Flight Safety Information - December 22, 2025 No. 252 In This Issue : Incident: Malaysia A333 at Tokyo on Dec 18th 2025, interrupted takeoff due to skidding : Incident: PIA B773 near Dammam on Dec 19th 2025, cabin pressurization problems : Incident: Cathay Pacific B773 at Manila on Dec 16th 2025, runway incursion : Incident: Southwind A321 at Jeddah on Dec 9th 2025, low fuel and temporary runway excursion : Boeing 777-337ER - Engine Shutdown in flight (India) : Pilot declared ‘Mayday’ after flying through Musk rocket explosion : Emirates A380 Pilot Asks JFK ATC To Be More Professional, Gets Talked Down To : 'We’re all going to die': Alaska Airlines passenger accused of trying to open cabin door midflight : Philippine Airlines receives first Airbus A350-1000 : 2025 Lithium Battery Fires Spark Stricter Airline Safety Rules : 10 deliveries in 1 day: How Airbus and Boeing are ramping up new aircraft handovers to meet year-end delivery targets : World's Fastest Civilian Jet Since Concorde Secures FAA Certification : Calendar of Events Incident: Malaysia A333 at Tokyo on Dec 18th 2025, interrupted takeoff due to skidding A Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration 9M-MTI performing flight MH-71 from Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), was cleared for immediate takeoff from runway 34L in heavy rain, when the crew began to accelerate for takeoff but interrupted their takeoff run at about 30 knots over ground after the aircraft began drifting to the left of the runway, the crew regained directional control at about 8 knots over ground and continued the takeoff run taking off without further difficulties, the controller already queried whether they were taking off. The aircraft landed safely in Kuala Lumpur about 7.5 hours later. The aircraft remained on the ground in Kuala Lumpur for about 9.5 hours before returning to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=5318878a&opt=0 Incident: PIA B773 near Dammam on Dec 19th 2025, cabin pressurization problems A PIA Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777-300, registration AP-BMS performing flight PK-860 from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to Lahore (Pakistan) with 381 people on board, was enroute at FL350 about 200nm south of Dammam (Saudi Arabia) when the crew initiated a rapid descent to FL100 (descending through FL200 about 5 minutes later), the passenger oxygen masks deployed. The aircraft turned north and diverted to Dammam for a safe landing on runway 34R about 85 minutes after leaving FL350. A replacement Boeing 777-300 registration AP-BHX reached Lahore with a delay of about 22 hours. The airline reported a technical issue. Passengers reported the oxygen masks deployed in the cabin. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Dammam for about 8.5 hours, then positioned to Karachi (Pakistan) maintaining a maximum cruise level 090. The aircraft is still on the ground in Karachi about 14 hours after landing there. https://avherald.com/h?article=5317bfef&opt=0 Incident: Cathay Pacific B773 at Manila on Dec 16th 2025, runway incursion A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300, registration B-HNE performing flight CX-918 from Manila (Philippines) to Hong Kong (China), was taxiing for departure from runway 06 via taxiway D onto taxiway C, when the crew did not turn 90 degrees onto taxiway C but followed high speed turnoff R2 and entered the runway. Tower instructed another flight on final approach to go around, CX-918 to stop and also instructed the next arrival to go around. CX-918 was subsequently cleared to enter the runway via R2 and to backtrack the runway to high speed turnoff R5 and onto taxiway C, the aircraft finally reached the hold short position and departed about 13 minutes after the runway incursion. The aircraft landed safely in Hong Kong on schedule. The airline reported the crew made incorrect use of a taxiway during taxi for departure. https://avherald.com/h?article=5316ea51&opt=0 Incident: Southwind A321 at Jeddah on Dec 9th 2025, low fuel and temporary runway excursion A Southwind Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration TC-GRF performing flight 2S-6562 from Istanbul (Turkey) to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), had been holding for about 30 minutes at between FL100 and FL070. Then the aircraft was on final approach to Jeddah's runway 34L when the crew reported being low on fuel and subsequently went around. The aircraft positioned for another approach to runway 34R and landed without further incident about 14 minutes after the go around. Saudi Arabia's AIB rated the occurrence a serious incident and opened an investigation stating: "Pilot reported low fuel during final approach, and airport’s alert number 2 was initiated. During landing and touchdown, the aircraft deviate from the centerline and went outside of the runway. Then, went back into the runway." ADS-B data suggest, the aircraft veered right of runway 34L and initiated a go around. The aircraft is still on the ground in Jeddah 10 days later. https://avherald.com/h?article=5316dc6c&opt=0 Boeing 777-337ER - Engine Shutdown in flight (India) Monday 22 December 2025 Time: c. 01:05 UTC Type: Boeing 777-337ER Owner/operator: Air India Registration: VT-ALS MSN: 36317/864 Year of manufacture: 2010 Engine model: General Electric GE90-115B Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL/VIDP) - India Phase: Initial climb Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL/VIDP) Destination airport: Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM/VABB) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Air India flight AI887, a Boeing 777-337ER, suffered a drop in oil pressure on the no.2 engine during flap retraction after take-off from Delhi (DEL). The engine oil pressure dropped to zero and the crew then shut down the number two engine. The flight returned and landed safely back at DEL, 21 minutes after takeoff. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/564110 Pilot declared ‘Mayday’ after flying through Musk rocket explosion VIDEO The explosion of a SpaceX rocket put multiple passenger planes in danger, with one pilot declaring “Mayday” before being forced to fly through the debris. The experimental rocket ship belonging to Elon Musk’s company disintegrated minutes after lift-off in January, which scattered fiery debris across the Caribbean region, causing widespread disruptions to air traffic. Pilots of the three planes, carrying a total of 450 people, were forced to decide whether to fly through a field of rocket debris or risk running low on fuel over water, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documents. The files, which the Wall Street Journal reviewed, revealed the Jan 16 explosion posed a greater danger to planes in the air than was publicly known. The explosion rained a meteor-like shower of debris across parts of the Caribbean for about 50 minutes and could have put lives at risk, according to the FAA. Fiery trails shooting through the sky were visible from the cockpits and cabins of commercial aircraft and private jets. If a piece of debris had struck an aircraft in flight, it could have caused severe damage to the plane and possible passenger fatalities. All flights eventually landed safely. The un-crewed Starship test flight was Musk’s seventh attempt at launching a rocket ship into space in his quest to make life on Mars a reality. Responding to the explosion, the billionaire posted on social media: “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” During the incident, an air-traffic controller told one of the planes, a JetBlue flight en route to Puerto Rico: “You want to go to San Juan, it’s going to be at your own risk.” The other two, a private jet and Iberia Airlines flight, also declared fuel emergencies and travelled through the temporary no-fly zone, the WSJ reported. A controller in Puerto Rico told pilots they would have to declare an emergency to land at the capital. One pilot responded: “In that case, we declare emergency: Mayday. Mayday, Mayday.” Air traffic controllers working on the issue had to try to divert planes from the debris areas, increasing their workload and causing a “potential extreme safety risk”, according to one FAA report from an air-traffic facility in New York. At least two planes flew too close to each other, requiring a controller to intervene to avoid a collision, according to the documents. As well as the extreme safety risk, the FAA recorded that SpaceX failed to call an emergency hotline immediately following the explosion. Controllers in Miami first heard of the explosion from pilots seeing the debris, not from Musk’s company. Space X, the world’s busiest rocket launcher, has already launched 11 Starship missions and is planning future flights over Florida, Mexico and North Atlantic aeroplane routes. Starship, which stands at 400ft tall, is the most powerful rocket ever developed, according to the company. The explosion alarmed airline industry and US government officials because of its impact on air travel and the growing number of space operations. The safety risk of debris is set to keep increasing. The FAA predicts an annual average of 200 to 400 rocket launches or re-entries in the years ahead, compared to 24 operations on average each year between 1989 and 2024. Following the January incident, the agency set up a panel of experts to conduct a safety review to examine how to deal with debris risks from spaceflight failures. FAA officials suspended the review in August, claiming that most of the safety recommendations were already being implemented. The unusual move surprised the panel members. Since the January explosion, SpaceX has conducted four more Starship launches, two of which were successful, while two failed. During the test in March, the engines failed shortly after lift-off, leading the rocket to spin out of control and explode mid-air. In May, the rocket spun out of control and broke apart near its intended splashdown location in the Indian Ocean. The company plans to launch a new, more powerful version next year. Musk has already predicted there would be problems. He said on a podcast in September he warned that the rocket “might have some initial teething pains because it’s such a radical redesign”. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/pilot-declared-mayday-musk-rocket-160520570.html Emirates A380 Pilot Asks JFK ATC To Be More Professional, Gets Talked Down To Well here’s an entertaining interaction between Emirates Airbus A380 pilots and air traffic controllers at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). To be honest, I’ve heard JFK ATC be more unprofessional (admittedly that’s a high bar!), but still… JFK air traffic controllers & Emirates pilots argue YouTube channel You can see ATC has air traffic control audio and a visualization of an interaction that happened at JFK on the early afternoon of December 9, 2025, as Emirates flight EK201 was taxiing to its gate after landing from Dubai (DXB). If you’re into this kind of stuff, I’d recommend watching the below video, though let me also summarize what makes this noteworthy. The Emirates A380 was given several sets of instructions to taxi to the gate, and here’s the meat of the interaction: After being given initial taxi instructions, the Emirates pilot advised that their gate was occupied The tower controller advised the Emirates A380 to make the right turn on taxiway A, and hold short of taxiway D A short while later, while taxiing across an active runway, the tower controller advised the Emirates A380 to instead go straight ahead on taxiway A, and hold short of taxiway D The air traffic controller told the Emirates A380 not to stop due to traffic behind them, though it’s clear that the Emirates pilots were confused by the instructions, so slowed down The pilots were told to expedite their taxi, though since they were confused by the instructions, they sought clarification After taxiing for some time, the pilots seemingly forgot to switch to the ground frequency as was requested, so the tower controller told them to switch frequencies At this point, the Emirates pilot acknowledged the instructions, but said “by the way, sir, your instructions were not clear before, so just expediting was not a good idea, there is no need to be rude, just be more professional next time and more clear, thank you” The controller didn’t like being called out in this way, so tried to challenge the pilot on his claim, asking if the instructions were unclear, to which the Emirates pilot responded “yes, it was unclear, we are four pilots here, nobody understood you, and there is a native English speaker, so more professional and more clear, thank you very much” The air traffic controller wanted to keep arguing the point, and the Emirates pilot then simply responded by indicating they would switch frequencies Funny enough, clearly the tower controller told his ground controller buddy what was going on, so then the other air traffic controller wanted to continue arguing on frequency… oy My take on this contentious JFK ATC interaction Some (but not all) air traffic controllers at JFK are known for being among the least friendly and most unhelpful that you’ll find anywhere. Funny enough, I’d actually say that by JFK standards, the tower controller wasn’t that unprofessional, at least in terms of his tone. In particular, obviously the Emirates pilot spoke up due to cumulative frustration, rather than that final interaction, specifically. For those who may not fully understand what’s going on here, what happened is that the air traffic controller wanted the A380 to taxi all the way around the airport. So initially the instruction was to turn right onto taxiway A, but presumably when the controller realized that the gate was occupied, he instead wanted the A380 to use taxiway A, but in the other direction, to keep the plane moving. I can understand why the Emirates pilots might have been confused, since they weren’t necessarily expecting those instructions, and they assumed there was some other context they were missing. After all, it’s rare that you’re given continuous taxi instructions spanning such a distance. But this is also where the problems originated: The pilots were clearly confused, so telling pilots to expedite their taxi when they clearly didn’t understand where they were supposed to go isn’t a great practice, especially since they were given these instructions while crossing a runway What I find most absurd is how combative both the tower and ground controller were with wanting to prove that they were right; they were like children, and didn’t want to let go of what happened until the pilots apologized, basically The issue with some air traffic controllers is that they have a plot of land that’s a few square miles that they spend half of their life controlling, and they fail to consider that maybe some pilots have never flown there, haven’t been there in months or years, etc.; they exclusively view things through the lens of whether it makes sense to them, rather than whether it might makes sense to someone who has never been to an airport before So this just seems like a situation where a little clarification would’ve gone a long way. Like, “I’m going to taxi you all the way around the airport, so instead of turning right on taxiway A, proceed straight ahead…” JFK air traffic controllers aren’t great at de-escalation Bottom line The pilots of an Emirates Airbus A380 and air traffic controllers at JFK got into it over instructions for taxiing. Clearly the Emirates pilots just didn’t understand the change in instructions, and the air traffic controller told them to hurry, despite their confusion. The pilot asked the controller to be more professional, but that didn’t go over well, as he then didn’t want to drop that “feedback.” He was so obsessed with being proven right that he even had his buddy, the ground controller, continue the argument on his behalf, on another frequency. One wonders, when these JFK controllers have a day off and hang out together, do they just go to a bar and discuss how stupid they think everyone in the world is, except for them? https://onemileatatime.com/news/emirates-a380-pilot-jfk-atc-professional-talked-down/ 'We’re all going to die': Alaska Airlines passenger accused of trying to open cabin door midflight The Brief An Alaska Airlines passenger was charged after allegedly trying to open the cabin door during a flight. Witnesses say he made alarming statements and became increasingly agitated. He was taken to a hospital after landing, where he reported heavy drinking and hallucinations. ANCHORAGE, Alaska - An Alaska Airlines passenger has been federally charged, accused of trying to repeatedly open the cabin door in the middle of the flight, causing other passengers to restrain him. According to a criminal complaint obtained by FOX Television Stations, on December 10, Kassian William Fredericks was on Alaska Airlines flight 87 from Deadhorse to Anchorage. A passenger told authorities that Fredericks was seen repeatedly trying to open the door of the airplane. Other passengers then jumped up to restrain him. According to a witness identified as M.P., Fredericks began repeatedly saying, "Stop the plane, stop the plane," while anxiously looking toward the rear of the aircraft. Concerned, M.P. asked whether Fredericks was okay. Fredericks responded by claiming that the plane was being flown from the back. When M.P. asked who was responsible, Fredericks replied that the individuals were "invisible" and attempting to take control of the aircraft. He urged that they needed to be stopped. Shortly thereafter, M.P. observed Fredericks place a pill into his mouth and wash it down with a drink of Gatorade. Initially, M.P. believed the medication might calm him. Instead, Fredericks’s behavior appeared to worsen. Following the incident, Fredericks told M.P. that he was overdosing. M.P., however, believed that Fredericks was experiencing the effects of drugs and described him as "tripping." As the flight continued, crew members kept a close watch on Fredericks as his behavior became increasingly agitated. They asked nearby passengers to remain alert and report any changes while the crew proceeded with routine beverage service. At one point during the flight, Fredericks made a disturbing statement, saying, "The wings have disappeared. We’re all going to die." Flight attendant S.G. immediately contacted the pilot to report the situation. The plane landed at Anchorage. While receiving medical care at Providence Hospital, Fredericks made several statements to hospital staff that raised further concerns about his condition. An Anchorage Police Department officer overheard Fredericks telling a doctor that he had been consuming alcohol continuously for the past nine to ten days. He also reported experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations and said he could not remember the previous two years of his life. What's next: Fredericks was charged with interfering with the performance of the duties of the member or attendant or lessening the ability of the member or attendant to perform those duties by intimidating flight crew members or flight attendants of the aircraft. He faces a fine and/or twenty years in prison if convicted. https://www.livenowfox.com/news/alaska-airlines-passenger-charged-midflight-cabin-door Philippine Airlines receives first Airbus A350-1000 Philippine Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, becoming the 10th airline globally to operate the largest variant of Airbus’s long-range wide-body family. The aircraft represents a significant milestone in the carrier’s fleet modernisation programme and signals a new phase in its long-haul operations. Configured in a premium three-class layout with 382 seats, the A350-1000 is set to play a central role in Philippine Airlines’ transpacific services. The aircraft’s extended range and improved efficiency will enable the national carrier to expand its long-haul network with additional non-stop routes to key destinations across North America, supporting both growing demand and enhanced connectivity between the Philippines and the United States. The delivery marks the first of nine A350-1000 aircraft that Philippine Airlines will receive as part of its broader fleet expansion strategy. These aircraft will complement the airline’s existing A350-900 fleet already operating on long-haul routes, particularly to the US, and will further strengthen its widebody portfolio. Together, the A350 family supports the airline’s objective to increase long-haul capacity while improving operational reliability and elevating the overall passenger experience. https://avitrader.com/2025/12/22/philippine-airlines-receives-first-airbus-a350-1000/ 2025 Lithium Battery Fires Spark Stricter Airline Safety Rules In 2025, surging lithium battery fires on flights, caused by overheating power banks and devices, have prompted airlines and regulators worldwide to impose stricter rules, including watt-hour limits, carry-on requirements, and charging bans. Education campaigns and innovations aim to balance safety with traveler convenience, reducing incidents through proactive measures. Igniting Concerns: Airlines’ Escalating Battle Against Lithium Battery Perils in 2025 In the bustling terminals of major airports worldwide, a subtle yet significant shift is underway. Travelers clutching power banks—those ubiquitous portable chargers that keep smartphones alive during long-haul flights—are facing stricter scrutiny than ever before. As incidents of lithium battery fires aboard aircraft surge, airlines and regulators are tightening rules, transforming what was once a travel essential into a potential hazard. This year alone, reports of overheating devices have prompted emergency responses on dozens of flights, underscoring a growing tension between convenience and safety in aviation. The catalyst for this crackdown stems from a series of alarming events. In one notable case, a Virgin Australia flight to Hobart experienced a mid-air fire caused by a power bank in an overhead locker, leading to an urgent safety investigation. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau detailed how the lithium-ion battery entered “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction of overheating that could have escalated disastrously. Such episodes aren’t isolated; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has logged over 50 lithium battery incidents in 2025, ranging from smoke emissions to full-blown fires, prompting urgent advisories to airlines. Industry experts point to the proliferation of consumer electronics as a key driver. With passengers carrying more devices—laptops, tablets, e-cigarettes, and power banks—the risk multiplies. Lithium batteries, prized for their high energy density, can ignite if damaged, short-circuited, or exposed to extreme conditions. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines have responded by banning the charging of power banks via onboard USB ports, effective from April 2025, to mitigate these dangers. Tightening the Reins: Regulatory Responses and Airline Policies The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has been at the forefront, launching campaigns like “Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries” to educate passengers on safe practices. Their guidelines emphasize seven core rules: keeping devices in carry-on luggage, ensuring batteries are below 100 watt-hours (Wh) for most power banks, and avoiding use if damaged. This initiative, rolled out in October 2025, aims to curb the rising tide of incidents by empowering travelers with knowledge, as highlighted in IATA’s press release. In the U.S., the FAA has issued safety alerts urging airlines to enforce visibility rules, mandating that power banks remain accessible rather than stowed away. A September 2025 advisory from the agency, as reported in their PackSafe guidelines, stresses that lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin, not checked baggage, due to the inaccessibility of cargo holds during flight. This policy shift follows a spate of fires, including one that charred a passenger’s seat and belongings, as vividly described in FAA posts on social media platforms like X. Across the globe, variations in enforcement add layers of complexity. In the UAE, Dubai Airports has reiterated strict protocols amid winter travel peaks, aligning with IATA standards but adding local emphases on power bank capacity limits. A recent Gulf News article outlines these, warning against oversized batteries exceeding 160Wh, which are outright banned. Similarly, Indian regulators via the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have capped power banks at 100Wh, prohibiting their placement in checked luggage to prevent undetected fires. Incident Aftermath: Case Studies and Lessons Learned Delving into specific incidents reveals the human and operational costs. The Virgin flight fire, investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and covered in an ABC News report, originated from a power bank crushed under luggage, triggering thermal runaway. Passengers evacuated safely, but the event spurred Virgin Australia to revise storage guidelines, now requiring devices to be kept in accessible spots like under seats. Another stark example came from a U.S. flight where a lithium battery in a backpack ignited, burning the owner’s hand and nearby items. The FAA’s documentation of this, shared via X, illustrates the rapid escalation: from smoke to flames in seconds. Such cases have fueled debates among aviation insiders about whether current lithium battery designs are sufficiently robust for air travel’s rigors, including pressure changes and vibrations. Airlines are not just reacting but innovating. Delta and United, per a comprehensive guide from Aotos, now mandate pre-flight inspections for visible damage on power banks. Southwest Airlines goes further, prohibiting any battery-powered items in checked bags unless the batteries are removed. These policies, updated for 2025, reflect a broader industry push toward proactive risk management, informed by data from over 300 global incidents in the past decade. Passenger Perspectives: Balancing Convenience and Compliance For frequent flyers, these rules represent a double-edged sword. On one hand, the convenience of staying powered up during layovers is invaluable; on the other, the fear of confiscation or fines looms large. Social media buzz on X reveals traveler frustrations, with users sharing stories of power banks being seized at security checkpoints for exceeding watt-hour limits. One post from a jazz enthusiast lamented a delayed flight due to a suspicious device, echoing sentiments that regulations feel overly punitive. Yet, education campaigns are bridging the gap. IATA’s resources, accessible through their Safe Travel with Lithium Batteries page, provide infographics and checklists that demystify the rules. Travelers are advised to opt for certified, reputable brands to minimize risks, as cheap knockoffs are more prone to failure. In holiday travel alerts, like those from Tampa International Airport covered in a FOX 13 Tampa Bay piece, officials urge double-checking gifts for hidden batteries, preventing surprises at TSA screenings. Industry analysts predict these measures will evolve. With electric vehicles and renewable energy boosting lithium demand, battery technology is advancing toward safer chemistries, such as solid-state options less susceptible to thermal runaway. However, aviation’s zero-tolerance for fire risks means airlines will likely maintain stringent controls, potentially integrating smart sensors in cabins to detect overheating early. Global Harmonization: Challenges in Standardizing Safety Harmonizing rules across borders remains a hurdle. While the FAA and IATA set baselines, national variations persist. In Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency mirrors U.S. guidelines but adds restrictions on spare batteries, limiting quantities per passenger. Asian carriers, influenced by incidents like those on Singapore Airlines flights, have adopted no-charging policies to eliminate in-flight risks altogether, as announced in their March 2025 advisory shared on X. Enforcement disparities can confuse international travelers. A power bank permissible on a U.S. domestic flight might be flagged in Dubai, where Emirates and flydubai have updated policies emphasizing individual packaging for batteries, per a Travel And Tour World update. This patchwork prompts calls for a unified global standard, with IATA lobbying for consistency to streamline compliance without compromising safety. Looking ahead, data analytics could play a pivotal role. Airlines are investing in tracking systems to monitor incident trends, using AI to predict high-risk scenarios. For instance, patterns from 2025 data show peaks during holiday seasons, when overloaded carry-ons increase crush risks. Regulators like the FAA are collaborating with battery manufacturers to enforce stricter testing protocols, ensuring devices withstand aviation stresses. Innovation and Adaptation: The Future of Safe Skies Amid these challenges, innovation offers hope. Companies are developing fire-resistant pouches for lithium devices, endorsed by safety bodies. Passengers are encouraged to use apps that calculate watt-hours based on device specs, avoiding guesswork at checkpoints. The TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page serves as a go-to resource, detailing allowances for everything from cell phones to portable rechargers. Airline executives, speaking at industry forums, emphasize that these rules aren’t about restriction but preservation. “The goal is to keep the skies safe for everyone,” noted a Delta representative in recent discussions. As 2025 draws to a close, with incidents down 15% from mid-year peaks thanks to heightened awareness, the focus shifts to sustaining this momentum. For insiders, the broader implication is clear: lithium batteries represent a microcosm of aviation’s ongoing safety evolution. As technology advances, so too must the frameworks governing it. Travelers adapting to these norms—by choosing quality devices, packing smartly, and staying informed—can help ensure that the convenience of connectivity doesn’t come at the cost of catastrophe. With continued vigilance from regulators and carriers, the industry aims to neutralize these fiery threats, paving the way for smoother, safer journeys ahead. Evolving Strategies: Industry-Wide Implications and Forward Paths The economic ripple effects are noteworthy. Airlines face potential liabilities from incidents, with insurance premiums rising in response to lithium-related claims. Manufacturers of power banks are under pressure to comply with new certification standards, potentially reshaping the market toward premium, safety-focused products. Retailers at airports have adjusted inventories, prioritizing compliant devices to assist passengers. Public sentiment, gauged from X discussions, shows a mix of compliance and pushback. Posts from aviation authorities like the FAA highlight graphic warnings, fostering a culture of caution. Meanwhile, travelers share tips on compliant alternatives, such as solar-powered chargers, indicating grassroots adaptation. Ultimately, this crackdown underscores aviation’s proactive stance on emerging risks. By integrating lessons from 2025’s incidents, the sector is fortifying its defenses, ensuring that as passenger numbers soar, safety remains paramount. (Word count approximation for internal reference: 1,248; not included in article.) https://www.webpronews.com/2025-lithium-battery-fires-spark-stricter-airline-safety-rules/ 10 deliveries in 1 day: How Airbus and Boeing are ramping up new aircraft handovers to meet year-end delivery targets Both planemakers are undergoing a late surge in new aircraft handovers to achieve their well-publicised targets for 2025. As the two main aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, are striving to achieve their end-of-year handover targets, with both manufacturers ramping up deliveries of new aircraft to airline customers. Yet, this late flurry of activity is about more than just reaching pre-set targets. The two companies are also seeking to reduce their sizeable order backlogs and keep hungry airline customers satisfied, while also sending a positive message that 2026 will see a restoration of delivery schedules and a reduction in production delays. 10 new Airbus A321 aircraft were delivered in just one day A good indicator of just how keen the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are to hit their annual delivery targets is that on Friday, 19 December, Airbus reported that it had delivered ten new Airbus A321 aircraft to customers in a single day. This impressive figure included one from the company’s plant in Toulouse (France), five from Hamburg-Finkenwerder in Germany, and four from its factory in Tianjin, China. According to the Facebook site Airports and Plane Spotting, these aircraft are intended for various airlines around the world, including: HA-LDH (MSN 12823), A321-271NX, Wizz Air, Toulouse to Budapest B-18123 (MSN 12868), A321-271NX, China Airlines, Hamburg to Bangkok 9V-NCM (MSN 12821), A321-271NX, Scoot, Hamburg to Singapore 9H-WMQ (MSN 12922), A321-271NX, Wizz Air Malta, Hamburg to Rome 9M-CAB (MSN 12903), A321-251NX, AirAsia, Hamburgh to Kuala Lumpur VT-NHJ (MSN 12798), A321-251NX, IndiGo, Hamburg to Delhi B-32PK (MSN13037), A321-252NX, Air China, Tianjin to Peking HA-LDK (MSN13052), A321-271NX, Wizz Air, Tianjin to Budapest B-32PL (MSN13039), A321-252NX, Air China, Tianjin to Peking B-32PJ (13026), A321-252NX, Air China, Tianjin to Peking While the delivery centres at each of these three plants, in addition to the A220 final assembly plant for the A220 located in Mobile, Alabama, were aiming to deliver around 65-70 new aircraft per month throughout 2025, ten of one type in one day is an impressive figure by any measure. Sun PhuQuoc Airways took delivery of an A3210neo Photo: Sun PhuQuoc Airways The ten deliveries listed above mean that the airline recipients have one more aircraft in their fleet at the start of 2026 to deploy on new routes, to increase frequencies or replace ageing and less fuel-efficient aircraft in their fleets. The arrival of each of these aircraft will have been anticipated for many months, and their arrival will mark the next stage in the carrier’s development. December is proving to be a bumper month for deliveries According to data obtained from Planespotters.net, so far in December, there have been 33 new commercial aircraft handed over to their airline owners. This figure includes 17 A320neo family aircraft, six Boeing 737 MAX family planes, and one example each of an A330neo, a Boeing 777F, and a 787-9 Dreamliner. Additionally, the keys to four A350s were also handed over, along with those to an ATR 72, an Embraer ERJ135 and an Airbus A220 single-aisle airliner. Traditionally, the month of December has always been the annual pinnacle of aircraft delivery activity, as the OEMs battle to reach their well-publicised delivery targets for the year. Whether the OEM reaches their target or falls short is taken by the wider aviation industry as a bellwether for how each organisation is doing, as a new year looms and delivery backlogs lengthen. How Airbus is likely to end the year At the start of 2025, Airbus forecast that the company would deliver 820 new aircraft throughout the 2025 calendar year. Due to ongoing supply chain bottlenecks and quality issues, this figure was later revised downwards to 790 aircraft, an average of around 66 aircraft per month. In November (the last complete month for which data is available), the planemaker achieved 72 deliveries that month, including A320neo family jets, A220s, A330s, and A350s, serving 42 customers, with the A320s dominating the narrowbody numbers. By 30 November, the running total of deliveries for Airbus for 2025 equated to 657, some 133 short of its annual target. However, with an uptick in new aircraft handovers in December, it is thought that the target could still be reached, although analysts said it was more likely that the company would end the year with around 770-780 deliveries, still coming up just short of its revised target. What is the forecast for Boeing deliveries in 2025? In November 2025, Boeing delivered 44 commercial aircraft (32 narrowbody 737 MAXs, six 787s, two 777 Freighters, and four 767s) but faced a dip from October when it delivered 53 jets. During the month, 32 737 MAX aircraft were delivered, including five to Southwest, three to American Airlines, two to Alaska Airlines and one to United. Deliveries of 787s saw two delivered to TAAG Angola Airlines, while Turkish Airlines and Aerotranscargo each took a single Boeing 777F. Boeing’s deliveries lagged behind those of Airbus for the month, reflecting “ongoing production challenges”, according to the company. However, order momentum, particularly for the 777X and 787 Dreamliner widebodies, showed renewed customer confidence in the firm’s product range, added the company. By the end of November, Boeing had delivered almost 540 aircraft. With its delivery rate still significantly slower than in previous years (due largely in part to FAA-imposed restrictions on the 737 MAX production rate), the organisation had forecast it would deliver 590 to 610 deliveries by the end of the year if it managed to hit a December high. According to analysts, with 537 already delivered by the end of November, Boeing should end the year landing somewhere between the lower and upper figures in that range. The current state of new aircraft orders and backlogs On the order side, for the year to date, by the end of November, Boeing had accumulated 1,000 gross orders, maintaining a clear lead over Airbus’s 797 gross orders for the year to date. As of 30 November, Airbus reported a backlog of 8,695 commercial aircraft. Based on its own forecast of 790 new aircraft deliveries in 2025, Airbus’s current backlog represents approximately 11.0 years of deliveries at the forecasted pace. The backlog remains heavily concentrated in narrowbody aircraft, with the A320neo family accounting for the vast majority of outstanding orders. Meanwhile, Boeing’s backlog stood at 6,609 aircraft at the end of November, excluding legacy 777-300ER positions. Using the company’s annual delivery forecast of 590 aircraft, Boeing’s backlog equates to approximately 11.2 years of deliveries at the current projected delivery rate, just slightly longer than that of its European rival. Boeing’s backlog is dominated by next-generation narrowbodies, led by the 737 MAX, alongside a meaningful widebody component across the 787 and 777 programmes. https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/10-planes-one-day-airbus-boeing-deliveries-2025/ World's Fastest Civilian Jet Since Concorde Secures FAA Certification Luke has over a decade of experience as a travel writer and aviation analyst. As a passionate traveler based across the Middle East and Asia, Luke offers strong insights into the industry. Based in South East Asia. The Bombardier Global 8000 has completed its certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the fastest civilian jet to receive FAA approval since the famous Concorde almost half a century ago. Bombardier's new ultra-long-range business jet boasts a top speed of Mach 0.95 (729 mph) and officially entered service earlier this month following certification by Transport Canada in early November. It now awaits regulatory approval by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with the aircraft's GE Passport 20 engine recently receiving EASA type certification. The Global 8000 is now the flagship aircraft in Bombardier's impressive business jet portfolio, with existing Global 7500 customers able to upgrade their jets to the 8000. Bombardier confirmed on Friday that it has received FAA certification for its Global 8000 business jet, which it heralds as "the fastest and most luxurious" in the skies today. Capable of reaching up to Mach 0.95, the Global 8000 also offers a cabin altitude of 2,691 feet, the lowest altitude of any business jet, which can help reduce factors like fatigue, stress and jet lag. It is also the longest-range business jet in its class, with a reach of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km), opening up most of the world's major city pairings for customers. The FAA's approval comes approximately six weeks after the Global 8000 secured certification with Transport Canada, which approved type certification for the jet on November 5. The company adds that certification with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is ongoing, with all indications suggesting European approval is imminent. Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Product Development at Bombardier, commented, "Attaining the Global 8000 certification from the FAA sets new performance standards in the industry and marks one of the final chapters in our very successful development program for this groundbreaking business jet." The newest member of Bombardier's Global Series will take the crown as the fastest civilian jet in service today, eclipsing the Gulfstream G700 and its top speed of Mach 0.935. As Bombardier states, this also makes the Global 8000 the fastest civilian plane since Concorde, although the supersonic airliner is far quicker than the Global 8000 with its top cruising speed of Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph). It has been almost half a century since the Concorde entered service, and it remains the only commercial faster-than-speed aircraft to fly. This could change in the near future with US-based company Boom Technology in the process of developing a supersonic airliner called the Boom Overture. But the Global 8000 was designed for a completely different market, targeting the long-haul, large-cabin business jet sector. The aircraft's exceptional performance capabilities will enable it to operate at airports with shorter runways, opening up more landing possibilities compared to its competition. With a takeoff performance more akin to a light jet, Bombardier states that the Global 8000 is capable of accessing up to 30% more airports than its competitors. With the Global 8000 completing its final hurdle before entering service in the United States, Bombardier can begin deliveries to customers in the country. The first Global 8000 was delivered on December 8 to Canadian entrepreneur Patrick Dovigi, a long-time Bombardier customer who is replacing his Global 7500. The first production aircraft completed its maiden flight in May out of Bombardier's Aircraft Assembly Centre in Ontario, Canada. The maiden flight was operated by pilots Sandro Novelli and Charlie Honey, alongside flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar. The Global 8000 will typically seat 19 passengers, although customers have choices to customize their order, with the jet comprised of four zones. It aims to build on the success achieved by its predecessor, the Global 7500 — since entering service in 2018, this jet has smashed over 100 city-to-city speed records, with Bombardier delivering over 200 aircraft to customers. https://simpleflying.com/worlds-fastest-civilian-jet-concorde-faa-certification/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. . 60th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium - March 31 - April 1, 2026 (Irving, TX) . 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 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . ISASI - 2026 (September/October 2026) - Dubai, UAE . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis