Flight Safety Information - July 25, 2025 No. 148 In This Issue : Incident: Inuit B738 at Montreal on Jul 17th 2025, rejected takeoff : Incident: Olympic AT72 at Kithira on Jul 22nd 2025, engine shut down on approach : Incident: KLM B738 near Hamburg on Jul 24th 2025, engine fire indication : Grandma stops woman from storming cockpit on Tucson-bound flight, according to viral video : Corpse of Airline Passenger Who Died Mid-Flight Goes Missing : Pregnant Mom Flying with Toddler Gives Birth on Plane at 35,000 Feet: 'Nature Had Other Plans' : 172 Takes Off From Oshkosh Taxiway In Wrong Direction : Air crashes in Russia, India, US: 2025 deadliest in years for aviation safety : FAA Proposal to Hire Foreign Air Traffic Controllers Sparks Safety Concerns : New FAA rule makes it easier for sport pilots to fly bigger planes : Porter Airlines E195-E2 pilots begin training in Montreal with new Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) full-flight simulator : FAA to review Boeing supply chain before approving hike to 737 MAX production : Avolon orders 15 A330neo and 75 A321neo Airbus aircraft : Plane strikes deer on Kodiak runway, grounds Alaska Airlines flights : Aviation safety leaders to converge in Manila : Russian Airline Angara Faces Scrutiny After Safety Violations and Fatal Antonov An-24 Crash, What You Need To Know : Calendar of Events Incident: Inuit B738 at Montreal on Jul 17th 2025, rejected takeoff An Air Inuit Boeing 737-800, registration C-FTUZ performing flight 3H-731 from Montreal,QC to Kuujjuaq,QC (Canada) with 3 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Montreal's runway 24L. At about 85 KIAS the crew observed indications "ALT" for both engines but decided to continue takeoff as the indication was no immediate threat to the safety of the flight. At 120 KIAS the crew received an IAS DISAGREE indication and rejected takeoff. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway, a burning smell was noticed in the cockpit, tower informed the crew about smoke from the landing gear. Emergency services responded and found two tyres deflated. The Canadian TSB rated the occurrence an incident without investigation. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ab7360&opt=0 Incident: Olympic AT72 at Kithira on Jul 22nd 2025, engine shut down on approach An Olympic Air Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration SX-OBK performing flight OA-42 from Athens to Kithira (Greece), was on approach to Kithira when the crew detected problems with one of the engines (PW127M), aborted the approach and shut the engine down. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 20 about 20 minutes later. The aircraft positioned back to Athens on Jul 24th 2025. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ab713f&opt=0 Incident: KLM B738 near Hamburg on Jul 24th 2025, engine fire indication A KLM Boeing 737-800, registration PH-HSD performing flight KL-1220 from Stockholm (Sweden) to Amsterdam (Netherlands) with 186 people on board, was enroute at FL380 about 140nm north of Hamburg (Germany) in Danish Airspace when the crew reported a left engine (CFM56) fire indication, shut the engine down and diverted to Hamburg for a safe landing on runway 23 about 30 minutes later. Attending emergency services did not need to intervene. Passengers reported smoke from one of the engines. The aircraft is still on the ground about 8 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ab6f81&opt=0 Grandma stops woman from storming cockpit on Tucson-bound flight, according to viral video An Atlanta woman stopped a fellow passenger from storming the plane’s cockpit during a flight to Tucson, according to a viral video. Nicole Pruitt, a retired Army veteran who was coming to Arizona to visit her son and grandchild, was aboard a Delta Airlines flight out of Atlanta on July 16, when one of the other 179 passengers started making a commotion near the back of the plane. Midflight, a female passenger told flight attendants that she no longer wanted to be on the plane, Pruitt recalled in the video her son, Tyrique Perry, posted to TikTok. “This chick came all the way from the back,” Pruitt said, adding, “She said she didn’t want to be on the plane anymore.” Describing the passenger as “aggressive,” Pruitt said she “kept pushing” the flight attendants out of the way while trying to make her way to the cockpit. “I have a feeling and God told me to do it,” the passenger said, according to Pruitt. After hearing that, Pruitt, who was seated in first class, said she put her earphones in the seat pocket and told the person sitting next to her, “Excuse me, I’m going to beat her a** right now.” Another video posted on Instagram showed the aftermath of the encounter. In it, the woman can be seen restrained on the floor while Pruitt stands beside her. Other passengers and flight attendants were later seen trying to get the woman off the floor. Online, Pruitt was praised for detaining the passenger. “That’s my mama,” Perry captioned in his video. “With her heroic effort and the help of a handful of good citizens on the plane, they were able to successfully and safely divert back to Atlanta and handle this situation on the ground,” he stated in another video. “Big shout-out to my mom for preventing a potential tragedy.” Calling Pruitt “savior queen,” one Instagram user said Delta should give her free flights to any destination. Another person called Pruitt a hero, thanking her for her military service. The flight returned to Atlanta, roughly an hour after departure, Delta spokesperson Stan Heaton said in an email to The Arizona Republic on July 23. When the plane landed there, medical personnel were on scene and law enforcement was notified, Heaton said. Heaton said he did not know whether the passenger was arrested. The flight eventually made its way back toward Tucson, arriving nearly 3 hours after it was initially scheduled to get there, according to Heaton. “Delta sincerely appreciates the actions of our crew and customers for de-escalating this situation,” Heaton said. “We apologize to our customers for the delay and thank them for their understanding.” Pruitt could not be immediately reached for comment by phone July 23, as she was flying back to Atlanta, her daughter told The Republic. Another call to Pruitt went unanswered on July 24. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/grandma-stops-woman-storming-cockpit-222138317.html Corpse of Airline Passenger Who Died Mid-Flight Goes Missing A Turkish Airlines flight headed to San Francisco made an unexpected stop in Chicago after a passenger suffered a medical emergency and died onboard. Now, the body appears to be missing and no one’s offering much of an explanation. Flight 79 took off from Istanbul on July 13 and was flying over Greenland when the situation unfolded. The crew initially considered diverting to Iceland, but after the passenger passed away midair, they opted to continue toward North America instead. The plane landed at Chicago O’Hare, where the passenger’s body was reportedly offloaded. That should’ve been the start of a standard protocol involving local authorities and medical examiners. Instead, things seem to have stalled out. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, which would typically receive and process remains from an incident like this, told SFGATE it has no record of a body matching the flight. The airline hasn’t shared any identifying details or a cause of death, only confirming it was a medical issue. A Turkish Airlines representative said that the rest of the passengers were rerouted to their final destination and that the deceased was meant to be transported separately. Whether that actually happened is unclear. What’s left is a lot of unanswered questions. No one has publicly confirmed where the body is, who last had possession of it, or if it ever arrived in California as intended. Turkish Airlines has not released a public statement. While in-flight medical emergencies do happen, the disappearance of a passenger’s remains after landing at a major U.S. airport is far from routine. The silence surrounding the situation has only added to the confusion—and concern. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/corpse-airline-passenger-died-mid-203039580.html Pregnant Mom Flying with Toddler Gives Birth on Plane at 35,000 Feet: 'Nature Had Other Plans' The woman gave birth on board an Air India flight from Oman to Mumbai on Thursday, July 24 A Thai woman is recovering after giving birth during a flight from Muscat, Oman to Mumbai, India. The 29-year-old was flying with her toddler daughter on Thursday, July 24, when she went into labor on board the Air India Express flight, reported local outlets The Hindustan Times, The Indian Express and The Economic Times. As there was no doctor on board, the Air India flight crew created space for the woman to deliver her baby at around 35,000 feet with the assistance of a nurse passenger, The Hindustan Times reported. Other passengers were also asked to put their phones away to protect the woman’s privacy, the outlet added. The mother gave birth to a baby boy before the plane landed at Mumbai at 4:02 a.m. local time. She was then taken to a nearby hospital with her new son for health checks. According to The Economic Times, a medical team and an ambulance were waiting at the airport for the new mom-of-two. A female staff member also accompanied the mother and her children to the hospital, the outlet added. “She did not have a visa for India and was scheduled to board a connecting flight to Bangkok the same night,” an airline source told The Hindustan Times. “But nature had other plans.” According to the outlet, Air India is in communication with the Thai Consulate in Mumbai to help the mother with paperwork as she continues her short stay in Mumbai. A staff member from the airline is also assisting her for the duration of her one-week stay. “The coordination between the cockpit and cabin crew, ground staff, medical responders, and airport authorities was seamless, just like the airline’s values of agility and empathy," the airline said in a statement, per The Indian Express. "This moment of unbridled heroism not only showcases the crew’s preparedness but also the compassion and teamwork spirit of Air India Express.