Flight Safety Information - June 3, 2025 No. 110 In This Issue : Incident: China Southern A20N at Hangzhou on May 31st 2025, passenger battery and charger emit smoke : Incident: Indigo A20N at Ranchi on Jun 2nd 2025, bird strike : Incident: Swiss A343 near Brest on Jun 2nd 2025, engine problem : Incident: ABX B763 enroute on May 31st 2025, dropped panel in flight : Incident: PIA A320 at Lahore on May 31st 2025, bird strike : EASA Urges Expanded Reminders on Lithium Battery Risks : You Can't Charge Devices in Your Carry-On Bag on Southwest Airlines Anymore. What You Need to Know : NTSB to hold June 24 hearing to determine cause of 2024 Boeing 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency : Spirit Airlines could cancel or postpone Airbus orders due to tariffs on EU products : Airbus and Boeing May 2025 Production Rates and Unofficial Deliveries : Global Airlines Cut Profit Forecast Amid Trade Tensions and Jet Delivery Delays : US judge cancels planned Boeing trial over 737 crashes : GRADUATE RESEARCH REQUEST : Calendar of Events Incident: China Southern A20N at Hangzhou on May 31st 2025, passenger battery and charger emit smoke A China Southern Airlines Airbus A320-200N, registration B-32FV performing flight CZ-6850 from Hangzhou to Shenzhen (China), was climbing out of Hangzhou's runway 07 when smoke appeared in the back of the cabin, a passenger's camera battery and power bank overheated and emitted smoke. While cabin crew secured the devices the flight crew returned the aircraft to Hangzhou for a safe landing on runway 06 about 15 minutes after departure. A replacement A320-200 registration B-6680 reached Shenzhen with a delay of about 3.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 6.5 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52888f5a&opt=0 Incident: Indigo A20N at Ranchi on Jun 2nd 2025, bird strike An Indigo Airbus A320-200N, registration VT-IZH performing flight 6E-6902 from Patna to Ranchi (India) with 175 people on board, was on approach to Ranchi at about 4000 feet when the aircraft collided with a vulture. The aircraft entered a hold at 5000 feet, then positioned for an approach to runway 31 and landed without further incident about 30 minutes later. The airport reported the aircraft hit a vulture at about 4000 feet and received a dent. The damage is currently being assessed. The aircraft is still on the ground in Ranchi about 9 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52888d6f&opt=0 Incident: Swiss A343 near Brest on Jun 2nd 2025, engine problem A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A340-300, registration HB-JMH performing flight LX-64 from Zurich (Switzerland) to Miami,FL (USA) with 195 passengers and 12 crew, was enroute at FL320 over the Bay of Biscaya about 140nm south of Brest when the crew decided to return to Zurich. The aircraft maintained FL320 initially, about half way back the crew squawked emergency and drifted down to FL280. The aircraft entered a hold due to weather at Zurich and landed safely on Zurich's runway 34 about 3:45 hours after departure. The airline reported problems on one of the engines (CFM56). The irregularity is now being checked by maintenance. The rotation was cancelled, the passengers on both flights rebooked onto other flights. https://avherald.com/h?article=52888bdd&opt=0 Incident: ABX B763 enroute on May 31st 2025, dropped panel in flight An ABX Air Boeing 767-300 freighter on behalf of Amazon Prime Air, registration N1427A performing flight GB-6198 from Tampa,FL to Cincinnati,KY (USA), concluded a seemingly uneventful flight with a safe landing on Cincinnati Covington's runway 36R. The FAA reported however: "AIRCRAFT ON POST FLIGHT INSPECTION AND A MISSING PANEL FROM UNDERNEATH WAS DISCOVERED, COVINGTON, KY." The aircraft is still on the ground about 44 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=528884b1&opt=0 Incident: PIA A320 at Lahore on May 31st 2025, bird strike A PIA Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration AP-BLB performing flight PK-304 from Karachi to Lahore (Pakistan) with 120 people on board, landed on Lahore's runway 36R and taxied to the apron. A post flight inspection revealed evidence of a bird strike. The aircraft was unable to continue its schedule and remained on the ground for about 20 hours before returning to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=528873f7&opt=0 EASA Urges Expanded Reminders on Lithium Battery Risks Passengers are now carrying multiple lithium-powered devices on board passengers using wifi on aircraft Passengers are typically carrying three to four lithium-powered devices onboard aircraft. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is renewing its warnings about the risks posed by lithium batteries as personal devices become commonplace among almost all passengers. Releasing another Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) on the topic, EASA noted an increased number of safety events involving lithium batteries that passengers carried onboard commercial aircraft. The SIB urges air carriers to expand and reinforce their communications to passengers about lithium batteries. Passengers may not include lithium batteries in checked baggage or baggage that is inaccessible from the cabin. In addition, EASA reminds of the importance of training air carrier staff and airport staff on the risks and dangerous goods restrictions. “Smartphones and computers powered by lithium batteries are now an inherent part of our daily lives, and we know that each passenger now takes four to five such items with them on a flight,” said Jesper Rasmussen, flight standards director at EASA. “Airlines and their ground staff need to make sure passengers know how to travel with these items responsibly. This includes prompting them to think carefully about not packing the devices in their check-in baggage but carrying them on board instead, so that they can be monitored and dealt with if something happens.” EASA stressed the safety risks associated with lithium batteries, noting that they can overheat, catch fire, and/or release toxic smoke. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-06-02/easa-urges-expanded-reminders-lithium-battery-risks You Can't Charge Devices in Your Carry-On Bag on Southwest Airlines Anymore. What You Need to Know Southwest Airlines has changed its rules around portable chargers and power banks. Moving forward if you want to charge your phone during a flight, your power bank will need to be visible when in use. This means you won't be able to charge your phone inside of your carry-on bag or the overhead bins. The new safety policy is intended to lower the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. This change comes in response to a series of incidents involving overheating lithium-ion batteries. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 22 battery-related incidents on flights in 2025 alone, following a record 89 such events in 2024. Notably, a fire aboard an Air Busan flight in South Korea in January -- suspected to have been caused by a power bank with deteriorated insulation -- led to the evacuation of 176 people, including passengers and crew. While the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration currently allow lithium-powered devices like e-cigarettes and power banks in carry-on luggage but prohibit them in checked bags, they do not mandate that portable chargers be kept in plain sight. Southwest's new policy goes a step further, aligning with practices already adopted by some Asia-based carriers, including Singapore Airlines, AirAsia and all South Korean airlines, according to Reuters. This move by Southwest Airlines reflects a growing concern in the aviation industry regarding the safe transport and use of lithium-ion batteries on aircraft. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about airline policies and to handle electronic devices with care to ensure a safe travel experience. "Southwest will introduce a first-in-industry safety policy on May 28 requiring customers to keep portable charging devices visible while in use during flight," Southwest Airlines confirmed in a statement to CNET via email. "Using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees." https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/you-can-t-charge-devices-in-your-carry-on-bag-on-southwest-airlines-anymore-what-you-need-to-know/ar-AA1FdiXL NTSB to hold June 24 hearing to determine cause of 2024 Boeing 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency June 2 (Reuters) - The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a June 24 hearing to determine the probable cause of a mid-air cabin panel blowout of a new Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab 737 MAX 9 flight in January 2024 that spun the planemaker into a major crisis. The board said Monday it will hold the hearing into the Alaska Airlines (ALK.N), opens new tab flight that prompted the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation and declare that Boeing was not in compliance with a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. The incident badly damaged Boeing's reputation and led to the MAX 9 grounding for two weeks and a cap by the Federal Aviation Administration on the plane's production that remains in place. https://www.reuters.com/business/ntsb-hold-june-24-hearing-determine-cause-2024-boeing-737-max-9-mid-air-2025-06-02/ Spirit Airlines could cancel or postpone Airbus orders due to tariffs on EU products US discounter Spirit Airlines could cancel some Airbus A320neo-family aircraft orders as a result of the ongoing trade war between the European Union and USA. In a 10-Q recently filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Florida-based company describes how the Trump administration’s ever-shifting tariff regime could negatively impact its business as Spirit – fresh off Chapter 11 restructuring – seeks long-elusive financial stability. Currently, goods imported from the EU are subject to the US government’s universal baseline tariff rate of 10%, though the rate could rise again to a rate of 20% at the conclusion of Trump’s 90-day suspension, which started on 9 April. Spirit notes that the future impact of tariffs are very much subject to change, with uncertainties surrounding the rate and duration of the US-imposed duties, in addition to potential retaliation from the EU and future escalation between the longtime trading partners. ”The imposition of these tariffs may increase the cost of, among other things, imported new Airbus aircraft and parts required to service our Airbus fleet, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and… results of operations,” Spirit says. Spirit stands to be negatively impacted by more-expensive aerospace products imported from the EU The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) adds that it may “seek to postpone or cancel delivery of certain aircraft currently scheduled for delivery” as a result of tariffs on EU-manufactured aerospace products. Spirit could also choose “not to purchase as many aircraft as we intended in the future”. Tariffs could also hit Spirit’s ”operations and financial condition through increased supply-chain challenges, commodity price volatility and a decline in discretionary spending and consumer confidence”, the airline says. The all-Airbus operator currently operates a fleet of 213 aircraft: 63 A320s, 29 A321s, 30 A321neos and 91 A320neos. It is scheduled to receive 92 aircraft deliveries through 2031, including four A320neo-family jets expected to arrive in 2025. Spirit, along with other US discounters, has struggled to compete in recent years as major US airlines have introduced low-cost products of their own, flooding the domestic market with cheap airline seats. The ULCC reports a first-quarter operating loss of $289 million and net profit on the period of $61 million, a discrepancy influenced by Chapter 11-related accounting manoeuvres. Spirit emerged from the Chapter 11 process with a new financial structure in March. https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/spirit-airlines-could-cancel-or-postpone-airbus-orders-due-to-tariffs-on-eu-products/163201.article Airbus and Boeing May 2025 Production Rates and Unofficial Deliveries Boeing produces 38 737 MAXs in May, Airbus A320neo family production falls below 40 aircraft /// May deliveries projected to be neck and neck between Airbus and Boeing For the purposes of this article, Forecast International considers an aircraft to be “produced” once it completes its first test flight, and “delivered” when it is contractually handed over to the customer. Overview Both Boeing and Airbus continue to face significant challenges in increasing the output of new commercial aircraft, compounding existing pressures on their current production rates. Airbus led the month in total production, completing 51 aircraft, followed by Boeing with 49, resulting in a combined total of 100 aircraft. Of these, 85 were narrowbody aircraft, while the remaining 15 were widebodies. Airbus is currently grappling with engine delays from Safran affecting its A320neo family, which has reportedly led to the production of approximately 17 aircraft that remain without engines. Boeing’s improved performance was supported by increased 737 MAX production, whereas Airbus experienced a modest drop from April, primarily due to lower A320neo production. On the delivery side, Forecast International expects Boeing to have delivered a total of 47 aircraft in May, including 31 737 MAXs and the remaining 16 as widebodies. For Airbus, we estimate total deliveries at 47 aircraft, comprising 40 narrowbodies and seven widebodies. Notes: Production data represents the actual number of aircraft produced in May 2025. Forecast International considers an aircraft produced upon its first flight. *A320neo numbers include all variants for the family; A319neo, A320neo and A321neo Though the A320neo family was the most produced model by Airbus in the month of May, production showed further signs of stalling, with only 39 units produced in May. Airbus also produced eight A220 models in April. On the widebody side, three A330neos, and one A350 were produced. For Boeing, production was dominated by the 737 MAX, with 38 units completed. The company also reported two units of the 767, four of the 777, and five of the 787 Dreamliner. Monthly production targets are generalized figures based on monthly production estimates derived from OEM guidance and internal research conducted by Forecast International. The Airbus A320neo Family program continues to fall short of its monthly production target of 50 units and production has steadily declined over the past three months. Airbus produced a total of 46 A320neo family aircraft in March, 40 in April, and only 39 in May. Most recently, production has been dragged down by so-called ”glider” aircraft, as supply chain issues have forced the manufacturer to park a number of completed but engineless units. Given these signs of slowing output, our short-term outlook for A320neo Family production this year is becoming more negative, and we are likely to revise our forecast downward if this pattern of slowing or stagnation continues for another month or two. Our current forecast assumes an average production rate of approximately 52 aircraft per month, or 625 units for 2025. However, we still believe it is possible that A320neo Family production increases during the remainder of the year as Airbus works to meet its annual production goal for 2025, though the degree to which production can be increased remains uncertain. In the longer term, Airbus plans to raise A320neo Family production to 75 aircraft per month by 2027, but Forecast International does not expect this goal to be met within the company’s projected timeframe. Instead, we believe that rate will be achieved later in the decade. At this point, we still do not view the stalled A320neo family production numbers as evidence that Airbus will be unable to meet its delivery targets by year end. In 2024, Airbus ramped up production sharply in the fourth quarter, resulting in 64 aircraft delivered in October, 84 in November, and finally 123 in December. That said, production in the range of 40 to 45 aircraft per month for the A320neo family is becoming a more persistent trend, which raises the likelihood that we will revise our full year forecast downward if this pattern continues into the summer. On the other hand, the A220 program is showing encouraging signs of production stabilizing at around six to eight aircraft per month, which supports the case for a gradual increase in output as the year progresses. In May, Airbus produced a total of eight A220s, all of which were A220-300s. While this is a positive development, we view it as highly unlikely that Airbus will achieve its target of ramping up production to 14 aircraft per month by 2026. Forecast International considers this goal unlikely due to the relatively limited backlog for the A220, persistent supply chain challenges, and current production levels remaining between six and eight aircraft per month. Furthermore, even if Airbus were able to increase output to 14 aircraft per month, assuming supply chain conditions allow, such a rate would likely be unsustainable given the program’s backlog of only around 500 unfilled orders. We believe a more realistic and sustainable production rate would be approximately ten aircraft per month. Given the current stabilization, we see it as possible that Airbus will reach this level as the end of the year approaches. Widebody Airbus production in May 2025 slowed noticeably, particularly for the A350. The company produced only one A350, falling well below its target of approximately six aircraft per month. Airbus has set a goal to increase A350 output to ten aircraft per month by 2026 and to twelve per month by 2028, but this is unlikely based on the low production figure for May and the company’s February announcement that A350 output would be limited to around six aircraft per month throughout 2025. We believe Airbus may gradually increase production as supply chain conditions improve, but not within the timeframe it has outlined. As for the A330neo, Airbus produced a total of three aircraft in May, just under its current target rate of four aircraft per month. Airbus has not announced any plans to increase A330neo production in the near or long term, but stated during its first quarter 2025 earnings call that it is focused on stabilizing output at four aircraft per month, a target it is already approaching based on year to date monthly production figures. Boeing has finally reached its FAA approved production rate of 38 737 MAX aircraft per month, as shown by the 38 units produced this month. Of these, 33 were 737 MAX 8s and five were 737 MAX 9s. Some industry leaders, including Safran Chief Executive Officer Olivier Andries, have stated that Boeing nearing the FAA approved rate of 38 aircraft per month signals the company is returning to a more ”dynamic production profile”. However, Forecast International considers this statement premature. While we believe it is certainly possible that Boeing will stabilize 737 MAX production at 38 aircraft per month in the near term, May marks the first time the manufacturer has either reached or come close to reaching this FAA approved rate. This comes as Boeing continues to pursue its longer term goal of returning to a production rate of 52 737 MAXs per month, a level it last achieved in 2018. With this progress, the next step is for Boeing to demonstrate consistent monthly output at the 38 aircraft level before it can realistically pursue what Safran has described as a more ”dynamic production profile”. Doing so will require the company to formally request an increase in its FAA authorized production ceiling, a process that will occur through multiple incremental steps aimed at eventually reaching 52 aircraft per month. If Boeing is able to sustain output at or near 38 aircraft per month over the coming months, it would signal production stability and strengthen the case for FAA approval of a higher rate. Furthermore, we believe that a more ”dynamic production profile” would also mean the start of 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 deliveries, as Boeing remains significantly behind on certification for both variants, having worked toward approval for years with entry into service not expected until at least next year. On the other hand, Boeing’s widebody programs showed positive production signs in May. The 787 program produced five aircraft during the month, in line with its current target of approximately four to five aircraft per month. However, Boeing is still delivering the remaining aircraft in its 25 unit inventory of previously produced 787s, and plans to have delivered all of these aircraft by the end of the year. Boeing has stated its intention to raise 787 output to seven aircraft per month by the end of the year and to ten per month in 2026, though Forecast International believes this may not occur within this timeline due to ongoing supply chain issues and lower production numbers in previous months this year. Meanwhile, the 767 program produced two aircraft in May, while four 777 freighters were completed. We do not anticipate any future increases in production rates for either platform, given that 767-300F production is scheduled to end in 2027 and the 777-8 freighter is expected to enter service near the end of the decade. Boeing also has 22 specific units of the 777X on its assembly line, not including its four test aircraft. The 777X is still awaiting certification, which Boeing expects to obtain this year, although it is possible that certification will be delayed into 2026. Unofficial/Preliminary Deliveries In May 2025, the commercial aircraft delivery landscape continued to show signs of stagnation due to ongoing supply chain constraints that are limiting increases in production rates at Airbus and Boeing. Forecast International expects Boeing to have delivered an estimated 47 aircraft in the month of May 2025, compared to 44 in April and 41 in March. The 38 narrowbodies expected to have been delivered account for 33 737 MAX 8s and five 737 MAX 9s. On the widebody side, Forecast International expects Boeing to deliver an estimated seven 787s; all 787-9s. We also expect Boeing to have delivered four 777Fs, one 767-300F and four 767-2Cs. Delivery data is the expected number that Boeing and Airbus will report in their May 2025 Orders and Deliveries summary and is based on Forecast International’s internal research. Numbers are not official and are not provided by Airbus or Boeing. *A320neo numbers include all variants for the family; A319neo, A320neo and A321neo Forecast International expects Airbus’s May 2025 deliveries to be lower than the 56 aircraft delivered in April and the 71 delivered in March. For the month of May 2025, we expect Airbus to deliver a total of 47 aircraft. As for the A220 specifically, Forecast International expects three A220-300 deliveries. The majority of narrowbody deliveries are expected to be from the A320neo Family, of which an estimated one will be an A319neo, nine A320neos and 27 A321neos, or a total of 37 for the A320neo family. For widebodies we expect a total of four A350-900s and three A330-900neos to have been delivered. Summary and Outlook May 2025 highlighted the continued operational challenges faced by both Airbus and Boeing as production momentum weakened across several programs. Airbus saw a notable trend in stagnating A320neo family output, while production of the A220 remains strong and within its target rate range. Boeing’s production saw positive trends, with the 737 MAX finally reaching its FAA approved rate and widebody production in line with current targets. Looking ahead, Forecast International expects production pressures to persist into the summer months, casting further doubt on the ability of either manufacturer to meet full year delivery targets without adjusting timelines or expectations. Airbus will likely continue focusing on incremental gains in narrowbody output while attempting to stabilize A350 production in the face of unresolved supply chain bottlenecks. Boeing, on the other hand, faces a longer road to recovery, with short term delivery rates supported more by existing inventory than new production. Until broader systemic issues such as supply chain volatility and international trade tensions are resolved, sustained production growth will remain limited, and delivery performance will continue to track below internal goals and market expectations. https://flightplan.forecastinternational.com/2025/06/02/airbus-and-boeing-may-2025-production-rates-and-unofficial-deliveries/ Global Airlines Cut Profit Forecast Amid Trade Tensions and Jet Delivery Delays Global airlines have revised their profit expectations for 2025 downward as trade tensions and delayed aircraft deliveries put a strain on the industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the global airline industry, announced a revised forecast of $36 billion in combined profit for the year. This marks a slight decline from previous projections but remains an improvement over last year’s figures. The downward revision reflects a complex mix of factors, including rising geopolitical tensions that are eroding consumer confidence and slowing travel demand. Airlines are also contending with delays in the delivery of new aircraft, which has impacted fleet expansion plans and overall capacity growth. However, it’s not all bad news for the industry. Airlines continue to benefit from record passenger numbers as travelers return to the skies. Additionally, the recent decline in oil prices has provided some financial relief by lowering operating costs. These positive trends have helped offset some of the negative pressures caused by trade disputes and supply chain issues. The IATA’s latest projections underscore the volatile nature of the global aviation sector, which is influenced by shifting economic conditions, policy changes, and consumer behavior. While the industry faces headwinds, strong demand for travel and strategic cost management are keeping overall profits above last year’s levels. As airlines navigate these challenges, industry leaders will be closely watching global economic trends and trade developments that could further impact profitability. https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2025/06/02/global-airlines-cut-profit-forecast-amid-trade-tensions-and-jet-delivery-delays US judge cancels planned Boeing trial over 737 crashes A US federal judge on Monday cancelled the planned trial of US aviation giant Boeing over crashes of its 737 MAX aircraft that left nearly 350 people dead. The trial had been scheduled to begin June 23, but the Justice Department and Boeing reached a preliminary agreement last month to settle the long-running criminal probe into the accidents. US District Judge Reed O'Connor granted the request of both parties to vacate the trial date and cancelled the criminal trial which had been scheduled to be held in Fort Worth, Texas. But the judge still must give his final approval to the settlement and he could reschedule a trial if he fails to give the deal his green light. Under the agreement, which has drawn condemnation from some families of crash victims, Boeing will pay $1.1 billion and the Justice Department will dismiss a criminal charge over the company's conduct in the certification of the MAX. The agreement resolves the case without requiring Boeing to plead guilty to fraud in the certification of the MAX, which was involved in two crashes in 2018 and 2019 that claimed 346 lives -- a Lion Air plane and an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft. The Justice Department described it as "a fair and just resolution that serves the public interest." "The Agreement guarantees further accountability and substantial benefits from Boeing immediately, while avoiding the uncertainty and litigation risk presented by proceeding to trial," it said. Family members of some MAX victims slammed the proposed settlement, however, as a giveaway to Boeing. "This kind of non-prosecution deal is unprecedented and obviously wrong for the deadliest corporate crime in US history," Paul Cassell, an attorney representing relatives of victims, said when the settlement was announced. The Justice Department cited other family members who expressed a desire for closure, quoting one who said "the grief resurfaces every time this case is discussed in court or other forums." The preliminary agreement was the latest development in a marathon case that came in the wake of crashes that tarnished Boeing's reputation and contributed to leadership shakeups at the aviation giant. The case dates to a January 2021 Justice Department agreement with Boeing that settled charges that the company knowingly defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration during the MAX certification. The 2021 accord included a three-year probation period. But in May 2024, the Justice Department determined that Boeing had violated the 2021 accord following a number of subsequent safety lapses. Boeing agreed in July 2024 to plead guilty to "conspiracy to defraud the United States." But in December, Judge O'Connor rejected a settlement codifying the guilty plea, setting the stage for the incoming Trump administration to decide the next steps. The deal announced in May requires Boeing to pay a fine of $487.2 million with credit for a $243 million penalty the company paid previously under the January 2021 agreement. Boeing will contribute $444.5 million to a fund to benefit crash victims and lay out $455 million to strengthen its compliance, safety and quality programs. https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-judge-cancels-planned-boeing-171504250.html GRADUATE RESEARCH REQUEST Calling all U.S. airplane pilots! I am a doctoral student at FIU. My research focuses on pilot decision making and digital twins. I will greatly appreciate your help sharing the link to my survey with your network: https://fiu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3rPGG1cVfuOWiyO Thank you! AI generated with the prompt: pilot midair 😂 -- Respectfully, Garrett Feldman, MBA (786)286-9170 Curt Lewis