It's that time of the week again when we like to take a look back at some of our most notable stories from the past seven days. There's certainly something for everyone this week!

Why Does The Qantas Kangaroo London-Sydney Route Stop In Singapore?

Before Australia's international shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, London-Sydney was a key intercontinental route for its flag carrier Qantas. Known as the 'kangaroo route,' this service typically stops in Singapore, and Simple Flying explored why this is the case.

Svalbard: The World's Northernmost Airport With Scheduled Flights

What's the most remote airport that you've ever flown to? It's hard to beat Norway's Svalbard Airport in this regard, as this facility is the northernmost in the world that processes scheduled flights. Simple Flying took a closer look at Svalbard Airport this week.

Svalbard Airport
Svalbard Airport sees perpetual light in the summer. Photo: Alexey Reznichenko via Wikimedia Commons

What Are Those Metal Rods On Wings?

We all know the feeling of gazing wistfully out of an aircraft window. When doing so, you may have noticed the small metal rods that protrude from the trailing edge of an aircraft's wing. Known as static wicks, these components play a key role in keeping planes safe.

static wicks
What are those little rods for? Photo: Till Niermann via Wikimedia Commons

Akasa Angles Itself As A Low-Cost Carrier

Indian startup airline Akasa Air is gearing up for its launch this year. Still awaiting an air operator's certificate (AOC), it hopes to hit the skies towards the middle of the year. In terms of its business model, Akasa's CEO has now confirmed that it will be a low-cost carrier.

Photo: Akasa Air

The Next Air Force One: What's The Latest?

Simple Flying also took some time this week to assess what the latest situation is regarding the Boeing 747s that will be used as the next US presidential aircraft. This has been an ongoing saga for years, with many ups and downs. You can find out more about it here.

Getty 747-8 construction
The new US Presidential aircraft were initially built as Boeing 747-8i jets. Photo: Getty Images

LV-MLO – The Story Of Aerolíneas Argentinas' Haunted Boeing 747

Legend used to have it that a Boeing 747-200 operated by Argentinian flag carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas was haunted by the lost soul of a deceased flight attendant. Simple Flying delved into this mysterious story this week, about which you can read more here.

LV-MLO joined the airline in January 1979. Photo: Ken Fielding via Wikimedia Commons

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What was your favorite story this week? Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments!