Flight Safety Information - March 12, 2026 No. 051 In This Issue : Incident: Commute E145 near Shreveport on Mar 10th 2026, smell of smoke in cockpit : Incident: American A321 enroute on Mar 10th 2026, dropped parts of thrust reverser : Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026 (London) : Accident: India Express B38M at Phuket on Mar 11th 2026, hard landing, nose wheels separated : Custom Flight Recorder Playback & Analysis Laboratory for the Government of Colombia : Air Astana finalizes order for 25 Airbus A320neo family aircraft : Air Europa sets new safety benchmark with Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating : China’s 5-year jet goals target C919 output, a new engine and reduced reliance : Southwest Flight Attendants ‘Up In Arms’ Over Controversial New Airline Policy : 'The Madness Stops Today': US Airport Wants Flyers To Stop Wearing Pajamas To The Airport : “Sounds like a you problem”: American Airlines passenger has a meltdown as she’s booted from plane for watching videos without headphones : Mexico’s AIFA Airport Earns SMS Safety Certification : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY : Calendar of Events Incident: Commute E145 near Shreveport on Mar 10th 2026, smell of smoke in cockpit A CommuteAir Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of United, registration N14148 performing flight UA-4887 from Houston Intercontinental,TX to Knoxville,TN (USA), was enroute at FL270 when the crew decided to divert to Shreveport,LA (USA) reporting the smell of smoke in the cockpit. The aircraft went around on short final approach to runway 14 and landed safely on Shreveport's runway 14 on second approach about one hour after departure. A replacement ERJ-145 registration N11165 reached Knoxville with a delay of about 3:45 hours. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Shreveport for about 24 hours, then returned to Houston. https://avherald.com/h?article=53662f3d&opt=0 Incident: American A321 enroute on Mar 10th 2026, dropped parts of thrust reverser An American Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration N108NN performing flight AA-373 from Boston,MA to Los Angeles,CA (USA), departed Boston's runway 22R, climbed to FL340 and landed on Los Angeles' runway 25L about 6 hours later completing a seemingly uneventful flight. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT LANDED AND POST FLIGHT INSPECTION REVEALED PARTS OF #2 ENGINE THRUST REVERSER WAS MISSING, LOS ANGELES, C." (right hand engine V2533). The aircraft is still on the ground in Los Angeles about 22 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5366249a&opt=0 Accident: India Express B38M at Phuket on Mar 11th 2026, hard landing, nose wheels separated An Air India Express Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration VT-BWQ performing flight IX-938 from Hyderabad (India) to Phuket (Thailand) with 133 people on board, landed on Phuket's runway 09 at 11:24L (04:24Z) but suffered a hard touch down also causing damage to the nose gear strut, both nose wheels separated. The aircraft skidded to a stop on the runway and was disabled. There are no reports of injuries. https://avherald.com/h?article=5365ff54&opt=0 Custom Flight Recorder Playback & Analysis Laboratory for the Government of Colombia APS Aerospace is pleased to announce that under the leadership of Director Alvaro Bello, the Dirección Técnica de Investigación de Accidentes de Aeronáutica Civil Colombia – Colombia’s civil accident investigation authority – has implemented a new state-of-the-art flight recorder playback and analysis laboratory in Bogotá, Colombia Designed exclusively by APS Aerospace and delivered through our in-country representative, Alta Integral Solutions, the custom, turnkey lab is equipped to recover, download, and analyze data from virtually all flight recorders in service across every civil aircraft type, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing. The lab features APS replay and analysis software – the platform of choice among the international aviation investigation community for decades – CVR/audio analysis capabilities, and APS’s unique MARS (Memory Access Retrieval System) technology, which enables direct data extraction from memory chips to handle severely crash-damaged flight recorders. MARS eliminates reliance on the default memory substitution method, where damaged memory must be reinstalled into a serviceable recorder of the same make and model. In addition, MARS can be used for non-damaged recorders by removing the Crash Protected Memory Module which connects MARS directly to the memory, without having to remove the memory itself. With the new lab, Colombian authorities will also have full access to APS’ international flight data map library – an extensive initiative sponsored by the U.S. FAA to provide quick access to robust, validated data maps. The library has nearly 1000 data maps and continues to grow as more aircraft OEMs take advantage during initial recorder installation. APS Aerospace – headquartered in Ottawa, Canada – is dedicated to advancing aviation safety and efficiency through innovative technology. Since the mid-1980s, we have specialized in all aspects of flight data analysis. Our leadership team and senior staff possess internationally recognized expertise, having pioneered many of the techniques now standard in both reactive accident investigation and proactive flight data monitoring. Colombia’s Aeronáutica Civil (Colombia Aerocivil), officially known as the Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronáutica Civil (UAEAC), is a state-owned administrative body responsible for civil aviation services and safety. The Dirección Técnica de Investigación de Accidentes department oversees accident and incident investigations as an ICAO Annex 13 member state. The new world-class flight recorder playback and analysis laboratory establishes a regional center of excellence, positioning the accident investigation authority at the forefront of accident and incident investigation capabilities, and reinforcing our shared commitment to aviation safety. Contact us to join our unique community of expert air safety investigators from government, military, aircraft manufacturers and operators worldwide. https://www.apscorp.ca/ Air Astana finalizes order for 25 Airbus A320neo family aircraft Will deploy the new aircraft jets with Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan. Air Astana Group, the leading airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size, has signed a firm order for 25 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, the largest ever direct order by the group. The agreement was made on the 20th anniversary since Air Astana started operating its first A320 in 2006 and includes five A320neo and 20 A321neo aircraft. “Air Astana’s large order for a new fleet of Airbus A320neo family aircraft reflects a commitment to maintaining its reputation for operational efficiency and service excellence in the long term,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana. “The Airbus A320neo family has proven to be an outstanding success in service with Air Astana over many years. In particular, the A321LR in its premium configuration allows us to offer what we believe is the world’s best narrow-body long-haul product, combining true long-range capability with an exceptional onboard experience. I’m confident that the new fleet will continue to boost sustainable growth and profitability in the long term.” Air Astana Group will deploy the new aircraft with both Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan as part of the overall fleet expansion and renewal. Currently the group operates a fleet of 59 Airbus A320 family aircraft. “This order further validates the unmatched economics and market appeal of the A320neo family in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We are pleased to support Air Astana’s vision to connect Kazakhstan to the world. This deal solidifies a decades-long bond, ensuring they continue to set the regional gold standard for fleet modernization, operational excellence and passenger experience.” The A320 family has won more than 19,000 orders globally. The family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A320 family is 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. https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/news/air-astana-finalizes-order-25-airbus-a320neo-family-aircraft/ Air Europa sets new safety benchmark with Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating Air Europa leads the way in Europe as the first Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline Airline Ratings is pleased to announce that Air Europa has become the first airline in Europe to achieve the prestigious Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating, recognising its exceptional commitment to operational and onboard safety. As the airline nears 40 years of flying, this safety achievement underscores why it is one of the world's leading hybrid airlines. The success of its recent onboard cabin safety audit now elevates the airline into a select group of prestigious Seven Star PLUS carriers, including the likes of Etihad Airways and Cathay Pacific. Josh Wood, Safety and Service Quality Manager at AirlineRatings.com, said Air Europa demonstrated a high level of consistency across the flights assessed. “What stood out was that regardless of flight length, the same high safety standards were applied and executed consistently. Situations involving turbulence were particularly well managed, with additional measures, such as locking the toilets, evident on every flight. Whilst these measures are not mandatory, they do represent an extra level of safety and this is precisely what we expect from a Seven Star PLUS Safety Rated airline.” Wood added that the results also challenge a common misconception among passengers. “There is sometimes a perception that low-cost or hybrid carriers compromise on safety. This is simply not the case. The Air Europa audit, along with others we have conducted, demonstrates that these airlines can in fact be leaders in onboard safety.” Air Europa now joins an elite group of Seven Star PLUS carriers including Etihad Airways and Cathay Pacific. CEO of AirlineRatings.com, Sharon Petersen, said, “We are delighted to recognise Air Europa with our Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating. Its accident-free history is further reinforced by a successful onboard cabin safety audit, giving passengers added reassurance that safety is consistently prioritised and verified, including at the frontline of passenger safety in the cabin. This is especially significant in modern air travel, where the leading cause of passenger injury is turbulence.” What is the Seven Star PLUS safety rating? The Seven Star PLUS rating is Airline Ratings highest safety accolade. It serves as a mark of trust for passengers, demonstrating that an airline not only meets global safety standards, as recognised by a Seven Star Safety Rating, but also upholds these standards in the cabin which is the frontline of safety from a passenger perspective. To achieve the PLUS rating, airlines must demonstrate consistent excellence across all 70 audit points across six flights. The audit anonymously evaluates a wide range of operational practices, including safety demonstrations, crew positioning, turbulence management, excellence in pre-departure and pre-landing checks and passenger compliance monitoring.* The process provides valuable operational insight, allowing airlines to receive immediate feedback and implement improvements. Where areas for improvement are identified, the rapid feedback cycle means a re-audit can take place in as little as six months. This initiative complements Airline Ratings mission of: “Guiding you to the safest and best value airline for every journey.” About Air Europa From its main hub in Madrid, Air Europa serves destinations across the Americas and Europe with a fleet of 47 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 737 aircraft, boasting an average age of just 7.8 years. It is the third-largest Spanish airline, after Iberia and Vueling and the first to be recognised as a Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline. This year, the airline will celebrate its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of continuous accident-free flying. On Air Europa’s Seven Star PLUS achievement, José Salazar, Vice President of Safety and Compliance Monitoring commented, “Achieving the Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating is a milestone that highlights Air Europa’s strong safety culture and the exceptional dedication of our people. It reaffirms our commitment to providing the safest and most reliable experience for our passengers.” For enquiries or further details, please contact Safety and Quality Manager Josh Wood at josh.wood@airlineratings.com. * The audits are conducted by Airline Ratings’ own team and are independent of airline influence, ensuring the results reflect genuine passenger experience. https://www.airlineratings.com/articles/air-europa-first-in-europe-to-achieve-seven-star-plus-safety-rating China’s 5-year jet goals target C919 output, a new engine and reduced reliance Amid geopolitical risks and supply-chain disruptions, Beijing is looking to shore up self-sufficiency in aircraft components, and an analyst says it has its work cut out Published: 10:30am, 12 Mar 2026Updated: 3:44pm, 12 Mar 2026 Beijing aims to accelerate the rise of China’s home-grown airliner fleet, including the C909 regional plane, C919 narrowbody and C929 widebody, through 2030. This push to challenge the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus comes as a national five-year plan calls for aircraft production, development and the roll-out of a domestically developed engine. The next five years will prove vital to the success of the three aircraft models and the continued localisation of critical parts such as engines, according to an analyst. The road map addresses vulnerabilities amid ongoing disruptions and geopolitical turmoil. China will boost production and strengthen supply chains. Specialised models will be developed – including a high-plateau variant designed to operate at high-altitude airports, where thinner air reduces engine performance and lift. And efforts will be stepped up to resolve technological hurdles in widebody-jet development. These goals form part of the latest national plan, which is set to be approved by the top legislature this week and will guide socio-economic development in the 2026 to 2030 period. The certification and use of a high-bypass turbofan engine, the CJ-1000, will also be accelerated, the plan noted. “For the C919, the key words are output and supply chains,” said Brian Yang Bo, a veteran aviation consultant. “This is a candid admission of the challenges it has faced, and thus the focus is squarely on stabilising and growing output.” The narrowbody jet is the flagship model from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) and has been in domestic operations since May 2023. China’s C919 passenger jet completes maiden commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing However, geopolitical and trade headwinds in 2025 disrupted production, marked by a temporary supply suspension of the Leap-1C engine from CFM International, a joint venture of America’s GE Aerospace and France’s Safran. Comac delivered only 15 C919s to customers last year – well short of its original annual output target of 75. “This is precisely why the CJ-1000 got a specific mention in the plan, as supply-chain stability boils down to this,” Yang assessed, adding that the engine was meant to guarantee production as a backup, not as a replacement for the advanced Leap engine. Yang said the Aero Engine Corporation of China had finalised the CJ-1000’s design and was working on airworthiness approval. Certification may not be far off, and in the next two or three years, the engine is expected to power a Comac plane in its operational debut, he said. The twin-aisle C929, often compared to the continental-hopping Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, remains under development. Yang said that Comac still had its work cut out for it, particularly in terms of assembling prototypes for maiden flights in the next five years, but he expects strong state support. The South China Morning Post reported in February that Comac and specialists from the Civil Aviation Administration of China had collaborated on the widebody programme to hammer out design and certification requirements, and that preliminary wind-tunnel tests had already begun, signalling smooth progress. Yang said the absence of a mention in the five-year plan of the C919’s certification in Europe, and of the jet’s first overseas order, served as evidence of prudence and flexibility. “[Overseas certifications and initial orders of the C919] are not fully in Beijing’s control, so no hard deadlines are set,” Yang said. “But there is no sign that Comac will give up on these goals.” https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3346236/chinas-five-year-jet-goals-target-c919-output-new-engine-and-reduced-reliance Southwest Flight Attendants ‘Up In Arms’ Over Controversial New Airline Policy Southwest Airlines has implemented a new policy restricting access to cabin jumpseats to only pilots and flight attendants, eliminating the option for other employees to use them when flights are full. Some Southwest Airlines employees are expressing frustration after the airline rolled out another new controversial policy—this time affecting how workers travel on standby. The airline recently updated its internal travel rules to restrict access to cabin jumpseats, limiting them exclusively to pilots and flight attendants. That means other Southwest employees will no longer be able to use spare jumpseats when flights are full, even if they’re traveling on standby. For years, those extra seats were occasionally offered to non-crew employees trying to get from one city to another when passenger seats were unavailable. This sparked criticism from some Southwest workers who previously relied on jumpseat access, especially during busy travel periods when standby seats are scarce. One aviation analyst shared on X that employees are “up in arms” about the changes. They also noted that it “sounds like it might be a negotiating tactic to get crew to move bags out of the bins above extended legroom (premium) seats.” According to the Transport Workers Union Local 556 (TWU 556) per Aviation A2Z, which represents Southwest’s flight attendants, the change was pushed in the name of safety and operational efficiency. The union explained that individuals occupying cabin jumpseats must understand the working environment inside the aircraft and be trained in emergency procedures. Flight attendants, who receive regular training for evacuation scenarios and in-flight safety responsibilities, are expected to assist in emergencies if needed. Standby travel can be unpredictable even under normal conditions. Employees often plan multiple backup routes and sometimes wait until the final moments of boarding to see whether a seat opens up. But flight attendants, however, see the policy as a necessary evil. Nearly one-third of Southwest’s flight attendants commute by air to reach their assigned bases, and when flights are full, a commuting crew member could miss work without jumpseat availability. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/southwest-flight-attendants-arms-over-010433671.html 'The Madness Stops Today': US Airport Wants Flyers To Stop Wearing Pajamas To The Airport Tampa airport humorously calls for an end to pajama-wearing travelers. Explore the debate about airport fashion and etiquette. Florida’s Tampa International Airport (TPA) recently shared a lighthearted yet targeted post calling on flyers to stop wearing pajamas to catch a flight. The airport said that after “banning” Crocs, its latest goal is to clamp down on pajamas as one’s airport uniform. TPA encouraged flyers to phase pajamas out of their jet-setting outfits and to spread the word. The airport noted that it and its centerpiece – a 21-foot-tall flamingo affectionately named Phoebe – believe that flyers can make the outfit swaps happen. “We’ve seen enough. We’ve had enough. It’s time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport,” the flight hub said on February 26 on X. “After successfully banning Crocs, and giving everyone the amazing opportunity to experience the world’s first Crocs-free airport, it’s time to take on an even larger crisis. Pajamas. At. The. Airport. In the middle of the day.” The message continued, “We know this decision could be disruptive to someone in your life. It’s time to have a difficult conversation with them. You can do this. We (and Phoebe) believe in you. The madness stops today. The movement starts now. Help Tampa International Airport become the world’s first Crocs-free and pajama-free airport. Do your part. Say no to pajamas at TPA.” What’s The Deal With Pajamas At Airports? Wearing pajamas to the airport has become particularly controversial in recent years, to the point that it has been addressed by the highest office in the land. Some flyers look down on wearing pajamas to the airport. Meanwhile, others argue that they should be able to wear their comfy attire to fly, particularly if they’re in for a long and cramped flight. Back in November, during a press conference, United States Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed the organization’s “Golden Age of Travel Starts with You” campaign. During his comments, he said, “I would encourage people to dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better.” “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport,” he added. The “Golden Age of Travel Starts with You”campaign encourages a return of “civility” to air travel. A designated press release prompted flyers to ask themselves several questions before their holiday travel, including “Are you dressing with respect?” In a statement acquired by PEOPLE, TPA clarified that its recent message about pajamas at the airport was a gag. “Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers,” the flight hub stated. “Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates. We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.” https://travelnoire.com/tampa-airport-pajama-ban-satire?tblci=GiDAvRTtqQLILvZ8pUlSijhPETWeUU-Zoc1ZM34QsnPjACCgrl0ot9S7nsiCs4asATCb214&utm_campaign=23664416&utm_content=4249844015&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=t1&utm_term=1551771#tblciGiDAvRTtqQLILvZ8pUlSijhPETWeUU-Zoc1ZM34QsnPjACCgrl0ot9S7nsiCs4asATCb214 “Sounds like a you problem”: American Airlines passenger has a meltdown as she’s booted from plane for watching videos without headphones An American Airlines passenger had a meltdown after being told she would be removed from her flight for repeatedly listening to videos without using headphones, and video of the incident is now going viral. In late February, @jcmack03 posted a two-minute video to TikTok in which a woman he describes as “drunk” threw a fit prior to being kicked off an American Airlines flight from Miami to Tampa, Florida. According to the TikToker, the woman had been “loudly playing videos from her phone.” After being asked by a flight attendant to use headphones before they left the gate, and seemingly at least one additional time, the flight crew decided enough was enough. “I played a video for 30 f***ing seconds at 50% sound!” the woman protests at the start of the first clip. “And that’s the f***ing reason you’re kicking me off?” Police escort the woman off the plane Two more clips stitched together show the woman telling an employee that the flight attendants were just upset with her for suggesting “that sounds like a you problem” and insisting that she stopped playing her videos “after the second warning.” @jcmack03 elaborated on the situation further by noting that the passenger was being “angry, rude and belligerent,” “shouting and cursing at employees and other passengers” until law enforcement officers boarded the plane to remove her. “I am in the right. It’s okay for me to play a 30 fucking second video,” she tells them. “Is this not a free speech America? Or are we being assholes to literally everybody?” Use your headphones, folks! The very end of the video shows the other passengers clapping and thanking the officers as the woman is removed. This has become an almost standard send-off when it comes to viral videos of belligerent airplane passengers. But this incident in particular seemed to really resonate with folks watching at home—namely, those who are sick and tired of this new wave of people thinking watching videos in public without headphones is somehow acceptable. “There’s nothing worse than being in a restaurant or other public location while someone’s blaring,” @wizziewiz commented. “America should enact laws that it’s illegal to play videos, songs, speakerphone calls, FaceTimes in public without headphones. It’s so unbelievably rude,” added @black_velvetcrush. “this should be done in buses and subways as well,” said @emma.brown58. “even 30 sec loud music is 30 sec too long.” It seems like American is going the way of United Airlines, which updated its passenger conduct rules late last month to include a headphone requirement, stating that the company “has the right to refuse transport” to passengers who “fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content.” Bring back basic courtesy! https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/sounds-problem-american-airlines-passenger-160000531.html Mexico’s AIFA Airport Earns SMS Safety Certification The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) has received the Operational Safety Management System (SMS) certification, 17 days ahead of its fourth anniversary. The recognition follows full compliance with the four phases established under the SMS framework, according to AIFA’s director general, Gen. Isidoro Pastor Román. During a ceremony held at the auditorium of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) within AIFA’s facilities, Gen. Pastor Román emphasized that operational safety entails reducing and controlling risks associated with aviation activities to acceptable levels. “This is an important first step, and now the challenge is to maintain this system and continuously improve it across all operational activities,” he said. The certification process encompassed four distinct phases. The first phase focused on planning and implementing the system, the second addressed reactive processes, the third incorporated proactive measures, and the fourth—achieved in December 2025—established operational safety assurance. Gen. Pastor Román noted that AIFA operates under the Mexican Official Standard NOM-064-SCT3-2023, which sets requirements for operational safety management systems for public air transport concessionaires, assignees and licensees. “This achievement represents a strategic advance with national and international implications for the aviation sector,” Pastor Román added. The certification aligns AIFA with international standards, strengthens regulatory harmonization and enhances the competitiveness of Mexican aviation in global markets. Alignment with International Safety Standards General Arnoldo Ríos Salas, Executive Director of Air Safety, AFAC, highlighted the airport’s alignment with global aviation standards. Annex 19 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provides guidelines that states can incorporate into their regulatory frameworks to strengthen aviation safety. Implementing an SMS also requires transforming operational decision-making processes. “Operating in an environment like AIFA involves constant interaction among multiple service providers, including air operators, ground services, maintenance teams, air traffic management, airport security and other strategic stakeholders. The operational safety performance of each organization directly affects the safety of the entire system,” Ríos Salas explained. Recognition of AIFA’s SMS Management team included a formal acknowledgment of its leadership and operational oversight. Cinthia Ivette Dávila Cantero, Operational Safety Management System Manager, highlighted the team’s daily commitment to safety, responsibility, and operational rigor. “The wellbeing of our clients, passengers, and employees is our priority,” she said, emphasizing the airport’s systematic risk management and monitoring practices. Passenger Growth and Connectivity Challenges Mexico City’s rail connection to AIFA is scheduled to begin operations before Easter, marking the first operational milestone of the federal government’s Northern Passenger Train program. President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that 24.89 million square meters of right-of-way were cleared with residents’ cooperation, facilitating the project’s advancement. “We are making significant progress. The Mexico City–AIFA train will begin operations before Easter, while the Mexico City–Queretaro and AIFA–Pachuca lines remain on track for completion in 2027,” she said. Despite nearly four years of operations, AIFA has yet to become a primary driver of air traffic in the Valley of Mexico. Passenger traffic reached 7,079,040 travelers in 2025, an 11.5% increase compared with the previous year, but significantly lower than the 141.3% surge recorded in 2024. Meanwhile, Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) lost 753,685 passengers year over year, partially offset by gains at AIFA. Analysts note that passenger increases at AIFA have not fully compensated for the decline in traffic at the capital’s main airport. Industry experts emphasize that improved accessibility and connectivity will be critical for consolidating AIFA’s role in passenger transport. Eliseo Llamazares, partner and aviation and tourism leader, KPMG México, said that “large urban areas such as the Mexico City metropolitan region benefit from multiple airport terminals,” suggesting that AIFA could expand low-cost and international routes. Airlines such as Lufthansa have expressed interest in operating from AIFA, but require direct and efficient transport links to ensure route viability. José Suárez, spokesperson, Mexican Aviators Union (ASPA), noted that improved connectivity will be essential to attract additional passengers. https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/mexicos-aifa-airport-earns-sms-safety-certification GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Dear Airline Pilot, As a doctoral candidate in the Psychology Department at Liberty University, I am conducting research as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree. The purpose of my research is to examine the pilot acceptability and effectiveness of a training protocol designed to inform pilots of the latest research in fatigue and in ways to individually mitigate fatigue within the challenging environment of airline flying, and I am writing to invite you to join my study. Participants must be active pilot flight crew members operating under 14 CFR121 or the equivalent ICAO regulations. Participants will be asked to take two online surveys, view a web delivered training program, take two more confidential online surveys at the conclusion of the training, and finally, 30 days after the training, to take two online surveys as follow-up. This study involves a relatively serious commitment of time, and the only compensation is the ability to receive the training package. This package is modified for pilots from one developed and tested by researchers connected to the DOD medical research community. It contains the latest information on sleep, circadian rhythms, and individual sleep skills. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete each survey and 37 minutes for the training. Participation will be completely confidential, and other than email addresses to facilitate the follow-on survey, no personal identifying information will be collected. These addresses will be exported from the software in a separate file to create the follow-on email invites and then will be deleted following data collection. They will not be associated with your responses. Any questions you may have before or after deciding to participate can be directed to sfreeves@liberty.edu. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can opt out at any time with no repercussions. To participate, please click the link at the bottom of this message to complete the screening, surveys and training. Participants will complete the initial surveys and the training package. Thirty days later, they will be emailed an invitation to complete the final surveys. I am grateful to each of you for considering/participating in this study. A study information sheet is provided as the first section of the initial survey. The document contains additional information about my research. You do not need to sign and return the document. After you have read the information, please click the button next to YES in order to proceed to the survey. Doing so will indicate that you have read the information and would like to take part in the study. LINK: https://liberty.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2t6rgnOTA9lq8rc Sincerely, Scott Reeves Captain FedEx (Retired) sfreeves@liberty.edu CALENDAR OF EVENTS . CANSO Global Safety Conference 2026 - 29 March – 1 April 2026 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) . 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 . World Aviation Training Summit - 5-7 May 2026 - Orlando . 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 : APSCON/APSCON Unmanned 2026 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL - July 13-17, 2026 : Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis