Flight Safety Information - October 16, 2026 No. 204 In This Issue : Incident: Baltic BCS3 at Brussels on Oct 14th 2026, brakes problem : Incident: UPS B752 at Louisville on Oct 14th 2026, unreliable airspeed : Incident: Jetstar A320 at Townsville on Oct 7th 2026, overflew vehicle on landing : ICAO Council condemns attacks on civilian airports, aircraft and aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia : British Airways Bans Passengers From Using Meta AI Glasses On Board Its Aircraft : Man with suitcase full of venomous snakes stopped at German airport : Aviation Capital Group orders 75 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft : Turkish Airlines and CFM sign MOU for more than 600 LEAP-1B engines : Calendar of Events Incident: Baltic BCS3 at Brussels on Oct 14th 2026, brakes problem An Air Baltic Bombardier C-Series BCS-300, registration YL-ABS performing flight SN-2590 from Berlin (Germany) to Brussels (Belgium), was on approach to Brussels' runway 19 when the crew advised they had a problem with the brakes. The aircraft landed safely on runway 19, vacated the runway and stopped clear of the runway. Attending emergency services were advised they had a fault indication for the left inboard brake and wanted a check for smoke, temperature. The aircraft taxied to the apron about 15 minutes after stopping clear of the runway. The aircraft returned to service the next morning about 9 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=543fa54d&opt=0 Incident: UPS B752 at Louisville on Oct 14th 2026, unreliable airspeed A UPS United Parcel Service Boeing 757-200 freighter, registration N431UP performing flight 5X-2992 from Louisville,KY to Portland,OR (USA), was climbing out of Louisville's runway 35L when the crew stopped the climb at 13000 feet reporting unreliable airspeed. The aircraft returned to Louisville for a safe lanidng on runway 35L about 30 minutes after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 10.5 hours, then departed for another flight but needed to return again. https://avherald.com/h?article=543f9736&opt=0 Incident: Jetstar A320 at Townsville on Oct 7th 2026, overflew vehicle on landing A Jetstar Airbus A320-200, registration VH-VGQ performing flight JQ-908 from Brisbane,QL to Townsville,QL (Australia), was on final approach to runway 01 when the crew observed a white ground vehicle cross the hold short line but continued the approach for a landing without further incident. The ATSB rated the occurrence a serious incident (near collision, runway incursion), opened an investigation and stated: "During the approach to land on runway 01, the A320 flight crew observed a white van entering the runway at the threshold. The vehicle was stopped at the outer edge of the runway as the aircraft passed at approximately 50 ft above ground level. The aircraft subsequently landed and the vehicle resumed crossing the runway." https://avherald.com/h?article=543f88c9&opt=0 ICAO Council condemns attacks on civilian airports, aircraft and aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia Montréal, 15 October 2026 – The ICAO Council has condemned the recent attacks on civilian airports, aircraft, and aviation infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the strongest terms and expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s people and government. The condemnation follows a statement delivered at the ICAO Council on 8 October by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Conveying its deepest sympathies and condolences to victims and their families, the ICAO Council deplored the targeting of civil aviation infrastructure, the impact on civil aviation operations for the safety and security of civil aviation, and the ongoing threat to international peace and security caused by such acts. About ICAO The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is the United Nations specialized agency enabling safe, secure and sustainable air transport for all. ICAO brings together 193 Member States to develop and adopt the Standards and Recommended Practices that serve as the global framework for international civil aviation. Through technical guidance and implementation support, ICAO leads progress towards global connectivity, with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions. https://www.icao.int/news/icao-council-condemns-attacks-civilian-airports-aircraft-and-aviation-infrastructure-saudi British Airways Bans Passengers From Using Meta AI Glasses On Board Its Aircraft British Airways has updated its conditions of carriage to ban passengers from using Meta AI smart glasses to covertly film anyone or anything while they are at the airport or on board the aircraft. British Airways is further tightening its rules on passengers taking photos and videos on board its aircraft and at the gate, adding new provisions to its conditions of carriage that forbid passengers from using Meta AI glasses to ‘covertly’ film staff or fellow seatmates. The new policy comes just months after British Airways banned passengers from taking photographs or videos of cabin crew and other customer-facing workers without their express consent. The rules also forbid live-streaming anyone without their permission. The policy is sensitive because the United Kingdom has a fairly relaxed approach to the right to privacy in a ‘public space.’ In essence, when in public, you can be photographed or videoed without your consent, and there’s not a lot you can do about it if you don’t consent. American Airlines Flight to Newark After Violent Outburst Has Just Been Indicted On Federal Charges The key part of the UK rules, though, is what constitutes a ‘public place.’ Given that passengers have to pay and be in possession of a ticket to get on board a British Airways airplane, it isn’t considered a public place like a normal street, park, or even the airport would be. As a result, British Airways is allowed to set its own rules, which are contained within a legal document known as its General Conditions of Carriage – essentially a rule book which outlines what passengers can and can’t do, and what consequences they face if they break the rules. British Airways has amended two sections of its conditions of carriage, making it very clear that photography, videoing, and live-streaming that would capture someone without their consent is not allowed. Section 7A.10 states that British Airways can refuse to carry you: “If you have harassed (including sexually harassed) or behaved in a threatening, abusive, insulting, disorderly or inappropriate way towards a member of our ground staff or a member of the crew of the aircraft. This includes filming, live streaming or taking photographs of any BA crew or other colleagues without their consent.” While Section 11A states that British Airways can make you leave the aircraft, refuse to carry you on another flight (including a pre-booked return leg), and report you to the police if you “filmed, live-streamed, or photographed our crew or other colleagues without their consent.” British Airways is certainly not alone in banning passengers from photographing or videoing staff without their consent, and many other airlines introduced similar rules several years ago. For example, cabin crew at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have made a public address announcement at the start of flights reminding customers that they must not photograph or video the crew without their permission for a number of years. Elsewhere, the rules are the same, although passengers aren’t always proactively told that a ban is in force. For example, privacy laws in countries like Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates effectively ban passengers from photographing or videoing crew members. While these national laws aren’t technically enforceable outside of their home states, airlines based in these countries, like Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, are able to ban passengers from their flights. Passengers are still permitted to wear Meta AI glasses, although doing so could lead to increased scrutiny from staff members concerned that they are being covertly filmed. The glasses do have an LED light to indicate that recording is taking place, but there are reports that some wearers deliberately cover up the light to hide the fact that they are recording. In June, ground staff working for Spanish low-cost airline Volotea refused to engage with a travel vlogger who tried to record a customer service exchange at an airport in Oviedo while wearing Meta AI glasses. The vlogger insisted it was her right to record the conversation, while the staff members insisted it was their right not to be filmed. Ultimately, the staff members disengaged and ignored the passenger. When the passenger sent a complaint to Volotea, the response she got wasn’t an apology for her treatment but a warning that her conduct potentially breached Spanish privacy laws. https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2026/10/16/british-airways-bans-passengers-from-using-meta-ai-glasses-on-board-its-aircraft/ Man with suitcase full of venomous snakes stopped at German airport Dozens of dangerous reptiles were found stuffed inside toilet bags, shampoo bottles, and socks Officers discovered snakes in the man’s suitcase at Cologne Bonn Airport (German Customs) What reason did the man give for transporting the snakes? How many previous wildlife smuggling cases occurred at Cologne Bonn Airport? German customs stopped a 45-year-old Mexican firefighter at Cologne Bonn Airport after finding 92 snakes—including 37 venomous species—and 55 lizards hidden in his luggage, leading to his deportation and transfer of the surviving reptiles to a specialist facility. German customs officers stopped a man travelling through Cologne Bonn Airport after 92 snakes were discovered in his suitcase. The 45-year-old Mexican firefighter raised suspicions after appearing visibly nervous while attempting to walk through the airport's green "nothing to declare" exit following a connecting flight from Mexico City via Istanbul. Inspectors initially subjected the passenger to a drug screening, which tested positive for cocaine. While a search of his suitcase did not find any narcotics, officers uncovered an array of wild reptiles concealed inside plastic food tubs, shampoo bottles, cosmetic jars, and rolled-up socks. The haul included 37 venomous snakes, including vipers and rattlesnakes, as well as various lizards. "My colleagues at the airport are used to all sorts of travel souvenirs in suitcases, but we've never had 37 live venomous snakes and 55 lizards from Mexico before," said Jens Ahland, a spokesperson for the Cologne Customs office. Ahland condemned the conditions in which the animals were transported, describing the concealment methods as "inhumane." A variety of other snakes were found in "inhumane" conditions (German Customs) Dozens of the animals reportedly died during transit or shortly after discovery, due to severe confinement and lack of ventilation. The surviving reptiles were transferred to a specialised German snake farm for emergency care. During questioning, the traveller claimed he was transporting the animals to Europe as a favour for a Brazilian acquaintance. German border authorities classified the man as a security risk, denied him entry into the country, and have since placed him on a return flight to Istanbul. Wildlife trafficking remains a persistent issue at German transit hubs. Cologne Bonn Airport has seen similar wildlife smuggling attempts in the past. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/man-suitcase-snakes-airport-germany-b3067980.html Aviation Capital Group orders 75 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft Toulouse, France, 16 October 2026 - Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, headquartered in Newport Beach, California has signed a firm order for 75 A320neo Family aircraft, taking its total historical order for the type to 190 aircraft. “ACG’s portfolio strategy is focused on new-technology narrowbody aircraft that are most in-demand with airlines globally. Placing the largest order in our nearly 40-year history is a statement of confidence in the long-term future of air travel and in ACG’s important role as a conduit between airlines, aircraft and capital,” said Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President of ACG. “This major investment reinforces our long-term and important partnership which dates back to 2007 when ACG placed its first order with Airbus. ACG will be able to offer its customers the A320neo Family well into the next decade,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We salute ACG’s selection of the A320neo Family - the world’s most modern and efficient single aisle aircraft.” The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 20,400 orders globally. The Family includes the A320neo and the A321neo, which both offer unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-10-aviation-capital-group-orders-75-airbus-a320neo-family-aircraft Turkish Airlines and CFM sign MOU for more than 600 LEAP-1B engines ISTANBUL, Oct. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Turkish Airlines and CFM International today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, to power 100 firm and 50 option Boeing 737 MAX aircraft announced in September 23. The long-term services agreement will cover airline's entire LEAP-1B engine fleet, including previously ordered and delivered engines, spares, and engines associated with leased aircraft and potential options. Together, these represent more than 600 LEAP-1B engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet. The MoU was signed during a ceremony in Istanbul by Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of CFM's two parent companies. It also includes a material services agreement to support the establishment of an engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye. As Türkiye's flag carrier, Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft with CFM56-7B engines (including Ajet Fleet), as well as 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by LEAP-1B (including AJet fleet). Commenting on the agreement, Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, stated: "This new step with CFM will support our growing fleet, network, and the operational efficiency. We are also pleased to strengthen our partnership with CFM through a comprehensive set of services, providing the expertise, reliability, and long-term support needed to develop our LEAP MRO capabilities alongside a long-standing partner." Turkish Technic CEO and Board Member, Mikail Akbulut said: "With this agreement, we will be able to provide comprehensive maintenance operations for the LEAP engine. As Turkish Technic, we will continue to invest in engine maintenance services as well as our aircraft and component maintenance capabilities in line with our strategy." Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, said: "This MoU marks a new milestone in our successful relationship with Turkish Airlines, a trusted partner for nearly four decades. It reflects our shared ambition to support the airline's continued growth and fleet expansion. The MoU demonstrates our broader commitment to an open MRO ecosystem, which provides airlines with flexibility and competitive services to improve operational performance and manage costs effectively." Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, said: "We are proud to partner with Turkish Airlines as it continues flying to the most countries in the world. Putting its trust in CFM to provide highly reliable and efficient engines to support the growth of its Istanbul network and engine MRO capabilities is a responsibility we take seriously. We look forward to building on our proven partnership with this next chapter." In the 10 years since LEAP engines entered service, CFM has delivered more than 10,000 engines that have accumulated over 100 million flight hours. CFM continues to upgrade the LEAP fleet with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system (RBS). The company is focused on delivering high engine availability through exceptional MRO performance and competitive cost of ownership, with the benefits of aftermarket competition through its open MRO ecosystem. This strategic agreement both underlines the flag carrier's long-standing partnership with CFM International and represents a new chapter for the inclusion process of newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its ever-growing fleet. The agreement will also bolster Turkish Technic's engine maintenance capabilities, through the establishment of a new state-of-the-art facility, enabling Turkish Technic to deliver comprehensive maintenance services. About Turkish Airlines Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 569 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 358 worldwide destinations as 305 international and 53 domestics in 133 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website About Turkish Technic Turkish Technic (IATP: TKT), an association of Turkish Airlines group companies (Istanbul Stock Exchange: THYAO), is one of the world's leading aviation services providers, where comprehensive maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification and reconfiguration services are performed with a highly qualified workforce of 11,650 staff within Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport and Istanbul Airport facilities on two separate continents. Aside from its engineering and maintenance activities, Turkish Technic supports aircraft operators and owners globally with encompassing component pooling, design, certification and production services. About CFM International A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership. CFM International produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide. For the future of air transport, CFM's RISE program is accelerating development of new propulsion technologies that will pave the way for the next generation of aircraft. Discover more at www.cfmaeroengines.com https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/articles/turkish-airlines-cfm-sign-mou-104700994.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 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) . CHC Safety & Quality Summit - 11th – 13th November 2025 - Vancouver, BC Canada . Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection, and Investigation17 to 19 November 2026, Woburn MA : Save The Date - February 11-12, 2027 - ProDIGIQ User Conference . 2027 ACSF Safety Symposium - April 6-8, 2027 - ERAU Daytona Beach, FL Curt Lewis