Flight Safety Information March 21, 2016 - No. 056 In This Issue Blasts leave 'scores' dead at Brussels airport and metro station At least 28 dead in two explosions after suicide bomber targets American Airlines check-in desk Brussels attacks: Britain steps up security at airports U.S. airlines cancel Brussels flights after bombings Flydubai Flight FZ981 Crash Update: Airliner Worked Crew To Death, Ignored 'Pilot Fatigue' Complaint BLACK BOX DATA RETRIEVED FROM PLANE THAT CRASHED IN RUSSIA New CCTV footage offers insight into Flydubai FZ981 crash (VIDEO) Suspected aircraft engine cover found in South Africa Airplane diverted to Shannon with sick passenger Flight Attendant Flees Airport, Leaving 30 Kilos of Cocaine Behind PASSENGER ON DIVERTED AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT OUT OF PHILADELPHIA Can Boom bring back supersonic flight without the astronomical price tag? India all set to become the world's third largest aviation market by 2020, says new study Japan sees flight delays due to airline system problems Global Aircraft Tire Aftermarket 2016-2020 Airbus Group may forge some aircraft parts in India First Airbus jet made in U.S. undergoes flight test over Gulf EAAP Human Factors in Flight Safety: SMS, Risk Management...and Safety Investigation - Training Hangar Rash Research Request FSI Twitter Feed ISASI Military Air Safety Workshop - 19-21APR (ISASI) Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter (MARC) Meeting/Dinner - 05MAY Back to Top Blasts leave 'scores' dead at Brussels airport and metro station BRUSSELS - Apparently coordinated explosions rocked Brussels' airport and a metro station, leaving "scores" dead and raising fears that attackers carried out retaliatory strikes after the arrest of a key suspect in last year's Paris massacres. The full casualty count remained unclear hours after the attacks, but various Belgian reports and officials placed it at more than 15. Belgian's prosecutor's office described the airport blasts as part of a suicide attack - the latest apparent terrorist bloodshed to hit Europe and another sign that militant network remain able to strike despite widespread crackdowns and probes across the continent. Belgian broadcaster RTBF, citing Brussels's public transportation agency, said the subway blast alone left at least 15 dead and 55 injured. "We are talking about scores of dead," said Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel without giving clearer estimates. Photos: Scenes from Brussels after deadly blasts at airport and metro station View Photos More than a dozen people were killed and several others injured after explosions at an airport and metro station in Brussels. "What we had feared has happened," he said. "This is a black moment for our country." In a lockdown order, the Belgian capital was out put on maximum terror alert and all of public transport throughout the city shut down. The fallout immediately spread beyond Belgium's borders, displaying the increased worries and security cooperation since last November's Paris attacks that killed 130 people. In France, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said an additional 1,600 people were deployed and security was boosted at border posts and major transport hubs. London also put additional police on the streets. "We are experiencing the darkest day in the history of our country since the Second World War," said Bart de Wever, the mayor of Antwerp and the leader of Belgium's largest political party, the Flemish nationalist Vlaams Belang, the VTM broadcaster reported. At the Zaventem Airport, the blasts collapsed ceilings in the departure hall and left pools of blood amid splintered signs and abandoned luggage. The casualty figures could not be immediately confirmed, but some media reports placed the tally higher - suggesting the full count was still unclear hours after the 8 a.m. bloodshed. At least one of the airport explosions took place in the departure hall near the American Airlines check-in counter. Amateur video taken immediately after the airport attack showed streams of panicked passengers running out of the airport shortly after the explosions occurred. Large clouds of smoke bellowed from the blown-out windows of a terminal building. The airport was closed, as well as the major roadway leading to the airport. Flights were diverted to Liege airport, radio reports said. The bombing comes just four days after the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, the last known participant in the November attacks on Paris. Abdeslam, 26, was arrested in Brussels' Molenbeek neighborhood. About 75 minutes after the explosion at the airport, another explosion ripped through the Maelbeek metro station, Belgian media reported. That station, near the heart of the European Union, serves a busy stretch of E.U. office buildings, embassies and international organizations. The explosion happened toward the end of the morning rush hour, when many subway trains are still packed with commuters. The entire Brussels metro system was then closed. "We are following the situation minute by minute," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel wrote on Twitter, shortly before the reports of the additional explosion in the metro. "The absolute priority goes to the victims and to people present at the airport." The Belgian government said it was treating the airport explosions as a possible attack. The "possibility of an attack is being investigated," the Belgian government said in a statement. The statement said the nation's top security officials planned to meet later Tuesday. Damage to the airport has been extensive, news reports said. Eyewitnesses reported a massive amount of broken glass in the departure hall. Brussels airport tweeted news of the explosions, beseeching people to stay away. One person, who was in a taxi pulling up to the departures terminal, said she felt and heard two explosions in short succession, "one further away, one closer." "We saw a few people injured, we saw the glass front of the building had exploded, glass flying around," said Daniela Schwarzer, the head of the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, who was leaving Brussels after a weekend conference there. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/brussels-on-high-alert-after-explosions-at- airport-and-metro-station/2016/03/22/b5e9f232-f018-11e5-a61f- e9c95c06edca_story.html Back to Top At least 28 dead in two explosions after suicide bomber targets American Airlines check-in desk at Brussels Airport * as SECOND attack hits Metro station near EU headquarters * At least 13 people are killed after two explosions struck the American Airlines check- in desk at 8am (7am GMT) * Terrified passengers covered in blood ran for their lives after explosion sent 'shockwaves' through terminal building * Another explosion killed ten people at a Metro station near the EU headquarters in Maelbeek area of central Brussels * Evacuated passengers are being ferried onto buses and are being driven to a 'crisis centre' away from the airport * Comes a day after Belgium minister warned of revenge attacks after arrest of Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam At least 28 people have been killed and dozens injured in Brussels after a series of terror attacks struck the city's airport and a metro station near the EU headquarters. Witnesses described apocalyptic scenes with blood and 'dismembered bodies everywhere' after two blasts rocked the American Airlines check-in desk at Brussels Airport at 8am (7am GMT) in a suspected suicide bombing. At least 13 people have died and 35 were injured. Then 79 minutes later at 9.19am, at least 15 people were killed and scores seriously injured when a blast hit a Metro station just 400 metres from the EU headquarters in the city centre. At the airport, shouts in Arabic were heard before the explosions which sent shockwaves through the terminal building, shattering windows, knocking roof tiles off the ceiling and sending terrified passengers running for their lives. Samir Derrouich, who works at a restaurant in the airport, told MailOnline: 'The two explosions were almost simultaneous. 'They were both at a check-in desk. One was close to the Starbucks. It was awful. There was just blood. It was like the apocalypse.' The explosions have left countries worldwide reeling, with security placed on high alert, flights cancelled, Eurostar services suspended and France's border with Belgium shut down. Troops have also been deployed at the airport and other key locations across Brussels. The bombings come just a day after the Belgium Interior Minister warned of possible revenge attacks after the arrest of Paris massacre suspect Salah Abdeslam in the city on Friday. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3503928/Two-explosions-heard-Brussels- Airport.html#ixzz43d5jM98X Back to Top Brussels attacks: Britain steps up security at airports David Cameron has said he will hold a Cobra crisis meeting after the attacks in the Belgian capital The scene at Brussels airport immediately after the explosion Police have increased their presence at key locations across the country after a series of deadly bombings in the Belgian capital. Security has been stepped up at British airports after a wave of bombings in Brussels amid fears of similar attacks in the UK. David Cameron was on Tuesday morning preparing to hold a crisis meeting in response to the attacks which killed at least 23 in the Belgian capital. Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the national police counter terrorism chief, said: "Our thoughts are with the people of Brussels following this morning's horrific attacks. "As a precaution forces across the UK have increased policing presence at key locations, including transport hubs, to protect the public and provide reassurance. This is not in relation to any specific information or intelligence." Both Gatwick and Heathrow said they were stepping up security, while Eurostar trains from London to Brussels were terminating in France. Britons already in Brussels were warned by the Foreign Office to keep away from crowded places and stay off public transport. A spokesman for Gatwick said the safety of passengers and staff was the "absolute priority". He added: "As a result of the terrible incidents in Brussels we have increased our security presence and patrols around the airport." Heathrow issued a statement which read: "In the light of events in Brussels airport we are working with the police at Heathrow who are providing a high visibility presence." The airport warned of disruption to services to and from the Belgian capital and urged passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline. British Airways said one of its flights from Brussels for Heathrow departed safely at 7.40am but two later services were cancelled. Two flights making the outbound trip from Heathrow were also cancelled. The airline said it will make a decision later on flights due to depart this afternoon. Eurostar has suspended all of its trains to and from Brussels following explosions in the Belgian capital. Services from London to Brussels are terminating in the French city of Lille, a spokeswoman for the cross-Channel train operator said. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) updated its travel advice for Brussels soon after the attacks. It issued a statement which read: "You should stay away from crowded places and avoid public transport at this time." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/12200955/Brussels- attacks-Britain-steps-up-security-at-airports.html Back to Top U.S. airlines cancel Brussels flights after bombings U.S. airlines canceled flights to Brussels after bombings at that international airport halted flights, and prompted tighter security across Europe and in New York City. American Airlines canceled flight 751 from Brussels to Philadelphia. The airline said it would make new arrangements for those travelers. The airline reported no injuries to its workers because the explosions didn't occur at its check-in location in the departure hall. The airline is offering alternative travel plans for passengers booked Tuesday and Wednesday to request a refund, choose another airport or rescheduled their flight through April 5. United Airlines flight 950 arrived in Brussels from Washington Dulles at 7:01 a.m. and travelers deplaned normally at the gate, the airline said. But a second flight, 999 from Newark, was rerouted to a remote location, and travelers were deplaned. All remaining flights to and from Brussels have been suspended until further notice from local authorities, United said. "The United family is deeply saddened by the tragedies in Brussels earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," the airline said in a statement. Delta Air Lines also offered to change flights for Tuesday and Wednesday through Sunday without any penalty. Brussels authorities have closed the international airport and shut down the entire metro systems after two explosions blew out the departures area at the airport and a second explosion hit a metro station. The Belgian prosecutor has said a suicide bomber committed the airport attack. France deployed an extra 1,600 police and gendarmes at borders and transportation facilities, according to Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. In the U.S., the New York City Police Department is closely monitoring the situation in Belgium and has deployed additional counter-terrorism resources across the city, according to Peter Donald, a department spokesman. These teams have been deployed to crowded areas and transit locations around the city out of an abundance of caution to provide police presence and public reassurance as we closely follow the developing situation overseas, he said. The Transportation Security Administration didn't immediately announce stricter security measures, but officers at airport checkpoints are typically on higher alert after international incidents. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/03/22/us-airlines-cancel-brussels-flights- after-bombings/82109212/ Back to Top Flydubai Flight FZ981 Crash Update: Airliner Worked Crew To Death, Ignored 'Pilot Fatigue' Complaints, Report Says Russian emergency rescuer walks through wreckage of the flydubai passenger jet which crashed, killing all 62 people on board as it tried to land in bad weather in the city of Rostov-on-Don, March 19, 2016. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/AFP The crash of Flydubai flight FZ981 Saturday was inevitable as the pilot was "worked to death" by the airliner, a former Flydubai captain told RT News. All 62 people on board were killed after the plane went down in southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. The former pilot reportedly said that Flydubai's top management was aware that pilots were being overworked as several complaints were made to the authorities. As the new report emerged about Flydubai's crew being overworked, Russian investigators said Monday that they had been able to retrieve data from a damaged cockpit voice recorder recovered from the scene of a plane crash. "When I was still at the company, one of the last things I told management is that there would be an accident because of pilot fatigue," the ex-pilot told RT News on condition of anonymity. He also reportedly provided documents showing pilots, junior pilots in particular, being assigned multiple flight shifts in a row. He added that crew often did not get enough time for sleep. "Everybody at the company has these dangerous shifts from day flight to night flight, and then back to a day flight, and then back to a night flight, and it has definitely been a big issue for a long time," the ex-pilot reportedly said, adding that the sleep deprivation could be a reason for Flight FZ981 crash. "The way that [Flydubai] ... builds the schedules does not account for circadian rhythm ... they do not allow pilots to get the right amount of rest, or the proper rest before a flight, and that is exactly what both of these pilots were, the situation that they were in, for sure," the pilot said. RT news reported, citing the flight log of the co-captain of flight FZ981, that Alejandro Cruz Alava had worked for 11 days with only one day off prior to the crash. "[Alava] was working eleven days in a row with the exception of one day off, which was Tuesday March 15th," the former pilot reportedly said. "There's is no doubt he was fatigued and exhausted for this flight ... that definitely was a contributing factor, no matter how [Flydubai] may try to deny it." A source close to the captain of the flight told RT News that Aristos Socratous had reportedly filed paperwork containing his resignation because of the hectic schedule, and only had a few weeks left to fly. The Boeing 737-800 crashed while on its second attempt to land in strong wind and rain conditions. Russian officials said they would examine several scenarios, including pilot error, equipment malfunctions and weather conditions. http://www.ibtimes.com/flydubai-flight-fz981-crash-update-airliner-worked-crew-death- ignored-pilot-fatigue-2340795 Back to Top BLACK BOX DATA RETRIEVED FROM PLANE THAT CRASHED IN RUSSIA MOSCOW - Russian investigators said on Monday they had been able to retrieve data from a damaged cockpit voice recorder recovered from the scene of a plane crash at the weekend in southern Russia that killed all 62 people on board. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered officials to examine whether Russia's flight safety rules needed to be tightened up after the crash, which happened as the Boeing 737-800 tried to land at a regional airport in strong, gusting wind. Questions have been raised about why the aircraft went ahead with its attempts to land when another jet heading for the same airport a short while earlier had diverted elsewhere because of the bad weather. The crashed jet, operated by Dubai-based budget carrier Flydubai, came down in the early hours of Saturday at Rostov-on-Don airport in southern Russia on its second attempt to land after flying from Dubai. The Dubai government said on Twitter that Flydubai would resume flights from Rostov-on- Don on Tuesday. Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said other flights to and from the city had resumed. The airport was closed for a time after the crash. The plane's flight data recorder survived largely intact, but the cockpit voice recorder - which should shed light on the pilots' final conversations - was badly damaged, leading officials to say initially it could take weeks to restore it. "Memory has already been retrieved from the black boxes, it's being worked on," a spokesman of the 'Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), which is investigating the crash, told Reuters. "The decoding of the two black boxes may take between several weeks and several months," he said. There is so far no suggestion of an attack on the aircraft. Russian media say the two main theories under consideration by investigators are possible pilot error or a technical failure. Flydubai's CEO Ghaith al-Ghaith said on Saturday it was too early to determine why the plane, which was just over five years old, crashed. http://ewn.co.za/2016/03/21/Black-box-data-retrieved-from-plane-that-crashed-in- Russia Back to Top New CCTV footage offers insight into Flydubai FZ981 crash (VIDEO) Two previously unpublished CCTV videos allegedly showing the Flydubai FZ981 crash in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don that killed all 62 people on board have been posted on YouTube. Both show the Boeing-738 inexplicably dropping out of the sky. The black-and-white videos taken during the night of the crash show the catastrophe from a new angle and distance. The first one shows the plane literally falling from the skies almost vertically, with a massive fireball upon impact. The second clip posted by local DONDAY channel shows what looks like a plane trying to land. All of a sudden the aircraft goes up and disappears in the clouds. Moments later the bright spot is seen going down fast and an explosion follows. On March 19, Flydubai's Boeing 737-800 jet flight FZ981 was en route from Dubai to Russia's Rostov-on-Don. The aircraft crashed early in the morning during its second landing approach amid poor weather conditions. The plane disintegrated, killing all 55 passengers and 7 crew members onboard. https://www.rt.com/news/336516-rostov-boeing-crash-videos/ Back to Top Suspected aircraft engine cover found in South Africa MH370 Another debris suspected to be an aircraft component has been found in South Africa today, according to Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai. In a statement, the minister said the debris was found in Mosselbay, but additional examination and analysis is required to determine whether it belongs to the missing Malaysian airlines flight MH370. "The Transport Ministry and the Department of Civil Aviation are in close contact with the South African Civil Aviation Authority on this matter. "A team will be dispatched to retrieve the debris," he said today. Liow said that based on initial reports, the debris may have come from an inlet cowling of an aircraft engine. An inlet cowling is a ring-shaped cover that sits around the front section of an aircraft engine, and serves to protect the engine components inside. A search for the missing Boeing 777-200ER aircraft is still ongoing in the South Indian Ocean. It was last seen on March 8, 2014 with 239 persons on board on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Since then, numerous sightings of debris thought to be from MH370 has been reported. However, only one of these have been confirmed to have originated from MH370 - a flaperon recovered from Reunion Island off the coast of Madagascar, on July 2015. A flaperon is a control surface on the aircraft's main wing. It helps the aircraft roll left and right, as well as increases lift during low-speed flight such as take-off and landing. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/334829 Back to Top Airplane diverted to Shannon with sick passenger A transatlantic passenger jet that diverted to Shannon Airport this afternoon has continued its journey. American Airlines flight AA-733 was travelling from London Heathrow to Charlotte, North Carolina in the US when the crew turned around west of Mayo at around 11.30am. The crew sought permission to divert to Shannon reporting they had a passenger on board who had fallen ill. Airport fire crews were mobilised to holding areas close to the runway ahead of the flights arrival. Shortly before the flight was due to land however, the crew confirmed they were declaring a full emergency as a precaution. One ambulance had already been sent to the airport while further ambulance resources from Ennis and units of the fire brigade from Shannon Town and Ennis were also mobilised. The flight touched down safely at 12.09pm and was able to taxi directly to the terminal accompanied by emergency vehicles. Paramedics boarded the flight to assess the patient, a women in her 30's, who was removed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment, The flight was able to continue its journey at 1.50pm. http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/airplane-diverted-to-shannon-with-sick-passenger- 725982.html Back to Top Flight Attendant Flees Airport, Leaving 30 Kilos of Cocaine Behind: Officials A flight attendant selected for a random screening at Los Angeles International Airport took off from the terminal on Friday -- ditching her shoes as well as 30 kilograms of cocaine, officials and sources said. After the woman "abandoned her belongings and escaped on foot," airport police officers inspected her luggage and discovered the suspected cocaine, which they turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the DEA said in a statement. A senior government official told ABC News' David Kerley the woman, who was wearing "street clothes," approached the "known crewmember lane" but was moved by TSA to the inspection area after she'd been randomly selected for a screening. According to a statement from the airport police union, the woman then "kicked off her shoes" and ran "down the up escalator," leaving two carry-on roller bags behind in LAX's Terminal 4. Witnesses apparently saw her making a cellphone call while left unattended, the union said. According to the union's statement, "this is a perfect example of why Los Angeles airports need 100% screening of all passengers and airport employees.... Total employee screening is realistic and achievable." Another source familiar with the incident tells ABC that the flight attendant scanned her known crew member badge before an algorithm selected her for that random screening. She was then escorted to the TSA checkpoint, where she was asked to swipe her badge again. The source confirms that's when she dropped the bags, ran down the up escalator, and exited the terminal. The woman has not been identified or captured, sources say. http://abcnews.go.com/US/flight-attendant-flees-airport-leaving-30-kilos- cocaine/story?id=37827176 Back to Top POLICE: PASSENGER ON DIVERTED AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT OUT OF PHILADELPHIA HAD POSSIBLE MEDICAL ISSUE PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police say an American Airlines flight out of Philadelphia made an unexpected landing in Boston due to a passenger who may have suffered a medical issue. Flight 722 which left Philadelphia just before 9 p.m. Monday was scheduled to land in Dublin, Ireland early Tuesday morning. However, just after 10 p.m. the plane made an emergency landing at Boston's Logan International Airport. In response to a passenger's tweet questioning what happened, American Airlines wrote on Twitter, "We're sorry for the unexpected stop. We'll be letting someone off the plane in BOS and we'll have you on your way." The female passenger was originally described as unruly by American Airlines in a statement: American Airlines Flight 722 from Philadelphia to Dublin was diverted to Boston due to an unruly passenger. Law enforcement met the plane upon its arrival in Boston. We're working to get our customers to Dublin as quickly as possible, but the safety and security of our employees and customers are always our top priority. However, later on in the night, Massachusetts State Police said the passenger suffered a possible medical issue. They say her husband had to restrain her. State Police continue to investigate. http://6abc.com/news/flight-out-of-philadelphia-diverted-to-boston-due-to-unruly-passenger/1256658/ Back to Top Can Boom bring back supersonic flight without the astronomical price tag? A Denver-based startup company is entering the race to reintroduce supersonic commercial travel with the promise of a 40-passenger airliner that can not only fly faster than Concorde, but at business class prices. Boom Technology says it is using modern engines and materials to develop a supersonic passenger jet that can cruise at Mach 2.2 (1,675 mph, 2,700 km/h), with prices starting at US$5,000 for a return ticket between London and New York. When the two Concorde fleets were grounded in 2003, aviation took a giant step backwards. However, it may not be a permanent setback with NASA starting development on a new supersonic X-plane and various companies testing the supersonic waters. This would be encouraging if it weren't for the fact that the Concorde was anything but a bargain. It may have been able to carry up to 128 passengers at Mach 2 (1,500 mph, 2,450 km/h), but the average round trip price from London to New York was $12,000. With headquarters at Centennial Airport near Denver, Boom Technology believes that it can build a new supersonic passenger jet in just a few years that will not only be faster, but also cheaper than its predecessor. The finished product is projected to carry 40 passengers in two single-seat rows of standard first-class seats at a cruising altitude of 60,000 ft (18,000 m) and a speed of Mach 2.2. In a report in Bloomberg Business, Boom said that it's only been in the last 10 years that the technology became available to make a Concorde replacement practical. Thanks to new advances in aerodynamics, composites, engines, wind tunnels, and software, Boom believes that it's possible to make a plane that can fly from London to New York in 3.6 hours at a cost of $5,000 for round trip. According to Boom, carbon composites can withstand higher temperatures than the aluminium alloys used in Concorde, yet are cheaper than the titanium and other exotic alloys used in military aircraft. They're also lighter, which allows the aircraft to fly faster and more efficiently. Combined with advanced engines, the company believes that the finished product will be 30 percent more efficient than Concorde, and that through the use of computer simulations development can be achieved in record time. So far, the Boom project hasn't gone much beyond artist's concepts and some wooden mock ups, but the company says that it will have a development prototype ready for a first flight late next year to be followed by supersonic testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. However, supersonic aircraft are still on the cutting edge of aerospace technology with a lot of surprises (especially when it comes to costs), so it remains to be seen whether it will be Boom or bust. Source: Boom Technology http://www.gizmag.com/supersonic-boom-price/42414/ Back to Top India all set to become the world's third largest aviation market by 2020, says new study The good news just hasn't stopped flowing in for India's beleaguered aviation sector. Last year, the country's biggest IPO came from the aviation sector when Gurgaon-based IndiGo decided to hit the bourses. Soon after, the Narendra Modi government unveiled a new aviation policy that tried to ease operations for airlines and lower the cost of flying. This year, three of India's biggest airlines are on course to make profits, after years of bleeding. Even the state-owned Air India will make operating profits-the first time in close to a decade. If all that wasn't good enough, a new study by industry body FICCI and consultancy firm KPMG now predicts that India is all set to become the world's third largest aviation market by 2020 after the US and China. This is even better than the International Air Transport Association's prediction last year that India would be the third largest market by 2026. "India is the ninth largest civil aviation market in the world with a market size of $16 billion and aims to become the 3rd largest market by 2020 and the largest by 2030," the report said. "This is possible due to a host of factors, including increased competition, low-cost carriers, modern airports which are expanding, improved technology in both air side and city side operations, foreign direct investment (FDI) and increased emphasis on regional connectivity." Between April 2015 and January 2016, the number of international passengers flying to and from India grew by 7.6%, while domestic passenger traffic was up 20.6%. By 2020, India's airports are expected to carry as many as 369 million passengers compared to the current 190 million. As of today, just a little over 2% of Indians take to the skies. The huge potential has now forced global aircraft-makers to woo Indian companies to buy more planes. According to Boeing and Airbus, the world's two largest such firms, India is expected to order more than 1,600 aircraft over the next 20 years. "India's growth can help offset the slowdown in other parts of the world," Dinesh Keskar, senior vice-president, Boeing, told Reuters on March 17. India's largest airline by market share, IndiGo, has already finalised orders for 250 aircraft with Airbus, touted as the world's largest-ever order by the number of planes. SpiceJet, another low-cost airline, is also in talks to buy some 100 aircraft. Till the early 1990s, India's civil aviation industry had largely remained a state-run affair. Then the government decided to open up the skies for private participation. "In 2005, there were just four main carriers-Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara, all operating full-service models-plus several small airlines. By 2015, there were seven national air carriers namely-IndiGo, Jet Airways, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, Vistara and AirAsia India. In addition, regional carriers such as Air Costa, Air Pegasus and Trujet provide the much needed regional connectivity," the report said. But it hasn't been an easy flight. Over the past two decades, 17 airlines have shut down- the most significant one being Kingfisher Airlines. Companies lost a staggering Rs60,000 crore during this period. Much of that is largely due to the high cost of air turbine fuel (ATF), which is almost 60- 70% more expensive in India than the global average. "Since international ATF prices are low, at times an all-expense paid trip flight to Thailand or Malaysia turns out cheaper than flying within India. India's skewed pricing policy on ATF has actually done more damage to Indian trade and tourism than good," the report said. http://qz.com/641745/india-all-set-to-become-the-worlds-third-largest-aviation-market- by-2020-says-new-study/ Back to Top Japan sees flight delays due to airline system problems Passengers crowd at Haneda Airport in Tokyo following airline system problems Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Major Japanese airports were crammed with thousands of passengers unable to take domestic flights Tuesday due to problems with airline computer systems. Major Japanese airports were crammed with thousands of passengers unable to take domestic flights Tuesday due to problems with airline computer systems. The delays began in the morning, with major Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways posting a notice on its website apologizing for delays and cancellations due to a "system malfunction." The airline said Internet check-in, seat selection, new reservations, changes to reservations and payments were not available for domestic flights. It said it was trying to identify and fix the problem as soon as possible. The problem appeared to be worst at Tokyo's Haneda International Airport, which is ANA's main local hub. There, dozens of flights were listed on the airport's flight update site as either delayed or canceled. Four smaller airlines that use the same system - Starflyer, Airdo, Solaseed Air and Ibex Airlines - also were affected, the Kyodo News agency reported. Tuesday morning ended a three-day holiday weekend in Japan, so there likely were more travelers than usual. Television news channels showed airports packed with frustrated travelers. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article67463772.html#storylink=cpy Back to Top Global Aircraft Tire Aftermarket 2016-2020 - Key Vendors are Bridgestone, Michelin & Goodyear - Research and Markets DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/f3542m/global_aircraft) has announced the addition of the "Global Aircraft Tire Aftermarket 2016-2020" report to their offering. The global aircraft tire aftermarket is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.12% during the period 2016-2020. The increase in fleet size in emerging markets will increase the MRO spending. With the rising disposable income in the emerging economies like India and China, passenger traffic has grown exponentially. This has resulted in increased aircraft utilization, replacement of aging aircraft, and higher labor rates. There is demand for new aircraft fuel-efficient technologies and replacement aircraft tire, which is expected to pressurize MROs. According to the report, stable economic conditions across the world have caused an increase in disposable income. This increase has changed the consumer attitude toward holiday and tourism, encouraging them to travel more. High disposable income is the sign of a strong economy and leads to increased spending on tourism. Further, the report states that due to volatile market conditions, independent dealers are operating at low profit margins. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160321006174/en/Global-Aircraft-Tire- Aftermarket-2016-2020---Key Back to Top Airbus Group may forge some aircraft parts in India Airbus Group in talks with Indian firms for forging its parts in India. Aircraft maker Airbus Group is in talks with Indian companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra and Bharat Forge to get some of its aircraft parts forged in India. The move is an attempt by the company to expand its supplier base and outsourcing activity in India. Airbus said the move is in line with the company's plans having multiple stages of integration, which means India should participate at all levels of the aircraft manufacturing process. The company's sourcing from India is expected to grow to $2 billion (Rs 13,600 crore) in the next five years, the Economic Times reports. "So far, we have looked at aero structures and systems for aircraft in India. Now we are looking at every forging," Srinivasan Dwarkanath, president, Airbus division, was quoted as saying by the publication. According to Dwarkanath, Airbus is also in talks with the government to look for other ways to use raw materials with an option of recycling it. He also said that in America and Europe, the company recycles the raw materials, which increases its chances of competitiveness, the ET report added. The Indian forging industry is currently valued at Rs 28,000 crore. Contribution to the aerospace industry would open new avenues. At present 61 percent of the industry's output goes into the automotive sector, according to the estimates of the Indian Forging Industry. In a Press Trust of India report published five days ago, Airbus said India (one of the fastest growing aviation markets) would require 1,600 aircraft valued at $224 billion in the course of the next 20 years. Stocks of Bharat Forge rose almost two percent on the BSE Tuesday, however, later shed gains and traded at Rs 879 at around 1.12 pm, up 0.49 percent. Mahindra and Mahindra shares were trading at Rs 1256 apiece, up 2.36 percent from the previous close. http://www.ibtimes.co.in/airbus-group-may-forge-some-aircraft-parts-india-671681 Back to Top First Airbus jet made in U.S. undergoes flight test over Gulf MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - European aircraft maker Airbus is conducting a test flight for its first airplane made in the United States. A twin-engine A321 passenger jet took off Monday from the company's new assembly plant at Brookley Field in Mobile, Alabama. Airbus says the three-hour flight over the Gulf of Mexico will include a series of maneuvers and tests of all the airplane's operating systems. The aircraft will be delivered to purchaser JetBlue in a few weeks after final preparations. Airbus began constructing the $600 million plant in 2013 after selecting Alabama's port city as the location. State and local governments provided more than $158 million in incentives for the factory, which will employ about 1,000 people. The plant will produce A319 and A320 aircraft aside from the A321. http://wwlp.com/2016/03/21/first-airbus-jet-made-in-u-s-undergoes-flight-test-over- gulf/ Back to Top EAAP Human Factors in Flight Safety: SMS, Risk Management and Safety Investigation - Initial Training Course, Barcelona, 23-27 May 2016 Special Note: An Early Bird discount of 200 EUR will apply to all registrations received by 15 April 2016. The course will be kindly hosted by the Barcelona-based airline Vueling, at their modern airline headquarters and ?ight training facility close to Barcelona El Prat Airport, just 12 kilometres from the centre of Barcelona. Full details of the course, including the Registration Form, are contained in the 2016 Course Information Brochure, which is available from the EAAP website: http://www.eaap.net/read/2981/initial-human-factors-in-flight-safety.html Please note that completion of this training course is recognised by EAAP (the European Association for Aviation Psychology) as contributing towards certification requirements for those wishing to become an EAAP-certified Aviation Psychologist or Human Factors Specialist. The experienced team of Dr Rob Lee, Kristina Pollack and Brent Hayward will conduct the course on behalf of EAAP. The first of these courses was conducted by the same team at Ispra, Italy in 1999, and since then the course has been held regularly in locations including Luxembourg, Stockholm, Madrid, Lisbon, Interlaken, Dublin, Dubai and Barcelona, with more than 400 participants attending to date. Each year the course is updated to reflect the latest thinking and developments in human factors and safety management in civil and military aviation. As detailed in the Course Registration Brochure, EAAP members are offered reduced registration fees for the course, and there is also a significant additional "Early Bird" discount for those who register by 15 April 2016. Course participant numbers are limited, so those wishing to attend are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Those with any questions about the course, please email Brent Hayward: bhayward@dedale.net Back to Top Hangar Rash Research Request Hello, my name is Mary Popko and I am a student as San Diego State University currently working towards a B.S. in Statistics. I would like to request your participation in my survey regarding 'hangar rash', a term commonly used to describe the unecessary damage that many aircraft sustain on the ground, while being maneuvered in the airport environment. The survey takes less than thirty seconds to complete. I hope to shed some light on this subject and would be happy to share my paper with anyone who is interested. Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TLW5KZ6 Back to Top FSI Twitter Feed - Flight Safety Information can be found on a daily Twitter feed at: curtllewis01 https://twitter.com/curtllewis01 Back to Top Back to Top The International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter (MARC) Cordially invites you to attendour spring 2016 Dinner/Meeting Location: Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel Herndon, Virginia, 20170. Date/Time: Thursday, May 5, 2016, 6:00 - 9:30 pm Guest Speaker Honorable T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, Vice Chair, National Transportation Safety Board To: ISASI Members, Associates, and Guests: Please plan to attend this important annual event. We anticipate a large turnout for this event because our distinguished guest speaker. Please make your reservations early; as space will be limited and I must confirm the dinner numbers with the hotel by Thursday, April 21st. Don't forget that companions and other guests are most welcome. From: Ron Schleede President, MARC; Vice President, ISASI (H) 1-703-455-3766; (Cell) 571-212-4255; Email: RonSchleede@aol.com Date: Thursday, May 5, 2016 Times: 6:00 pm-Reception with cash bar 7:00 to 8:00 pm-Full buffet dinner ********************************************************** RESERVATION FORM The International Society of Air Safety Investigators Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter (MARC) Spring 2016 Dinner/Meeting Thursday, May 5, 2016, 6:00 pm Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel There will be a "networking" cash bar beginning at 6:00 pm, followed by a full buffet dinner beginning at 7:00 pm. The program will begin about 8:00 pm. Adjournment anticipated about 9:30 pm. Yes, I will be attending: Name__________________________ Telephone___________________ Email Yes, I will be bringing a guest (s): Name__________________________Telephone____________________ Email Name__________________________Telephone____________________ Email Payment Method: Check, or Credit Card. Badge Name Company Name______________________________________ If paying by check, please make checks payable to ISASI-MARC, in the amount of $50.00 per person, if paid before April 21, 2016. The cost after April 21, 2016, will be $55.00, if space is available. This includes dinner, taxes, gratuity, and routine function expenses. Please mail checks to: Ms. Ann Schull, ISASI International Office, 107 E. Holly Avenue, Suite 11, Sterling, VA, 20164. (Telephone: 703-430-9668; FAX: 703-430-4970) If paying by credit card, please provide your reservation information, along with the following credit card information directly to Ms. Ann Schull by telephone, FAX, email, or regular mail. Curt Lewis