Flight Safety Information - December 26, 2023 No. 247 In This Issue : Accident: Maleth A332 over Atlantic on Dec 23rd 2023, turbulence injures 11 : Accident: Volaris A321 at Guadalajara on Dec 22nd 2023, tail strike on go around : 737 Comes Within 100 Feet Of Advertising Balloon : American Airlines Boeing 787 Struck By Lightning In Argentina : Turkish Airport Gets New Billion Dollar Runway : Russia Spends $2bn Buying 92 Aircraft From Foreign Lessors : The Airlines That Added The Most Aircraft To Fleets In 2023 : Bombardier secures firm order for 12 Challenger 3500 jets : Call for CFIs and Student pilots: Need your help to alleviate Pilot Fatigue! : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY : CALENDAR OF EVENTS Accident: Maleth A332 over Atlantic on Dec 23rd 2023, turbulence injures 11 A Maleth-Aero Airbus A330-200, registration 9H-MFS performing flight DB-1975 from Bridgetown (Barbados) to Manchester,EN (UK) with 225 passengers and 13 crew, was enroute at FL380 about 820nm east of Bermuda (Bermuda) when the aircraft encountered severe clear air turbulence causing injuries to 11 passengers. The crew turned around and diverted to Bermuda for a safe landing on runway 30 about 2.5 hours later. 11 passengers were taken to a local hospital. Bermuda's Ministry of National Security reported the aircraft encountered severe turbulence at about 12:50L and performed a controlled landing into Bermuda. 11 passengers were taken to a hospital for assessment, 9 were already discharged. All injuries are reported to be minor. The cruise operator "P&O Cruises", who had chartered the A330-200, reported the aircraft encountered "freak (unexpected) turbulence". The guests were taken to hotels and are expected to continue their journey on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) after the aircraft went through a thorough check. The aircraft is still on the ground in Bermuda about 55 hours after landing in Bermuda. https://avherald.com/h?article=512e34e3&opt=0 Accident: Volaris A321 at Guadalajara on Dec 22nd 2023, tail strike on go around A Volaris Airbus A321-200, registration XA-VLT performing flight Y4-607 from Cancun to Guadalajara (Mexico), was in the flare for landing on Guadalajara's runway 11R at 14:59L (20:59Z) when the crew initiated a go around, the tail however contacted the runway surface. The aircraft climbed out to 12,000 feet MSL, positioned for another approach to runway 11R and landed without further incident. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustained substantial damage however. https://avherald.com/h?article=512d7fad&opt=0 737 Comes Within 100 Feet Of Advertising Balloon Passengers on the left side of a GOL Linhas Areas Boeing 737 MAX got more than they expected for a view when an advertising balloon came within 100 feet of the left wing. Airlive reported the aircraft was in its final descent for Rio De Janeiro from Porto Alegre on Dec. 17 when the helium balloon with a banner attached swept past. The incident was reported and the plane continued to an uneventful landing. In July, an airline crew reported seeing a large balloon hoisting a Brazilian flag at 35,000 feet, Airlive reported. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/737-comes-within-100-feet-of-advertising-balloon/ American Airlines Boeing 787 Struck By Lightning In Argentina • The incident took place on Christmas Eve. SUMMARY • A lightning strike forced an American Airlines flight to return shortly after takeoff in Buenos Aires. • The aircraft had to dump fuel before landing and returned to the airport after about half an hour. • Lightning strikes happen mostly during takeoff or landing, but modern planes are built to withstand them. An American Airlines aircraft flying from Argentina to the US had to return to the airport shortly after takeoff following a lightning strike. While modern jetliners are built in a way that protects them from lightning strikes, there can be cases in which aircraft can sustain structural damage and need further inspection. Flight returns to airport An American Airlines flight from Buenos Aires in Argentina to Miami, Florida, had to return to the airport shortly after takeoff after it was struck by lightning. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had taken off pretty much on schedule at 23:34 from Ministro Pistarini International Airport but was forced to turn around shortly into the flight. The incident occurred on Christmas Eve, and the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) of Argentina also got involved to ensure the plane landed safely. According to BNN Breaking, the 787 had to dump some fuel to avoid exceeding the maximum landing weight limit and returned to the airport around 33 minutes after departure. Per ch-aviation, the plane involved in the incident is an 8.4-year-old Boeing 787-8 with the registration N808AN. Delivered to American in August 2015, it has accumulated a little over 29,000 flight hours as of August 2023. According to Flightradar24, it is still in Buenos Aires at the time of writing and is scheduled to depart at 13:00 on December 26. Not an isolated incident This isn’t the first time that something like this has happened. In September, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A220 declared an emergency as it was approaching Boston after a flight from Chicago. Boston was experiencing thunderstorms at the time, and the A220 suffered a potential lightning strike. Thankfully, all passengers were safe, and the plane landed normally. In June 2023, an Air New Zealand Airbus A321neo from Auckland to the Cook Islands was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff. It remained in the skies for under two hours, burning off excess fuel before landing safely in Auckland. In February, an American Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered structural damage following a lightning strike. The aircraft was performing a flight from Tokyo Narita to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Photos of the plane (below) showed significant damage to a portion of the fuselage, requiring repairs before it could be deemed airworthy again. Lightning strikes As is apparent by the incidents above, most lightning strikes take place during takeoff or landing at altitudes between 5,000 and 15,000 feet. Many planes around the world are struck by lightning every day; thankfully, they are built in a way to withstand them. Modern airliners are equipped with various features to mitigate the effects of a lightning strike, such as static wicks, which are metal rods sticking out of the trailing edge of the wing that dissipate static charge caused by lightning. https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-boeing-787-lightning-strike-argentina/ Turkish Airport Gets New Billion Dollar Runway • Passenger numbers are expected to surpass 37 million this year. SUMMARY • Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport inaugurated a second runway, solidifying its position in the Turkish aviation market. • The airport aims to surpass passenger numbers of 25 million in 2021 and 31 million in 2022, with plans to welcome over 37 million travelers by the end of 2023. • The airport's expansion plans since 2012 include a new runway to accommodate larger aircraft and double the previous capacity. Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport recently inaugurated its second runway, further solidifying itself as a critical player in the Turkish aviation market. The airport, located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait, managed more than 181,000 flights in 2021, with 2022 adding another 27,000, reaching 208,000 just last year. With a new runway, the airport looks to surpass recent passenger numbers of 25 million for 2021 and 31 million in 2022. Before the end of 2023, it anticipates the airport will welcome over 37 million travelers. The airport has plans to manage up to 85 million passengers a year. Aviation in Turkey is at an all-time high, placing the country third in Europe for total passenger numbers and sixth worldwide. Sadly, the airport did, however, miss Simple Flying's top ten busiest airports in 2023, according to data from Cirium. Expansion plans since 2012 The Turkish government unveiled plans to invest $970 million into the airport's second runway development in 2012, given that the current runway had already reached its maximum capacity of up to 750 flights per day. With construction now completed, runway two will be able to accommodate the world's largest aircraft, such as the Airbus A380. Its length is 3,540 meters (11,614 ft), and its width is 60 meters (196 ft). As reported by the Daily Sabah, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated improving airport infrastructure, noting the below of the government's commitment to SAW: “Sabiha Gökçen Airport plays critical roles in terms of development in business and tourism. We have observed that the airport has been having difficulty meeting the increasing passenger and air traffic.” For efficiency, the older runway is planned for aircraft departures, with the newer runway for arriving flights, with the airport hoping to double its current daily operations. Comprehensive airport improvement and modernization have been undertaken, which includes a middle apron that can accommodate up to 62 aircraft and a large cargo apron for up to 40 aircraft. Built to support Atatürk Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport was opened in 2001 to support the rapidly growing Atatürk International Airport, which has now been replaced by the new Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side. SAW is a hub for AnadoluJet and Pegasus Airlines, serving over 120 destinations from the airport. Other significant carriers also serve Sabiha Gökçen from their respective hubs, including Air Arabia (from Abu Dhabi, Casablanca, Sharjah, and Tangier), Azerbaijan Airlines (Baku), British Airways (London Heathrow), flydubai (Dubai International), Qatar Airways (Doha), Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca), among others. As published by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, this November, Sabiha Gökçen served 16,242,923 domestic passengers and 17,676,767 international passengers, an increase of 26% compared with 2022. SAW currently places itself as the second busiest airport in the country, behind Istanbul Havalimanı Airport and ahead of Antalya Airport, a major European leisure destination. https://simpleflying.com/turkey-sabiha-gokcen-runway-opens/ Russia Spends $2bn Buying 92 Aircraft From Foreign Lessors • Collectively, the Russian government has purchased and will re-register 92 jets for three airlines. SUMMARY • The Russian government purchased 92 foreign-built planes seized as a result of the War in Ukraine for $2.06 billion. • S7 Airlines is set to receive 45 of the purchased planes, nearly half of its fleet. • Re-registering the planes as Russian-owned allows S7 to avoid international sanctions and fly them on many international routes again. Through multiple agreements with foreign lessors such as Irish leasing giant AerCap, the Russian government has negotiated a nearly $2.06 billion purchase of 92 foreign-built and foreign-owned aircraft that were seized during the War in Ukraine. According to industry sources, including Republic World, a total of 92 jets that Russian authorities had seized will be purchased and re-registered as the property of three major Russian airlines. Russian carrier S7 Airlines will be the principal recipient of these purchased jets, with 45 of the aircraft entering the carrier's asset book. These planes are primarily medium-haul narrowbodies, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Deals for another 28 aircraft have also been closed, with this group of jets set to be re-registered under the ownership of state-owned flag carrier Aeroflot. The final 19 aircraft are set to become officially the property of Ural Airlines. S7's aircraft According to Russian media outlet Aviation24.be, S7 Airlines was able to negotiate an agreement with AerCap, Air Lease Corp, and SMBC Aviation Capital, among other lessors, for the 45 jets that will soon be registered as the airline's. As the carrier currently only operates 101 aircraft, including 84 A320 and 737 family jets, the group of purchased planes represents nearly half of its fleet. Russian news sources have also been quick to note that negotiations are ongoing and that more aircraft could soon be transferred to company ownership. S7 Airlines stands out among other Russian carriers as it is the largest privately owned carrier in the nation, commencing operations shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1992. Airbus, Antonov, Boeing, and Tupolev: The History Of S7 Airlines As a private company, the airline is in a unique position when it comes to navigating the international sanctions imposed on Russian companies in the wake of the nation's invasion of Ukraine. By re-registering these planes as Russian-owned, S7 will be able to avoid the sanctions imposed on foreign-owned jets and can fly them on international routes without the fear of seizures. What do the lessors think? When Russia invaded Ukraine and international firms attempted to reclaim aircraft that had been leased by Russian carriers, many failed to recover their jets and the planes remained in operation for airlines like S7 and Aeroflot. As a result, these sanctions imposed a heavy financial burden on lessors, who were quick to file insurance claims for their property. However, it appears that in the wake of this purchase, most lessors are still mostly unsatisfied with their situation. According to reports from Flight Global, AerCap has released claims against Russian insurance firm NSK but had the following words to share regarding other outstanding filings still under negotiation: "It is uncertain whether any of these discussions will result in any insurance settlement or receipt of insurance settlement proceeds and, if so, in what amount." The bigger picture There are undoubtedly fears about companies paying large sums of money to any Russian entity, and lessors have attempted to reassure the public's concerns. In the same statement to Flight Global, AerCap indicated that all its deals abide by the most up-to-date terms of international sanctions. With these jets now re-registered under Russian ownership, the nation's international aviation industry will be ready to expand operations. Routes that were once impossible to fly due to the fear of sanction-related aircraft seizures are likely to be flown again. https://simpleflying.com/russia-2bn-airplane-buyback-lessors/ The Airlines That Added The Most Aircraft To Fleets In 2023 • Of the 1,345 aircraft delivered in 2023, over a quarter were delivered to just seven airlines. SUMMARY • Over a quarter of the 1,345 aircraft delivered in 2023 went to just seven airlines, ranging from flag carriers to low-cost operators. • Most deliveries were Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies, with Airbus' A320neo family being the most popular airframe. • Southwest Airlines recorded the most orders, totaling 86 new aircraft, all of which were Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets. As aircraft manufacturers begin to shake off the last remnants of pandemic-era supply chain shortages, deliveries have continued to remain stable and consistent. Despite a slight drop in deliveries during November, Airbus appears to be on target to meet its full-year delivery target of 720 aircraft, while across the pond, Boeing is refusing to be weighed down by manufacturing issues, matching pace with its 2022 deliveries. According to ch-aviation, 1,345 commercial aircraft were delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2023, but only a few operators scored big. Turkish Airlines: 29 From scaling up operations through Asia and Oceania to planning the eventual spin-off of its low-cost subsidiary AnadoluJet (soon to be AJet), 2023 has proven to be a hectic year for Turkish Airlines. Over the past 12 months, the airline has taken delivery of 29 aircraft, including its 400th airframe, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. Deliveries of new aircraft were as equally diverse as its previous mainline fleet, with Turkish Airlines taking on a mix of Airbus A320neo family jets, Airbus A350-900 widebodies, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Excluding leased jets, Turkish Airlines currently operates 421 aircraft, with nearly 300 more orders set to round out its fleet over the next decade. To maintain its short- and medium-term growth plans, particularly across its transatlantic network, Turkish Airlines will lease 21 additional jets from lessors AerCap, DAE Capital, Jackson Square Aviation, and CDB Aviation Lease Finance between late 2024 and 2026. The carrier will add to its huge fleet in the coming years as its outstanding orders are delivered. Alaska Airlines: 36 Though you may have to wait a few more months for Alaska Airlines to launch Boeing 737 MAX 8 operations, the carrier has been boosting its narrowbody capacity through 2023. Alaska Airlines and its regional subsidiary Horizon Air have added 36 new aircraft to their respective fleets: 28 Boeing 737 MAX 9’s for Alaska Airlines and eight Embraer ERJ 175LR regional jets for Horizon Air. Not included in the count is the airline’s first Boeing 737-800BCF. The converted freighter, registered N584AS, was initially delivered to Alaska Airlines in 2007 but returned with a new configuration in November. An additional passenger-to-freight (P2F) conversion will join Alaska Airlines in the coming months for a total of five 737-based cargo jets. Moving into 2024, Alaska Airlines could see its total fleet expand further if its planned acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines is approved by regulators, potentially growing to over 300 airframes. Delta Air Lines: 39 With some of its oldest Airbus A320ceos scheduled for retirement before the end of the year, Delta Air Lines’ deliveries through 2023 have primarily encompassed narrowbody A320neo and A220 family aircraft to support and continue to grow its transcontinental and short-haul operations. Of the 39 aircraft delivered to the legacy carrier in 2023, 26 were A321neos, and seven were A220-300. Delta Air Lines also took on an additional six widebody A330-900s. A combination of new aircraft and the retirement of jets from the 1980s and 1990s has pushed Delta Air Lines' fleet age from an average of 17 years in 2017 to 15.3 at the end of 2023. The carrier still has a long way to go before rivaling the fully next-gen fleets in operation with other airlines; however, future A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 10 are expected to pull that figure down further. IndiGo: 46 Despite already operating the largest Airbus A320neo fleet in the world, Indian low-cost powerhouse IndiGo has continued to grow its narrowbody capacity, adding a mix of 39 more A320neo and A321neo to its expansive 342-strong fleet. The airline still retains outstanding orders for nearly 1,000 more narrowbodies, including the highly anticipated A321XLR, set to enter service next year. Alongside its short and medium-haul fleet, IndiGo has been quietly growing its regional operations with the delivery of seven new ATR 72-600s for a total of 43 turboprops. The short-haul regional aircraft have helped provide vital connectivity and accessibility across India’s regional market, with IndiGo expanding its domestic network to cover 85 destinations. Its most recent regional addition, launched earlier this month, connects Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) with Gonidia Airport (GDB). The service is scheduled to operate daily thanks to IndiGo’s flexible ATR fleet. Ryanair: 50 In the third place is European budget carrier Ryanair, which took delivery of 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, a higher-density version of the standard MAX 8. Eight aircraft were bound directly for Maltese Government-backed subsidiary Malta Air, while Ryanair took on the remaining 42 aircraft. The rapid pace of MAX 8-200 deliveries has seen Ryanair take on a new aircraft every eight to nine days through 2023, with its most recent aircraft, EI-IJC, arriving at Dublin Airport (DUB) on Wednesday. The aircraft is already being deployed by Ryanair from its base at Birmingham Airport (BHX) to destinations including Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), Malag-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), Lanzarote Airport (ACE), and Faro International Airport (FAO). If you’re on a winter sun getaway, keep your eyes peeled for this freshly inaugurated jet. Deliveries of the MAX 8-200 will continue to run through 2025, with Ryanair set to take on 227 of the type. Towards the end of the decade, the carrier will diversify its fleet, adding up to 300 higher-capacity 737 MAX 10. United Airlines: 78 Like fellow legacy carrier Delta Air Lines, United Airlines has also been making a significant effort to replace its oldest aircraft with newer, more efficient alternatives, bringing down its average age. With its narrowbody Airbus A320ceo, Boeing 737 Next Generation, and Boeing 757 aircraft well into their 20s, United's recent deliveries have unsurprisingly consisted of A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 jets almost exclusively. United Airlines received just two widebodies this year, both Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, delivered between February and March. Deliveries won’t be slowing down any time soon; provided Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 completes its certification within projected timelines, United Airlines will become the launch customer of the variant in 2024. The jet is set to operate alongside Airbus’ A321XLR and enter into service with United Airlines next year. Southwest Airlines: 86 Taking first place with the most deliveries in 2023 is Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based low-cost carrier added an eyewatering 86 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet, cementing its spot as the largest 737 MAX operator. Southwest Airlines currently operates 826 aircraft, including 221 MAX 8s. The airline’s current backlog sits at 491 aircraft, with future orders set to allow for the gradual phase-out of its oldest 737-700s. Though the bulk of its orders have been in the works for a while now, Southwest Airlines’ 2022 operational meltdown appears to have prompted the carrier to shift its focus towards modernizing all aspects of its business. In October, Southwest Airlines added 108 more 737 MAX to its order books, citing its importance in its long-term strategy. https://simpleflying.com/airlines-added-most-aircraft-2023/ Bombardier secures firm order for 12 Challenger 3500 jets Bombardier has recently announced the receipt of a firm order for 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft. Valued at an impressive $326.4 million based on list prices, this transaction continues the success success of this super-midsize jet in the aviation market. The customer, opting for the Challenger 3500, cited the aircraft’s exceptional performance, refined cabin, and sustainably-minded features as key factors in their decision. This order reflects the ongoing popularity of the Challenger 3500 among operators globally. Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier, expressed his pride in the aircraft’s reputation, stating, “Bombardier is proud that the Challenger 3500 jet sparks such confidence as the aircraft of choice for a vast majority of operators around the world, and continues to meet and exceed the expectations of its discerning clientele.” Challenger 3500 Experience The Challenger 3500 jet promises an unmatched in-flight experience, tailored to surpass the expectations of even the most discerning travelers. The aircraft’s design focuses on elevating passengers’ comfort through Bombardier’s revolutionary Nuage seats and cutting-edge cabin technology. Industry-Leading Performance Boasting an industry-leading dispatch reliability of over 99.8%, the Challenger aircraft stands out with outstanding range and runway performance. This makes the aircraft an ideal choice for those seeking access to remote locations while enjoying Bombardier’s signature smooth ride from takeoff to landing. Deliveries and Future Prospects The deliveries of the 12 Challenger mid-size jets are scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025. The manufacturer recently celebrated the Challenger model’s first entry into the Turkish market, with Arkasair, a prominent player in the VIP Air Taxi and charter service market becoming the first national owner. This marks a significant milestone for Bombardier, further solidifying the aircraft’s position as a preferred choice in the super-midsize jet category. https://aviationsourcenews.com/manufacturer/bombardier-secures-firm-order-for-12-challenger-3500-jets/ Call for CFIs and Student pilots: Need your help to alleviate Pilot Fatigue! CFIs and Flight Students, Greetings from Oklahoma State University! My name is Md Mijanur Rahman, and I am a graduate student working under the supervision of Dr. Nicoletta Fala at the Aviation Engineering Operations Analysis (ÆON) lab in the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology. We are conducting research to understand and alleviate the impact of fatigue on the quality and safety of flight training from a CFI and student perspective. This research could help the flight training industry improve the work environment of the CFI, improve safety, and raise the quality of training provided to student pilots. As a part of this research, we are seeking your voluntary participation in an online survey regarding work-induced fatigue in a flight training environment. This survey will take anywhere from 15 mins (Student Pilots) to 30 mins (CFIs) depending on your role. Your responses will allow us to elicit information and perceptions on the organization of work and the factors that contribute to fatigue and burnout at collegiate and independent flight schools. To compensate you for your time, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of ten $50 gift cards. We will ask you to provide your contact information in a second survey if you wish to participate in the drawing to maintain anonymity in your responses. If you are interested, please click here or copy and paste the following link in your browser’s address bar: https://okstate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wyWrqmHNsMJfy6 We would also like your help in recruiting qualified CFIs and Students as research participants. To help us in this effort, please forward this email to friends and colleagues. We appreciate your time and willingness to help. GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY I am a professional pilot with 16 years of experience, flying the B777 for a major Middle Eastern airline. Concurrently, I'm pursuing an MSc in Air Transport Management at City University, London. My journey in aviation has been defined by a commitment to excellence and a passion for continually exploring new horizons within the industry. My research: I am conducting research for my MSc final project titled "Policy Drivers for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Adoption: Case Study India." The research aims to explore the policy mechanisms required for SAF adoption/deployment in the Indian aviation industry. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an eco-friendly alternative aviation fuel derived from sustainable sources, proven to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent over its lifecycle. However, these fuels cost 2-4 times more than conventional jet fuels. This survey investigates the public perceptions and attitudes towards SAF and its potential implications for air travel. Valuable insights gained from this study will advance the understanding of public attitudes and perceptions of SAF adoption in the aviation industry. The perspectives shared will contribute to developing effective policy mechanisms for SAF deployment, assisting policymakers in aligning the aviation industry with sustainable practices. This is an anonymous survey targeted at air travelers and is designed to be completed in about 10 to 12 minutes. Link to the survey: https://cityunilondon.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5cGRH3H5CPfX1HM Kind regards, Deepak Nalla CALENDAR OF EVENTS • SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2024 - February 20 - 25 • HAI Heli-Expo 2024 - February 26 - 29 - Anaheim, CA • 2024 Women in Aviation International Conference - March 21-23 (Orlando) • 2024 ACSF Safety Symposium – Air Charter Safety Foundation - April 1-3, 2024 • 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024 • 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - Oct. 22-24 (Vegas) Curt Lewis