Flight Safety Information - June 24, 2026 No. 123 In This Issue : Incident: Mehr RJ1H at Tehran on Jun 20th 2026, runway excursion on landing : Accident: Transat A21N at London on Jun 3rd 2026, hard landing : Incident: Lufthansa City A319 near Frankfurt on Jun 18th 2026, odour on board : Incident: Lufthansa A320 at Munich on Jun 18th 2026, door indication : India panel proposes simulator-heavy pilot licence to ease crew shortage, document shows : Congress weighs aviation safety upgrades after series of close calls : Man gets prison for pointing lasers at fighter jets near Luke AFB : Singapore Airlines Eyes 50 New Widebody Jets : Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines Launch Partnership : Person who traveled through O'Hare tests positive for measles, CDPH warns : Why 4 Engine Aircraft Could Go Back Into Production : Malaysia Airlines recognised as a Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline Airline Ratings : Airbus to inspect 16 A380s after cracks found on plane wings : Calendar of Events Incident: Mehr RJ1H at Tehran on Jun 20th 2026, runway excursion on landing A Mehr Airways Avro RJ-100, registration EP-MRA performing flight MEH-4169 from Shiraz to Tehran Mehrabad (Iran), landed on Mehrabad's runway 29Rat 10:18L (06:48Z) but veered right off the runway center line and came to a stop at the runway egde. Iran's CAA reported the aircraft "suffered damage to one of its landing gear wheels while landing at Mehrabad Airport at 10:24 a.m., and subsequently, after traveling a distance and reducing speed, it left the runway and stopped next to the runway edge for reasons that are under investigation." There were no injuries. An investigation team was dispatched to the airport. ADS-B data suggest, the aircraft on final approach was left of the runway centerline, touched down onto the centerline, slowed, veered right and exited the right runway edge at about 70 knots over ground and came to a stop on the parallel taxiway. Local media report the aircraft bounced on landing and suffered a tail strike, and damaged some runway signs. There were no injuries. https://avherald.com/h?article=53af6ccb&opt=0 Accident: Transat A21N at London on Jun 3rd 2026, hard landing An Air Transat Airbus A321-200N, registration C-GOIO performing flight TS-122 (dep Jun 2nd) from Toronto,ON (Canada) to London Gatwick,EN (UK), landed on Gatwick's runway 26L but touched down hard. The aircraft rolled out without further incident, vacated the runway and taxied to the apron. The aircraft remained on the ground in Gatwick until Jun 19th 2026, then positioned to Montreal,QC (Canada) and is still on the ground in Montreal on Jun 23rd 2026. The UK AAIB opened an investigation into the occurrence reporting unknown damage. https://avherald.com/h?article=53af6424&opt=0 Incident: Lufthansa City A319 near Frankfurt on Jun 18th 2026, odour on board A Lufthansa City Airlines Airbus A319-100, registration D-ABGK performing flight VL-2430 from Munich (Germany) to Gothenburg (Sweden) with 133 people on board, was enroute at FL360 about 100nm east of Frankfurt/Main (Germany) when the crew decided to divert to Frankfurt. The aircraft landed safely on Frankfurt's runway 25L about 25 minutes later and stopped briefly on the runway for an inspection by emergency services. The remainder of the flight as well as the return flight were cancelled. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 14 hours after landing. According to information The Aviation Herald received, there had been an unidentifyable odour on board that at times was accompanied by localized smoke. After landing the aircraft taxied to the apron on own power, the passengers disembarked normally. https://avherald.com/h?article=53af5db0&opt=0 Incident: Lufthansa A320 at Munich on Jun 18th 2026, door indication A Lufthansa Airbus A320-200, registration D-AIUD performing LH-2194 from Munich to Bremen (Germany), was climbing out of Munich's runway 08L when the crew stopped the climb at about 7000 feet and decided to return to Munich for a safe landing on runway 08L about 15 minutes after departure. A passenger reported the captain informed them that they had indication of an open aft freight door due to a malfunctioning sensor. The aircraft remained on the ground for about one hour, then departed again and reached Bremen with a delay of about 65 minutes. https://avherald.com/h?article=53af54c8&opt=0 India panel proposes simulator-heavy pilot licence to ease crew shortage, document shows Proposed route would cut actual aircraft flying hours India seeks faster pipeline of airline-ready junior pilots Draft says simulators could lower risk and shorten training Proposed licence draws support from IndiGo Flight schools warn reduced real flying could weaken hands-on skills NEW DELHI, June 24 (Reuters) - An Indian government panel has proposed a new pilot licence option that would shift more training into simulators and cut the time ‌cadets spend flying real aircraft as it aims to ease a pilot shortage, a draft report shows. The Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) under discussion was introduced by the U.N.'s International Civil Aviation Organization in 2006 and adopted by many countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East in addition to traditional pilot-training pathways. India is now considering the licence to build a more predictable pipeline of junior pilots trained for individual carriers as airlines expand their fleets, according to an unpublished 19-page draft report dated June 3 reviewed by Reuters. Under the proposed plan, cadets ⁠would complete 100 to 120 hours in training aircraft, including at least 20 hours solo, compared with at least 200 hours under India's existing rules. Much of the remaining practical training would be conducted in commercial jet simulators under an alternative route the draft said "may shorten timeline for cadets." "If implemented with strong regulatory oversight and industry collaboration ... (the new licensing route) can reduce manpower shortages," the government panel's draft report said. The report was prepared by a committee headed by a senior official of India's aviation regulator that included representatives from IndiGo (INGL.NS), opens new tab, Air India and flight-training organisations. Airlines have been asked to respond to the plan, after which the committee is likely to submit a final report to the head of the regulator. IndiGo, Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation did not respond to requests for comment. India faces a pilot shortage, with its largest airline, IndiGo, having just 7.6 ‌pilots per ⁠narrowbody plane, the report said, well below the global average of around 10. IndiGo in December cancelled thousands of flights after it failed to plan adequately for new rules limiting pilots’ working hours, leaving it short of pilots. The MPL, used for co-pilot hires at carriers including Qatar Airways and Europe's easyJet (EZJ.L), opens new tab, is less portable between airlines in the early stages of a pilot's career and could help ease Indian carriers' turnover concerns. The government proposal said greater reliance on simulators could "lower operational risk" while giving ⁠cadets more focused practice in handling critical and emergency situations. The option does not reduce training rigor and only redistributes training emphasis toward structured simulation, it added, saying it should not be "misunderstood as a shortcut due to lower aircraft flight hours." The plan, however, has already drawn some concerns, with the Association of Flight Training Organisations ⁠saying cutting time in real aircraft could weaken cadets' hands-on flying skills and judgement in unexpected situations, according to a letter dated June 9. The group has asked the regulator to mandate at least 150 hours in actual aircraft, instead of the 100 to 120 hours proposed in the draft. The ⁠draft report itself acknowledged that some pilots could have "weaker hands-on flying instincts and less confidence handling unexpected situations independently." IndiGo backed the pilot licensing proposal during consultations in August, an email shows, with Ashim Mittra, the airline's senior vice president of flight operations, writing that MPL was needed to "support the growth of aviation whilst ensuring safety as the bedrock." https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-panel-proposes-simulator-heavy-pilot-licence-ease-crew-shortage-document-2026-06-24/ Congress weighs aviation safety upgrades after series of close calls WASHINGTON (TNND) — Congress got another warning that the nation’s aviation systems and regulations need a significant overhaul after a deadly collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport and a series of other high-profile aviation incidents. A Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee held a hearing on Tuesday aimed at how Washington can help address the nation’s aviation system to make it safer after years of warnings about a need to modernize and make massive investments to remake the system. Tuesday’s hearing comes amid a series of close calls at the nation’s airports; antiquated technology being relied on to maintain safety and chronic shortages of air traffic controllers that have been a challenge for the FAA to solve. Last year’s collision between an Army helicopter and commercial jet near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport prompted new urgency to modernize the country’s aviation systems after years of warnings about aging infrastructure and overreliance on outdated technology. Within the last two weeks, a skydiving aircraft crashed in Missouri, a B-52 went down near Edwards Air Force Base in California and two jets nearly collided at Boston Logan International Airport. The steady stream of aviation incidents and near-misses has heightened scrutiny about safety. “These close calls did not become tragedies because safety professionals, pilots, air traffic controllers and airport personnel responded to the danger and our safety systems worked,” said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. “Regardless of that outcome, they still remain a warning call and a reminder that our aviation system is fragile, and that we must act.” An overwhelming majority of flights in the U.S. take off and land without issue, but gaps in systems and technology that have been exposed in recent years and an alarming rise in near-misses and runway incursions at America’s airports, have prompted calls for Congress and federal regulators to step up to ensure emergency training for pilots and air traffic controllers aren’t the only thing standing in the way of another deadly crash. “In far too many of these incidents, the difference between a close call and a deadly disaster has come down to a single highly trained and professional individual taking emergency action,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration are also grappling with how to handle a longstanding shortage of air traffic controllers as the number of flights has increased, forcing fewer workers to work longer hours, which safety advocates say increases burnout and the risk of mistakes. The FAA has taken on an ambitious plan to rapidly boost hiring and training for controllers with higher pay and changes to the hiring process. While the administration has touted progress on that front, two government shutdowns in the last year have made it harder to retain employees who are being forced to work long hours at a stressful job without pay for weeks in some cases. “When you have two government shutdowns and you very nationally on the front page tell people we're not paying air traffic controllers for six consecutive weeks,” said Chris Sununu, the president and CEO of Airlines for America. “How do you encourage a young person to want to become an air traffic controller?” Much of the hearing focused on what technology upgrades or changes to regulations would help improve safety conditions for airlines and travelers. Those have been at the forefront in Congress as lawmakers have tried to find a bill that can make it to the president’s desk. There is a gap between the two chambers with dueling aviation safety bills in response to the deadly crash near Washington that center around location-tracking technology known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B, a system that uses GPS signals to continuously transmit an aircraft's location and altitude. The House overwhelmingly passed the ALERT Act in April with a vote of 396-to-10, which came just several weeks after the Senate unanimously passed another aviation safety bill that had the backing of crash victim families and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board. The Senate bill, the ROTOR Act, would require all aircraft to be equipped with tracking technology called ADS-B that allows air traffic controllers to see speeds, altitude and location of aircraft in real time. Most aircraft transmit ADS-B information, but the Senate bill would also require them to have “ADS-B In” technology that also displays information about surrounding aircraft, ground traffic and weather information in the cockpit in real time. It would also limit the military’s ability to turn the technology off except for highly secretive missions. NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy has said the collision near DCA would have been prevented if the measure had been in place. The House bill also provides minimum standards for location-tracking but does not mandate which system aircraft must install and gives the military more discretion on when it can be switched off. “It's essential. We need it. It's technology that's readily available. The NTSB saying we should have it since 2008, why don't we have it?” said Jason Ambrosi, president of the Airline Pilots Association. https://wcyb.com/news/connect-to-congress/congress-weighs-aviation-safety-upgrades-after-series-of-close-calls-rotor-act-alert-act-adsb-runway-incursions-faa-ntsb-air-traffic-controllers Man gets prison for pointing lasers at fighter jets near Luke AFB An Arizona man admitted to pointing lasers at military aircraft near Luke Air Force Base. GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — An Arizona man was sentenced to prison after admitting to pointing lasers at military aircraft in the West Valley. William Wilson was sentenced to 10 months in prison, followed by a year of probation. Federal prosecutors said Wilson pointed lasers several times at U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jets training near Luke Air Force Base between September 2024 and January 2025. Multiple pilots reported that their vision was affected while in flight. Due to the safety risk to pilots, the FBI sent a surveillance plane up in the area where the jets were training on Jan. 8, 2025. Two FBI pilots reported laser strikes during the flights. Video surveillance caught Wilson in his backyard shining the lasers at the FBI plane. During a search of his house, FBI officials found red and green laser pointers. When interviewed, Wilson admitted to pointing the lasers at military aircraft at least eight times, thinking they could be “spy planes.” He also complained that the jets flew too close to his home. Wilson told the FBI he never pointed the lasers at commercial planes because he knew it could cause vision issues. Because of his health and remorse, federal prosecutors recommended a four-year probation term. He was sentenced on June 18 to 10 months in prison and a year of probation. https://www.azfamily.com/2026/06/24/man-gets-prison-pointing-lasers-fighter-jets-near-luke-afb/ Singapore Airlines Eyes 50 New Widebody Jets When Singapore Airlines goes shopping for aircraft, the rest of the industry leans in to watch. The Changi-based carrier has spent decades building a reputation as a benchmark for premium long-haul flying, and the jets it chooses tend to become the jets everyone else wants. So when reports surfaced in early June 2026 that SIA is in talks for one of the largest widebody orders of the decade, the news landed with real weight. According to reporting by Reuters, picked up across the aviation trade press, the airline is in early-stage discussions with both Boeing and Airbus for at least 50 of the biggest passenger jets in production — with the door open to options for dozens more. The shortlist is a heavyweight title fight: the roughly 400-seat Boeing 777-9 versus the Airbus A350-1000. Nothing is signed. SIA, asked directly, said only that it “regularly reviews” its fleet renewal plans and declined to comment on confidential discussions. But the contours of the decision tell you a lot about where the widebody market is heading. Quick Facts What: Singapore Airlines reportedly in early talks for at least 50 large widebodies (Reuters, June 2026) The choice: Boeing 777-9 vs Airbus A350-1000 Status: Early-stage talks — not a firm order; options for dozens more possible 777-9: World’s largest twin-engine jet, GE9X engines, ~400+ seats, first delivery now expected 2027 A350-1000: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, in service since 2018, ~375–400 seats, 9,000 nm range Current SIA fleet: 65 A350-900s, 22 Boeing 777-300ERs, 12 A380s Why SIA’s Fleet Picks Move the Market Singapore Airlines is not the biggest airline in the world, nor the one with the largest order book. What it has is influence. The carrier was the launch customer for the Airbus A380 in 2007 and an early, high-profile operator of the A350. It flies the longest commercial route on the planet — Singapore to New York, a journey of over 18 hours — and does so with a cabin product that routinely tops industry awards. That track record matters. When a carrier with SIA’s reputation commits to an airframe, it sends a signal to leasing companies, rival airlines, and the manufacturers themselves about which way the premium long-haul market is leaning. A big SIA order is, in effect, a stamp of approval. It also comes at a telling moment. SIA’s 22 Boeing 777-300ERs — long the backbone of its long-haul fleet — now average more than 16 years in service. Replacing them while adding capacity for growth into the 2030s is exactly the kind of generational decision that shapes a fleet for twenty years. The 777-9: Boeing’s Biggest Twin The Boeing 777-9 is, simply put, the largest twin-engine jet ever built. Stretched well beyond the already-large 777-300ER, it is designed to seat more than 400 passengers in a typical layout and is powered by the GE9X — the most powerful commercial jet engine in the world, with a folding wingtip clever enough to let the enormous wingspan fit standard airport gates. For an airline chasing capacity on dense, high-demand routes, the 777-9 is a compelling proposition: more seats per flight, strong cargo capability, and the kind of headline presence that suits a flagship carrier. There is, however, a significant caveat — the program has been hit by years of delays. First delivery is now expected in 2027, with certification flight testing still underway. SIA would be buying into an aircraft that, as of mid-2026, has yet to enter commercial service. Boeing 777-9 flight-test aircraft in Boeing house livery A Boeing 777-9 flight-test aircraft in Boeing’s blue house livery — the larger of the two types Singapore Airlines is reportedly weighing. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. That timing cuts both ways. The delays have frustrated launch customers, but they also mean the 777-9 arrives as a genuinely new-generation aircraft just as airlines plan their next growth wave. For SIA, the question is whether the extra capacity and cargo muscle justify the wait — and the risk of an unproven type. “We regularly review our fleet renewal plans, and decline to comment on any confidential discussions that we may or may not be having.” Singapore Airlines spokesperson — statement to Reuters, June 2026 The A350-1000: Efficiency and Commonality The Airbus A350-1000 takes the opposite approach. Slightly smaller than the 777-9, it seats roughly 375 to 400 in a standard three-class layout, but it has two advantages that matter enormously to an operator like SIA. First, it is already in service and proven, flying with carriers worldwide since 2018. Second, it shares deep commonality with the airline’s existing fleet of 65 A350-900s — the same cockpit, similar systems, and a largely shared maintenance base. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97, the A350-1000 offers a range of around 9,000 nautical miles and, by Airbus’s figures, burns about 25% less fuel than the previous generation of widebodies. For ultra-long-haul flying — SIA’s signature — that efficiency is the whole ballgame. Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 at its Changi hub A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 at the carrier’s Changi hub. SIA already operates 65 of the type, giving the larger A350-1000 a powerful commonality argument. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. SIA already runs a specialised sub-fleet of ultra-long-range A350-900ULRs on its flagship Singapore–New York services, so the airline knows the family intimately. Choosing the A350-1000 would be the low-risk, high-commonality play — less spectacular than the 777-9, but operationally seamless. A Reputation Built on Getting It Right Whatever SIA decides, the choice will be made under a microscope — because the carrier’s premium standing is hard-won. In the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Singapore Airlines was named the World’s Best Cabin Crew and won the World’s Best First Class award, finishing second overall and retaining its long-held title as the best airline in Asia. That reputation is built on consistency, and consistency starts with the metal. The aircraft an airline flies dictate the cabins it can offer, the routes it can open, and the economics that fund everything else. A 50-jet order is not just a purchasing decision; it is a bet on what premium long-haul travel will look like in the 2030s. What It Signals for the Widebody Market Beyond Singapore Airlines itself, the talks are a strong signal that the widebody market — battered during the pandemic, slow to recover — is firmly back. Carriers are once again planning for long-haul growth on a grand scale, and the two manufacturers are competing fiercely for every flagship customer. Emirates has poured fresh orders into the 777X; airlines across Asia and the Gulf are reshaping their long-haul fleets. For now, the SIA order remains in the realm of reports and unconfirmed talks. But the very fact that one of the world’s most admired airlines is shopping for 50 of the biggest jets in the sky tells you the appetite for long-haul flying is healthier than it has been in years. When the decision comes, expect the industry to follow Singapore’s lead — just as it has so many times before. https://migflug.com/jetflights/singapore-airlines-50-widebody-jets-777-9-a350-1000/ Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines Launch Partnership Carriers introduce joint fare products for travel between the two countries Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines have launched their strategic joint business partnership, formalized in January 2026 following regulatory approvals, with the introduction of joint fare products for travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The new fare offerings build on the airlines’ existing codeshare partnership, according to an announcement, enabling the two carriers to provide customers with a greater variety of fare options between the two capital cities, as well as enhanced connectivity across the combined networks of both carriers. The airlines, said the announcement, are also working toward the progressive introduction of additional customer benefits, including reciprocal lounge access, coordinated flight schedules and joint corporate travel arrangements. Bryan Foong, CEO of airline business, Malaysia Aviation Group, said: “This joint business partnership with Singapore Airlines marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our commercial collaboration.” By introducing joint fare products, he said, “we are giving our customers greater choice, improved flexibility and a more seamless travel experience.” This collaboration, said Foong, “also lays the foundation for deeper integration across our networks, ultimately benefiting both leisure and business travelers.” Lee Lik Hsin, chief commercial officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “The introduction of joint fare products with Malaysia Airlines expands the range of fare options available to customers traveling between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, offering more flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys.” As the airlines deepen their collaboration, he said, “we will continue to combine our strengths to enhance both airlines’ offerings and deliver greater value to customers, while strengthening the long-standing people-to-people connections and trade links between Singapore and Malaysia.” https://www.businesstravelexecutive.com/news/malaysia-airlines-and-singapore-airlines-launch-partnership/ Person who traveled through O'Hare tests positive for measles, CDPH warns CHICAGO (WLS) -- Travelers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport may have been exposed to the measles. The Chicago Department of Public Health confirms an international traveler tested positive for the disease. The person arrived in Chicago on June 17. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch Anyone at O'Hare's Terminal Five on that date between 5:50 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. could be at risk. Measles symptoms, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash, usually appear seven to 21 days after exposure. The highly contagious disease is preventable through vaccination. People who believe they may have been exposed should check their vaccination status. CDPH urged anyone who develops measles symptoms to call a healthcare provider before going to a medical office, urgent care, or emergency department. https://abc7chicago.com/post/person-traveled-chicago-ohare-airport-tests-positive-measles-symptoms-include-rash-fever-cough-runny-nose/19366146/ Why 4 Engine Aircraft Could Go Back Into Production Four-engine commercial jets like the legendary jumbo Boeing 747 and superjumbo Airbus A380 have largely been phased out in favor of more efficient twin-engine widebodies. Yet, there are some cases that suggest future demand for four-engine passenger aircraft could re-emerge, even if only in niche markets. The world’s busiest airports are experiencing growing congestion and the limited slots for takeoff and landing are getting tighter. If airlines can’t increase flight frequency, the only way to accommodate more passengers is to fly larger aircraft. Quadjet jumbos, with their massive capacity, can efficiently serve the densest routes between major international hubs, or so-called “trunk routes,” where passenger loads regularly ferry 500 or more flyers at a time. Quad-Engine Demand On The Rise? The market for oversized or heavy-lift cargo is not only exceptionally strong, but growing thanks to rising online commerce and the globalized economy. Steady demand for the 747-8F and even the Antonov AN-124 has shown no sign of slowing down. Four engines are highly advantageous to lift very heavy or bulky cargo, especially in hot-and-high conditions or on shorter runways. As world cargo volumes keep growing, and particularly if outsize payloads like components for renewable energy, aerospace, and humanitarian relief, airlines and cargo operators see the business case for new multi-engine freighter designs. One of the world’s largest air cargo carriers, Atlas Air, has a fleet dominated by 747 jets, including a range of variants. New twinjets, like the 777 and A350, are certified to fly routes far from diversion airports, but very long polar or oceanic routes still present challenges. Four-engine aircraft are not subject to the same extended-range twin-engine (ETOPS) restrictions, so they can offer more direct routings across remote regions. The extra engines simply provide a higher level of redundancy, which remains attractive to safety-conscious operators and passengers. Rising demand for nonstop flights over ultra-remote regions is another case that could draw in renewed interest in four-engine designs. The Fall Of The Quadjet For almost half a century, the 747 was an iconic symbol of intercontinental air travel. A combination of technology, economics, and regulation led to the demise of the 747 along with the Airbus A380, and Airbus A340 quadjets. The decline began as new high-thrust, high-bypass twinjets proved capable of hauling 300- to 400-flyers aircraft between any two cities under ETOPS. Coming more than three decades after the first 747 in 1969 was Boeing's final iteration, the 747-8, which launched in the late 2000s with a stretched fuselage and new GEnx engines. By 2020, Boeing announced that the last 747-8F would leave the Everett factory as the “dash eight” line spun down, with the final aircraft handed over in 2023. The Airbus A380 launched in 2000 on the premise that traffic between the world's largest hubs would outgrow available slots, forcing airlines to fly higher seat-count jets. By 2012, the Boeing 777-300ER was earning airlines major savings per seat, and later the Airbus A350-1000 began offering the same twinjet economics. Emirates, the type's anchor, had to cut and reshuffle its backlog as outside economic forces took their toll on the airline industry, and no other carrier stepped up with follow-on orders. In February 2019, Airbus announced that A380 production would cease, and the final aircraft was delivered to none other than Emirates in 2021. The Airbus A340 has a similar story but from an earlier time. It unraveled when fuel prices climbed sharply in the early 2000s, magnifying the penalty of carrying four medium-sized engines instead of two large ones. Airbus tried to rescue the line with the longer-range A340-500 and the higher-capacity A340-600, but orders dried up. In November 2011, Airbus formally closed the order book, and the last of the A340s left final assembly in 2012. The Limits Of The Twinjet A four-engine airliner, such as the 747, offers greater freedom than a large twin like the 777. A quad has true propulsion redundancy, allowing the aircraft to retain 75% of its thrust and bleed-air, electrical-power, and hydraulic-pressure generation even when one engine is lost. This depth of redundancy gives quads higher dispatch reliability on routes where an alternate might be time zones away. Distributing the required thrust among four smaller engines allows the airframe to grow larger without asking any one powerplant to reach extremes of diameter or turbine temperature. This results in greater take-off performance at hot-and-high airports, enough installed power to lift outsized freight, and the structural benefit of wing-bending relief created by outboard engines. The 747 family can perform a three-engine ferry, allowing airlines to reposition a 747 with one engine removed for maintenance or carry a spare engine under the wing in “fifth-pod” delivery configuration. Should there be some key breakthroughs with technology like sustainable fuels or airframe composite technologies, the efficiency gap between twins and quads could narrow. Although the industry trend is firmly toward high-bypass twinjets, shifting circumstances around infrastructure, ultra-long-haul operations, specialist cargo demands, or new technological breakthroughs could create a renewed, if limited, niche for four-engine commercial aircraft in the coming decades. Any resurgence would likely be focused on particular high-density, remote, or heavy-lift markets, rather than becoming the mainstay of global aviation once again. The Unique Niche Of The 747 The 747 remains the top choice for special-airlift aircraft, as it can handle large cargo loads or perform unique government and industrial missions that almost nothing else can. The 747's main deck can load freight through a lifting nose door, allowing operators to carry massive items without disassembly. The 747’s four engines gives it the power to use shorter runways and fly with high performance. The four engines also provide electrical and pneumatic power for special mission configurations, which require megawatts of steady electrical power and large bleed-air flow for equipment. The final four 747s ever made were 747-8F cargo haulers for Atlas Air. John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide, commented in 2023 upon the delivery of the last 747s to roll off the assembly line: “Our company’s history and success are directly linked to the 747 platform, and we are honored to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world. Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter. Since then, we have spanned the globe operating the 747 into well over 800 airports in over 170 countries with nearly every series of the aircraft, including Boeing’s 747 Large Cargo Freighter for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts.” The 747-8, by the numbers, as Boeing describes on the official website: Specification 747-8I Passengers 410 Range nm (km) 13,650 km / 7,370 nmi Length 76.3 m (250 ft 2 in) Wingspan 68.4 m (224 ft 5 in) Height 19.4 m (63 ft 6 in) Cruise Speed Mach 0.86, 659 mph (1,061 kmh) Total Cargo Volume 6,225 ft3 (175 m3) Aisles 2 Maximum Takeoff Weight 447,700 kg / 987,000 lb As long as there is a need to move cargo too big for a standard cargo door or governments require flying command centers with the power and redundancy of a small city, the 747 has a place. Its combination of range, speed, payload, four-engine resilience, and conformity to existing infrastructure will keep it in a limited but persistent demand for special roles. Emirates signs MoU for 36 A380s Airbus' A380 was designed to cater to airports where demand was already exceeding available take-off and landing slots, like London Heathrow (LHR), New York JFK (JFK), New York JFK (NRT), and more. The A380's double-deck fuselage allowed airlines to carry almost 600 passengers in the same slot footprint as a smaller wide-body while leaving room for freight. Emirates' business model, which operates at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, enables Emirates to fill 80 to 90% of its 500-plus seats with premium-class travelers. Emirates has lobbied Airbus for an "A380neo," which would re-engine the aircraft with Rolls-Royce Advance or GE9X powerplants, trim structural weight, add aerodynamic tweaks, and possibly even stretch the fuselage. https://simpleflying.com/4-engine-aircraft-return-production/ Malaysia Airlines recognised as a Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline Airline Ratings Malaysia Airlines has achieved the prestigious Seven Star PLUS safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, placing it among an elite group of global carriers recognised for both exceptional cabin safety and operational excellence. This positions the airline alongside carriers such as Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand, reflecting its strong safety culture and consistently high onboard operational standards. AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen commented on the recognition: "Particularly notable on this audit was the crew's vigilance in keeping passengers seated whenever the seatbelt sign was on. There were long periods when it remained illuminated, and passengers naturally grow restless or feel the need to move. The Malaysia Airlines crew were diligent throughout, ensuring everyone stayed seated until it was safe. Their emergency exit briefing was equally impressive. Whilst not a part of the audit process, a visit to the airline's operations afterwards further highlighted the great lengths the airline has gone to, especially in the last 10 years, to really focus on issues relating to crew resource management, human factors and fatigue management. I dare say a lot of airlines could learn from what Malaysia Airlines have done in this area." On the latest recognition, Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company for Malaysia Airlines said, “The Seven Star PLUS recognition is a meaningful affirmation of the strong safety culture we have continuously built across Malaysia Aviation Group over the years. What makes this recognition especially significant is the acknowledgement of the operational discipline, crew professionalism and robust safety practices demonstrated consistently across our operations by our teams. At MAG, safety underpins every aspect of our business and remains a shared responsibility embraced by every employee across the organisation. This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our people and reinforces our focus on continuously strengthening operational resilience, enhancing our capabilities, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence for our passengers.” What does Seven Star PLUS actually mean? Seven Star PLUS is a safety rating an airline earns, not a badge it can buy or a rank it can simply request. To be eligible, an airline must already hold our Seven Star safety rating, the highest on our scale, and only then can it put itself forward for the audit that leads to Seven Star PLUS recognition. The airline invites our auditors aboard for an independent and anonymous assessment of its cabin crew safety compliance, observed under normal flight conditions across six separate flights. An airline is recognised as Seven Star PLUS only when it meets our stringent standards across that audit, and not every airline that undertakes it will make the grade. An airline with multiple areas for improvement simply retains its Seven Star safety rating and can be reviewed again within one year once changes have been made. The value of these audits sits with the airline and the passenger alike. For the airline, the assessment surfaces genuine cabin crew compliance gaps and helps close them early, before they become incidents or regulator findings. A safety team and a chief financial officer both understand the worth of catching a problem in time, and earning the rating gives the airline a credential that carries weight. For travellers, Seven Star PLUS is a clear signal worth knowing. It marks an airline that opened its cabin operation to independent scrutiny and met the required standard. We hold Seven Star and Seven Star PLUS airlines in the highest safety regard, but the PLUS adds a mark of verified cabin safety compliance, earned by the airlines that chose to be tested. Why It Matters With nearly 40% of passengers reporting anxiety or fear of flying, Seven Star PLUS provides a new level of reassurance. While traditional safety metrics focus on aircraft maintenance, operational excellence and regulatory compliance, this new rating highlights the human element specifically how safety is communicated, enacted, and felt onboard. This initiative complements AirlineRatings mission: “Guiding you to the safest and best value airline for every journey.” https://www.airlineratings.com/articles/malaysia-airlines-recognised-as-a-seven-star-plus-safety-rated-airline- Airbus to inspect 16 A380s after cracks found on plane wings Toulouse (France) (AFP) – Airbus has announced it will inspect 16 of its A380 superjumbos, five of them immediately, after cracks were found in a key wing component on some of the jets used by the Emirates and Qantas airlines. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered urgent inspections requiring airlines to examine the wing-spar structure on the affected jets after inspectors found cracks during routine maintenance checks, the plane maker said late Tuesday. The cracks appeared in a structural beam that runs along the wing and carries much of the aerodynamic load of the massive double-decker planes during flight. Of the 16 planes to be inspected, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas. The five aircraft to be inspected immediately are flown by Emirates, and they were to undergo the process as soon as Wednesday. Airlines using the A380 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA and Asiana Airlines. Emirates operates the largest A380 fleet in the world, flying more than half of all active superjumbos, which Airbus quit making in 2021. "The inspections will begin in the coming 48 hours and all necessary works will be undertaken before the planes return to service," Emirates said Wednesday. It said it would work closely with Airbus and the relevant authorities "to minimise any disruption to operating schedules". Cracks on an aircraft that "could reduce the structural integrity of the wing" were discovered during inspections ordered by EASA in a directive issued in December 2025, the European planemaker said. All A380s "with the same production history" have been identified, and Airbus will carry out immediate inspections on five aircraft. The Toulouse-based plane manufacturer will discuss with EASA whether repairs are necessary, an Airbus spokesperson said. The 11 other aircraft can be inspected later, but before their thirteenth flight, that is, 25 cycles, with one cycle consisting of a flight, a takeoff and a landing. The A380 has faced wing-related problems before. In 2012, the EASA ordered inspections after cracks were found in brackets linking the wing skin to internal ribs. That affected the entire global A380 fleet and led to a costly repair programme which Airbus addressed through design changes on planes produced later. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260623-airbus-to-inspect-16-a380s-after-cracks-found-on-plane-wings CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 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 . EAA AirVenture Oshkosh - July 20–26, 2026 . July 20-24, 2026 | Farnborough, UK - Farnborough Airshow 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 . 79TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT MONTREAL | NOVEMBER 10-12, 2026. . 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