Flight Safety Information - July 4, 2025 No. 133 In This Issue : Incident: Go2Sky B738 at Zakynthos on Jun 29th 2025, engine trouble : Incident: KLM Cityhopper E195 on Jul 2nd 2025, lightning strike and radio problems : Incident: Malta Air B738 at Barcelona on Jun 29th 2025, rejected takeoff due to door indication : American Airlines Flight Diverted After Passenger Misinterprets Seat Neighbor’s Text : Air India Express Failed to Comply with EASA A320 Engine Directive : $12.5B Slotted for ATC Revamp After Congress Approves Federal Budget : US Clears GE Aerospace to Resume Jet Engine Exports to China : United, JetBlue ask US to reject Spirit Airlines complaint over partnership : Boeing and Justice Department seek judge's approval for deal opposed by crash victims' families : Calendar of Events Incident: Go2Sky B738 at Zakynthos on Jun 29th 2025, engine trouble A Go2Sky Boeing 737-800 on behalf of TUI Airlines Nederland, registration OM-GTK performing flight OR-1238 from Zakynthos (Greece) to Amsterdam (Netherlands), was climbing out of Zakynthos when the crew stopped the climb at FL200 and diverted to Athens (Greece). The aircraft (engines: CFM56) entered a hold and continued for a safe landing on runway 03R about 80 minutes after departure. A passenger reported the departure had been delayed by about two hours due to a technical problem. The passenger wrote: "Takeoff felt incredibly strange, felt like the plane wasn't able to climb. After around 20 minutes the captain announced the technical issue had returned and we would prepare for an emergency landing in Athens. Took us around 30 more minutes to fly there. Cabin crew was nowhere to be seen, people started to panic. We circled an island close to Athens for a little while, then suddenly we heard a loud bang, almost like when you ignite fireworks. The captain then told us this was the sound of fuel dump, but as far as I am aware a Boeing 737 800 is not equipped to dump fuel like that." The aircraft remained on the ground in Athens for about 43 hours before positioning to Amsterdam resuming service the following day about 14 hours after landing in Amsterdam. https://avherald.com/h?article=529de372&opt=0 Incident: KLM Cityhopper E195 on Jul 2nd 2025, lightning strike and radio problems A KLM Cityhoppeer Embraer ERJ-195, registration PH-NXV performing flight KL-1011 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was climbing out of Amsterdam when the crew stopped the climb at FL240 and decided to return to Amsterdam reporting a lightning strike. The crew frequently requested radio checks during the return, sometimes did not understand ATC instructions on first transmission, and landed safely on Amsterdam's runway 18R about 40 minutes after departure. The rotation was cancelled. The aircraft is still on the ground in Amsterdam about 41 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=529de0f2&opt=0 Incident: Malta Air B738 at Barcelona on Jun 29th 2025, rejected takeoff due to door indication A Malta Air Boeing 737-800, registration 9H-QEQ performing flight FR-6559 from Barcelona,SP (Spain) to Liverpool,EN (UK), was accelerating for takeoff from Barcelona's runway 24L when the crew rejected takeoff at low speed (about 30 knots over ground) due to an indication of a wing door being open. The aircraft slowed safely and returned to the apron. The aircraft was able to depart about 130 minutes later and reached Liverpool with a delay of about 2 hours. A passenger reported the crew announced they had received indication one of the wing doors was open, an engineer diagnosed the problem and the aircraft could takeoff about 2 hours later. https://avherald.com/h?article=529dddb5&opt=0 American Airlines Flight Diverted After Passenger Misinterprets Seat Neighbor’s Text The flight was heading for Dallas from San Juan, Puerto Rico NEED TO KNOW • An American Airlines flight diverted back to Puerto Rico after a passenger oversaw another passenger receive a cryptic text message • The passenger assumed it was a threat to the flight, and the plane was diverted "due to a possible security concern," a spokesperson for the airline tells PEOPLE • The flight resumed its course to Dallas after the text was determined not to be a threat An American Airlines flight diverted back to San Juan, Puerto Rico, after a passenger misinterpreted a text message they oversaw next to them. A passenger saw their seat neighbor receive a text message that read "R.I.P." (the acronym commonly used for "rest in peace") and assumed it was a threat to the flight, according to Puerto Rico's Office of Explosives and Public Safety. Local outlet Primera Ahora was first to report the news. A spokesperson for American Airlines tells PEOPLE, "American Airlines flight 1847, with service from San Juan (SJU) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), returned to SJU shortly after departure due to a possible security concern." "The flight landed safely at SJU, and law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart. Safety and security are our top priorities and we apologize to our customers for the inconvenience," the statement continued, American Airlines flight 1847 took off from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Isla Verde. The flight was headed for Dallas, but ultimately returned to San Juan amid the perceived threat about 30 minutes after taking off. Aerostar's deputy director of security, Félix Alvarado, investigated the message as a potential threat. The passenger who received the message proved that a relative had died the day before, adding that they were on the flight after leaving their vacation early, per Primera Hora. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It was a mix-up that was handled in accordance with safety protocols. There was no real threat to the flight or its passengers," Nelman Nevárez, Aerostar's director of operations, told Primera Hora in an interview translated from Spanish to English. The plane, which carried 193 passengers, resumed its route and prepared for takeoff at 10 a.m. local time. https://www.yahoo.com/news/american-airlines-flight-diverted-passenger-005124702.html Air India Express Failed to Comply with EASA A320 Engine Directive The directive, issued in 2023, aimed to prevent engine failure due to manufacturing defects in parts like seals and rotating components. DELHI— India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), warned Air India Express (IX) in March 2025 over failure to promptly comply with a European airworthiness directive related to CFM engine components on an Airbus A320 aircraft (VT-ATD). The incident, tied to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), also involved forged maintenance records to falsely indicate compliance. Air India Express (IX), a low-cost subsidiary of Air India (AI), later admitted to the lapse and stated it had implemented corrective and preventive actions, Reuters reported. The issue preceded, but is separate from, the June 2025 crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad (AMD), currently under investigation. The DGCA’s March memo detailed that Air India Express failed to complete a mandatory modification to the CFM LEAP-1A engine on its Airbus A320 within the deadline set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The directive, issued in 2023, aimed to prevent engine failure due to manufacturing defects in parts like seals and rotating components. DGCA’s audit revealed the operator altered AMOS software records—used for maintenance tracking—to show false compliance. The aircraft in question, VT-ATD, primarily serves domestic routes and short-haul international destinations including Dubai (DXB) and Muscat (MCT). The memo criticized the accountable manager for failing to ensure adequate quality control. In response, Air India Express removed the quality manager and suspended the deputy airworthiness manager. The airline blamed a record migration issue for missing the scheduled component replacement and said it acted quickly to resolve the oversight. Pattern of Regulatory Warnings Against Air India Group This engine maintenance lapse is not an isolated case. DGCA previously flagged Air India (AI) for flying three Airbus aircraft without timely escape slide inspections and, in June 2025, issued warnings for “serious violations” of pilot duty time regulations. These issues form part of a broader trend of regulatory pressure on the Tata Group-owned airline. According to government data presented in Parliament, Indian regulators fined or warned airlines in 23 safety violation cases during 2024, three involving Air India Express and eight linked to Air India. While the March incident was flagged before the fatal Dreamliner crash in June, it has intensified scrutiny on Air India Group’s internal safety governance, especially in maintenance operations. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), warned Air India Express (IX) in March 2025 over failure to promptly comply with a European airworthiness directive related to CFM engine components on an Airbus A320 aircraft (VT-ATD). EASA Warning on CFM Engine Risks EASA’s 2023 airworthiness directive warned that failure to replace defective engine components could result in high-energy debris release, leading to aircraft damage and compromised control. These risks are particularly severe during overseas flights or operations near restricted airspace. Industry experts, including former Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) legal advisor Vibhuti Singh, described the lapse as “a grave mistake,” stressing that such issues must be addressed immediately to avoid endangering lives. Airbus and CFM International—jointly operated by GE and Safran—did not respond to inquiries regarding the case. DGCA and EASA also declined to comment on the incident, which first surfaced during an October 2024 regulatory audit. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/07/04/air-india-express-failed-to-comply-with-a320-engine-directive/ $12.5B Slotted for ATC Revamp After Congress Approves Federal Budget The “Big Beautiful Bill” is on course to allocate $12.5 billion for air traffic control (ATC) modernization and aviation safety reform efforts after Republican majorities in both the House and Senate voted to approve the new federal budget this week. The bill was initially approved by the House in late May. A month later, the Senate voted 51-50 to approve an amended version of the bill, which went back to the House for another approval on Thursday. No House or Senate Democrats voted for the bill, though two Senate Republicans and one House Republican did cross party lines to vote in opposition. Despite this, a Republican majority in both houses was able to push the legislation through Congress and to the president’s desk. The bill is now set to be signed into law by President Donald Trump on Friday. Big Budget for Big ATC Reforms The amended 870-page bill keeps most of the originally proposed budgeting for its “Air Traffic Control Improvements” section, though there are some changes into what specifically is being funded. The newest amended version of the bill allocates the following: • $3 billion for replacing radar systems • $4.75 billion for telecommunications, infrastructure, and systems replacements • $500 million for runway safety technologies. • $1.9 billion to build a new air traffic control center to merge and replace three existing unspecified ATC centers. • $1 billion to restructure debt and consolidate TRACONs for divestment, consolidation, or integration. • $100 million for ATC advanced training technologies • Several additional expenditures are also listed totaling $12.5 billion. This funding requires that the FAA present a quarterly report to Congress detailing expenditures incurred from this budget. Notably, $1 billion that the House bill originally allocated for ATC recruitment, training, and technology efforts has seemingly been distributed to other budget lines. It’s unclear whether or not these other lines will directly address ATC hiring initiatives specifically. https://www.flyingmag.com/12-5b-slotted-for-atc-revamp-after-congress-approves-federal-budget/ US Clears GE Aerospace to Resume Jet Engine Exports to China GE Aerospace has reportedly received approval from the U.S. government to resume aircraft engine shipments to China’s COMAC. US Clears GE Aerospace to Resume Jet Engine Exports to China The U.S. government has reportedly granted GE Aerospace GE +0.87% ▲ approval to restart exports of jet engines to China. This move marks an important step in reducing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The decision follows weeks of license suspensions and tighter export controls, imposed as part of the ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Recently, the U.S. also removed chip-design software export curbs to China. Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. General Electric Company, operating as GE Aerospace, manufactures jet engines, parts, and systems used in both commercial and military aircraft. GE Aerospace Set to Power COMAC Again The green light will allow GE to supply engines for China’s homegrown aircraft program, led by the state-backed Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). The newly restored export licenses apply to GE engines sold to COMAC, which aims to compete globally with aerospace giants Airbus EADSY +0.35% ▲ and Boeing BA +1.83% ▲ . Specifically, the lifted restrictions cover GE’s LEAP-1C engines for COMAC’s C919 narrow-body jet and CF34 engines for its C909 regional aircraft, according to a source familiar with the matter. Notably, the LEAP-1C engines are developed through a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France’s Safran SAF +1.39% ▲ . While the C919 jet is manufactured in China, many of its key components are sourced from foreign suppliers. https://www.tipranks.com/news/us-clears-ge-aerospace-to-resume-jet-engine-exports-to-china United, JetBlue ask US to reject Spirit Airlines complaint over partnership (Reuters) -United Airlines and smaller JetBlue Airways on Thursday asked the U.S. Transportation Department to reject a complaint filed by Spirit Airlines to their proposed partnership. United and JetBlue said the complaint's arguments of reduced competition were a "fiction" and adding: "Blue Sky will maintain JetBlue’s independence and enhance its competitiveness, ensuring that JetBlue can continue to grow and compete as an independent carrier." United and JetBlue said in May their "Blue Sky" tie-up would give United access to some of JetBlue's slots at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport starting in 2027 and exchange their flight timings at Newark's airport. The plan would also combine aspects of their loyalty programs and booking. Budget carrier Spirit said last month the deal would mean JetBlue "will become a de facto vassal of United." The carriers cited JetBlue's new non-stop service between Newark and Las Vegas, as well as expanded service between Newark and Los Angeles, in direct competition with United’s existing services on these routes. Spirit said last month the partnership would put pressure on other small carriers to enter similar arrangements with big airlines. It did not immediately comment on Thursday's filing. In March 2024, JetBlue and Spirit scrapped a $3.8 billion merger agreement after a U.S. judge blocked the deal on anti-competition concerns. JetBlue has been seeking partnerships after a federal judge blocked its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023. JetBlue has been struggling to return to sustained profitability after the COVID-19 pandemic. It has managed to post a profit in just two of the past nine quarters. https://www.yahoo.com/news/united-jetblue-ask-us-reject-174158423.html Boeing and Justice Department seek judge's approval for deal opposed by crash victims' families (Reuters) -Boeing and the Justice Department on Wednesday asked a U.S. judge to approve an agreement that allows the company to avoid prosecution despite objections from relatives of some of the 346 people killed in two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. The deal enables Boeing to avoid being branded a convicted felon and to escape oversight from an independent monitor for three years that was part of a plea deal struck in 2024 to a criminal fraud charge that it misled U.S. regulators about a crucial flight control system on the 737 MAX, its best-selling jet. Boeing argued the executive branch solely has the power to decide whether to bring or maintain a prosecution. "Because it is entirely within the government’s discretion whether to pursue a criminal prosecution, an agreement not-to-prosecute does not require court approval," Boeing said, asking a judge to reject objections filed by the families and grant the government's motion to dismiss the charge. "Disputing the government’s considered assessment of litigation risk, the calculation of the maximum fine, or the appropriate mechanism for compliance oversight, do not demonstrate - even remotely - that the government was clearly motivated by considerations contrary to the public interest." The Justice Department said in a court filing it acted in good faith and in accordance with the law, agreeing to dismiss the case for an agreement "that secures a significant fine, compliance improvements, and a substantial victim compensation fund." The families cited Judge Reed O'Connor's statement in 2023 that "Boeing's crime may properly be considered the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history." They argue dismissal is not in the public interest and obligations imposed on Boeing are not enforceable. If the government declined to move forward with the prosecution even if the court rejected the deal, O'Connor should appoint a special prosecutor, the families said. Boeing and the Justice Department both asked O'Connor to reject appointing a special prosecutor. Under the deal, Boeing agreed to pay an additional $444.5 million into a crash victims fund to be divided evenly per crash victim, on top of a new $243.6 million fine. Boeing in July 2024 agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge after the two fatal 737 MAX crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Under the non-prosecution agreement, Boeing will pay $1.1 billion in total, including the fine, compensation to families and more than $455 million to strengthen the company’s compliance, safety and quality programs. The vast majority of the families have settled civil suits with Boeing and collectively have been "paid several billion dollars," the Justice Department said. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/boeing-justice-department-seek-judges-035416011.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Airborne Public Safety Association -APSCON / APSCON Unmanned 2025 in Phoenix, AZ | July 14-18, 2025 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines . 2025 PROS IOSA SUMMIT - SEPT 10-11 - Denver, CO · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC™) - 2025 – October 27-29th (Omaha, Nebraska) . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis