Flight Safety Information - December 30, 2025 No. 257 In This Issue : Incident: Volaris El Salvador A20N at Houston on Dec 18th 2025, turned wrong, loss of separation : Accident: JAL B789 over Pacific Ocean on Dec 22nd 2025, turbulence injures flight attendant : Incident: Botswana AT72 at Gaborone on Dec 13th 2025, temporary runway excursion on landing : 7 Airlines With Superior Safety Records In 2025 : New aviation safety regulations take effect (S. Korea) : FAA Finalizes AD to Resolve A350 Flight-Control Hazard : United Airlines Takes Delivery Of 3 Airbus A321neos In Less Than A Week : Boeing secures Pentagon contract to supply Israel with 25 new F-15 jets : Air-safety workers labored through the government shutdown. Now their promised $10K bonus vanished, and they’re furious : Calendar of Events Incident: Volaris El Salvador A20N at Houston on Dec 18th 2025, turned wrong, loss of separation A Volaris El Salvador Airbus A320-200N, registration N546VL performing flight N3-4321 from Houston Intercontinental,TX (USA) to San Salvador (El Salvador), had been cleared for takeoff from runway 33L with the instruction to turn LEFT to 110 degrees. The crew commenced takeoff and turned RIGHT (the shorter turn) to 110 degrees crossing the departure path of runway 33L. A Commutair Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of United, registration N11176 performing flight UA-4814 from Houston Intercontinental,TX to Jackson,MS (USA), was cleared for takeoff from runway 33R at about the same time. The crew reported they had a TCAS resolution advisory during initial climb. After being clear of conflict both aircraft continued to their destinations without further incidents. ADS-B data transmitted by both aircraft suggest, the minimum separation reduced to 0 feet vertical at at 0.2nm horizontal and 100 feet vertical at 0.1nm horizontal. https://avherald.com/h?article=531e9079&opt=0 Accident: JAL B789 over Pacific Ocean on Dec 22nd 2025, turbulence injures flight attendant A JAL Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9, registration JA865J performing flight JL-57 (dep Dec 21st 2025) from San Francisco,CA (USA) to Tokyo Narita (Japan) with 185 passengers and 13 crew, was enroute at FL380 over the Pacific Ocean about 650nm south of Kamchatka Island when the aircraft encountered turbulence causing serious injuries to a flight attendant. The aircraft continued to Tokyo for a safe landing about 3.5 hours later. Japan's Ministry of Transport reported the occurrence was rated an accident, a flight attendant received the fracture of the right medial cuneiform bone. The flight attendant had been checking the lavatory for passengers still in there and was still on the way back to their seat after the fasten seat belt sign had been turned on. The JTSB is investigating. https://avherald.com/h?article=531e888e&opt=0 Incident: Botswana AT72 at Gaborone on Dec 13th 2025, temporary runway excursion on landing An Air Botswana Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration A2-ABL performing flight BP-208 from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Gaborone (Botswana), landed on Gaborone's runway 08 when the aircraft drifted to the left and contacted the runway edge lights before returning onto the center line. The aircraft vacated the runway and taxied to the apron. The aircraft remained on the ground in Gaborone for 11 days and returned to service on Dec 24th 2025. Botswana's DAI (Directorate of Accident Investigation) reported: "A puncture due to aquaplaning occurred during landing, causing the aircraft to drift to the left due to heavy rain and the wet runway. The aircraft struck the runway lights located at the edges of the runway." The aircraft sustained minor damage. The occurrence is being investigated. https://avherald.com/h?article=531e8431&opt=0 7 Airlines With Superior Safety Records In 2025 In this review, we will go down the list of seven of the world's safest airlines. These air carriers were selected based on criteria that include policies and protocols, as well as incident records, and even average fleet age. Some entries are repeat winners, and others have climbed up the ranks recently thanks to recent updates. So without any further ado, let’s get into it. JetStar Second-Highest Safety Rank Of All LCCs Jetstar Airwaysis one of the safest and highest performing low-cost airlines in the world. As a subsidiary of the Qantas group, it is one of the most important operators in the Oceania and Asian region. It has an exceptionally high safety record but is sometimes jokingly referred to as “Death Star” for its extreme cost-cutting measures. According to AirlineRatings.com, Jetstar is the second-safest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the world for 2025, only surpassed by HK Express. Since its founding in 2004, the airline has kept a spotless safety record with no fatal incidents. It keeps its flawless 7 of 7 safety rating. This is largely explained by the airline "shadowing" Qantas' maintenance standards, pilot training procedures, and safety management systems. As of late 2025, Jetstar is in the middle of a major fleet upgrade, replacing older aircraft with the Airbus A321LR. The new jets are 15% more fuel-efficient and significantly quieter. Unlike many budget airlines, Jetstar operates a dedicated long-haul fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, allowing it to fly direct from Australia to destinations like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Hawaii. HK Express The Safest LCC In The World HK Express is the only LCC based in Hong Kong, and a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific. It was selected as the safest LCC in the world for 2025 by Airline Ratings criteria. It received a 7-Star PLUS safety rating that year, making it the first low-cost carrier to do so globally. The award was given after six anonymous audits that evaluated dozens of criteria, including cabin safety procedures and operational safety. HK Express operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet with an average age of under eight years old. As of late 2025, the fleet consists of approximately 44 aircraft, with plans to expand to 60 by 2028. The airline serves approximately 30 destinations across Asia. Operating as a separate brand from Cathay Pacific, it follows a no-frills model in which passengers pay for add-ons such as baggage and seat selection. The airline has earned a strong reputation for highly reliable service, leading its market segment. Which Low-Cost Airline Gives The Best Value For Money? When originally conceived, all airlines running off the popular low-cost no-frills model were essentially the same. Aircraft were all in full tourist class (economy) layouts, with no meals provided for free, and baggage often costing extra. These days, however, low-cost airlines come in a wide variety of styles, ranging from borderline full-service / hybrid-style airlines like JetBlue, through to true no-frills ULCCs such as Ryanair. Of course, there is also a wide spectrum of service quality and price in between. With this in mind, which LCC gives the best value for money in your opinion? How many have you flown on, and are there any that remain on your wishlist? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! This is user-generated content. The views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Simple Flying. Emirates Tied For Third In The World Emirates is one of the two flying carriers of the United Arab Emirates and has a unique widebody-only fleet of commercial airliners. With a 7-Star PLUS safety rating for 2025, it is acknowledged for both its luxury and its superior safety standards. The airline tied with two others for third place in this year's ranking. The carrier has never had a fatal accident in the jet era of commercial aviation. Emirates became the world's fastest-growing operator of the Airbus A350-900 in 2025, with 13 new units delivered this year. These new jets will be deployed to seven new cities, including Oslo, Istanbul, and Ho Chi Minh City. It is still the largest operator of the Airbus A380 (116 in service) and Boeing 777 (133 in service). At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, the airline added 65 new 777-9s and eight new A350s to its backlog, bringing its total commitment to more than 300 new aircraft. In late 2025, Emirates expanded its cabin refresh program to include an additional 111 aircraft (60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s). Retrofitted aircraft include the new business class (1-2-1 layout with privacy doors) and the popular Premium Economy cabin. Emirates will begin providing free, high-speed Starlink WiFi to its retrofitted and new delivery fleets in late 2025. Qatar Airways Neck In Neck With The Best Qatar Airwaysis the one and only flag carrier of the state of Qatar and is world famous for its exceptionally high standards of service and cabin products, as well as a near-perfect safety record. Since it started operating in 1994, the airline has had no fatal passenger crashes. It maintains a 5-Star Skytrax ranking and the highest possible seven-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, indicating strict adherence to global safety standards, including IATA Operational Safety Audits (IOSA). In 2025, Skytrax named Qatar Airways the "World's Best Airline" for the ninth consecutive year, a testament to its consistent quality and passenger satisfaction. Qatar Airways is well-known for its Qsuite Business Class, which features privacy doors and the industry's first business class suites with beds, ensuring a luxurious and private experience. As a member of the oneworld alliance, it flies to over 170 destinations on all six inhabited continents. It is based at Doha's cutting-edge Hamad International Airport (DOH), which has been named the "World's Best Airport" by Skytrax several times. In 2025, the airline completed installing free, high-speed Starlink satellite internet across its entire 777 fleet. The airline operates a modern fleet of over 200 aircraft, including the A350 and 787 Dreamliner, which are known for their advanced technology and fuel efficiency. The average fleet age of its aircraft is just 10.1 years. This Airline Has The World’s Fastest-Growing Airbus A350 Fleet In 2025 The leading extra-widebody buyer of the year. Cathay Pacific A Safety Leader Of The World This airline made history this year when it became the first full-service airline to be awarded the 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating by AirlineRatings.com. This new award was given out after a thorough 70-point audit that assesses operational safety and the quality of safety procedures during the passenger experience, such as professional safety briefings and lithium battery policies. In 2025, Skytrax maintained Cathay Pacific's 5-Star rating, ranking it third-best in the world. In the first half of 2025, the airline's passenger network reached more than 100 destinations. The average age of the 234 aircraft operated by the Cathay Group is between 12.3 and 12.9 years. The Airbus A330-900neo and A350F freighters are among the 93 new aircraft that the airline has ordered. In 2025, Cathay completed the rollout of its new Aria Suite Business Class on its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Features include privacy doors and a 24-inch 4K widescreen monitor. Enhanced storage, wireless charging, and "Gallery in the Skies" artwork from Hong Kong artists. In August, the airline achieved its goal of providing 100% high-speed WiFi connectivity across its entire fleet. Qantas Qantas, also known as " The Flying Kangaroo," has received numerous accolades for its safety record, pioneering long-haul travel, and premium service. This year, it finished second, thanks to a higher average fleet age. The airline is famous for having no fatalities during the jet era. Over its 105-year history, it has pioneered the use of flight data recorders, among other significant operational safety advancements. Travelers selected Qantas as the airline that offers the "greatest peace of mind" when flying, and it won the Flyers' Choice Awards in 2025. The only airline in the world that operates flights to all seven continents, including sightseeing flights over Antarctica, is Qantas. The biggest fleet renewal in Qantas' history is currently taking place. Its mainline fleet is about sixteen years old on average as of late 2025. The aging Boeing 717s and 737s are being replaced by new Airbus A220s and A321XLRs. The ambitious “Project Sunrise” aims to launch the world’s longest nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York. The first specially designed Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is expected to be delivered in late 2026, with full commercial service targeted for the first half of 2027. Its current long-haul operations rely on the 787-9 Dreamliner (age 6.7 years) and the A380 (age 16 years), with 10 refurbished and returned to service by 2025. Results Are In: Qatar Airways Wins SKYTRAX World's Best Airline Award The SKYTRAX World Airline Awards have been running since 1999 and are among the most recognized honors in the industry. Air New Zealand The national airline of New Zealand, Air New Zealand, was named the safest airline in the world for 2025 by Airline Ratings. Thanks to its younger fleet and dependability when operating in some of the most challenging weather conditions on the planet, it just edges out its frequent competitor, Qantas. The airline hasn’t seen a significant accident since Flight 901 in 1979. The airline frequently operates at Queenstown Airport, one of the world's most difficult, with high mountain ranges and strong downdrafts. The skilled pilots of Air New Zealand fly 115 aircraft in its fleet as of the last count. Its international long-haul flights are served by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 777-300ERs, with the average age of its fleet around 10.5 years. The airline is a pioneer in cabin innovation, creating the Skycouch (economy seats that convert into a flat bed) and the Skynest, which is the world's first sleep pods for economy passengers. As the carrier resumed service to London Gatwick (LGW) this summer, the bunkbed-style sleeping option will be a hot commodity for long-haul travelers in the future when it debuts in 2026. Flyers in every cabin class can rest easy knowing that Air New Zealand will safely get them to their destination. https://simpleflying.com/7-airlines-superior-safety-records-2025/ New aviation safety regulations take effect (S. Korea) Airlines that cause a fatal accident will be barred from launching new routes for one year, according to new aviation safety regulations that took effect on Tuesday. The revised rules regarding route allocation and aviation business operations are related to the aviation safety innovation plans unveiled in April. A year after the Jeju Air disaster, Muan Airport remains home for one man grieving loss of his family No. of injured victims from Busan airplane fire rises to 7, all with minor injuries The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Tuesday that it will begin fully enforcing the revised regulations. These measures were first announced four months after a fatal Jeju Air crash took place on Dec. 29 last year. Under the revised rules, an airline responsible for a fatality will be excluded from receiving new route rights for one year. If a serious incident — such as a near miss with another aircraft — occurs during that period, the suspension may last longer. To launch a new route, airlines must apply for the rights to that route. The new regulation blocks that process for “one year plus more,” effectively suspending applications for at least a year. Additionally, the weight given to “safety and security” portion of the application has been increased from 35 to 40 points, and new criteria —such as a metric for the number of maintenance personnel per aircraft and efforts to manage turbulence — will be reflected in evaluations. Financial soundness will now also be taken into account, as poor finances may hamper safety-related investment. Procedures for approving new and charter routes will become stricter. Previously, safety reviews were conducted just before actual operations began. Now, they must be done at the earlier approval stage. Seasonal route changes, such as for the summer or winter schedule, will also undergo a more holistic review. Rather than evaluating route changes individually, the ministry will assess whether each airline has enough staff to operate its full seasonal schedule. “The revision will compel airlines to take greater care in ensuring flight safety,” said Joo Jong-wan, the director general for aviation policy at the Transport Ministry. “We expect this will significantly strengthen the airlines’ safety capabilities.” https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-12-30/business/industry/New-aviation-safety-regulations-take-effect/2489677 FAA Finalizes AD to Resolve A350 Flight-Control Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new Airworthiness Directive (AD 2025-25-12) requiring operators of all Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft to install updated flight-control software designed to eliminate the risk of control-surface malfunction linked to hydraulic fluid contamination inside key electronics modules. Specifically, investigators found that hydraulic-fluid contamination of FCRM electronic cards can cause uncommanded surface movement. Because elevator and rudder units share common design features, both are at risk, leading regulators to require a fleet-wide preventive update. This directive locks in software-based prevention as the permanent fix, closing out interim hardware replacement programs and ensuring global alignment with Airbus’ mitigation strategy. The directive, effective January 13, 2026, supersedes an earlier interim AD, which had required operators to remove and replace any contaminated Flight Control Remote Modules (FCRMs) after several were found exposed to hydraulic fluid during manufacturing. One event involved loss of control of an outboard aileron surface, triggering the original safety action. The FAA now says Airbus’ permanent fix involves upgrading the Flight Control and Guidance System (FCGS) to PRIM software standard P14.1.3 and SEC standard S14.1.2, which prevents the unsafe failure mode and terminates previous replacement requirements. A350neo Affected in the U.S. Delta Air Lines (DL) is the largest U.S. operator of the Airbus A350 family, the fifth-largest A350 operator in the world, and the first North American airline to fly the A350-900. The carrier currently operates 38 A350 900 and has six of the type plus 20 A350-1000 on order. The FAA says the directive applies to 39 U.S.-registered aircraft. FAA cost estimates show: Software upgrade labor & parts: approx. US$2,234 per aircraft Previously-mandated module work: up to US$111,276 per aircraft Total U.S. operator exposure: more than US$4.4 million potential cost impact The FAA issued the rule without prior public comment, citing the need to mitigate the risk that a runaway elevator or rudder surface could lead to loss of aircraft control. The AD incorporates European regulator EASA AD 2025-0197R1 by reference and prohibits installation of earlier software versions once the modification is complete. Operators must comply unless already done. https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/faa-ad-resolve-a350-flight-control-hazard United Airlines Takes Delivery Of 3 Airbus A321neos In Less Than A Week United Airlines has been receiving its Airbus A321neo narrowbody aircraft at a rapid pace. According to FlightAware.com, the carrier took delivery of three A321neos in less than a week, including two on the same day and another just before Christmas. With the three A321neos recently delivered, United Airlines boasts a fleet of 56 A321neos, with an average age of one year, as per ch-aviation data. Looking ahead, the Chicago-based airline is looking to welcome a total of 149 A321neos. Additionally, the carrier is awaiting 50 Airbus A321XLR narrowbodies. According to FlightAware.com, all three of United Airlines’ newest A321neos were delivered to Tampa International Airport (TPA). The first, registered as N14565, arrived on December 23, 2025, after flying from Mobile International Airport (BFM). The remaining two aircraft, registrations N34562 and N14563, were also delivered from BFM on December 29, 2025. Mobile, Alabama, serves as Airbus’s primary US production site for Airbus A220 and A320 family aircraft. The European manufacturer builds A321 models, including the A321neo, at its US Manufacturing Facility located there. Since opening in 2015, the site has produced hundreds of A320-family jets, with the first Alabama-built A321 delivered to JetBlue in 2016. Airbus now employs more than 2,000 people across its production and engineering facilities in the state. Airbus Aims To Deliver 790 Planes This Year In its most recent revision, Airbus changed its delivery targets. In early December 2025, the European aircraft manufacturer said it would deliver around 790 aircraft this year, instead of the previously targeted 820. The company reduced its initial target in light of recent supplier quality issues affecting fuselage panels, which have impacted the Airbus A320 family's delivery flow. However, it remains unclear whether the manufacturer will be able to reach this target. As of November 2025, Airbus had delivered a total of 657 aircraft to 87 customers worldwide. Based on current figures, the company needs to deliver an additional 133 aircraft to reach its revised 2025 delivery target of 790 aircraft. WOW: Airbus Delivers 10 A321neos In 1 Day In Push To Meet End-Of-Year Delivery Target At the same time, the European aircraft manufacturer delivered approximately 29 aircraft during the first half of December, reflecting a slower-than-average delivery pace for the month. Industry sources and analysts told Reuters on December 15 that the slowdown is partly due to some airlines awaiting further information on corrective actions related to a recent fuselage issue. United Airlines Revealed As Previous Undisclosed Customer That Ordered 40 Airbus A321neos The airline already sits on previous orders for the narrowbody aircraft. The European aircraft manufacturer delivered 72 new aircraft to 42 customers in November 2025. This is 12 fewer aircraft than it delivered in the same month last year, marking a 12% drop in year-over-year production rates. The deliveries were also down from October’s total of 78, which had been the high point for Airbus deliveries so far this year. Weak performance in November prompted the plane maker to revise its delivery outlook, lowering its target by 30 aircraft. The European company said the decision followed the discovery of a supplier quality issue affecting metal fuselage panels on its Airbus A320 family aircraft. The problem stems from panels manufactured by supplier Sofitec Aero at an incorrect thickness. Reuters reported that internal documents presented to airlines show that a total of 628 A320-family aircraft have been flagged for inspection. That includes 168 already in service, 245 on final assembly lines, and another 215 still in early stages of production. Also, last month, the Airbus A320 family experienced software issues that led to the temporary grounding of thousands of aircraft, potentially contributing to the recent slowdown in delivery progress. On November 28, 2025, Airbus ordered the grounding of numerous A320 family aircraft after investigators linked an A320 midair incident to a software glitch triggered by solar radiation. Approximately 6,000 aircraft were affected. https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-delivery-3-airbus-a321neos-less-week/ Boeing secures Pentagon contract to supply Israel with 25 new F-15 jets Boeing has been awarded an $8.6 billion contract to supply Israel with 25 new F-15IA fighter jets with the option for 25 more aircraft in the future. The contract, announced by the US Department of War on December 29, 2025, followed talks between US President Donald Trump and the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. “This contract provides for the design, integration, instrumentation, test, production, and delivery of 25 new F-15IA aircraft for the Israeli Air Force with an option for an additional 25 F-15IA aircraft,” the Pentagon said. The agreement forms part of the F-15 Israel Program which will see production of F-15IA jets take place at Boeing’s facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Completion of the contract is expected on December 31, 2035. The agreement mirrors an order by the Israeli Ministry of Defense in November 2024, valued at $5.2 billion and funded through US military aid. Israel F 15 Israeli Government At the time, Israel purchased 25 F-15IA fighters, with an option to acquire an additional 25 jets. The first F-15IA is expected to be delivered in 203. The F-15IA is the Israeli designation for the F-15EX Eagle II. Powered by new F110-GE-129 engines, it features a digital cockpit, upgraded radar and electronic warfare systems, and improved communication with F-35 jets. It will also be capable of carrying up to 24 air-to-air missiles. With the latest contract and the previous one from 2024, the total number of F-15IA jets in the Israeli Air Force will be 50. This is in addition to 66 F-15 variants that Israel already operates. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/boeing-pentagon-contract-israel-25-new-f-15 Air-safety workers labored through the government shutdown. Now their promised $10K bonus vanished, and they’re furious Thousands of dedicated air-traffic controllers, technicians and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are crying foul after discovering they don’t qualify for the government’s promised $10,000 bonuses for workers who consistently reported for duty during the government shutdown. The Wall Street Journal reports that only 311 of the nearly 13,000 unionized air traffic controllers and 423 of the nearly 6,000 unionized technicians are actually eligible for the bonus (1). In November, President Trump said in a post on Truth Social (2) that he would recommend air-traffic controllers who didn’t take time off during the shutdown be given a $10,000 bonus. “Again, to our great American Patriots, GOD BLESS YOU - I won’t be able to send your money fast enough!” he wrote. However, the bonus payments required workers to have perfect attendance, which included overtime shifts, and were disqualified for taking sick days or any other type of leave. The WSJ reports that controllers who missed as much as an hour of work are being denied their bonus (1). “They are disappointed, as there were thousands of [air-traffic controllers] that kept the system safe and running during the shutdown,” the National Air Traffic Controllers Association labor union told the news outlet. In light of this revelation, here’s what you need to know about protecting your worker’s rights, especially in relation to promised bonuses. The backlash over missed bonuses The confusion over bonuses feels like a slap in the face to an already undervalued workforce. The WSJ reported that in December, many air traffic controllers are forced to work mandatory overtime, while 6-day weeks of 10-hour days are not uncommon (3). Both the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA officers, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association thought the eligibility requirements for the bonuses weren’t explicit and sought clarification when they were first announced. “They are disappointed, as there were thousands of [air-traffic controllers] that kept the system safe and running during the shutdown,” the controllers’ union told the WSJ (1). “We have to look and say ‘where’s the cutoff,’” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a press event at Newark Liberty International Airport last month. “If you got a 100% on your test, you get the sticker — that’s a scratch-and-sniff sticker from the administration.” This kind of flippancy from the administration is indicative of broader issues with trust, workforce retention and fairness, especially for government employees. For example, the TSA is intending to eliminate the collective bargaining agreement with the TSA officers’ union, which many consider a slap in the face for those who worked consistently during the shutdown. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/air-safety-workers-labored-government-210000787.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. . VERTICON 2026 - Atlanta March 9-12 . 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