From 737 MAX 8 to the replacement of Boeing 757 fleet by United Airlines, leading data and analytics company GlobalData lists ten of the most popular tweets on commercial airlines in December 2019, based on data from the company’s Influencer Platform.

1. Flightradar24’s tweet on 737 MAX 8

Flightradar24, a real-time flight tracker, tweeted on a Norwegian 737 MAX 8 being ferried from Helsinki to Copenhagen. The aircraft had to fly with its flaps down to avoid the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) from activating, which has been responsible for two deadly air crashes in 2018 and 2019.

On 13 of December 2019, @flightradar24 tweeted: “A Norwegian 737 MAX 8 is being ferried from Helsinki to Copenhagen. In order to disable MCAS the aircraft is flying with flaps down which limits the speed and altitude of the aircrafthttps://www.flightradar24.com/IBK9HU/232c19e4”, which collected 483 likes and 111 retweets.

2. ICAO’s tweet on International Civil Aviation Day

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, tweeted on the occasion of International Civil Aviation Day, which is celebrated on 7th December. International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the ICAO.

On 8 December 2019, @icao tweeted: “Happy International Civil Aviation Day! Today we celebrate aviation as an engine of global connectivity, peace, and prosperity. Browse our #ICAO75 Digital Album to discover how we marked this year’s #FLYDAY together: http://bit.ly/34OEuVd Cheers to another 75 years! #SDGs”, which saw 170 likes and 79 retweets.

3. Boeing Defense’s tweet on MV-22 Osprey aircraft delivery

Boeing Defense, the space and security division of The Boeing Company, tweeted on the delivery of the upgraded MV-22 Osprey multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft to the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The aircraft is being upgraded under the Common Configuration – Readiness and Modernization (CC-RAM) programme of the USMC.

On 11 December 2019, @BoeingDefense tweeted: “The first #V22 Osprey upgraded under the Common Configuration – Readiness and Modernization program has been delivered to the @USMC! The @BellFlight Boeing team is committed to a modernized MV-22 fleet for Marines executing the toughest missions. MORE: https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-12-10-Bell-Boeing-Delivers-First-Modified-Osprey-for-Improved-Fleet-Readiness …”, which gained 162 likes and 64 retweets.

4. Bombardier Inc.’s tweet on Wright Brothers Day

Bombardier Inc., a manufacturer of business jets, public transport vehicles and train sets, tweeted on the occasion of Wright Brothers Day, which celebrates the first successful flight of a mechanically propelled airplane. The company noted that in 1909 the Short Brothers won five orders and UK manufacturing rights to manufacture six Wright Flyers.

On 17 December 2019, @Bombardier tweeted: “Today, we celebrate Wright Brothers Day. In 1909, Short Brothers won the first ever orders and UK manufacturing rights to build six Wright Flyers. A century later, at @Bombardier, we use the same innovative spirit to take to the skies and shape the future of #aviation”, which attracted 90 likes and 40 retweets.

5. Pratt & Whitney’s tweet on GTF engine

Pratt & Whitney, a manufacturer of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, tweeted on the GTF engine. The tweet was in response to a tweet by Airbus congratulating Air Canada on the delivery of the new A220 aircraft. Pratt & Whitney noted that the GTF engine plays a major role in providing increased fuel efficiency for the Airbus A220 aircraft.

On 21 December 2019, @prattandwhitney tweeted: “The GTF engine plays a key role in the increased fuel efficiency of @AirCanada’s @Airbus #A220 aircraft. Proud to be a part of the team! #Airbus #jetengine https://twitter.com/Airbus/status/1208097083330310144…”, which earnt 204 likes and 32 retweets.

6. Aviation Safety Net’s tweet on DC-3C aircraft

Aviation Safety Net, an aircraft accidents and safety news provider, tweeted on the report issued by Transportation Safety Board of Canada regarding the failure of a Douglas DC-3C aircraft engine operated by Buffalo Airways. The aircraft had two flight crew on-board and made a forced landing near Hay River Airport.

On 21 December 2019, @AviationSafety tweeted: “TSB Canada issues report on DC-3 engine failure and forced landing near Hay River Airport https://news.aviation-safety.net/2019/12/21/tsb-canada-issues-report-on-dc-3-engine-failure-and-forced-landing-near-hay-river-airport/…”, which collected 72 likes and 27 retweets.

7. Vertical Magazine’s tweet on Bell 360 Invictus

Vertical Magazine, a website covering news related to helicopters, tweeted on the use of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW207D1 engine as a supplemental power unit on the Bell 360 Invictus aircraft similar to the Bell 429 aircraft. The Bell 360 Invictus aircraft will be powered by the GE T901 turboshaft while supplemental power will be supplied by the PW207D1 engine.

On 18 December 2019, @verticalmag tweeted: “@BellFlight 360 Invictus #aircraft to use 429 engine as supplemental power unit: https://www.verticalmag.com/news/bell-360-invictus-to-use-429-engine-as-supplemental-power-unit/…”, which attracted 64 likes and 25 retweets.

8. Star Alliance’s tweet on A350

Star Alliance, a network of 26 airlines, tweeted on the delivery of the first of eight Airbus A350 XWB aircraft to Scandinavian Airlines in November 2019. The A350 XWB features a widebody aerodynamic design and is equipped with new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines.

On 12 December 2019, @staralliance tweeted: “Your flight is becoming more fuel-efficient and comfortable. Welcome the new @Airbus A350 to the @SAS fleet. #Aviation #StarAlliance #FlySAS https://twitter.com/SAS/status/1198895188778852352…”, which gained 174 likes and 24 retweets.

9. WestJet’s tweet on deicing of aircraft

West Jet Airlines, a Canadian airline, tweeted on the importance of de-icing an aircraft.

On 22 December 2019, @WestJet tweeted: “If you’ve travelled in wintry weather, you’ve probably seen deicing fluid being sprayed on the wings of your aircraft. Deicing is very important to make sure the aircraft is free of snow and ice accumulation so that we can fly you safely to your destination. #WestJet”, which saw 141 likes and 17 retweets.

10. AirlineGeeks’ tweet on replacement of Boeing 757 fleet by United Airlines

AirlineGeeks, a website covering news related to airlines, tweeted about United Airlines’ plans to replace its aging Boeing 757 fleet with 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The first A321XLR aircraft is expected to enter service in 2024.

On 4 December 2019, @AirlineGeeks tweeted: “A decision from United was expected in relation to the replacement of the airline’s aging Boeing 757 fleet. And that decision finally arrived on Tuesday; the carrier announced that it will incorporate 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft into its fleet.http://bit.ly/2PcaeNl”, which acquired 52 likes and 8 retweets.