Flight Safety Information - September 21, 2026 No. 185 In This Issue : Incident: UPS A306 at Phoenix on Sep 20th 2026, rejected takeoff : Incident: KLM B773 over Atlantic on Sep 17th 2026, power bank thermal runaway : Former KLM CEO allegedly sparks fire onboard after ignoring power bank rule : Pilots who crashed new private jet both accused of flying drunk : Incident involving two Air New Zealand pilots reported to Civil Aviation Authority : FAA: Proposed Trump arch will require ‘eternal flame’ on top to alert pilots : Aeroflot firms order for 90 Russian-made MC-21-310 aircraft : Rolls-Royce to lead EU hybrid-electric aircraft project : Japan Airlines renews Pool Program Agreement with Embraer to support E-Jet Operations : Phila. health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport : "Continue For The Runway": Turkish Airlines A350 Enters Newark Runway Without Clearance : Kazakhstan’s Aviation Safety System Faces Review as US Flights Remain in Focus : Calendar of Events Incident: UPS A306 at Phoenix on Sep 20th 2026, rejected takeoff A UPS United Parcel Service Airbus A300-600, registration N137UP performing flight 5X-859 from Phoenix,AZ to Louisville,KY (USA), was accelerating for takeoff from runway 07L when the crew rejected takeoff at about 150 knots over ground, slowed down and vacated the runway. The aircraft was taxiing on the parallel taxiway when the aircraft became disabled, tower reported seeing a blown left main tyre. According to information The Aviation Herald received the crew rejected takeoff due to a low oil pressure indication, subsequently tyres blew. https://avherald.com/h?article=54152855&opt=0 Incident: KLM B773 over Atlantic on Sep 17th 2026, power bank thermal runaway A KLM Boeing 777-300, registration PH-BVP performing flight KL-735 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Curacao (Curacao) with 322 people on board, was enroute at FL300 over the Atlantic Ocean about 1260nm southwest of Amsterdam when the crew decided to turn around and return to Amsterdam after a passenger's power bank overheated and emitted smoke. The device was secured and the aircraft landed safely back in Amsterdam about 5.5 hours after departure. The airline reported cabin crew managed to quickly extinguish a small fire and secure the device. The passengers are being rebooked onto other flights. Passengers are permitted to carry two power banks in hand luggage, the power banks must remain visible, they are not permitted to be used or charged. The airline is currently investigating whether the power bank was being used or charged. Dutch media report the power bank in question belonged to a former CEO of KLM travelling in first class, who was charging the device while being asleep. According to witness reports a loud bang and fire occurred causing damage to the adjacent passenger window and smoke damage around the seat. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Amsterdam on Sep 19th 2026. https://avherald.com/h?article=5413701e&opt=0 Former KLM CEO allegedly sparks fire onboard after ignoring power bank rule Former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings allegedly caused a fire aboard a flight by charging a power bank inflight, resulting in the plane turning back mid-flight. It literally blew up in his face. A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight had to turn back partway across the ocean after a power bank reportedly belonging to the ex-CEO exploded midflight. The backfire occurred while KLM Flight 735 reportedly ferrying 322 passengers from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to the Caribbean Island of Curacao on September 17, RTL News reported. An anonymous female passenger told the outlet that former KLM boss Camiel Eurlings, who was allegedly sitting near her in business class, was charging a power bank. The explosion damaged the window shade and seat. While these gadgets are allowed aboard airplanes, passengers are prohibited from using them inflight due to the fire hazard posed by their lithium batteries, according to Live and Let's Fly. Disaster struck about 5.5 hours into the flight, when the portable charging device reportedly burst into flames. The fly-witness told the Dutch outlet that "a bang was heard" followed by "an immediate fire" with "large flames" roaring up over the seat. X footage and photos show ash on the armrest and a charred window cover with a spiderweb crack, although KLM stated it cannot confirm the authenticity of the pics. Meanwhile, Eurlings reportedly sustained minor injuries due to the inflight inferno — in other words, he was literally in the hot seat. Camiel Eurlings, who served as president and CEO of KLM in 2013 and 2014. Getty Images While crews quickly extinguished the blaze, the captain decided to make a U-turn over the Atlantic and return to Amsterdam. The aircraft touched down safely at Schiphol at roughly 8:40 p.m., nearly 11 hours after taking off. They finally departed for Curacao Friday morning aboard a new aircraft. The unnamed passenger commended the cabin crew for responding "very quickly and appropriately." The fly-witness told the Dutch outlet that "a bang was heard" followed by "an immediate fire" with "large flames" roaring up over the seat. Following the incident, she reportedly spoke to Eurlings, who she claimed was "extremely shocked" and "upset." "He feels terrible about the situation and all the inconvenience for everyone," the flyer insisted. KLM reps haven't confirmed that Eurlings, who served as the carrier's CEO in 2013 and 2014, was aboard the aircraft or responsible for the backfire that prompted the flight to nowhere. However, if passenger accounts are true, this would mean that the former man in "charge" ignored the rules of the very airline he presided over. Another passenger who was seated at the back of the plane was quick to point out the supposed hypocrisy. "If you are just a passenger, such a mistake can happen," they observed. "But if you have enforced the company's house rules, then this is very strange." Meanwhile, one X critic scoffed, "It's hilarious that the former CEO doesn't even follow his own rules." "Imagine if he'd been the current CEO," quipped another. Unfortunately, incidents involving power banks have been on the rise in the friendly skies. In May, an EasyJet flight from Egypt to England was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger admitted her device was actively charging in her checked luggage, sparking a fire scare. "There's something we shouldn't have on board," the captain announced over the intercom, before making an abrupt descent to Rome, Italy. https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/former-klm-ceo-allegedly-sparks-141911655.html Pilots who crashed new private jet both accused of flying drunk Two pilots were allegedly both flying drunk when they crashed a brand new private jet this week, causing it to burst into flames on the runway. The Cessna Citation Latitude, a 2026-built jet operated by a Turkish company, was touching down at Misrata International Airport in Libya Monday when it veered off the runway and crashed, Arab News reported. Emergency services extinguish the flames on a private jet at Misrata International Airport in Libya on Monday, Only three people were on board — a German pilot, a Turkish co-pilot and a Turkish flight attendant, according to Arab News, citing independent Libyan outlet Al-Ahrar TV, and no injuries were reported. The pilot and copilot were arrested for pretrial detention after investigators discovered “evidence that (the pilots) had flown the aircraft while drunk,” according to state prosecutors in Libya. Archaeologists close in on Queen Nefertiti tomb behind walls of King Tut burial site Prosecutors claimed the pilots posed “a real threat” to the airport and travelers in the airspace. However, the jet’s Turkey-based operator, BKNJET Aviation Co., disputed the Libyan government’s allegations. No injuries were reported in the crash. “No verified result or document indicating any such finding regarding alcohol has been received by us,” the operator said. The aircraft had departed Istanbul Atatürk Airport without passengers and was travelling to Misrata to pick up VIP passengers. https://nypost.com/2026/09/18/world-news/pilots-who-crashed-new-private-jet-both-accused-of-flying-drunk/ Incident involving two Air New Zealand pilots reported to Civil Aviation Authority An incident involving two Air New Zealand pilots in the United States has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA would not comment further, saying the airline was responsible for employment matters relating to its staff, ''and CAA cannot comment on those matters". The aviation watchdog says it considers all information brought to its attention, "and determine whether any regulatory action is required". The statement by CAA stems from a public post in which allegations are made about an altercation between two pilots earlier this month. Air New Zealand chief safety and Risk Officer McGraw said in a statement "we are aware of a matter between two crew members off duty in the United States which is currently being investigated. There was no incident onboard the aircraft". Passengers reported flight disruptions as a result, with flight departures from San Francisco to Auckland on September 6 and 7 cancelled. According to the online post - which was put to Air New Zealand - passengers were told that the pilot scheduled to operate their flight was no longer able to operate the service. "To get you on your way, we have arranged a replacement pilot, who is on their way to operate your flight to Auckland. Before they can do so, they are required to complete their mandatory minimum rest period.'' Jason Haskins, who was supposed to be on the 7 September flight which was rescheduled, said he was told the change was due to "staff illness". Haskins said he and other the passengers on the rescheduled flight were well looked after by Air New Zealand. The Airline Pilots Association told RNZ it was under instruction to refer inquiries to Air New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1491303/incident-involving-two-air-new-zealand-pilots-reported-to-civil-aviation-authority FAA: Proposed Trump arch will require ‘eternal flame’ on top to alert pilots The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Saturday that President Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C., would require an “eternal flame” on top to alert nearby pilots. “The FAA’s determination includes conditions for the Arch to be appropriately marked with a non-standard eternal flame on top of the structure and floodlight projectors pointed towards the Arch to make it noticeable for pilots,” an FAA spokesperson told The Hill. The agency released a hazard study Friday that confirmed the Triumphal Arch “would not pose a hazard to aircraft” after a review by safety experts that examined “airspace, air traffic patterns and procedures around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as well as operations at nearby military/public-use airports.” The FAA previously stated the arch would need red obstruction lights — such as the light at the top of the Washington Monument — but said the structure no longer is required to have them in its hazard report, according to The New York Times. A letter to the National Park Service (NPS) about the study also detailed that the searchlight projectors that would accompany the “eternal flame” should “provide an average illumination of at least 15 foot-candles (161.46 lux) over the top one-third of the structure.” The proposed Triumphal Arch would become the largest in the world, towering over the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City, measured at 220 feet, and the 164-foot Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It would be located along the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which symbolically represents the reunified U.S., connecting the North and South following the Union victory that closed the Civil War in 1865. A veterans group launched a campaign last week against the arch, arguing it was “entirely inappropriate and borders on sacrilege to the men and women buried” at the cemetery to break the line of sight between the Lincoln Memorial and the cemetery with the arch. An assessment made by the NPS in August stated that the arch would adversely impact dozens of historic sites around the city, including by obstructing views. It listed nearly 40 locations across the city after the agency asked outside groups to comment, including the Pentagon, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall Site, the Lincoln Memorial, the Robert E. Lee Memorial and Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove. https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6099725-faa-trump-triumphal-arch-eternal-flame/ Aeroflot firms order for 90 Russian-made MC-21-310 aircraft Aeroflot firmed an order for 90 Russian-made MC-21-310 aircraft on September 12, 2026. The announcement was made during a press conference at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO), with Russian President Vladimir Putin making an appearance via video link. The order is not surprising given that the Russian airline has long indicated it would be the main customer for the MC-21. In 2022, Aeroflot signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for 210 aircraft with Rostec, the government-owned aerospace and defense holding company which manufactures the MC-21 through its United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary. Later, in 2025, this figure was reported to have been trimmed to 198. However, until September 2026, the number of firm orders stood at 18 aircraft. With the latest announcement, the figure has climbed up to 108. The contract also includes a service agreement, which covers flight simulators, crew training and maintenance, with a duration of 22 years between Aeroflot and Rostec. \ Deliveries of the aircraft included in this order are expected to start in 2029, with an initial batch of 14 units, and run through to 2032. According to information that has been made public, an additional 18 aircraft would be delivered in 2030, 24 in 2031 and the remaining 34 in 2032. The exact delivery timeframe for the remaining MC-21 aircraft Aeroflot has on order is not yet known. In fact, although the MC-21 first flew in 2017, the aircraft is not yet certified and the program has suffered significant delays. The version that Aeroflot will take is the MC-21-310, in which the original engine option, Pratt & Whitney’s PW1400G, and a large number of components have been replaced with Russian-made alternatives. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/aeroflot-firms-order-for-90-russian-made-mc-21-310-aircraft Rolls-Royce to lead EU hybrid-electric aircraft project Rolls-Royce has been selected by the European Union’s Clean Aviation programme to lead a project aimed at demonstrating hybrid-electric propulsion technology for future short- and medium-range aircraft, as the aviation industry seeks to cut emissions while improving fuel efficiency. The ELEVATED project is one of 19 initiatives selected under the latest Clean Aviation funding call. The projects will receive up to €290 million in EU funding and are expected to generate total public and private investment of €664 million, supporting technologies ranging from hybrid-electric propulsion to hydrogen-powered and ultra-efficient regional aircraft. Led by Rolls-Royce Deutschland, the ELEVATED consortium includes industrial, academic and research partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. The partners will work on areas including hybridisation, electrification, engine integration, electrical machines and drives, high-voltage systems, aircraft integration and technology modelling. Subject to the completion of the grant process, the project will integrate a hybrid-electric subsystem into an existing “donor” engine. The system will then be integrated, controlled and tested under conditions intended to replicate those encountered in aircraft operation. Rolls-Royce said the hybrid-electric system is being developed towards a target of reducing aircraft-level carbon dioxide emissions by at least 20%. The project will also assess the potential contribution of hybrid-electric technology to the company’s UltraFan 30 technology demonstrator, supporting its development towards Technology Readiness Level 6, a stage at which technology is considered sufficiently mature for demonstration in a relevant environment. UltraFan is Rolls-Royce’s next-generation geared engine programme for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The UltraFan 30 demonstrator is focused on short- and medium-range aircraft and is scheduled for ground testing in 2028. The demonstrator combines new engine-core architecture, fan technology, advanced materials and manufacturing processes, with the aim of improving fuel efficiency, emissions and durability. Rolls-Royce said the engine is being designed to operate with 100% sustainable aviation fuel from the outset. The ELEVATED project forms part of wider European efforts to develop lower-emission aviation technologies while maintaining the competitiveness of the region’s aerospace industry. https://avitrader.com/2026/09/21/rolls-royce-to-lead-eu-hybrid-electric-aircraft-project/ Japan Airlines renews Pool Program Agreement with Embraer to support E-Jet Operations Agreement extension reinforces Embraer’s commitment to supporting airlines across APAC Japan Airlines renews Pool Program Agreement with Embraer to support E-Jet Operations Singapore, September 21, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have extended their long-standing partnership through a multi-year agreement under Embraer's Pool Program, providing comprehensive maintenance, repair and spare-parts support for the airline's fleet of 32 E170 and E190 aircraft. The agreement will provide support for a wide range of repairable components for Japan Airlines' E-Jets fleet, helping to enhance aircraft reliability. The solution also includes a significant inventory of components available close to the customer’s operations, ensuring rapid access to critical parts and minimizing operational disruptions. Since 2008, the E-Jets have played an integral role in J-Air’s fleet, supporting regional connectivity across Japan. The extension of the Pool Program agreement underscores the shared commitment of both companies to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence while supporting the continued growth of regional connectivity in the country. Japan Airlines’ E-Jets six-month service reliability average stands at 99.8%. “Through this contract renewal with Embraer, we reinforce our commitment to securing high-quality components and, above all, ensuring the absolute safety of our flight operations. Building on our trusted relationship with Embraer, we look forward to driving further operational excellence and delivering a highly reliable travel experience for our passengers,” said Yuta Kawaguchi, Executive Officer, Vice President, JAL Engineering Co. Ltd, Material & Component Services. "We are proud to further strengthen our long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines through this agreement," said Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support. "Through our Pool Program, we are committed to providing the reliability, responsiveness and operational support needed to maximise the E-Jets’ performance." Embraer has been in APAC for nearly five decades since the first aircraft operated in the region in 1978. More than fifteen airlines across seven countries in the Asia Pacific region currently operate the E-Jets, making APAC one of Embraer's most important markets. To support these customers, Embraer has built a comprehensive regional ecosystem that brings after-market support closer to airline operations. This includes Embraer personnel located near customer bases, a Regional Distribution Centre with more than US$120 million in inventory, E1 and E2 simulators, and authorised service centres across the region, ensuring fast, reliable support wherever E-Jets fly. Image: https://embraer.bynder.com/share/C1708EF4-536B-4ADB-BAEFF23612DF0585/ About Japan Airlines Japan Airlines (JAL) was established in 1951 as Japan’s first private airline. Today, as a member of the oneworld® Alliance, the airline operates a fleet of 234 aircraft (as of March 2026) throughout an extensive domestic and international network, serving 413 airports in 71 countries/regions together with other JAL Group and partner airlines. The airline has been the proud recipient of many accolades for its exceptional service, including recognition as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and "World Class" by APEX. Under its brand slogan, Soaring Together, JAL strives to awaken senses, lift spirits and inspire, and make meaningful connections for its customers and stakeholders throughout society. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide. For details and to learn more, visit JAL's official website at https://www.jal.com/en/ About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer operates in the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation segments. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, and provides after-sales Services & Support to customers. Since its foundation in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, every 10 seconds, an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off from somewhere in the world, transporting more than 150 million passengers annually. Embraer is a leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service centers and parts distribution, among other activities, in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. https://www.embraer.com/media-center/en/?mediatype=NEWS&detail=32375 Phila. health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is advising of a second possible measles exposure in the city. Health officials are now notifying travelers in and out of Philadelphia International Airport, saying this warning is unrelated to the recent measles exposure at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. This exposure took place at PHL terminals B, F, and areas used to connect to other terminals in C, D, and E. The timing is from Sunday, September 13 at 7:25 pm to Monday, September 14, at 12:05 am. The individual with measles was traveling through Philadelphia and did not leave the airport, according to the Philadelphia Health Department. Health officials are encouraging people who were exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and tell the provider about the possible measles exposure. "This week's measles exposures are a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations," said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "Every Philadelphian who is fully vaccinated has little to fear from the situation at CHOP and the airport. Even more importantly, every one of those people is doing their part to help protect our most vulnerable from measles. With outbreaks continuing in Pennsylvania and other places, this is even more important. I encourage everyone to visit phila.gov/measles to learn more about measles, the MMR vaccine, and what they can do to keep themselves, their families, and their community safe." Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. People who aren't protected against measles can get the virus up to two hours after someone with measles left the same room or airspace. The Health Department says the early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death. https://6abc.com/post/phila-health-officials-warn-possible-measles-exposure-philadelphia-international-airport/19850488/ "Continue For The Runway": Turkish Airlines A350 Enters Newark Runway Without Clearance On Tuesday, September 15, a Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-900 proceeded to line up and wait on the runway without receiving takeoff clearance. The audio, shared by You Can See ATC, shows the aircraft taxiing after the controller announced they were next for departure. Crucially, the tower did not clear them for takeoff, but rather only informed them to approach the runway of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and requested the pilots confirm the plane was ready to depart. Moreover, after the plane had taxied onto the active runway, they responded to the tower, saying they required "30 seconds" before beginning the takeoff roll. One Mile at a Time transcribed the conversation between the Newark controller and the Turkish Airlines crew. The point of confusion appears to have occurred when the pilots stopped their taxi before reaching the Hold Short Line. At that point, the controller said "Turkish 4YT Heavy, are you able to continue for the runway?” which the aircrew confirmed. The follow-up instruction that came from the tower was “Okay, continue for the runway,” to which the Turkish pilot responded “Continue for runway, Turkish 4YT." Shortly after this moment, the controller called the plane to inform them that they were on runway 4L. The pilots confirmed and did not give any indication that they were aware of the mistake. The controller instructed the pilots to taxi off of the runway and stand by. Newark Tower also made the dreaded call that comes when a potential pilot deviation has happened. The controller said: “Okay, I’m gonna have to give you a phone number here because you were not cleared onto runway 4L.” There is a point of contention in this interaction that clearly shows why the aircrew were confused.The controller's choice of phrasing to prompt the pilots to taxi up to the Hold Short Line made it sound as if they should line up on the runway. ATC stated "continue to the runway" instead of saying "continue your taxi" or "continue your taxi, hold short of runway 4L." This was apparently interpreted by the Turkish pilots as clearance to line up and wait for takeoff. On the other hand, in aviation communication, it is required to be absolutely clear on any ATC instructions before taking critical actions, such as lining up on the runway. Especially at an extremely busy airport like Newark, the responsibility falls upon the aircrew to confirm that they understand what they have been told to do by the tower. As such, if the pilots had not yet received takeoff clearance and they now believed that was the case, they should have directly asked the tower to confirm. "Pure Insanity": 1 Air Traffic Controller Reportedly Managed All Flights At Newark Liberty For 3 Hours Newark Airport's air traffic management has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. Unfortunately for the pilots of Turkish Flight TK30 to Istanbul Airport (IST) last Tuesday, the mistake that they made was severe enough to warrant an official warning. The tower told the pilots to copy down a phone number after they were clear of the active runway. Once they are safely on the ground after the flight is completed, they will call to speak with the ATC facility supervisor or operations manager at Newark. Whether or not the aircrew receive a pilot deviation will not be made public knowledge following the conversation that comes after the aircrew call the phone number issued to them by the tower. The conversation can result in either a simple review and professional discussion of the event, or it can lead to action by the FAA. If the severity of the violation is so great that the ATC determines they need to refer it to the FAA, then there will be an official investigation conducted into the incident. This can lead to fines or license suspension in the worst-case scenario. Pilots do have the ability to protect their certification by filing a report to NASA through the Aviation Safety Reporting System within 10 days of the event. If the pilots did not make a mistake that was completely accidental, criminal, or a result of incompetence, then they may be protected from punitive measures by the FAA. If the pilot files with ASRS, they're only protected for five years, and if another incident happens, the FAA has full authority. https://simpleflying.com/turkish-airlines-a350-newark-runway-without-clearance/ Kazakhstan’s Aviation Safety System Faces Review as US Flights Remain in Focus A team of experts from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began an International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) in Kazakhstan on Sept. 21 as the country advances efforts to establish direct air connectivity with the U.S. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev met with the visiting FAA experts. Photo credit: CAC. The assessment will run through Sept. 25 and focuses on Kazakhstan’s state aviation safety oversight system. The Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Committee, the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK) and Kazakhstan’s Embassy in the U.S. are carrying out the work, the committee’s press service reported. Assessment focuses on aviation safety oversight Ahead of the assessment, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev met with the visiting FAA experts. The sides discussed the upcoming assessment and further cooperation to strengthen aviation safety oversight and develop international air services between Kazakhstan and the U.S. The IASA will assess whether Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities comply with applicable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices related to personnel licensing, international commercial air transport operations and aircraft airworthiness. FAA experts will review Kazakhstan’s aviation legislation, regulatory framework and the country’s ability to exercise effective safety oversight based on the eight critical elements of an ICAO state safety oversight system. The assessment includes specialists in international aviation law, aviation personnel licensing, airworthiness and flight operations. Assessment builds on work started in 2024 The 2026 assessment follows a preliminary technical review the FAA conducted in Kazakhstan from Aug. 26 to 30, 2024. Since then, Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities and the FAA have continued working to prepare for the current assessment and address areas relevant to the country’s aviation safety oversight system. On Sept. 24, the FAA team is scheduled to make a technical visit to Air Astana in Astana. The airline has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for authorization to conduct commercial operations in the U.S. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, the visit is intended to verify information provided to the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan as part of the transparency process. It is not an inspection of Air Astana as an air operator certificate holder. After completing the assessment, the FAA is expected to hold a final briefing with the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan and then provide a written report covering the areas reviewed. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport said the IASA represents an important step in strengthening the country’s state aviation safety oversight system and advancing work toward launching direct air services between Kazakhstan and the U.S. https://astanatimes.com/2026/09/kazakhstans-aviation-safety-system-faces-review-as-us-flights-remain-in-focus/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 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 . ISASI - BOSTON 2026 - September 28, 2026 – October 2, 2026 . Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt- 29-30SEP2026 - Frankfurt, Germany . Defence Aviation Safety Conference 2026 — October 5–6, 2026, United Kingdom. . European Aviation Training Summit 3 – 5 November 2026 • Estoril Congress Centre, Cascais, Portugal . 79TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT MONTREAL | NOVEMBER 10-12, 2026. . Airlines 2026 conference - November 11, 2026 (London) . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV . Gulf Flight Safety Association (GFSA)conference Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 28th and 29th of October 2026 . Bombardier Safety Standdown (November 10–12, 2026 in Wichita, KS) . Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection, and Investigation17 to 19 November 2026, Woburn MA . 2027 ACSF Safety Symposium - April 6-8, 2027 - ERAU Daytona Beach, FL Curt Lewis