Flight Safety Information - April 7, 2025 No. 069 In This Issue : Incident: France A359 near Shannon on Apr 6th 2025, unidentified odour on board : Incident: THY A321 at Trabzon on Apr 6th 2025, bird strike : Incident: Eva B773 at Bangkok on Apr 5th 2025, nose gear problem : Incident: Helvetic E190 at Zurich on Apr 5th 2025, rejected takeoff due to loss of brakes : Pilot, co-pilot got into fist fight over Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law: Korean Air : American Airlines Flight Attendant Made Up A Law To Enforce Airplane Mode—Why Do We Let This Happen? : Passenger Arrested, Charged After Meltdown on Popular Airline : American Airlines Flight AA672 Dallas-Fort Worth Declares Emergency : American Airlines Retires 1st Mainline Aircraft Since 2021 : UK Investigators Want Better Whole Aircraft Parachute Placards : EVA Air expands fleet with more A350-1000 and A321neo aircraft : “An Unprecedented Leap in Aviation”: Epic Aircraft’s E1000 AX with autoland steps up safety with this groundbreaking innovation : Alaska Airlines To Usher In New Pilot Training Era With Full-Motion Boeing 737 VR Simulators : Air India Pushes Jet Upgrade to Lure Back Disgruntled Passengers : 'Hard to imagine a bigger betrayal': AZ judge reveals men's Russia aircraft parts scheme : Calendar of Events Incident: France A359 near Shannon on Apr 6th 2025, unidentified odour on board An Air France Airbus A350-900, registration F-HTYH performing flight AF-374 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to Vancouver,BC (Canada), was enroute at FL380 about 260nm northnorthwest of Shannon (Ireland) about to enter Oceanic Airspace when the crew declared PAN PAN and requested to return to Paris reporting an unidentified odour on board. The crew subsequently requested to descend to FL100 and was eventually cleared to descend to FL100. The aircraft landed safely back in Paris about 3.5 hours after departure. A replacement A350-900 registration F-HTYQ is estimated to reach Vancouver with a delay of about 8 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=5262906d&opt=0 Incident: THY A321 at Trabzon on Apr 6th 2025, bird strike A THY Turkish Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration TC-JMI performing flight TK-2817 from Trabzon to Istanbul (Turkey), was climbing out of Trabzon's runway 11 when the crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet after an engine (V2533) ingested a bird. The aircraft returned to Trabzon for a safe landing on runway 11 about 20 minutes after departure. https://avherald.com/h?article=526281ac&opt=0 Incident: Eva B773 at Bangkok on Apr 5th 2025, nose gear problem An Eva Air Boeing 777-300, registration B-16738 performing flight BR-67 from Bangkok (Thailand) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was climbing out of Bangkok's runway 20L when the crew stopped the climb at 10,000 feet reporting a problem with the nose gear. The aircraft entered a hold and returned to Bangkok for a safe landing on runway 20L about 90 minutes after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Bangkok about 28 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52626870&opt=0 Incident: Helvetic E190 at Zurich on Apr 5th 2025, rejected takeoff due to loss of brakes A Helvetic Airways Embraer ERJ-190-E2 on behalf of Swiss International Airlines, registration HB-AZH performing flight LX-1674 from Zurich (Switzerland) to Florence (Italy), had been taxiing for departure holding short of runway 28 when the crew advised they had a technical problem and needed to return to the apron. The aircraft was instructed to cross runway 28 at the threshold and was given a taxi route. About 20 minutes later the aircraft reported on tower again ready for departure, lined up runway 28 and began takeoff acceleration but stopped on the runway stating they were not able to vacate the runway due to the loss of brakes. The aircraft was towed off the runway. A passenger reported: " We just had a rejected takeoff at low speed, I am still on the plane. The captain announced brake issues, before takeoff I noticed that we didn't lineup on the runway but instead went to another taxiway, possibly to solve the issue. Then we made a 180, attempted the takeoff, rejected, and now we will be towed back to the gate." The aircraft is still on the ground in Zurich about 2 hours after the rejected takeoff. https://avherald.com/h?article=5261cb26&opt=0 Pilot, co-pilot got into fist fight over Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law: Korean Air The two pilots disagreed during their discussion about ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol. SEOUL - The pilot and co-pilot of a Korean Air flight got into a fist fight with each other after a disagreement occurred during their discussion about former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his Dec 3 imposition of martial law, the airline confirmed on April 7. Korean Air said that the “unfortunate event” occurred between the two pilots of the flight that flew from Incheon to Brisbane, Australia in December 2024. The altercation, which was over differences in their political opinions, did not occur in the air, but while the plane and the flight crew were still in Australia. It resulted in injuries to both men requiring medical attention at a local hospital. As they were temporarily incapacitated from flying the plane, alternate crew from the airline were deployed for the flight home that was scheduled for two days after the flight. The two have since been fired from the job, Korean Air said, following a review by the company’s disciplinary committee. In order to prevent similar incidents from happening, Korean Air said it has conducted training sessions on the company guidelines to its employees. Mr Yoon, the disgraced former president of South Korea was impeached for illegally declaring martial law on the country for the first time in over 40 years on Dec 3, 2024. His impeachment was confirmed by the Constitutional Court on April 4. Thousands of protestors calling for Mr Yoon’s ouster and against it took to the streets during the months after Dec 3, amid the political turmoil that followed. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/pilot-co-pilot-got-into-fist-fight-over-yoon-suk-yeols-martial-law-korean-air American Airlines Flight Attendant Made Up A Law To Enforce Airplane Mode—Why Do We Let This Happen? An American Airlines flight attendant announced a new federal law this on Monday on board a trip from Charlotte to Des Moines – claiming they’re being required to vigorously enforce cell phones in airplane mode while onboard the aircraft. [The crewmember] made a big deal, with multiple announcements and pointedly looking at everyone’s electronics to make sure they were in Airplane Mode. He said as of Wednesday/today it will be a new Federal law, that airplane mode will be mandatory from door closed to landed and on taxiway and that they are being required to enforce it. There is no new federal law. However, you’re still supposed to keep your cell phone in airplane mode once the door closes on departure and until you land. But there’s no good, scientific reason for the rule. To be clear, if you ignore crew instructions you may get kicked off of a flight. But nothing bad will happen if you leave your cell phone signal on. Passengers do it every day, both intentionally and because they forget to turn it off. In fact, it’s even time to lift the ban on inflight calling. Airplane mode is more of a common courtesy our government imposes on us than a safety precaution. The U.S. government won’t let you make phone calls inflight because it’s unpopular with passengers, and politicians don’t like to do unpopular things. There’s no safety reason for it. Two decade old pico cells can prevent phone signals from interfering with a plane’s communications. And it’s not clear that interference ever actually happened in any case. The FAA didn’t find any instances of it. The FCC originally banned use of cell phones inflight 33 years ago based on (mostly hypothetical) risk of interference with ground networks but technology in place for decades makes that a non-issue today. Airline unions, especially flight attendant unions, lobby against allowing calling inflight. But the parade of horribles said to follow is not credible. Cell phones can be used on planes under European rules. And many airlines around the world provide for wifi-based calling. Hijinks do not ensue. Amtrak lets people use cell phones with passengers confined closely together. Again, few meltdowns even though few passengers wear noise-cancelling headphones. People talk to each other on planes now and those around them hear it! You can make inflight wifi calls on JSX and that seems to go just fine. There’s no good reason to think we’d have melees in the sky if the federal government dropped its ban on inflight calls on commercial airlines. Since there’s no demonstrable safety reason for it, policies should be up to the airlines who have generally said that if the government allowed inflight calling, they would adopt policies against it. However I’d make the affirmative case for allowing inflight calling, not just lifting the ban. It used to be available via services like Airfone (which was acquired by Gogo and capacity redirected to internet services over a decade ago). Conversations can be truly important. Dozens of final phone calls were placed from the four planes hijacked on 9/11, to family and to emergency personnel. I guess rules against it didn’t matter at that point, since administrative punishment was rather beside the point. This Southwest Airlines passenger who might have been able to stop a suicide if she could have used her phone inflight. Airlines used to have non-smoking sections on planes, Amtrak has quiet cars, surely we can figure out how to shift from inflight calling being illegal to at the discretion of airlines whether to allow it. Just be careful of roaming charges if you leave your phone on while flying internationally. https://viewfromthewing.com/american-airlines-flight-attendant-made-up-a-law-to-enforce-airplane-mode-and-were-still-letting-it-happen/ Passenger Arrested, Charged After Meltdown on Popular Airline He's facing up to 30 years in prison. A 46-year-old man has been charged with assault and endangerment following a rowdy tantrum aboard a popular airline, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced in a statement. The incident occurred on April 5 during an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Sydney. The suspect, who is reportedly a Jordan national, allegedly attempted to open the plane’s rear emergency exit door before crew members subdued him. He was "escorted to a seat in the middle of the aircraft," where he soon attempted to open a second emergency exit door. "The man was then restrained by crew and passengers, during which he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member," the AFP said. The passenger, who has been identified as Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assault [of] crew [on a] Division 3 aircraft. Each of those three counts carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. "The actions of this man could have had tragic consequences, and passengers and airplane staff shouldn’t have to put up with unruly, violent, or dangerous behavior on flights,” said Davina Copelin, the AFP’s detective acting superintendent. "The AFP will not hesitate to take action against people who engage in criminal behavior on airplanes, especially where this behavior has the potential to endanger the safety of passengers, crew, or the flight itself.” AirAsia addressed the incident in a separate statement to People, explaining that outside authorities were now investigating. "Our cabin crew, who are professionally trained to respond to such situations, took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board. At no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised,” the airline said. "AirAsia has a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior of any kind and, as per procedure, alerted the AFP and relevant authorities to meet the aircraft on arrival in Sydney." At a hearing following his arrest, Alsaaydeh’s lawyer claimed his client had no memory of the incident. He went on to claim that his client mixed alcohol with the sleeping medication pseudoephedrine. Alsaaydeh has not been granted bail. He’s due back in court on April 9. https://www.mensjournal.com/news/airasia-passenger-assault-arrested-emergency-exit American Airlines Flight AA672 Dallas-Fort Worth Declares Emergency American Airlines flight AA672, a B737-800 bound for New York LaGuardia from Dallas, has declared an emergency and diverted to Cincinnati. American Airlines flight AA672 has declared an emergency whilst en route from Dallas Forth Worth to New York LaGuardia Airport. Flight AA672, operated by a Boeing 737-800, declared an emergency with squawk code 7700 after diverting to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). American Airlines AA672 Dallas-New York Flight AA672 had conducted a descent from cruising altitude and initiated a diversion to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport before squawking emergency transponder code 7700. Flight crew squawked the emergency code whilst passing through 5,000 on the approach to the diversion airport. The nature of the emergency prompting the diversion is not yet known. According to a passenger onboard a flight awaiting departure from Cincinnati (CVG), flights are being held pending the arrival of American Airlines emergency flight AA672. 00:44 UTC: Landed Cincinnati (CVG) American Airlines emergency flight AA672 has now landed runway 36R Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). We will provide updates on the nature of the emergency as information comes to hand. Flight Details Flight data shows that American Airlines flight AA672 had made a delayed departure from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at 16:06 local time on 6 April. Scheduled departure time for the service bound for New York LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) was listed as 14:39 local time. Following departure, the flight had set course normally; climbing to flight level FL370 for the northeasterly route to New York. A descent from cruising altitude was then initiated as the flight transited Indiana airspace. A diversion was then carried out for nearby Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the descent was continued. Flight crew then squawked emergency transponder code 7700 at 23:05 UTC, as the flight passed through 5,000 feet on approach. The aircraft conducting the AA672 rotation to New York was a Boeing 737-800, registered N907AN. This is a 26 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier American Airlines. It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in April 1999. American Airlines Emergency Update According to the online source Flight Emergency, American Airlines flight AA672 declared the emergency after reporting experiencing severe engine vibrations. Following the diversion, the flight appeared to have landed safely in Cincinnati. https://aviationsourcenews.com/american-airlines-flight-aa672-dallas-fort-worth-declares-emergency/ American Airlines Retires 1st Mainline Aircraft Since 2021 On the evening of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, an American Airlines Airbus A319 , registration N823AW, was flown from Phoenix, Arizona (PHX) to Roswell, New Mexico (ROW), where it was landed and sent for storage. This particular aircraft, which had been in service for over two decades, is now being returned to its lessor and is officially leaving the airline's fleet. The move comes despite earlier statements by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, who indicated that the airline had no plans to retire any of its mainline aircraft in the near future. A 24-year-old aircraft FlightAware data shows that the Airbus A319 departed Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 19:14 local time and arrived at Roswell Air Center at 21:15, a full 18 minutes ahead of schedule. This information was shared by aviation watchdog JonNYC on social media and the aviation blog View From The Wing. The aircraft, delivered in 2001 and originally to America West Airlines, has had an interesting journey through several airline mergers. It transitioned from America West to US Airways and finally to American Airlines after the two carriers merged in 2013, Planespotters.net data shows. The aircraft has been in service for over two decades, making it one of the older planes in American Airlines' fleet. CEO said no retirement plans coming up However, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stressed that the airline has no immediate plans to retire any of its mainline aircraft in a remark given during American Airlines' Q4 earnings call in January 2025. The airline has made significant investments in its fleet since the merger, giving it the youngest fleet among major US carriers, he added, stating, "We don't have retirements coming up." Isom said: "The good thing about the fleet that we've built up despite the difficulties that we have with supply chain and aircraft deliveries throughout, is that we spent since the merger, $30 billion plus in terms of new aircraft. We have the youngest fleet. We don't anticipate any big retirements coming up. And we have the ability to flex this fleet in a very economic fashion should we find that conditions warrant expansion." Simple Flying has reached out to American Airlines for a comment, but a spokesperson wasn't immediately available. Farewell to some fellows American Airlines said in April 2020 that it would be retiring a number of older, less fuel-efficient aircraft earlier than originally anticipated due to record low demand. The airline's Boeing 767 and Embraer E190 fleets, which were initially scheduled to be retired by the end of 2020, have been formally retired. The retirement of Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 757s has also been accelerated, while American has retired 15 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft that were flown by PSA Airlines. This Is How Much American Airlines Made From Its Airbus A330 Sales Agreement After years of storage and financial write-downs, the carrier sold the last of the US Airways-acquired widebodies. Economic pressures for the industry The beginning of 2025 is not a good year for the aviation industry. View From the Wing previously reported that American Airlines has paused hiring flight attendants for the summer of 2025 amid growing economic concerns. Additionally, the blog also highlighted that American Airlines has been cutting staff, particularly at airport gates, where staffing has been reduced. These changes can be seen as a part of the airline's broader strategy to cope with financial pressures while maintaining operations in a volatile market. The airline industry is also facing economic uncertainty due to new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. These tariffs, which extend to a wide range of imports, including a 25% tariff on cars and reciprocal tariffs on over 50 countries, have caused turbulence in the markets. Following the announcement, US airline stocks plunged, with American Airlines seeing a 7% drop on Thursday, according to Forbes. Earlier this year, American Airlines forecast a wider first-quarter loss than previously expected, with a loss per share ranging from $0.60 to $0.80, compared with its previous forecast for a loss of about $0.20 to $0.40. https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-retires-mainline-2021/ UK Investigators Want Better Whole Aircraft Parachute Placards The Air Accidents Investigations Branch says the parachute placards on this Cirrus are “barely discernible” in some conditions. The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch has recommended that all aircraft with whole airframe parachutes be emblazoned with clearly visible and emphatic placards warning first responders of the potential danger inside. The recommendation came out of an investigation of a stall/spin crash last year in England in which the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) deployed in the crash. The accident investigation resulted in the recommendation that the pilot's inexperience and lack of recency likely contributed to the fatal accident, which resulted from a bounced touch and go and go-around attempt in a flying club SR22. The pilot hadn't flown for 54 days before taking the Cirrus up for a few trips around the patch. It was while picking through the "severely disturbed" wreckage that the investigators noticed just how inconspicuous the standard placarding on the panel over the rocket-powered parachute is. "The only indication to an external observer that the CAPS system was fitted to this aircraft were two small placards," the report said. "These were fixed to the upper rear fuselage surface on the left and right edges of the CAPS frangible panel. From a distance and in low light conditions these placards are barely discernible and do not draw particular attention to the potential danger within." The report noted that first responders to an earlier Cirrus crash almost cut through the undeployed parachute pack during the rescue. The report says Cirrus is working on improving the placards. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/uk-investigators-want-better-whole-aircraft-parachute-placards/ EVA Air expands fleet with more A350-1000 and A321neo aircraft Taiwan’s EVA Air has placed a firm order for six long-range A350-1000s and three single-aisle A321neo aircraft, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in March 2025. Toulouse, France, 7 April 2025 – Taiwan’s EVA Air has placed a firm order for six long-range A350-1000s and three single-aisle A321neo aircraft, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in March 2025. The new orders will bring EVA Air’s backlog of aircraft to be delivered to 24 A350-1000s and 18 A321neo aircraft. “The new additions to our fleet reaffirm our commitment to sustainable aviation and delivering an exceptional travel experience. Both the A350-1000 and A321neo set a high standard in their respective categories, offering remarkable efficiency and comfort to our passengers. As we move forward with our fleet and network expansion plans, we look forward to leveraging the aircraft’s extended range and efficiency to strengthen our market position,” said Clay Sun, President of EVA Air. “EVA Air’s new orders underscore the enduring appeal of the A350-1000 Long Range Leader as the benchmark for intercontinental operations, and the A321neo as a leader in regional efficiency. We deeply value EVA Air’s confidence in these latest generation aircraft and stand ready to support their seamless integration into the airline’s fleet for future success," said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030. The A350 Family has received more than 1,360 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 640 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes. The A321neo is part of the A320neo Family, incorporating the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver 20% fuel savings. With over 6,800 orders by more than 90 customers since its launch in 2016, the A321neo has captured more than 80 percent share of the market. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-04-eva-air-expands-fleet-with-more-a350-1000-and-a321neo-aircraft “An Unprecedented Leap in Aviation”: Epic Aircraft’s E1000 AX with autoland steps up safety with this groundbreaking innovation Epic Aircraft has launched the E1000 AX at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, showcasing an unprecedented feature that allows the aircraft to autonomously land in emergencies, setting a new benchmark in aviation safety and innovation. « An Unprecedented Leap in Aviation »: Epic Aircraft's E1000 AX with Autoland Steps Up Safety with This Groundbreaking Innovation Epic Aircraft's E1000 AX debut at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo showcases its revolutionary Autoland feature, setting new standards in aviation safety and innovation. IN A NUTSHELL ✈️ Epic Aircraft unveiled the E1000 AX at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, featuring a groundbreaking Autoland capability. 🛠️ The E1000 AX is equipped with a powerful 1,200-hp Pratt & Whitney PT6-67A engine, offering high performance and speed. 📈 With 25 new features, including advanced avionics, the AX marks a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the E1000 GX. 🚀 This innovation reflects a shift towards more autonomous aviation solutions, setting a precedent for future aircraft designs. At the recent Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, the unveiling of Epic Aircraft’s E1000 AX stirred significant interest among aviation enthusiasts and professionals. This high-performance aircraft offers unprecedented autonomy with its ability to land itself during emergencies. This innovation represents a monumental leap forward in aviation safety and convenience, promising both personal and business travelers a new level of assurance. The E1000 AX is packed with advanced features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking cutting-edge technology in the skies. The Groundbreaking Autoland Feature One of the most striking features of the E1000 AX is its Autoland technology. Imagine a scenario where a pilot becomes incapacitated mid-flight. Typically, this would lead to a potentially catastrophic situation. However, with the E1000 AX, such fears can be allayed. The aircraft can autonomously land itself with the touch of a button. This feature is designed to relieve the stress and anxiety of passengers who may feel helpless in such situations. By automating this critical aspect of aviation, Epic Aircraft is setting a new standard in the industry. This innovation not only enhances the safety of the flight but also provides peace of mind to those aboard. Beyond emergencies, the Autoland feature underscores a broader trend in aviation towards increased automation. It marks a significant step in the evolution of aircraft technology, where manual intervention is minimized, allowing for safer and more efficient flights. As automation technology continues to advance, the E1000 AX exemplifies how these innovations can be integrated into everyday aviation to improve overall safety and user experience. The E1000 AX is capable of autonomous emergency landings Technical Specifications and Performance The Epic Aircraft E1000 AX is not just about safety; it’s a powerhouse in terms of performance. Equipped with a 1,200-hp Pratt & Whitney PT6-67A engine, the aircraft boasts a maximum cruising speed of 333 knots (383 mph, 617 km/h). This makes it one of the fastest single-engine turboprop aircraft available today. Its performance is complemented by an operating ceiling of 34,000 ft (10,000 m) and a payload capacity of 1,150 lb (521 kg), making it suitable for a variety of missions, whether personal or business-related. The integration of these technical features ensures that the E1000 AX is not only a safe choice but also a formidable competitor in the market. Speed, efficiency, and reliability are the hallmarks of this aircraft, providing a comprehensive solution for modern aviation needs. The specifications reflect Epic Aircraft’s commitment to delivering high-performance machines that do not compromise on safety or comfort. Comparing the E1000 AX to Its Predecessor The E1000 AX is an evolution of the previous E1000 GX model, incorporating numerous upgrades and enhancements. While the GX was already a remarkable aircraft, the AX takes it a step further with its advanced automation features. The addition of Autoland is the most notable upgrade, but it is among 25 additional features that improve functionality and user experience. These enhancements include more refined avionics and interior comforts, ensuring that the AX meets the needs of the most discerning clients. When comparing the two models, it’s evident that the AX is designed with the future in mind. Technological advancements are at the forefront, providing users with a seamless and intuitive flying experience. The transition from the GX to the AX exemplifies the journey towards greater innovation and customer satisfaction, establishing a new benchmark in the industry. The Implications for the Future of Aviation The introduction of the Epic Aircraft E1000 AX has far-reaching implications for the future of aviation. As safety and technology continue to evolve, the AX sets a precedent for what modern aircraft should offer. The integration of automation and advanced features reflects a shift towards more autonomous and intelligent aviation solutions. This trend is likely to influence future aircraft designs, encouraging manufacturers to prioritize safety and convenience. Furthermore, the E1000 AX highlights the growing importance of adaptability in aviation. As the industry faces new challenges, such as pilot shortages and increased demand for air travel, aircraft like the AX offer solutions that can mitigate these issues. The development of such advanced aircraft is a testament to the industry’s potential to innovate and adapt to changing landscapes. Epic Aircraft’s unveiling of the E1000 AX is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and safety in aviation. As the industry continues to evolve, it raises important questions about the future of flight. How will these technological advancements shape the next generation of aircraft, and what new possibilities will they unlock for air travel? These questions remain as the aviation community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this exciting journey. https://www.sustainability-times.com/in-depth/an-unprecedented-leap-in-aviation-epic-aircrafts-e1000-ax-with-autoland-steps-up-safety-with-this-groundbreaking-innovation/ Alaska Airlines To Usher In New Pilot Training Era With Full-Motion Boeing 737 VR Simulators Through its venture capital arm, Alaska Airlines is investing in the development of next-generation simulators that will help make pilot training more efficient. These full-motion Boeing 737 VR simulators are expected to be part of the airline’s future flight simulator training programs, subject to proper development and necessary approvals. Next-generation simulators Alaska Airlines has announced that it will invest in Loft Dynamics — an industry leader in virtual flight training. This has been done through the carrier’s corporate venture capital arm, Alaska Star Ventures. Loft Dynamics has developed the only FAA - and EASA-qualified virtual reality (VR) helicopter flight simulator, and the hope is that Alaska’s investment will help develop the first hyper-realistic, full-motion Boeing 737 VR simulator, using extended reality (XR) technology and techniques, with the goal of enhancing Alaska’s pilot training program and also influencing future training solutions across the industry. If everything goes according to plan, these simulators will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approval in the next few years. Airlines currently use traditional full-motion simulators that have served well for many years now. However, Alaska Airlines notes that they come with high operational costs and other constraints. As such, the carrier wants to build a more efficient way to train pilots in the future. Capt. Jeff Severns, Managing Director of Flight Operations Training, Alaska Airlines, commented, “Pilot training has significantly evolved over the past 30 years, from training solely in an aircraft to using full-flight simulators. With the potential of Loft’s hyper-realistic VR simulator, we could be transforming commercial pilot training as we know it today. “These VR simulators could provide a fully immersive, high-fidelity, data-driven experience that replicates real-world flight scenarios — all in a device compact enough to fit in a standard office. This accessibility could allow pilots to train more frequently and refine their skills with greater efficiency. We are committed to offering the most advanced training solutions available, including VR, and look forward to being Loft’s first fixed-wing customer.” What will the simulators feature? Of course, much ground needs to be covered in the development of these simulators. Alaska Airlines says that once the VR simulators are developed, built and approved, it aims to install them at individual Alaska bases for pilot training. To quote from the airline’s official announcement, the simulators will feature the following: • Six-degrees-of-freedom full-motion platform with improved pilot motion cueing that replicates real-world physics, force feedback from flight controls, and all haptic sensations of the aircraft. • A 360-degree panoramic 3D view, providing correct visual cues inside and outside the aircraft. • Advanced full-body pose tracking, allowing pilots to see their hand and body movements in real-time within the VR environment. • Customizable training scenarios and environments, enabling pilots to practice any situation, condition, and maneuver safely and realistically. • Compact size, requiring 1/12th the space of legacy full-flight simulators, allowing for increased accessibility and flexibility. • Virtual demonstration mode, which lets instructors record immersive lessons — including visuals, audio, and control inputs — for pilots to replay and learn from during future simulator sessions. • LoftSPATIAL app for Apple Vision Pro, which, when connected to the simulator, enables pilots to use spatial computing to train anytime, anywhere. All airlines strive to have adequately trained pilots, and many invest heavily to ensure their flight crew receives the best training. One of the latest examples is flight training company CAE and Australia's national airline, Qantas, officially opening their new Flight Training Centre in Sydney last year . Qantas will receive many new aircraft over the next few years, and this was seen as a step in that direction. Last year, Emirates also invested more than $45 million in state-of-the-art training equipment for pilots and cabin crew ahead of its Airbus A350 arrival. The training system was conceptualized in-house by Emirates , which explained that it lets “trainees carry out an interactive flight deck set-up, including building a flight plan, in a fully immersive environment.” VR solutions for flight training will likely become more popular in the coming years. In October 2024, AXIS Flight Simulation officially unveiled the Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Trainer (VPT), powered by virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies. Get all the latest aviation news right here on Simple Flying. This allows the student pilot or user to completely immerse themselves in training procedures using a VPT headset. https://simpleflying.com/alaska-airlines-new-pilot-training-era-full-motion-boeing-737-vr-simulators/ Air India Pushes Jet Upgrade to Lure Back Disgruntled Passengers The multi-year turnaround program will initially focus on the airline's 27 Boeing Co. 787-8 Dreamliners that are more than 10 years old in some cases. Air India long languished under government ownership while cash-rich Middle Eastern rivals siphoned off travelers. Now the airline is trying to even the score with cheaper fares, fresh cabins and lounges as well as shorter layover times. The multi-year turnaround program will initially focus on the airline's 27 Boeing Co. 787-8 Dreamliners that are more than 10 years old in some cases, with Air India seeking to complete a refit in early 2027. A second stage, involving older Boeing 777 widebodies, will start late next year, though that step is proving more complex because of issues with seat suppliers, Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson said. "Consistency makes an airline good," Wilson said in an interview. "There should be a consistency in product quality, crew service, punctuality, and experience at airports and in aircraft. We are working on all of those." The Indian travel market offers huge untapped potential for local and foreign carriers, with a new middle class on the move and the government upgrading infrastructure including airports. Air India has sought to tap into that boom, placing a massive order two years ago for new aircraft with Airbus SE and Boeing to upgrade its fleet. The new lounges, faster connection timings and more skilled ground employees are other elements that seek to improve both the profitability for the airline the passenger experience at its hubs in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru and put the carrier back on the global map. A storied airline with close to a century of operation history, Air India has been brought under new ownership led by the Tata Group, which was among the aviation pioneers in the country. Upon taking over, the late Ratan Tata acknowledged in a statement in late 2021 that "admittedly it will take considerable effort to rebuild Air India," while there's an opportunity to "regaining the image and reputation enjoyed in earlier years. Among the upgrades targeted by Wilson are better connection timings. For example, on a flight between Australia and Europe, a stopover in India has been reduced to 180 minutes, compared with as long as 10 hours previously. That, in turn, has helped Air India lift the percentage of transit passengers to a high single digit from practically nothing previously, he said. Wilson acknowledged that the overall experience hasn't always met his requirements. Cabin interiors are often a mishmash of older and newer materials, and traveler accounts on social media are filled with unflattering reviews that include messy seats and unappetizing catering. A deep refresh would mean changing all of the lavatories, interior panels, carpets, curtains and improve the existing seats and in-flight entertainment systems wherever possible, Wilson said. "There are some cases that we have not done as well as we could," Wilson said. The Air India Group now operates two airline brands - full service Air India and Air India Express. Wilson's ambition is to make the group a challenger to global heavyweights like Emirates in carrying India's international passenger traffic and make India's airports a choice of transit for passengers flying between both sides of India - now a business that heavily favors low-cost specialist IndiGo. India's largest airline, IndiGo has aggressively pushed an expansion that now targets a global reach. The airline has placed orders for the Airbus A350s that will start to come by 2027, putting it in direct competition with Air India's own international routes. And the low-cost airline is set to induct Airbus 321 XLRs this year, giving it access to city pairs as far flung as Germany. Wilson, who joined after years at Singapore Airlines, is also working with Indian authorities to cut airport red tape that slows passengers as they depart on international flights. Steps include allowing passengers starting out at a domestic-only airport to complete the immigration process there, before they reach one of India's three hubs reserved for international transit. At the same time, Wilson cautioned that supply-chain snags will remain with the company for several years, risking a delay to the planned product upgrade. "These things can't be turned around overnight," he said. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-pushes-jet-upgrade-to-lure-back-disgruntled-passengers-8105563 'Hard to imagine a bigger betrayal': AZ judge reveals men's Russia aircraft parts scheme An Arizona judge sentenced two Russian men to prison for sending aircraft parts to Russia in an illegal export scam. U.S. District Court Judge Dominic Lanza handed Oleg Sergeyevich Patsulya an almost six-year sentence on April 2, while Vasilii Sergeyevich Besedin was handed a two-year sentence. The two Florida residents presented themselves to U.S. companies, including one in Arizona, as brokers seeking aircraft parts on behalf of clients in other countries. However, they intended to send the parts to Russia, in violation of heightened export controls in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to court documents. The two were charged with violating the federal Export Control Reform Act. Patsulya's sentence also reflected his guilty plea to money laundering. He agreed to forfeit more than $4.5M in assets, including a luxury vehicle and a boat, to compensate for the money he made off of the scheme. In a statement, Lanza identified Patsulya as the leader of the plot, which Patsulya hatched after he had been granted a visa to be in the U.S. legally. “It’s hard to imagine a bigger betrayal of the United States than what you did,” Lanza said. In his plea agreement, Patsulya acknowledged that by pleading guilty it was "a virtual certainty" that he would be deported from the U.S. The duo's efforts to obtain parts for a carbon disc brake system used on Boeing 737s led them to an Arizona firm, identified in court documents as "Arizona Company 1." During a Sept. 8, 2022 visit, the two said they were interested in buying brake parts for a Turkish client and signed forms indicating the transaction complied with export rules. Both actions were lies, court documents stated. The Arizona deal never went through, but the two pursued other companies and ultimately were able to ship some of the brake systems to Russia, records show. The case was investigated by the Phoenix field office of the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security and Phoenix-based FBI agents. They were aided by federal investigators in Boston and Miami. https://www.yahoo.com/news/hard-imagine-bigger-betrayal-az-212133036.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS · Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium April 7-9, 2025 · AIA Conference: The Aviation Insurance Association's annual conference in Orlando, Florida from April 25–28, 2025 . 70th annual Business Aviation Safey Summit (BASS), May 6-7, 2025, Charlotte, N.C., organized by Flight Safety Foundation in partnership with NBAA and NATA. · Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore · Flight Safety Foundation - Aviation Safety Forum June 5-6, 2025 - Brussels . 2025 EASA-FAA International Aviation Safety Conference, 10 Jun 2025 to 12 Jun 2025, Cologne, Germany · The 9th Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exposition 2025; June 11 to 13, 2025 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis