Flight Safety Information - October 17, 2025 No. 208 In This Issue : Incident: Argentinas B738 at Buenos Aires on Oct 15th 2025, engine failure on initial climb : Incident: REX SF34 near Broken Hill on Oct 11th 2025, engine shut down in flight : United Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Salt Lake City due to windshield crack : US senators announce deal on aviation safety legislation : Spirit Airlines Isn’t Just Broke, It’s Broken — Their Website Can’t Even Sell You A Ticket : GOL Takes Flight with Five New Airbus A330-900neo Aircraft to Power International Growth: Know More : Lufthansa’s Discover Airlines to add A350s, expand fleet to 40 aircraft by 2028 : Spirit Airlines to furlough another 365 pilots as Chapter 11 process continues : Scientists Forge New “Superalloy” That Could Revolutionize Jet Engines and Power Plants : Consultant Presses Embraer To Confirm Large Bizjet Plans : FAA Academy in Oklahoma City faces shutdown amid government closure : Calendar of Event Incident: Argentinas B738 at Buenos Aires on Oct 15th 2025, engine failure on initial climb An Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737-800, registration LV-FSK performing flight AR-1526 from Buenos Aires Aeroparque,BA to Cordoba,CD (Argentina), was in the initial climb out of Aeroparque's runway 31 when the left hand engine (CFM56) emitted a bang and streak of flames prompting the crew to shut the engine down. The aircraft levelled off at 5000 feet and diverted to Buenos Aires Ezeiza for a safe landing on runway 35 about 20 minutes after departure. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration LV-GGK reached Cordoba with a delay of about 5.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Ezeiza about 33 hours after landing. Argentina's JST rated the occurrence a serious incident and opened an investigation. https://avherald.com/h?article=52e78e4f&opt=0 Incident: REX SF34 near Broken Hill on Oct 11th 2025, engine shut down in flight A REX Regional Express Saab 340B, registration VH-KRX performing flight ZL-6854 from Sydney,NS to Broken Hill,NS (Australia), was enroute at FL120 about 150nm eastsoutheast of Broken Hill, when the crew shut the right hand engine (CT7) down due to the failure of the engine. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Broken Hill's runway 23 about 55 minutes later. A passenger reported the flight "limped home on one engine". The airline reported the crew saw a warning light for the right hand engine that prompted them to shut the engine down as precaution. https://avherald.com/h?article=52e78b9f&opt=0 United Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Salt Lake City due to windshield crack SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A Los Angeles-bound flight from Denver made an emergency landing at Salt Lake International Airport after a crack was found on its windshield. The United Airlines flight safely made the emergency landing on Thursday morning after crew noticed the crack in one layer of its multilayer windshield. A spokesperson said the plane was a Boeing 737 Max 8 - one of the most common plane models in operation among airlines. Despite the crack, the multilayered windshields are designed to function safely in case any layer sustains damage but an emergency landing was made as a safety precaution. A spokesperson for the airline said the maintenance team will fully inspect the aircraft and make necessary repairs. The plane was carrying 134 passengers and six crew, according to United. Another aircraft was arranged to finish the trip to Los Angeles later this afternoon. https://kutv.com/news/local/united-airlines-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-salt-lake-due-to-crack-in-windshield US senators announce deal on aviation safety legislation WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two U.S. senators announced a deal on Thursday on aviation safety legislation after a fatal January collision involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter that killed 67 people spurred calls for reform. Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz, a Republican, and the panel’s top Democrat, Maria Cantwell, unveiled a bipartisan agreement on legislation requiring aircraft operators to equip their fleets with an advanced aircraft-tracking technology known as ADS-B by the end of 2031 and other significant safety reforms, including boosting oversight of mixed jet and helicopter traffic and flight routes near commercial service airports. The agreement first reported by Reuters clears the way for a bipartisan vote by the committee Tuesday. It is unclear when the U.S. House of Representatives may take up the bill dubbed the ROTOR Act. Cruz cited the families of the victims of the Jan. 29 collision, which praised the agreement. "We owe it to them and every traveling American to make sure another accident never happens again," Cruz said, calling the provisions "common-sense safety improvements that are long overdue." The bill would require the use of ADS-B by military helicopters near civilian planes and the use of ADS-B for all civilian aircraft. The helicopter involved in the accident was not using ADS-B at the time of the January collision near Reagan Washington National Airport. ADS-B, or automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, is an advanced surveillance technology that transmits an aircraft’s location. 3rd party Ad. Not an offer or recommendation by Investing.com. See disclosure here or remove ads. Cantwell said the language ensures the ADS-B requirements "are truly implemented after 17 years of delay with no FAA loopholes." She added the bill on passage eliminates exemptions from ADS-B use by military helicopters for training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of federal officials below cabinet rank. Lawmakers from both parties and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have questioned why the Federal Aviation Administration failed to act for years to address close calls involving military helicopters near Reagan. The bill would require comprehensive nationwide airport safety reviews at Reagan and other major airports to evaluate risks from military aircraft, helicopters, drones and flying air taxis to commercial flights. Lawmakers from both parties and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have questioned why the FAA failed to act for years to address close calls involving military helicopters near Reagan. The bill also require the Army Inspector General’s Office to initiate a safety coordination audit after it declined to do so and requires binding memorandums between the FAA and all military services to share aviation safety information from military mishap reporting systems. The FAA in April said it would require ADS-B use near Reagan National by government helicopters, and in May it barred the Army from helicopter flights around the Pentagon after a close call. https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/japans-top-banks-to-jointly-issue-stablecoin-nikkei-says-4294038 Spirit Airlines Isn’t Just Broke, It’s Broken — Their Website Can’t Even Sell You A Ticket Spirit Airlines is in bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year. A lot of ink has been spilled over the reasons why, but I do think a part of it is something simple everyone is missing. They’re a low cost carrier, but they’ve been facing rising costs. Some of that is pandemic wage increases. That reduces their cost advantage against other airlines. They’ve also lost cost discipline, going so far as to open an extravant new campus just before heading to the courthouse the first time. They haven’t had the products people have wanted to buy. Increasingly people have been willing to spend more for a differentiated product. They’ve wanted to fly to Europe, too. Spirit doesn’t fly long haul and they don’t have a true premium product. Even where they brand the Big Front Seat now as first class, they are still Spirit Airlines. Other airlines are competing better. They used to be loathe to match Spirit’s fares, out of concern that the people who are going to buy their tickets anyway would just spend less for them. But those customers don’t want basic economy, so they offer Spirit-style fares as basic economy, and some customers choose United, Delta and American instead of Spirit now but they don’t undercut the revenue they earn from everyone else in the process. None of that’s controversial. But something much simpler is also at play. They are just too hard to do business with. I tried to buy Spirit Airlines tickets just now and it’s just not worth the hassle. The website isn’t letting me log in. I want to log in so the ticket I buy credits to my Free Spirit account. I am trying to buy travel for my family. To search for a child, they make you enter the child’s date of birth. But on the passenger information page, it transfers that date of birth to the child one day off and the field isn’t editable. If I search for adults only, to avoid having Spirit enter the wrong date of birth for my daughter, then when I enter her correct date of birth on the passenger information page it tells me she’s a child, I didn’t search that way, so I must start the whole search over. Other times when I select my flights and try to buy them I just get: And never mind that you also can’t book first class (Big Front Seat) on their website or using their mobile app if you have a lap infant, because not all of their seats are certified for lap infants and their own systems can’t tell the difference. I guess I could try booking over the phone, but that’s also the point: their cash register doesn’t work. https://viewfromthewing.com/spirit-airlines-isnt-just-broke-its-broken-their-website-cant-even-sell-you-a-ticket/ GOL Takes Flight with Five New Airbus A330-900neo Aircraft to Power International Growth: Know More GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A., one of Brazil’s most prominent airlines, announced a new phase in its fleet expansion plans. This move comes as part of the overall strategy set by the company’s controlling shareholder, Abra Group Limited, to further develop and expand its aviation operations. GOL has entered into operating lease agreements with Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited for the lease of five Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery in 2026. In addition, a Letter of Intent has been signed with Avolon for the potential lease of up to two more A330-900neo aircraft. Strategic Role of Abra Group Abra Group Limited, the parent company of GOL, Avianca, and a strategic investor in Wamos Air, is the controlling shareholder of the airline. This collaboration between GOL and Abra is significant because it aligns with the broader goals of Abra Group to expand its aviation footprint both in Latin America and internationally. The aircraft leased under this new agreement could potentially be operated by any of the entities under the Abra Group umbrella. The allocation of these aircraft will depend on the specific operational and financial needs of each airline, as well as business opportunities available to them. The fleet’s distribution will be carefully managed by Abra, factoring in each company’s unique operational and financial conditions. Expanding Operations in the Region and Globally As indicated in the press release issued by Abra Group, this latest deal is part of a wider strategy to grow the group’s operations across Latin America and beyond. The addition of the Airbus A330-900neo aircraft will complement the other recent fleet decisions made by Abra. The A330-900neo is a modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, well-suited for long-haul international flights, offering both operational flexibility and economic advantages. This fleet expansion is expected to support the increasing demand for air travel in the region, especially as post-pandemic recovery continues. The new aircraft will not only enhance operational capacity but also provide GOL and its sister companies with the ability to offer more routes and larger aircraft for long-haul operations. Details of the Lease Agreement Under the terms of the lease agreement with Avolon, GOL is set to receive the five Airbus A330-900neo aircraft throughout 2026, assuming all customary conditions are met. These aircraft are part of an initiative that will increase the airline’s ability to serve long-distance and international travelers. The deal with Avolon is particularly strategic as it allows GOL to secure newer, more advanced aircraft without the heavy capital expenditure typically required for outright purchases. At this point in time, there are no immediate financial effects resulting from the agreements for GOL, nor have any definitive investment or debt commitments been made by the companies within the Abra Group. The financial implications of these agreements, including any potential debt or investment obligations, remain contingent upon the actual delivery of the aircraft. Future Implications for GOL and Abra Group The incorporation of these aircraft into the fleet will not only benefit GOL but will also support the wider goals of the Abra Group in its efforts to expand internationally. While the aircraft may be operated by any of Abra Group’s airlines, the financial costs and ownership responsibilities associated with the aircraft will be handled by the respective operators. This flexibility in fleet management allows the group to allocate resources efficiently while meeting the needs of each airline under its control. For GOL, the agreement signals a forward-thinking approach to fleet management. By leasing the Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, the airline can continue to modernize its fleet with state-of-the-art technology that promises to improve fuel efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall customer experience. GOL’s customers will likely benefit from increased comfort and a broader selection of international routes as the airline takes delivery of these new planes. Looking Ahead to 2026 As the delivery of these aircraft approaches in 2026, there is a strong anticipation within the company and the broader aviation industry. The Airbus A330-900neo is a versatile aircraft known for its range, efficiency, and passenger comfort. For airlines like GOL, such advancements represent a way to stay competitive in an evolving industry, which is increasingly focused on sustainability and customer satisfaction. The deal also highlights the importance of leasing in modern fleet management. By entering into operating lease agreements, GOL avoids the substantial upfront costs associated with purchasing aircraft, allowing the airline to maintain flexibility and manage its finances effectively. The strategic use of leasing also allows GOL to access newer models with the latest technologies, giving them an edge in a competitive marketplace. Conclusion GOL Linhas Aéreas’ partnership with Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited marks a significant step in the airline’s growth and its controlling shareholder Abra Group’s expansion strategy. The agreement to lease five Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and the potential lease of additional planes aligns with the long-term goals of the Abra Group to increase operations in both regional and international markets. While there are no immediate financial impacts from the lease agreements, the delivery of these aircraft in 2026 will mark a new chapter in GOL’s fleet expansion, enhancing its ability to meet growing travel demand with modern, efficient aircraft. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/gol-takes-flight-with-five-new-airbus-a330-900neo-aircraft-to-power-international-growth-know-more/ Lufthansa’s Discover Airlines to add A350s, expand fleet to 40 aircraft by 2028 Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group specializing in leisure markets, has provided some details of its fleet planning for the coming years. On October 16, 2026, the German airline stated its plans to grow its fleet to 40 aircraft by mid-2028, including the addition of four Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a new type for the airline. With the arrival of these aircraft, Discover Airlines will be able to reach additional destinations that are currently out of range of its A330 fleet. Although not specified in the airline’s statement, it seems likely that these A350-900 aircraft will be assigned from the order book the Lufthansa Group has with Airbus. Discover Airlines will also increase the number of Airbus A320 narrowbody aircraft it operates with four additional aircraft, bringing the total to 20. Two of the new A320s will arrive in 2026 and the other two by 2028. The composition of its widebody fleet will also change. In addition to the four A350-900s, the airline will retire the three Airbus A330-200s it currently operates and replace them with five of the larger A330-300s. By 2028, the carrier’s A330-300 fleet will have grown to 16 aircraft. Some of these changes, such as the retirement of the A330-200s and the expansion of the A330-300 and A320 fleets, were known since August 2024, when the leisure carrier announced the introduction of a new business class as well as the intention to expand its fleet in the near future. The entire Discover Airlines fleet, including both legacy and new aircraft, will be fitted with the airline’s state-of-the art cabins across all service classes (Business, Premium Economy, and Economy). https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/lufthansas-discover-airlines-to-add-a350s-expand-fleet-to-40-aircraft-by-2028 Spirit Airlines to furlough another 365 pilots as Chapter 11 process continues On October 16, 2026, Fort Lauderdale-based Spirit Airlines announced that it would be furloughing a further 365 pilots as part of its restructuring process. The beleaguered airline is being forced to make significant cuts as part of its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2025. The latest round of cuts follows the airline’s announcement earlier in October that it would be shedding around half of its all-Airbus fleet, as well as closing operations at several of its bases, as the airline undergoes a drastic downsizing to ensure longevity. Spirit emerged from its first round of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2025. With a revised business plan in place and a reshuffling of its top management, the airline had hoped that fortunes would turn in its favour. However, with US demand remaining stagnant, cheap fares offered by competitors flooding its markets, and operating costs remaining high, the airline struggled to regain a stable footing. With losses continuing to mount, Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection again in late August. Before this latest announcement, the company had previously furloughed about 330 pilots and planned to furlough another 270 pilots in November 2025 as more bases close and aircraft are returned to their lessors. Carlos Yudica / Shutterstock Spirit Airlines’ latest announcement said the carrier would be furloughing 365 pilots and downgrading the status of up to 170 pilots in the first quarter of 2026 as it takes additional steps to right-size its workforce as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. “As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are taking additional steps to align staffing across our organization with our previously announced capacity reduction and smaller operating fleet size,” the company said in a statement. Ongoing reductions Spirit currently employs approximately 2,400 pilots. In December 2025, the flailing low-cost-carrier (LCC) also plans to cut approximately 1,800 flight attendants, or one-third of its total cabin crew staff. Spirit has also negotiated its exit from 12 airport leases and 19 ground handling contracts. According to ch-aviation, the airline’s current fleet comprises 62 A320-200s, 91 A320neos, 29 A321-200s, and 32 A321neos. The carrier removed its last remaining A319s from the fleet earlier in 2025. Although the current fleet equates to 214 aircraft, data seen by AeroTime indicates that 65 of these aircraft are not currently flying, equating to around 30% of the airline’s entire fleet. While some of these aircraft remain grounded awaiting maintenance on their Pratt & Whitney geared-turbofan (GTF) engines (another issue that has plagued the airline), others are in storage with the airline sidelining them due to network cuts being made as part of the Chapter 11 process. As efforts continue to cut costs and reduce over-capacity, the airline is slowly moving towards a stronger position to remain solvent and keep flying. Progress being made? On October 13, 2025, Spirit Airlines announced it had secured US Bankruptcy Court approval for a $475 million debtor-in-possession financing facility and a key settlement with its largest aircraft lessor, AerCap. The approvals marked a major step forward in the airline’s Chapter 11 restructuring journey. The financing is being provided by Spirit’s existing bondholders, with $200 million immediately accessible to support operations during the reorganization. Under the approved agreement with AerCap, the lessor will pay Spirit $150 million, Spirit will reject leases on 27 AerCap aircraft, and all outstanding claims between the parties will be resolved. The deal is part of Spirit’s effort to reduce fixed costs and simplify its fleet. It is hoped that the latest pilot cuts, along with the cabin crew layoffs and the reduction in fleet size, will all contribute to Spirit emerging from bankruptcy a leaner and stronger carrier overall. With more than 30 of the A319neos back log cut by Spirit Airlines is this the demise of the program https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/spirit-airlines-furloughs-another-365-pilots Scientists Forge New “Superalloy” That Could Revolutionize Jet Engines and Power Plants Metal Production Sparks Concept Scientists have developed a groundbreaking chromium–molybdenum–silicon alloy capable of withstanding temperatures far beyond the limits of conventional superalloys. A newly developed material with exceptional high-temperature resistance shows strong promise for use in energy-efficient aircraft turbines. Metals that can endure extremely high temperatures are essential for technologies such as aircraft engines, gas turbines, and X-ray equipment. Among the most heat-resistant are refractory metals like tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium, which melt at or above 2,000 degrees Celsius. Despite their impressive thermal stability, these metals face major drawbacks. They become brittle at room temperature and oxidize rapidly when exposed to oxygen, leading to material failure at only 600 to 700 degrees Celsius. Because of this, they can be used effectively only under complex vacuum conditions (for example, as X-ray rotating anodes). To overcome these obstacles, engineers have long relied on nickel-based superalloys for components that must function in air or combustion environments at high heat. These alloys have become the standard choice for gas turbine construction and similar high-temperature applications. Alloy Production by Means of Arc Melting Alloy production by means of arc melting in the material synthesis lab of the Institute for Applied Materials – Materials Science and Engineering. Credit: Chiara Bellamoli, KIT “The existing superalloys are made of many different metallic elements including rarely available ones so that they combine several properties. They are ductile at room temperature, stable at high temperatures, and resistant to oxidation,” explains Professor Martin Heilmaier from KIT’s Institute for Applied Materials – Materials Science and Engineering. “However – and there is the rub – the operating temperatures, i.e., the temperatures in which they can be used safely, are in the range up to 1,100 degrees Celsius maximum. This is too low to exploit the full potential for more efficiency in turbines or other high-temperature applications. The fact is that the efficiency in combustion processes increases with temperature.” A Chance for a Technological Leap This limitation existing with the materials available today was the starting point for Heilmaier’s working group. Within the “Materials Compounds from Composite Materials for Applications in Extreme Conditions” (MatCom-ComMat) research training group funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the researchers succeeded in developing a new alloy made of chromium, molybdenum, and silicon. This refractory metal-based alloy, in whose discovery Dr. Alexander Kauffmann, now professor at the Ruhr University Bochum, played a major role, features hitherto unparalleled properties. “It is ductile at room temperature, its melting point is as high as about 2,000 degrees Celsius, and – unlike refractory alloys known to date – it oxidizes only slowly, even in the critical temperature range. This nurtures the vision of being able to make components suitable for operating temperatures substantially higher than 1,100 degrees Celsius. Thus, the result of our research has the potential to enable a real technological leap,” says Kauffmann. This specifically remarkable as resistance to oxidation and ductility still cannot be predicted sufficiently to allow a targeted material design – despite the great progress that has been achieved in computer-assisted materials development. More Efficiency, Less Consumption “In a turbine, even a temperature increase of just 100 degrees Celsius can reduce fuel consumption by about five percent,” explains Heilmaier. “This is particularly relevant to aviation, as airplanes powered by electricity will hardly be suitable for long-haul flights in the next decades. Thus, a significant reduction of the fuel consumption will be a vital issue. Stationary gas turbines in power plants could also be operated with lower CO₂ emissions thanks to more robust materials. In order to be able to use the alloy on an industrial level, many other development steps are necessary,” says Heilmaier. “However, with our discovery in fundamental research, we have reached an important milestone. Research groups all over the world can now build on this achievement.” Reference: “A ductile chromium–molybdenum alloy resistant to high-temperature oxidation” by Frauke Hinrichs, Georg Winkens, Lena Katharina Kramer, Gabriely Falcão, Ewa M. Hahn, Daniel Schliephake, Michael Konrad Eusterholz, Sandipan Sen, Mathias Christian Galetz, Haruyuki Inui, Alexander Kauffmann and Martin Heilmaier, 8 October 2025, Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09516-8 https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-forge-new-superalloy-that-could-revolutionize-jet-engines-and-power-plants/ Consultant Presses Embraer To Confirm Large Bizjet Plans Embraer Executive Jets leader said company will take its time before taking its next step Embraer this week reaffirmed that it is actively studying the case for entering the large-cabin business jet market. Speaking at its investors day event at the New York Stock Exchange, a leading consultant urged Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Michael Amalfitano to confirm whether his group will step up to compete with Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Dassault, and he didn’t rule out the move. Dean Roberts, v-p for strategy, sustainability, and development with Rolland Vincent Associates, argued that the time is right for the Brazilian manufacturer to expand its portfolio beyond its Phenom and Praetor family of light and midsize jets. In his view, its U.S., Canadian, and French rivals aren’t fully addressing the market. “You've got success,” Roberts told Amalfitano during the discussion. “There's plenty of growth in market share to keep going. But if you want to keep going long term, you're going to have to move into large aircraft. Large is the biggest value market. Large is the fastest growing market.” “The incumbents have moved up to the top end of large with heavy, large expense machines that are suitable for the real top end,” he added. “But they've left a gap at the bottom of large that I would argue has got old or suboptimal machines serving the market requirements that are not being met. It’s a perfect space for an Embraer disruption.” While declining to rule out the move, or say when and how Embraer might take this step, Amalfitano said his company will take its time. Until 2020, the manufacturer produced the larger-cabin Lineage and Legacy 600/650 models. “You have to do it very thoughtfully,” he said. “If we're going to unlock at least the potential of disrupting another market yet again…we have to do it right. And when you poke those bears ahead of us, you cannot show up with a me-too product. It has to have differentiation and disruptive characteristics, just like the Phenom and Praetor family, such that the marketplace will accept it and use that space.” According to Amalfitano, the post-pandemic years have defied conventional thinking about the trajectory of the business aviation market. Embraer believes it has benefitted from the market reset. Market Dynamics Shift “[In the past], you always saw the top of the market recover before the bottom of the market,” he commented. “The exact opposite happened with Covid. The pandemic was flipped upside down. All of the aviation sector for private came from the bottom. The entry-level, light, mid-category aircraft for Phenoms and Praetors [led] the recovery.” Embraer now claims almost a third of this sector. “In these four categories we own 31% of the market, dominating the classes in this space,” Amalfitano told analysts and reporters present. According to Roberts, VP Strategy, business aviation went through “a bit of a hiccup” into the second quarter this year. In in the third quarter ended on September 30, “[the industry] saw a very strong bounce back in current terms of confidence in buying intentions for business aviation as a whole. Along [with] my theme about business aviation being different, the clientele is different, in that they typically represent the top 10% of the population, and they do 50% of the economic buying. They're less susceptible to inflation.” Embraer’s improving financial position, driven in part by executive jet sales and the growth of this market, is part of what’s prompting the studies about entering a larger business jet sector. The company has recovered from the deleterious effects of the pandemic and now has a strong balance sheet. The three major credit rating agencies now classify Embraer as investment grade. Profits and margins are among the best for companies its size. Credit Suisse earlier this year noted that global wealth is going to grow 20% by 2029. However, the case for Embraer to invest in the development of a business jet at the top end of the sector has to compete with the aerospace and defense group’s ongoing ambitions to directly challenge Airbus and Boeing in the race to dominate the next generation narrowbody airliner market. This could explain why Amalfitano still feels the need to hedge his bets. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-10-16/consultant-presses-embraer-confirm-large-bizjet-plans FAA Academy in Oklahoma City faces shutdown amid government closure The FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, responsible for training air traffic controllers nationwide, is set to shut down in 12 days due to the ongoing government shutdown. OKLAHOMA CITY — The FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, which trains air traffic controllers nationwide, is set to shut down in 12 days due to the ongoing government shutdown, impacting federal programs and jobs across the country. The closure will affect not only Oklahoma but also have nationwide implications, worsening the existing shortage of over 3,000 air traffic controllers. "We're stopped hiring air traffic controllers when we need them more than ever. In 12 days from now, the Oklahoma City Academy shuts down. The funding runs out for that and it's going to put in a whole other level of strain, and it's not like we get to recover in a day or a week. It's going to take months to recoup and get these people who you quite often hear them say the best and brightest. We not only need to recruit the best and brightest, we need to keep the very ones that are in the system today,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. The FAA Academy in Oklahoma City is responsible for training every air traffic controller in the country. The head of mission support services for the FAA previously stated that a shutdown of 15, 20, or 30 days could set them back at least a year, indicating a lengthy recovery period before the school is operational again. The academy responded to inquiries, stating, "Due to a lapse in funding, the FAA is not responding to routine media inquiries..." but acknowledged "increased staffing shortages across the system." https://www.koco.com/article/faa-academy-oklahoma-city-faces-shutdown-amid-government-closure/69047563 CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 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 . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis