Flight Safety Information - April 18, 2025 No. 079 In This Issue : Accident: Aurigny AT72 at Guernsey on Apr 15th 2025, tail strike on landing : Incident: Eastern Airways AT72 at Newquay on Apr 15th 2025, flaps problems : Accident: TAP A320 at Porto on Apr 16th 2025, smoke in cockpit : Boeing 737-7BD (WL) - Engine Fire (Houston) : Video shows terrifying hard landing as Frontier Airlines jet suffers damage in Puerto Rico : Emirates A380 Pilots Mistake at New York JFK Led to 90-Mins Delay : Southwest Airlines Faces Safety Scrutiny as FAA Investigated Over 2023 Cabin Air Quality Events Involving Toxic Fumes and Bird Strikes : Southwest 737 and Cessna Citation Involved in Close Call Over California : Russia’s effort to get US to drop aviation sanctions hits EU resistance : Spirit Airlines names new CEO after emerging from bankruptcy : Boeing jet returns to US from China amid tariff war : Calendar of Events Accident: Aurigny AT72 at Guernsey on Apr 15th 2025, tail strike on landing An Aurigny Air Services Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration G-PEMB performing flight GR-607 from London Gatwick,EN to Guernsey,CI (UK), landed on Guenrsey's runway 27 at 16:11L (15:11Z)in gusting winds but struck its tail onto the runway surface. The aircraft rolled out without further incident and taxied to the apron. No injuries are being reported, the aircraft is however reported to have received substantial damage. The aircraft is still on the ground in Guernsey about 53 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5269b9a5&opt=0 Incident: Eastern Airways AT72 at Newquay on Apr 15th 2025, flaps problems An Eastern Airways Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A. registration G-IACZ performing flight T3-458 from London Gatwick,EN to Newquay,EN (UK), was on approach to Newquay when the crew received indications of a flaps problem and aborted the approach at about 2500 feet, climbed to FL060 and diverted to Exeter,EN (UK) for a safe landing on runway 26 about 35 minutes after the go around. The aircraft is still on the ground in Exeter about 49 hours after landing. The airline reported the crew received indication of a problem with the flaps configuration and decided to divert to Exeter due to strong winds at Newquay with less strong winds in Exeter. During the flight to Exeter the warning indications ceased and a normal landing was made. The passengers were taken to Newquay by road. https://avherald.com/h?article=5269b7fc&opt=0 Accident: TAP A320 at Porto on Apr 16th 2025, smoke in cockpit A TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320-200, registration CS-TNK performing flight TP-687 from Luxembourg (Luxembourg) to Porto (Portugal), was descending towards Porto when the crew reported smoke in the cockpit. The aircraft continued for a landing on runway 17 without further incident. The airport reported two people were taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation. Initial information by Portugal's Civil Protection had suggested a fire and smoke in the aircraft cabin requiring two people to be taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, however, the airline stated there had been no fire and no smoke in the cabin. The airline confirmed two people were treated for smoke inhalation. https://avherald.com/h?article=5269b65a&opt=0 Boeing 737-7BD (WL) - Engine Fire (Houston) Date: Thursday 17 April 2025 Time: 11:15 Type: Boeing 737-7BD (WL) Owner/operator: Southwest Airlines Registration: N7724A MSN: 36725/2815 Year of manufacture: 2009 Engine model: CFMI CFM56-7B Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: near Houston Hobby Airport (HOU/KHOU), TX - United States of America Phase: Initial climb Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Houston-William P. Hobby Airport, TX (HOU/KHOU) Destination airport: San José del Cabo-Los Cabos International Airport (SJD/MMSD) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Southwest Airlines flight WN3006, a Boeing 737-700, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Houston Hobby Airport to San Jose del Cabo, when it reported an engine fire and returned to Hobby for an emergency landing, which was conducted safely. All passengers were evacuated onto the taxiway while the airport fire department attended. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/499557 Video shows terrifying hard landing as Frontier Airlines jet suffers damage in Puerto Rico The Frontier Airlines jet made a hard landing, damaging the plane, and then had to go around and attempt to land again. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a Frontier Airlines flight made a hard landing at Luis Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday. Flight 3506, an Airbus A321, was arriving from Orlando International Airport when its first landing attempt failed. Audio from the website Broadcast includes air traffic controllers alerting pilots of "debris on the runway" after an "aircraft landed a bit harsh." "The last aircraft that tried to land in San Juan hit the surface too hard and apparently (it) lost some things in the runway," the controller explained to another pilot. "He has declared an emergency." Flight 3506 circled the airport and made two more attempts at landing, successfully touching down at 10:20 p.m. local time. A number of other incoming planes had to land at other airports while Luis Marin International was closed. Video from a passenger on the plane showed people onboard cheering as it finally landed. "It was truly terrible. To fear for your life and not know what was going to happen, to not know if you were going to land safely or how everything was going to end," Jeffrey Cerda said in a video he posted to Instagram. "The accidents happen, and we don't know when or how they'll happen. They're accidents and they happen the moment we least expect it." Passengers were deplaned on the taxiway and bussed to a terminal. "The aircraft landed safely and there were no injuries to the passengers or crew," Frontier Airlines said in a statement. "The incident is under investigation." https://abc7ny.com/post/video-shows-terrifying-hard-landing-frontier-airlines-3506-airbus-a321-jet-suffers-damage-orlando-puerto-rico/16191132/ Emirates A380 Pilots Mistake at New York JFK Led to 90-Mins Delay The aircraft's exceptional size and weight require special consideration for ground operations, and even minor navigation errors can result in significant delays for passengers. NEW YORK- An Emirates (EK) Airbus A380, registered as A6-EDN, landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York, from Dubai (DXB). The aircraft touched down on Runway 31R, and the pilot got confused with the taxiway instructions. ATC instructed the flight crew to taxi via taxiway Victor-Uniform (VU) and then make a right turn onto taxiway Alpha. Despite these clear instructions, the crew mistakenly turned left onto Alpha instead. Emirates A380 Wrong Turn at JFK Realising their mistake, the crew requested permission to backtrack and correctly take the right turn via taxiway Victor-Alpha (VA). The air traffic controller denied this request, instructing the aircraft to hold its current position. This denial stemmed from two critical factors: a taxiway closure ahead of their position and the need to avoid occupying taxiways adjacent to active runways during arrivals at the busy JFK airport. After waiting for a gap in arrivals that never materialised, controllers finally instructed the Emirates A380 to proceed onto taxiway VA. This presented another significant problem, as the crew discovered VA was classified as a “red taxiway” not rated to support the weight of an Airbus A380 – the world’s heaviest passenger aircraft. The aircraft could not safely proceed onto this taxiway due to these weight restrictions. Flight EK69 required a tow tug to help push the aircraft back to a position where it could safely taxi to its designated gate. This complicated manoeuvre added substantial time to the ground operation. From touchdown to gate arrival, the process took approximately 90 minutes – far longer than a typical arrival procedure. Similar Incident This was not the first time an A380 had encountered taxiing difficulties at a major airport. On October 18, 2024, British Airways (BA) flight 213 from London (LHR) to Boston (BOS), also operated by an A380, made a wrong turn while taxiing. Despite air traffic control instructions and a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) indicating taxiway N was partially closed, the aircraft proceeded down taxiway N. It crossed an unauthorised runway and encountered construction areas, forcing it to stop. The aircraft remained stationary for over 45 minutes until airport operations brought in a tug to reposition it. In total, passengers on that flight experienced more than an hour’s delay before reaching their gate. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/04/17/emirates-a380-pilots-mistake-led-to-90-mins-delay-at-jfk/#google_vignette Southwest Airlines Faces Safety Scrutiny as FAA Investigated Over 2023 Cabin Air Quality Events Involving Toxic Fumes and Bird Strikes Southwest Airlines is under heightened safety scrutiny as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces an investigation into its handling of two major cabin air quality events (CAQEs) in 2023. These events, involving the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, were caused by bird strikes that triggered the activation of the Load Reduction Device (LRD), allowing toxic fumes to enter the aircraft’s cabin and cockpit. The FAA is being investigated over its failure to take immediate corrective actions after the incidents, raising concerns about its risk management, response protocols, and oversight of emerging safety issues tied to engine design. The ongoing audit by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) will examine whether the FAA adequately addressed these serious safety concerns. Scrutiny of FAA’s Safety Oversight In an April 16 memorandum, the OIG confirmed that it will scrutinize the FAA’s actions related to these events, particularly focusing on how the agency managed risks tied to the LEAP-1B engine — the exclusive engine model for the Boeing 737 MAX family. The investigation will assess the adequacy of the FAA’s oversight and response to the activation of the LRD, a system designed to prevent engine damage following bird strikes and other incidents. The OIG further clarified that the audit would examine the FAA’s decision-making process in light of these two events, and also visit FAA offices involved in the decision-making regarding these incidents. The investigation is part of a broader effort to evaluate the safety of newer technologies in the aviation sector. Toxic Smoke Following Bird Strikes The incidents under investigation occurred in March and December 2023. Both involved Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft suffering bird strikes shortly after takeoff. In both cases, the resulting engine damage led to the activation of the LRD, causing toxic fumes to infiltrate the cabins. In March 2023, flight WN3923 departed from Havana’s José Martí International Airport and encountered a bird strike that damaged the right-hand engine. This damage activated the LRD, which released engine oil into the engine’s hot section, causing dangerous smoke to enter the passenger cabin. Similarly, in December 2023, flight WN554, operating between New Orleans and Tampa, was struck by birds, resulting in the activation of the LRD in the left engine. This incident caused smoke to enter the cockpit, prompting concerns about the potential for flight crew incapacitation. A preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in December 2024 provided more details on the December event. The investigation revealed that Boeing and CFM International were working on software adjustments to address the smoke-related issue. The Role of the Load Reduction Device (LRD) The Load Reduction Device (LRD) is a design feature that helps stabilize an engine in the event of damage, such as a bird strike. It is meant to reduce vibrations caused by engine damage to prevent further mechanical issues. However, in both of these incidents, the activation of the LRD led to the release of engine oil into the engine’s hot section, causing toxic smoke to leak into the aircraft’s interior via the pressurization and environmental systems. These events are classified as Cabin Air Quality Events (CAQEs) by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a term that covers incidents where the cabin air becomes contaminated by smoke, fumes, or strong odors, leading to potential health risks for passengers and crew. FAA’s Decision Not to Implement Immediate Safety Measures Despite these two serious incidents, the FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board (CARB), which convened in November 2024, decided not to recommend any immediate changes to existing procedures or safety protocols. This decision has raised concerns, as the lack of interim safety measures in response to the incidents is now under review by the OIG. The FAA’s actions, or lack thereof, will be a key focus of the ongoing investigation to determine if adequate risk mitigation strategies were in place and whether the FAA properly addressed the potential hazards following these events. Industry and Manufacturer Responses CFM International, the manufacturer of the LEAP-1B engine, defended the performance of the LRD in a statement released in November 2024. The company emphasized that the technology, which has been in use for over two decades, meets all relevant certification requirements. CFM further noted that the bird strikes involved in these incidents exceeded the size and weight thresholds established by regulatory bird ingestion standards. Nevertheless, the engine performed as expected, preventing any further catastrophic damage to the engine. CFM also reiterated that the LEAP-1B engine — used in both Boeing 737 MAX and other commercial aircraft models — meets all necessary safety standards set by both the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Future Actions for the FAA and the Aviation Sector As the investigation progresses, the OIG will evaluate whether the FAA adequately addressed the risks associated with LRD activation and whether any regulatory adjustments or updates to engine design or safety procedures are warranted. The findings from this audit will likely influence future aviation safety protocols, particularly in the area of engine design and emergency risk mitigation strategies. Southwest Airlines faces safety scrutiny as the FAA is investigated over its response to 2023 cabin air quality events, where bird strikes triggered toxic fumes in the Boeing 737 MAX 8, raising concerns about safety oversight and risk management. The ongoing audit will assess whether the FAA took appropriate action to address the incidents. The FAA, along with manufacturers like CFM International and Boeing, is under intense scrutiny as this audit unfolds. As investigations continue, the results may help shape future safety recommendations and policies aimed at protecting both passengers and flight crews from the dangers of cabin air contamination. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/southwest-airlines-faces-safety-scrutiny-as-faa-investigated-over-2023-cabin-air-quality-events-involving-toxic-fumes-and-bird-strikes/ Southwest 737 and Cessna Citation Involved in Close Call Over California The Cessna Citation pilot failed to maintain visual contact with the runway during approach to Van Nuys Airport (VNY). LOS ANGELES- A potentially serious incident occurred in Southern California airspace on March 17, 2025, when a Southwest Airlines (WN) Boeing 737 and a private Cessna Citation jet came dangerously close to each other. The near-collision triggered onboard safety systems and raised questions about air traffic control procedures and pilot readiness. Southwest Cessna Close Call Two aircraft were at the centre of this close call: N610GD: A Cessna Citation Encore flying from Borger, Texas (BGD), to Van Nuys, California (VNY) Southwest flight WN2961: A Boeing 737-700 travelling from Sacramento (SMF) to Burbank (BUR), California The proximity of the Van Nuys (VNY) and Burbank airports (BUR), just 8 miles apart, creates challenging airspace where flight paths frequently intersect. Poor weather conditions with deteriorating visibility complicated the situation. The Cessna Citation pilot failed to maintain visual contact with the runway during approach to Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Unable to land, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure but did not communicate this decision to Air Traffic Control (ATC). At the same time, the Southwest 737 was descending over Van Nuys Airport (VNY) on its approach to Burbank. As the Cessna unexpectedly climbed, it entered the path of the descending 737. The aircraft lost the required separation distance, triggering Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts in both cockpits. Audio recordings and visualisation of the incident were captured and shared by VASAviation. NEAR MID-AIR COLLISION After Pilot Error near Phoenix International Communication Breakdown The air traffic control audio reveals several concerning issues: • The Cessna pilot requested vectors despite being told twice that the runway was directly ahead at “12 o’clock” on the same heading • The pilot began climbing without clearly announcing a missed approach decision • The Citation did not follow the published missed approach procedure for Van Nuys Airport (VNY) • The air traffic controller appeared to freeze during the critical moment when clear instructions were most needed • In contrast, the Southwest (WN) pilots responded appropriately to the situation and followed proper procedures throughout the incident. Complex Air Traffic Environment The incident occurred in congested airspace where multiple aircraft were operating: • Delta Air Lines (DL) aircraft were positioned at various distances from the airport • Traffic advisories were being issued for several planes in the area • Poor visibility to the north affected the Cessna’s approach • Incoming storms added pressure to the traffic management situation • Southwest Airlines Busiest Routes • Photo: Southwest Airlines • Safety Systems • The TCAS safety system functioned as designed, alerting pilots to the potential collision and providing instructions to avoid impact. The system represents a crucial final layer of defence when other safety measures fail. Aviation experts have pointed to this incident as an example of how multiple factors—poor weather, inadequate preparation, and communication failures—can quickly combine to create dangerous situations in the sky. The contrast between this controller’s performance and that of others in similar high-pressure situations has also drawn attention from safety analysts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) typically investigates such incidents to identify improvements needed in training, procedures, or systems to prevent similar close calls in the future. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/04/16/southwest-737-and-cessna-citation-involved-in-close-call/#google_vignette Russia’s effort to get US to drop aviation sanctions hits EU resistance Brussels is also worried about the risks to air safety posed by fake and uncertified parts installed in Russian planes. Since Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russian airlines have been banned from landing in and flying over the territory of the EU and the U.S., as well as from accessing spare parts for aircraft from Western manufacturers such as Boeing or Airbus. The Kremlin retaliated by blocking Western airlines from its airspace. BRUSSELS — Moscow is lobbying for the U.S. to open its skies to Russian airlines as part of a ceasefire deal with Ukraine. But there's a big problem with that scheme — the EU isn't keen, and without Europe on board it won't be easy for Russian carriers to fly to the United States. “First, EU sanctions stand firm against Russia, which includes a ban on Russian airlines flying over EU airspace,” said a European Commission official speaking on condition of anonymity. Beyond the political decisions on sanctions, the EU official also pointed to “major safety and security issues” related to the possible reopening of EU airspace to Russian jets, as “it is not known if Russian air operators and air traffic services have been properly maintained over the past three years, putting the airworthiness of the Russian fleet seriously in question.” Since Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russian airlines have been banned from landing in and flying over the territory of the EU and the U.S., as well as from accessing spare parts for aircraft from Western manufacturers such as Boeing or Airbus. The Kremlin retaliated by blocking Western airlines from its airspace. “As a result, there’s a high probability that bogus parts are being installed in aircraft operating within the Russian domestic market,” said Sander Starreveld, director of the SIG