21, 2023.

Philip Gagnon, 59,  was reported to have knowingly aimed a high-powered green laser beam,  from inside his fourth floor apartment at the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter as it descended towards MGH. The laser beam allegedly illuminated the side of the helicopter and shone through the helicopter精东影业 windows. 

Due to the laser interference, the pilot aborted the landing and flew north for several miles, eventually landing at another Boston area hospital.

The charge of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. 

Gagnon was released from custody on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.

In February 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made an appeal to the public after reporting that the number of dangerous laser strikes aimed at aircraft in 2023 topped all previous records.

The FAA said it had received a total of 13,304 reports of laser strikes on planes in 2023, an alarming 41% increase from 2022.

US Air Force issues warning against aiming laser pointers at fighter aircraft

• Defense

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-01-26

According to the US Attorney精东影业 Office of the Southern District of New York, the flight attendants have been charged in connection with their 鈥測ears-long participation in smuggling narcotics trafficking proceeds from the United States to the Dominican Republic on commercial flights鈥�.

The defendants, identified as Charlie Hernandez, 42; Sarah Valerio Pujols, 24; Emmanuel Torres, 34; and Jarol Fabio, 35, were arrested on May 7, 2024. 

The four have been accused of engaging in drug money smuggling activity from New York精东影业 John F Kennedy Airport (JFK) to the Dominican Republic from 2015 to at least 2022. During those years, all of the defendants were employed as flight attendants with different international airlines that operated routes between New York City and the Dominican Republic.  

鈥淎s alleged, these flight attendants smuggled millions of dollars of drug money and law enforcement funds that they thought was drug money from the United States to the Dominican Republic over many years by abusing their privileges as airline employees,鈥� US Attorney Damian Williams said in a . 

鈥淭oday精东影业 charges should serve as a reminder to those who break the law by helping drug traffickers move their money that crime doesn鈥檛 pay,鈥� Williams added. 

According to the official complaint, the flight attendants used their privileges as members of the , which allows airline employees to go through a separate, expedited security lane before going to the terminals. 

Prosecutors alleged that the four have smuggled a total of around $8 million in bulk cash to the Dominican Republic.

Family of woman killed by husband at airport sues Delta for overserving alcohol

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-02-12