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/pregnant-mom-flying-toddler-gives-094409838.html 172 Takes Off From Oshkosh Taxiway In Wrong Direction Pilot had also had trouble landing earlier in the week. There will undoubtedly be an investigation over an Cessna 172 that took off against the traffic on a taxiway at AirVenture on Thursday. The confused pilot was apparently spotted by marshals taxiing in the opposite direction to the flow on taxiway Poppa, and they tried to get him turned around on the grass. Instead of following the directions, he complained to controllers about being directed to the “wrong runway” and then took off from the taxiway. There were numerous aircraft on the taxiway and in the air around the airport. There has been no comment by the FAA but plenty of chatter online about the incident that actually was an extension of a fraught arrival by the same aircraft earlier in the week. In a rare move, AirVenture controllers provided active control and even headings to Runway 09 for the wayward pilot after he ignored their direction to divert to either Appleton or Fond du Lac. The aircraft is registered to a man in Bismarck, North Dakota. https://avweb.com/aviation-news/172-takes-off-from-oshkosh-taxiway-in-wrong-direction/ Air crashes in Russia, India, US: 2025 deadliest in years for aviation safety Even before the July 24 crash in Russia's eastern Amur region, the year 2025 was already way above the past decade's average of deaths in air crashes per year The plane crash in Russia that is feared to have claimed 49 lives on Thursday comes barely a month-and-a-half after the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. Even before the July 24 crash in Russia's eastern Amur region, the year 2025 was already way above the past decade's average of deaths in air crashes per year. The number of civil aviation fatalities in 2025 had crossed 460 after the Ahmedabad crash claimed 260 lives. The average over the past decade is 284, as per Jan-Arwed Richter, founder of Jacdec, a German consulting firm that tracks aviation safety. Now, if the Russia crash indeed causes the number of deaths feared — all 49 onboard — the total for 2025 will cross 500, which will be almost double the average. In between, an air force jet crash in Bangladesh caused 29 deaths, most of them civilians on the ground. Year began with American Airlines collision In January, American Airlines Group Flight 5342 collided with a US Army helicopter near Washington. It killed all 67 people aboard both aircraft — 64 passengers and crew on the airliner and three crew on the helicopter. A day after that crash, on January 29, the African nation of South Sudan saw a smaller plane, a Beechcraft 1900D, on a charter transporting oil workers crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 20 out of 21 on board. January ended with another crash in the US, this one of an air ambulance in Philadelphia that killed eight people. The Bering Air Flight 445 in Alaska first went missing and then its wrckage was found a day later, on February 7. All 10 onboard were dead. Those onboard the Delta Connection Flight 4819 from Minneapolis-Saint Paul in the US to Toronto, Canada, were lucky as no one was killed even as the plane crashed upon landing on February 17. In Honduras, a charter, a plane crashed into the sea, which killed 13 of the 18 passengers and crew. Singer-politician Aurelio Martinez was among the victims. April saw a crash in the US again, when a helicopter on a sightseeing tour in New Jersey crashed into the Hudson river, killing all five passengers and the pilot. Boeing 737 shot down amid civil war A strange but deadly crash took place on May 3, when a cargo Boeing 737-290C Advanced was shot down in the city of Nyala by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), owing to suspicion that it was carrying weapons for the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaged in a civil war. Twenty people died. The US saw a crash in May too. On May 22, a Cessna plane crashed in San Diego, killing six people onboard. Ahmedabad tragedy On June 12, India saw the biggest air disaster in its history when Air India Flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed soon after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew, all of whom, except one passenger, died. Another 19 people were killed on the ground as it crashed second after takeoff onto a nearby medical college and hostel. A month later, on July 13, a smaller plane crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in Essex, UK. Four occupants died. Then came the Bangladesh disaster when the air force plane crashed on a school building. On July 24, Thursday, a Russian passenger plane carrying 49 people, including six crew members, crashed in the eastern Amur region. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/crashes-in-russia-bangladesh-india-2025-deadliest-in-years-for-air-travel-101753341357106.html FAA Proposal to Hire Foreign Air Traffic Controllers Sparks Safety Concerns With airplane safety already under the microscope, a new proposal from the FAA is adding fuel to the fire. The agency is reportedly considering hiring foreign air traffic controllers—a move that has raised eyebrows among security experts and aviation professionals alike. On The Roggin Report, Fred Roggin asked: “With all the recent airplane incidents, how do you feel about flying?” His guests, Chauncey Thompson and Nick Collins, weighed in on the hot-button issue. Chauncey pointed out that English is the universal language of aviation and that all pilots flying for national carriers are required to speak it. While he initially assumed the foreign hires might be brought in for specific language support, he discovered that wasn’t the case. “These folks will be certified,” he said, “and a thorough background will be done. We’re alarmed, but I think we can lower our stress levels.” Nick, fresh off a trip himself, expressed skepticism. “There’s a big push for ‘American jobs for Americans,’ but now a key FAA role is being outsourced? It doesn’t compute.” He emphasized that skill should matter more than nationality but questioned the inconsistency in job policies. “If they’re vetted and qualified, fine—but why this job and not others?” Chauncey agreed with the confusion: “You can’t have it both ways. Either you open all jobs or you keep them here. But this job in particular seems like one where Americans should have priority.” As Fred noted, the move has created a stir—with critics saying it’s reckless, and supporters arguing it could help address staffing shortages. https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/therogginreport/2025/07/24/faa-proposal-to-hire-foreign-air-traffic-controllers-sparks-safety-concerns New FAA rule makes it easier for sport pilots to fly bigger planes • The FAA's new MOSAIC rule expands the types of aircraft that sport pilots can fly, including some four-seat models. • Sport pilot training requires less flight time than a private pilot's license and is more affordable. • The rule also allows for nighttime flight privileges and aerial work with Light Sport Aircraft for sport pilots with additional training. • The FAA says the rule change promotes safer materials and technology in recreational aviation. • The rule is being phased in over the next year. OSHKOSH -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced July 22 a new FAA rule aimed at allowing pilots with less training to fly some larger, more powerful aircraft. Duffy made the announcement at the 72nd annual EAA AirVenture, one of the largest aircraft shows of its kind, which runs through July 27 at Wittman Regional Airport. The new rule allows individuals flying with Sport Pilot certification to now operate a broader range of bigger airplanes such as the Piper Cherokee and Cessna 182. It also allows for voluntary manufacturer compliance with FAA noise standards. Generally, sport pilot training requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight time and is more affordable than a private pilot's license. The certificate has been designed for recreational use, allowing pilots to enjoy the experience of flying without the requirements and costs associated with more advanced licenses. New privileges for sport pilots include operating helicopters and high-performance airplanes, according to the FAA. With additional training, sport pilots will now have nighttime flight privileges. The rule will also allow aerial work with Light Sport Aircraft, typically very small airplanes flown by pilots with sport pilot certification. The aerial work could include photography and filming, infrastructure and forest inspections, and agriculture surveillance. The FAA said it created the Light Sport Aircraft category and Sport Pilot certificate in 2004 to enable the manufacture of safe and affordable aircraft for recreation and flight training. The safety record of LSAs showed that the category could be expanded to include larger, more powerful aircraft, acording to the agency. "This new rule will promote better designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector. Recreational pilots and plane manufacturers have correctly noted that outdated regulations were inhibiting innovation and safety," Duffy said. The rule, named the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) expands a safe alternative to experimental amateur-built aircraft, according to the FAA. The agency proposed MOSAIC in July 2023 and evaluated more than 1,300 comments on it. The agency said it made changes based on the comments including the voluntary manufacturer compliance with FAA noise standards. The rule, to be phased in over the next year, "enables industry to meet the growing demand for more versatile aircraft with higher performance capabilities while maintaining high standards of safety," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, said at an EAA press conference. It will make it easier for more people to become pilots, said U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “By expanding the kinds of aircraft sport pilots can fly — including many popular four-seat legacy aircraft — and by simplifying certification pathways, we are opening the door for more people to experience the freedom and joy of aviation,” said Darren Pleasance, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2025/07/23/faa-eases-regulations-on-small-airplanes-and-flying-requirements/85322755007/ Porter Airlines E195-E2 pilots begin training in Montreal with new Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) full-flight simulator Canadian-built simulator brings jobs and opportunities to the local community MONTREAL, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Porter and Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) today announced the expansion of the airline's pilot training operations with the deployment of a state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 full-flight simulator (FFS) at CAE's Montreal training centre. Training began in May 2025 supported by ECTS, a joint venture between Embraer and CAE. The latest generation 7000XR Series FFS, equipped with the advanced CAE Prodigy visual system, was developed and manufactured by CAE in Montreal. This strategic deployment will enable more Porter pilots to train closer to home, supporting the airline's rapid growth and contributing to the development of skilled aviation jobs in Canada. Comprehensive initial and recurrent training for E2 pilots will be delivered in Montreal. The simulator will enhance Porter's E2 pilot training program by increasing capacity to meet the demand for its expanding fleet - 46 aircraft have already been delivered, with up to 100 expected. "This partnership with ECTS brings together three leading aviation organizations," said Kent Woodside, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Porter Airlines. "CAE's expertise in training and simulation technology ensures our pilots receive the highest quality and safety standards for our pilots operating Embraer's latest E195-E2 model." The new E2 FFS is equipped with the CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG) which leverages Epic Games' Unreal Engine for more realistic and effective training. CAE Prodigy elevates sessions in the simulator with advanced technology, providing photorealistic renderings and enhanced moving models that result in a more immersive pilot training environment. "We are thrilled to welcome Porter, a new airline partner, to CAE's training centre in Montreal, and we look forward to supporting their training on the E2 aircraft," said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE's Division President, Commercial Aviation. "Our joint venture with Embraer enables us to elevate aviation safety and training standards by delivering world-class solutions to support the growth of the E195-E2 fleet around the world." In addition to the new simulator in Montreal, ECTS operates E2 FFS in Singapore and Madrid, Spain. ECTS also provides training on the Phenom family of business jets using FFS at CAE training centres in Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Burgess Hill, United Kingdom; São Paulo, Brazil; and Vienna, Austria, where training begins this summer. About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high- value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. About CAE At CAE, we exist to make the world safer. We deliver cutting-edge training, simulation, and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defence forces for the moments that matter. Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security personnel to perform at their best and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we're everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees at around 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. For nearly 80 years, CAE has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently seeking to set the standard by delivering excellence in high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions, while embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing technology and enhancing human performance, we strive to be the trusted partner in advancing safety and mission readiness—today and tomorrow. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/porter-airlines-e195-e2-pilots-100000993.html FAA to review Boeing supply chain before approving hike to 737 MAX production OSHKOSH, Wisconsin (Reuters) -The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Boeing has not yet asked the agency to remove a 38-plane per month cap on 737 MAX production and will review the planemaker's supply chain before making any decision. The FAA imposed the production cap shortly after a January 2024 mid-air emergency involving a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 missing four key bolts. "We're going to want to look at the entire supply chain," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters on the sidelines of an air show, praising Boeing's efforts to improve its culture and adding he would not be surprised if Boeing asks to raise the rate. "I believe it's real, but it's still embryonic," Bedford said of the planemaker's improvements. "We want to see long-term trends, healthy workforce, healthy safety culture. And then we want to see real factory improvements." Boeing did not immediately comment. The FAA in May extended by three years a program that allows Boeing to perform some tasks on the agency's behalf like inspections, saying the planemaker had made improvements. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in May the planemaker is "pretty confident" that it can increase production of its best-selling 737 MAX jets to 42 a month. Bedford also notes that the FAA is currently considering certifying the smallest and largest MAX variants -- the MAX 7 and MAX 10. Bedford said Boeing realizes getting the job done right the first time "actually is the cheapest way to make the plane.... I think they see real value in changing the culture on the shop floor, getting the defect rates down." But he is not ready to ease oversight. "It's all trending in the right direction. It's all very encouraging, but we're a long ways away from saying we can let our guard down," Bedford said. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/faa-review-boeing-supply-chain-195437918.html Avolon orders 15 A330neo and 75 A321neo Airbus aircraft Toulouse, France, 24 July 2025 - Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has placed an order for 90 Airbus aircraft, comprising 15 A330neo and 75 A321neo. This incremental order brings Avolon’s total to 79 A330neos and 264 A321neos. Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO, commented, “This order demonstrates our strong confidence in the long-term demand for new aircraft. Our scale and balance sheet position us to support our airline customers’ expansion and replacement needs into the next decade. Both the A321neo and A330neo are in high demand, and we expect this to continue given the long-term growth trajectory for the aviation sector. We are delighted to be expanding and extending our long-term partnership with Airbus with this order.” “Lessors are excellent barometers of the aircraft market, and we are grateful to Avolon for expanding its commitment for the A320 Family and A330neo, so soon after an earlier order two years ago. This endorsement illustrates the strong attractiveness to a wide variety of customers of these two aircraft, the most efficient in their category with the latest technologies embedded, covering the market space from domestic to regional to long haul routes. We value this partnership which has helped open new markets and broaden the customer base for both aircraft types”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 has a range of 7,200nm / 13,300 km non-stop and reduces fuel burn, CO2 emissions and operating cost by 25% compared to the previous generation aircraft. The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique experience, high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. As with all in-production aircraft, the A330neo and A321neo are able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-07-avolon-orders-15-a330neo-and-75-a321neo-airbus-aircraft Plane strikes deer on Kodiak runway, grounds Alaska Airlines flights Kodiak, Alaska (KTUU) - An Alaska Airlines flight hit at least two deer while landing at Kodiak Airport on Thursday morning, damaging the aircraft’s landing gear but causing no injuries, according to Tim Thompson, a spokesperson for the airline. The jet, a Boeing 737, was landing at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday when it encountered the deer during rollout. The plane was able to safely taxi to the terminal. No passengers or employees were hurt, but the collision caused damage to the plane’s landing gear, which will require repairs in Kodiak, Thompson said. As a result, all passenger flights to and from Kodiak were cancelled Thursday. The airline says passengers are being rebooked. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our guests’ understanding and patience,” Thompson wrote. https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/07/25/plane-strikes-deer-kodiak-runway-grounds-alaska-airlines-flights/ Aviation safety leaders to converge in Manila The Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025 (APASS 2025) is set to take place in Manila, the Philippines on September 10 and 11, bringing together more than 200 safety professionals from across various aviation verticals. The event, organised by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), will bear the theme, Safety Without Borders: Global Partnerships, Local Impact. Manila will host the Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025 Sessions will spotlight the most pressing safety challenges today in aviation, including the future of aviation safety leadership and organisational culture, crew performance and decision-making in dynamic environments, fatigue management for crew, maintenance and dispatch, and more. New features at APASS 2025 include dedicated Flight Operations and Cabin safety components, a joint Engineering/Airlines/MRO collaboration panel, and roundtables involving turboprop and regional jet operators, enhancing the practical value of the seminar to participants. The event is endorsed by the Flight Safety Foundation, supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Subhas Menon, director general of AAPA, said: “As the Asia-Pacific region continues its rapid growth trajectory, the need for shared strategies, transparency, and trust across borders becomes ever more important. APASS 2025 will convene leading voices from across the industry to drive meaningful, and objective improvements in safety performance.” https://www.ttgasia.com/2025/07/25/aviation-safety-leaders-to-converge-in-manila/ Russian Airline Angara Faces Scrutiny After Safety Violations and Fatal Antonov An-24 Crash, What You Need To Know A serious setback for Russian aviation has emerged following the tragic crash of an Antonov An-24 aircraft in the Far East of Russia, which resulted in the deaths of all 48 passengers and crew members aboard. Reports from the Izvestia news outlet reveal that a spot check carried out just one month before the fatal incident uncovered significant safety violations at Angara Airlines, the operator of the doomed flight. The plane, a Soviet-era Antonov An-24, which had been in service for 49 years, crashed as it was preparing to land, triggering widespread concerns about the safety of aging aircraft in Russia’s fleet. Experts have raised alarms over the viability of these outdated planes, especially in light of Western sanctions that have limited Russia’s access to essential investment and spare parts for maintenance. Angara Airlines Faces Increased Scrutiny from Regulators In response to the findings, the Russian Ministry of Transport has announced that it will launch a thorough investigation into Angara Airlines’ compliance with federal aviation regulations. This move comes after serious concerns were raised by the June inspection, which had led to the temporary grounding of eight of Angara’s planes. The investigation aims to determine if the airline is adhering to the safety protocols required for its operations, especially after the disturbing revelations of maintenance lapses. A Closer Look at the Inspection Findings According to documents obtained by Izvestia, the June spot check uncovered serious issues with the servicing of Angara’s planes. Specifically, inspectors noted discrepancies between the airline’s documentation and the actual work performed on the aircraft. In some instances, it appeared that planes had been serviced by staff members who were not even working on the relevant days, a clear violation of standard safety procedures. Additionally, key pieces of testing equipment, which are necessary for checking the aircraft’s control panels, were not available for use, even though records suggested that the equipment had been used. Further concerns were raised about the airline’s staff qualifications. Some personnel were found to be working without the required qualifications to carry out critical maintenance tasks, further exacerbating the safety risks. The inspection also found that Angara’s maintenance teams were not following standard servicing protocols, leading to concerns about the airline’s overall approach to aircraft safety. Technical Failures and Pilot Error: The Two Main Theories Behind the Crash In the wake of the crash, Vasily Orlov, the governor of the Amur region, stated that investigators were focusing on two primary theories regarding the cause of the incident: technical failure and pilot error. The plane’s black boxes have been recovered and sent to Moscow for detailed analysis, which will provide crucial information to help determine the exact cause of the crash. The Antonov An-24, an aircraft dating back to the Soviet era, has been criticized for its outdated technology and limited access to modern parts due to international sanctions. As Russia continues to rely on aging fleets like the Antonov for regional flights, there are growing concerns about the long-term safety of these planes, particularly when they are not properly maintained. Impact on Russian Business Travel and Tourism For business travelers and tourists alike, this incident raises critical questions about the safety standards of airlines operating in Russia, especially those relying on older Soviet-era aircraft. Business travelers who frequently fly within Russia or to regional destinations may find themselves questioning the reliability of such carriers, especially if they are operating planes that have been flagged for safety concerns. For international tourists planning to visit Russia, this tragedy may serve as a reminder to prioritize safety when booking flights. Although there are many reputable airlines operating in Russia, travelers should stay informed about the condition of the aircraft they will be flying on, particularly when flying with regional carriers. Quick Travel Tips for Tourists and Business Travelers in Russia: • Research Your Airline: Before booking, make sure to check the airline’s safety record and maintenance protocols. • Consider Alternative Routes: If flying within Russia, consider using larger, more modern airlines with better safety records. • Stay Informed: Keep track of any updates regarding airlines’ safety measures and potential regulatory actions taken by aviation authorities. • Contact Travel Agencies: Use reputable travel agencies that can offer advice on safe flights and reliable airlines. Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Future of Russian Aviation The deadly crash of the Antonov An-24 and the subsequent revelations of safety violations have cast a long shadow over the future of regional aviation in Russia. While the investigation continues, it is clear that Angara Airlines, along with other carriers operating similar outdated aircraft, will face increased scrutiny in the coming months. The Russian government has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that aviation safety standards are enforced more rigorously, especially when dealing with older planes that may pose significant risks to passengers. As Russian airlines continue to operate under the constraints of Western sanctions, the future of aviation in the region will likely depend on how the government addresses these safety concerns. For travelers, especially those with business in Russia, this is a wake-up call to stay vigilant when it comes to flight safety. Hopefully, this tragic incident will serve as a catalyst for improving the overall safety and reliability of the Russian aviation industry, making it safer for both tourists and business professionals alike. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/russian-airline-angara-faces-scrutiny-after-safety-violations-and-fatal-antonov-an-24-crash-what-you-need-to-know/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS . EAA AirVenture Oshkosh - July 21 - 27, 2025 . Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection, and Investigation, 5 to 7 August 2025 Woburn MA 01801 USA. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines . 2025 PROS IOSA SUMMIT - SEPT 10-11 - Denver, CO · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . 2025 NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown; Monday, Oct. 13 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Las Vegas, NV . 2025 NBAA National Safety Forum, Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Wednesday, Oct. 15; Las Vegas, NV . Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC™) - 2025 – October 27-29th (Omaha, Nebraska) . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA Curt Lewis