Flight Safety Information - June 4, 2026 No. 109 In This Issue : Incident: Jetblue A21N at Aruba on Jun 1st 2026, bird strike : FAA investigates close call between JetBlue plane and aircraft near Fort Lauderdale Airport : NBAA: Stabilized Approaches Remain Key Safety Focus In Q1 Review : EVA Air Receives International Recognition for Flight Safety : Maui man awaits sentencing for federal plane laser attack : Singapore Airlines in talks for major new jet order, sources say : Airbus and Boeing now have 12 years of aircraft orders waiting to be built : Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures — New Report : Emirates Promotes First Two Emirati Female Pilots to Captain : Air Canada still sees system 'friction' over delayed deliveries of A321XLR jets : Supplier Of Eclipse Jet Parts Closing Its Doors : Slovenia turns away Israeli passenger jet, forcing it to land in neighboring Croatia : Delta flight attendant retires after more than 66 years in aviation : Graduate Research Request- A : Graduate Research Request - B : Calendar of Events Incident: Jetblue A21N at Aruba on Jun 1st 2026, bird strike A Jetblue Airbus A321-200N, registration N2059J performing flight B6-158 from Aruba (Aruba) to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 195 people on board, was climbing out of Aruba's runway 11 when the crew declared emergency reporting a bird strike into their right hand engine (PW1133G), they might need to shut the engine down, and levelled off at 2500 feet. The crew requested to enter a hold and subsequently returned to Aruba for a safe overweight landing on runway 11 about 30 minutes after departure. A ground observer reported the aircraft was landing with an strange noise probably coming from one of its engines. A replacement A321-200 registration N995JL reached New York with a delay of about 5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Aruba about 45 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=53a0bd1f&opt=0 FAA investigates close call between JetBlue plane and aircraft near Fort Lauderdale Airport The JetBlue plane received an onboard alert warning about another nearby aircraft that was “not in communications with air traffic control,” according to the FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a midair scare involving a JetBlue plane and another aircraft near Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Airport, the agency said Tuesday. The incident occurred early Monday evening as JetBlue Flight 1256, originating in Ecuador, approached the airport, the FAA said. At about 6:15 p.m. local time, the JetBlue plane received an onboard alert warning about a nearby aircraft that was “not in communications with air traffic control,” the FAA said in a statement to NBC News. “That guy’s insane,” the air traffic controller said after the JetBlue pilot successfully navigated away from the other aircraft and avoided a potential collision, according to air traffic control audio. The JetBlue plane landed safely in Florida’s third-busiest airport after “required separation was maintained” between the two aircraft, according to the FAA. JetBlue did not immediately comment on the incident when contacted by NBC News on Wednesday. The incident comes amid heightened concerns over aviation safety as the industry grapples with a yearslong chronic shortage of air traffic controllers. While most close-call incidents involve small planes that lack robust alert systems, close calls involving commercial aircraft have gained more attention in recent years, especially after the midair collision that killed 67 people in Washington, D.C., in January 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jet-blue-close-call-fort-lauderdale-airport-faa-rcna348271 NBAA: Stabilized Approaches Remain Key Safety Focus In Q1 Review NBAA's latest safety review points to stabilized approaches as a continuing concern. The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) latest accident and incident analysis is highlighting stabilized approaches as a continuing area of concern for business aviation operators. The report reviewed 40 safety events involving turbine-powered business aircraft during the first quarter of 2026, including six fatal accidents. Drawing on FAA and NTSB data, the analysis found that many of the events reinforce the importance of adhering to stabilized approach criteria, even as investigations into several accidents remain ongoing. “While investigations into many of these events are ongoing and probable causes have yet to be determined, the data already points to the need for strict adherence to stabilized approach criteria,” NBAA Director of Safety and Flight Operations Mark Larsen said in announcing the report. The analysis recorded 25 accidents and 15 incidents between January and March. Of the accidents, seven involved business jets, including one fatal crash near Bangor, Maine. Ten involved business turboprops, including three fatal accidents, while turbine helicopters accounted for eight accidents, two of them fatal. Beyond approach-related concerns, NBAA said runway excursions, landing-gear events and environmental factors such as terrain and adverse weather continued to appear as common themes across the quarter’s accident record. The member-only analysis tool allows NBAA members to examine safety events by aircraft category, operation type and phase of flight, while also providing access to 10 years of historical data. NBAA said the resource is intended to help operators identify trends and incorporate real-world accident scenarios into safety reviews and recurrent training programs. The first-quarter report follows similar analyses released for the final two quarters of 2025. https://avweb.com/air-shows-events/nbaa/nbaa-q1-2026-business-aviation-safety/ EVA Air Receives International Recognition for Flight Safety EVA Air Receives International Recognition for Flight Safety EVA Air, Taiwan’s leading independent airline, has been awarded a Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating, the highest safety distinction, by AirlineRatings.com, a globally recognised aviation safety and product rating agency. This certification was introduced in 2025 and this latest recognition once again affirms EVA Air’s excellence and professionalism in flight safety management, earning global acknowledgment. “What sets EVA Air apart as a Seven Star PLUS carrier is the precision of its onboard safety culture,” said AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen. “Our auditor recorded the best pre-departure checks we have seen to date, carried out with a discipline and consistency that reflects an exceptional operation. EVA Air’s performance was outstanding across every sector, and this rating recognises a team that refuses to settle for anything less than the highest standard.” “Safety is our most important and non-negotiable core value,” said EVA Air President Clay Sun. “When this principle becomes part of every employee’s mindset, our team works tirelessly to deliver the highest level of safety for every passenger who chooses EVA Air. Receiving the AirlineRatings Seven Star Plus Safety Rating, after consistently maintaining a Seven Star Safety Rating since 2014, is not only a recognition of our team’s professionalism and dedication, but also a reminder of the responsibility we carry. We will continue to give 100 percent of our effort to repay the trust and confidence of every passenger travelling with EVA Air.” AirlineRatings.com has been a globally recognised aviation evaluation organisation since 2013, conducting its World’s Safest Airlines rankings using a proprietary seven-star rating system to assess nearly 400 airlines worldwide. EVA Air has received this honour for 13 consecutive years. The upgraded Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating builds upon the existing seven-star system and is based on a series of anonymous flight audits conducted by AirlineRatings.com across domestic and international, short and long-haul, and day and overnight flights, reflecting real passenger experiences and consistent, high-level performance across all evaluation criteria. In addition to receiving the Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating, EVA Air was also ranked No. 8 among the World’s Top 10 Safest Airlines by AirlineRatings.com in its 2026 rankings. EVA Air has also earned the SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline certification for 11 consecutive years. EVA Air will continue to enhance its services and uphold its core principles of Safety, Service, and Sustainability, while maintaining the high standards that underpin its global safety recognition. Travellers can learn more about EVA’s award-winning services, its global route system and book flights at www.evaair.com. https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/eva-air-receives-international-recognition-for-flight-safety/ Maui man awaits sentencing for federal plane laser attack HONOLULU (KHON2) — Federal agencies are cracking down on people who point lasers at aircrafts. The Justice Department said Hawaii has one of the highest rates of aircraft lasing in the country. Authorities said this poses a serious safety risk for the pilot, everyone on board and communities. “Hawaii has one of the highest rates of aircraft lasing in the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “That is simply unacceptable. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is highly dangerous, illegal, and will be met with the full force of federal law enforcement. My office is committed to working with the FBI and other law enforcement partners, as well as with the FAA, to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.” A conviction carries up to five years in prison. This warning comes as a Maui man awaits sentencing. Prosecutors said 30-year-old Jesse Kong loaned a laser pointer to a friend who then pointed it at a federal aircraft. “Aiming a laser at an aircraft is not a prank; it is a direct assault on the safety of the pilot, the passengers, and everyone on the ground below,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “These high-powered beams can instantly impair a pilot’s vision during the most critical phases of flight, turning a routine journey into a potential catastrophe. We use every resource at our disposal to track the illegal use of these lasers back to the source. If you light up the sky and an aircraft, expect us to come knocking at your door.” Kong faces up to six months in prison when he is sentenced in June. https://www.khon2.com/local-news/aircraft-lasing-hawaii-crackdown/ Singapore Airlines in talks for major new jet order, sources say PARIS/HONG KONG, June 4 (Reuters) - Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI), opens new tab (SIA) is in talks with Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab and Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab to buy at least 50 of the industry's biggest jets, ‌as it plans a next phase of growth from next decade, two industry sources said. The Southeast Asian carrier is seeking offers for more 400-seat Boeing 777X, the industry's largest current model, or for the slightly smaller Airbus A350-1000, they said. Talks are at an early stage but could include options for ⁠dozens more jets. SIA said it regularly reviews fleet renewal plans and declined to comment on "any confidential discussions that we may or may not be having". Airbus and Boeing declined to comment. SIA is one of the largest buyers of long-haul jets, with a reputation for meticulous and closely held aircraft negotiations that can influence fleet decisions worldwide. It said last month it would continue to expand capacity even as some rivals cut flights due to higher oil prices. The airline is a longstanding operator of ‌the ⁠Boeing 777 mini-jumbo and was an early customer for the 777X successor, which has run into significant delays. LARGER VARIANTS The Singapore talks could also help manufacturers, notably Airbus, gauge demand for larger aircraft variants still on the drawing board, the sources said. Airbus said last year it ⁠was considering a larger A350 model, dubbed the A350-2000, to compete more directly with the 777X, though it has played down reports of an imminent project. It first floated the idea during ⁠an earlier SIA contest 10 years ago, at a time when Boeing was considering its own 777X expansion. Boeing agreed to revisit studies for a larger plane ⁠after Emirates ordered more 777X last November, but is said to be cautious given limited demand for a new jumbo and its focus on industrial recovery. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/singapore-airlines-talks-order-least-50-big-jets-sources-say-2026-06-04/ Airbus and Boeing now have 12 years of aircraft orders waiting to be built Airbus and Boeing now have around 12 years of aircraft production in their order books after a surge in April demand pushed the global commercial aircraft backlog to a record 16,683 aircraft. But with deliveries still lagging orders, the next test is whether manufacturers can build fast enough. A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a light-colored blazer against a teal background in what appears to be a professional headshot. Airbus and Boeing now have around 12 years of aircraft production sitting in their order books after a sharp rebound in April demand pushed the global commercial aircraft backlog to a new record high. The latest commercial aircraft orders and deliveries data from ADS shows that 16,683 aircraft were on backlog order at the end of April 2026, up 5% year-on-year and the highest figure ever recorded by the UK trade association. ADS estimates that, at current projected production rates, the backlog represents approximately 12 years’ worth of work for the global aerospace industry. It could also be worth between £335 billion and £385 billion to the UK economy. The backlog milestone followed a strong month for commercial aircraft orders. A total of 164 aircraft were ordered in April 2026, the highest April figure since 2016 and a 763% increase on the 19 aircraft ordered in the same month last year. Commercial aircraft orders, deliveries and backlog: April 2026 Aircraft category Period Gross orders Deliveries Backlog Narrowbody April 2026 70 95 13,572 April 2025 9 81 13,372 % change 678% 17% 1% Widebody April 2026 94 20 3,111 April 2025 10 21 2,499 % change 840% -5% 24% Total April 2026 164 115 16,683 April 2025 19 102 15,871 % change 763% 13% 5% Source: ADS Group Commercial Aerospace Market Information. Gross orders and backlog cover Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft. Deliveries include Airbus, Boeing and Comac aircraft. Year-to-date orders have also strengthened. ADS said 733 aircraft were ordered in the first four months of 2026, 36% ahead of the same period in 2025. The figures underline the resilience of commercial aircraft demand despite wider geopolitical and macroeconomic instability. Yet they also point to one of the industry’s central challenges: airlines still want aircraft faster than manufacturers can deliver them. Widebody aircraft orders surge as long-haul confidence returns The most notable shift in the April data was the return of widebody demand. ADS recorded 94 widebody aircraft orders during the month, an 840% increase on April 2025. That compares with 70 single-aisle orders during the same period. The surge suggests renewed confidence in long-haul and high-capacity international travel, after several years in which narrowbody aircraft dominated much of the post-pandemic recovery story. Single-aisle aircraft still account for the bulk of global aircraft activity. ADS said single-aisle types continue to represent between 70% and 85% of orders, deliveries and backlog, reflecting their central role in airline fleet renewal and network expansion. However, the widebody rebound matters because those aircraft carry higher values, support long-haul network growth and drive significant demand through the engine, aerostructures and systems supply chain. Manufacturer Aircraft type Customer April 2026 gross orders Notes Boeing 737 MAX Mostly unidentified customers 57 Largest Boeing order category in April Boeing 787 Dreamliner Mostly unidentified customers 51 Part of a strong Boeing widebody month Boeing 777X Unidentified customers 28 Orders placed while the aircraft remains in certification Airbus A350-900 Undisclosed customer 15 Largest Airbus order entry in April Airbus A320neo Scoot 4 Part of five A320 family aircraft ordered by Scoot Airbus A321neo Scoot 1 Completes Scoot’s five-aircraft April order Airbus A321neo Undisclosed customer 6 Additional A320neo family order activity Airbus A220-300 Undisclosed customer 2 Separate from AirAsia’s 150-aircraft A220 order announced in May Total April 2026 gross orders 164 136 Boeing aircraft and 28 Airbus aircraft By the end of April, the widebody backlog stood at 3,111 aircraft, up 24% on the same point last year. The single-aisle backlog was much larger, at 13,572 aircraft, but grew by only 1% year-on-year. That split suggests the industry’s order book is no longer simply being driven by narrowbody replacement demand. Long-haul aircraft are returning to the centre of the market. Aircraft deliveries improve, but production still trails demand Deliveries are also improving, although not at the same pace as orders. ADS recorded 115 aircraft deliveries in April 2026, up 13% on April 2025 and the strongest April delivery performance since 2015. The improvement was led by single-aisle aircraft, with 95 deliveries during the month, up 17% year-on-year. That points to continued efforts by manufacturers to raise narrowbody production rates as airlines wait for new-generation aircraft to replace older, less efficient fleets. Year-to-date deliveries are also moving in the right direction. ADS said 376 aircraft were delivered between January and April 2026, the best performance for the first four months of a year since 2019. However, the delivery picture remains more constrained than the order data suggests. April deliveries were only 13 aircraft higher than in the same month last year, despite the sharp rise in orders. Widebody deliveries also fell slightly year-on-year, with 20 aircraft delivered in April 2026 compared with 21 in April 2025. Across the industry, aircraft manufacturers continue to face pressure from supply chain constraints, engine availability, skilled labour shortages, certification demands and the challenge of increasing production rates without compromising quality. The result is a growing gap between demand and near-term availability. For airlines, that can mean delayed fleet renewal, constrained route growth and longer use of older aircraft. For suppliers, it means long-term visibility, but also sustained pressure to raise output. Can Airbus and Boeing turn 12 years of orders into deliveries? The record backlog is both good news and a warning sign. The underlying strength of commercial aviation demand is clear. Airlines are still ordering aircraft, cancellations are lower than last year, and both narrowbody and widebody programmes continue to support a large global production pipeline. ADS said there have been 44 aircraft cancellations so far in 2026, 61% fewer than by April 2025. However, a 12-year backlog raises a more difficult question: how quickly can manufacturers turn those orders into aircraft? Both Airbus and Boeing are trying to raise output, but recent results show how uneven that recovery remains. Airbus delivered 114 commercial aircraft in Q1 2026, down from 136 a year earlier, as delivery delays hit revenue and cash flow. The company has also pushed back its long-running target of reaching rate 75 on the A320 family, with CEO Guillaume Faury blaming Pratt & Whitney engine shortages for limiting deliveries and slowing the ramp-up. Boeing’s position is improving but remains delicate. The US manufacturer delivered 143 aircraft in Q1 2026 and has been cleared to raise 737 MAX production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month, signalling progress after years of quality and production disruption. However, Boeing Commercial Airplanes remained loss-making in the first quarter, and recent 737 MAX delivery delays over scratched wiring showed how even relatively small factory issues can ripple through delivery schedules. ADS has not issued a formal aircraft delivery forecast for 2026, citing persistent geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. The association said it would continue to review the outlook over the coming months. For now, the direction of travel is clear. Airlines are ordering aircraft, widebody demand is strengthening, and deliveries are gradually improving. But with 16,683 aircraft already in the backlog, the next phase of the cycle will depend less on whether airlines want new aircraft and more on whether Airbus, Boeing and their suppliers can build them fast enough. https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/airbus-boeing-12-year-aircraft-backlog-orders/ Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures — New Report The aircraft cabin environment exposes passengers and flight attendants to multiple environmental stressors that may lead to health and safety risks, including on occasion excessively hot or cold temperatures. As passengers and flight attendants have limited ability to change the cabin environment, understanding and managing temperature-related risks is essential for safe air travel. A new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine assesses the health and safety impacts of cabin temperatures in commercial aircraft and makes recommendations for improving understanding and strengthening risk management practices — actions that can support safer cabin environments for passengers and flight attendants. Recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration include establishing a program to better monitor, record, and assess cabin temperature and humidity. Airlines are encouraged to integrate cabin temperature and humidity hazards into their safety management systems and improve the use of health and safety data to identify potential thermal hazards. Airlines should also ensure that flight attendant input is included in real-time operational decisions related to unsafe cabin temperatures and, where feasible, allow flight attendants more flexibility in uniform options and outfit selection. These actions could enhance the ability of operators and regulators to identify and mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood and severity of health and safety events. Implementation could also build a stronger empirical foundation for future decision-making, enabling regulators and operators to better assess risks, evaluate mitigation strategies, and adapt to evolving conditions in air travel. The study — undertaken by the Committee on Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures — was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln. https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/health-and-safety-impacts-of-aircraft-cabin-temperatures-new-report Emirates Promotes First Two Emirati Female Pilots to Captain Emirates has promoted two Emirati female pilots to the rank of captain, marking a historic milestone for the airline and for women in UAE aviation. Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri are now the first Emirati female captains at Emirates, both operating the Boeing 777 fleet. Both pilots entered the airline through the Emirates Group's National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP), a fully funded initiative launched in 1993 that has developed numerous Emirati commercial pilots. Hanan joined in 2008 and has accumulated 9,253 flying hours over her career. Bakhita began her journey as a cadet in 2011, progressing steadily through the ranks over more than a decade. "When I was 14, I saw the UAE's first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence. From that point on, all I wanted was to become a pilot," said Hanan. "Receiving my fourth stripe is a proud milestone, but I don't see it as the destination. This is just the beginning." Bakhita credited mentorship as a defining element of her career: "My journey at Emirates has been deeply influenced by the mentorship and guidance I received from exceptional training captains and leaders. One of the most meaningful lessons I gained was the importance of passing knowledge and experience forward." Captain Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, called the achievement a reflection of years of dedication and professionalism, and said the cadet programme remains central to the airline's strategy for developing Emirati talent from entry level to the highest leadership roles. Both captains have called on the next generation of aspiring female pilots to pursue their ambitions, noting that Emirates' leadership has long recognized women as essential partners in shaping the UAE's future. https://www.travelwires.com/emirates-promotes-first-two-emirati-female-pilots-to-captain Air Canada still sees system 'friction' over delayed deliveries of A321XLR jets MONTREAL, June 3 (Reuters) - Air Canada (AC.TO), opens new tab still sees “friction in the system” regarding delays in the deliveries of Airbus A321XLR jets, the airline’s COO said on Wednesday, as the carrier starts flights this ‌month with the longer-range, single-aisle jet. Boeing (BA.N) and Airbus (AIR.PA), are trying to ramp up production of more fuel-efficient new aircraft, but airlines globally face delivery delays on multiple models, often due to supply-chain challenges and labor shortages. “On the XLR program, unfortunately, we have been on the receiving end of several delays in the program, and these aircraft are, you know, ⁠the better part of two years late from what we originally anticipated when we made the order," Air Canada's executive vice president and chief operations officer, Mark Nasr, said in an interview. “It’s not specific to just anyone, but there still is friction in the system and we’ve had to adopt our business to be candidly much more flexible," said Nasr, who spoke on the sidelines of an event in Montreal to welcome the model. Canada's largest carrier plans to use the XLR on routes like Toulouse and Copenhagen. Demand for European travel remains strong for North American legacy ‌carriers ⁠despite rising jet fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East. Air Canada is also seeing some return of Canadians flying to the United States for leisure purposes, after such travel softened last year and earlier in 2026 due to trade tensions. “It’s increasing at a slow pace, but it’s increasing,” added ⁠Alexandre Lefevre, VP network planning and global sales at the carrier. Nasr said Air Canada, which uses its smaller A220 jets to serve several markets in the United States, is waiting to see technical specifications from Airbus ⁠on a proposed stretched version of the aircraft. “Once the specs on the aircraft are finalized, we will study them,” he said. “One of the questions we’ll have to examine is the range ⁠of the aircraft, and this is why the technical specs end up being very important," he added. "So we really need the full package of specs to be able to appropriately study it.” https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/air-canada-sees-friction-delayed-deliveries-a321xlr-jets-2026-06-03/ Supplier Of Eclipse Jet Parts Closing Its Doors A leading supplier of parts and maintenance for Eclipse 500 and 550 jets is going out of business. Resurgent Aviation Solutions, founded in 2016 in Aurora, Illinois, by an executive who led the engineering and manufacturing of the Eclipse 550, informed customers that it has elected to “wind down all business operations and liquidate all remaining assets.” “All finished goods will be made available for outright purchase using an auction format,” according to a May 14, 2026, notice on the company’s website. “The liquidation will be completed over several auctions over the next two months. Interested parties are encouraged to check the auction website frequently as new items will be added periodically.” “Many of the auction items will be the last items ever produced or repaired by RAS,” the notice continued. “Due to the very limited number of items available, and the finality of all repair programs, interested parties are encouraged to obtain spares through the auction to ensure the long-term airworthiness of their aircraft.” Company officials note the auction is limited to finished products. “All tooling, equipment, and repair components will be disposed of at the conclusion of the auction warranty period,” they add. The Eclipse 500, a Very Light Jet, was certified by the FAA in 2006. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eclipse Aviation produced 260 jets before halting operations in October 2008. A month later, the company declared bankruptcy. In August 2009, Eclipse Aerospace bought the Eclipse Aviation assets and announced an updated aircraft, the Eclipse 550, in October 2011. That company merged with One Aviation in April 2015, which entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in February 2021. As of today, there are approximately 200 Eclipse 500s still flying, with most of those in the United States. There are also about 30 Eclipse 550s still flying, again primarily in North America. https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/06/03/eclipse-jet-parts-supplier-closing/ Slovenia turns away Israeli passenger jet, forcing it to land in neighboring Croatia Israir plane denied permission to touch down in Ljubljana due to government’s opposition to Israel; Foreign Ministry pans ‘unacceptable’ incident and anticipates better ties with incoming PM Slovenian authorities denied an Israeli passenger plane permission to land in the country’s capital on Wednesday as a protest against Israeli government policy. The Israir Airlines jet was forced to divert to an airstrip in neighboring Croatia. The Foreign Ministry denounced the incident as “completely unacceptable.” Promoted: Hadassah, Preparing For What’s Next Keep Watching The plane arrived at Ljubljana Airport, but air traffic controllers refused to let it touch down, according to Hebrew media reports. He said Slovenian authorities are refusing to let any Israeli carriers land, “because they are strongly opposed, politically, to the Israeli government line.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority reportedly worked to resolve the issue, without success. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement, “Israel clarified to the Slovenian authorities that it is a completely unacceptable decision.” The ministry noted that Slovenia is in the process of establishing a new government “instead of the outgoing, hostile government, and Israel expects a significant improvement in the relations between the countries.” Transportation Minister Miri Regev said in a statement that it is “an invalid political decision that directly impacts Israeli citizens.” “Anyone who tries to boycott us via aviation needs to understand that there will be consequences,” she said. Regev said Israel will use “all tools available to it” to deal with the issue. Israir has three weekly scheduled flights to Ljubljana, and there are no other carriers offering a similar direct flight. It was not clear from reports when Slovenia began refusing to accept Israeli planes or why the airline scheduled the flight if it was aware of the hostile Slovenian policy. Last month, Slovenia’s parliament voted to bring back former nationalist premier Janez Jansa, electing him as prime minister once more. Jansa is an admirer of US President Donald Trump and a supporter of Israel. He struck a coalition agreement to form a new government after outgoing liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob failed to clinch a deal following parliamentary elections in March. Golob’s government recognized a Palestinian state in May 2024, and is one of the few EU countries to claim Israel’s war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza was a “genocide,” a claim that Israel has strongly rejected. Slovenian public broadcaster RTV was the first in Europe to demand Israel’s exclusion from the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest and boycotted it in 2026, citing the ongoing war in Gaza. Slovenia also became the first EU country to impose a travel ban on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last September. Jansa, meanwhile, previously said that if he returns to power, he will relocate Slovenia’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and rescind Ljubljana’s recognition of Palestine. https://www.timesofisrael.com/slovenia-turns-away-israeli-passenger-jet-forcing-it-to-land-in-neighboring-croatia/ Delta flight attendant retires after more than 66 years in aviation Washington, June 4 (SANA) Joan Prince Crandall, believed by Delta Air Lines to be the airline industry’s longest-serving flight attendant, is retiring after more than 66 years in the profession. Prince Crandall began her career in 1959 with Pacific Airlines, serving aboard aircraft including the Douglas DC-3, Martin 404 and Fairchild F-27. Through a series of airline mergers, she later worked for Air West, Hughes Airwest, Republic Airways, Northwest Airlines and, since 2008, Delta Air Lines. “That has been my career — from stewardess to flight attendant,” she told CNN. Her career spanned major changes in aviation, including the transition from propeller aircraft to jetliners and the growth of passenger capacity. She also witnessed significant changes for women in the workplace, including the impact of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, which helped end discriminatory employment practices affecting flight attendants. Flight attendants today carry greater safety responsibilities and serve far more passengers than in the early years of commercial aviation. A Delta Airbus A350-900 can carry 306 passengers, compared with the much smaller aircraft she worked on at the start of her career. Prince Crandall recently met newly graduated Delta flight attendant Alise Broussard, describing the encounter as a “déjà vu” moment as she prepares to pass the torch to a new generation. After retirement, Prince Crandall plans to write a book and continue traveling. Among her favorite destinations are Paris, Mumbai and Hong Kong. “I’ve been lucky,” she said. “I’m physically healthy, and it’s still fun.” https://sana.sy/en/miscellaneous/2321220/ Graduate Research Request - A Dear Pilots, My name is Giada Palusci, and I am a Master’s student in Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy. As part of my thesis, I am conducting research on Fatigue Risk Management, with a particular focus on the relationship between sleep, jet lag, and work rosters among commercial pilots. Aviation safety depends heavily on the human element, and direct insights from flight crews are essential to better understand current operational challenges. If you are a commercial pilot, I would be extremely grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete this short, anonymous, and confidential survey. Survey Link: https://qualtricsxmbhmnrhr9l.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_esP9sU63Y7tM9LM Upon completion of the study, I will be happy to share the final results with Dr. Lewis and the broader aviation community. Thank you very much for your time and for your continued commitment to advancing aviation safety. Kind regards, Giada Palusci Graduate Research Request - B My name is Michail Karyotakis, Lt. Col. (P) HAF, Part-time PhD Student in Aerospace, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at the Cranfield University in the UK. Currently, I am working on the final stage of my Research project, which is focused on developing a Flexible and Dynamic Safety Management Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations. I kindly invite you to participate in this survey validating or arguing against the findings of the respective research. Findings are illustrated in the form of questions. Everyone’s level and kind of experience is considered useful not to mention those with aviation and/or piloting background. By sharing your perspectives, you will contribute to developing effective and sustainable mechanism of safety risk management for Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the current aviation environment. Specifically, this Research is focused on: • Reviewing the existing Safety Management approaches for the UAS operations that are in the scope of the Research. • Introduce, test and validate the concept of Total System Safety Performance for UAS operations in the scope of this research. • Assessing Safety risks related to the operations of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Package Delivery. • Assessing the impact of Human Factors, Terrain management and different flight phases in UAS operations. • How could the current safety management framework for UAS operations be updated and streamlined according to the specific needs of every operator and the specificities of every UAS operation. Your participation in this survey is entirely voluntary, and it is estimated to take approximately 15 to 20 minutes of your time. This survey is undertaken as part of my research thesis submission and is not affiliated with any airline, training organisation, or any other. Participation in the survey is voluntary and anonymous (if desired by the participants, personal info may be shared). The survey will take about 15 minutes to be completed. Thank you in advance for your time and patience. Your participation is highly appreciated. Please click the link below to enter the survey: https://cranfielduniversity.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fvlBSGnO7TxeJ0 Student email: michail.k.karyotakis@cranfield.ac.uk CALENDAR OF EVENTS .2026 FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference — June 16-18, 2026, in Chantilly, Virginia, with the theme “Safety Together: Innovation, Integration and Trust.” https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/events/2026-faa-easa-international-aviation-safety-conference . 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 . ICAO/EASA Third Global RSOO/RAIO Forum for Aviation Safety — September 29–30, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana., https://www.icao.int/events : 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 . Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt- 29-30SEP2026 - Frankfurt, Germany . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV . 2027 ACSF Safety Symposium - April 6-8, 2027 - ERAU Daytona Beach, FL Curt Lewis