Flight Safety Information - September 25, 2025 No. 192 In This Issue : Incident: KLM B738 at Amsterdam on Sep 21st 2025, bird strike : Incident: Qantas E190 near Darwin on Sep 22nd 2025, loss of cabin pressure : 24 September 2025 - Venezuela Government Learjet 55 accident 2 dead : First federal lawsuit over DC plane crash blames the airline, the FAA and the Army : Passenger jet runs off runway at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport : Russian aircraft damaged after contact with second plane on taxiway : Former Student Pilot Sentenced for Stealing Airplane : US opposes Russia’s return to ICAO council : Kazakhstan Unites With Qatar In Pushing Forward Aviation Excellence, Exploring New Opportunities For Training, Safety, And Air Traffic Growth : Boeing to relocate F/A-18 service life modification work out of St. Louis : Alaska Air CEO: Why now is the time to innovate for smarter air traffic control : Boeing delivers 777 jet to China's Suparna Airlines, first freighter delivery since trade war : US senator calls FAA's proposed $3.1 million Boeing fine inadequate : France's Dassault says can build European fighter jet without Germany : Calendar of Event Incident: KLM B738 at Amsterdam on Sep 21st 2025, bird strike A KLM Boeing 737-800, registration PH-BXO performing flight KL-1779 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Berlin (Germany), was climbing out of Amsterdam's runway 36L when the crew reported a bird strike into the #2 engine (CFM56) causing vibrations of the engine, levelled off at FL060 and returned to Amsterdam for a safe landing on runway 36R about 20 minutes after departure. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration PH-BCH reached Berlin with a delay of about 3 hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service on Sep 24rd 2025 about 72 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d879e4&opt=0 Incident: Qantas E190 near Darwin on Sep 22nd 2025, loss of cabin pressure A Qantas Embraer ERJ-190, registration VH-XVU performing flight QF-1889 from Darwin,NT to Cairns,QL (Australia), had just levelled off at FL310 out of Darwin when the crew initiated an emergency descent to FL100 due to the loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft returned to Darwin for a safe landing on runway 11 about 75 minutes after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 57 hours, then departed for a test flight but has not yet returned to service about 12 hours after landing of the test flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=52d87812&opt=0 24 September 2025 - Venezuela Government Learjet 55 accident 2 dead Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025 Time: 12:52 LT Type: Learjet 55 Owner/operator: Venezuela Government Registration: YV3440 MSN: 55-123 Fatalities: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 4 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Destroyed, written off Category: Accident Location: Caracas-Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS/SVMI) - Venezuela Phase: Take off Nature: Passenger Departure airport: Caracas-Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS/SVMI) Destination airport: Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A Learjet 55 overran runway 28L on takeoff from Caracas-Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), and burst into flames. The pilot and co-pilot perished and two occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/546723 First federal lawsuit over DC plane crash blames the airline, the FAA and the Army Family members of one of those killed on American Airlines Flight 5342 announced the first federal lawsuit filed Wednesday over the January midair collision between a regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington Reagan National Airport. The lawsuit filed in federal district court in Washington alleges "wrongful death and survival claims, jointly and severally" against American Airlines and PSA Airlines -- a regional carrier operating the flight for American -- as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army for what the suit calls their acts and omissions. "The crash of American Eagle 5342 was predictable, it was preventable and caused the needless loss of 67 lives on that fateful evening," Bob Clifford, one of the attorneys representing the families, said at a news conference. All 67 people on board Flight 5342 and the helicopter were killed when they collided as the jet approached Reagan National, marking the nation's first major commercial airline crash since 2009. The lawsuit states that the crash could have been prevented if the Army and FAA had done what they were supposed to and had the FAA not created an environment which allowed certain conditions to exist in the Reagan National airspace. "Knowing that there was massive congestion and these number of near-misses, we turned to the FAA and their responsibility to properly provide air traffic control that was not fully provided and properly provided on that evening," Clifford said. The lawsuit was also filed against American as the plaintiffs believe that despite having knowledge of the near-misses, the airline exposed its customers to the dangers and continued to seek more gates at the airport. "Operators of a motor vehicle can't run through a red light. Operators of a commercial aircraft cannot run through yellow lights, and they ran blatantly for years, many red lights here by allowing these planes to operate in the navigable space at DCA, knowing that there was massive congestion, that there was a massive intersection between military traffic regarding runways that were unique and required special training that they failed to provide to their pilots, the complaint against American is set out in a way that emphasizes their responsibility," Clifford said. Rachel Crafton, whose husband Casey was killed in the collision, said in a statement: "Because of systematic failures and reckless disregard for safety, his life, along with 66 others, was taken. Casey was betrayed by this system he trusted -- we all were. As his wife, I cannot stand by and allow his life to be lost in vain." Crafton's lawsuit is requesting a trial by jury and monetary damages from the airline and the U.S. government, with the compensation will be determined by a judge. The average time of a lawsuit of this nature is between two and three years, according to the lawyers. Brian Alexander, a partner with the law firm of Kreindler and Kreindler which is also representing the families, said the lawsuit is also against the air traffic controllers who failed to issue a safety alert to the passenger jet, advising it to change course and avoid the collision. "The primary duty of an air traffic controller is to separate traffic and to avoid midair collisions. In this particular case, they completely failed to meet that responsibility," Alexander said. In response to the lawsuit, American told ABC that the airline "has a strong track record of putting the safety of our customers and team members above everything else. We continue to support the ongoing NTSB investigation and will defend American and PSA Airlines against any legal action claiming the airline caused or contributed to this accident." The FAA said in a statement "Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones on that tragic January evening. Since the accident, [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy and the FAA have acted decisively to make the skies over our nation's capital safer. We will continue to work closely with the NTSB to ensure no family has to suffer this pain again." Army spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell said in a statement, "Out of respect for the deceased, their families, and the ongoing investigation, it is inappropriate for the Army to comment on litigation. Our primary focus remains on supporting the families and ensuring the safety of our Soldiers and the public. Please direct all inquiries on this matter to the Department of Justice." Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's Civil Division told ABC News in a statement, "While the Department of Justice does not typically comment on ongoing litigation, this lawsuit arises out of a local and national tragedy in which 67 people lost their lives right here in the Nation's capital. Our hearts continue to be with the families. The Department will pursue a just resolution of this matter that follows the facts, the law, and provides fair compensation to the victims of this tragedy." https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/first-federal-lawsuit-filed-over-174253363.html Passenger jet runs off runway at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport Virginia State Police say there were 53 people on board a passenger jet that ran off the end of a runway at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport Wednesday night. Troopers say they plane overshot the runway as it was landing and did not have enough room to stop before running off the end. It was brought to a halt by emergency stopping equipment. No injuries were reported and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate what happened. The airport says some runways are still closed this morning and passengers should check with their airline about potential delays. Original information: A United Airlines passenger jet ran off the end of a runway at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport Wednesday night. No one was injured, according to an announcement from the airport. United flight 4339 was landing at the airport just before 10:00pm when the incident happened. The flight had taken off from Dulles International Airport. The plane ended up in the "engineered materials arresting system on the end of runway 16-34," according to the airport. Passengers were transferred to the terminal by Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport staff and Roanoke City first responders. The airport's runways were closed for a time Wednesday night. United Airlines' website lists the aircraft type as an Embraer ERJ-145. https://www.wvtf.org/news/2025-09-24/passenger-jet-runs-off-runway-at-roanoke-blacksburg-airport Russian aircraft damaged after contact with second plane on taxiway Sept 25 (Reuters) - An aircraft belonging to the Russian airline Rossiya suffered damage to its tail after coming into contact with another plane on a taxiway at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Wednesday, Russian news agencies reported. The agencies said the aircraft, a Sukhoi Superjet, had been readying for takeoff to St Petersburg, Russia's second largest city, when the incident occurred on Wednesday evening. Passengers were taken off the plane and put on another aircraft. Unofficial Russian Telegram channels said the other plane involved in the collision was an Airbus 330 belonging to China's Air Hainan and bound for Beijing. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russian-aircraft-damaged-after-contact-with-second-plane-taxiway-2025-09-24/ Former Student Pilot Sentenced for Stealing Airplane Federal court hands sentence after ex-student pilot pleaded guilty in June for flying stolen airplane. A former student pilot was sentenced to more than a year in a federal prison on September 17, after flying a stolen airplane from Perry-Houston County Airport in Perry, Georgia. The former student pilot flew the aircraft, a Beechcraft Bonanza A-36, across multiple states. Rufus Crane pleaded guilty in June to one count of interstate transportation of a stolen aircraft, which could have carried up to a 10 year sentence and a maximum fine of $250,000. Cane’s sentencing will ultimately see him face three years of supervised release after he serves his one year and one day prison sentence. In addition to the prison sentence, Crane was ordered to pay $875 in restitution to the Perry-Houston County Airport, The Macon Telegraph reported. Prosecutors said Crane took the aircraft from the Perry airport on the night of May 3, 2024, and flew it to JAARS-Townsend Airport in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Court records show he turned off the aircraft’s transponder during the flight, helping to conceal its location, altitude and speed. Crane later stopped at a South Carolina airport for fuel before attempting to return to Perry. Fog prevented him from landing safely, and he diverted to Cochran Municipal Airport before eventually bringing the plane back to its hangar. https://avweb.com/aviation-news/pilot-sentenced-flying-stolen-airplane/ US opposes Russia’s return to ICAO council The United States is pushing back against Russia’s effort to rejoin the governing council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as delegates meet this week in Montreal. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Moscow’s behavior in the skies makes it unfit to help set global aviation rules, citing GPS spoofing, repeated airspace violations, and safety concerns tied to sanctions. Russia lost its ICAO council seat in 2022, shortly after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Regaining a place on the council would give Moscow influence over international aviation standards, certification rules, and safety oversight. That prospect has drawn opposition from the US and several European governments, which argue that Russia continues to violate the very norms ICAO is meant to uphold. Russia, for its part, has used the Montreal gathering to press for an easing of aviation sanctions. In documents submitted to ICAO, Moscow argued that restrictions on spare parts, maintenance, and insurance for Western-built aircraft pose risks to safety. Russian airlines still operate hundreds of Boeing and Airbus jets that require parts and service from outside suppliers. Reuters reported that Russian officials claim these bans force operators to ground aircraft or scavenge parts, raising the stakes for flight safety. The push for sanctions relief reflects the impact of the restrictions on Russia’s aviation sector. With overflight bans in Europe and North America, Russian airlines have been forced to reroute flights, burn more fuel, and rely increasingly on domestically produced equipment. At the same time, loss of access to original parts and certified maintenance has cast doubt on the long-term airworthiness of Russia’s fleet. The US rejection of Russia’s bid comes just days after President Donald Trump delivered a strikingly tough message at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a speech that drew wide attention, Trump said he believes Ukraine can win its war with Russia and reclaim all of its territory. He criticized European dependence on Russian energy and described Moscow as a destabilizing force. The remarks marked a clear shift from earlier ambiguity and appeared to signal that Washington is prepared to toughen its stance toward the Kremlin. Trump went further when asked if NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace. He answered yes, underscoring a more aggressive posture toward Moscow and connecting military responses directly to the aviation dispute unfolding in Montreal. According to Reuters, European countries have also opposed Russia’s candidacy, pointing to its continued aggression and a string of violations of international aviation law. The EU has argued that giving Russia a seat on the ICAO council would undermine the credibility of the body and weaken the enforcement of safety standards. The ICAO assembly is scheduled to vote on new council members later this week in Montreal. The outcome will determine whether Russia regains a seat or remains excluded, a decision that will shape its role in international aviation at a time when sanctions continue to weigh heavily on its airlines. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/us-opposes-russia-icao-council-return Kazakhstan Unites With Qatar In Pushing Forward Aviation Excellence, Exploring New Opportunities For Training, Safety, And Air Traffic Growth Training, Safety, Kazakhstan unites with Qatar in strengthening civil aviation cooperation, as both nations aim to enhance aviation safety, expand flight connectivity, and improve personnel training. This partnership arrives on time, aiming to strengthen air traffic control, nurture work opportunities in the aviation sector, and help both nations match the rising demand for air travel. It also improves the effectiveness of airway communications to and from Kazakhstan and Qatar, thereby supporting the development of new direct air routes. It is certainly another leap forward for aviation interconnectivity on the global stage. During the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, a key meeting took place between the head of Kazakhstan’s delegation, Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport, and Mohammed bin Faleh Al-Hajri, the head of Qatar’s delegation and President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. This important discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations in the civil aviation sector, covering vital areas such as flight safety, aviation security, personnel training, and air connectivity. The dialogue underscored the growing interest from both sides in bolstering collaboration in various facets of civil aviation. One of the primary points of discussion was the strengthening of aviation safety protocols, a crucial area for both countries as they work to ensure secure and efficient air travel operations. The leaders also explored avenues to enhance aviation security, particularly in light of increasing global concerns over safety in the aviation industry. A significant highlight of the meeting was the focus on personnel development. Both Kazakhstan and Qatar have recognized the importance of nurturing skilled professionals in air traffic management and other critical sectors of aviation. The exchange of expertise and best practices in aeronautical training emerged as a central theme, as both parties expressed interest in creating more robust frameworks for educating and upskilling aviation personnel. These efforts aim to foster a new generation of experts who are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the aviation industry, ensuring operational efficiency and safety. In terms of connectivity, both Kazakhstan and Qatar are keen to expand their air traffic operations. Currently, the two countries have an agreement allowing airlines to operate up to 38 flights per week between them. This includes 14 weekly flights between Astana and Doha, 14 weekly flights between Almaty and Doha, and 10 cargo flights each week. Additionally, under Kazakhstan’s “open skies” policy, airlines are granted the right to utilize fifth freedom traffic rights, allowing for further expansion of flight options between both nations. Kazakhstan’s flagship carriers, including Air Astana and SCAT, alongside Qatar Airways, already operate 13 regular and 7 non-scheduled flights each week. This robust air service network fosters stronger economic ties and tourism flows between the two countries, further solidifying their partnership in the aviation sector. Beyond the operational aspects, the meeting also focused on broader regional cooperation. Both countries see the potential for mutual growth through closer alignment in civil aviation regulation and policy. The two nations are particularly interested in ensuring that their civil aviation systems remain at the forefront of global developments, particularly as they prepare for future challenges and opportunities in the aviation space. Another critical aspect discussed was Qatar’s bid for re-election to Group III of the ICAO Council, a body that represents nations through a geographical representation system. This development is significant not only for Qatar but also for Kazakhstan, as the two countries seek to align their strategies within the international aviation community. Being part of the ICAO Council provides member nations with a platform to influence key decisions related to global aviation standards, safety protocols, and policy development. The ICAO Assembly, where this meeting took place, serves as a vital platform for member states to come together, share insights, and build partnerships that drive forward the development of the global aviation industry. For Kazakhstan and Qatar, the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly marked a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to expand their civil aviation relationship, with both nations expressing a strong commitment to working together to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world. Looking ahead, the enhanced cooperation between Kazakhstan and Qatar is expected to contribute significantly to the development of both nations’ aviation sectors. By focusing on areas such as safety, security, personnel training, and increased flight connectivity, both countries are laying the groundwork for a future where air travel between Kazakhstan and Qatar is not only more frequent but also safer and more efficient. Kazakhstan unites with Qatar in strengthening civil aviation cooperation to improve flight safety, increase connectivity, and enhance personnel training. This partnership aims to support the growing demand for air travel and foster a skilled aviation workforce. The meeting between Kazakhstan and Qatar at the ICAO Assembly is a strong testament to the growing aviation ties between the two nations. As they continue to collaborate on a range of issues from flight operations to workforce development, the partnership between Kazakhstan and Qatar promises to be a model for other countries seeking to strengthen their civil aviation sectors in the coming years. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/kazakhstan-unites-with-qatar-in-pushing-forward-aviation-excellence-exploring-new-opportunities-for-training-safety-and-air-traffic-growth/ Boeing to relocate F/A-18 service life modification work out of St. Louis (Reuters) -Boeing will relocate F/A-18 fighter jet's service life modification (SLM) work out of the St. Louis region to support expansion for future programs at its facilities, the jetmaker said on Wednesday. SLM refers to engineering upgrades and overhauls performed on an aircraft to extend its operational lifespan beyond the original design limits. The program will be relocated starting in 2026 with all St. Louis-based work ending in 2027, Boeing said. The relocation will enable the company to free up critical space and resources to support next-generation platforms. "Our expansion plans across the St. Louis site triggered the execution of a multi-year strategic plan, requiring the relocation of some work," said Dan Gillian, a senior St. Louis site executive. Boeing's facilities in the area are a home to the F-15EX fighter jet, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, and the MQ-25 unmanned refueling aircraft. Additionally, the site supports production of JDAMs and other precision-guided munitions. In March, the U.S. Air Force also picked Boeing to design and build the F-47, a sixth-generation fighter jet. Current St. Louis SLM team members will support these programs, the company said. The planemaker is weighing several potential sites for the work transfer, with case studies underway at its San Antonio and Jacksonville facilities. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-relocate-f-18-life-161316106.html Alaska Air CEO: Why now is the time to innovate for smarter air traffic control America’s airspace is the safest and strongest in the world, thanks to the incredible people who manage it every day and keep nearly one billion annual passengers moving safely around our country. As impressive as this system is, now is the time for step-change improvements to benefit all Americans. This is a shared imperative across the aviation ecosystem, and I’ve never felt more confident in the leadership driving this transformation. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford are pursuing bold, urgent and collaborative action. People choose to fly because time matters. My neighbor in seat 23C isn’t looking to spend any more time than necessary on board. Yet as demand for air travel grows, traffic congestion in the system has led to longer gate-to-gate travel times. Flights are scheduled about 20 minutes longer today than in the 1980s on the same routes. There’s a real economic impact for everyone. That’s why bold action is needed. By adopting cutting-edge technology across the ATC system, we can increase efficiency and create capacity for growth. Travelers will spend less time waiting through delays and sitting on taxiways. Operators will be more efficient. Airlines will fly more reliably and save fuel. More air traffic controllers will be better equipped and their job will be easier. Communities will gain more predictable access to essential services. This is about connecting people and strengthening our national infrastructure to reflect the best of American innovation. The $12.5 billion authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a crucial down payment. To meaningfully improve the experience for travelers and strengthen our aviation infrastructure, we must continue to think bigger and move faster, especially by embracing proven technology and fostering industry-wide cooperation. The tools already exist. Let’s use them As a mechanical engineer with 30 years in aviation, I’m obsessed with optimizing systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and the guest experience. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines bring a rare full-spectrum view of the national airspace. We fly it all, from the busiest hubs at LAX and JFK to remote communities like Utqiagvik on Alaska’s Arctic coast and Pago Pago in American Samoa. Operating in extreme environments has driven us to innovate pioneering solutions that were later adopted industrywide. In the 1990s, our pilots developed Required Navigation Performance (RNP) to overcome terrain and weather challenges in Juneau. Together with the FAA, we reduced missed approaches by 75% and dramatically improved reliability for people who depend on us. RNP is a high-fidelity version of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), which is used globally but remains underutilized in the U.S. We also use AI to help dispatchers and pilots choose the best routes. These tools save fuel, shorten flight times and improve on-time performance. One system we use, “Flyways AI” by Airspace Intelligence, constantly analyzes weather, traffic and other factors to recommend the most efficient path. Another tool, Assaia, helps improve aircraft ground turns at the gate. In 2024 alone, we saved 6.4 million gallons of fuel through operational efficiencies. These are just some examples, but let’s ask some bigger questions: What if the FAA leveraged existing technology on modern aircraft AND used software that could optimize the flow of aircraft across the whole system, across all airlines and operators? And what if we harnessed the latest AI and machine learning technology? What if the time you spend travelling in seat 23C from SEA to JFK is shorter with minimal time on the ramp and taxiways? If we introduced better data and technology into flow management systems, we could improve efficiency, evolve separation rules, burn less fuel and increase capacity, all while maintaining safety as our highest priority. It’s time for bold, concurrent actions: Set clear goals, like reducing flight times. Fix the basics, from staffing to weather-related infrastructure in rural areas. Embrace and foster proven tech to optimize air traffic flow. Foster collaboration across government, industry and labor. Complexity demands concurrent and timely action Let’s fix what’s needed today — physical infrastructure, communications systems, and staffing — while also creating a dramatic evolution in how we manage air traffic. Modern aircraft can fly precise routes and arrive at exact times. Commercial airlines are already using real-time data tools and artificial intelligence to optimize flight planning. Our ATC system should be able to fully leverage these advancements. It would be easy for government and industry to miss this moment of transformation, given the monumental nature of the task at hand to fix the fundamentals. Let’s not allow that to happen. Instead, as a country, let’s simultaneously leverage technology to rapidly optimize the efficiency, capacity and safety of our skies. Modernizing ATC isn’t just about moving airplanes. It’s about reclaiming time and building infrastructure that serves everyone, everywhere. The right tools exist and the right leaders are in place. Let’s step up and meet the moment. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/alaska-air-ceo-why-now-123000121.html Boeing delivers 777 jet to China's Suparna Airlines, first freighter delivery since trade war BEIJING (Reuters) -Boeing delivered on Wednesday the first of two 777 freighters ordered by China's Suparna Airlines, the U.S. planemaker said on Thursday via its official WeChat account. It marks the first new-build freighter handed to a Chinese carrier since the U.S.-China tariff war began. Nearly 60 Boeing 777 freighters are already flying at six Chinese carriers, the planemaker says. Beijing blocked Boeing jet deliveries in retaliation for tariffs the United States imposed on China earlier this year. That restriction was later eased after Washington and Beijing struck a temporary tariff truce. On Tuesday, a group of U.S. lawmakers on a rare visit to Beijing said that they had raised a deal with top Chinese leaders which would see China commit to buy more Boeing jets. Boeing is in talks to sell as many as 500 jets to China, Bloomberg reported last month. That would represent a major breakthrough for the company in the world's second-largest aviation market, where orders have stalled amid the trade tensions. Asked about fresh purchases of Boeing jets on Thursday, China's Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong told reporters in Beijing that "unilateral U.S. restrictive measures" remained the biggest barrier to normal trade cooperation. They said they raised the prospect with top Chinese leaders for Beijing to commit to buy more Boeing jets. Bloomberg reported last month the U.S. planemaker is in talks to sell as many as 500 jets to China. It would be a major breakthrough for the company in the world's second-largest aviation market. Orders have stalled in China due to trade tensions with Washington. Advertisement U.S. Democratic representative Adam Smith is part of the bipartisan delegation. “It's been a while since Boeing airplanes have been sold here in China. We'd like to get that deal done. And I think that's all across the United States, not just those of us from the state of Washington. It's a good company, good product. Hope to get back to them selling airplanes to China.” The visit began Sunday, and marks the first House of Representatives delegation to China in six years. It follows a Friday conversation between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. That as the world's two largest economies look to improve relations beyond their current tariff truce. The U.S. Ambassador to China David Purdue said he thought negotiations over the Boeing deal had entered their last days or weeks. Boeing is one of the largest U.S. exporters and historically sent around a quarter of its planes to China. Though it has not secured a major Chinese purchase since Trump's first term in office. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/boeing-handed-777-freighter-chinas-084649657.html US senator calls FAA's proposed $3.1 million Boeing fine inadequate WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said the Federal Aviation Administration's proposed $3.1 million fine against Boeing for a series of safety violations is inadequate and wants the agency to explain how it calculated the penalty. "For Boeing, such fines are easily absorbed as the cost of doing business, not a meaningful deterrent to dangerous behavior," Blumenthal wrote in a letter sent on Tuesday and released on Wednesday to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, an appointee of Republican President Donald Trump. "Unless penalties rise to the level that forces the company to invest in real safety reforms, the risks to the flying public will persist." The FAA and Boeing did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Blumenthal is the top Democrat on a Senate committee that has investigated Boeing safety issues and chaired the panel when it looked into a January 2024 mid-air cabin blowout incident involving a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX airplane. The panel under Blumenthal released a report showing that Boeing whistleblowers had raised significant concerns about the company's manufacturing processes. The FAA said it found hundreds of quality system violations at the planemaker's 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and the 737 fuselage factory of Boeing subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas, from September 2023 through February 2024. "If there was discretion in how penalties were calculated - or if reductions are likely to follow - then the FAA risks sending the message that systemic safety violations carry no serious consequences," Blumenthal wrote. The Alaska Airlines incident, which involved a 737 MAX that was found to have been missing four key bolts, damaged Boeing's reputation and led to a grounding of the MAX 9 for two weeks and a production cap of 38 planes per month by the FAA that remains in place. The FAA also has said Boeing presented two unairworthy aircraft to the agency for approval. The FAA found that a Boeing employee pressured a co-worker who was performing tasks on behalf of the FAA to sign off on a 737 MAX so the company could meet its delivery schedule despite the fact the co-worker had determined that the aircraft did not comply with regulatory standards. The Alaska Airlines incident prompted the U.S. Justice Department under Trump's Democratic predecessor Joe Biden to open a criminal investigation and declare that Boeing was not in compliance with a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement made after the company had misled the FAA during the 737 MAX regulatory certification process. "The public deserves confidence that fines are not token gestures, but real enforcement tools," Blumenthal wrote. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/faas-proposed-3-1-million-133052297.html France's Dassault says can build European fighter jet without Germany The head of French defence company Dassault said on Tuesday his firm was capable of building the future European fighter jet by itself as tensions persist with Germany over the multi-billion-euro project. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an inauguration ceremony for a new factory, Eric Trappier also said he was happy for Germans to go it alone. "The answer is yes," Trappier said when asked whether Dassault, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, could build a sixth-generation fighter jet on its own. "I don't mind if the Germans are complaining," he added. "If they want to do it on their own, let them do it on their own," he said. Launched in 2017 to replace France's Rafale jets and the Eurofighter planes used by Germany and Spain, the multinational Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet programme is being jointly developed by Paris, Berlin and Madrid. However, the project has been stalled by tension between the main industrial partners, France's Dassault and Airbus, which represents German and Spanish interests. In late August, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius urged France to break the impasse, saying: "The project cannot tolerate any more delay." Trappier said his company was "completely open" to cooperation, including with Germany, but stressed that France could also go it alone. "Here, we know how to do it," Trappier said at the ceremony in the northwestern town of Cergy-Pontoise. "We know how to do everything from A to Z. We have proven this over the past 70 years. We have the skills." During a visit to Madrid last week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany and Spain wanted to try to reach a solution on the fighter jet project by the end of 2025. "We share the same view: the current situation is not satisfactory, we are not making progress on this project," Merz told reporters in Madrid. Representatives of Germany, France and Spain are to meet in Berlin in October to try to unlock differences over the project, which aims to enhance the continent's defence autonomy at a time of heightened tensions with Russia. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/frances-dassault-says-build-european-122533923.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