Flight Safety Information - September 22, 2025 No. 189 In This Issue : Incident: Jinnah A320 at Lahore on Sep 18th 2025, bird strike : Incident: Lufthansa A343 near Eindhoven on Sep 19th 2025, engine shut down in flight : Incident: United B752 near Shannon on Sep 19th 2025, engine problem : Incident: United B752 enroute on Sep 17th 2025, engine problem : Accident: Wizz UK A21N at Prague on Sep 11th 2025, tail strike on landing : Incident: India Express A320 at Vishakhapatnam on Sep 18th 2025, engine problem : Incident: Condor A321 at Munich on Sep 19th 2025, gear problem on arrival : Russia asks UN aviation agency ICAO to ease sanctions over safety concerns : American Airlines Passengers Defied Carry-On Bag Orders And Now The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Is Cracking Down : Accidentally cut cables to blame for DFW airport delays, cancellations Friday, officials say : LATAM Group orders up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft : Army cutting 6,500 aviation jobs as it moves toward drones : This budget airline is abruptly abandoning its headquarters and ditching the whole region : US tries to keep Russian airlines from getting their hands on sanctioned parts : Saudi Arabia and US Set to Enhance Travel Experience with Boeing and FAA Aviation Collaboration : Spirit Airlines tells pilots it wants to cut their pay and shave $100 million from their union deal : Calendar of Event Incident: Jinnah A320 at Lahore on Sep 18th 2025, bird strike A Fly Jinnah Airbus A320-200, registration AP-BOO performing flight 9P-500 from Lahore (Pakistan) to Sharjah (United Arab Emirates), was climbing out of Lahore's runway 36R when the crew stopped the climb at about 4000 feet due to a bird strike into the left hand engine (CFM56) and shut the engine down. The aircraft returned to Lahore for a safe landing on runway 36R about 13 minutes after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 24 hours then returned to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d58212&opt=0 Incident: Lufthansa A343 near Eindhoven on Sep 19th 2025, engine shut down in flight A Lufthansa Airbus A340-300, registration D-AIGM performing flight LH-432 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA), was climbing out of Frankfurt when the crew stopped the climb at FL230 and continued enroute for some 10 minutes before decided to return to Frankfurt. The crew reported they had needed to shut their #1 engine (CFM56, outboard left hand) down and needed to dump fuel for about 20 minutes. The aircraft subsequently landed safely on Frankfurt's runway 25C about 1:50 hours after departure. The rotation was cancelled. The aircraft is still on the ground in Frankfurt about 19 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d48bfb&opt=0 Incident: United B752 near Shannon on Sep 19th 2025, engine problem A United Boeing 757-200, registration N17133 performing positioning flight UA-3901 from Dublin (Ireland) to Newark,NJ (USA) with 2 crew, was enroute at FL360 about 250nm northwest of Shannon (Ireland) when the crew decided to divert to Shannon reporting their left hand engine (RB211) was running but degraded. The aircraft landed safely on Shannon's runway 24 about 55 minutes after the decision to divert. The aircraft had diverted to Dublin two days earlier because of an engine problem, see Incident: United B752 enroute on Sep 17th 2025, engine problem. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d3eb7b&opt=0 Incident: United B752 enroute on Sep 17th 2025, engine problem A United Boeing 757-200, registration N17133 performing flight UA-711 from Dublin (Ireland) to Washington Dulles,DC (USA), was enroute at FL360 over the Atlantic Ocean about 720nm northwest of Dublin (Ireland) when the crew decided to return to Dublin due to an engine (RB211) problem. The aircraft descended to FL350 for the way back and landed safely on Dublin's runway 28L about 3:20 hours after departure. The aircraft departed Dublin two days later, but needed to divert to Shannon due to another engine problem, see Incident: United B752 near Shannon on Sep 19th 2025, engine problem. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d3ecff&opt=0 Accident: Wizz UK A21N at Prague on Sep 11th 2025, tail strike on landing A Wizz Air UK Airbus A321-200N, registration G-XLRA performing flight W9-5775 from London Gatwick,EN (UK) to Prague (Czech Republic), landed on Prague's runway 24 at 13:39L (11:39Z), bounced and touched down a second time, this time the tail contacted the runway surface. The aircraft rolled out without further incident and taxied to the apron. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was unable to depart for the return flight W9-5776. The aircraft is still on the ground in Prague about 29 hours later. The airport reported there were no injuries. On Sep 19th 2025 Czechia's UZPLN reported the aircraft experienced a hard landing followed by a tail strike and opened an investigation. The aircraft is still on the ground in Prague on Sep 19th 2025. https://avherald.com/h?article=52cd6936&opt=0 Incident: India Express A320 at Vishakhapatnam on Sep 18th 2025, engine problem An Air India Express Airbus A320-200, registration VT-EXC performing flight IX-2658 from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad (India) with 103 people on board, was climbing out of Visakhapatnam's runway 10 when the crew stopped the climb at FL090 reporting a problem with one of their engines (CFM56) due to a suspected bird strike. The aircraft returned to Visakhapatnam for a safe landing on runway 28 about 20 minutes after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Visakhapatnam about 35 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d3e692&opt=0 Incident: Condor A321 at Munich on Sep 19th 2025, gear problem on arrival A Condor Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration D-ATCF performing flight DE-25 from Hurghada (Egypt) to Munich (Germany) with 197 people on board, was on approach to Munich when the crew reported problems with their gear. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Munich's runway 08R and vacated the runway coming to a stop clear of the runway and was disabled. The aircraft was towed to the apron, where passengers disembarked normally. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d3c8a0&opt=0 Russia asks UN aviation agency ICAO to ease sanctions over safety concerns (Reuters) -Russia is urging the U.N. civil aviation agency to ease sanctions on spare parts and overflights, dismissing its response to the war in Ukraine as "unlawful coercive measures," according to working papers and a source familiar with the matter. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western sanctions have cut off access to foreign-made aircraft and spare parts, leaving Russian airlines to source parts for more than 700 mostly Airbus and Boeing jets on complex, indirect import routes. Russian authorities are now trying to negotiate relief from sanctions, particularly on spare parts, which they say are critical for flight safety, a source in Russia's aviation sector told Reuters. RUSSIAN MOVES A CHALLENGE FOR ICAO ASSEMBLY Russia's efforts are creating a challenge for a meeting in Montreal this week of the International Civil Aviation Organization, which sets global safety standards for civil aviation and has condemned Moscow for violating Ukraine's airspace sovereignty and its dual registration of aircraft. Russia made its request to the ICAO after the United States lifted sanctions on Belarusian state carrier Belavia last week that had been imposed following Minsk's support for Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine. In working papers submitted before the ICAO's triennial assembly starting on Tuesday, Moscow has said the sanctions run counter to global rules. Russia is also trying to gain election to ICAO's 36-state governing council after failing to win enough votes in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. As the world's largest country, Russia depends heavily on commercial aircraft for domestic freight and passenger transport across its 11 time zones, but recent incidents suggest Russia's fleet is degrading. In late July, a Soviet-era Antonov An-24, built in 1976, crashed in Russia's far east, killing all 48 people on board. Days later, Russian flag carrier Aeroflot grounded dozens of flights following a crippling cyberattack. "Unlawful coercive measures violate the human right to freedom of movement regardless of nationality and citizenship," one Russian working paper said. "The ICAO is required to take all practical measures to prevent states from applying politically biased discriminatory and coercive measures in the field of international civil aviation." RUSSIA HAS A FLEET OF AGING AIRCRAFT The documents also criticise the closure of 37 states' airspace to flight operations of Russian airlines, the suspension of certificates of airworthiness for aircraft operated by Russian airlines and bans on aircraft maintenance and insurance. Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsiya did not respond to a Reuters request for comment and the Transport Ministry declined to comment. Ukrainian authorities were not immediately available to comment. Russia's fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft is aging, and not all parts can be imported through so-called "grey" schemes, the Russian aviation source told Reuters, meaning a significant portion of Western aircraft could be grounded. "If in the near future a Russian Boeing or Airbus crashes and people die - what then? In any case, it will be blamed on sanctions," the source said. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/russia-asks-un-aviation-agency-083743203.html American Airlines Passengers Defied Carry-On Bag Orders And Now The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Is Cracking Down The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has issued multiple policy updates in recent weeks. Among them was a new alert on lithium batteries, explaining the extensive risks to airlines across the United States. An incident occurred on an American Airlines flight involving a smartphone and lithium-ion batteries. The incident, which occurred just over a month ago, resulted in a fire during a trip from Dallas/Fort Worth to Madrid, Spain. We have another warning to report, involving another American Airlines flight. Just a couple of months ago, in July, passengers on the flight ignited criticism for selfish behavior during the evacuation, grabbing their carry-on items. The FAA is now cracking down with a new mandate set for airlines across the U.S. Here's a closer look at the FAA's report and what is expected from commercial carriers, such as American Airlines, moving forward. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Wants Airlines To Ensure Passengers Are Leaving Bags Behind During Evacuations The Federal Aviation Administration is stepping in, and we don't blame them. We have seen this issue time and time again. Passengers are concerned over their carry-on items during times of emergency evacuations. This was on full display during American Airlines Flight 3023, which was evacuated from Denver just a couple of months ago on July 26, 2025. With smoke coming out of the cabin, passengers can be seen sliding down out of the aircraft with multiple carry-ons in hand. Unfortunately, this was far from the only example. The same took place on American Airlines Flight 2045 back in July 2024. Passengers evacuated due to a laptop battery fire. Although the crew ordered the passengers to leave as quickly as possible, most defied orders and took belongings from the overhead bins instead. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a new order, intended to "Addressing Risk Associated with Passenger Non-Compliance and Retention of Carry-On Baggage and Personal Items During Emergency Evacuations." The FAA wrote in the report, "This SAFO serves to emphasize the operational and safety-critical importance of strict passenger compliance with crewmember instructions during emergency evacuations. Specifically, it addresses the adverse effects of passengers attempting to evacuate with carry-on items, which can significantly impede evacuation procedures and increase the potential for injury or fatality." The report indicates that passengers retrieving carry-ons can lead to several complications, including elevated injury and fatality risk. This is due to passengers crowding the exits and aisles with their baggage. Not only does it increase the exit times, but it also increases the likelihood of other hazards, like passengers tripping and falling. Additionally, the carry-ons can also damage the evacuation slides. In light of these concerns, the FAA has issued a recommended action plan for all U.S. airlines. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Issued Its "Recommended Action" In The Report The FAA has broken down its recommendations into three distinct parts. They include Safety Management System, Safety Briefings, and Passenger Outreach. Starting with the Safety Management System (SMS), the FAA states, "Operators should leverage their SMS to evaluate evacuation procedures and identify potential hazards, implementing mitigation strategies as appropriate." Regarding its "Safety Briefings" recommendations, crews are instructed to inform passengers that they must leave all belongings behind during an evacuation, using concise messaging with no exceptions. Crews should also evaluate the exit row passenger to ensure that proper protocol is followed in the event of an emergency. "Passenger Outreach and Education Campaigns" Section Mandated By The FAA: "Consider communication methods to highlight consequences of non-compliance with crewmember commands regarding retrieval of personal items during an evacuation." "Display visual content in airport terminals and boarding areas demonstrating appropriate evacuation behavior and consequences of non-compliance with crewmember commands." "Use universally recognizable symbols or pictograms to convey messages across language barriers." "Incorporate messaging that appeals to collective responsibility (e.g., “Help everyone get out safely—leave your bags.”)." "Establish and normalize expected behavior by promoting the idea that “everyone leaves bags behind.”" These protocols can make all the difference and have, in fact, saved lives with other airlines earlier in the year, who followed the proper emergency protocols during evacuation hazards. Japan Airlines Saved Lives Earlier In The Year Through Its Proper Safety Protocols We have seen multiple cases of other airlines following the proper safety protocol. According to Forbes, Japan Airlines Airbus A350 was able to evacuate all passengers without any carry-on items. The aircraft had collided with a small Coast Guard plane prior to landing. Flames spread on the aircraft, but thankfully, the 379 passengers were able to evacuate promptly. Another success story took place earlier in the year, in January, on Air Busan's Airbus A321ceo. Due to a fire caused by a power bank in a passenger's bag, passengers were able to escape with only minor injuries. Once again, the crew were praised for how quickly the evacuation took place, while passengers listened to instructions and left their bags behind. The FAA hopes this message reaches the various crews and passengers for the remainder of the year, especially with the busy holiday season approaching. https://www.thetravel.com/american-airlines-us-federal-aviation-administration-cracking-down-carry-on-bags-evacuation/ Accidentally cut cables to blame for DFW airport delays, cancellations Friday, officials say The FAA said the issue was an example of its outdated infrastructure Hundreds of flights were delayed and cancelled at DFW and Dallas Love Field airports on Friday. NBC 5’s Katy Blakey shares what caused the issue. Hundreds of delays and cancellations at DFW and Dallas Love Field airports were the result of cut fiber optic cable lines, according to a statement from American Airlines Chief Operating Officer David Seymour. In the statement shared to employees, Seymour shares that the FAA said two fiber optic cables were cut, which "impacted the primary and secondary paths of data, which support all of the area's radars, radio frequencies and computer systems." Thousands of people were in limbo on Friday after an equipment outage, which we now know started from cut cables, caused ground stops for select flights at North Texas' biggest airports. On Saturday morning, the FAA said operations at DFW and Love Field airports were back to normal. Yesterday was an incredibly challenging day for our airline — most importantly, an incredibly challenging day for our team and customers. American Airlines COO David Seymour A spokesperson for Dallas-based Frontier Communications shared the following statement with NBC5: "On Friday afternoon, another carrier’s third-party contractor working in Argyle, Texas, accidentally cut our fiber lines. This interruption affected communication systems at the local airports. Our team worked overnight, closely coordinating with the FAA and the airports to stabilize the systems, and as a result the airports are up and running today." The FAA said the issue was an example of its outdated infrastructure and urged the modernization of its systems. Warehouse walls collapse, RVs blown over and semis overturned after severe weather in Denton County "Moving from aging, analog systems to more resilient, digital technology is critical to maintaining the reliability and resiliency of the national airspace system," the FAA said. Further, the FAA specified that Friday's "disruption" was caused by "multiple failures" from Frontier Communications and oversight by FAA contractor L3 Harris. Seymour also shared their frustration with the two companies. "In addition, we’ve all had a difficult time — including Robert and myself — reaching leadership at Frontier and L3 Harris. We are extraordinarily disappointed that neither provider seems to have any sense of urgency to resolve this matter," he said. https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dfw-love-field-airport-delays-cancellations-cable-lines-friday-american-southwest/3921370/ LATAM Group orders up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft LATAM Group has confirmed on Monday an order for up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 jets, comprising 24 firm deliveries and 50 purchase options, with deliveries slated to begin in the second half of 2026. The aircraft will initially be deployed by LATAM Airlines Brasil as part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional and domestic operations. Valued at approximately US$2.1 billion for the firm order, the investment is expected to support an increase of up to 35 new destinations in the group’s network, which currently covers 160 cities across its affiliates. LATAM’s current fleet totals 362 aircraft, predominantly Airbus and Boeing models, and the new Embraer jets will introduce additional flexibility to the company’s operations. According to LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo, the expanded fleet is intended to increase connectivity and contribute to economic development. Embraer’s CEO Francisco Gomes Neto noted the E195-E2’s fit for LATAM’s network expansion goals. The investment follows LATAM’s financial policy and supports the company’s focus on consolidating its presence in South America. With deliveries starting in 2026, the new fleet is expected to provide greater schedule flexibility, enhance connectivity, and allow LATAM to broaden its destination offering. The agreement reinforces the group’s commitment to growing its route network and adapting its fleet to the evolving demands of the South American aviation market. https://www.airdatanews.com/latam-group-orders-embraer-e195-e2-fleet-expansion/ Army cutting 6,500 aviation jobs as it moves toward drones The service will hold "talent panels" to retain aviation officers and warrant officers as pilots or to reassign them to other roles in the Army. Warrant Officer 1 Alan Ortiz, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, trains in a flight simulator. The Army plans to slash thousands of aviation positions as it pivots to unmanned aircraft. Army photo by Sgt. Olivia Cowart. The Army is slashing thousands of active duty pilots, flight crews, and helicopter maintenance jobs as the service begins a fundamental pivot towards unmanned drones for modern wars, officials told Task & Purpose. The service will begin cutting nearly 6,500 active duty aviation jobs in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 as part of the Army’s broader transformation initiative. The Army currently has around 30,000 aviation branch soldiers, but “talent panels” scheduled for October will decide which officers and warrant officers will be retained and which will transfer to a different branch within the Army. The service will also decide whether to hold similar talent panels for its enlisted aviation soldiers, which includes most flight crew and nearly all mechanics and maintenance troops, Army officials said. “The use of airspace for maneuver that was once unique to our formations is now becoming accessible to soldiers in multiple formations via drone technology,” Maj. Montrell Russell, an Army spokesperson, told Task & Purpose. “The Army is rapidly transforming to meet the changing character of war and leverage these technological advancements, which is inducing changes in both ground and air formations to optimize our collective force structure.” The strategy to cut aviators is a switch from the Army’s efforts to fill out its pilot force less than a decade ago. In 2019, the service offered pay raises and promotion opportunities to meet a warrant officer shortage of almost 700 soldiers. As the service reduces its aviation force, Army leaders are doing an ongoing analysis “to determine the appropriate approved excess strength to minimize turbulence,” Russell said. The 6,500 cuts are separate from the nearly 4,600 reserve soldiers who are facing cuts, a drawdown reported by Military.com. With those moves, the Army plans to eliminate all Army Reserve helicopter units by the end of the summer. Army officials said the Reserve Command is working on its own manpower plan “to address the unique circumstances” for their soldiers. Talent panels The panels will look at first and second lieutenants, captains, and junior warrant officers assigned to Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, according to a MILPER message issued Wednesday by Army Human Resources Command. “Transitions will be based on needs of the Army in order to fill other aviation population shortages or Army requirements,” the bulletin said. The panels will be made up of a brigadier general, a former brigade commander, and senior warrant officers, according to the MILPER message. Those leaders will decide on retention or reclassification based on officer evaluations, “input on potential” from aviation leaders, and “demonstrated tactical aptitude” based on how far in the process warrant officers are for achieving “pilot in command” status, officials said. Along with assessing “potential,” the panel will also seek input from the officers themselves “to understand their career desires and determine if they have a skillset or interest outside of Aviation that would offer significant benefit to the Army,” Russell said. Soldiers who are transferred out of Army aviation will be able to use the Officer Rebranch Program & Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program. In 2024, under the rebranch program, Army Human Resources Command offered a roughly month-long window for infantry, armor, field artillery and engineering lieutenants to voluntarily transfer into “understrength” career fields like air defense, logistics, signal corps, information technology, engineering and space operations. “The effort to conduct the Aviation talent panel in an expeditious manner is with the intent of providing notification in sufficient time for our officers and warrant officers to consider these opportunities and submit applications,” Russell said. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-cuts-thousands-pilots/ This budget airline is abruptly abandoning its headquarters and ditching the whole region Here's why it is quietly walking away from its own grand plans. When Avelo Airlines launched in 2021, it made a bold bet: that travelers on the West Coast were hungry for cheap, no-frills flights from smaller airports like Burbank and Santa Rosa. The airline planted its flag in California, set up its headquarters in Burbank, and promised a new kind of convenience for underserved routes. Just four years later, it's walking away from the entire region. According to reporting from One Mile at a Time, Avelo will end all West Coast operations by early December 2025 — and shut down its Burbank base entirely. Customers trying to book flights beyond that window are finding nothing available, and the airline has confirmed via email that the headquarters is closing for good. It’s a stunning reversal for a brand that once claimed to be reinventing regional air travel. But rising labor costs, increased competition from legacy carriers, and a shift in consumer demand have made survival much tougher for smaller airlines. And Avelo’s recent pivot into controversial deportation flights for ICE may have further alienated West Coast passengers. The airline now appears to be betting its future on the East Coast, with growing operations in New Haven, Wilmington, and Raleigh. Whether that strategy helps it take off again — or marks the beginning of the end — remains to be seen. https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/this-budget-airline-is-abruptly-abandoning-its-headquarters-and-ditching-the-whole-region-201254794.html US tries to keep Russian airlines from getting their hands on sanctioned parts The issue arose after Washington lifted sanctions against Belavia, the main carrier of Russian ally Belarus. Although it will allow parts to be sold to Belavia, Washington is trying to block the carrier from flying to Russia — although such a limit may not be effective. BRUSSELS — The United States is trying to prevent Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia from opening the floodgate for crucial aviation spare parts to reach Russia's airlines. Although it will allow parts to be sold to Belavia, Washington is trying to block the carrier from flying to Russia — although such a limit may not be effective. The U.S.-Belarus deal was finalized Sept. 11 following the release of 52 political prisoners who had been detained by Minsk. The day after the announcement, however, the U.S. Department of Commerce wrote to Igor Nikolaevich Cherginets, the general director of Belavia, spelling out the conditions for regaining access to spare parts for its fleet of 16 aircraft, nine of which are Boeings. “This authorization does not permit flights to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, the Temporarily Occupied Crimea Region of Ukraine or the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic or Luhansk People’s Republic regions of Ukraine,” said the document, referring to the export of spare parts. The Belarusian airline did not immediately respond to a request for information from POLITICO regarding whether it will stop operating routes to and from Russia. However, on Sept. 15 Belavia announced a 50 percent discount on flights to St. Petersburg. The U.S. prohibition “is a pro forma note. There is no way to check what happens in [the] Russia+ customs union of which Belarus is a part,” said Elina Ribakova, leader of the international program at the Kyiv School of Economics and a fellow at the Brussels-based Bruegel think tank. Financial Services Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque recently recalled that “EU sanctions on Belarus prohibit EU operators from providing services." | Andrzej Iwanczuk/Getty Images “I see Belarus and Russia as fully cooperating states with fully porous borders,” she added. The risk that aircraft components manufactured in the U.S. might end up in the hands of Russian airlines — which are in dire need of maintenance and replacement parts following over three years of Western sanctions — has surged since Belarus announced that Washington was loosening sanctions on its flag carrier. EU-US rift The U.S. decision has also created a potential rift with the European Union. Financial Services Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque recently recalled that “EU sanctions on Belarus prohibit EU operators from providing services, like maintenance, and from making any other economic resources available to listed persons or entities, including Belavia.” EU countries “are responsible for implementation and enforcement of EU sanctions, including conducting investigations into potential non-compliance cases, including for sanctions circumvention,” Albuquerque added. The discrepancy between European and American sanctions on Belavia raises questions as to whether EU countries should prevent U.S. spare parts from transiting through their territory en route to Belarus. The European Commission did not respond to a request for comment on the issue. According to Ribakova, EU countries “definitely could” stop aircraft technology destined for Belavia, but “the issue is how to identify the shipment.” U.S.-made aircraft technology “might be stopping over in Brussels in the direction of Moldova, but in reality goes somewhere else.” She also warned that the various national authorities responsible for enforcing sanctions could treat such shipments differently. Boycott risk Ultimately, it will be up to U.S. manufacturers, including Boeing, to decide whether to sell their products to Belavia. Both Boeing and Airbus were asked if they would resume selling parts to the Belarusian carrier. Airbus, which has production facilities in the U.S., responded by saying the company is “committed to conducting its business ethically and in full compliance with all applicable international laws and sanctions.” “As a global company with operations in Europe and the United States, Airbus adheres to the export control regulations and sanctions regimes of the EU, its Member States, the United States and other relevant jurisdictions,” it added, guaranteeing “a thorough review” before each transaction. Boeing did not respond to a request for comment. https://www.politico.eu/article/us-donald-trump-belarus-belavia-russia-airlines-sanctions/ Saudi Arabia and US Set to Enhance Travel Experience with Boeing and FAA Aviation Collaboration The ambition of Saudi Arabia to become a global aviation hub by 2030 was given a major boost through a recent visit by a United States-bound delegation from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Chaired by Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, the delegation traveled to Washington DC and Charleston, South Carolina, to meet with top aviation leadership at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing. This visit is a further move to encourage closer cooperation in civil aviation, aircraft production, and green efforts, as part of Saudi Arabia’s overall Vision 2030. Strengthening Ties with the FAA and Boeing The Saudi delegation’s visit to the United States focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries in several crucial areas, including knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the localisation of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry. One of the key highlights of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GACA and Boeing at the company’s headquarters in Washington DC. This MoU covers critical areas such as sustainability and advanced air mobility, marking a milestone in the ongoing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Boeing. The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a leader in aviation innovation, ensuring that the Kingdom plays a prominent role in shaping the future of air travel. This is particularly important given the rapid growth of Saudi airlines, the record-breaking number of aircraft orders, and the Kingdom’s focus on integrating advanced technologies into its aviation sector. Boeing’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Future During the two-day visit, GACA’s delegation also toured Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner facility in Charleston, South Carolina. This facility is responsible for the production of the state-of-the-art Dreamliner, a crucial aircraft in the future of international air travel. By establishing a partnership with Boeing, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to benefit from cutting-edge air mobility technologies, which are expected to play a pivotal role in the future of aviation. The partnership with Boeing is part of a broader effort to create safer, smarter skies by introducing advanced air mobility solutions. These innovations include the development of unmanned aircraft systems and new technologies designed to improve air traffic management and operational efficiency. For Saudi Arabia, this collaboration represents a significant investment in the future of aviation, with the potential to enhance the passenger experience and improve air safety standards. FAA Collaboration on Training and Safety The visit also included meetings with the FAA’s Deputy Administrator, Chris Rocheleau, to discuss areas of mutual cooperation. Among the topics covered were the exchange of expertise in aviation safety, the development of specialised training programs for Saudi aircraft engineers and inspectors, and support for emerging technologies such as advanced air mobility. This collaboration aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s aviation safety and operational standards, ensuring that its aviation sector can meet global best practices. Saudi Arabia’s vision for a world-class aviation industry includes a focus on developing local expertise and creating a skilled workforce to support the Kingdom’s expanding aviation infrastructure. The partnership with the FAA is a vital part of this vision, as it will help improve training programs and ensure that Saudi aviation professionals are equipped with the skills needed to meet the challenges of the modern aviation industry. The Strategic Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Growth Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil by expanding other sectors, including aviation. As part of this vision, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its aviation infrastructure, with the goal of becoming a global logistics and industrial hub. The agreements made during this visit to the US align with these objectives, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the global aviation market. One of the primary aims of these collaborations is to attract quality international investments into Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. By creating an environment conducive to innovation and high standards, the Kingdom hopes to establish itself as a prime destination for international aviation partnerships, which will have long-lasting effects on the travel and tourism industry. How This Collaboration Benefits Tourists and Travellers For tourists and travellers, the strengthening of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ties with Boeing and the FAA means an enhanced travel experience, both domestically and internationally. With increased investment in aviation safety, sustainability, and efficiency, passengers can look forward to better services, faster travel times, and improved environmental sustainability in air travel. Additionally, as Saudi Arabia continues to develop its aviation infrastructure and attract international expertise, it will create a more robust and diverse travel network, making it easier for tourists to access destinations within the Kingdom and beyond. For travellers to Saudi Arabia, this means better connectivity, smoother airport operations, and a broader range of flight options. Looking Ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Role in Global Aviation The agreements signed during this visit are just the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a leading player in global aviation. With continued collaboration with major players like Boeing and the FAA, Saudi Arabia is laying the foundation for a future where it is at the forefront of aviation innovation and excellence. The Kingdom’s growing influence in the global aviation sector is expected to drive increased investments and create a more competitive travel and tourism landscape, benefiting both business and leisure travellers. In the coming years, travellers can expect to see more advanced technologies, improved services, and a focus on sustainability in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. This will make the Kingdom not only a key hub for international air travel but also a model for innovation and excellence in the aviation industry. A Bright Future for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Sector Saudi Arabia’s partnership with Boeing and the FAA marks a significant leap forward in the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a world aviation leader. Through emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and partnership with industry giants, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for a successful aviation industry that will serve passengers as well as the wider travel sector well. For tourists and travelers, it will translate into a future of more efficient, faster, and cleaner travel experiences. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/saudi-arabia-and-us-set-to-enhance-travel-experience-with-boeing-and-faa-aviation-collaboration/ Spirit Airlines tells pilots it wants to cut their pay and shave $100 million from their union deal A Spirit exec told its pilots' union it needs to save $100 million a year on their contract. If a deal isn't reached by October, Spirit could ask a bankruptcy court to reject the union contract. Spirit pilots' salaries range between $84,000 and upward of $270,000 based on current terms. Spirit Airlines bosses want to cut pilots' union-negotiated pay as it seeks to recover from its second bankruptcy filing in under a year. The airline needs to save $100 million a year on its collective bargaining agreement with pilots, Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis told the pilots' union in a Tuesday letter shared with Business Insider. He said Spirit "must achieve significant cost savings" to "secure the company's future." "Given the challenges we face, time is of the essence," he added. The letter proposed daily meetings with the Air Line Pilots Association, or ALPA, starting on Wednesday. If the two sides can't reach a deal by October 1, Spirit could ask the courts to change or reject the union contract, under a section of Chapter 11 bankruptcy law. How much are Spirit pilots paid? Airline pilots' pay varies depending on seniority. The contract, agreed in 2023, means first officers in their first year at Spirit make $97.15 an hour, while captains who have been there at least 12 years are paid $312 an hour. With a minimum monthly guarantee of 72 hours, that translates to annual salaries between roughly $84,000 and $270,000. With around 3,000 pilots, Spirit's proposed cuts suggest they could face salary cuts of about $30,000 on average. The value of seniority means long-serving employees could face a pay cut if they moved to another airline. Spirit offers the highest salaries of US budget carriers, although Delta, United, and American pay starting first officers over $100,000. The union's response Captain Ryan Muller, the chair of the Spirit ALPA union's master executive council, wrote to members on Tuesday and launched a survey to gather their thoughts on the negotiations. He said that past bankruptcy proceedings show there is "a significant advantage to reaching a consensual agreement" with the company, rather than letting the bankruptcy court impose terms. The news also prompted Spirit's flight attendants' union to write to its members on Wednesday. While the airline hadn't indicated it wanted to change its CBA, the union said it was "prepared for next steps management may take." "Again, this bankruptcy will be much more difficult than the last one," the letter added. Last month, Spirit filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year. It was previously under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection between November 2024 and March 2025. When Business Insider asked Spirit for comment on the proposed salary negotiations, the airline referred to CEO Dave Davis's Wednesday memo to staff. In that memo, Davis said Spirit would cut 25% of its flight capacity and meet with labor unions as part of its efforts to reduce costs. "Unfortunately, these are the tough calls we must make to emerge stronger," Davis said. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/spirit-airlines-tells-pilots-wants-113453675.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS · 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