Flight Safety Information - July 29, 2025 No. 150 In This Issue : Incident: Uzbekistan B763 near Istanbul on Jul 28th 2025, cabin pressure problems : Incident: Delta B763 near Goose Bay on Jul 22nd 2025, burning electrical smell in cabin : Incident: SAS A333 near Edinburgh on Jul 27th 2025, down to one main electrical generator : Boeing 737-8JP (WL) - loss in cabin pressure (Mexico) : ‘They’re endangering themselves’: Aviation expert breaks down footage of emergency flight evacuation at DIA : Remember the woman who tried to exit the plane while it was in the air? Here's where things are now : Passengers were stranded for 17 hours because two people misbehaved : Man sentenced for illegally boarding American flight after attempting to bribe security : United Airlines Pilots Fight for Survival, Declare Mayday After Devastating Engine Failure What You Need To Know : Families of Flight 5342 crash victims demand accountability and change in air safety : Polaris Aero Adds AI to Vocus Safety Platform : Insurance industry faces fallout from Russian aircraft seizures : Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to step up hiring more pilots from mainland China : These are the 10 scariest airports in the world — avoid them if you scare easily : Results are in: Find out which U.S. airline(s) ranked among the world's top 10 worst airlines so far in 2025 : Southwest Airlines Has Long Refused to Fly to Canada : Hackers paralyze Russia’s largest airline : Florida's Spirit Airlines to furlough more than 250 pilots at budget airline. What to know : Some 787 ram air turbine fittings could have unapproved titanium: FAA : Calendar of Events Incident: Uzbekistan B763 near Istanbul on Jul 28th 2025, cabin pressure problems An Uzbekistan Airways Boeing 767-300, registration UK67003 performing flight HY-272 from Istanbul (Turkey) to Tashkent (Uzbekistan), was enroute at FL350 about 270nm east of Istanbul when the crew decided to return to Istanbul and initiated a rapid descent due to problems with the cabin pressure. The aircraft entered a hold near Ankara (Turkey), then carried on to Istanbul and landed safely back on Istanbul's runway 35R about 100 minutes after leaving FL350. The airline indicated the aircraft returned to Istanbul due to technical malfunction. A replacement aircraft will take the passengers to Taskent the following day as flight HY-8272. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Istanbul about 5 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ae3816&opt=0 Incident: Delta B763 near Goose Bay on Jul 22nd 2025, burning electrical smell in cabin A Delta Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration N1200K performing flight DL-245 from Catania (Italy) to New York JFK,NY (USA), was enroute at FL380 about 220nm east of Goose Bay,NL (Canada) when flight attendants informed the flight crew about a burning electrical smell in the aft cabin. The crew diverted the aircraft to Goose Bay for a safe landing on runway 08 about 40 minutes later. The Canadian TSB reported maintenance inspected the aircraft and replaced number 4 and number 5 galley ovens. The occurrence aircraft positioned to JFK the following day. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ae34fc&opt=0 Incident: SAS A333 near Edinburgh on Jul 27th 2025, down to one main electrical generator A SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration LN-RKM performing flight SK-910 (dep Jul 26th) from Newark,NJ (USA) to Copenhagen (Denmark), was enroute at FL400 about 170nm northwest of Edinburg,SC (UK) when the crew declared emergency and diverted to Edinburgh due to the failure of another electrical generator, so that only one (main) generator remained online. The aircraft landed safely on Edinburgh's runway 24 about 35 minutes later. A passenger reported the crew announced in Newark, that they had problems with the APU. In flight the crew announced that two of the four generators on board had failed prompting the diversion to Edinburgh. The A330-300 has one engine driven generator (IDG) per engine, the APU, a backup hydraulic emergency generator and the RAM Air Turbine (RAT). The aircraft remained on the ground in Edinburgh about 33 hours, then positioned to Copenhagen as flight SK-9240. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ae2920&opt=0 Boeing 737-8JP (WL) - loss in cabin pressure (Mexico) Date: Monday 28 July 2025 Time: 08:10 Type: Boeing 737-8JP (WL) Owner/operator: Aeromexico Registration: XA-PPP MSN: 39018/4289 Year of manufacture: 2012 Engine model: CFMI CFM56-7B Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Over the state of Hidalgo - Mexico Phase: Initial climb Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Mexico City-Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX/MMMX) Destination airport: Mexicali Airport (MXL/MMML) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Aeromexico Flight 190, a Boeing 737-800, from Mexico City to Mexicali suffered from a failure in the pressurization system causing a loss in cabin pressure, the aircraft returned and landed safely in Mexico City, where passengers where transferred to another aircraft to continue the journey. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/530826 ‘They’re endangering themselves’: Aviation expert breaks down footage of emergency flight evacuation at DIA DENVER (KDVR) — New video shows the chaos following an emergency evacuation on an American Airlines plane at Denver International Airport on Saturday. The plane was taking off around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday when people on board realized something had gone wrong with the Boeing 737 Max. Frontier flight arriving at DIA evacuated for ‘unfounded’ threat: Officials Footage captures the scary moments that unfolded from inside and outside the plane as passengers and crew members had to quickly evacuate. You can see people using emergency slides, running off with their luggage, as flames and smoke could be seen coming from below the aircraft. “They’re endangering themselves,” said aviation expert Steve Cowell. “They’re endangering the lives of the other passengers. At best, they’re going to stumble out of that airplane and not as quickly as they would have if they didn’t have that carry-on luggage. They’re possibly going to get injured. They are impeding the evacuation because we don’t know if that airplane is going to be fully engulfed in flames.” Cowell brought up the 1983 Air Canada Flight 797, when an in-flight fire led to an emergency plane landing. He tells FOX31 it took less than 90 seconds after touchdown for that plane to be engulfed in flames, killing 23 people. “Anything that you can do to get off that airplane, get away from that airplane as far as you can after you evacuate,” Cowell said. “You’re going to help save your life, and you’re going to help save the lives of those around you.” According to American Airlines, 173 passengers and six crew members evacuated American Airlines Flight 3023 on Saturday after a landing gear incident during departure. Advertisement DIA: American Airlines flight stopped on runway due to ‘maintenance issue,’ says airline company The company says the aircraft experienced a maintenance issue involving a tire. Denver Fire extinguished the fire, and one passenger was taken to the hospital with a minor injury. “These are very, very dangerous situations in general when a tire blowout happens,” Podhurst Orseck Aviation Attorney Pablo Rojas said. “The bottom line is these things are not supposed to happen. I mean, we represented victims in a similar crash because when you board an aircraft, this should not be in the cards.” The Federal Aviation Administration is continuing to investigate the situation. “If a 150,000 to 175,000 pound plane is pounding the runway on a landing all the time, it’s going to wear every single time,” Cowell said. “ So you’re always looking at wheels and tires, what they’re going to be doing.” ‘Loud boom’: Passenger describes evacuations after plane catches fire during takeoff Cowell tells FOX31 every aspect of this incident will be investigated, from looking into when the tires were last changed to even the behavior during the evacuation. “They’re going to be looking at how the flight attendants directed the evacuation, the communication between the pilots and the flight attendants,” Cowell said. “All of this for the sake of improving what may or may not happen next time.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/endangering-themselves-aviation-expert-breaks-224953775.html Remember the woman who tried to exit the plane while it was in the air? Here's where things are now When a passenger tried to open a plane door mid-flight, the crew sprang into action — here’s what really happens in situations like this. Flying to your destination can still be an affordable option with a little planning. It’s one of the most jarring situations a passenger can witness — and one that’s been making headlines lately: What actually happens when someone tries to open an airplane door while the flight is still in the air? According to aviation safety officials, the answer is both reassuring and sobering. The doors on a commercial jet can’t actually be opened at altitude because they’re designed to seal against the cabin pressure. But that doesn’t mean the attempt itself isn’t dangerous — or illegal. That’s exactly what happened in May, when a woman on a Southwest Airlines flight allegedly tried to open the rear exit door mid-flight, screaming that she was going to leave the plane. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, she reportedly kicked, spat at, and fought crew members as they tried to restrain her, even breaking through her wrist restraints at one point. It might sound like something out of a movie, but incidents like this are more common than you’d think — and the consequences are serious. Interfering with flight crew is a federal crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. In this case, the pilot diverted the flight to Oklahoma City, where police met the plane and removed the woman. She now faces federal charges. For crews, the priority is always to keep passengers calm and safe while handling the disruptive individual as discreetly as possible. And while the plane’s door was never actually at risk of opening midair, the chaos and danger of the situation made decisive action necessary. Unpleasant to think about? Definitely. But for airline crews trained to manage emergencies at 35,000 feet, it’s just another part of the job — and one they’re ready to handle at a moment’s notice. https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/remember-the-woman-who-tried-to-exit-the-plane-while-it-was-in-the-air-heres-where-things-are-now-150006591.html Passengers were stranded for 17 hours because two people misbehaved The airport looked like “a war zone” A TUI plane was diverted due to the behavior of two passengers A flight was recently diverted because two entitled passengers refused to follow well-known rules. TUI Airways flight BY49 was headed from Cancun, Mexico, to Gatwick Airport in London. Instead, a plane full of miserable people was stranded for over 17 hours in Maine. Before diverting to Bangor International Airport, the captain announced that two passengers had been apprehended smoking in the lavatory. Despite this, it sounds like he was inclined to fly to London as planned. The captain warned them Embarking a plane in Istanbul, Turkey The captain issued a warning According to People, the captain issued a warning to the smokers, announcing that if the behavior continued, he would be forced to divert the aircraft and land. With so much at stake, one might assume that the pair would refrain from further breaking the rules. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. Inside Edition reports that the smokers, a man and a woman, proceeded to get into a physical fight. The news organization interviewed Terry Lawrance, a passenger on the plane, who said the woman was bleeding after the altercation. The situation got worse TUI Airplane At Airport The Netherlands 29-8-2024 The passengers sat on the tarmac before being forced to spend the night in Maine The plane was subsequently diverted, and the pair were taken into custody upon landing in Maine. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t end there. The other passengers were initially stuck on the tarmac for five hours, and then things got worse. The passengers were forced to spend the night at the airport. Cots were brought in but there weren’t enough to go around. Lawrence said, “It was a free-for-all.” Many people were left with nowhere to sleep. It looked like a “war zone” In photos Lawrence shared with Inside Edition, passengers are seen packed into the cots like sardines. TUI explained to People that they were unable to let the passengers leave the terminal due to immigration laws. Lawrence described the scene as a “war zone,” and said they didn’t even have access to their luggage since it was still on the plane. After a 17-hour ordeal, the flight eventually took off for London, and the passengers finally arrived at their original destination. https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/passengers-were-stranded-for-17-hours-because-two-people-misbehaved-034955779.html Man sentenced for illegally boarding American flight after attempting to bribe security The flight was canceled due to his bizarre behavior A man was sentenced today for attempting to bribe a security guard with $50 before illegally boarding a plane at Philadelphia International Airport. The incident occurred on June 26, 2024, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. It was just after midnight when Jonathan “Jon” Beaulieu approached a security guard near the exit lane, stating he had left his phone inside the airport. Security is there for a reason. The guard contacted the police to report the lost item. The dispatcher informed the guard that, unfortunately, the police were unable to hunt for Beulieu’s phone. At that point, he began to stroll into the airport, despite the security guard's repeated warnings that he did not have permission to enter. Beaulieu tried a new tactic and placed a $50 bill on the officer’s desk. “Will this get me into the airport?” he asked. The guard wasn’t interested in the bribe. Nevertheless, Beauieu entered the airport as the guard was calling the police. Security personnel began scouring the airport’s security footage and spotted Beauliu boarding an American Airlines plane at Gate A-20. Police were dispatched to the gate, but when they arrived, the doors were shut, and the plane was pulling away. The plane returned to the gate The police alerted the captain, who returned the plane to the gate. All passengers, including Beauliu, were forced to deboard the plane. He was promptly taken into custody. Due to obvious security concerns connected with an unscreened passenger, the flight had to be cancelled so the plane could be thoroughly searched. American Airlines stated that the flight cancellation cost them $59,143. Today, Beauliu was ordered to repay the amount in restitution. He was also sentenced to a year’s probation. https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/man-sentenced-for-illegally-boarding-american-flight-after-attempting-to-bribe-security-031338450.html United Airlines Pilots Fight for Survival, Declare Mayday After Devastating Engine Failure What You Need To Know A hair raising incident occurred on July 25 when a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to Munich from Newark declared “MAYDAY” after a major engine malfunction only moments after lifting off. The pilots responded quickly, using their instinct and training, as well as emergency protocols that included a fuel dump to make sure they had a safe return to Washington Dulles Airport. The dramatic scenes, captured on Flightradar24, shows the aircraft circling at 6,000 ft before landing safely. Let’s take a look at what happened on this perilous emergency and how the crew dealt with the crisis. The Crisis: A Mayday Call It was an ordinary flight for the day until disaster hit. The plane United Airlines flight UA108 left Washington Dulles International Airport on 5.40pm on July 25. But partway through the flight, the left engine of the Boeing 787-8 experienced a significant failure. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the pilots immediately declared a “MAYDAY” distress call, alerting air traffic control and everyone on board that there was a dire emergency to handle. The crew’s desperation could be heard in the two “MAYDAY” calls, informing both the airline and the passengers that the flight was in distress. Getting to the scene so quickly was the first piece of avoiding disaster. Fuel Dumping: A Lifesaving Procedure A fuel dump was one of the initial crew actions. Extremely rare as it may sound, fuel dumping is a standard emergency protocol for planes to take in the event of an engine failure, or when they desperately need to shed weight before making an emergency landing. Here, the plane had to fly back to Washington Dulles, soon after taking off. In order to safely land, they needed to burn off some of the fuel, as the aircraft was still too heavy to land without risk. The pilots could lose some weight from the aircraft by dumping fuel, and land safely without overstressing either the aircraft’s structure or the braking systems. What Happened Next? For minutes, the plane made a series of loops, some close in at nearly 6,000 feet and others as far out at 15 miles, carefully circling above the airport as they worked to stabilize it. Using this ripple technique, they were able to burn off excess fuel and bide themselves even more time before re-entering. The accuracy of the crew’s performance was amazing. Thanks to the pilot and crew remaining calm and professional in what was a life-threatening situation, all safety procedures were met. In collaboration with air traffic control, they geared up to return to the airfield. And after what seemed like an eternity, the Boeing 787-8 landed safely at Washington Dulles. The crew made this terrifying ordeal appear almost routine, and that was the secret of safe landing, and without injuries. The Importance of Quick Thinking In aviation, such emergencies are rare but not wholly rare. Pilots receive extensive training on how to handle engine failures, fuel dumps and other emergency situations. The quick and cool-headed response of the United Airlines crew is just one example of how essential that training is. When an engine fails shortly after takeoff, time becomes the most valuable commodity. Pilots have little time to react to save the passengers and themselves. The crew’s actions in this case were critical in starting emergency procedures, including the loss of fuel and numerous Maydays, to avoid catastrophe. Why It Matters: A Safety Lesson This serves as a frightening reminder of the security procedures used to keep flyers safe. There’s a reason planes like the Boeing 787-8 are designed with a bunch of engines built into its body — if one is no longer functioning, the others are there to keep it in the air. In addition, air traffic control, the flight crew and ground crew are all taught how to handle these emergencies and to make the situation safe. While the incident was ultimately resolved without incident, it is a valuable reminder on the importance of preparedness, communication and remaining calm under pressure. It’s an impressive demonstration of just how skilled and professional the crew on major airlines tend to be even under the most difficult circumstances. Safety First, Always If it hadn’t been for the quick thinking of the United Airlines crew and their speedy reaction, what could have been a tragedy was deftly managed and expertly handled. The loss of the engine was a significant problem but it could have ended much differently if not for the fast work and effective teamwork of the flight deck crew and controllers. The safe return to Dulles reminds us that due to the emergency requirements, and the professionalism of a pilots, Every day is a good day to be a pilot. It’s at times like this, though, when the power of the aviation industry’s safety culture becomes apparent, in prioritising safety of those in the air, no matter the difficulty. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/united-airlines-pilots-fight-for-survival-declare-mayday-after-devastating-engine-failure-what-you-need-to-know/ Families of Flight 5342 crash victims demand accountability and change in air safety WASHINGTON (WAVY) — It’s been nearly six months since an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board will begin a three-day investigative hearing outlining the details from the Jan 29 crash. Among those who perished in the Jan 29 crash were Peter and Donna Livingston and their two figure-skating daughters, Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11. The family was returning home from Wichita, Kansas, where the girls participated in an invite-only developmental camp that took place following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Feds vow to overhaul US air traffic control system while fixing problems at troubled Newark airport “This was a big deal,” said family member Amy Hunter. “For both girls to be selected to participate with the national team, it was a wonderful week for them.” “It was the culmination of a lot of dreams that they had as a family,” said family member Rachel Feres. Amy Hunter and Rachel Feres are Peter Livingston’s cousins. Rachel said Peter grew up “just through the woods” from her in northern Virginia. “He was the cool big cousin,” she said. “He taught me how to ice skate when I was little.” Peter played ice hockey growing up and it didn’t take long for him to get Everly and Alydia laced up and out on the ice. “I mean, they were waddling on land and on ice, they were itty bitty kiddos,” Rachel said. “He took a lot of joy in it, and he taught his daughters how to skate when they were very young because he wanted to share his passion with them.” “In the beginning, he was thrilled that his little girls would become hockey players,” Amy said. “But he married a brilliant, dynamic, very girly girl, lovely lady named Donna. And that was not in Donna’s plans.” “And he was this lovely girl-dad who got into all of the things around figure skating and supporting them with their outfits and their hair,” Rachel said. “It was just the sweetest, cutest thing.” Donna, a marketing executive at Comcast, and Peter, who worked in real estate, each had full-time jobs, but they always managed to put their girls first. “Both parents really committed themselves to what these little girls’ dreams were,” Amy said. “Both were able to give 100% to work and 100% to their children.” As Everyly and Alydia’s young careers began to blossom, they spent more time at Ashburn Ice House practicing and perfecting their craft. But even when the rink was closed, Peter made sure the girls had a place to skate. “He built actually an ice rink in his backyard,” said Rachel. “He called it the Livingston Ice Plex; he put it up every season.” Rachel and Amy said Peter’s world was his family, and that he continued to play ice hockey as an adult, but never let it interfere with the girls’ rigorous figure skating schedule. “And they lived a great, beautiful life,” Amy said. “You knew anytime they came into a room because they were loud, boisterous, lovely, happy, funny people.” Amy lives in northern California and says the last time she spoke to her cousin was about a week before the crash. “Peter reached out in mid-January about the LA fires,” Amy said. “I had previously been impacted by the fires in northern California, so he was just checking in.” She said they briefly talked about the Livingstons’ upcoming trip to Wichita. Both cousins said Peter was very active on social media and frequently posted updates about the girls’ careers. On January 26, just three days before the crash, Peter updated his profile picture on Facebook. It was Everly and Alydia posing together in front of the ice at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. What we know about the DC plane crash victims The Crash Rachel and Amy remember seeing the initial news reports on Jan 29 about a plane crash in Washington, D.C., but didn’t learn about their beloved cousin and his family until the following morning. “I woke up the next morning, and when I picked up my phone, I saw a message from my dad,” Rachel said. “It said, ‘call me right away, I love you.'” “My mom is who told me that next morning,” Amy said. “I basically caught the first plane back to Virginia to be with family and to help support them and do anything we can.” Saying the loss left a hole in the family would be an understatement. “This branch of the (family) tree is gone,” Rachel said. While trying to grieve and digest the heartbreaking loss, family members also began asking questions. “Everybody asked how could this happen?” said Rachel. “When you saw the footage of it on TV, it looked like terrorism at first,” she said. Call for Change In the days following the crash, Amy and Rachel began attending the NTSB family briefings to get a better understanding of exactly what happened and why. “As they were talking about these different details, questions started coming up like, why was there a training flight going right under the path of a commercial jet flying into the most restricted and secure airspace in the country?” Rachel said. As more unsettling details emerged, the families of those lost in the crash decided they needed to come together and take action. “We stood up in the room and said, ‘I think this is outrageous how this is managed, I’m going to call my Senator, and I hope the rest of you do as well,'” Rachel said. “And this is kind of the nexus of how our families came together in saying that something needs to change.” Rachel said the advocacy has been a “healing journey” for her and other family members, and it’s the best way to honor everyone lost on Jan. 29. It’s why 168 family members related to crash victims came together to write a letter to the Secretary of the Army earlier this month. In the letter, the families criticize Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for reaffirming “the Army’s troubling stance of refusing to engage with the families of Flight 5342,” during a June hearing before the Senate Committee on Armed Services regarding the crash. “These systems that are designed to keep us safe have gaps in them, and it takes something like this for people to look at those gaps and take them seriously,” Rachel said. “We have heard repeatedly that every regulation is written in blood.” In March, the NTSB released its preliminary report of the crash, which included a detailed timeline leading up to the moment of impact between the two aircraft. The report also included data regarding encounters between helicopters and commercial aircraft near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) between October 2021 and December 2024. The report stated there were a total of 944,179 flight operations during that time and that there were “15,214 occurrences between commercial airplanes and helicopters in which there was a lateral separation distance of less than 1 nautical mile (nm) and vertical separation of less than 400 ft.” The report also revealed “85 recorded events that involved a lateral separation less than 1,500 ft and vertical separation less than 200 ft.” “This was, unfortunately, an accident waiting to happen,” said Amy. “We’re looking at what the FAA did or didn’t do, what the Army did or didn’t do. What did the carriers know?” There is no justice in this case, but families want someone held accountable and, most importantly, they never want to see an accident like this happen again. Many families of those who died in the crash have already begun filing notice of claims against the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army. “Anyone who has spent any time in the District of Columbia will see helicopters flying at low levels, mostly over rivers,” said Justin Green, an aviation attorney and former military pilot. “So when the midair collision occurred, it kind of made sense in a real horrible way.” Green, a partner at the law firm Kreindler and Kreindler, represents 31 decedents from Flight 5342, including the Livingston family, and has filed 25 notices of claims against the FAA and Army. “We now know that there’s a long history of near mid-air collisions in the airspace right next to Reagan National Airport,” said Green. “I don’t think enough has been done until now to address those concerns.” Many of these concerns are expected to be outlined during the NTSB’s three-day investigative hearing, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. But those answers come at a cost for many family members still grieving unimaginable loss. “I think it’s going to be a gut punch, candidly,” said Rachel. “I’m so glad that we have as many family members as we do who are going and can be there to support each other and also bear witness to what comes out of these hearings.” https://www.wavy.com/news/investigative/families-of-flight-5342-crash-victims-demand-accountability-and-change-in-air-safety/ Polaris Aero Adds AI to Vocus Safety Platform Company says new features enable better cross-team coordination The VOCUS SMS AI Assistant suggests relevant taxonomy based on a user’s narrative—streamlining data entry and saving time. © Polaris Aero Polaris Aero has integrated artificial intelligence capabilities into its Vocus Safety Intelligence software, expanding the aviation safety platform with tools aimed at improving reporting accuracy, searchability, and cross-department collaboration. The latest updates to Vocus SMS include AI-assisted content search, automated policy and report generation, and smarter risk classification. According to Polaris, the enhancements help users save time while ensuring safety-critical information is easier to access and analyze. Key features include fast organization-wide search, guidance for documenting mission impact like delays or cancellations, and automated support for lessons-learned sharing. Chris Connor, Polaris Aero co-founder and CEO, said, “These new AI-powered tools are designed to save users time, reduce friction, and help teams focus on what really matters—making smarter, safer decisions before issues turn into incidents.” Robert Myrick, aviation safety and governance manager at Entergy and a long-time Vocus customer, said the new tools improve both speed and usability. “The AI tools are intuitive and effective,” he said. “They bring efficiency and speed to an already streamlined safety management system, saving us time on both data entry and retrieval of information.” Polaris said the new capabilities also support broader safety management efforts across uncrewed aircraft system operators, FBOs, and MRO facilities. Additional updates are planned for its other platforms: FlightRisk and GroundRisk. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2025-07-28/polaris-aero-adds-ai-vocus-safety-platform Insurance industry faces fallout from Russian aircraft seizures Several events trigger a complex series of claims Insurance industry faces fallout from Russian aircraft seizures The international insurance and reinsurance sectors remain exposed to significant uncertainty following the grounding of more than 400 leased aircraft and aviation-related assets in Russia, following sanctions imposed in early 2022. According to a post by WTW, these events have triggered a complex series of claims under contingent all risks and hull war insurance policies, many of which are governed by different legal jurisdictions. Among the key legal developments was a June 2025 ruling from the UK High Court, which found that the aircraft losses were covered under the contingent section of hull war policies. The case involved 147 aircraft and 16 engines, with an insured value of approximately US$4.5 billion, though settlements during the proceedings reduced the claims in question to around US$3 billion. The court found that the proximate cause of loss was the Russian legislation passed on March 10, 2022, which barred the export of aircraft and engines, effectively nationalising the assets. This finding helped resolve debate over the relevant date of loss, a central point for determining coverage under time-sensitive aviation insurance policies. While the ruling aligned with industry expectations that war policies would respond, it also confirmed that coverage would be subject to aggregate limits. Insurers involved in the proceedings may still appeal, particularly those whose liability exceeded applicable caps. Some lessors may also seek further redress depending on recovery outcomes, WTW said. The judgment has been closely watched by insurers, brokers and reinsurers due to its implications for both policy response and market practice, according to WTW. In the aftermath of the initial losses, insurers had already acted by withdrawing capacity and tightening terms. Confiscation and seizure sublimits were introduced or reduced, and “theft” aggregates have appeared in some all -policies to address potential grey areas in wording interpretation. Reinsurers are also reviewing exposures, especially under excess of loss treaties. While quota share reinsurance is expected to respond to the aircraft claims, excess layers may be affected by how the event is defined and the applicability of aggregation clauses. Some reinsurers may dispute their share of the loss, which could lead to further legal action and affect recoveries for primary insurers. The potential for cross-line exposure is also under review, as several carriers active in hull war are also exposed to aviation liability, general aviation, or all risks portfolios. This has led to broader underwriting caution across aviation classes, with implications for pricing and capacity. A separate UK legal case, set for trial in autumn 2026, will address whether lessors can access insurance policies held by Russian airlines and their reinsurers. The outcome may further influence the scope of recoveries and drive further shifts in wordings and market terms. As legal proceedings continue, WTW said insurers and reinsurers remain focused on contractual interpretation, aggregation clauses, and reinsurance structuring - factors that will shape the longer-term impact of the Russian aircraft losses on the global aviation insurance market. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/uk/news/breaking-news/insurance-industry-faces-fallout-from-russian-aircraft-seizures-544119.aspx Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to step up hiring more pilots from mainland China Carrier’s first batch of 30 mainland cadets has started flying after completing training Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will recruit more pilots from mainland China to diversify its workforce after the first batch of 30 cadets from across the border finished training and started flying. Chris Kempis, the airline’s director of flight operations, said on Monday that 60 mainland cadets from a pool of more than 750 applicants had entered its pilot programme since its expansion in 2023. Among the first group of mainland recruits, 30 have already qualified as second officers after completing training in Australia. Other cadets are currently undergoing training in the United States. “We are open to many more [cadets] in the future, and we look forward to that,” Kempis said, highlighting the cadet scheme’s ongoing role as a key source of pilots. He said that the programme had trained more than 1,100 pilots since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cathay currently employs 3,200 pilots, a 23 per cent jump from 2,600 in February, which is more than what it immediately needed, Kempis said. He said the group had more than 500 pilots with its budget carrier HK Express. “Within China, Hong Kong is where we look primarily for our talent source ... we have absolutely no particular quota limit or anything like that. We work purely on what talent is available for us to start the course,” he said. Among the new second officers is Robert Sun, 30, who started flying in April. Sun, from northern China, was a 2017 electrical and computer engineering graduate from Virginia Tech in the US. The father of two had previously worked as a mechanic at Cathay’s Beijing office for five years. “The first time I was in the cockpit alone while the other pilots [were] going to the lavatory, that was really stressful for me for the first few minutes,” Sun said. “We have really robust training ... I started to get used to the situation and actually focused on monitoring the aircraft to make sure everything goes smoothly.” Sun said he had yet to experience culture shock at his workplace. “Crew members come from all over the world, and everyone is accustomed to working with people from different regions. Through conversations, I’ve realised that we are not so different,” he said. Luo Lian, 30, from Heilongjiang, developed a strong interest in aviation while studying international journalism at Baptist University between 2012 and 2016. She gave up postgraduate studies in the US to join a Middle East airline as a cabin crew member before becoming a Cathay pilot. “I officially began operating flights in May this year. My first flight was to Toronto,” she said. “I still vividly remember the moment I fastened my seat belt as the aircraft turned onto the runway and began accelerating. At that very moment, I felt an overwhelming joy and fulfilment because my dream came true.” Joe Fung, Cathay’s flying training manager, said newly graduated second officers were primarily assigned to long-haul routes to help monitor aircraft systems and communication. He added that pilots do not struggle with communication issues as they primarily spoke in English. Kempis also highlighted that the carrier maintained standardised pay for all pilots regardless of origin. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3319881/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-step-hiring-more-pilots-mainland-china These are the 10 scariest airports in the world — avoid them if you scare easily Find out why these airports are known to be the most dangerous (and sometimes deadliest) in the world and where they are located. One of them being in France! Not all airports are created equally - these aiports are known- to be the deadlist and scariest. Flying can already feel stressful, but some airports take things to a whole new level. Whether it’s a runway perched on a cliff, tucked into a mountain valley, or crossing a busy city road, certain airports are known for hair-raising landings and tricky takeoffs. If you love traveling but don’t love turbulence or sharp descents, you’ll want to know about these airports. Below, we’ll walk you through 10 of the scariest airports in the world and what makes them so challenging for pilots and passengers. 1. Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal Located in Lukla at 9,325 feet above sea level, Tenzing-Hillary Airport is often called the gateway to Mount Everest. The runway here is extremely short, just over 1,700 feet long, and has a steep slope. A narrow runway at an airport surround by mountains Tenzing-Hillary Airport is often called the gateway to Mount Everest One end of the runway drops off into a valley while the other ends at a mountain wall, leaving no room for error. To make it more difficult, weather conditions in the Himalayas can change quickly, often bringing low visibility and strong winds. 2. Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten You may have seen photos of this one already. Princess Juliana Airport is famous for its beachside approach. Planes come in low over Maho Beach, sometimes as low as 60 feet over the heads of sunbathers, before touching down on the short 7,150-foot runway. Gusty trade winds and the need for precision on approach make this airport a challenge even for experienced pilots. 3. Paro Airport, Bhutan Only a handful of pilots are certified to land at Bhutan’s Paro Airport. This small airstrip is nestled deep in the Himalayan mountains at 7,300 feet above sea level. Monks board a plane at Paro airport Landing at Paro airport requires sharp turns through narrow valleys Landing here requires sharp turns through narrow valleys and careful navigation of surrounding peaks. Turbulence and strong winds are common, making each arrival feel like a white-knuckle experience. 4. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba Saba, a small Caribbean island, is home to Juancho Airport, which boasts the shortest commercial runway in the world. Airport with a very short runway surround by the ocean Measuring just 1,300 feet, the runway is flanked by cliffs on both sides and ends in the ocean. Measuring just 1,300 feet, the runway is flanked by cliffs on both sides and ends in the ocean. Pilots have to be exceptionally precise, and only smaller propeller planes are allowed to operate here. 5. Madeira Airport, Portugal Madeira Airport, also called Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, sits between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. When it first opened, its short runway was involved in a tragic accident that killed 131 people. 2 planes face each other on a runway When it first opened, its short runway was involved in a tragic accident that killed 131 people. The runway has since been extended with a platform supported by columns, but winds and turbulence around the island still make for a difficult landing. 6. Courchevel Altiport, France High up in the French Alps, Courchevel Airport caters mostly to skiers. At just over 1,700 feet long, the runway is extremely short and even has a noticeable uphill slope to help planes stop. a short runway surrounded by snow and mountains Snow, ice, and unpredictable winds add to the difficulty of maneuvering this runway Snow, ice, and unpredictable winds add to the difficulty. It’s no wonder this airport is reserved for only the most experienced mountain pilots. 7. Toncontín International Airport, Honduras Toncontín in Tegucigalpa is one of the world’s most notoriously difficult airports. The runway is short and surrounded by mountains, requiring pilots to make a steep bank just before landing. a plane prepares for landing on a runway There have been a number of accidents at Toncontín International Weather often makes conditions worse. There have been a number of accidents here, including a 2008 crash that killed several people. 8. Ice Runway, Antarctica Antarctica’s Ice Runway serves McMurdo Station and is built entirely on thick ice. Even large aircraft like C-17s land here, but it’s not easy. a plane stands on ice while being fueled up A plane on Antarctica’s Ice Runway is fueled up - on thick ice Advertisement Pilots have to constantly check whether the ice is strong enough to hold the plane’s weight, and the harsh weather in Antarctica can create poor visibility and dangerous conditions. 9. Barra Airport, Scotland Barra Airport in the Outer Hebrides is unique. It’s the only airport in the world where scheduled flights land directly on a beach. Wooden poles mark the three runways, which are completely submerged at high tide. A small plane lands on a beach Barra airport is the only airport in the world where scheduled flights land directly on a beach. Timing is everything when you’re flying to Barra, and windy conditions often complicate things further. 10. Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar At Gibraltar Airport, planes land on a runway that crosses the territory’s main road. Traffic is stopped with barriers each time a plane arrives or departs. what looks like road with traffic stops intersects with a runway Planes land on a runway that actually crosses the territory’s main road. This setup is unusual and demands precise coordination. Pilots also have to contend with strong crosswinds due to the nearby Rock of Gibraltar. Final Thoughts If you’re an adventurous traveler, flying into one of these airports can be an unforgettable experience. While these airports have earned their reputations as some of the scariest in the world, keep in mind that safety is always the top priority. Pilots who fly into these destinations undergo special training to make sure each landing and takeoff goes as smoothly as possible. So the next time you book a trip and see one of these airports on your itinerary, take a deep breath, trust your crew, and enjoy the view, even if your knuckles turn a little white along the way. https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/these-are-the-10-scariest-airports-in-the-world--avoid-them-if-you-scare-easily-155554958.html Results are in: Find out which U.S. airline(s) ranked among the world's top 10 worst airlines so far in 2025 Curious which U.S. airlines landed on the world’s worst list? Here’s what you need to know about Spirit, Frontier, and what that means for your next trip. When planning your next trip, you probably spend time comparing ticket prices, schedules, and maybe even looking up reviews. But how often do you check how airlines rank globally? Every year, different organizations and travel experts release lists of the best and worst airlines around the world based on performance, service, and passenger experience. If you’ve ever wondered which U.S. airlines find themselves on the wrong end of these rankings, here’s what you need to know. Why these rankings matter Airline rankings are more than just bragging rights. They often reflect actual passenger experience, punctuality, handling of delays, and customer service. For frequent travelers, knowing which airlines consistently underperform can help you make better choices and avoid unnecessary headaches on your journey. Airplane wing flying above the clouds during daylight A view from the window seat as a U.S. airline flies high above the clouds. Two recent studies, one from AirHelp in 2024 and another compiled from global traveler feedback in 2023, highlight which airlines scored the lowest worldwide — and unfortunately, a few U.S. carriers made the list. The U.S. airlines that made the worst list Globally, airlines like IndiGo, Lion Air, and Flydubai repeatedly showed up at the bottom of the rankings. But when you focus on U.S.-based carriers, two names stood out: Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. These two U.S. airlines often appear on lists of the world’s worst, not just America’s worst, mainly because of their ultra-low-cost business models combined with poor customer satisfaction scores. In fact, Spirit Airlines was named one of the worst airlines in the world in multiple rankings, with Frontier not far behind. Why Spirit Airlines ranks so low Spirit Airlines is a budget carrier that promises low base fares, but many travelers complain that it comes at a significant cost to comfort and service. Seats are among the tightest in the industry; there are no complimentary drinks or snacks, and nearly everything comes with an extra fee, from bringing a carry-on to choosing your seat. While travelers might expect fewer perks from a budget airline, Spirit often receives criticism for poor handling of delays and cancellations. Passengers have reported difficulties reaching customer service when flights are disrupted. These issues have pushed Spirit into the global bottom ten on several occasions. Why Frontier Airlines is often listed among the worst Frontier Airlines shares a similar ultra-low-cost model. Tickets can be very affordable, but like Spirit, Frontier charges for most extras, and the seats offer very little in terms of space or comfort. Many passengers also report a lack of transparency with fees, which can lead to unpleasant surprises at the airport. Frontier’s operational performance has also been questioned. Delays, cancellations, and inconsistent customer service have all contributed to its negative reputation, placing it among the least-favored airlines globally. How U.S. airlines compare globally It’s worth noting that most major U.S. carriers perform far better than Spirit and Frontier when compared internationally. Airlines like Delta, Alaska, and JetBlue routinely score higher in global rankings thanks to better on-time performance, more reliable service, and higher passenger satisfaction. Even budget-friendly Southwest often outperforms its peers by offering no-charge checked bags and a more consistent experience. While some budget carriers rank low on service and reliability, there are also U.S. airlines with strong safety records you can feel confident flying with if safety is your top priority. That said, when the competition includes global leaders like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates — which dominate the top of these rankings — even some of the best U.S. airlines don’t crack the world’s top 10. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier serve an important niche: they make air travel accessible and affordable. But this comes with trade-offs. The low base fares depend on charging for almost everything beyond the seat itself, and cost-cutting often shows up in customer service and operational reliability. For occasional travelers on a tight budget, these airlines can make sense if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. But if comfort, reliability, and service matter more to you, you might want to consider paying a bit more for a higher-ranked airline. Tips for flying on lower-ranked airlines If you find yourself booking a flight with a budget carrier like Spirit or Frontier, here are some ways to make the experience more manageable: Read the fine print about fees before you book. Know exactly what’s included and what will cost extra. Prepare for discomfort. Seats on budget carriers can be less comfortable, so pack a travel blanket and pillow set to make the flight more pleasant. Since flying budget carriers often means full flights and less predictability, you might even find yourself wondering about spotting an air marshal on your flight if things get tense. And if comfort is important to you but upgrading isn’t an option, these tips can help you sleep better on long-haul flights, even when flying with budget airlines. What travelers can learn Passengers waiting in line at airport check-in counters with luggage Long lines at airport check-in counters are a common frustration for travelers Seeing Spirit and Frontier on lists of the world’s worst airlines doesn’t mean you should never fly them. It just means you need to adjust your expectations and prepare accordingly. If price is your top priority and you don’t mind sacrificing comfort and extras, these airlines can still get you where you need to go. But if you want a smoother experience, more reliability, and better service, it might be worth comparing fares with mid-tier or full-service airlines. In summary Every year, rankings of the best and worst airlines remind travelers that not all carriers are created equal. In recent global rankings, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines both landed in the bottom ten, largely because of poor customer satisfaction, added fees, and inconsistent service. That doesn’t mean you can’t fly them — just that you should know what to expect. For budget-conscious travelers who can pack light and manage without extras, these airlines can still be a good choice. But if reliability and comfort are more important, you may want to spend a little more for a better-ranked airline. https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/find-out-which-us-airlines-ranked-among-the-worlds-top-10-worst-airlines-155502977.html Southwest Airlines Has Long Refused to Fly to Canada Southwest Airlines is one of the largest and most recognizable airlines in the United States, competing with Delta, United, and American in a number of key metrics. However, there is one somewhat surprising way Southwest has never even tried to compete with the other three major airlines. While Southwest Airlines offers flights to more than 100 destinations across the United States – including Hawaii – as well as international locations like Aruba, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Mexico, there is one surprising location that Southwest does not service: Canada. While American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Alaska all fly to Canada, Southwest Airlines has long resisted adding flights to any Canadian city. It's a somewhat surprising move for an airline of its size and notoriety, but there are reasons for the decision. As Aaron Bailey of Simple Flying points out, flights to Canada are known for being expensive due in part to high airport taxes, which could play into Southwest's decision to stay away, given that it has long been more of a budget airline compared to many of its competitors. However, there are other reasons for the decision, as Bailey explains, including Southwest's unique business model. While most major carriers use a hub-and-spoke model for their flights, which connects locations through central hubs, Southwest Airlines uses a point-to-point system, connecting many locations directly. Canadian destinations might not make sense in this model, especially given the cost. Other reasons, as Bailey explains, are Southwest Airlines' lack of ground partners in Canada and its inability to accept foreign currencies like the Canadian dollar. Southwest has been making some rather significant changes lately as the airline looks to rebrand and establish a new identity, so there's always a chance that the airline decides to add flights to Canada at some point in the future. However, for the past several decades, it has flatly refused to move in that direction. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/southwest-airlines-long-refused-fly-063058772.html Hackers paralyze Russia’s largest airline Aeroflot has not confirmed whether it is the victim of a cyberattack A hacking group linked to Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that has crippled Russia’s flagship airline, leading to travel chaos. Aeroflot, which is in the top 20 airlines worldwide by passenger numbers, said it had experienced disruption to its electronic systems, forcing it to delay and cancel dozens of flights. The Silent Crow and Cyber Partisans hacker groups claim to have been lurking in Aeroflot’s systems for a year and have now carried out a “large-scale operation” that led to the “complete compromise and destruction” of Aeroflot’s internal IT infrastructure. “Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!” said the statement, linking the cyberattack to the war. In a rare admission of vulnerability, the Kremlin said reports of a cyberattack against Aeroflot were “worrying” and said it was waiting for further information. The hackers claimed on Telegram that they had infiltrated Aeroflot’s computer network one year ago, allowing them to destroy 7,000 physical and virtual servers. They claim to have stolen flight history databases, hacked the personal computers of employees, and “copied data from wiretapping servers”, amounting to 12TB of data. “All these resources are now inaccessible or destroyed, restoration will require, possibly, tens of millions of dollars. The damage is strategic,” the Silent Crow said in a statement published on Telegram. Aeroflot has not confirmed whether it is the victim of a cyberattack, saying in a statement that “specialists are currently working to minimise the impact on the flight schedule and to restore normal service operations”. On Telegram, it listed more than 40 cancelled flights to destinations across Russia, as well as to the Belarusian capital Minsk and the Armenian capital Yerevan. In 2024, passenger traffic of the Aeroflot Group reached 55.3 million passengers, according to the airline’s website. Travel chaos ensued as many flights were delayed or cancelled It comes at a time when Russian tourists are flocking back to Europe in their droves, despite the continent’s hardline stance supporting Ukraine. Hotel stays by Russians in Italy and France surged by more than 19 per cent in the past year, which Ukrainian diplomats branded “disturbing” and a security risk. The Silent Crow hackers previously claimed responsibility for hacking Russia’s real estate agency, Rosreestr, which is responsible for managing property and land records. The group created a Telegram channel in December to announce the breach, releasing a portion of a database containing names, dates, phone numbers and email addresses of Russian citizens. The leak was later confirmed by Russian investigative journalists from the Agentstvo news outlet, though Rosreestr denied its systems were breached. Silent Crow’s anonymity Unlike known Ukrainian hacktivist groups like the Ukrainian Cyber Alliance or IT Army, which openly align with Ukraine’s interests and coordinate with its government, Silent Crow’s anonymity and lack of prior activity had made attribution more difficult. Following the cyberattack against Russia’s real estate database, there was no evidence linking the Silent Crows to Ukraine. However, the attack in December came just weeks after a Russian cyberattack targeted dozens of Ukrainian databases. The IT Army of Ukraine says it aligns with the Ukrainian government, saying it aims to bring Kyiv’s victory closer “by exhausting the economies of aggressor countries, disrupting the work of important financial, infrastructure, government services and the activities of large taxpayers”. Earlier this year, the IT Army claimed responsibility for hacking nearly 50 media websites in Kursk, which was invaded by the Ukrainian army last August. It also claimed responsibility for disruption to a transport payment app in St Petersburg, knocking the service online. “Each day brings new goals, new victories,” the group said. “We will carry our flag to the end.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/hackers-paralyse-russia-largest-airline-113716571.html Florida's Spirit Airlines to furlough more than 250 pilots at budget airline. What to know Spirit Airlines plans to furlough nearly 300 pilots later this year, the air travel news site AirlineGeeks reported July 28. “We are taking necessary steps to ensure we operate as efficiently as possible as part of our efforts to return to profitability,” the Florida-based budget airline said in an emailed statement. “Among these steps, we have made the difficult decision to furlough approximately 270 pilots, effective Nov. 1, 2025, to better align staffing with our flight schedule. "We recognize the weight of this decision and are committed to treating all affected team members with compassion and respect during this process.” There is no word yet on when the furloughs will end, but spokesperson Michael Lopardi said in an email that the furlough "does not affect our service (current or planned) to Florida airports." According to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALOPA), Spirit currently has 3,218 active pilots and 164 furloughed pilots, flying approximately 550 daily flights to over 77 destinations throughout the U.S., Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. The news comes as Spirit recently announced new flights between Fort Lauderdale and Macon, Georgia and new service to Key West. Spirit struggling out of bankruptcy This is the latest Spirit furlough in a string of them. Spirit furloughed 186 pilots in September 2024 and about 330 in January, USA TODAY reported, and 250-350 employees in May per KWCH.com. The ultra-low-cost airline emerged from bankruptcy earlier this year and shook up its board as it tries to recover from the collapse of a planned $3.8 billion merger deal with JetBlue that was scrapped in 2024 after the U.S. Department of Justice sued to block it. In July, Spirit urged the Transportation Department to reject a proposed JetBlue Airways and United Airlines partnership. The company has been working to reduce its workforce and sell off 23 older Airbus planes, Reuters reported last year. It has failed to report a profit in the last five out of six quarters, raising doubts about its ability to manage looming debt maturities. Spirit also has had a tough time the last few months, with a plane evacuated in Detroit over a bomb threat, a viral video in May showing cockroaches on a flight and three plane taken out of service after an overflow of fire-suppressing foam at Detroit Metro Airport. Despite its issues, Spirit was named Best Airline for 2025 by WalletHub in April. Recently the company has tried to market itself as the premium option among budget airlines with a new ticket lineup, an updated loyalty program, and extra legroom seating for the "Go Comfy" ticketholders (now called "Premium Economy"). Other airlines making changes, too Southwest Airlines revealed when their new assigned seating policy will take effect: Jan. 27, 2026. The airline is not currently accepting reservations past Jan. 26. Along with that comes a new fare structure and more fees, and a new group-based boarding process based on seat location, starting with Extra Legroom seats and allowing Rapid Rewards elites and premium ticketholders to board earlier. The airline also recently made its fares available on Expedia, adjusted its loyalty program, launched red-eye flights, and partnered with Icelandair. In June, United Airlines started requiring all domestic passengers to be checked in for their flights 45 minutes before departure. Previously, check in for passengers without checked bags closed half an hour before departure. Which Florida airports does Spirit fly out of? Spirit currently services the following Florida airports: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Fort Myers (RSW) Miami (MIA) Orlando (MCO) Pensacola (PNS) Tampa (TPA) West Palm Beach (PBI) Key West (EYW), when it starts in November, will be the eighth. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/floridas-spirit-airlines-furlough-more-185704414.html Some 787 ram air turbine fittings could have unapproved titanium: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration is taking action after learning that fittings on some Boeing 787 ram air turbines (RATs) were produced using inferior titanium that could be subject to failure. The agency issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that if approved would require airlines to inspect the fittings. Just nine 787s, including 787-9s and 787-10s, would be affected. Last year, reports surfaced that some Boeing and Airbus jets contained unapproved titanium sourced from China and supplied by Spirit AeroSystems, which produces airframes and related components to both aircraft manufacturers. Boeing assembles 787s at its facility in North Charleston, South Carolina Those reports came after the aerospace industry and businesses in other sectors had been scrambling to find new sources of titanium amid shortages brought on Western sanctions against Russia, which has long been a top titanium supplier. The FAA’s new proposed rule “was prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of escapement indicating that ram air turbine forward fittings were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy,” says the document, published on 28 July in the US government’s regulatory document repository. “The titanium material that was possibly used is a Grade 1 or 2 commercially pure unalloyed titanium, which has significantly reduced strength, fatigue and damage tolerance properties” than the “Grade 5 Ti-6AI-4V alloy” that was supposed to be used, the FAA says. It does not say how the unapproved metal ended up on the jets and does not name the RAT supplier. But one of Collins Aerospace’s predecessor companies had previously produced 787 ram air turbines. Collins, still a primary RAT supplier, did not immediately comment. Boeing did not comment. Collins in 2024 took a $175 million charge related to switching titanium suppliers. The FAA says fittings produced with the unapproved titanium “could fail when the RAT is deployed”, leaving aircraft without backup power. The RATs could also break off and fall from the aircraft. The proposed rule notes that Boeing responded to the concern by issuing an Alert Requirements Bulletin in February. That document called on operators to inspect RAT fittings using either the high-frequency eddy current or X-ray fluorescence-spectrometer methods. The FAA’s proposed rule, if finalised, would require that operators complete those inspections. https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/some-787-ram-air-turbine-fittings-could-have-unapproved-titanium-faa/163963.article CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 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) . 78TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT (IASS) - Lisbon, November 4–6 . 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 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis