Flight Safety Information - September 02, 2025 No. 175 In This Issue : Incident: ANA B738 at Fukushima on Aug 30th 2025, engine trouble : Accident: Canada BCS3 at Denver on Aug 31st 2025, acrid odour in cabin : Incident: NORRA AT72 at Trondheim on Aug 31st 2025, unsafe gear : A Delta flight to China faced a 2,000-mile detour and a 9-hour delay when one of the pilots fell ill : Southwest Airlines flies first plane with secondary cockpit barrier : Smoke From Passenger Device Forces Diversion Of American Airlines Flight : Air Canada flight evacuated at DIA : American Airlines Flight Diverted to Nashville : Qantas Stands Out as the World’s Safest Airline Service : Real IDs are being rejected at airports by TSA due to ‘sporadic’ scanning issues : 5 Deliveries, 1 Week: United Airlines' Boeing 737 MAX 9 Fleet On Track To Surpass -900ER Fleet : IAI Boeing 777-300ER Freighter Conversion Gains US and Israeli Certification : Lead with Confidence, Powered by ERAU’s Certificate of Management in Aviation Safety : ISASI - 2025 - Denver, CO - September 29-October 3, 2025 Annual Seminar - Hotel Rate Deadline approaching (September 5) : Calendar of Events Incident: ANA B738 at Fukushima on Aug 30th 2025, engine trouble An ANA All Nippon Airways Boeing 737-800, registration JA54AN performing flight NH-1696 from Fukushima to Osaka Itami (Japan) with 144 people on board, was climbing out of Fukushima's runway 01 when the crew stopped the climb at about 12000 feet due to an engine (CFM56) problem, entered a hold and returned to Fukushima for a safe landing on runway 01 about one hour after departure. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration JA86AN reached Osaka with a delay of about 4 hours. The occurrence aircraft remained in Fukushima for about 12 hours, then positioned to Nagoya (Japan). The aircraft subsequently positioned to Tokyo Haneda and resumed service on Sep 1st 2025 about 47 hours after landing back in Fukushima. https://avherald.com/h?article=52c63fe3&opt=0 Accident: Canada BCS3 at Denver on Aug 31st 2025, acrid odour in cabin An Air Canada Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration C-GYLQ performing flight AC-1038 from Denver,CO (USA) to Toronto,ON (Canada) with 117 passengers and 5 crew, was climbing through FL190 out of Denver's runway 34L when the crew declared PAN PAN. The aircraft returned to Denver for a safe landing on runway 26 about 22 minutes after departure. The airline reported an acrid smell from a galley area, the aircraft was evacuated via slides after landing. One passenger received minor injuries as result of the evacuation. The flight was cancelled. https://avherald.com/h?article=52c63a9e&opt=0 Incident: NORRA AT72 at Trondheim on Aug 31st 2025, unsafe gear A NORRA Nordic Regional Airlines Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration OH-ATG performing flight AY-947 from Helsinki (FInland) to Trondheim (Norway), was on approach to Trondheim's runway 09 when the crew initiated a go around due to problems with the landing gear. The aircraft subsequently performed a low approach to runway 09 which confirmed the landing gear was down. The aircraft positioned for another approach to runway 09 and landed without further incident about 45 minutes after the first go around. The airline reported the pilots were not informed whether the gear was down and therefore reported a malfunction. The pilots were eventually informed the gear was down and the aircraft landed normally. The aircraft remained on the ground in Trondheim for about 3.5 hours, then positioned to Helsinki and remained on the ground in Helsinki for about 17 hours until the following morning. https://avherald.com/h?article=52c63843&opt=0 A Delta flight to China faced a 2,000-mile detour and a 9-hour delay when one of the pilots fell ill A Delta Air Lines flight from Detroit to China diverted to Los Angeles. It turned around near Juneau, Alaska, and diverted some 2,000 miles "due to a sick crew member." Passengers landed in Shanghai nine hours later than expected. Passengers heading from Detroit to China had an unexpected layover in Los Angeles after one of the pilots fell ill. Delta Air Lines Flight 389 took off from Detroit around 10:30 a.m. local time on Saturday and was scheduled to land in Shanghai within 16 hours. However, flight-tracking data shows that nearly five hours into the journey, the Airbus A350 changed course just off the Alaskan coast near Juneau. It rerouted to Los Angeles, around 2,000 miles off course as the crow flies, touching down three and a half hours later. A Delta Air Lines spokesperson told Business Insider the flight diverted "due to a sick crew member." Air traffic control audio published by LiveATC.net appears to show that one of the pilots was unwell. "The flight landed without incident and taxied to the gate," the spokesperson added. "We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel." While Los Angeles wasn't the nearest airport, it is one of Delta's hub airports and a key destination for the A350, making it simpler to find a replacement crew member. After three and a half hours on the ground, the A350 took off again from LAX, per data from Flightradar24. With a nearly 13-hour flight to Shanghai, passengers landed there