This Week in Airliners, Airports and Airlines
FAA refers more unruly passenger cases to the FBI.
airBaltic Opens Vacancy for Captains.
Ethiopian Airlines unveils exclusive silver lounge. elevating passenger experience at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $300 Million in awards for sustainable aviation fuels and technologies.
Boom Supersonic accelerates overture aircraft and engine development.
ATR celebrates milestone 1700th delivery.
Bombardier's Global 7500 Business Jet blazes forward, sets more than 50 speed records in under 50 weeks.
Airbus ships the third European Service Module to Cape Canaveral on behalf of ESA.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus Video - Ford Tri Motor Flight 2013
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
FAA REFERS MORE UNRULY PASSENGER CASES TO THE FBI
The Federal Aviation Administration referred 43 more unruly passenger cases to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal prosecution review during the past year.
The FAA has now referred more than 310 of the most serious cases to the FBI since late 2021 under a partnership aimed at ensuring unruly airline passengers face criminal prosecution when warranted. When the FAA refers incidents to the FBI, the FBI works closely with law enforcement partners and appropriate agencies to conduct an investigation if applicable.
“Dangerous passengers put everyone at risk-and the Biden-Harris Administration has been clear that those who disrupt flights will be held accountable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Unruly travelers face stiff fines from the FAA and possible criminal prosecution too.”
“There's absolutely no excuse for unruly behaviour,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “It threatens the safety of everyone on board and we have zero tolerance for it.”
The new referrals include the following incidents:
March 3, 2024: Tried to breach the flight deck.
Feb. 18, 2024: Physically assaulted and was verbally aggressive toward a fellow passenger and crewmember.
Feb. 13, 2024: Exhibited sexually inappropriate behaviour toward a crewmember.
Jan. 31, 2024: Physically assaulted a crewmember and exhibited disruptive behaviour.
Jan. 13, 2024: Exhibited disruptive behaviour.
Jan. 1, 2024: Physically assaulted his travel companion.
Dec. 30, 2023: Sexually assaulted and exhibited inappropriate behaviour toward a fellow passenger.
Dec. 18, 2023: Physically assaulted a crewmember.
Dec. 1, 2023: Physically assaulted a fellow passenger.
Nov. 22, 2023: Physically assaulted a fellow passenger.
Nov. 9, 2023: Tried to breach the flight deck.
Oct. 15, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger, exhibited aggressive behaviour.
Aug. 11, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger.
Aug. 2, 2023: Assaulted and threatened to assault crewmembers.
July 29, 2023: Inappropriately touched a minor passenger.
July 29, 2023: Inappropriately touched a minor passenger.
July 21, 2023: Physically assaulted a minor passenger.
July 9, 2023: Sexual misconduct.
July 4, 2023: Assaulted a fellow passenger.
July 4, 2023: Assaulted a flight attendant.
June 22, 2023: Inappropriately touched a fellow passenger.
June 21, 2023: Inappropriately touched a minor passenger.
June 14, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger.
June 13, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger.
June 3, 2023: Exhibited aggressive and threatening behaviour.
May 31, 2023: Assaulted a flight attendant.
May 2, 2023: Exhibited aggressive behaviour and tried to trip a flight attendant.
April 30, 2023: Sexually assaulted and harassed cabin crewmembers.
April 20, 2023: Tried to breach the flight deck.
April 18, 2023: Assaulted and threatened to assault a flight attendant.
April 14, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger.
April 6, 2023: Acted aggressively and threatened to harm crewmembers and passengers.
April 5, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger.
April 3, 2023: Exhibited aggressive and threatening behaviour.
March 30, 2023: Threw a backpack at a flight attendant.
March 24, 2023: Assaulted crewmembers and fellow passengers, tried to open exit doors during flight.
March 20, 2023: Exhibited aggressive and threatening behaviour.
Feb. 13, 2023: Tried to breach aircraft doors, physically assaulted a crewmember and a fellow passenger.
Jan. 29, 2023: Sexually assaulted a minor passenger.
Jan. 17, 2023: Threatened to harm everyone on board and crash the aircraft.
Aug. 5, 2022: Displayed aggressive and threatening behaviour.
July 12, 2022: Displayed aggressive and threatening behaviour.
Nov. 15, 2021: Physically and sexually assaulted flight attendants and fellow passengers.
The FBI has created a Crimes Aboard Aircraft section on their How Can We Help You page, with information about the types of crimes it investigates and how people can report them.
The rate of unruly passenger incidents has dropped by over 80 percent since record-highs in early 2021 but unacceptable behaviour continues to occur. Airlines have reported more than 1,240 unruly passenger cases in 2024.
The FAA pursues legal enforcement action against any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crewmembers, and can propose civil penalties up to $37,000 per violation. Detailed current data on these incidents is available on our unruly passenger website.
AIRBALTIC OPENS VACANCY FOR CAPTAINS
As a part of its ongoing commitment to expanding operations, airBaltic, the leading airline in the Baltics, is pleased to announce a new vacancy for the position of Captain on Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Additionally, a sign-up bonus is offered for new hires who join the company.
airBaltic also continues to actively hire Senior First Officers with a fast-track command on Airbus A220-300 aircraft. For qualified professionals on both positions who join airBaltic between September 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, the airline will provide a sign-up bonus of EUR 15 000 gross for Captains and EUR 10 000 gross for Senior First Officers. For more details on both positions and to apply, please visit: https://careers.airbaltic.com/en/teams/pilots
Moreover, starting as of January next year, airBaltic will implement a salary increase and improvements in crew rosters with more days for both - pilots and cabin crew.
Pauls Calitis, Chief Operations Officer of airBaltic: “As airBaltic continues to grow, we are pleased to announce a new vacancy -Captain on our Airbus A220-300 aircraft. As a Captain of an Airbus A220-300, you will lead operations aboard one of the most modern and youngest fleets in Europe. This role places you at the forefront of our commitment to safety, innovation, and exceptional service, ensuring a safe and enjoyable flying experience for our passengers. We invite all interested candidates to apply and come under our wing at one of the fastest-growing airlines in Europe.”
“In line with our continuous efforts to ensure that our employees are well-compensated and maintain a work-life balance, we have recently announced salary increases, and roster improvements for both, pilots and cabin crew,” added Calitis.
The airBaltic fleet consists of a single aircraft type - the Airbus A220-300 and the airline currently operates 48 aircraft of the type. airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of 100 A220-300s by 2030. The Airbus A220-300 offers an excellent flying experience with such benefits for passengers as wider seats, larger windows, more hand luggage space in the cabin, and delivering better overall performance, and convenience for both passengers and the staff.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE SILVER LOUNGE. ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCE AT ADDIS ABABA BOLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Ethiopian Airlines, the leading aviation group in Africa, is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Silver Lounge, an exclusive facility dedicated to ShebaMiles Silver members. Strategically positioned within the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the Silver Lounge offers a serene and engaging environment where passengers can unwind and enjoy entertainment amenities.
The Silver Lounge, spanning an impressive 810 square meters, is designed to offer a serene oasis for travellers. It features a variety of amenities tailored to meet the needs of diverse clientele, including dining areas with an array of buffets and services, comfortable seating areas for relaxation, a designated smoking room, a delightful kids' corner for younger guests, ample storage room, and additional facilities to enhance the passenger experience. The lounge's capacity allows it to accommodate up to 200 guests during peak hours, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
“We are pleased to open the doors to this magnificent lounge, which symbolizes our continuous efforts to elevate the standards of hospitality in the skies and on the ground,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group. “The Silver Lounge is more than just a space; it is an embodiment of our vision to further enhance the travel experience of our guests and solidify Addis Ababa as a leading aviation hub in Africa.”
The Silver Lounge is a symbol of the airline's relentless pursuit of excellence and its unwavering dedication to providing its guests with the highest levels of comfort, convenience, and luxury. The airline's commitment to providing superior travel experience is further exemplified by the availability of multiple lounges throughout the airport terminals, catering to the diverse needs of its clientele. Passengers holding Cloud Nine, ShebaMiles Platinum, Star Alliance Gold, and Silver memberships have the privilege of accessing these lounges to rejuvenate during their transit through Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines, a seven-time consecutive recipient of the prestigious Skytrax award, remains steadfast in its dedication to elevating the passenger experience. As the most expansive carrier across the African continent, the airline continues to invest in customer service enhancements, ensuring that its esteemed passengers enjoy the highest standards of hospitality and comfort.
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES NEARLY $300 MILLION IN AWARDS FOR SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS AND TECHNOLOGIES
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is announcing $291 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for projects that will help achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 2050 as part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to enhancing the safety, sustainability and efficiency of our national air transportation system-and reaching our mid-century target of net-zero emissions,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “These grants will help put the world on a path toward decarbonizing aviation while fostering domestic economic growth and ensuring the U.S. retains its global leadership in aviation.”
The Fuelling Aviation's Sustainable Transition (FAST) grants include:
$244.5 million for 22 projects that produce, transport, blend or store sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and for scoping studies related to SAF infrastructure needs. SAFs are jet fuels made from renewable sources that reduce carbon pollution on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel and can be used safely in today's aircraft and engines. These grants will expand SAF production, enhance SAF supply chains, and increase SAF accessibility.
$46.5 million for 14 projects that develop, demonstrate or apply low-emission aviation technologies. These grants will reduce carbon pollution, improve aircraft fuel efficiency, and increase SAF use.
Example grant awards include:
$16.8 million to Gevo, Inc. to convert an existing fuel facility in Luverne, Minnesota, to a fully integrated alcohol-to-jet facility for SAF production. $240,000 to the City of Atlanta to conduct a study of regional supply chains, infrastructure and distribution needs to enable SAF deployment at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.
$8 million to JetZero, Inc. to develop key enabling technologies for a highly fuel efficient blended-wing-body airplane. This work will occur in Long Beach, California; Wichita, Kansas; and Starkville, Mississippi. $2.7 million to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to build a test facility to mature high-power electrified airplane technologies.
“The projects are instrumental in advancing our environmental and economic sustainability goals by facilitating the development and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels,” said Laurence Wildgoose, FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs and Environment. “All grant recipients are based in the U.S. and are working towards putting the aviation sector on a path to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan.”
FAST grant awardees include established and startup fuel producers; fuel logistics and supply chain companies; engine, aircraft, and component manufacturers; state and local governments; airport authorities; and universities. These awardees will carry out FAST projects in 23 states across the country.
BOOM SUPERSONIC ACCELERATES OVERTURE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE DEVELOPMENT
Boom Supersonic, the company building the world's fastest airliner, today announced milestones across its Overture airliner and Symphony engine programs at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Boom is reinventing the cockpit with an all-new flight deck, designed around pilots with safety at the forefront. Boom is making rapid progress on its Symphony engine, with hardware testing underway and the first full-scale engine core to be operational in just 18 months. Additionally, Boom announced that Symphony will be assembled in San Antonio, Texas through an expanded agreement with StandardAero.
Today's announcements come on the heels of accelerating momentum for Boom. In March, the company conducted the historic first flight of its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator and in June completed construction on the Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“Passengers and airlines are hungry for supersonic flight,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “Following XB-1's successful test flight, we're accelerating. Overture features an all-new flight deck, incorporating extensive pilot feedback, resulting in a flying experience that is both innovative and instantly familiar. Our Symphony engine has quickly progressed through design into hardware rig testing, and with a fully operational engine core on track for next year, our rapid development approach is pacing ahead of schedule.”
Boom continues to partner with airlines and best-in-class industry suppliers. Overture's flight deck builds on the next-generation Honeywell Anthem avionics suite. An advanced head-worn vision system from Universal Avionics, who joins the Overture program today, is integrated into the flight deck. Boom worked with BAE Systems to integrate Active Control Sidesticks into the Overture flight deck simulator displayed at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Boom reinvents the cockpit with an all-new flight deck
Overture's flight deck builds upon years of learning in aviation safety and is the result of extensive feedback from airline, business, and military pilots. Incorporating the Honeywell Anthem avionics suite, Overture offers pilots unprecedented situational awareness and ease of control, providing passengers with the safest possible flight experience.
Boom's flight deck offers pilots the benefits of advanced automation and envelope protection, together with a force-feedback system that allows pilots to feel how the airplane is flying. With key airplane features accessible through high-definition touch screens, Overture can benefit from ongoing over-the-air software upgrades. Overture flight deck capabilities include:
Force-feedback sidesticks. For the first time on an airliner, force-feedback sidesticks allow pilots to control the plane while physically feeling both aircraft response and inputs made by the co-pilot or autopilot.
Autoland and augmented reality. Building on the system flown on XB-1, Overture has an advanced augmented reality vision system for takeoff and landing, eliminating the need for the droop nose used on Concorde. Pilots can safely land using autoland or augmented reality views provided on a head-worn device and on the pilot's primary flight display.
Large 17-inch touchscreens. High-definition touchscreens eliminate the hundreds of breakers and buttons found in legacy cockpits. Every airplane function is accessible through software while physical controls-such as stick, throttle, and landing gear-are offered for safety-critical functions.
Over-the-air upgrades. Overture will receive over-the-air software upgrades, meaning new features and improvements will arrive regularly. Airlines can control how upgrades are rolled out across fleets.
Boom recently completed a series of flight deck tests with commercial pilots from leading airlines, including Mike Bannister, former Chief Concorde Pilot for British Airways.
“I've long believed that Overture is the rightful successor to Concorde,” said Mike Bannister, former Chief Concorde Pilot for British Airways. “After experiencing Overture's flight deck, which is incredibly well designed and delightful to fly, my excitement and enthusiasm for this aircraft has only intensified.”
ATR CELEBRATES MILESTONE 1700TH DELIVERY
ATR, the world's leading regional aircraft manufacturer, today announced the delivery of its 1,700th aircraft since the inception of the programme to longstanding customer Air Corsica.
The delivery of this ATR 72-600 to the French airline completes the full transition of its fleet of ATR -500 series to the latest generation of turboprop aircraft, demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence, regional connectivity, and sustainability. It also underscores the robustness and enduring success of the ATR programme, solidifying its position as a cornerstone in the regional aviation landscape.
Air Corsica was the first operator to take delivery of an ATR 72-600 equipped with the new PW127XT engine in November 2022, which resulted in a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and at least a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared with the PW127M. It generates a CO2 emission saving of 45% compared with a similar-sized regional jet. With this delivery, the airline now operates seven ATR 72-600 aircraft, powered by the latest PW127XT engines, enhancing the reliability, comfort, operating costs, and CO2 emissions of its connecting flights from Corsica's four airports, while providing a high-quality public service.
Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, President of Air Corsica's Supervisory Board, said: “Completing our fleet renewal with the ATR 72-600 is a pivotal moment for Air Corsica, reflecting our commitment to providing the best possible service to our passengers and supporting the economic vitality of our island. This latest-generation aircraft enhances our operational efficiency and significantly reduces our environmental impact, aligning perfectly with our vision of a more sustainable future for air travel in Corsica. By investing in this modern fleet, we are ensuring that our island remains well-connected, fostering growth and opportunity for our communities.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR's Chief Executive Officer, emphasised: “Delivering our 1,700th aircraft to Air Corsica marks a major milestone in our partnership and highlights our joint commitment to setting the standard for regional connectivity. This achievement also underscores ATR's resilience, unmatched adequacy for the regional market, and capacity to provide highly-efficient, versatile aircraft that empower airlines to thrive in the dynamic regional aviation sector.”
The new aircraft will significantly improve regional connectivity. By linking communities, they will stimulate economic growth through increased business activity, tourism, and investment opportunities. As ATR looks towards the future, this milestone reinforces the company's unwavering dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction, setting the stage for continued success and innovation in regional aviation.
BOMBARDIER'S GLOBAL 7500 BUSINESS JET BLAZES FORWARD, SETS MORE THAN 50 SPEED RECORDS IN UNDER 50 WEEKS
Bombardier today announced that its industry-leading Global 7500 business jet continues to pile up speed records, adding to its already impressive record-setting performances by reaching more than 50 records in less than 50 weeks.
Some of the most impressive new industry records (1) include essential city pairs from Miami to São Paulo, Tokyo to Los Angeles, Jeddah to London and London to Bahrain. To further accentuate the Global 7500 aircraft's incredible performance attributes, the average speed of its 10 fastest new records is clocked at more than 1,000 km/h.
Exceptional performance and pristine luxury are the Global 7500 jet's calling cards. With a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a baseline range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 is the ultimate record-setting time machine, bringing key destinations closer and closer. The aircraft's Smooth Flex Wing is like an in-air shock absorber, designed with a sophisticated slats and flap system that generates exceptional lift on takeoff and approach, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and boosting performance while improving safety and offering the industry's smoothest ride. It also reduces fuel burn, lowers emissions and produces excellent short-field and high-speed performance - the type of journey its discerning customers strive for.
“With every new speed record, the Global 7500 aircraft builds on its well-deserved reputation as the most impressive ultra long-range aircraft in the skies today,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “In terms of its design attributes, unique technological advancements and more, the Global 7500 aircraft is unmatched for its reliability, productivity and style.”
Performance attributes notwithstanding, the Global 7500 aircraft is in a class by itself in terms of design excellence. This exquisite business jet is the ultimate home office in the sky, a productive business tool that offers customers all the accoutrements of their preferred work environment. The aircraft boasts a stunning, spacious interior featuring four true living spaces, a full-size, superbly equipped kitchen and a dedicated crew suite, offering customers the ultimate in-flight experience. Other innovative design elements set the benchmark for the most exceptional cabin interior in business aviation, including Bombardier's patented Nuage seat, which features the industry's first zero-gravity position.
The incredible attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft will be enhanced even more with the introduction of the Global 8000 (2) aircraft, announced in 2022. Bombardier's flagship of a new era will boast an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles and an unbeatable top speed of Mach 0.94, making it the ultimate all-in-one business aircraft. It will also feature the lowest cabin altitude of less than 2,900 feet when flying at 41,000 ft. - lower than any business jet today. Bombardier's Global 8000 aircraft development is ongoing and the program is progressing to plan toward entry into service in 2025.
AIRBUS SHIPS THE THIRD EUROPEAN SERVICE MODULE TO CAPE CANAVERAL ON BEHALF OF ESA
Orion's third European Service Module (ESM-3) is leaving Airbus' facilities in Bremen, Germany, and heading to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, where it will be assembled and tested with the Crew Module. This third mission of NASA's Artemis programme will mark the first human return to the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972.
ESM-3, built by Airbus under contract to the European Space Agency (ESA), will play a critical role in supporting four astronauts during their three-week mission aboard the Orion spacecraft: from the moment they leave Earth, their journey into lunar orbit, docking with the lunar landing system Starship HLS, and their safe return to Earth.
Ralf Zimmermann, Head of Space Exploration at Airbus, said: “Today's delivery of the third ESM marks the beginning of yearly ESM deliveries, underlining the importance and reliability of Europe in this transatlantic partnership.” Airbus Defence and Space is under contract up to ESM-6 and long lead items procurement up to ESM-9.
Italy, Italian airspace: An EasyJet UK Airbus A320-214, encountered turbulence upon entering Italian airspace, following which two flight attendants were injured. The flight crew decided to divert to Rome Fiumicino, where the landing occurred without further consequences.
USA, over Grand Forks, ND: An Air Canada Airbus A319-114, was en route between Toronto International Airport (CYYZ) and to Victoria International Airport (CYYJ) when shortly after reaching top of climb, flight crew identified lower than nominal oil level indicating possible oil leak in ENG2 and commenced monitoring of the condition. When ENG2 oil quantity reached 6.0 quarts, the decision was made to initiate diversion to Winnipeg/James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (CYWG), MB, while overhead Grand Forks International Airport (KGFK), ND, following consultation with Maintenance Operations Control. ENG2 oil quality levels continued to fall during descent and at approximately 10 000 ft ASL, with 4.0 quarts remaining, and intermittent associated OIL QTY ECAMs, the flight crew elected to execute a precautionary In-Flight Engine Shutdown (IFSD) and declared a PAN PAN. The aircraft subsequently carried out full stop landing over MLW (~+1.2T) on CYWG RWY 31 with aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) on standby. ARFF conducted general visual inspection noting unassociated water on the belly of the aircraft but no external leaks in the vicinity of ENG2. The aircraft taxied under its own power to the gate where the flight was completed without further incident.
USA, near Boston, MA: A JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231, was nearing the destination, Boston-Logan International Airport, MA (BOS) when a passenger's cell phone battery suffered a thermal runaway. Thick heavy smoke was emitted by the battery. The flight crew contained the situation and the flight safely landed at BOS.
Australia, Melbourne Airport (MEL/YMML), Melbourne, VIC: A passenger opened an emergency door of a parked Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232 (WL) at Melbourne Airport (MEL/YMML), and walked over the wing and made his way down to the ground via the engine. The emergency slide was also deployed. He was caught by ground staff and then arrested by the Australian Federal Police.
Afghanistan, Khost Airport (KHT/OAKS): Ariana Afghan Airlines flight FG403, a Boeing 737-400, overran runway 25 on take-off from Khost Airport (KHT). The tail of the aircraft struck the ground and impacted a fence before it got airborne. The flight continued to Kabul Airport, where it landed safely.
