Flight Safety Information  - December 18, 2025    No. 251
 

In This Issue

: Incident: Jet2 B738 near Faro on Dec 17th 2025, engine problem

: IIncident: THY A333 at Colombo on Dec 16th 2025, gear problem on departure

: Incident: Alaska B737 near Sitka on Dec 15th 2025, lightning strike

: Army and FAA admit failures in deadly mid-air crash at DC's Reagan National Airport

: Second Near Miss As Jet And US Army Aircraft Nearly Collide In Caribbean

: Cirrus Delivers 11,000th SR Series Aircraft

: Airbus A320neo fuselage panel defect confirmed on in-service aircraft as EASA proposes inspections

: Air Force to Buy Lufthansa 747s for Presidential Airlift

: TAP Air Portugal recognised as leader in Flight Data Monitoring

: China Airlines orders five more Airbus A350-1000s

: FAA lost hundreds of air traffic controller trainees during shutdown

: American Jet International Selects JDA for Part 135 Certification Support

: Calendar of Events


 


 


Incident: Jet2 B738 near Faro on Dec 17th 2025, engine problem

A Jet2.com Boeing 737-800, registration G-DRTW performing flight LS-1451 from London Stansted,EN (UK) to Fuerteventura,CI (Spain), was enroute at FL370 about 160nm north of Faro (Portugal) when the crew decided to divert to Faro due to a problem with the left hand engine (CFM56). The aircraft landed safely on Faro's runway 10 about 35 minutes later.

A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration G-DRTV reached Fuerteventura with a delay of about 5.5 hours.

The airline reported an irregular indication, a replacement aircraft was dispatched to Faro.

https://avherald.com/h?article=531525e0&opt=0

 


 


 


Incident: THY A333 at Colombo on Dec 16th 2025, gear problem on departure

A THY Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration TC-JNZ performing flight TK-733 from Colombo (Sri Lanka) to Istanbul (Turkey) with 202 passengers and 10 crew, was climbing out of Colombo's runway 22 when the crew stopped the climb at 6000 feet due to problems with the landing gear. The aircraft entered a hold to burn off fuel and landed safely back on Colombo's runway 22 about 2.5 hours after departure. The passengers were taken to hotels.

The aircraft remained on the ground for about 20 hours, then departed again and is currently enroute to Istanbul.

https://avherald.com/h?article=531520f2&opt=0

 






Incident: Alaska B737 near Sitka on Dec 15th 2025, lightning strike

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-700, registration N644AS performing flight AS-62 from Juneau,AK to Sitka,AK (USA), was descending towards Sitka when the aircraft received a lightning strike. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 11.

The aircraft was unable to continue its schedule to Ketchikan and Seattle, the sectors were cancelled.

The aircraft positioned to Seattle after about 3 hours on the ground and is still on the ground in Seattle about 37 hours after landing in Seattle.

The FAA reported (erroneously providing Dec 16th as occurrence date, when the aircraft was on the ground in Seattle): "AIRCRAFT WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING DAMAGING A WINGLET, SITKA, AK.", the damage was minor.

https://avherald.com/h?article=5315163c&opt=0

 






Army and FAA admit failures in deadly mid-air crash at DC's Reagan National Airport

The U.S. government has conceded failures on the part of pilots and an air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport that led to the deadly mid-air crash over the Potomac River in January that took the lives of 67 people, according to a new court filing.

The admission by attorneys with the Justice Department was filed on Wednesday in response to a civil suit brought by the family of a passenger killed on the Jan. 29 American Airlines flight from Wichita.

Deadly DC plane crash was years in the making, air traffic manager tells NTSB

The regional jet and Black Hawk helicopter both crashed into the icy Potomac River after colliding in midair, launching an overnight search and rescue mission, with no survivors found.

Sixty-four people were on the plane and three Army soldiers were aboard the helicopter, which was on a training flight at the time, officials said.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images - PHOTO: A large portion of the damaged plane fuselage is lifted from the Potomac River during recovery efforts after the American Airlines crash, Feb. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Va.

"As detailed herein, the Defendants’ collective failures caused the mid-air collision that resulted in the senseless and tragic deaths of 67 individuals," the filing says. "Prior to, and on the night of the mid-air collision, the Defendants knew, or should have known, that AE5342 was transiting one of the busiest airspaces in the United States, and they knew, or should have known, that the airport approaches, and the airspace in the vicinity of Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (“DCA”), presented certain safety risks, specifically including the possibility of a mid-air collision."

The filing says that among the factors known to the military was that there had been "a substantial number of 'near miss' events in and around DCA, which were required to be analyzed to ensure that a mid-air collision did not occur and required Defendants to exercise vigilance when operating and/or controlling aircraft in the vicinity of DCA."

NTSB chair blasts FAA over deadly DC crash: 'Are you kidding me? 67 people are dead'

"Because of Defendants’ collective failure to analyze the data and information at their disposal, and due to their failure to operate and/or control aircraft with the highest degree of safety, this mid-air collision was, tragically, an accident waiting to happen," the government said.

“The United States admits that it owed a duty of care to Plaintiffs, which it breached,” the government added.

An attorney for one of the plaintiffs in the case, Rachel Crafton, said in a statement, "These families remain deeply saddened and anchored in the grief caused by this tragic loss of life."

"We continue to investigate this matter to ensure all parties at fault are held accountable, and we await additional findings from the NTSB in an anticipated January 26 hearing on this matter in Washington, D.C,” attorney Robert A. Clifford said.

The NTSB is expected to release its final report with the probable cause and its recommendations by the anniversary of the crash on Jan. 29, 2026.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/army-faa-admit-failures-deadly-001237702.html

 






Second Near Miss As Jet And US Army Aircraft Nearly Collide In Caribbean

A private jet narrowly avoided a collision with a United States Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela on Saturday (December 14), marking the second such incident in two days. The pilots of a Falcon 900EX business jet, traveling from Aruba to Miami, reported the near collision to air traffic control in Curaçao shortly after the incident. They described the encounter at approximately 26,000 feet, saying, "We were climbing right into him."

This incident follows a similar close call on Friday (December 13), when a JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York had to halt its ascent to avoid the same type of military aircraft. The JetBlue pilot reported that the Air Force tanker crossed directly in front of their flight path without its transponder turned on, which is an electronic device that helps track aircraft positions. The pilot expressed frustration, calling the situation "outrageous."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a warning last month, advising U.S. airlines to exercise caution due to increased military activity near Venezuela. This advisory was repeated on Tuesday (December 17), highlighting potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes. Several airlines have responded by canceling flights to and from Venezuela. The investigation into these near collisions is ongoing, and authorities are gathering more information to prevent future incidents.

The U.S. Southern Command is reviewing both incidents, emphasizing that safety is a top priority.

https://1061kissfm.iheart.com/content/2025-12-17-second-near-miss-as-jet-and-us-army-aircraft-nearly-collide-in-caribbean/






 


Cirrus Delivers 11,000th SR Series Aircraft

DULUTH, Minn. & KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cirrus today delivered its 11,000th SR Series aircraft, a testament to the company’s innovation, safety, quality and service. The latest model, SR Series G7+, features Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, the world’s first FAA-certified autonomous emergency landing system in a single-engine piston. The SR Series product line (SR20, SR22 and SR22T) was first delivered in 1999 and has been the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft for over two decades. The SR Series captivates experienced pilots, student pilots and people new to aviation because the Cirrus design philosophy is centered around innovation, safety and approachability. From its award-winning safety features to its concierge aircraft ownership pathway, Cirrus is the Personal Aviation™ aircraft manufacturer of choice.

"Delivering 11,000 SR Series aircraft is an incredible milestone for Cirrus,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “Cirrus is the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, and our aircraft feature cutting-edge innovations including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS™), Perspective Touch+™ avionics and Safe Return Emergency Autoland, which continue to raise the industry benchmark and keep people flying with confidence.”

11,000th SR Series Exclusive Design

The one-of-one, 11,000th SR Series aircraft showcases an exclusive, bold design to commemorate the milestone. Crafted by the Cirrus Xi™ Design Studio, the inspiration for the 11,000th aircraft draws from forward-looking trends, the art of movement, and elevated luxurious colors and materials. The design is a combination of elegance, sportiness and thoughtful details celebrating 11,000 aircraft deliveries with the number eleven on the fuselage, tail and inside the cabin. The dark green ‘Monteverde’ paint is unmistakable on the ramp making the number eleven standout. Premium materials in ‘Vision Green’, ‘Concrete’ Alcantara® and matte carbon fiber create a sophisticated, comfortable cabin.

SR Series G7+ Innovations

New for 2025, the SR Series G7+ aircraft features Safe Return Emergency Autoland as standard equipment. In the event of an emergency, anyone in the cabin can activate Safe Return Emergency Autoland with the touch of a button. Once engaged, sophisticated sensors and algorithms navigate the aircraft to a nearby suitable airport and autonomously land the aircraft. This advancement in aviation safety provides pilots and passengers with an automated emergency landing option in the event of pilot incapacitation or a similar in-flight emergency.

Automatic Database Updates powered by Cirrus IQ™ PRO allow owners to receive automatic avionics database updates via Wi-Fi® or LTE® to ensure the most current and accurate data for navigation. These updates can occur while the aircraft is powered off, and the owner is away from the aircraft. When the aircraft is powered up, essential databases are automatically synchronized across compatible avionics.

Runway Occupancy Awareness leverages ADS-B traffic data to predict and alert pilots of potential runway incursions from nearby airborne aircraft or other aircraft on or approaching the runway. Visual and aural alerts are provided on the pilot’s primary flight display and 3D SafeTaxi™ map to maximize situational awareness, a safety feature that is especially useful at busy airports.

Smart Pitot Heat is enabled by systems integration through Perspective Touch+ to reduce pilot workload and automate the flying experience. The system performs a self-test before every flight and automatically turns on or off in flight depending on outside air temperatures, making it one less system to manage.

Live the Cirrus Life™

The SR Series opens doors to new opportunities and invites you to travel for business or leisure at the convenience of your schedule. With Personal Aviation, you eliminate the stressors and roadblocks making travel and flying your own aircraft enjoyable. The Cirrus Life empowers you to embrace travel and make lifetime memories with friends and family. Walk up to your aircraft and take flight within minutes – your next adventure awaits.

Learn more about the SR Series at cirrusaircraft.com/aircraft/sr-series.

About Cirrus

Cirrus is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS™) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft is 19 million hours, and 280 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217911386/en/Cirrus-Delivers-11000th-SR-Series-Aircraft

 






Airbus A320neo fuselage panel defect confirmed on in-service aircraft as EASA proposes inspections

EASA has taken its first formal regulatory step on an Airbus A320neo fuselage panel quality issue, confirming that some aircraft already in service may be affected, not just jets still on the production line.

EASA has confirmed that a manufacturing defect in forward fuselage skin panels may be present on some in-service Airbus A320neo family aircraft, following earlier indications that Airbus was grappling with an issue affecting in-production jets.

Today, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published a Proposed Airworthiness Directive (PAD) that, if adopted, would require inspections on a defined subset of the Airbus A320neo fleet.

Just weeks ago, Airbus insiders disclosed that the manufacturer was working through an issue with the fuselages of some in-production A320neo family aircraft. However, at the time, sources told Reuters that “there are no immediate indications that the defect has reached aircraft in service.”

EASA calls for inspections of Airbus A320neo aircraft fuselage panels
Under the proposed directive, EASA would require thickness measurements and structural inspections of certain forward fuselage skin panels on affected A319neo, A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

Operators would be expected to complete thickness mapping within months of the AD becoming effective, with accelerated checks proposed for aircraft that already carry certain temporary structural repairs.

The proposal does not apply to the A320neo family as a single block, but instead adopts a highly targeted, traceability-based approach. Rather than defining applicability by aircraft type or production year, EASA limits the scope to individual aircraft built with specific forward fuselage skin panels supplied during the affected production window.

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo airplane at Las Vegas Airport in the United States
Photo: Stock.adobe.com
Those aircraft are identified by manufacturer serial number in Airbus documentation referenced by the directive, rather than in the PAD itself, meaning operators would need to confirm applicability aircraft by aircraft should the AD be finalised.

The inspections focus on skin panels installed in the forward fuselage, known as Section 12, an area of the airframe subject to repeated pressurisation cycles and therefore tightly controlled from a structural perspective. The underlying concern is that some panels may not meet the original thickness specification, potentially reducing the margin available to absorb fatigue loads over time.

How EASA splits the affected Airbus A320neo fleet

EASA further divides the affected aircraft into two groups based on their structural history.

Group 1 aircraft are those that already carry approved structural repairs in the same forward fuselage area. These repairs are typically classified as Category C tasks under the Structural Repair Manual, or repairs embodied under Airbus Repair Design Approval Forms.

Category C repairs are temporary but approved solutions, commonly used to address localised damage such as dents or minor skin defects, and are a routine part of airline maintenance.

On their own, such repairs are structurally sound. However, EASA’s concern is the combination of a repaired structure with a panel that may already be thinner than intended. In that scenario, load paths can be altered, and structural margins reduced more than originally accounted for in certification assumptions.

Because of this compounding effect, aircraft with existing repairs would be subject to shorter inspection timelines and early reporting requirements, allowing Airbus and the regulator to better understand the interaction between panel thickness and repaired structure.

Aircraft without any repairs in the affected area are placed in Group 2. These aircraft would still undergo thickness measurements and inspections, but on a longer proposed timeline, reflecting the assumption of higher remaining structural margin.

Until inspections are completed, the PAD also proposes restrictions on the use of certain additional repair tasks on the affected panels. This would prevent operators from stacking new repairs onto structure whose baseline thickness has not yet been verified.

Taken together, the approach reflects regulatory caution rather than evidence of an immediate safety issue. By gathering inspection data and controlling how repaired structure is managed in the interim, EASA is seeking to preserve structural margins while assessing whether further corrective actions, such as permanent repairs or part replacements, may be required.

EASA explicitly describes the proposal as an interim action, signalling that additional inspections or wider corrective measures could follow once sufficient data has been collected.

How many Airbus A320neos are affected by the fuselage defect?
According to Reuters reporting summarising the PAD’s proposed scope, 177 in-service A320neo family aircraft would fall under the inspection requirement, alongside a further 451 aircraft still in production that would need checks before delivery.

Earlier industry presentations seen by media suggested that around 628 airframes in total may need verification, including roughly 168 already delivered and the remainder at various stages of assembly.

As of late 2025, Airbus has delivered more than 4,200 A320neo family aircraft worldwide, making the type a central pillar of global narrowbody fleets.

Even allowing for uncertainty around active service status, the 177 in-service aircraft identified represent around 4% of delivered A320neo family jets, underlining that this is a targeted issue affecting a small subset of the fleet, rather than a type-wide structural defect.

EASA is also concerned about Airbus A320neo pressurisation
The PAD also proposes operational restrictions linked to pressurisation system redundancy. In practical terms, EASA would discourage dispatch of affected aircraft if the automatic cabin pressure control system’s primary channel is inoperative, until panel inspections are completed.

This reflects standard risk-mitigation practice rather than evidence of imminent structural failure. Pressurisation cycles impose loads on fuselage skin structures, and maintaining full redundancy reduces the range of load scenarios experienced while structural integrity is being verified.

Neither Airbus nor EASA has linked the panel issue to any in-service accidents or loss of structural integrity resulting in injury. The proposed directive reflects a precautionary approach typically taken when production deviations are discovered post-delivery and require confirmation through inspection.

Airbus A320neo production rate increase is challenged again
The panel issue and the associated inspection activity have contributed to production disruption and Airbus’s decision to lower its 2025 delivery target from around 820 aircraft to approximately 790.

Initial disclosure of the A320neo panel defect came just days after Airbus had to rapidly roll back a software update after it caused a JetBlue aircraft to suffer an unexpected plunge. The aircraft model continues to suffer from supply chain issues linked to Pratt & Whitney’s major GTF engine recall. The engine type has also had cold weather restrictions placed on it in recent months.

The A320 family nonetheless remains central to Airbus’s long-term ramp-up strategy, with the manufacturer targeting a production rate of 75 aircraft per month by 2027, supported by multiple global final assembly lines.

While inspections introduce additional work ahead of delivery and affect flow through final assembly, Airbus has described its response as conservative but controlled, and has stated that fuselage panels now leaving suppliers meet all required specifications.

https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/airbus-a320neo-fuselage-panel-defect-easa-proposed-inspections/

 






Air Force to Buy Lufthansa 747s for Presidential Airlift

Branch expects to pay $400 million for the aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force plans to buy two Boeing 747-8i aircraft from German carrier Lufthansa to support its presidential airlift program.

According to a Reuters report, the Air Force will use the jets for training and as a source of spare parts for two other 747-8is being modified by Boeing to serve as the next Air Force One. This upgraded military version of the 747 is known as the VC-25B.

The two aircraft serving as Air Force One, termed VC-25As, are based on a different 747 variant, the 747-200.

“Given the 747-8i is no longer in active production, and is a very different aircraft than the 747-200, it is important for the Air Force to establish an overall training and sustainment strategy for the future Air Force 747-8i fleet,” the branch said in a statement.

The purchase is expected to cost about $400 million. The first of the aircraft will be delivered to the Air Force early next year, while the second will arrive before the end of 2026, Reuters reported.

Delayed Debut

The Air Force has been planning for the VC-25B since 2009. In 2015, it selected the 748-8i as the basis for the presidential transport and authorized Boeing to start design and engineering work.

Qatari 747-8
A Qatari Boeing 747-8 belonging to the nation’s royal family [Credit: Shutterstock/Oleksandr Naumenko]
The ongoing modifications are extensive and require engineers and technicians to install special quarters, a medical annex, and a command center, in addition to top-secret security features and anti-eavesdropping systems.

Delivery of the VC-25B has been delayed by several years, due in part to technical problems and supply chain issues. The two aircraft are now expected to be ready by mid-2028.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to fly on a new Air Force One before he leaves office in January 2029. He has also criticized Boeing for its failure to meet its original delivery deadline.

In May, Trump accepted a 747-8 offered to him by the government of Qatar and said he would use it until the VC-25Bs are ready. While the aircraft must undergo extensive reconstruction—including thorough searches for listening devices—the president has said it may make its debut as early as February 2026.

Military aviation experts are skeptical of that timeline, given the extent of the modification work ahead.

https://www.flyingmag.com/air-force-to-buy-lufthansa-747s-for-presidential-airlift/

 






TAP Air Portugal recognised as leader in Flight Data Monitoring

TAP Air Portugal has been recognised with the FDM Pioneer Award, honouring decades of leadership in Flight Data Monitoring and safety innovation dating back to the 1960s

TAP Air Portugal has been recognised for its long-standing leadership in Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) after receiving the FDM Pioneer Award at the Cassiopée Users Conference 2025, held in Paris from 17 to 20 November.

Flight Data Monitoring is the proactive use of recorded flight data from routine operations to improve safety. TAP’s award recognises its role as one of the earliest adopters of this proactive approach to safety. The airline’s FDM programme dates back to the 1960s and continues to be regarded as an international reference for the effective use of flight data to enhance safety and operational performance.

The international conference, hosted by Safran—one of the world’s leading aerospace, defence and security technology manufacturers—brought together airline operators, manufacturers and aviation safety specialists to share technical knowledge, present case studies and discuss emerging trends in flight data analysis. A key focus of this year’s event was the evolution of FDM, including new capabilities within Safran’s integrated software platform, Cassiopée Alpha.

TAP FDM Engineers, Pedro Soares (left), João Gomes e Silva (right),
Pedro Soares, FDM Engineer at TAP, said the award reflects decades of consistent investment in the discipline.

“Receiving this award recognises TAP’s long tradition of using flight data to strengthen safety and enhance operational performance. Long before FDM became standard practice in the industry, TAP was already exploring this potential. This distinction confirms that historic commitment to proactively investing, consistently and purposefully, in a tool that is now essential for any modern airline.”

He added that the role of flight data is expanding beyond safety alone.
“The industry is increasingly recognising the importance of flight data analysis not only for safety, but also for operational efficiency, fuel optimisation and cost reduction. TAP is following this trend by investing in new platforms, such as Cassiopée Alpha, and by strengthening the analytical capabilities of its teams.”

Pedro Soares, TAP FDM Engineer, presenting on the importance of Flight Data Analysis
During the conference, TAP’s Safety & Security FDM team delivered two technical presentations. The first addressed GNSS interference, including GPS jamming and spoofing, outlining global trends, operational risks and how FDM can be used to monitor and better understand these events. The second focused on TAP’s implementation of ICAO’s EDR turbulence metric across its fleet, enabling objective, aircraft-independent turbulence measurement and enhancing in-flight safety monitoring.

João Gomes e Silva, also an FDM Engineer at TAP, highlighted the broader value of the event.

“It’s an opportunity to discuss common challenges, align expectations with the provider and ensure that TAP keeps pace with industry developments. For Safety, this knowledge-sharing and connection with the global user ecosystem are crucial to keeping the FDM programme modern, relevant and effective. Being present is a sign of commitment, openness and willingness to evolve—three fundamental pillars in such a critical area as FDM.”

TAP FDM En
gineer, João Gomes e Silva, speaks on FDM as a foundation for integrated safety
Josh Wood, AirlineRatings Safety and Quality Manager, said: “TAP Air Portugal has an exceptional safety record and has been rated as a Seven-Star Safety Rated airline on AirlineRatings since the programme’s launch in 2013. The airline also placed in the Top 25 World’s Safest Airlines in 2025, and we have no doubt it will do so again in 2026. Awards such as the FDM Pioneer Award are another demonstration of TAP not only taking safety seriously, but being a world leader in this critical area. We congratulate TAP on this recognition and thank the airline for its ongoing contribution to a safer global aviation industry.”

TAP has participated in the Cassiopée Users Conference since its early editions, further reinforcing its position as a reference airline in the field of Flight Data Monitoring and its continued commitment to advancing aviation safety through data-driven insight.

https://www.airlineratings.com/articles/tap-air-portugal-recognised-as-leader-in-flight-data-monitoring

 







China Airlines orders five more Airbus A350-1000s

Toulouse, France, 18 December 2025 - Taiwan’s China Airlines has placed a firm order for five additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, taking its total order for the type to 15. The A350-1000 aircraft will complement the carrier’s existing long-haul fleet of 15 A350-900s.

“Expanding our A350-1000 fleet marks another important step in our long-term growth strategy. The A350’s exceptional efficiency and passenger comfort align with our goals to modernise our fleet, enhance long-haul competitiveness and deliver an elevated travel experience to our customers,” said Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines. 

“We greatly value our long-standing partnership with China Airlines. This follow-on order is a strong vote of confidence in the A350-1000 as the right aircraft for China Airlines’ future network ambitions. Its next-generation efficiency, range and cabin comfort brings even greater value to the airline and its passengers,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. The aircraft includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. 

Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A350’s unique Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of November 2025, the A350 Family had won nearly 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide.

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-12-china-airlines-orders-five-more-airbus-a350-1000s

 






FAA lost hundreds of air traffic controller trainees during shutdown

“I think the thought of not being paid was enough to frighten them away,” the agency chief said

Federal Aviation Administration chief Bryan Bedford said Wednesday that the agency lost up to 500 air traffic controller trainees during the 43-day government shutdown.

“We lost, I don’t know, 4-, 500 of our trainees that just sort of gave up during the lapse,” Bedford told the Senate aviation subcommittee during a hearing.

The FAA scrounged together money to keep the training academy in Oklahoma City running amid the funding stalemate, but that apparently didn’t dissuade many from leaving.

“Even though we kept the school open, I think the thought of not being paid was enough to frighten them away,” Bedford added.

It’s a blow to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s effort to boost the ranks of these essential workers, who have high-stress jobs and face aging technology and a longstanding personnel shortfall.

Controllers in towers and other facilities went unpaid during the shutdown.

Under questioning from Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bedford noted that trainees have a high washout rate. He added that there are a few bright spots: The FAA has increased the number of certified controllers (to 10,700 from 10,600), and there are 1,000 more trainees “in the pipeline than we had a year ago.”

“But as you point out, it’s a two- to three-year full training cycle,” Bedford told Capito.

Bedford said that the FAA’s ongoing project to convert copper telecommunications wire to fiber for air traffic control will wrap up by the third quarter of 2027.

“We’re 35 percent of the way through,” he said.

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/faa-air-traffic-control-trainees-shutdown-00695827

 






Aviation Technology Solutions 

American Jet International Selects JDA for Part 135 Certification Support

OLNEY, MD - JDA Aviation Technology Solutions (JDA) has been awarded a new contract to support American Jet International (AJI), a Houston, Texas company, in upgrading from a Part 135 “9 or Less” to an FAA Part 135 “10 or More” Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), enabling AJI to operate larger aircraft configured for ten or more passenger seats.

“Securing a Part 135 ‘10 or More’ OpSpecs represents a significant step forward in AJI’s growth strategy, and our team is committed to ensuring our systems, manuals, and training programs exceed FAA expectations - we are looking forward to working with JDA on this very important company initiative said Sean Borland, Director of Operations for American Jet International.”

“This contract underscores our commitment to helping operators achieve complex
certifications with confidence,” said Tom Stuckey, Vice President, Business and Commercial Aviation Services for JDA. “We look forward to assisting AJI through the FAA process and supporting their growth in the air charter market.”

About American Jet International:
American Jet International is a premier aviation services provider dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient air transportation solutions. With the pursuit of Part 135 “10 or More” certification, AJI is expanding its ability to serve clients with larger aircraft and enhanced charter operations, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in aviation. www. iflyaji.com

About JDA Aviation Technology Solutions:
JDA Aviation Technology Solutions is a leading consultancy specializing in aviation safety,
certification, and regulatory compliance. With a team of former FAA, NTSB, and industry
experts, JDA provides strategic advisory and technical support to operators worldwide, ensuring successful certification outcomes and sustained compliance. www.jdasolutions.aero

 





 
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

. Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. 

. 60th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium - March 31 - April 1, 2026 (Irving, TX)

. 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

. IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain)

. ISASI - 2026 (September/October 2026) - Dubai, UAE

. 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV



Curt Lewis