Flight Safety Information - July 31, 2025 No. 152 In This Issue : Accident: Frontier A20N at Denver on Jul 12th 2025, tail strike on go around : Incident: Delta A320 near Buffalo on Jul 25th 2025, engine shut down in flight : Incident: Shandong B738 at Xiamen on Jul 30th 2025, nose gear steering failure after landing : Incident: LATAM Brasil A321 at Sao Paulo on Jul 29th 2025, rejected takeoff : Airbus A330-941 - Severe Turbulence with Injuries (Wyoming) : More than two dozen passengers taken to hospital after turbulence forces Delta flight to make emergency landing : US Navy F-35 crashes in California, pilot ejects safely : NTSB finds Army helicopter was above altitude limit in DCA midair crash with plane : NTSB Chair slams FAA over deadly DC midair collision: “67 people are dead” : Congressman Cohen Demands that the FAA Conduct Meaningful Testing of Aircraft Emergency Evacuations : Etihad Airways accelerates growth with record aircraft deliveries : Rolls-Royce profits soar 50% on strong demand for jet engines : Malaysian airlines interested in China’s C919 jet, country’s transport minister says : Boeing’s turnaround gains traction with strong Q2 ahead of CFO change : What to expect from the JetBlue, United partnership : Flights Are Disrupted at Airports Across U.K. After Radar Problem : Calendar of Events Accident: Frontier A20N at Denver on Jul 12th 2025, tail strike on go around A Frontier Airbus A320-200N, registration N384FR performing flight F9-1927 from Oklahoma City,OK to Denver,CO (USA), landed on Denver's runway 16R at 11:23L (17:23Z) but balked the landing and went around climbing to 9000 feet. The aircraft subsequently positioned for a landing on runway 07 about 10 minutes later. The NTSB rated the occurrence an accident and opened an investigation. The aircraft remained on the ground in Denver until Jul 21st 2025, positioned to Birmingham,AL (USA), but has not yet returned to service (Jul 31st 2025). https://avherald.com/h?article=52b05c8b&opt=0 Incident: Delta A320 near Buffalo on Jul 25th 2025, engine shut down in flight A Delta Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration N345NW performing flight DL-2525 from Hartford,CT to Minneapolis,MN (USA) with 160 people on board, was enroute at FL340 about 20nm north of Buffalo,NY (USA) in Canadian Airspace when the crew needed to shut the right hand engine (CFM56) down and decided to divert to Buffalo. The aircraft landed safely on Buffalo's runway 23 about 40 minutes later. The remainder of the flight was cancelled. The aircraft positioned to Minneapolis on Jul 28th 2025 and returned to service on Jul 30th 2025. The Canadian TSB reported: "Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, the flight crew received an ENG 2 COMPRESSOR VANE ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor) message, though engine parameters remained within normal limits. After consulting with maintenance, the crew elected to continue the flight. Roughly 30 seconds later, an ENG 2 STALL ECAM message was displayed, followed by an ENG 2 EGT OVER LIMIT message. The crew subsequently shut down engine number 2 after completing the appropriate quick reference handbook (QRH) procedures. A Mayday was declared, and the flight diverted to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (KBUF), NY, where the aircraft landed without further incident." https://avherald.com/h?article=52ae2c16&opt=0 Incident: Shandong B738 at Xiamen on Jul 30th 2025, nose gear steering failure after landing A Shandong Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration B-5592 performing flight SC-2194 from Xian to Xiamen (China), landed on Xiamen's runway 23 and rolled out when shortly before vacating the runway the nose gear suffered a malfunction disabling the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft needed to be towed off the runway. The airline reported the aircraft suffered an anomaly in its landing gear upon vacating the runway. The aircraft is still on the ground in Xiamen about 12 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52afe014&opt=0 Incident: LATAM Brasil A321 at Sao Paulo on Jul 29th 2025, rejected takeoff A LATAM Brasil Airbus A321-200, registration PT-XPN performing flight LA-3676 from Sao Paulo Guarulhos,SP to Recife,PE (Brazil), was accelerating for takeoff from Guarulhos' runway 28R when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 125 knots over ground) after black smoke became visible from the left hand engine (CFM56). The aircraft slowed safely and stopped on the runway, emergency services responded. About 6 minutes later the aircraft taxied to the apron. The rotation was cancelled. The aircraft is still on the ground about 22 hours after the rejected takeoff. https://avherald.com/h?article=52afbd04&opt=0 Airbus A330-941 - Severe Turbulence with Injuries (Wyoming) Date: Wednesday 30 July 2025 Time: 23:23 UTC Type: Airbus A330-941 Owner/operator: Delta Air Lines Registration: N422DZ MSN: 2031 Year of manufacture: 2023 Engine model: Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-72 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 288 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: over Wyoming - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Salt Lake City International Airport, UT (SLC/KSLC) Destination airport: Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS/EHAM) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Delta Air Lines flight DL56, an Airbus A330-941, was en route at FL370 over Wyoming, USA, at 23:23 UTC when it encountered severe turbulence. Multiple occupants were injured. The flight diverted to Minneapolis Airport (MSP), where it landed at 00:51 UTC. It was reported that 25 passengers were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care. ADS-B data indicate that the aircraft took off from Salt Lake City International Airport, UT (SLC) at 22:45 UTC. At 23:20 UTC it reached the cruising altitude of FL370. Three minutes later, the altitude increased by about 1000 feet over a period of about 20 seconds. This was followed by a descent to FL358, after which the flight climbed back to the cruising altitude if FL370. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/531309 More than two dozen passengers taken to hospital after turbulence forces Delta flight to make emergency landing Twenty five people aboard a Delta Air Lines flight were taken to hospital Wednesday after “significant turbulence” forced a plane traveling from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam to make an emergency landing in Minneapolis, the airline said in a statement. Delta said flight DL56 landed safely at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and was met by medical teams upon arrival. Twenty-five onboard the flight were taken to area hospitals “for evaluation and care,” Delta said in its statement. The plane landed around 7:25 p.m. local time, a spokesperson for the airport told CNN, confirming the flight was diverted “due to reported in-flight turbulence that caused injuries on board.” The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport Fire Department and paramedics met the plane at the gate and provided “initial medical attention to passengers in need,” before some were taken to hospitals, the airport spokesperson said. “We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved,” Delta said. According to data from flight tracking site Flightradar24, the flight climbed by more than 1,000 feet in less than 30 seconds roughly 40 minutes after its departure. It then descended approximately 1,350 feet over the next 30 seconds, the data showed. Soon after, the plane altered its course to the north, in the direction of Minneapolis, where it landed safely about an hour and a half later, the Flightradar24 data shows. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/more-two-dozen-passengers-taken-045752757.html US Navy F-35 crashes in California, pilot ejects safely A US Navy F-35 fighter jet crashed in central California Wednesday near Naval Air Station Lemoore, according to a Navy press statement. The pilot ejected safely, and the cause of the crash, which occurred around 6:30 pm, is under investigation, the statement said. Video from CNN affiliate KFSN showed fire and thick black smoke rising from the crash site in flat, open farmland near the air station, around 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of the city of Fresno in central California. A local EMS crew was at the scene helping the pilot, and Cal Fire also responded, a Fresno County sheriff’s Office statement said. The aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, known as the “Rough Raiders,” the Navy said. VF-125 is a Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrew. The crashed jet was an F-35C, one of three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, designed for use on US aircraft carriers. The US Air Force flies the F-35A while the Marine Corps flies the F-35B, a short takeoff, vertical landing jet. The crash of the aircraft, priced at around $100 million, was the second of an F-35 this year. An Air Force F-35A crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska in January during a training mission. The pilot also ejected safely in that incident. The F-35, a fifth-generation fighter jet and one of the world’s most advanced warplanes, is a cornerstone of the US military’s fleet. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, it’s lauded for its advanced stealth and combat capabilities. The Air Force has 246 F-35s in its fleet, the Marines Corps has 122 and the Navy has 41, according to the World Air Forces database on FlightGlobal.com. Worldwide, more than 17 countries are part of the F-35 program, Lockheed Martin says. But the jet has faced increased scrutiny in recent years over maintenance and readiness issues. A January 2025 report from the Defense Department’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation shows all variants of the multimillion-dollar jets fail to meet requirements for reliability, maintainability and availability. “The operational suitability of the F-35 fleet continues to fall short of Service expectations,” the report said. Meanwhile, an online database of F-35 accidents and mishaps from F-16.net shows 20 incidents involving the aircraft from 2014 to 2024. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-navy-f-35-crashes-035705259.html NTSB finds Army helicopter was above altitude limit in DCA midair crash with plane WASHINGTON (7News) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began three days of hearings on Wednesday to investigate the deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people earlier this year. The crash happened Jan. 29 when an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle passenger plane collided over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. Day one of these hearings focused on the helicopter's equipment and routes, as well as the airport's airspace. "This is not an adversarial hearing," said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. "This does not mean difficult questions won't be asked. They will be, and they should be. This is an investigation. We are here to improve safety." On Wednesday, the NTSB examined whether a malfunctioning altimeter on the Black Hawk may have caused the helicopter to fly higher than expected. Investigators said the Black Hawk was flying above the altitude limit, and its altitude readings were inaccurate. The hearing opened by showing an animation and a video from the night of the crash, as well as hearing audio. Sheri Lilley, the stepmother of commercial plane copilot Sam Lilley, told 7News this was a difficult moment to stomach. "It was a little bit difficult to hear Sam speak on that cockpit voice recorder, or ATC, because those were the last words we'll ever hear him say," Lilley said. The board will continue to question witnesses and investigators over the three-day hearing. Officials said the hearings will also focus on the actions of the Army, the Federal Aviation Administration, and air traffic controllers. The NTSB is seeking to better understand how the crash happened and what can be done to prevent future tragedies. "Among those who perished on January 29th were three brave and highly respected soldiers who dedicated their lives to defending our nation. To their families, I say you made their service possible. Alongside our condolences, please accept our enduring gratitude on behalf of a grateful nation," Homendy said. "The contributions of military families like yours through your love, your support, and your resilience cannot be overstated." "I'd like to take a moment to address the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy on behalf of the entire agency. We are so sorry for your loss. We wish we would have met you in different circumstances, but please know that we are working diligently to make sure we know what occurred, how it occurred, and to prevent it from ever happening again," said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. This comes a day after U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz introduced legislation that would require all aircraft to use updated ADS-B technology to improve in-flight safety and communication. Aircrafts using ADSB technology broadcast their position, velocity, and other information to other aircraft and air traffic control, and pilots can also see the positions of other aircraft using the technology. Cruz has previously said the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the January 29 collision had ADSB, but it was turned off. The NTSB released thousands of pages of investigatory documents Friday morning, including reports and expert interview transcripts. The captain flying ahead of the midair collision told investigators it caught his attention that the air traffic controller seemed “exceptionally busy” and “task saturated” the night of the crash, though he said it’s not unusual for those controllers to be busy. The captain said he does not like to deal with helicopters when flying into Reagan National Airport, because it's “one more thing to be watching out for.” He said of DCA's air traffic control: "They do a really good job with that small area they have to work out with, there's just so much traffic there now, you really have to be on your A-game.” The hearing also focused on the Army helicopter's tracking system, known as ADS-B. This system was shot off for national security reasons, according to Army officials. Homendy asked: "Prior to the accident, were there any sort of checks prior to takeoff to ensure that ADS-B worked, if in fact you aren't going to a mission site?" "There was no procedure in place. However, every flight out of Davison [Army Airfield], they do that check today," Colonel Andy Deforest responded. Gwen Duggins' daughter, Kiah, was on the commercial flight and told 7News she hopes the revelations from the hearings lead to changes that prevent a repeat of this tragedy. "I think there are factors that could have been mitigated so that this crash never happened," Duggins said. "Obviously, losing your child is the most devastating thing that could ever happen, so it's disappointing. Hopefully, through these hearings the facts will come out and the evidence will be presented." The remaining hearings are scheduled for: Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/ntsb-hearing-deadly-dca-midair-collision-helicopter-passenger-plane-airlines-what-caused-the-crash-army-lawsuits-atc-trump-aviation-safety-training-prevention-dc-washington-legislation-trump-air-traffic-control NTSB Chair slams FAA over deadly DC midair collision: “67 people are dead” National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy delivered a scathing rebuke of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during public hearings on Wednesday, criticizing the agency for failing to act on known safety concerns before a deadly midair collision in January that killed 67 people near Reagan National Airport. The incident involved an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which collided over the Potomac River on January 29. It marked the deadliest U.S. commercial airline accident since 2009. The Black Hawk was on a training mission at the time of the crash, News.Az reports, citing ABC News. Homendy accused the FAA of ignoring clear warnings from air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport about repeated near misses between military helicopters and civilian aircraft. She cited internal FAA data showing over 15,000 close-proximity events between helicopters and planes between October 2021 and December 2024. Despite these warnings, the agency failed to implement timely safety changes and instead reassigned several tower officials after the crash. "Are you kidding me? Sixty-seven people are dead," Homendy said, blasting the FAA’s justification that bureaucratic processes delayed action. She revealed that it takes 21 procedural steps to implement a policy change at the FAA — a delay she called unacceptable in matters of life and death. Newly released flight recorder data and surveillance footage revealed that the Black Hawk crew likely didn’t hear key instructions from the control tower due to a simultaneous radio transmission. Investigators also pointed to faulty altimeters in the helicopter, which may have given inaccurate altitude readings — a known issue in this model. A test flight conducted in May confirmed discrepancies of up to 100 feet between barometric and radio altitudes. NTSB officials noted that helicopters and planes were often flying within just 75 feet of each other near Reagan National. Pilots of the American Airlines jet attempted evasive action seconds before impact, but the crash was unavoidable. Meanwhile, the Black Hawk crew appeared unaware of the danger. During the hearing, emotional families of the victims watched as officials played surveillance footage of the crash. Many wore photographs of their loved ones in remembrance. The NTSB is also reviewing the military background of Capt. Rebecca Lobach, one of the pilots aboard the Black Hawk, whose past evaluations raised questions about readiness. However, Homendy emphasized that the crash may not have been caused by pilot error alone, and all contributing factors are under investigation. Board members criticized the Army for failing to promptly address safety concerns. The Army acknowledged the faulty altimeter data but said it would not notify its aviators until mid-September. Board member J. Todd Inman condemned the delay, urging immediate action to prevent further incidents. The hearings continue this week, with the NTSB questioning FAA and Army officials. The incident has prompted renewed calls for mandatory use of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) tracking systems, even on military aircraft. Senator Ted Cruz introduced new legislation — “The Rotor Act” — that would mandate all aircraft to broadcast their real-time location to prevent similar tragedies. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. https://news.az/news/ntsb-chair-slams-faa-over-deadly-dc-midair-collision-67-people-are-dead Congressman Cohen Demands that the FAA Conduct Meaningful Testing of Aircraft Emergency Evacuations Calls on FAA to Disavow Flawed Evacuation Study, Implement EVAC Act, and Launch New Testing Effort WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today called on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford to fully and accurately implement provisions of his Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act. In the letter, Congressman Cohen urged the agency to “publicly disavow” a 2019-2020 aircraft evacuation study mandated by his earlier legislation, the SEAT Act, which relied on an unrepresentative sample of the flying public and has since been sharply discredited by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). The letter makes clear that the public deserves a true assessment of aircraft evacuations to determine whether they can meet the 90-second mandate. It references last Saturday’s evacuation of American Airlines Flight 3023 in Denver which reportedly took more than 10 minutes. The letter reads in part: “I write to urge the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to publicly disavow its 2019-2020 aircraft evacuation study, fully and transparently implement the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act provisions enacted in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill, and initiate a new, scientifically rigorous and inclusive evacuation study that meets the law’s requirements and reflects real-world conditions. “The need for immediate action is underscored by the recent release of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) peer review of the FAA’s 2019–2020 aircraft evacuation study, which was required by a provision I authored in Section 337 of the 2018 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2018. The findings of the NASEM peer review are both unequivocal and alarming and confirm the concerns I have raised since the study was first conducted. “The FAA’s study, led by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI), sought to assess how seat width and pitch affect aircraft evacuation performance. As the NASEM peer review makes clear, the study failed to achieve this most basic purpose, both in its execution and in the representativeness of its sample. One panel member referred to it as the ‘worst study ever’ reviewed in their professional experience. Across more than 100 pages, the review catalogues a series of methodological, scientific, and procedural failures that render the study inadequate as a basis for any regulatory or certification decision… “NASEM confirmed what I have pointed out to your agency for years. The study was not representative of the flying public, and it proved to be completely inadequate to determine whether minimum seat size and distance between rows of seats should be established to meet the 90-second emergency airplane evacuation time currently mandated by federal regulations. “The urgency of these concerns was made evident by the recent emergency evacuation of American Airlines Flight 3023 at Denver International Airport, reportedly triggered by a landing gear fire. Video footage shows smoke pouring from the aircraft as passengers – some with carry-on bags, others carrying children – rushed down emergency slides. These are precisely the conditions absent from FAA’s 2019 testing, yet present in real-life emergencies. While not yet confirmed, the evacuation time from this incident was reportedly 10-15 minutes, which is well beyond the FAA’s 90-second requirement. If true, this is extremely concerning… “Congress did not write the EVAC Act into law to produce symbolic improvements. We did so to ensure that every passenger, regardless of age, size, ability, or language. can evacuate safely and efficiently in an emergency. The NASEM report reaffirms that this goal remains unmet. The flying public deserves better, and the responsibility to deliver rests squarely with the FAA.” https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-demands-faa-conduct-meaningful-testing-aircraft Etihad Airways accelerates growth with record aircraft deliveries Etihad Airways achieved a significant milestone in its fleet expansion programme with July 2025 becoming the busiest month for aircraft deliveries in the airline’s 22-year history. Throughout July, Etihad took delivery of five aircraft including its inaugural A321LR, two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, one Airbus A350-1000, and one Airbus A320ceo. This record-breaking month demonstrates the airline’s commitment to rapid growth as it works towards its target to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030. The five aircraft will significantly enhance Etihad’s capacity across its expanding global network. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “July has been a remarkable month for Etihad Airways. Taking delivery of five aircraft is our most intensive delivery programme to date and showcases our ambitious growth trajectory. These aircraft will enable us to serve more destinations, offer increased frequencies, and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests expect across our network.” The delivery programme reflects Etihad’s strategic approach to fleet modernisation, with each aircraft type serving specific network requirements. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will support long-haul operations to destinations across Asia, Australia, and North America, while the Airbus A350-1000 will enhance capacity on high-demand routes. A particular highlight of July’s deliveries was Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR, which represents a significant milestone as the airline’s inaugural aircraft of this type. Etihad defines luxury again with a revolutionary cabin configuration to Etihad’s narrowbody operations, featuring dedicated First Suites alongside lie-flat Business seats, a first for narrowbody aircraft in the region, and enhanced Economy seating with seatback entertainment – bringing premium in-flight experiences to medium and short-haul routes. The deliveries bring Etihad’s total fleet to 106 aircraft. The airline operates one of the world’s youngest fleets, with an average aircraft age of 8.7 years, supporting operational efficiency and enhanced passenger experience. The aircraft deliveries support Etihad’s recently announced network expansion, which includes 27 new destinations and increased frequencies across existing routes. The airline has experienced remarkable growth, carrying more than 20 million passengers in the last 12 months for the first time in its history, doubling passenger numbers from 2022 levels. Etihad’s fleet expansion programme continues beyond July, with 20 additional aircraft per annum expected for delivery throughout 2025 and 2026. By expanding its fleet and network, Etihad Airways is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub and offering unparalleled travel experiences to millions of passengers worldwide. For more information, please visit etihad.com https://aircargoweek.com/etihad-airways-accelerates-growth-with-record-aircraft-deliveries/ Rolls-Royce profits soar 50% on strong demand for jet engines Shares hit record high on news that underlying operating profits climbed to £1.7bn in first half of 2025 Rolls-Royce has reported a 50% rise in half-year profits as strong demand for its jet engines and power generators for AI datacentres solidified its turnaround efforts. The British jet-engine maker said underlying operating profits climbed to £1.7bn in the first six months of 2025, from £1.1bn during the same period last year, in an earnings update that helped push the company’s shares to a fresh all-time high. The strong half-year results meant the manufacturer, whose main operations are in Derby, was able to raise its profit forecast for the year from a range of £2.7bn-£2.9bn to £3.1bn-£3.2bn. Rolls-Royce, which makes engines used in large Boeing and Airbus planes, said its earnings were driven in part by strong demand for its large engines business. It has also been helped by the boom in weapons spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Rolls-Royce a key supplier of engines for fighter jets. Its power systems business had a significant increase in interest from datacentres, which the chief executive, Tufan Erginbilgiç, confirmed was linked to the boom in artificial intelligence. Orders for datacentres rose by 85% compared with last year. The company expects a 20% increase in datacentre orders every year to 2030, having forecast annual growth of 15-17% as recently as February. The results helped propel Rolls-Royce’s shares up 10.5% on Thursday morning to a record high of £11.085, driving the company’s valuation above £90bn for the first time. In October 2020, the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, its share price fell below 40p. Its valuation has nearly doubled during 2025 and it is the fifth most valuable company on the London Stock Exchange. Rolls-Royce’s rally helped to power the FTSE 100 index of blue-chip shares to a record intraday high of 9,190 points on Thursday morning. The company’s turnaround has been a triumph for Erginbilgiç, who ruffled feathers on taking over the business in 2023 by saying it was on a “burning platform”. Since then he has cut costs and pushed customers to pay more for its products through renegotiating contracts for maintaining jet engines that go on wide-body planes such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. The company received a recent boost from the UK government’s decision to choose it to deliver the first small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) – factory-produced nuclear power stations that aim to cut costs. Rolls-Royce said the SMR business, which it hopes could eventually be bigger than the existing revenues, should be “profitable and free cashflow positive by 2030”, before delivery of the first SMRs a couple of years later. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/31/rolls-royce-profits-jet-engines-shares Malaysian airlines interested in China’s C919 jet, country’s transport minister says Anthony Loke says AirAsia and Air Borneo among airlines showing interest in aircraft made by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Growing air travel in Southeast Asia and backlogs in Airbus and Boeing deliveries are driving regional interest in China’s C919 passenger jet, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke. China is promoting aircraft made by Shanghai-based Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) – including the C919, the country’s first home-grown narrowbody airliner – as cheaper alternatives to aircraft manufactured by Airbus and Boeing. Loke told the Post recently that Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia and a new airline, Air Borneo, were among the airlines to have shown interest in the Comac aircraft. All airlines were looking to diversify their procurement of aircraft and were seeking faster delivery and cheaper options, Loke said. “There is currently a long wait for aircraft delivery from Boeing and Airbus,” he said. “For sure, Comac is one of the aircraft manufacturers looked at by airlines. “AirAsia is interested … to look at them but nothing is confirmed. I am not privy to commercial negotiations.” Loke said Air Borneo, a new airline from the Malaysian state of Sarawak that is scheduled to begin operations by the end of this year, had also expressed interest. A joint Malaysia-China statement issued at the end of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia in April said the two sides would “support Malaysian airlines in introducing and operating Chinese commercial aircraft”. Zachary Abuza, a professor of Southeast Asian studies at the United States’ National War College in Washington, said China had been “aggressively promoting” the C919 across Southeast Asia. “Lao Airways purchased two, and deals appear to have been reached for the lease of the smaller C909 regional jet with Vietnam’s VietJet,” he said, adding that Comac has also been negotiating a C919 deal with Indonesian flag carrier Garuda. “While some countries may push their state and private airways to purchase Boeings, as it’s a quick way to even out trade surpluses with the United States and give [US President Donald] Trump a ‘win’, there is still a lot of unease at the unilateral imposition of economically devastating US tariffs,” Abuza said. “China is presenting itself as the protector of the status quo, and the country that is committed to regional growth, integration and prosperity. And that may be enough for Comac to seal some deals.” Abuza said the C919 was “much cheaper” than its Boeing and Airbus rivals for the carriers that make up Southeast Asia’s “large budget air sector”. The C919 has yet to receive certification from Europe’s aviation regulator, with European Union Aviation Safety Agency executive director Florian Guillermet telling a French magazine in late April that the certification process would take three to six years. Loke said he did not expect EU certification to be an issue for Southeast Asian airlines as the region’s carriers were mostly looking for single-aisle narrowbody aircraft to fly on domestic routes and within Southeast Asia – not on long-haul routes to Europe. He said that if any Malaysian airlines were to purchase Comac planes, they would need to get approval from the country’s civil aviation authority. An increase in tourist arrivals sparked by visa-free entry arrangements, along with growing numbers of business and student travellers, has seen the number of flights between the two countries jump in recent years. As of July 13, there were 499 one-way Malaysia-China flights a week and 997 two-way ones – excluding charter flights – up from 435 and 870 respectively last year, taking total weekly seat capacity to 197,171, according to Malaysia’s Transport Ministry. “Most Chinese airlines have increased their flights to Malaysia,” Loke said. “They are coming in a bigger way. “Apart from the big airlines, you also have the regional and provincial [airlines] … flying to Malaysia, especially those from the coastal and southern areas.” Sixteen airlines have been flying between Malaysia and China this month. They comprise five Malaysian airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air, and 11 Chinese carriers, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Qingdao Airlines. From this month, Chinese tourists are eligible for 90 days of visa-free travel to Malaysia over the course of 180 days, but each visit is limited to a maximum of 30 days. That marks an expansion of a 30-day visa-free arrangement introduced in December 2023 that saw Chinese visitor arrivals surge by over 100 per cent last year, jumping from 1.6 million in 2023 to 3.7 million. Their numbers are expected to increase further this year, Loke said. https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3320247/malaysian-airlines-interested-chinas-c919-jet-countrys-transport-minister-says Boeing’s turnaround gains traction with strong Q2 ahead of CFO change Turning around a company is no small feat—it requires a sustained, collective effort. The Boeing Company is one to watch, as it appears to be making progress after years of safety and leadership issues. CFO Brian West concluded his final earnings call on Tuesday, reporting strong Q2 results: revenue rose 35% year over year to $22.7 billion—driven primarily by higher commercial aircraft deliveries—and topped forecasts. Boeing reported an adjusted (core) loss per share of $1.24, less than the anticipated $1.31 to $1.40 per share. Free cash flow also exceeded expectations, helped by robust commercial deliveries. West will step down in mid-August and become a senior advisor to CEO Kelly Ortberg, the company announced earlier this month. Jesus “Jay” Malave, most recently Lockheed Martin’s CFO, will succeed him on Aug. 15. On the call, West noted that Boeing’s production quality and efficiency are improving. If this continues, the company expects to soon seek FAA approval to increase the 737 Max production rate—an important step in rebuilding after years of setbacks. Boeing increased 737 Max production to 38 units per month in Q2 and plans to discuss raising the rate to 42 per month. The most important metric Morningstar is tracking on Boeing’s path to recovery is the production and delivery rate of its 737 and 787 jets, equity analyst Nic Owens wrote in a Tuesday note. Morningstar adjusted its 2025 forecast to reflect recent progress and raised its fair value estimate from $242 to $249 per share. While the largest special charges and fleet groundings are largely behind Boeing, Morningstar expects another year of resolving labor, manufacturing, and supply chain issues that continue to affect production, according to Owens. Regarding U.S. trade policy, Boeing was encouraged by several bilateral trade deals announced in the quarter, including a recent agreement with the EU, West said. “Given our position as a top U.S. exporter, free-trade policy across commercial aerospace continues to be very important to us.” West also noted: “And, as we said, any financial impact is not significant.” A turnaround plan Following the highly publicized door-plug blowout over Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 5, 2024, then-CEO Dave Calhoun announced in March that he would retire by year-end. Ortberg became CEO on Aug. 8. After a tumultuous year and an erosion of customer trust, Boeing’s turnaround now appears to be progressing. During the call, Ortberg thanked West for his “outstanding work” over the past four years in helping to stabilize the business and position it for growth. “I particularly want to thank him for the support he’s given me this past year,” Ortberg said. A four-part turnaround plan introduced by Ortberg focuses on changing company culture, stabilizing the business, improving project execution, and building “a new future for Boeing.” This has included leadership changes and downsizing. For example, in September 2024, Boeing dismissed Ted Colbert, president and CEO of its defense, space, and security unit, after the unit posted a $913 million loss in the previous quarter, Fortune reported. Earlier this month, Boeing veteran Steve Parker was named CEO of the defense business. In October, Boeing announced plans to lay off 10% of its workforce. After more than 33,000 machinists went on strike in 2024, changing company culture remains a top priority. “Earlier this year, employees helped create a new set of values and behaviors that we shared across the company,” Ortberg said on the call. This month, Boeing introduced a new performance management approach focused on accountability and career development. Commenting on Boeing’s progress, “It’s turning a big ship around,” Ortberg said. “We still have a lot of work to do.” https://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-turnaround-gains-traction-strong-113432798.html What to expect from the JetBlue, United partnership It's blue skies ahead for JetBlue and United Airlines. The carriers announced this week that they had received Department of Transportation approval to team up, launching a partnership that they say will offer travelers more booking options, loyalty and frequent flyer programs, and more flight spots at top airports. The airlines first announced their intention to create the new partnership back in May. On Tuesday they announced they had completed the DOT review of their Blue Sky collaboration, allowing them to proceed to implementation. "JetBlue and United appreciate Secretary Duffy, Assistant Secretary Edwards, and the entire team at the DOT for their review of Blue Sky. JetBlue and United will share more details in the coming weeks as implementation of the Blue Sky collaboration begins," the carriers said in a joint press release. What to know about new Blue Sky collaboration from JetBlue, United Airlines According to the press release, the partnership was designed to "give customers of both airlines even more options to find flights that fit their plans as well as new opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines." "Blue Sky will begin introducing new customer benefits starting this fall, rolling out in phases," the airlines stated. Here's a snapshot of what to expect. More booking options This traditional interline agreement will allow both airlines to offer flights on one another's website and apps for seamless booking. Loyalty program crossover United's MileagePlus customers will be able to earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights; JetBlue's TrueBlue members in turn can now earn and use points for flights on United's domestic and international network. Benefits from the airlines' loyalty programs -- such as priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby or changes -- will be available to customers across both carriers. More flights at different airports JetBlue said it will provide United access to slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for up to seven daily round-trip flights out of Terminal 6, which will start in 2027. JetBlue and United will also exchange eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Hotel and additional travel packages United's extra booking options -- such as hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel insurance -- will move from the website and app to JetBlue's Paisly platform. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/know-newly-approved-airline-partnership-140922972.html Flights Are Disrupted at Airports Across U.K. After Radar Problem A company that provides air traffic control services said it had resolved a “technical issue.” The delays came months after a power outage forced Heathrow Airport to shut down for 16 hours. Departing flights were grounded at Heathrow on Wednesday, months after a fire at a power substation shut down the airport for around 16 hours. Flights out of London airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, were briefly grounded Wednesday afternoon because of a technical issue involving the region’s flight control system, according to representatives for the airports and the company that manages the radar. NATS, a company that provides most air traffic control services for the United Kingdom, said in a statement on social media that “a technical issue” in its air traffic control system had forced it to limit the number of aircraft flying in the London area. By 5:10 p.m. (12:10 p.m. Eastern), the company issued a statement saying that the problem had been fixed, adding that “our systems are fully operational and air traffic capacity is returning to normal. Departures at all airports have resumed and we are working with affected airlines and airports to clear the backlog safely.” The impact of the brief outage, however, rippled through the system, affecting airports throughout the country at the height of the summer travel and vacation season, when many passengers from all over the world travel into and out of London. Heathrow is also one of the largest and most important hubs for European travel, and delays can spread across the continent quickly. A Heathrow spokesperson said that departures had resumed but advised passengers to check with airlines before heading to the airport. The delays on Wednesday came four months after a fire at a power substation shut down the airport for around 16 hours, disrupting travel for thousands worldwide. The technical issue on Wednesday appeared to affect all of the airports in the London area and across the United Kingdom. Officials at London City Airport said in a social media post that flights into and out of the area had been halted or delayed. A spokeswoman for Gatwick Airport near London said that normal operations were resuming but that travelers could experience some delays. Inbound flights had continued to land at the airport, but outbound flights were grounded during the disruption. Flights were also affected at airports in Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and the East Midlands. At Manchester Airport, flights were held for about 45 minutes, but by 5 p.m. they were restored, said Michael Murphy-Pyle, a spokesman for the airport, who added that the ripple effects of the disruption would most likely be minor. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/world/europe/uk-flights-london-heathrow-airport-grounded.html 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