Key Points: The FAA has launched a thorough inspection of Boeing's 737 MAX production lines, both at the Renton factory and at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita. Concerns about quality control arise following the mid-air incident involving a fuselage panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9. Boeing acknowledges a separate issue with around 50 fuselages supplied by Spirit AeroSystems, requiring fixes and delivery delays. FAA Deep Dives into 737 MAX Production Following the alarming incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, the FAA has deplo…
Summary: U.S. lawmakers demand transparency from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding its oversight of Boeing, particularly in the aftermath of a mid-air emergency involving a 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines. The legislators, led by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair Sam Graves, inquire about the FAA's findings on potential quality issues at Boeing and question whether changes to manufacturing oversight processes are under consideration. The FAA, responding to the incident, announces a comprehensiv…
Key Points: American Airlines unveils its longest nonstop flight, connecting Dallas Fort Worth to Brisbane, Australia. The 17-hour journey will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring premium cabin options. This expansion strengthens DFW's international network and taps into Australia's post-pandemic tourism boom. New Nonstop Service Connects Dallas to Brisbane American Airlines is soaring further south, adding a new route from its Dallas Fort Worth hub to Brisbane, Australia. This 7,200-mile journey marks the longest nonsto…
Key points: An Allegiant Air Airbus A320 flying from Phoenix to Des Moines encountered multiple bird strikes shortly after takeoff. Despite engine damage, the pilots safely returned the aircraft to Phoenix with no injuries reported. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of bird strikes for aviation safety. Bird Strike Damages Engines, Allegiant Air A320 Returns Safely An Allegiant Air Airbus A320 flying from Phoenix to Des Moines on January 26th experienced a tense situation when the aircraft encountered multiple bird strikes shortly a…
Key points: Boeing seeks to deliver most of its remaining 200 undelivered 737 Max jets and 50 787 Dreamliners by year-end. China's recent approval of 737 Max deliveries and resolving 787 production issues boost optimism. Delivering Max 7 and 10 variants awaits FAA certification, potentially delayed by engine anti-ice system redesign. 200 Max, 50 Dreamliners: Boeing Eyes Inventory Clearance by 2024 End Boeing is accelerating its delivery pace to clear its inventory of undelivered jets, aiming to hand over most of the remaining 200 737 Max a…
Summary: Former Boeing employees, including a senior manager, express reservations about flying on the 737 Max, citing safety concerns stemming from alleged production pressures and compromised quality control. Boeing's production practices face heightened scrutiny following the recent grounding of 171 Max 9 jets by the FAA after an incident involving Alaska Airlines. The Wall Street Journal reveals lapses in manufacturing, as the involved jet left the factory missing crucial bolts intended to secure the door plug to the fuselage. The cult…
Summary: Bonza, the Australian low-cost carrier, is celebrating its first year of operations with a strong focus on growth. The airline is planning to expand its fleet and network, aiming to launch a fourth operating base along with the addition of more aircraft and domestic routes. In 2023, Bonza carried over 750,000 passengers across its domestic network, covering 38 routes and serving 21 destinations. Notably, 84% of these routes were previously untouched by low-cost carriers, showcasing Bonza's commitment to tapping into underserved ma…
Key Points: United Airlines' Executive Vice President Finance, Gerry Laderman, points to a widespread loss of experience in the aviation industry since the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a potential link to recent challenges faced by Boeing. Boeing withdraws a safety exemption request for its upcoming 737 MAX 7, a move reflecting the planemaker's responsiveness to concerns raised by lawmakers following a mid-air cabin incident on a 737 MAX 9. United Airlines' influential executive's comments raise questions about the future of B…
Key Points: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has privately expressed frustration with Boeing's leadership and handling of the ongoing 737 Max grounding. Kirby seeks broader industry support to pressure Boeing for leadership changes, while speaking with the US Transportation Department on the matter. The pressure builds on Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and the company's directors, facing increased scrutiny from regulators and airline partners. Mounting Frustration and Calls for Change United Airlines chief Scott Kirby has become a vocal critic…
Key Points: The FAA has recommended operators of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft to visually inspect mid-exit door plugs following concerns about their securement. This safety directive comes after the grounding of 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes due to a mid-air cabin blowout involving a door plug on an Alaska Airlines jet, despite the 737-900ER not being part of the MAX fleet. Airlines conducting additional inspections on the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs have reported findings related to bolts during maintenance inspections. FAA Calls for Vigilance o…
Key Points: A ticketed passenger on a Delta Air Lines flight to San Francisco gained access to the secure area of Salt Lake City airport, then entered the engine of a parked aircraft. Police searched for the man after a "disturbance" report, later locating him inside the engine while it was still rotating. Despite rescue attempts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The flight was cancelled, and the cause of death remains under investigation. Chaos on the Apron: Ticketed Passenger's Fatal Breaches at Salt Lake City Airport …
Key Points: Airbus surpassed its 2023 delivery target, exceeding 730 commercial aircraft despite industry supply chain challenges. The European planemaker secured both gross and net order records, further solidifying its market position. Analysts foresee potential difficulties in 2024 due to material and parts shortages, despite a successful ramp-up in 2023. Airbus Claims Delivery Victory, Secures Order Records as 2023 Takes Flight Airbus has emerged triumphant in the fiercely competitive aviation market, exceeding its own delivery targets and…
Key Points: Japanese authorities continue their investigation into the tragic collision between a Japan Airlines passenger jet and a coast guard plane at Haneda Airport, with focus on potential professional negligence. While all 379 passengers and crew on the JAL Airbus A350 escaped unharmed, five coast guard personnel perished, and questions remain about the cause of the incident. Runway collisions, once commonplace, have become rare in recent years, raising concerns about the specific circumstances that led to this disaster. Unraveling the M…
Key Points: Indian budget airline Akasa Air is in talks to acquire around 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody planes, aiming to capitalize on the surging domestic and international travel demand. This expansion plan builds on Akasa's existing order for 76 Boeing 737 MAX jets and its goal of international flights to nearby destinations like Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The potential deal, expected to be finalized at the upcoming Wings India event, would further solidify Boeing's presence in the fast-growing Indian aviation market. Akas…
Key Points: A Japan Airlines Airbus A350 carrying 379 passengers and crew caught fire on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda Airport after colliding with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft. No injuries were reported among the JAL passengers and crew, who were successfully evacuated. Five of the six crew members aboard the coast guard plane are currently unaccounted for. Tragic Collision Casts Shadow over Haneda Airport as JAL Plane Bursts into Flames A harrowing scene unfolded at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday night as a Japan Airlines (JAL) air…
Key Points: Airbus' iconic Beluga "Super Transporter" freighters have transitioned from internal cargo movers to a dedicated airline, Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT), specializing in oversized cargo for external clients. This strategic shift aligns with the arrival of the larger and more efficient BelugaXL, designed to support Airbus' ramped-up production of commercial aircraft. Compared to its predecessor, the BelugaXL boasts significantly larger cargo capacity, faster turnaround times, and the ability to transport entire set…
Key Points: Russian carrier Red Wings has added a refurbished Tupolev Tu-214 twinjet to its fleet, bolstering its passenger capacity and domestic network. The aircraft, previously operated by Transaero and leased to Red Wings, underwent upgrades and returned to airworthiness through a lease agreement with Ilyushin Finance. Red Wings' CEO emphasizes the importance of fleet expansion and domestic production in light of Western sanctions, highlighting the Tu-214's potential to enhance passenger comfort and airline capabilities. Red Wings …
Key Points: Qantas' second A330 passenger jet, transformed into a dedicated freighter, recently arrived in Melbourne, marking a significant step in the airline's freighter fleet expansion. The aircraft, named Kangaroo Valley, boasts enhanced cargo capacity and will join the Australia Post freight network, catering to the surge in e-commerce and international trade. This conversion is part of Qantas' broader fleet renewal program, encompassing both domestic and international routes, aiming to modernize its aircraft and meet the evol…
Key Points: Airbus delivers its first A321neo assembled at its new Toulouse Final Assembly Line to Pegasus Airlines. The A321neo boasts fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and range, aligning with Pegasus' growth strategy. Delivery marks the ramp-up of the new FAL, contributing to Airbus' ambitious production goals. Airbus Soars High with New Toulouse FAL, Delivers First A321neo to Pegasus Airlines Airbus has reached a new milestone in its A320 Family production with the successful delivery of its first A321neo assembled at its newest …