Flight Safety Information - April 29, 2026 No. 083 In This Issue : Incident: Norwegian B738 at Malaga and Copenhagen on Apr 27th 2026, engine oil leak : 27 April 2026 - CityLink Africa Airways Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident 14 dead : Airbus A330-323 - Smoke/Fire Enroute (China) : Houston Air Traffic Controller Berates Qatar Airways Pilot: Who Was At Fault? : NTSB Names New Directors of Highway Safety and Research and Engineering Offices : ACSF Calculator Demonstrates Value of Safety Programs : Boeing and Copa Airlines Announce Order for up to 60 737 MAX Jets : FAA 2025 Data Shows US Student Pilot Population Hits 370,286, as Women Pilots Surpass 100,000 for First Time : Airline Trade Group Asks for $2.5 Billion ‘Liquidity Pool' : JetBlue touts loyalty gains as it takes a hit from fuel prices : American Airlines tightens rules for portable chargers amid lithium battery concerns : FedEx to return MD-11 freighters to service as FAA reviews fix after fatal crash : Calendar of Events Incident: Norwegian B738 at Malaga and Copenhagen on Apr 27th 2026, engine oil leak A Norwegian Air Sweden Boeing 737-800, registration SE-RXC performing flight D8-2883 from Malaga,SP (Spain) to Helsinki (Finland), had departed Malaga with a delay of about 130 minutes and was enroute at FL370 about 110nm southwest of Copenhagen (Denmark) when the crew decided to divert to Copenhagen for a safe landing on runway 04L about 27 minutes later. https://avherald.com/h?article=53882e78&opt=0 27 April 2026 - CityLink Africa Airways Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident 14 dead Date: Monday 27 April 2026 Time: c 09:43 LT Type: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Owner/operator: CityLink Africa Airways Registration: 5Y-NOK MSN: Fatalities: Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Destroyed, written off Category: Accident Location: about 20 km SW of Juba - South Sudan Phase: En route Nature: Passenger Departure airport: Yei Airport (HSYE) Destination airport: Juba Airport (JUB/HJJJ) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A CityLink Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed onto a hill in about 20 km from the destination Juba Airport (JUB). There were 13 passengers and a pilot ⁠onboard, including two Kenyan nationals and 12 South Sudanese nationals. All 14 perished. The aircraft had taken off from Yei at 09:15. Poor visibility is reported. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/569665 Airbus A330-323 - Smoke/Fire Enroute (China) Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026 Time: Type: Airbus A330-323 Owner/operator: Asiana Airlines Registration: HL7747 MSN: 803 Year of manufacture: 2006 Engine model: P&W PW4168A Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: None Location: en route Guangzhou (CAN) - Seoul (ICN) - China Phase: En route Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN/ZGGG) Destination airport: Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN/RKSI) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Asiana Airlines flight OZ356, an Airbus A330-300, was enroute when a passenger's electronic equipment began to emit smoke. Upon discovering the smoldering item, the flight attendants immediately removed it and moved it to an area away from passengers, then used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. During this time, a brief period of smoke and a burning smell appeared in the cabin, but the fire was brought under control. The flight eventually landed safely at Seoul Incheon International Airport. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/569697 Houston Air Traffic Controller Berates Qatar Airways Pilot: Who Was At Fault? A Qatar Airways pilot and an air traffic controller at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) recently had a disagreement on frequency. While the pilots were primarily at fault, this gets at the issue of how phraseology differs in the United States vs. in most other parts of the world. It also felt like the air traffic controller was on a bit of a power trip. Qatar Airways pilots confused over ATC instructions This incident happened very late at night on April 23, 2026, and involves Qatar Airways flight QR8357. Specifically, this was a Qatar Airways Cargo flight, operated by a Boeing 777F, headed to Liege (LGG). Here’s the interaction that initially caused confusion: Qatar Airways pilot: “Qatari 8357, holding short WP, fully ready.” Houston ATC: “Qatari 8357, continue to taxi to runway 15R.” Qatar Airways pilot: “Continue taxi to runway 15R, Qatari 8357.” At that point, the Qatar Airways 777 taxied onto runway 15R, and held position. The air traffic controller immediately noticed this, and then the interaction continued as follows: Houston ATC: “Qatari 8357.” Qatar Airways pilot: “Go ahead, sir.” Houston ATC: “Are you, are you on 15R?” Qatar Airways pilot: “I confirm, Qatari 8357.” Houston ATC: “Qatari 8357, there’s no confirming about that. You were told to taxi to 15R, you were not told to line up and wait.” Qatar Airways pilot: “Okay, that’s a misunderstanding. Taxi to the runway, that’s what I had.” Houston ATC: “Qatari 8357, you were never cleared onto the runway. Turn left WW, left WP, and hold short of WC.” Qatar Airways pilot: “Okay, the clearance was taxi to runway 15R.” Houston ATC: “Affirmative. Taxi to, not onto.” Qatar Airways pilot: “Well that’s a misunderstanding, apologies sir.” Unfortunately that wasn’t the end of the miscommunication: The controller then gave a United plane instructions (and the United pilot responded on a different frequency, since operations are consolidated so late at night), and that confused the Qatar Airways pilot, who asked if those instructions were for them, when they don’t hear a response The controller was then angry that the Qatar Airways plane didn’t vacate the runway, as instructed (even though they never read that back) At that point the Qatar Airways pilot partially read back those instructions, but then got confused about the exact instructions, and needed clarification Which party is to blame for this incident? Unfortunately this is yet another one of those situations where phraseology differs between the United States and other countries, and that seemingly contributed to the confusion: In the United States, per FAA standards, it’s normal to give permission for pilots to “taxi to runway [number] via [route]” Internationally, per ICAO standards, it’s normal for taxi instructions to specifically mention that the taxi should be to a hold short point As I see it, the Qatar Airways pilots really screwed up here, and shouldn’t have taxied onto the runway. What’s even more concerning is that even when the two parties confirm that they said and heard the same thing, the pilots still didn’t think they made a mistake. Even if the pilots were confused, you never taxi onto a runway unless you’re explicitly told to line up and wait, or that you’re cleared for takeoff. Being cleared to taxi “to” a runway is not a formal instruction to actually enter the runway. It does feel like we have more miscommunications between air traffic control and pilots in the United States compared to other parts of the world, and I think the United States’ unwillingness to conform to global standards probably contributes to that. So many air traffic controllers can’t seem to grasp that English isn’t everyone’s first language. Even beyond what the FAA allows, it also feels like more air traffic controllers in the US just make up their own lingo. That one controller at JFK is notorious for that. Play That being said, it does seem like there’s also a bit of a power trip at play here. The air traffic controller specifically had the plane taxi off the runway and then back onto the same runway immediately, seemingly just to punish the pilots, as there were no other planes on approach. Bottom line A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 taxied onto a runway in Houston without permission. The pilots seemed to think that permission to taxi to a runway meant that they could actually enter the runway, which… is just a very bad take. Even more alarming is that this wasn’t really even a misunderstanding in the traditional sense, because the pilot confirmed that they understood what was said, but just interpreted it differently. https://onemileatatime.com/news/houston-air-traffic-controller-berates-qatar-airways-pilot/ NTSB Names New Directors of Highway Safety and Research and Engineering Offices WASHINGTON (April 28, 2026) – The NTSB announced Tuesday the promotion of Dave Helson to director of the agency’s Office of Highway Safety and named Akbar Sultan as the director of the Office of Research and Engineering. The highway safety office investigates crashes on U.S. roadways that have significant safety implications nationwide, highlight national safety issues or generate high interest because of emerging technologies. The research and engineering office provides scientific and technical expertise for NTSB accident investigations in all modes of transportation. It is responsible for downloading and analyzing flight recorders and other electronic devices, metallurgy, fire research and creating computer animations and simulations of crash sequences. “The NTSB’s strength is its people, and Dave Helson and Akbar Sultan exemplify the dedication and expertise that drive our safety mission forward,” Chair Jennifer Homendy said. “Their experience in investigations, transportation safety, and emerging technologies will further the NTSB’s work to improve safety and prevent future accidents.” Dave Helson, Director, Office of Highway Safety.Dave Helson Helson joined the NTSB in 2008 as an operational factors investigator in the Office of Aviation Safety and has held several leadership roles including senior air safety investigator, senior aviation accident investigator in the Air Carrier and Space Investigations Division and most recently, as the deputy director of the Office of Aviation Safety. Before joining the NTSB, Helson held leadership roles in the commercial aviation industry including initial cadre check airman, fleet manager, supervisor of training, FAA aircrew program designee and instructor and check airman. He also flew as a line captain and first officer in airline and charter operations. Helson earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical technology from Arizona State University. Akbar Sultan, Director, Office of Research and Engineering.Akbar Sultan Sultan joins the NTSB with 26 years of experience at NASA where his work focused on aviation safety and the development and national implementation of advanced air traffic control technologies. Most recently he served as director of NASA’s Airspace Operations and Safety Program. While at NASA, Sultan oversaw cross-functional teams across four research centers, leading advanced work in aviation safety, predictive safety analytics, autonomy, airspace operations, and the integration of emerging technologies like advanced air mobility and uncrewed aircraft systems. He spearheaded NASA’s “Sky for All” midcentury vision to create scalable, adaptive systems for an increasingly complex national airspace. Akbar also played a key role in aviation collaboration, co-leading NASA–FAA Research Transition Teams to move major technologies into FAA implementation and representing NASA on multiple national aviation safety and advisory committees. Sultan is an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He earned two bachelor’s degrees from University of California, Davis in mechanical engineering and aeronautical science and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from San Jose State University. https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20260428.aspx ACSF Calculator Demonstrates Value of Safety Programs Safety ROI Calculator is a tool to help companies encourage safety investment Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Summit workshop Air Charter Safety Foundation demonstrated the safety calculator during a workshop as it prepared to kick off its 2026 Safety Summit. The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has launched a tool to help operators quantify the benefits of safety programs. Demonstrated during ACSF’s Safety Summit this month in Daytona Beach, Florida, the Aviation Safety Return on Investment (AvSFTY-ROI) initiative and Safety ROI Calculator are designed to highlight that safety is a strategic investment that strengthens business performance and long-term success, according to the organization. Developed by safety stakeholders, the calculator enables organizations to itemize costs of an actual or potential event and to propose initiatives to mitigate future occurrences. Available to ACSF members, the tool features simple inputs and is designed to help organizations invest in risk management. “Investments in safety create measurable returns through reduced operational disruptions, stronger customer confidence, improved resource management, and protection of organizational reputation,” ACSF said. The costs of an incident extend far beyond repairs—lost revenue, schedule disruptions, premium replacement lift costs, increased insurance premiums, and reputational harm. ACSF added that the preventative investment in safety programs, training, inspections, and risk management systems is more cost-effective than responding to incidents. “Safety is not just about compliance; it is about protecting lives, preserving assets, and strengthening the value proposition of an aviation business,” ACSF stated. “When organizations understand the return on investment of safety, they are better positioned to make decisions that benefit both their people and their bottom line.” https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-04-24/new-acsf-calculator-demonstrates-value-safety Boeing and Copa Airlines Announce Order for up to 60 737 MAX Jets Panamanian flag carrier to grow, modernize its all-737 fleet over the next eight years PANAMA CITY, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Copa Airlines today announced the Panamanian operator has ordered 40 737 MAX airplanes. Under the agreement, Copa Airlines also has options to acquire up to 20 more of the single-aisle airplane family. Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope were joined by President of Panama José Raúl Mulino, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera and other government representatives at a signing ceremony in Panama to recognize the previously unidentified purchase. Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; President José Raúl Mulino of Panama; Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines; and Larry Culp, CEO of GE Aerospace, gathered in Panama to announce Copa’s 737 fleet expansion plans. Copa Airlines plans to expand its fleet by more than 100 737 MAX airplanes between this agreement and its existing order book. The carrier will leverage the efficiency, range and capacity of its larger 737 MAX fleet to modernize and expand its network from its Hub of the Americas® to fly to popular destinations across the Americas and Caribbean. "For Copa Airlines, the signing of this agreement represents an important step in further strengthening the operation and connectivity we provide from Panama," said Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. "Through the Hub of the Americas®, we have built a connecting hub that today allows us to respond to market demand with a safe, efficient, and reliable operation. The addition of new aircraft will be key to continuing to expand our operations and route network, while supporting the economic development of Panama and the region, generating new jobs and growth in the tourism sector." Heilbron said the airline benefits from operational commonality across its fleet of more than 110 737 jets, which includes the Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 737 Boeing Converted Freighters. The versatility and reliability of the 737-9 and 737-8 airplanes enable Copa Airlines to fly high-density shorter flights and some of the world's longest 737 MAX routes ─ connecting Panama with North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. "This major order builds on more than 40 years of partnership with Copa and the airline's history of success with the Boeing 737 family," said Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The additional 737 MAX aircraft will help Copa maintain one of the world's youngest and most capable fleets, while further supporting Panama as a key destination for business and tourism." The longtime 737 operator connects 88 destinations in 32 countries across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. According to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, airlines throughout the Latin American and Caribbean markets will need more than 2,300 new airplanes over the next 20 years – with single-aisle jets like the 737 MAX making up nearly 90% of deliveries. A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2026-04-28-Boeing-and-Copa-Airlines-Announce-Order-for-up-to-60-737-MAX-Jets FAA 2025 Data Shows US Student Pilot Population Hits 370,286, as Women Pilots Surpass 100,000 for First Time USA – Newly released FAA airmen statistics for year-end 2025 show continued expansion of the U.S. pilot training pipeline, a younger overall pilot population, and the U.S. women pilot count surpassing 100,000 for the first time. Total active U.S. pilots reached 887,519 at end of 2025, up from 848,770 in 2024 and reflecting sustained multi-year growth from 845,000 in the years prior to the post-pandemic training surge. The active student pilot population grew to 370,286 — up from 345,495 in 2024 and 222,629 in 2020 — confirming continued expansion of the ab initio training pipeline. The average age of active pilots fell to 42.1 in 2025, down from 42.5 in 2024 and 43.9 in 2020, indicating the sustained student intake is pulling the overall pilot demographic younger; the average age of student pilots edged up to 35.8, reflecting growth from both younger entrants and career-changers entering training later in life. Active women pilots reached 100,704 in 2025 — surpassing the 100,000 milestone for the first time — up from 91,694 in 2024 and 58,541 in 2020; women student pilots totalled 60,764, representing 16.4% of the active student pilot category. Active commercial pilot certificates grew to 118,314 in 2025, up from 109,727 in 2024, while instrument-rated pilots increased to 355,473 from 342,400. New student pilot certificates issued declined to 58,761 in 2025 from 61,353 in 2024, even as the active student population continued to expand — a divergence attributed to improved retention within the training pipeline rather than a slowdown in new entrants. Source: FAA https://www.afm.aero/faa-2025-data-shows-us-student-pilot-population-hits-370286-as-women-pilots-surpass-100000-for-first-time Airline Trade Group Asks for $2.5 Billion ‘Liquidity Pool' Association of Value Airlines, representing five low-cost U.S. carriers, is seeking $2.5 billion in federal assistance to offset fuel costs. A trade association representing five low-cost U.S. airlines confirmed Monday that it is seeking $2.5 billion in assistance from the federal government. In a statement, the Association of Value Airlines said it has asked the Trump administration to create a "liquidity pool" that would be used only to help offset "incremental fuel costs." The association cited as a precedent the federal aid packages made available to airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, when virtually all commercial air traffic worldwide was temporarily suspended. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that a group of budget airlines had asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for $2.5 billion in emergency assistance, but the exact parameters of the program, and the airlines involved, were not immediately clear. The Journal report also suggested that the federal government would receive warrants for equity stakes in the carriers it bails out, and the AVA confirmed that warrants could play a role in the rescue. According to its website, the organization's "full members" are Allegiant, Avelo, Frontier, Spirit, and Sun Country. Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled since late February, putting intense pressure on budget airlines, which must carefully manage and contain every expense to stay financially viable. In its statement, the AVA said its members keep the airline industry competitive and help reduce fares. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/economy/policy/articles/airline-trade-group-asks-2-211348710.html JetBlue touts loyalty gains as it takes a hit from fuel prices This story was originally published on CX Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CX Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: JetBlue Airways executives touted the airline’s loyalty gains and consumer demand for its premium experiences on a Q1 2026 earnings call Tuesday as it dealt with the financial fallout of rising fuel prices. Loyalty cash remuneration grew 19% year over year, driven by a 45% increase in card acquisitions, double-digit co-brand spend growth, and record active membership in its TrueBlue loyalty program, according to an earnings release. JetBlue executives also credited the airline’s Blue Sky joint loyalty partnership with United Airlines for driving co-brand sign-ups and broader reach. “We continue to add utility and value for our members in other ways this quarter, including the ability to use points for ancillary purchases, which is off to a very strong start,” President Marty St. George said. Dive Insight: JetBlue’s loyalty programs and premium were bright spots in an otherwise disappointing quarter and amid questions of the carrier’s financial solvency. The airline reported a net loss of $319 million, according to an earnings release. Operating revenue per available seat mile increased 6.5% year over year, but fuel expenses increased 12% during the same period. The airline has also raised ancillary fees like checked bags and reduced capacity to adjust to the economic environment. “This allows us to better cover costs while keeping our base fares competitive,” CEO Joanna Geraghty said. Like other airlines, premium revenue continued to outperform core revenue. Year-over-year premium revenue per available seat mile outperformed core by 9 points in the first quarter. “We are encouraged by improvements in core demand and RASM, which is now strongly positive year over year, reflecting a more balanced demand environment across our offerings relative to what we experienced last year,” St. George said. “Delivering the differentiated JetBlue experience across each unique customer offering means even more in core remains a priority, reinforcing our commitment to all customers, not just select segments, even as fuel costs remain elevated.” While other airlines jumped on the premium bandwagon and are heavily leaning on wealthier customers to keep traveling and spending as prices rise, JetBlue took more time to pursue premiumization of its cabin and will roll out domestic first class next year. Speaking at the Semafor World Economy summit in Washington earlier this month, Geraghty said introducing first class wasn’t an easy decision. “We struggled a very long time deciding to introduce first class, because we were concerned that we were known as a very egalitarian brand and we didn’t want to lose that, but our first class is accessible first class,” Geraghty said. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/markets/stocks/articles/jetblue-touts-loyalty-gains-takes-145823314.html American Airlines tightens rules for portable chargers amid lithium battery concerns American Airlines this week will introduce new restrictions on portable chargers that passengers can bring on flights for their electronic devices. Starting Friday, American Airlines customers may carry only two power banks, which must be visible to airline personnel while in use on flights. When not in use, the chargers must be within a passenger's reach on the aircraft and may not be stowed in an overhead bin, the airline told CBS News. American Airlines is introducing the policy change after nearly two dozen lithium battery incidents on flights operated by commercial airlines this year. In 2025, nearly 100 such battery incidents occurred, mostly involving battery packs and vape devices, according to FAA data. "We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey. To support safety on board while ensuring our customers continue to have the ability to charge when on the go, American is requiring customers to keep these devices easily accessible during flight," the airline said in a statement to CBS News. "Additionally, new limits also apply to the number of portable chargers customers can bring onboard and their watt-hour capacity." Southwest Airlines also recently changed its policy on battery packs, limiting customers to one per customer. What does American Airlines allow? American Airlines passengers are limited to two portable chargers, each of which may not exceed a capacity of 100 watt-hours Porgage chargers must be visible or within reach for the duration of the flight The chargers may not be stored in overhead bins or recharged aboard aircraft The carrier's new rules apply to external power banks that can be plugged into electronic devices, such as laptops or smartphones. Some suitcases also feature built-in charging ports powered by lithium-ion batteries, which also would fall under the new guidelines. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-airlines-rule-change-power-bank-lithium-battery/ FedEx to return MD-11 freighters to service as FAA reviews fix after fatal crash FedEx is preparing to return its grounded MD-11 freighters as early as next month, pending FAA approval of a Boeing fix, while UPS has chosen to retire the aircraft following last year's fatal crash. FedEx is preparing to return its MD-11 freighter fleet to service as early as next month, after a fatal crash forced regulators to ground the ageing cargo aircraft worldwide. The move follows the successful development of a proposed engineering fix by Boeing, though the aircraft cannot resume operations until the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves the modification. The global grounding was triggered by a deadly United Parcel Service (UPS) crash in November, which killed three crew members and 12 people on the ground. Now, while FedEx moves towards a cautious return, UPS has taken a different path, opting to retire the type entirely. FedEx prepares to return MD-11 to service with Boeing fix “They’re ready to go,” Richard W. Smith, FedEx’s chief executive of airline operations, said during a Wings Club event in New York, indicating the company is poised to bring the tri-jet freighters back once regulatory clearance is secured. The development, first reported by Cargo Facts and The Wall Street Journal, marks a turning point for an aircraft type that has been at the centre of one of the most serious cargo aviation incidents in recent years. FedEx has worked closely with Boeing to develop a technical fix centred on a redesigned bearing within the engine pylon structure, which investigators believe was a key failure point. According to internal communications, Boeing has tested and produced a new component aimed at addressing the fatigue issue. FedEx says it has validated the solution and is now awaiting final FAA approval. “The company is working in close consultation with Boeing, the FAA and the NTSB,” a FedEx spokesperson said, adding that operational teams and pilots have been kept informed as the return-to-service plan takes shape. The airline is targeting a phased reintroduction, with a limited number of aircraft expected to return initially. For FedEx, the stakes are significant. The company operates the world’s largest MD-11 freighter fleet, around 30 aircraft, making it a core part of its domestic and regional cargo network. The grounding has come at a cost. FedEx has had to lease replacement aircraft and rework its network, taking a hit of more than $145 million in the months following the disruption. Fatal crash and fatigue cracks behind global MD-11 grounding The grounding of the global MD-11 fleet was triggered by a catastrophic accident in November, when a UPS freighter crashed shortly after take-off from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport. Investigators found that the aircraft’s left engine detached during the take-off roll, with early evidence pointing to structural failure in the pylon assembly connecting the engine to the wing. The accident killed three crew members and 12 people on the ground, prompting immediate regulatory action. The FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive mandating inspections across the global MD-11 fleet. FedEx, UPS and Western Global Airlines all grounded their aircraft “out of an abundance of caution”, bringing operations of the type to a near standstill. Further investigation identified fatigue cracks in the pylon bearing assembly, along with evidence of overstress failure. The issue was not entirely new. Boeing had previously alerted operators to potential cracking risks more than a decade ago, but replacement had not been mandated. Investigators also noted similarities with the 1979 American Airlines Flight 191 crash involving a DC-10, an aircraft from which the MD-11 is derived, renewing scrutiny of ageing widebody freighters still in service. UPS retires MD-11 fleet and accelerates shift to newer freighters While FedEx is preparing to bring the aircraft back, UPS has opted to permanently retire its MD-11 jets. Before the crash, UPS operated 26 MD-11 freighters, representing around 9% of its fleet. In its place, the company is accelerating investment in newer twin-engine aircraft, particularly the Boeing 767 freighter, with additional deliveries planned through 2027. UPS executives said the grounding period demonstrated the flexibility of its network, with the airline able to reposition aircraft, increase ground transport capacity and lease additional lift to maintain operations. The decision reflects a broader industry shift away from older tri-jet freighters towards more fuel-efficient and operationally flexible twin-engine aircraft. When will FedEx MD-11s return to service? For now, the return of the MD-11 hinges entirely on regulatory approval. The FAA’s airworthiness directive grounding the aircraft remains in effect, pending validation of Boeing’s proposed fix and the issuance of a formal inspection and modification procedure. Only once that process is complete can operators begin returning aircraft to service. FedEx is expected to begin a phased reintroduction, supported by internal briefings for crews and operational teams, rather than an immediate full-scale return. Despite its age, the MD-11 remains a valuable asset for FedEx, particularly for high-frequency domestic cargo routes where its payload capacity and performance still offer advantages. The current episode highlights both the continued importance of the aircraft and the risks associated with ageing platforms, even as the industry gradually transitions to newer freighter types. https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/fedex-md-11-return-to-service/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . World Aviation Training Summit - 5-7 May 2026 - Orlando . 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 . ESASI 2026, 20-21 May, Dubrovnik . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection, and Investigation Course 7 to 9 July 2026; Woburn MA 01801 USA : APSCON/APSCON Unmanned 2026 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL - July 13-17, 2026 : Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . ISASI - BOSTON 2026 - September 28, 2026 – October 2, 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis