Flight Safety Information - October 22, 2025 No. 211 In This Issue : Incident: Canada Rouge A319 enroute on Oct 8th 2025, hydraulic leak : Incident: Malaysia B738 near Bintulu on Oct 21st 2025, loss of cabin pressure : Incident: Blue Island AT72 at Dublin on Oct 20th 2025, engine shut down in flight : Incident: Etihad A21N near Kolkata on Oct 18th 2025, loss of cabin pressure : Incident: Delta B752 at New Orleans on Oct 20th 2025, down to one generator : Lawmakers move to make flying safer through enhanced aircraft visibility : Lithuania Shuts Down Vilnius Airport Air Traffic After Smuggling Balloons Spark Major Safety Crisis and : NTSB releases report on last month’s landing mishap at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport : Airbus and Boeing Struggling to Meet Narrowbody Demand : Mexico’s AFAC Pauses Pilot, Crew Licenses Amid Plastic Shortage : Airbus opens second jet assembly line in China : Singapore Airlines set to retire last Boeing 737-800 by the end of October 2025 : CAAT Reports 10 Years of Success as Thailand Tops Global Aviation Safety Scores at 91.35%, Surpassing the Global Average by Over 20% : Calendar of Event Incident: Canada Rouge A319 enroute on Oct 8th 2025, hydraulic leak An Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319-100, registration C-GITR performing flight RV-1622 from Toronto,ON (Canada) to Fort Lauderdale,FL (USA) with 141 people on board, was enroute when the crew received a blue hydraulic low pressure shortly followed by a blue hydraulic low quantity warning. Working the checklists the crew confirmed total loss of blue hydraulic fluid, assessed the landing performance and found the runway at Fort Lauderdale sufficient. After consulting with maintenance and dispatch the flight was continued to Fort Lauderdale, the crew requested emergency services on standby with Miami Center and continued for a safe landing on Fort Lauderdale's runway 10L. Emergency services inspected the aircraft and found no visible fluid leak, the aircraft taxied to the apron. Canada's TSB reported maintenance identified a leak at the blue hydraulic pump. The aircraft remained on the ground in Fort Lauderdale for about 27 hours, then returned to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ea9fda&opt=0 Incident: Malaysia B738 near Bintulu on Oct 21st 2025, loss of cabin pressure A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration 9M-MXR performing flight MH-2742 from Kuala Lumpur to Bintulu (Malaysia), was enroute at FL350 nearing the top of descent when the crew initiated an emergency descent to FL100 due to the loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft continued to Bintulu for a safe landing on runway 17 about 30 minutes after leaving FL350. The return flight was cancelled. A passenger reported the passenger oxygen masks were deployed. The aircraft is still on the ground in Bintulu about 14.5 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ea9407&opt=0 Incident: Blue Island AT72 at Dublin on Oct 20th 2025, engine shut down in flight A Blue Islands Avions de Tranport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration G-ISLO performing flight SI-5581 from Dublin (Ireland) to Jersey,CI (UK), was climbing out of Dublin's runway 28R when the crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet reporting the failure of their right hand engine (PW127F). The crew shut the engine down and entered a hold for about 20 minutes, then positioned for an approach to Dublin's runway 28L. The aircraft landed safely 30 minutes after departure and taxied to the apron. A passenger reported the aircraft departed with a delay of about one hour. After departure the right hand engine emitted a popping sound before the engine was shut down. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ea926e&opt=0 Lawmakers move to make flying safer through enhanced aircraft visibility • What safety reviews are mandated by the ROTOR Act? • What does the ROTOR Act require for military aircraft tracking? • How will the ROTOR Act prevent future aviation accidents? • What safety reviews are mandated by the ROTOR Act? A crash that killed 67 people prompted lawmakers to demand new rules ensuring no aircraft can vanish from radar over U.S. skies again. In the months since an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac River, lawmakers, victims' families and aviation safety advocates have been calling for change. Now, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is advancing legislation that its sponsors say will help address the failures that allowed the crash to happen. The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act would require all aircraft in controlled airspace to be fitted with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment. The move would close loopholes that allowed military aircraft to turn off their ADS-B equipment, even when flying on non-combat missions. During a National Transportation Safety Board hearing in March about the crash, the agency revealed that the Black Hawk had not broadcast its location using ADS-B in 730 days prior to the collision. What is ADS-B? The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast system is equipment that transmits information about the aircraft's location, speed, altitude and other important flight parameters. ADS-B In allows pilots to receive that information from other aircraft, and ADS-B Out is the equipment used to broadcast that information. ADS-B is generally more accurate than traditional radar tracking. Why wasn't the Black Hawk using ADS-B Out? Existing legislation exempted military aircraft from the requirement to broadcast their position, but the ROTOR Act would change that. "One of the most important parts of this bill is the requirement that all aircraft, military and civilian, use both ADS-B Out and ADS-B In. We will not wait for another accident to happen before we finally protect American skies," Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, one of the bill's sponsors, said in a statement when he introduced the legislation. "We have made it abundantly clear that when American lives are at risk, excuses are not acceptable.” If the legislation passes, military training flights, proficiency flights and flights operating with federal officials below Cabinet level will all be required to broadcast their ADS-B data. The bill would further require aircraft operators to equip their fleets with ADS-B in by 2031. Currently, ADS-B receiving equipment is not required on all aircraft. What else does the ROTOR Act require? In addition to the ADS-B provisions, the ROTOR Act would provide for: Safety reviews at all major and mid-size airports Increased coordination and information sharing between the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense on matters of safety An Army Inspector General audit of the branch's aviation protocols A framework to develop the next generation of aircraft collision avoidance technology “Sixty-seven people died because a military helicopter flew invisible to another aircraft and pilots lacked the technology to see each other. The bipartisan agreement fixes both problems,” Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., another of the bill's sponsors, said in a statement. "These are the reforms that the families sought, and we know that they will save lives.” The committee voted on Oct. 21 to send the legislation to the full Senate. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/21/rotor-act-aviation-safety-ads-b/86822049007/ Incident: Delta B752 at New Orleans on Oct 20th 2025, down to one generator A Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200, registration N6715C performing flight DL-1450 from Atlanta,GA to New Orleans,LA (USA) with 194 people on board, was descending through about FL150 on approach to New Orleans when the crew declared emergency advising they were down to one generator only and needed to get onto the ground without delay. The aircraft landed safely on runway 11 about 15 minutes later. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 10 hours before returning to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ea8d04&opt=0 Air traffic controllers are becoming Uber drivers and restaurant servers on top of g “Democrats could put an end to this disaster today by voting for the same clean funding bill that they voted for 13 times under Joe Biden—instead, they’re making everyday Americans pay for their stupid games,” he told Fortune in a statement. Airports, including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, have urged patience among passengers and refused to play messages by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming the shutdown on Democrats, saying the video violated airport policies on displaying partisan content. Daniels insisted the impact of the shutdown on air traffic controllers was not just insular and would continue to impact the aviation sector and broader American economy. “Controllers are not responsible for shutting and starting to shut down … The only people that can do that are the elected officials,” Daniels said. “That’s why the American people—we’re asking them to continue to stand up and say, ‘End this shutdown now.’ There is no scenario where we just have a game plan for no one having any money and continuing to work.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/air-traffic-controllers-becoming-uber-175621517.html Lithuania Shuts Down Vilnius Airport Air Traffic After Smuggling Balloons Spark Major Safety Crisis and Lithuania shuts down vilnius airport air traffic after smuggling balloons spark major safety crisis and european aviation disruption - new update you need to know Vilnius Airport air traffic was temporarily halted on Tuesday after authorities detected several smuggling balloons in the airport’s airspace. The National Crisis Management Centre confirmed the suspension, emphasizing that passenger safety and operational security were the top priorities. Travelers were advised to follow official airport announcements for updates. This disruption comes amid a growing trend of unconventional methods affecting European skies, contributing to European aviation disruption. What Triggered the Halt Officials reported that dozens of helium balloons carrying cigarettes from Belarus were detected near Vilnius Airport, creating potential hazards for arriving and departing flights. The airport temporarily stopped all operations to minimize risks. Key details about the incident: Passengers were instructed to follow all official airport guidance. The response was coordinated by the National Crisis Management Centre. Flights were temporarily halted to prevent possible accidents. Contraband-laden balloons were the primary cause of the disruption. The NCMC emphasized that the halt was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting travelers and aviation staff. How Flights Were Redirected With Vilnius Airport air traffic temporarily suspended, several flights were rerouted to nearby airports to maintain safety and operational continuity. Some flights were diverted to Warsaw Chopin Airport in Poland. Others landed at Kaunas Airport within Lithuania. The Lithuanian Civil Aviation Administration confirmed that all redirected flights complied with safety standards. Coordination with European aviation authorities ensured orderly handling of all affected flights. Authorities noted that diversions were executed efficiently to minimize passenger inconvenience while keeping airspace secure. A Pattern of Balloon Disruptions This is not the first time Vilnius Airport air traffic has been affected by aerial contraband. Earlier in October, a similar suspension occurred when helium balloons carrying cigarettes from Belarus were detected near the airport. Both incidents were managed under the protocols of the National Crisis Management Centre. Lessons from the first disruption improved response times and coordination. The repeated use of smuggling balloons shows how creative smugglers have become, prompting authorities to increase monitoring and protective measures. The European Aviation Context Unconventional smuggling devices are increasingly causing European aviation disruption. Airports across the continent, including Copenhagen and Munich, have reported incidents where aerial contraband threatened flight safety. EASA advisories urge airports to closely monitor low-altitude airspace. Authorities warn that balloons carrying contraband pose real hazards for commercial aviation. Coordination between national aviation authorities and EU agencies has been crucial for airspace security. Lithuania’s proactive approach demonstrates how quick decisions and established protocols can prevent accidents during such disruptions. Government Safety Measures In response to the smuggling balloon threat, the Lithuanian government has introduced several airport safety measures designed to prevent future incidents and protect passengers. Radar and surveillance systems for low-altitude airspace have been enhanced. Communication channels between pilots and air traffic control have been strengthened. Border and customs authorities now work more closely with aviation officials. EU partners support Lithuania in deploying advanced monitoring and response strategies. These measures help ensure safe operations even when unexpected airspace threats occur. Understanding Belarus Cigarette Smuggling The contraband detected via balloons is part of ongoing Belarus cigarette smuggling, which increasingly relies on innovative aerial methods. Lightweight balloons allow cigarettes to cross borders without detection. Customs and police authorities are collaborating with aviation officials to intercept these shipments. The National Crisis Management Centre oversees responses to ensure threats are neutralized quickly. Authorities stress that vigilance and collaboration remain essential to counter cross-border smuggling activities. Guidance for Passengers The National Crisis Management Centre has asked travelers to follow official instructions to ensure safety and smooth resumption of flights. Check official airport channels for updates on flights and diversions. Follow guidance from airport staff regarding delays or rerouted flights. Avoid relying on social media or unofficial sources for information. By following these directions, passengers help maintain safety and minimize complications during airport disruptions. Conclusion The suspension of Vilnius Airport air traffic due to smuggling balloons highlights the increasing challenges of maintaining safe and secure air travel. With airport safety measures in place and coordination led by the National Crisis Management Centre, Lithuania is demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting its airspace and addressing Belarus cigarette smuggling. As unconventional methods of transporting contraband continue to affect European aviation disruption, Lithuania’s response serves as a model for rapid action, effective communication, and risk management in aviation. Key Takeaways: Dozens of smuggling balloons forced a temporary halt to Vilnius Airport air traffic. Flights were safely diverted to Kaunas and Warsaw airports. Previous incidents earlier in October prompted updated safety protocols. Government introduced enhanced airport safety measures and monitoring. National Crisis Management Centre coordinated response efforts. Ongoing threat from Belarus cigarette smuggling addressed through cross-agency collaboration. Part of broader European aviation disruption requiring vigilance and international cooperation. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/lithuania-shuts-down-vilnius-airport-air-traffic-after-smuggling-balloons-spark-major-safety-crisis-and-european-aviation-disruption-new-update-you-need-to-know/#google_vignette NTSB releases report on last month’s landing mishap at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The National Transportation Safety Board released an aviation investigation preliminary report in regard to a mishap at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport where an airliner went off the runway on September 24. “United Express flight 4339 experienced a runway excursion while landing at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport,” the report said. “The airplane overran the end of runway 34 and came to rest in the engineered materials arresting system (EMAS).” The report also said that before departure, the airliner had to be deplaned twice for maintenance related “anomalies” and that after boarding a third time, the crew reviewed the weather briefed the thunderstorms approaching the airport. The NTSB report noted that the rainy weather did have an impact on the landing. The report confirmed there were no injuries to the three person crew and the 50 passengers on board the flight; there was no damage to the plane. https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/10/22/ntsb-releases-preliminary-investigation-report-plane-landing-roanoke-blacksburg-regional-airport/ Airbus and Boeing Struggling to Meet Narrowbody Demand At the same time, demand for the A220 is languishing as engine troubles persist Airbus A220 Airbus launched the rebranded A220 airliner at the 2018 Farnborough Airshow after acquiring the former CSeries program from Bombardier. Airbus and Boeing face a challenge that is good news and bad news. The good news: Demand for most of their airplanes is high. The bad news: neither can meet the demand. Delivery slots are sold out for the A320neo and 737 MAX families into the next decade. Widebody delivery positions are also increasingly scarce. And the supply chain continues to fall short, while engine makers still struggle to deliver durable and reliable products. Airbus has another problem that’s not so good news. Demand for its smallest airplane, the A220, has stalled. This is due in part to ongoing troubles with the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines, which have grounded nearly 80 aircraft out of a delivered fleet of 451—an 18% AOG (aircraft on ground) rate. A handful of A220s have been scrapped to monetize for parts rather than be stored indefinitely, running up storage fees, awaiting new engines. Another reason sales have stalled: The A220, which was formerly the Bombardier CSeries, is essentially an orphan airplane. Only 118 A220-100s have been ordered out of 941, or 12.5%. Some key airlines, such as Air France and Delta Air Lines, want a stretched version, commonly called the A220-500 (a name not adopted by Airbus). But adding to the family requires achieving profitability for the program. Airbus hasn’t accomplished this goal. To do so, suppliers must cut their prices, and the production rate must jump from the current 6-8 a month to 14/mo—a tall order given the lack of orders and the A220-300’s orphan status. It’s a classic chicken-and-egg conundrum. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-10-22/airbus-and-boeing-struggling-meet-narrowbody-demand Mexico’s AFAC Pauses Pilot, Crew Licenses Amid Plastic Shortage Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has temporarily halted the issuance and renewal of licenses for pilots, flight attendants, and aeronautical technical personnel due to a shortage of plastic materials for printing, according to reports from industry professionals. The suspension, occurring ahead of the high-demand end-of-year travel season, affects thousands of aviation workers across Mexico. A pilot who requested anonymity told Reforma that delays of up to nine months have left personnel without valid licenses, disrupting operations and employment. “This directly affects pilots, technicians, and controllers, as well as their certifications with airlines and training centers,” he said. The appointment of General Emilio Avendaño as AFAC’s new director on Oct. 1 has not resolved the issue. “The lack of internal communication and administrative paralysis has increased uncertainty among aviation personnel,” the source added. Avendaño replaced Miguel Vallín, removed amid unclarified corruption allegations. AFAC has not provided a timeline for resuming license printing or releasing funds to suppliers. Industry insiders warn of a domino effect: aviation schools cannot certify graduates, airlines have staff awaiting renewals, and pilots remain grounded. The shortage also strains mechanics and technical personnel, already scarce in the sector. From January to August 2025, AFAC processed 19,510 license applications, trained 6,637 pilots, and conducted 37,471 medical evaluations, but no updates have been released since the suspension began. https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/mexicos-afac-pauses-pilot-crew-licenses-amid-plastic-shortage Airbus opens second jet assembly line in China BEIJING/PARIS (Reuters) -Airbus said on Wednesday it had opened a second assembly line in China, increasing manufacturing capacity for its best-selling A320neo family of single-aisle jets. The European planemaker's 10th final assembly line globally, located in the port city of Tianjin near Beijing, is set to be fully operational in early 2026. Its inauguration comes just over a week after Airbus opened a second final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama. Ahead of the Tianjin opening, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement. During the meeting, Wang stressed that rising economic fragmentation and unilateral, protectionist moves were unsettling global trade and adding instability and uncertainty, the ministry said on Wednesday. Airbus committed to expanding its presence in China and contributing to China-France and China-Europe trade ties, the ministry added. Airbus did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Industry sources said this month that the back-to-back ceremonies in Mobile and Tianjin were being designed to avoid falling foul of a tricky trade climate between China and the United States. Since Airbus first announced the overseas expansion plans in 2022 and 2023, Washington and Beijing have plunged into a months-long trade war, leaving Airbus and some other European companies anxious to avoid offending either trade power. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/airbus-opens-second-jet-assembly-023128340.html Singapore Airlines set to retire last Boeing 737-800 by the end of October 2025 Singapore Airlines is set to retire its remaining Boeing 737-800 aircraft. With the narrowbody fleet being replaced by the more modern Boeing 737 MAX 8, the final aircraft is expected to be retired from service in the coming week, bringing the operator’s experience with the type to a close. The retirement of the last remaining aircraft (registered as 9V-MGN) will bring the curtain down on over a decade of operations. In total, the carrier has operated 16 examples of the type over the past ten years. The original examples of the type were first delivered to Singapore Airlines’ former subsidiary Silk Air from as early as February 2014 and were later absorbed into the Singapore fleet when Silk Air was wound down and taken over by the parent airline in May 2021. With the single aircraft now the only remaining example, which is reaching 10.1 years old, the airline has decided that the time has come to withdraw this final aircraft from active service. They joined Singapore Airlines through the 2021 merger with SilkAir. At first, the airline had 15 of these jets. Now, only four remain, although only one is actively flying. The carrier has been retiring its Boeing 737-800s in phases as new Boeing 737 MAX 8s arrived in the fleet. While the first ended service in 2022, more followed in 2024, and the remaining planes have slowly been phased out during 2025. The aircraft are being phased out as they are more expensive to operate and offer an inferior passenger experience than their newer replacements. The more modern 737 MAX 8s feature full reclining seats in business class (of which there are ten), and in-flight Wi-Fi offered to all passengers. The newer aircraft also accommodate 144 passengers in economy class. Singapore Airlines aims to offer its passengers a uniform premium experience across its fleet, and retiring the 737-800s achieves that goal. With 19 Boeing 737 MAX 8s already in service and with another seven aircraft due from the manufacturer, the airline’s short-haul future lies with the single-aisle variant. The last flight for the remaining 737-800 is scheduled for October 26, 2026, the last day of the summer 2025 IATA scheduling season. For the whole of October 2025, the aircraft has been flying almost exclusively on the Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Penang (PEN) route – a short shuttle flight lasting just an hour in each direction. The aircraft has also featured on the occasional flight to Kathmandu in Nepal. Once completed, the airline’s four remaining 737-800s still in its charge (registered 9V-MGK, 9V-MGL, 9V-MGM, and 9V-MGN) will all return to their lessors. They will be replaced by five new 737 MAX 8s in the upcoming financial year. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/singapore-airlines-retires-last-boeing-737-800 CAAT Reports 10 Years of Success as Thailand Tops Global Aviation Safety Scores at 91.35%, Surpassing the Global Average by Over 20% BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the results of the audit on the civil aviation safety oversight system under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), conducted from 27 August to 8 September 2025. The preliminary results, covering only the areas under CAAT’s direct responsibility showed a preliminary score as high as 91.35%, nearly 20% above the global average of 70.50%. The preliminary results, covering only the areas under CAAT’s direct responsibility showed a preliminary score as high as 91.35%, nearly 20% above the global average of 70.50%. The audit covered all eight key areas, namely: 1. Primary Aviation Legislation and Civil Aviation Regulations (LEG) 2. Civil Aviation Organization (ORG) 3. Personnel Licensing (PEL) 4. Aircraft Operations (OPS) 5. Airworthiness of Aircraft (AIR) 6. Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG) 7. Air Navigation Services (ANS) 8. Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA) The preliminary results, covering only the areas under CAAT’s direct responsibility -namely legislation, civil aviation organization, aircraft operations, airworthiness, personnel licensing, air navigation services, and aerodromes – showed a preliminary score as high as 91.35%, nearly 20% above the global average of 70.50%. ICAO will be sending a draft report to be reviewed within 90 days after the audit is completed, and the official scores are expected to be announced on ICAO’s website around February 2026. Thailand achieved a perfect score of 100% in two areas – Aviation Legislation (LEG) and Civil Aviation Organization (ORG) -exceeding the global average by 20–30%. This is ample evidence that Thailand currently has a modern and comprehensive aviation legal framework aligned with international standards, along with a strong, well-structured civil aviation authority on par with the world’s leading aviation nations. It also demonstrates how far Thailand has come since being placed under the ICAO “Red Flag” in 2015, underscoring the country’s progress towards becoming a globally recognized aviation hub. Thailand’s Aviation Safety Development Path January 2015: Thailand (then under the Department of Civil Aviation) underwent an audit that identified 33 Significant Safety Concerns (SSC). As a result, ICAO issued a “Red Flag,” with Thailand’s Effective Implementation (EI) score at 33.53%. September 2017: CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) resolved all deficiencies, leading ICAO to remove the Red Flag; the EI score rose to 41.11%. May 2019: All remaining deficiencies were addressed (except in AIG, due to ICAO’s shortage of AIG experts). The EI score increased to 65.83%. September 2021: ICAO conducted an Offsite Validation focusing solely on AIG, with the EI score recorded at 66.08%. January 2022: ICAO updated its audit protocol from the PQ2017 Edition to PQ2020 for the USOAP-CMA, affecting the Effective Implementation (EI) scores of all states. Thailand’s EI score was adjusted to 61.60%. July 2025: ICAO introduced the new PQ2024 Edition, the latest set of criteria for USOAP-CMA audits. Preliminary Results Current Score (before the audit): 61.60% Preliminary Score: 87.71% Preliminary Score (for areas under CAAT’s direct oversight – legislation, civil aviation organization, aircraft operations, airworthiness, personnel licensing, air navigation services, and aerodromes): 91.35% Global Average: 70.50% CAAT devoted the full expertise of its personnel to prepare for this USOAP CMA audit, the largest in the past decade since 2015. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT explained CAAT’s approach to the ICAO assessment that “ICAO provides Thailand with a checklist, questions, and guidance – the same procedure applied worldwide. Each CAAT division responsible for its respective area must work with its own team, covering legislation, operational procedures, and inspections of operators to ensure compliance with CAAT standards, thereby demonstrating the Authority’s oversight capability. Afterwards, ICAO reviews what CAAT has documented, such as regulations and operating procedures, to verify whether CAAT officials enforce them correctly, including applying penalties when operators or licensed personnel violate rules or laws. All these elements contribute to the high scores awarded by ICAO. This process reflects a comprehensive and transparent implementation of aviation law in line with international standards.” CAAT will perpetually enhance and uphold the standards through ongoing development. Significantly, this achievement was not accomplished by CAAT solitarily but through the collaboration of all stakeholders – including Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd., Airports of Thailand Plc., the Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Training Center, airlines, and all relevant partner agencies. Their collective efforts drove this mission to success, giving confidence that Thailand will continue to advance steadily towards becoming a safe and reliable aviation hub for the region and the world. “Normally, ICAO conducts audit programs for its 193 member states, with around 12–20 countries assessed each year. Given Thailand’s high score in this audit, it is expected that, in terms of managing safety risks among member states, there will likely be a considerable interval before Thailand is reviewed again. Over the past decade, Thailand has been among the countries most frequently audited by ICAO. In addition, the checklist used by CAAT for this assessment was the latest 2024 version, which is more efficient. From now on, ICAO will be using this checklist to evaluate all member states before the cycle returns to Thailand,” Air Chief Marshal Manat concluded. https://www.macaubusiness.com/caat-reports-10-years-of-success-as-thailand-tops-global-aviation-safety-scores-at-91-35-surpassing-the-global-average-by-over-20/ 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