around 11 p.m. local time. Flight 389 was initially scheduled to land just before 2 p.m., meaning a delay of roughly nine hours. The Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside US working hours. While the journey may have been disruptive for passengers, Saturday's incident also highlights the importance of having two pilots on the flight deck. Last July, an easyJet flight was met by paramedics in Lisbon after one of the pilots was said to have fainted. And in 2023, a Southwest Airlines captain who fell ill mid-flight was replaced by another airline pilot who happened to be on board. Some manufacturers have explored the potential of single-pilot operations, but many pilots oppose this. In 2023, several airline pilot unions around the world joined to launch the Safety Starts with Two coalition. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/delta-flight-china-faced-2-122018287.html Southwest Airlines flies first plane with secondary cockpit barrier Southwest Airlines began Friday flying its first jet with a secondary barrier to the flight deck designed to prevent intrusions. The plane ‒ a Boeing 737 MAX 8 which was delivered in recent days ‒ took off Friday afternoon from Phoenix to Denver, the airline said. Secondary barriers ‒ long sought after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that exposed the risks of inadequate flight deck protection ‒ are crucial to aviation safety, pilots unions have argued. The flight is a milestone that marks the beginning of the rollout of the safety feature across the new U.S. commercial airline fleet in the coming years. Boeing and Airbus told Reuters they have begun delivering airplanes with the barriers under the Federal Aviation Administration regulation announced in 2023 that took effect on Monday. Last month, the FAA agreed to give airlines until late July 2026 to put the barriers in newly delivered planes into use. Most major carriers have told the FAA they plan to take advantage of the extension and not immediately begin using the barriers. Southwest has opted to immediately begin complying as they take delivery of new airplanes and expects to take delivery of about 25 additional Boeing airplanes this year that will have the barriers. "We felt like we could get it done and put it in production as soon as the aircraft was ready," said Justin Jones, Southwest's executive vice president for operations After the hijacking of four U.S. airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, the FAA adopted standards for flight deck security to make them resistant to forcible intrusion and unauthorized entry. The FAA rule requires aircraft manufacturers to install a second physical barrier on new planes used in commercial passenger service in the United States, but does not require existing planes to be retrofitted. Plane makers without FAA certification of barriers do not yet need to be in compliance. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/southwest-airlines-flies-first-plane-153003749.html Smoke From Passenger Device Forces Diversion Of American Airlines Flight The FAA has specific guidelines regarding what types of electronics are allowed in carry-ons versus checked bags. On August 23, American Airlines Flight 357 diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) after a passenger’s device reportedly caught fire mid-flight. According to the carrier, the flight had a delay of over an hour before departing from Philadelphia at 10:49 a.m. Instead of making it to its intended destination, Phoenix, the Airbus A321 diverted to Dulles International Airport, a Washington, D.C. area flight hub. CBS News reported that a spokesperson of the airline said smoke from a passenger’s device allegedly caused the diversion. The type of device wasn’t specified. “American Airlines flight 357 landed safely at Washington-Dulles (IAD) following reports of smoke from a customer’s device. The device was quickly contained by crew members prior to landing,” the spokesperson said. “We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience this caused and thank our crew for their professionalism.” The flight carried 160 passengers and six crew members. Emergency staff were reportedly at the runway when the aircraft reached Dulles. Passenger Adriana Novello told ABC News that she suspected an onboard fire caused the disruptive smoke. “Then I started smelling smoke, and a lot of people on the plane were coughing,” she noted. “But I looked behind me, and what we could tell was that there was something on fire in the aisle.” American Airlines disclosed that the flight departed from Dulles the following day and arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 10:58 a.m. local time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reportedly investigating the incident. What Should Travelers Know About Safely Taking Devices On Planes? Travelers should be knowledgeable about safety guidelines for air travel with their devices. The FAA has specific guidelines regarding what types of electronics are allowed in carry-ons versus checked bags. The type of battery the device has will likely determine where passengers can most safely store it for air travel. Devices with lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must be placed in carry-on luggage. They can pose safety risks, but the FAA notes that “flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin.” Examples of those devices are laptops, smartphones, tablets, and vapes. Most power banks also have lithium batteries, so their usage on flights is increasingly being banned. Travelers are prohibited from taking “damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices” onto aircraft or placing them in checked baggage. The only exception to the latter rule is if the compromised battery has been removed from the device, or the electronic has otherwise been “made safe.” https://travelnoire.com/american-airlines-flight-357-devices?utm_source=t1&utm_campaign=23664416&utm_content=4162133285&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=1551771&tblci=GiClwY4D1TnvzJqqdQzkXSyFuXIHmAkH_u-vRIJWscsTDiCgrl0o7LWur9-X0_loMJvbXg#tblciGiClwY4D1TnvzJqqdQzkXSyFuXIHmAkH_u-vRIJWscsTDiCgrl0o7LWur9-X0_loMJvbXg Air Canada flight evacuated at DIA An Air Canada flight to Toronto evacuated at Denver Airport due to a reported galley odor after takeoff. DENVER — An Air Canada flight to Toronto was evacuated at Denver International Airport shortly after takeoff on Sunday, the airline said. Flight 1038 returned to Denver because of an acrid smell reported in a galley area, according to Air Canada. The plane landed safely, and the 117 passengers and five crew evacuated the aircraft using emergency slides as a precaution, the airline said. One passenger sustained a minor injury while evacuating. All passengers were transported to the terminal by bus, and Air Canada said its teams are working to make alternate travel arrangements for them. https://www.9news.com/article/travel/denver-international-airport/air-canada-flight-evacuated-dia/73-ad78b0c9-4edc-4b83-a9c0-bc0144d15a9d American Airlines Flight Diverted to Nashville According to FlightRadar24 data, American Airlines flight AA48 took off from Dallas at 1:15 AM UTC. After being airborne for over an hour, the crew reported a mechanical issue and decided to make a diversion at Nashville. The flight landed safely back at BNA at 3:07 AM UTC. American Airlines confirmed that flight AAL48 diverted after the crew identified a mechanical issue linked to a fuel leak. Safety protocols required the immediate diversion to the nearest suitable airport, and Nashville (BNA) was selected. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers remained on board until ground crews managed the situation. The flight was operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, registered as N778AN. It is a 26.2-year-old aircraft powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 8000 engines. Mechanical diversions are not rare for international carriers, particularly on long-haul flights like DFW–CDG. When such issues occur, operational safety takes priority over scheduling or routing. In this case, maintenance teams determined the problem was significant enough to keep the aircraft grounded in Nashville rather than allowing it to continue to Paris. Nashville International Airport (BNA) does not close overnight. Both its airfield and control tower operate around the clock, handling passenger flights, business aviation, and overnight cargo operations. Even though a Boeing 777 arrival is unusual in Nashville, the airport is equipped to manage widebody aircraft when needed. This is not the first time American Airlines has used BNA for an unscheduled diversion. Just weeks earlier, another Boeing 777 diverted there on a late-night medical emergency. In both cases, the airport handled the diversions without delay, underscoring its readiness to support long-haul carriers when operational issues arise. After the diversion, American Airlines scheduled a recovery flight to take passengers onward to Paris (CDG). A rescue aircraft was dispatched from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Nashville (BNA) the following afternoon, arriving around 4:15 pm on Monday (September 1, 2025). A Spirit Airlines (NK) flight made an emergency landing on April 27, 2025, after the crew detected a major fuel leak. Flight NK332, traveling from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), diverted to L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) at 9:41 p.m. local time when the issue was confirmed. The aircraft involved, an Airbus A320 registered N631NK, was operating the evening service from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Juan (SJU). Around 9:00 p.m., pilots reported a leak from the right wing and declared an emergency. Air traffic controllers quickly coordinated the diversion to Bermuda (BDA). Emergency services were activated before the aircraft touched down. Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service units met the A320 on arrival, confirming fuel spilling from the right wingtip. Crews ordered an immediate shutdown of fuel pumps to reduce the risk of fire and environmental damage. Once initial checks were complete, the aircraft was escorted to the terminal under close supervision. Firefighters positioned containment equipment beneath the wing and monitored the situation while passengers remained safely on board. Emergency teams acted quickly to secure the aircraft and manage the leak. Firefighters provided continued support after the A320 parked, ensuring no additional hazards developed. Airport staff confirmed that all 115 passengers were unharmed. According to Skyport, the company managing Bermuda’s airport, the aircraft underwent a detailed inspection following the landing. A relief aircraft was dispatched to Bermuda overnight to carry passengers onward to Puerto Rico. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/09/02/american-airlines-dallas-paris-flight-diverted-to-nashville/ Qantas Stands Out as the World’s Safest Airline Service The recognition of Qantas Airlines of being the best airline service has come from AirlineRatings, an organization that regularly monitors, analyzes, and publishes airline safety rankings worldwide. In accordance with the survey conducted, Qantas Airlines was placed ahead of leading international competitors such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Air New Zealand. This ranking focused on a tactful review, keeping in consideration accident records, operational performance, incident management, and compliance with international aviation safety protocols. Qantas Airlines’ prolonged reputation of being the best aircraft has been a legacy in the history of aviation culture. Even after decades, it continues to flourish and stand out as a global brand amongst several other airline competitors. The AirlineRatings Perspective AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen emphasized the significance of the Australian carrier’s achievement. The commentary noted that Qantas had consistently been recognized for excellence in flight safety and reliability. The acknowledgment was based not only on accident-free records but also on the airline’s broader commitment to operational discipline, pilot training, and fleet management. The airline’s strong approach to safety has been regarded as a benchmark within the industry. The systems it has introduced, along with its adherence to modern aviation technology and rigorous maintenance practices, have set a standard that continues to influence others in the field. In a sector where public confidence can be shaped by a single major incident, Qantas’ ability to maintain stability has been perceived as a defining factor in its ranking. Singapore Airlines Ranked Second While Qantas occupied the first position, Singapore Airlines was recognized as the runner-up. The airline was commended for its overall operational excellence and strong safety history. However, it was also noted that the carrier had been affected by a turbulence-related tragedy in May 2024. The incident involved a Boeing 777-300ER on a scheduled flight to Singapore. During the journey, the aircraft experienced an abrupt descent of nearly 2000 metres due to severe atmospheric turbulence. As a result, one passenger lost his life, and seven others sustained critical injuries. Many passengers were thrown against the aircraft’s ceiling and overhead compartments during the sudden drop, causing further injuries to dozens more. Among those affected were several Australian travelers. The incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of turbulence and its ability to create hazardous conditions even on large, modern aircraft. While turbulence-related injuries are relatively rare compared to other types of in-flight events, this occurrence highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in ensuring passenger safety under extreme weather conditions. Lessons Drawn from the 2024 Turbulence Incident The Singapore Airlines turbulence event drew considerable international attention and reinforced the importance of turbulence management and passenger preparedness. Aviation experts explained that turbulence remains one of the least predictable aspects of flying, and although aircraft are engineered to withstand it, the impact on passengers can be severe if seatbelts are not secured. Safety specialists pointed out that the tragedy underscored the value of ongoing crew training, communication with passengers, and the implementation of real-time turbulence monitoring technologies. It was emphasized that the airline handled the emergency response effectively, with pilots and cabin crew executing immediate procedures to stabilize the situation. However, the event also served as a reminder that aviation safety extends beyond technical operations and requires passenger cooperation with basic instructions such as seatbelt use. Broader Industry Context The recognition of Qantas and the mention of Singapore Airlines within the safety rankings highlighted broader themes within aviation. Airline safety is influenced not only by accident history but also by preventive strategies, maintenance practices, fleet modernization, and investment in technology. In this context, carriers like Qatar Airways, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Air New Zealand also earned recognition for their consistent commitment to operational integrity. Each of these airlines has been known for implementing strong safety cultures, investing in modern aircraft fleets, and ensuring compliance with international aviation standards. The fact that the top rankings were dominated by carriers from different regions demonstrated that excellence in aviation safety has become a global pursuit, rather than being confined to one geographic area. Public Trust and Passenger Confidence Passenger confidence in aviation safety remains a critical factor in the success of global airlines. Incidents such as the Singapore Airlines turbulence tragedy can affect perceptions, even when the root cause lies outside human control. Conversely, reputations such as that held by Qantas illustrate the power of consistency in maintaining public trust. For many travelers, the perception of safety is as important as the reality, shaping their choice of airline. Rankings such as those released by AirlineRatings provide passengers with a sense of reassurance and transparency, particularly in an industry where technical details can be complex and difficult for the general public to evaluate. The Continuing Importance of Safety Rankings The publication of global airline safety rankings reflects an ongoing need to evaluate, compare, and communicate aviation safety performance. These rankings provide insight into how airlines manage risks and respond to challenges. They also encourage carriers to maintain high standards, knowing that their reputations are influenced by independent evaluations. Qantas’ recognition at the top of the list illustrated that safety excellence can be sustained over many years, even in a competitive and dynamic industry. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines’ turbulence incident illustrated that unexpected challenges can still occur and that the aviation sector must remain vigilant at all times. The announcement of Qantas as the world’s safest airline once again emphasized its enduring reputation for safety and reliability. The acknowledgment of Singapore Airlines, despite the turbulence tragedy, showed that one incident does not erase a long history of operational excellence. Alongside Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Air New Zealand, these carriers represented the highest global standards in aviation safety. In an environment where public trust is essential and where safety remains the cornerstone of airline operations, these rankings underscored the central role that preventive measures, advanced training, and operational vigilance continue to play. The narrative of Qantas’ recognition and Singapore Airlines’ turbulence tragedy illustrated both the strength and the challenges of modern aviation safety, reinforcing the need for continuous improvement across the industry. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/qantas-stands-out-as-the-worlds-safest-airline-service/ Real IDs are being rejected at airports by TSA due to ‘sporadic’ scanning issues They’re being treated like fake IDs. The Maine Secretary of State’s office confirmed that some Real IDs issued by the state have been rejected at various Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. “A tiny fraction of Maine REAL IDs could not be read by the TSA bar code readers,” an official with Maine’s Department of the Secretary of State told the Sun. The organization assured the public that the problem “appears to be sporadic” and rare and that none of the “very few” impacted parties had “experienced a disruption in their travel.” “TSA suggested the customers contact BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) when they returned from their trip for a replacement,” an official at the Maine Department of the Secretary of State said. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) officials collaborated with the TSA to get to the bottom of said issue, which has persisted for several months. They found that the glitch was due to one of the state’s instant-issue printing machines, which has fortunately now been fixed. New Hampshire REAL IDs experienced similar issues in May, local news station WGME reported. Meanwhile, “the TSA suggested the customers contact BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) when they returned from their trip for a replacement,” the official told the told the Sun Journal. They are reportedly replacing them for free. It’s yet unclear how many licenses are affected. The BMV is relying on people to self-report problems so they can receive replacements. However, the TSA told Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles that “95% of Maine travelers” have a compliant document, per the secretary of state’s office. Unfortunately, security checkpoints weren’t the only places that were rejecting Maine residents’ Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs, which have been required to access domestic flights and certain federal facilities since May 7. In a post uploaded to Reddit, a Pine Tree State resident claimed their Real ID-complaint license was declined by Herz because “it would not scan.” Others have reported in unverified Reddit posts that their docs had been rejected at gas stations. The Maine Secretary of State’s office confirmed that some Real IDs was issued by the state have been rejected at various Transportation and Security Administration checkpoints. The problem had to do with one of the state’s instant-issue printing machines. To prevent potential ID-scanning fiascos, the TSA is encouraging travelers to bring a backup ID with them. Acceptable forms of identification include US passports, US passport cards, foreign passports, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards and others. TSA approves Real ID alternative for iPhone users — but only for certain types of travel A temporary driver’s license is not acceptable, per the TSA, which notes that children under 18 are not required to provide ID while traveling within the US. Coincidentally, before the federal mandate, Maine had a Real ID compliance rate of just 27% — one of the lowest in the country. That figure increased to 32% by July 1. This comes as the TSA made a major change to the security screening process. The TSA recently announced the launch of an expedited PreCheck process, in which passengers simply flash their face to a facial recognition scanner at checkpoints in lieu of having to present a boarding pass or ID with the PreCheck indicator. The enhanced screening measure is already available to those flying with participating airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. For now, the service is offered at just 15 airports across the US, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, La Guardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. https://nypost.com/2025/09/01/lifestyle/real-ids-are-being-rejected-by-tsa-at-airport-due-to-sporadic-scanning-issues/ 5 Deliveries, 1 Week: United Airlines' Boeing 737 MAX 9 Fleet On Track To Surpass -900ER Fleet United Airlines continues to expand as it's taken delivery of five Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets in just seven days (or in essence, one 737 for every workday). We're seeing not just aggressive growth on United's part (which has positioned the 737 MAX front-and-center in its ambitions), but also improvements in production flows from Boeing. After today's deliveries, United is beginning to reach a milestone. CH-Aviation shows that United currently has 136 Boeing 737-900ERs in service, the predecessor to the 737 MAX 9. With these new deliveries, the 737 MAX 9 fleet amounts to 111, and with 114 remaining on order, we will soon see the 737 MAX 9 fleet surpass the 737-900ER fleet in size. United has long relied on the 737NG for its operations, in particular, the 737-800 and 737-900ER. In total, United has 141 737-800s in service and 136 737-900ERs flying, along with 12 older 737-900s. With the 737-900s added, this makes for a combined total of 148 737-900s and 737-900ERs currently flying for United Airlines. What's intriguing about this is that United's 737NG fleet came largely from Continental Airlines. Prior to the merger, United relied on the Airbus A319, A320, and Boeing 757-200 for its short-haul operations, while the 737s came from Continental. After the two airlines became one, United ordered more 737s, and then proceeded to order huge numbers of 737 MAX aircraft. While the 737 MAX 9 fleet is set to overtake the 737-900ER fleet in numbers soon, this isn't due to changes in the latter's fleet size. Rather, United is growing the Boeing 737 MAX fleet while the 737NG fleet remains as is. Instead, United is retiring Airbus A320-200s as these are some of the oldest aircraft in its fleet, thereby significantly growing the 737 fleet partially at the expense of the Airbus fleet. Today, more than 50% of United's fleet is made up of Boeing 737 aircraft. As part of United's growth strategy, the Chicago-based carrier is upgauging existing routes. This involves displacing aircraft with larger planes on existing routes, and then the smaller airliners either commence new routes or displace even smaller aircraft that then start new routes. While United is retiring some A320s due to age, most new 737 MAX and A321neo deliveries are for growth. In United's fleet, the A319 and 737-700 seat 126, while the A320 can carry 150 passengers. The 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 seat 166, while the A321neo seats 200 passengers. While the 737-900ER and 737 MAX 9 are considered "large narrowbodies", their seating capacity is actually closer to the 737-800/737 MAX 9 at 179 seats. In a way, they essentially slot in between the 737 MAX 8 and Airbus A321neo. Though it's not quite as big as the A321neo, the 737 MAX 9 is the largest Boeing narrowbody that can be obtained today. By upgauging 737-800 or A320 flights to the 737 MAX 9, United can grow its overall passenger numbers. The 737 MAX 9 also has a lower overall fuel burn than the A321neo (though the A321neo has lower fuel burn per seat), and it can perform essentially every route in United's short-haul network. While the growth of United's 737 MAX 9 fleet is impressive, it was never intended to be the star of the United fleet. Rather, United originally placed most of its eggs in the Boeing 737 MAX 10 basket, initially converting 100 737 MAX 9 orders and then adding additional units. Entry into service (EIS) was expected in 2020, and the 737 MAX 10 was to be United's principal weapon in growing its domestic capacity to match and overtake its rivals. Instead, the 737 MAX 10 experienced delay after delay, while United and others waited patiently with little or no jets actually being delivered. EIS for the variant is currently targeted for 2026, and United Airlines has been one of the most vocal critics of the program's delays. In 2024, CEO Scott Kirby announced that the carrier was removing the 737 MAX 10 from internal planning due to uncertainty about when the plane would be certified. United still needs new planes to meet its growth plans and replace aging A320s, so many 737 MAX 10 orders were converted back to the 737 MAX 9. As it stands, United currently holds 167 orders for this variant, as opposed to the over 200 737 MAX 9s that it is expected to one day operate. This will also make the 737 MAX 9 the most common variant of the Boeing 737 in United's fleet. https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-delivery-5-new-boeing-737-max-9s-1-week/ IAI Boeing 777-300ER Freighter Conversion Gains US and Israeli Certification IAI emphasized that the program underwent extensive review and testing to meet safety and performance standards. TEL AVIV- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has achieved a major milestone with the Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion program certification. The aircraft has now received supplemental type certification from both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel. The certification enables the widebody cargo aircraft to enter service with launch customer AerCap (formerly GECAS), with US carrier Kalitta Air (K4) set to be the first operator. The freighter will operate from Kalitta’s primary hub at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). IAI 777-300ER Freighter Certification The 777-300ERSF program began in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global aviation. Originally expected to enter service in 2022, the project was developed by IAI in partnership with GECAS, which later merged with AerCap. According to Flight Global, the new certification marks the first approval for a 777-300ER passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion. IAI emphasized that the program underwent extensive review and testing to meet safety and performance standards. The freighter features a payload capacity of 100 tons, offering a balance of volume and efficiency that positions it as a strong competitor in the global cargo market. Market Outlook Kalitta Air will be the first airline to deploy the 777-300ERSF. The Michigan-based carrier currently operates around 30 freighters, including Boeing 747-400s and 777Fs. By adding the 777-300ERSF, Kalitta strengthens its position in the long-haul cargo sector, where demand for higher-capacity and fuel-efficient freighters continues to grow. Industry experts expect the converted 777 to become a popular choice for airlines seeking to modernize fleets while maintaining cost efficiency. Its ability to combine extended range with significant payload capacity gives operators a competitive advantage in international freight markets. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is Israel’s leading aerospace and aviation manufacturer. Founded in 1953, the state owned company employs over 14,000 people and provides advanced systems for civil aviation, defense, and space exploration. IAI develops and maintains a wide range of products, including civil aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, fighter jets, missile systems, avionics, and satellite technologies. Its work is central to Israel’s defense industry while also supporting commercial aviation with engineering, conversions, and maintenance solutions. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/09/02/iai-boeing-777-300er-freighter-conversion-gains-us-and-israeli-certification/ ISASI 2025 September 29 – October 2, 2025 Denver Hotel and Conference Center 3801 Quebec St Denver, Colorado ISASI 2025 will be here soon, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Denver. Tutorials will be presented on Monday September 29, followed by plenary sessions from September 30 – October 2. To register, please go to ISASI’s online and click on the seminar icon at the top right of the home page. Or go directly to the seminar page by clicking here. Once on the seminar page you will find a link to the hotel reservation site as well as the most up to date information on the Tutorials and the technical program. To see the technical program and other details at the top of the page, beside the “register now” button are tabs with further details. PLEASE NOTE: the seminar rate at the hotel will close on September 5; after that there is no guarantee the special rate will be available. Thanks from the ISASI 2025 Committee https://web.cvent.com/event/a6ec0291-9280-4529-b72f-fb38e0cabc17/summary CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 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 . 2025 NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown; Monday, Oct. 13 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Las Vegas, NV . 2025 NBAA National Safety Forum, Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Wednesday, Oct. 15; Las Vegas, NV . Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC™) - 2025 – October 27-29th (Omaha, Nebraska) . 78TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT (IASS) - Lisbon, November 4–6 . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis