Flight Safety Information - December 26, 2025 No. 255 In This Issue : Incident: Qantas A332 enroute on Dec 23rd 2025, pressurization problem : Incident: Vueling A320 near Clermont-Ferrand on Dec 23rd 2025, engine problem : Incident: Baltic BCS3 at Vienna on Dec 23rd 2025, de-icing problem : American Airlines Pilots Flies Wrong 787 Aircraft to Italy : Kyrgyzstan may exit EU Air Safety List : Possible Fuel Leak Prompts Frontier Airlines Airbus A320neo Diversion To Miami : Hawaiian, Alaska airlines plan to use Hawaii-made biofuel on select flights from early next year : New Israeli airline recruiting pilots : Embraer Phenom 300 most delivered light jet – again : Struggling airline files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy : Calendar of Events Incident: Qantas A332 enroute on Dec 23rd 2025, pressurization problem A Qantas Airbus A330-200, registration VH-EBA performing flight QF-36 from Singapore (Singapore) to Melbourne,VI (Australia) with 240 people on board, had been enroute at FL330 over the Indian Ocean northwest of Austrlia when the crew descended the aircraft to FL310. The aircraft continued across Australia at FL310 for about 45 minutes, then attempted a step climb to FL330 and shortly after descended to FL310 again. The aircraft continued towards Melbourne for about 3 hours, then the crew decided to divert to Adelaide,SA (Australia). The aircraft descended to FL300, reported they had pressurization problems. The aircraft entered a hold descending to 9000 feet and subsequently landed on Adelaide's runway 05 about 100 minutes after leaving FL310. The airline reported a technical issue stating it had not been a priority landing. The passengers were rebooked onto alternate flights to Melbourne. The aircraft is still on the ground in Adelaide about 24 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=531aa998&opt=0 Incident: Vueling A320 near Clermont-Ferrand on Dec 23rd 2025, engine problem A Vueling Airbus A320-200, registration EC-JTQ performing flight VY-6936 from Paris Orly (France) to Ibiza,SP (Spain) with 164 people on board, was enroute at FL310 about 70nm northnorthwest of Clermont-Ferrand (France) when the crew decided to divert to Clermont-Ferrand. The aircraft landed safely on Clermont-Ferrand's runway 26 about 30 minutes after leaving FL310. The airline reported a minor technical problem. A passenger reported the aircraft suffered a problem with one of the engines (CFM56). A replacement A320-200 registration EC-MAH reached Ibiza with a delay of about 4.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Clermont about 24 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=531a9eb4&opt=0 Incident: Baltic BCS3 at Vienna on Dec 23rd 2025, de-icing problem An Air Baltic Bombardier C-Series CS-300 on behalf of Austrian Airlines, registration YL-ABQ performing flight OS-639 from Vienna (Austria) to Budapest (Hungary), was climbing out of Vienna's runway 29 wheen the crew stopped the climb at FL230 and entered a hold for troubleshooting a problem with the de-icing systems. The aircraft subsequently returned to Vienna for a safe landing on runway 16 about 50 minutes after departure. The airline reported technical problems with the de-icing systems of the aircraft prompted the return to Vienna as a repair in Budapest was not possible short term. A replacement aircraft took the passengers to Budapest. A replacement CS-300 registration YL-AAW reached Budapest with a delay of about 2:15 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=531a9bc7&opt=0 American Airlines Pilots Flies Wrong 787 Aircraft to Italy After the unscheduled landing in Rome, American Airlines faced the logistical challenge of repositioning aircraft and crew. FORT WORTH- An unexpected aircraft swap led American Airlines (AA) Flight AA780 from Philadelphia (PHL) to Naples (NAP) to divert mid-air after realizing the Boeing 787-9 it was operating wasn’t certified to land at Naples Airport. On June 2, 2025, the transatlantic flight, normally operated by a Boeing 787-8, had been upgraded to a larger 787-9 (registration N837AN) for operational reasons. However, this seemingly minor change had major consequences mid-descent. American Airlines 787-9 Diverts to Rome American Airlines Flight AA780 departed Philadelphia (PHL) at 7:42 PM and crossed the Atlantic without incident. But as the aircraft began its descent into Naples (NAP), the crew altered course and redirected the flight to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), approximately 124 miles away from its intended destination. The reason wasn’t weather-related, as conditions in Naples were clear and no other flights had diverted. According to a scoop by aviation source @xJonNYC and reported by OMAAT, the Boeing 787-9 variant used that day was not authorized to land at Naples Airport. Why the 787-9 Was Restricted The Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 are similar, but key differences likely triggered the restriction. The 787-9 is slightly longer, with a higher maximum takeoff weight and different performance characteristics. Naples’ airport (NAP), nestled in a challenging terrain, may have runway length, taxiway, or apron limitations that permit the 787-8 but not the 787-9. Such restrictions are often set by local aviation authorities to ensure safety and operational feasibility. While American likely overlooked this during the swap, the incident underscores the importance of verifying aircraft compatibility with destination airports. American Airlines’ Quick Response After the unscheduled landing in Rome, American Airlines faced the logistical challenge of repositioning aircraft and crew. The airline already operated a Rome–Chicago (ORD) route using a 787-8, allowing them to make a strategic swap. The diverted 787-9 was reassigned to the Rome–Chicago service, freeing up a 787-8 (registration N880BJ) for the Naples flight. However, due to crew duty hour limitations, the airline couldn’t immediately continue the journey. The 787-8 and its crew overnighted in Rome and completed the short 38-minute hop to Naples the next day, June 4. The aircraft then returned to Philadelphia later that afternoon. It remains unclear whether the affected passengers were flown from Rome to Naples the following day or re-accommodated via other methods, such as trains or alternate flights. Operational Oversight The incident highlights the complexity of international flight operations and aircraft certifications. Although the 787-9 is only marginally larger than the 787-8, these differences can impact airport compatibility, especially in geographically constrained regions like Naples. Whether the oversight stemmed from a breakdown in internal communications or was triggered by nuanced local regulations, the case underscores the importance of aligning aircraft assignments with airport operational clearances. American Airlines’ prompt adaptation minimized overall disruption, but the root cause raises questions about procedural checks in aircraft dispatching. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/12/24/american-airlines-pilot-flies-wrong-787-to-italy/ Kyrgyzstan may exit EU Air Safety List Kyrgyzstan’s civil aviation sector could be removed from the European Union’s Air Safety List after nearly two decades of restrictions, President Sadyr Zhaparov announced Thursday. “Today, our country is making a major historic leap: a modern, safe, and high-tech aviation industry is being developed, which will become one of the symbols of the renewed state,” Zhaparov said, News.Az reports, citing Anadolu. He noted that Kyrgyzstan is advancing its aviation sector independently, investing billions of soms, acquiring new aircraft for domestic, regional, and international routes, and constructing new airports. “Kyrgyzstan has reached a critical point in its exit from the European Union’s ‘blacklist,’ where it has been for nearly two decades. Now we can look forward with confidence to the future: with God’s help, the skies of Europe will open to Kyrgyzstan,” he added. Zhaparov said the potential removal from the list would boost tourism, attract investment, and improve the country’s international image, allowing Kyrgyzstan to join a unified aviation space and access millions of tourists and new markets. Kyrgyz airlines have been on the EU Air Safety List since 2006 for failing to meet international safety standards, which has prohibited them from operating to, within, or from EU airspace, including overflights. https://news.az/news/kyrgyzstan-may-exit-eu-air-safety-list Possible Fuel Leak Prompts Frontier Airlines Airbus A320neo Diversion To Miami Passengers onboard a Frontier Airlines flight from Atlanta to San Juan found themselves in Miami after the aircraft needed to divert under precaution to Miami after identifying a potential fuel leak. The captain made an emergency landing at one of Florida's busiest airports, met at the gate by several fire trucks operated by the airport's Miami-Dade Airport Fire Rescue (MDFR) team. The flight, operated by one of the Denver ultra-low-cost-carriers Airbus A320neo, was flying across the Atlantic Ocean and had just passed over the Bahamas when the potential fuel leak was identified. Out of an abundance of caution, the captain made the call to return to the closest potential diversion airport in the United States, Miami. It is worth noting that neither the airline nor other media outlets have yet to confirm the cause of the emergency landing, and it is only alleged to have been caused by a potential fuel leak. According to Flightradar24, flight 2082, operated by N301FR, had departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on Christmas Day, pushing back from the Georgian airport at 11:01 am, some 41 minutes behind its scheduled departure time of 10:20 am. It had an expected arrival time into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), San Juan, Puerto Rico, of 3:01 pm local time. Setting its sights on Puerto Rico, the Airbus A320neo reached its cruising altitude relatively quickly and was at 34,000 feet by the time it passed over Jacksonville, Florida. Heading out over the Atlantic Ocean, the aircraft had just passed over the Bahamian island of Grand Abaco, approximately one hour and 20 minutes into the nearly three-hour scheduled flight, when the potential fuel leak was identified, with the captain making the swift decision to turn back to the United States. Simple Flying reached out to the team at Frontier Airlines for a statement on the flight; their spokesperson did not immediately respond. Landing Safely In Miami Approximately 43 minutes after the decision to head for Miami, the aircraft arrived under emergency landing conditions at Miami International Airport (MIA) and taxiied to Gate F18, where the plane was met by the airport fire rescue team. Crew were on hand to inspect the aircraft thoroughly to ascertain the leak, and the passengers onboard were then permitted to disembark the A320neo after 6:00 pm local time. Passengers were re-accommodated onto a replacement flight, operated by another Frontier Airbus A320neo (registration N328FR). This service departed from MIA at 8:23 pm, and arrived in San Juan two hours and one minute later, touching down at 11:24 local time. Some six hours after their expected arrival time from Atlanta. According to WSVN, the emergency landing did not cause any major disruption to the airport, and other flights were able to arrive and depart without any delays. The aircraft at the centre of the diversion (pictured) is a nine-and-a-half-year Airbus A320neo, which, according to ch-aviation, took its first test flight under French Airbus registration F-WWDA on July 7, 2016. The aircraft has been painted in the airline's unique livery, which commonly features wild or endangered species. https://simpleflying.com/possible-fuel-leak-frontier-airlines-airbus-a320neo-diversion-miami/ Hawaiian, Alaska airlines plan to use Hawaii-made biofuel on select flights from early next year Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines plan to start operating some of their aircraft using biofuel produced in Hawaii from early next year. The two airlines, which are owned by Alaska Air Group, will also invest in a joint venture aimed at developing a local supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel in the state, reports The Garden Island. The airlines are partnering with several companies, including fuel refinery operator Par Hawaii, to promote the cultivation of Camelina sativa, commonly known as false flax. The crop is being developed as a source of biofuel for aviation and as feed for cattle and poultry. The airlines said the initiative will help increase the use of cleaner aviation fuel, cut greenhouse gas emissions and support Hawaii’s target of meeting all its energy needs from renewable sources by 2045. Alanna James, sustainability innovation director at Hawaiian and Alaska, said the airlines see reducing environmental impact as part of their responsibility while continuing to provide essential air services across the islands and beyond. She said the companies have a long-term plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and that sustainable aviation fuel will play a key role in reaching that goal. Hawaiian began working with Par Hawaii in 2022 to study whether sustainable aviation fuel could be produced commercially in the state. The effort was later expanded after Alaska Air Group completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024. Par Hawaii, a unit of Texas-based Par Pacific Holdings, has been converting part of its Kapolei refinery over the past few years to produce renewable fuels for power generation and for use in air, land and marine transport. The company initially invested $90 million in the project and later sold a 36.5 per cent stake to a joint venture between Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. and ENEOS Corp. for $100 million. Once operational, the facility will be the largest renewable fuel plant in Hawaii, with the capacity to produce around 61 million gallons of fuel a year. The plant is designed to make up to 60 per cent aviation fuel, though most of the output in the early stages will be renewable diesel sold to markets on the US mainland. Par Hawaii said renewable fuel production is expected to begin between January and March next year, with initial feedstock coming from canola oil, used cooking oil and animal fat imported from Canada. Par Hawaii president Eric Wright said the progress toward producing aviation fuel locally has moved faster than expected since the initial study with Hawaiian Airlines began. He said the fuels produced could cut carbon emissions by as much as 80 per cent compared with conventional fuels. Hawaiian and Alaska already use limited quantities of sustainable aviation fuel on some routes, but none of it is currently produced in Hawaii. The fuel can be used in existing aircraft engines, but at present it can only be blended up to 50 per cent with conventional jet fuel. To develop a local source of fuel, Honolulu-based conservation firm Pono Pacific is leading efforts to grow Camelina in Hawaii. The company has been testing multiple non-GMO varieties of the crop across the islands in partnership with farms, agricultural groups and dairy producers. Pono Pacific is also exploring the use of by-products from Camelina oil extraction as animal feed. The company plans to speed up Camelina cultivation next year, noting that the crop matures in under two months, resists pests and can be grown alongside food crops. Pono Pacific said Camelina offers an opportunity for Hawaii to build a closed-loop model that supports renewable fuels, local agriculture and food security. Even as work on local crops continues, Hawaiian and Alaska are expected to be the first buyers of aviation fuel produced at Par Hawaii’s facility. The airlines have not disclosed how much fuel they plan to use initially, describing the volumes as limited due to high costs and supply constraints. Together, the two airlines use more than 200 million gallons of jet fuel in Hawaii each year, mostly for long-distance flights. James said expanding the use of cleaner aviation fuel will require close cooperation among airlines, fuel producers, farmers, investors and government agencies, along with supportive policies and incentives. The Hawaii Department of Transportation recently finalised a plan to sharply cut emissions from road, air and sea transport by 2045. The plan includes proposals for state tax credits to encourage the production and use of aviation biofuel, similar to incentives offered in other US states. Transport department director Ed Sniffen said the initiative by the airlines and their partners marks an important step toward building a local, lower-emission aviation fuel supply that aligns with Hawaii’s clean energy goals. https://bioenergytimes.com/hawaiian-alaska-airlines-plan-to-use-hawaii-made-biofuel-on-select-flights-from-early-next-year/ New Israeli airline recruiting pilots TUS IL is due to start commercial operations at the end of the first quarter of 2026. A new airline currently being set up, TUS IL, has started to recruit pilots, "Globes" has learned. It is believed that the company will start commercial operations at the end of the first quarter of 2026. The company is looking for experienced Airbus A320 pilots, and is offering a promotion track to the rank of captain within two years and after 3,000 flying hours. The company is headed by former Arkia CEO Nir Dagan. TUS IL belongs to the Holiday Lines Group, an Israeli tourism group that owns Greek airline Blue Bird and Cypriot airline TUS Airways. The new airline, which has already obtained a commercial license from the Ministry of Transport and is at the advanced stages of obtaining an operating license, will offer flights to nearby destinations with a flight time of four to five hours. Because the two airlines that Holiday Lines Group already owns are European, with European licenses, they are limited to offering flights from Israel to destinations within the EU, and are prevented from expanding to destinations such as Georgia and Dubai, two destinations that TUS IL plans to cover. Holiday Lines Group is owned by Ami Cohen and Arnon Englender. It is one of the biggest players in the tourism industry in Israel. During the Swords of Iron war it benefited from a significant rise in the activity of TUS Airways and Blue Bird, which remained operational almost throughout, with only short halts. Is the market ready for another airline? Four airlines currently operate in Israel: El Al (and its Sun D’Or subsidiary); Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, which began operating during the war. Unlike Air Haifa, a new airline such as TUS IL operating from Ben Gurion Airport will face broader competition, mainly from Sun D’Or, Israir, and Arkia, which fly to destinations outside the EU, among them Georgia and the UAE. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-new-israeli-airline-recruiting-pilots-1001530392 Embraer Phenom 300 most delivered light jet – again 13th consecutive year as best-selling, most delivered light jet. Embraer’s Phenom 300 series is once again the world’s best-selling, most delivered light jet for the 13th consecutive year, according to data released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). The data also confirmed the light jet as the most delivered twin-engine jet for the fifth year in a row. To achieve this distinction, the company delivered 65 Phenom 300 series aircraft throughout 2024, ending the year with the industry’s highest book-to-bill. With more than 830 deliveries worldwide, operations in 40 countries, and more than 2.5 million flight hours, the Phenom 300 series, certified for single-pilot operation, is known for its capabilities, value, reliability, and utilization to loyal customers globally. “It’s an extraordinary time for Embraer Executive Jets as we continue our strong sales and deliveries momentum, as well as accelerate our market share growth as reflected in our recent results. These latest GAMA figures are the perfect complement to the company’s success and solidify our industry-leading position,” said Michael Amalfitano, president & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “We are proud to see these consistent strengths recognized once again and look forward to welcoming many more customers.” https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/news/6th-most-read-news-item-2025-embraer-phenom-300-most-delivered-light-jet-again/ Struggling airline files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy With just a week left in 2025, the string of small and mid-sized airlines having to file for bankruptcy is not yet over. Throughout the fall, Icelandic airline Play and Swedish airline Braathens Aviation both shut down operations in bankruptcy within a few weeks of each other, while flag carrier Air Albania has also not run any flights since the start of December after main investor Turkish Airlines announced plans to sell its 49% stake. In the United Kingdom, regional carriers Eastern Airways of the East Midlands and Guernsey-based Blue Islands both also fell in abrupt insolvencies that left thousands of travelers stranded and competitors having to offer rescue fares. Havana Air latest U.S. airline to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Flying out of Miami International Airport since 2007, Havana Air has become the latest airline in the U.S. to file for Chapter 11 protection. As first reported by Law360, the airline registered as Viajehoy LLC told the bankruptcy judge in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware that its financial struggles came after the Trump administration enacted a travel ban on citizens of Cuba, along with 18 other countries, earlier this year. (President Trump ended up expanding it to 19 additional countries at the start of December.) While not included in the list of countries whose citizens are completely banned from entering the U.S., Cuban citizens now face restrictions on applying for all student and business visas. According to Havana Air, Cuban citizens and members of the diaspora traveling between the country and Miami made up the biggest bulk of its customers on its routes to three airports in Havana, Holguín, and Santa Clara. Some passengers also chose to boycott Havana Air over the fact that its partner Global Crossing Airlines continued to fulfill a governmental contract to run chartered deportation flights for U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) as part of the administration's current crackdown on undocumented migrants, Columbia Spectator reported. Havana Air had been running 30 flights a week to three airports in Cuba.Shutterstock Havana Air had been running 30 flights a week to three airports in Cuba.Shutterstock "Until recently, the business had been very successful": Havana Air "Until recently, the business had been very successful, chartering about 30 flights a week and generating revenues of $3 million to $4 million a month," Kevin G. Collins, the Bayard PA attorney representing Havana Air in the bankruptcy, told the court. "However, recent events have had a detrimental impact on the company, including its business and its revenues." These airlines filed for bankruptcy in 2025: Spirit Airlines (Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc.): Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time on August 29,2025. Ravn Alaska: Ceased operations in August 2025 after earlier Chapter 11 proceedings; shut down flights and folded into other operations such as New Pacific. Corporate Air: Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (restructuring) in September 2025 as part of a planned sale, according to Bondoro. Play Airlines: The Reykjavik-based airline shut down operations and entered involuntary bankruptcy in September 2025. Braathens Airlines:Forced to file for bankruptcy and canceled all flights in September 2025. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/struggling-airline-files-chapter-11-162509637.html 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