Is one of the most famous airline names set for a comeback?

One of the most famous airline brands in the world could be set for a comeback more than 30 years after going out of business.

Pan American World Airways, originally founded as Pan American Airways, was once the largest international air carrier and was the unofficial flag carrier of the US for much of the 20th century.

The first airline to fly worldwide, it pioneered innovations such as jumbo jets and computerised reservation systems.

Now Pan Am Global Holdings, the entity managing the Pan Am brand, has announced it is exploring the feasibility of reintroducing Pan Am as a scheduled commercial airline.

Craig Carter, CEO of Pan Am Global Holdings, has said the initiative "aims to honour Pan Am's legacy while adopting a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to modern air travel".

The company has filed for a Part 121 scheduled operator license in the US, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

It is working with consulting firm AVi8 Air Capital, which has formulated a start-up business plan.

The firm says it has experienced airline professionals in place to assist with the certification process and has support from lessors.

It is suggested the revived Pan Am would operate Airbus aircraft and be based in Miami.

The original Pan Am was founded 98 years ago but shut down in 1991.

There are dickheads among us - thankfully this one is in jail

The world is full of dickheads - but an American man this week admitted to being among the biggest dickheads out there.

Joshua Lowe from Michigan was sentenced to eight months in prison for making a hoax bomb threat to a cruise line, news portal Travel Mole reported.

He made the threat as he was upset his girlfriend and her family were taking a cruise without him and left him to look after their pets. 

Lowe was sentenced last week in a US court.

Federal prosecutors said Carnival Cruise Line received a January 2024 email stating: “Hey, I think someone might have a bomb on your Carnival Sunrise cruise ship.”

The cruise ship had just departed Miami en route for Jamaica.

Due to the threat, ship crew searched more than 1000 cabins for a potential bomb. 

The US Coast Guard was alerted and the Jamaica Marine Police escorted the ship into port.

Lowe admitted the offence when questioned and said he was upset over his girlfriend going on the cruise without him.

He could have been sent to prison for up to five years but his sentence of eight months was far lower. He will, however, also be required to pay restitution for expenses associated with the hoax.

“Bomb threats are not a laughing matter and are extremely irresponsible,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan.

“When individuals make false hoax threats, they divert critical law enforcement resources and spread unnecessary fear.”

Bring back the stocks, I say.  

Quench your thirst as the Gold Coast welcomes new watering holes

It can get hot and sweaty on the Gold Coast, so it is no surprise that three new bars have opened in time to despatch summer refreshment.

From Miami to Surfers Paradise and up on Tamborine Mountain, the openings are coming thick and fast.

Roji Cat Beer Bar (below) brings a slice of Tokyo's alleyway drinking culture to Miami.

Think rotating specialty beers, cocktails and food offerings.

Led by head brewer Satoshi Tamura, the brewery offers 12 house-made brews and a sake bar with 24 varieties.

The brewery also offers an intimate karaoke room and a dart machine room, adding fun and potential caterwauling action.

Lulu Rooftop Bar in Surfers Paradise is set to be a popular destination for long lunches and weekend brunch sessions.

The venue incorporates a large indoor bar and dance floor as as a sprawling open-air rooftop with capacity for 210 guests. Think a beachy vibe with food and drinks.

Up in the hinterlands, The Kennel Taproom and Sports Bar (top image) is a new bar at Boxer Brewing Company at Tamborine Mountain.

Named after owner Jon Heslop's childhood pet boxer dog, offering everything from lagers to curated craft brews.

There will be live music on the deck every weekend.