The Sunday Five (November 2nd-8th)

1.E vidence Now Points to Bomb as Cause of Metrojet Crash: While investigators are still not sure what caused a Russian airliner to break up over the Sinai peninsula in Egypt, western intelligence and sources close to the investigation are leaning toward the bomb theory after new evidence came out this week. Black box data combined with satellite data showing a heat flash around the aircraft point towards a bomb bringing the plane down. The investigation is still ongoing. 

2. Southwest Airlines Pilots Reject Proposed Contract Offer: Southwest Airlines pilots rejected a contract offer from the airline with 62% of pilots voting no compared to 38% who voted in favor. While the contract proposal included higher pay and work improvements, it was not acceptable for the pilots, according to a union statement. The pilots union and Southwest Airlines have been in contract negotiations for over three years. They will resume negotiations this spring.     

3. China Unveils COMAC C919, Ground Tests to Follow: China's much hyped but often delayed C919 narrow body aircraft, designed to compete with Airbus and Boeing, was rolled out in a major ceremony this past week. COMAC will begin ground tests shortly with the first flight still on track to be in 2016. The aircraft has 517 orders, mostly from airlines in China.  

4. Korean Air and Asiana Firm Up Airbus Orders: Korean Air firmed up an order for 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft in a deal worth $3.7 billion dollars. Korean carrier Asiana also firmed up an order for 25 A321neo aircraft in a deal worth $3.1 billion dollars. 

5. WOW Air Acquires A330-300s, to Begin Service to U.S. West Coast: Icelandic low cost carrier WOW Air will begin service to the west coast of the United States from Reykjavik after acquiring three Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured in an all economy class layout (340 seats). Service from Reykjavik to Los Angeles and San Francisco will begin in the summer 2016. WOW Air currently operates a fleet of four Airbus A320 family aircraft.        

The "What the Heck?" Story of the Week 

Denver International Airport now provides CATS (Canine Airport Therapy Squad) dogs for passengers. These certified and trained therapy dogs will wear vests saying "Pet Me". The purpose of the program is to help relieve the stress of frazzled passengers with the help of our furry friends.                                         

Video of the Week