Aviation consultancy, warning of risks to aviation safety. “Allowing these aircraft to operate commercially in Europe is not only unsafe but also risks introducing counterfeit parts into the Union.” Unsafe skies In practical terms, reopening Europe's skies to Russian airlines such as flag carrier Aeroflot would also place a massive burden on the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The agency would be required to ensure that Russian airplanes have a level of safety that is equivalent with aircraft already operating in the EU, Starreveld said. “This process takes time, especially considering the workload involved.” In addition to safety and certification issues, many Russian planes may never be able to land in Europe again because they are actually not Russian but were stolen from plane lessors after the invasion. “Some aircraft could be seized immediately upon landing in Europe due to Russia’s unilateral decision to nationalize leased aircraft,” Starreveld said, noting that “there are massive debts owed to Western leasing companies, and I expect they’ll try to recover as many assets as possible.” Pressure from Moscow Despite such problems, Russia is demanding the resumption of direct flights to the U.S. as part of any agreement to stop fighting. Such a step “should be a consequence of the lifting of sanctions on Aeroflot,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on April 11. “The Americans considered it, [but] so far we have not seen any reciprocal step,” the Russian minister said. On Wednesday, Russia reportedly asked Washington to be allowed to buy planes built by U.S. manufacturer Boeing and to pay for them with Russian state assets that have been frozen since the start of the war, provided a ceasefire is reached. On Wednesday, Russia reportedly asked Washington to be allowed to buy planes built by U.S. manufacturer Boeing and to pay for them with Russian state assets that have been frozen since the start of the war, provided a ceasefire is reached. So far the Trump administration has not lifted any sanctions on Russia, but some signals are giving the Kremlin hope. In March, the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, Robert Agee, publicly called for the lifting of sanctions in the aviation sector. “Russia has a huge fleet of Western planes, mostly Boeing. We believe we should provide spare parts and technical support for them, so we will try to have these sanctions lifted,” Agee told the Russian business daily RBC, adding: “This is less a business wish and more of a humanitarian necessity, as ordinary citizens suffer primarily from this." Any effort to loosen restrictions on U.S. and Russian airlines would increase pressure for similar steps from European carriers. The latter have long complained about the extra cost of avoiding Russia's vast airspace when flying to Asia, which has given an advantage to Chinese airlines. Despite these competitive concerns, Brussels is wary of entering into negotiations with Moscow over access to its airspace, in part because of the unsafe nature of Russian skies. The Commission official called the security of Russian airspace “problematic,” citing the Christmas Day crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight — allegedly after being struck by a Russian air defense missile — that prompted EASA to advise airlines to avoid all of western Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the crash but stopped short of saying Russia had been responsible. https://www.politico.eu/article/russias-effort-us-drop-aviation-sanctions-runs-eu-resistance/ Spirit Airlines names new CEO after emerging from bankruptcy Spirit Airlines on Thursday appointed Dave Davis as its new chief executive officer, weeks after the U.S. discount carrier emerged from bankruptcy and reconstituted its board. Davis, joining from rival Sun Country Airlines where he was the finance chief since 2018, will be tasked with a business overhaul as Spirit works to move away from its no-frills image and rebrand itself as a premium airline, after years of mounting losses. The appointment, effective April 21, comes just more than a week after Ted Christie stepped down from the helm of Spirit with immediate effect as part of a shakeup. Davis had previously worked as the CFO of Northwest Airlines before its merger with Delta Air Lines. “Dave’s background at both Northwest Airlines and, more recently, at Sun Country Airlines, positions him well to lead Spirit’s continued transformation,” Spirit Chairman Robert Milton said. Sun Country, in a separate regulatory filing on Thursday, announced Davis’ departure was effective immediately. Spirit had set up an interim office of the CEO, consisting of Chief Financial Officer Fred Cromer, Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis and General Counsel Thomas Canfield, to lead the airline until it appoints a new chief. The Florida-based carrier had filed for bankruptcy protection last November, following years of losses and heavy debt, and failed merger attempts. Spirit had been in merger talks with Frontier Group since at least 2022, but ended them in favor of a more attractive offer from rival JetBlue Airways. Its merger with JetBlue was ultimately scrapped after a U.S. judge blocked it on anti-competition concerns. Frontier had also approached the airline with a merger proposal during Spirit’s bankruptcy proceedings, but Spirit rejected the offer, saying it was less favorable for shareholders and opted instead to pursue its own restructuring plan. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/17/spirit-airlines-appoints-sun-country-executive-dave-davis-as-new-ceo.html Boeing jet returns to US from China amid tariff war April 17 (Reuters) - A Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab jet that arrived at a completion plant near Shanghai last month was returning to the U.S., flight tracking data showed on Friday, in a sign that at least one Chinese airline could be halting deliveries due to U.S. tariffs. The U.S. planemaker was reported earlier this week to face a Chinese ban on its imports, part of an escalating confrontation over U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" global tariffs, though industry sources said the status of rules remained unclear. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. In a sign that Boeing was preparing for normal business just weeks before Trump announced tariffs on April 2, tracking data showed at least four new 737 MAX planes sitting at a completion and delivery centre in Zhoushan, where Boeing installs interiors and paints liveries before handing aircraft to customers in China. Three arrived from Boeing in Seattle in March and one arrived last week, according to Flightradar24. On Friday morning one of those jets departed Zhoushan for Guam - one of the stops such flights make as they cross the Pacific Ocean before reaching Seattle - indicating it was making the return journey, tracking data shows. Photos posted to planespotting websites in February showed it was decorated with a livery for Xiamen Airlines, which is majority owned by China Southern (600029.SS), opens new tab. One source said the plane was expected to be delivered to Xiamen. Aviation publication The Air Current on Thursday reported that the first of three of the four recently arrived planes had been tagged to be recalled to the United States without a handover. Boeing declined to comment. Boeing deliveries to China have previously been disrupted at times of tension between Washington and Beijing. In January 2024 MAX deliveries resumed after an almost five-year import freeze. The planemaker opened the plant southeast of Shanghai in 2018 under the shadow of a previous round of trade tensions during Trump's first presidency. Although Boeing has not followed Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab in assembling full airplanes in China, analysts said the aim was to build a lead in one of the world's largest air travel markets. Airline and aerospace industry sources said there was no confirmation of a formal ban on Boeing deliveries, reported earlier this week by Bloomberg News, but that the imposition of tariffs would effectively block imports for the time being. Beijing has also asked that Chinese carriers halt purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from U.S. companies, the Bloomberg report said. A senior industry source said Boeing and suppliers are planning on the basis that it would not be delivering planes to China for the time being. However, two U.S. industry sources said they were given no clear instructions not to ship parts to China. A separate source, who runs a maintenance and repair shop for aircraft in China, said they have not had any issues importing American parts. China's foreign ministry declined to comment. Asked by media about the reported ban, a spokesperson said: "I'd refer you to competent authorities". DELIVERY LIMBO For aerospace, Zhoushan is the latest staging post in a growing U.S.-led trade war. Planemakers, airlines and suppliers are reviewing contracts after Reuters reported that U.S. supplier Howmet Aerospace (HWM.N), opens new tab had ignited a debate over the cost of tariffs by declaring a "force majeure event". Confusion over changing tariffs could leave many aircraft deliveries in limbo, with some airline CEOs saying they would defer delivery of planes rather than pay duties. Boeing historically sent a quarter of its deliveries to China but the proportion has been falling following earlier trade tensions, a 737 MAX safety crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysts said a short-term halt in deliveries to China would not have an immediate major impact on Boeing, since it could serve other airlines and Airbus lacks spare capacity. In the longer term, China remains a strategic market. Boeing says China will more than double its fleet by 2043, with the country set to overtake the U.S. in terms of air traffic. Boeing data shows 130 unfilled orders for China-based airlines and lessors, including 96 of the 737 MAX. Industry sources say a significant portion of the more than 760 unfilled orders for which Boeing has yet to name a buyer are for China. Chinese airlines lease 55% of their jets and it is "highly probable" they will try to extend any expiring leases for the time being, IBA Chief Economist Stuart Hatcher said. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boeing-delivery-plant-china-latest-hot-spot-tariff-war-2025-04-17/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS · 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