This Week in Airliner, Airports and Airlines
Aviation safety improved despite the challenges of pandemic recovery.
ICAO honours aviation expert John Mettrop with prestigious Walter Binaghi Air Navigation Commission Laurel Award.
Airbus commences limited share buyback to support future employee share ownership plan activities and equity-based compensation.
KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Southeast Asia primed to play key role in growth of sustainable aviation fuel industry.
Grants help fast track travellers with their luggage.
25 years of help alliance: Lufthansa Airbus takes off in fall with special 'helping hands' livery.
How three Emirati women are shaping an environmentally sustainable future for DA.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus Video - AirVenture 2024 Istanbul Türkiye to Chicago USA
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVED DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF PANDEMIC RECOVERY
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced to delegates during its 14th ICAO Air Navigation Conference underway in Montréal that aviation safety continued to improve despite the operational challenges of the pandemic recovery.
The Organization's Safety Report for scheduled commercial air travel in 2023 shows that the fatality rate dropped to 17 people per billion passengers in 2023, down from 50 people per billion passengers in 2022. The global accident rate decreased to 1.87 accidents per million departures in 2023, down from 2.05 in 2022.
This occurred as passenger traffic increased to around 4.2 billion passengers globally in 2023, up from 3.2 billion in 2022, and flight departures increased to over 35 million in 2023, compared to around 31 million in 2022, and represents progress towards the goals set forth in ICAO's Global Aviation Safety Plan.
"These impressive safety figures reflect the dedication and hard work of the entire aviation community," said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. " Our unwavering goal remains zero fatalities in commercial aviation. Achieving this ambitious target requires a collective effort. Together, we can and will make the skies even safer for every passenger and crew member.”
The report indicates that 2023 was the safest year in the past five years in terms of safety indicators such as, global accident rate, number of fatal accidents, total fatalities and fatality rate. Regrettably, there was one fatal accident in 2023, which took the lives of 72 people. While this is a net improvement compared to 2022 in which seven accidents brought 160 fatalities, it nevertheless underscores the importance of the work for the aviation community to ensure safety remains a top priority in the sector.
“ICAO is committed to driving further improvements through our Global Aviation Safety Plan and targeted initiatives addressing high-risk areas. We're enhancing our audit programmes, updating global standards, and providing tailored assistance to Member States.,” remarked ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. “We call on all our partners - governments, airlines, airports, air traffic service providers and manufacturers - to intensify their safety efforts and collaborate closely with ICAO.”
The report also provides a detailed breakdown of accidents by occurrence category in 2023. Turbulence encounter (TURB) accounted for the most accidents, followed by abnormal runway contact (ARC) related accidents. These two categories combined represented around half of all accidents for the year. Notably, there was one loss of control inflight (LOC-I) related fatal accident that resulted in all 72 fatalities recorded in 2023.
In terms of aircraft damage, two airplanes were destroyed during the year: one due to a loss of control on ground (LOC-G) accident and the other from a LOC-I accident. Additionally, eight airplanes sustained substantial damage from ARC-related accidents.
Other categories contributing to accidents with substantial aircraft damage included aerodrome (ADRM), bird strike (BIRD), ground collision (GCOL), ground handling (RAMP), system/component failure or malfunction (non-powerplant) (SCF-NP), and wind shear or thunderstorm (WSTRW).
The report highlights five global high-risk categories of occurrence (G-HRCs) identified by ICAO. These G-HRCs are: controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), loss of control in-flight (LOC-I), mid-air collision (MAC), runway excursion (RE), and runway incursion (RI). In 2023, these G-HRCs collectively accounted for 100% of fatalities, 100% of fatal accidents, and 9% of the total number of accidents.
The vision of the Global Aviation Safety Plan is to achieve and maintain the goal of zero fatalities in commercial operations by 2030 and beyond. To do so, operational safety risks - primarily the G-HRCs - need to be identified and addressed. Through collaboration with States, regions, and industry stakeholders, ICAO is helping to implement specific safety enhancement initiatives for each area.
ICAO HONOURS AVIATION EXPERT JOHN METTROP WITH PRESTIGIOUS WALTER BINAGHI AIR NAVIGATION COMMISSION LAUREL AWARD
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has presented its Walter Binaghi Air Navigation Commission Laurel Award to John Mettrop of the United Kingdom, recognizing his outstanding contribution to global aviation safety and efficiency.
The award ceremony took place during ICAO's Fourteenth Air Navigation Conference. Mr. Mettrop's recognition comes after a distinguished 35-year career dedicated to advancing international civil aviation standards.
Renowned for his expertise in Communication, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS) and Spectrum management, Mr. Mettrop has played a pivotal role in shaping the technical framework that underpins modern aviation safety. His work has been instrumental in developing global standards that ensure the continued safety and efficiency of air travel worldwide.
This award comes at a crucial time for global aviation. As the industry navigates post-pandemic recovery, emerging technologies, and increasing environmental concerns, Mr. Mettrop's expertise in spectrum management is more relevant than ever. His work directly supports ICAO's ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic management systems and enhance the sustainability of air travel. The implementation of new radiocommunication technologies and the efficient use of radio spectrum are key to accommodating the projected growth in air traffic while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Mr. Junrong Liang, President of the Air Navigation Commission, lauded Mr. Mettrop's contribution. "Mr. Mettrop's work exemplifies the highest standards of expertise and dedication in our field. His ability to navigate complex technical challenges while fostering international cooperation has significantly advanced ICAO's mission of ensuring safe and efficient global air travel."
Throughout his career, Mr. Mettrop has fostered partnerships across borders and organizations. His collaborative efforts with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunication (CEPT), and ICAO have been instrumental in advocating for aviation's needs in radio spectrum allocation. These partnerships have been vital in securing spectrum resources necessary for aviation safety and efficiency.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Mettrop emphasized the exciting opportunities in radio spectrum management for aviation. He envisioned a future where innovative approaches to this field could further enhance air safety and efficiency, inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.
The Walter Binaghi Air Navigation Commission Laurel Award, named after ICAO's first Air Navigation Commission President, represents ICAO's dedication to nurturing expertise and innovation in aviation safety. This prestigious award celebrates the contributions of experts like Mr. Mettrop and reinforces the importance of technical excellence in ICAO's ongoing mission to enhance global air travel.
As air travel continues to connect more people and places around the world, the work of ICAO and aviation experts like Mr. Mettrop remains crucial in ensuring safe and efficient skies for all. Their efforts pave the way for exciting advancements in global connectivity. These advancements always prioritize the highest standards of safety and sustainability, addressing the complex challenges of modern aviation.
AIRBUS COMMENCES LIMITED SHARE BUYBACK TO SUPPORT FUTURE EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN ACTIVITIES AND EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) is commencing a share buyback programme, for the purpose of supporting future employee share ownership plan activities and equity-based compensation plans. The programme will be executed in the open market over a period ending 31 March 2025 for up to a maximum number of 4,254,000 shares (with the maximum monetary amount being that required to acquire the targeted number of shares at prices fixed in compliance with the Delegated Regulation, and will be affected in one or more tranches).
Airbus has mandated an investment firm to manage the execution of the first tranche of the programme, which will comprise an amount up to a maximum of 2,127,000 shares, beginning on 9 September 2024 and ending no later than 31 October 2024. The investment firm will make its trading decisions concerning the timing of purchases independently of Airbus.
The programme will be carried out subject to market conditions and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations, including the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse (“EU Market Abuse Regulation”) and its Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052 (the “Delegated Regulation”).
The programme is undertaken pursuant to the authority granted by shareholders to the Airbus Board of Directors at the Airbus Annual General Meeting held on 10 April 2024, to repurchase up to a maximum of 10% of the Company's issued share capital. The programme is intended to support the execution of future employee share ownership plan activities and equity-based compensation, while avoiding dilution of existing shareholders.
KLM TAKES DELIVERY OF ITS FIRST AIRBUS A321NEO AIRCRAFT
Dutch national carrier KLM, member of the Air France-KLM Group, has taken delivery of its first A321neo as part of their fleet modernisation with latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. With the aircraft KLM joins the community of successful A321neo operators.
By selecting the A321neo, KLM brings on-board the latest technology to lower decibels and to reduce the noise footprint during take-off, approach and landing. Together with its advanced fuel efficiency, the A321neo will play a key role in KLM's environmental ambition.
The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout. The cabin features Airbus' Airspace cabin with XL bins. The larger bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.
The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus' best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. Equipped with sharklets and powered by new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo brings a 50% noise footprint reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To date, more than 6,400 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo aircraft 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.
SOUTHEAST ASIA PRIMED TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN GROWTH OF SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INDUSTRY
Southeast Asia's feedstocks can supply approximately 12% of global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand to meet the commercial aviation industry's net-zero goal by 2050, according to a report developed by Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and supported by Boeing [NYSE: BA].
The sustainable feedstock assessment encompassing 11 countries across Southeast Asia, found that the region's bio-based feedstock capacity can produce approximately 45.7 million metric tons of SAF per year by 2050.
Approximately 75% of potential SAF feedstock can be sourced from post-consumer and agricultural waste including cassava, sugarcane, and municipal solid waste; Rice husks and straw are by far the most significant SAF feedstocks in the region when compared to other agricultural residues; Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines' total feedstock availability accounts for about 90% of the region's SAF supply capacity.
“This research affirms Southeast Asia's diverse SAF feedstock availability and immense potential for helping meet global demand for SAF,” said Sharmine Tan, Boeing's regional sustainability lead for Southeast Asia. “With regional governments and industry working together on sustainability polices and infrastructure investment, scaling local production and building a regional SAF capability provides Southeast Asia an exciting opportunity to help shape a more sustainable future of flight while protecting its environment and growing its economy.”
Unblended, or “neat” SAF, which is totally free of fossil fuels, offers the largest potential to reduce aviation's carbon emissions over the next 30 years, as it can reduce emissions over the fuel's lifecycle by up to 84%. In 2023, SAF only accounted for 0.2% of global commercial fuel use.
“Our research considers not only the potential volumes of feedstock available in Southeast Asia, but also their environmental and social sustainability in terms of impacts on deforestation, water, and food security,” said Arianna Baldo, RSB's Programme Director. “These results can help guide future SAF feedstock supply including the exploration of other agricultural and industrial waste materials.”
Boeing is working locally to scale SAF globally through region and country-specific roadmaps and feedstock analyses with local partners and governments. The company's efforts spanning over a dozen countries worldwide - including Australia & New Zealand(opens in a new tab) and Japan(opens in a new tab) - contribute to ICAO's Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Program.
GRANTS HELP FAST TRACK TRAVELERS WITH THEIR LUGGAGE
To date the FAA has awarded over 25 airports with more than $465 million in grant funding for the replacement or upgrading of baggage handling systems.
This unique funding program was made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and gives airports the opportunity to make improvements and modernize facilities for a more efficient passenger experience at a moment when some systems are 30 years old and nearing the end of their usefulness.
For example, the Denver International Airport in Colorado was recently awarded $124 million to replace the baggage handling system with a more energy efficient system to accommodate additional passengers.
With record air travel this month and passenger growth predicted for years to come, the Biden-Harris Administration's focus remains on investments that can directly improve the passenger experience.
“We're helping travellers reunite with loved ones quicker, start vacations sooner, and make crucial appointments,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E., on the importance of maintaining and modernizing baggage handling systems. “The last thing anybody wants is the stress of a luggage delay.”
Other examples of airports receiving grants include:
$639,000 to La Crosse Regional Airport in Wisconsin: This grant funds rehabilitating the existing terminal building baggage handling equipment to allow for the efficient movement of baggage.
$7.4 million to Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado: This grant funds replacing the existing terminal building baggage handling system that has reached the end of its useful life to provide for more efficient and reliable movement of baggage.
$4.4 million to Lawton-Fort Still Regional Airport in Oklahoma: This grant funds completing the final phase of the terminal modernization and expansion project which includes a new baggage claim area. The terminal modernization and expansion project includes a building expansion with a new baggage claim and meeter-greeter areas, a new and expanded security checkpoint and hold room expansion that accommodates two airline gates. This award will provide funding to complete the final phase, which includes an expanded airline counter, office spaces, conveyor systems for departures, a passenger boarding bridge, and curb side area updates.
$6.4 million to Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds replacing the baggage handling system with energy efficient components. Additionally, it includes the replacement of drive motors, automatic tag readers, and photo-sensors, with more energy efficient technology.
Funding for this grant comes from the Airport Terminal Program or Airport Infrastructure Grant program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $12 billion of funding has been made available to airports across the country though both programs. Learn more about the full $25 billion in the infrastructure law for airport improvements by visiting faa.gov/bil.
President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment in our nation's infrastructure and competitiveness by rebuilding America's roads and bridges, upgrading and expanding public transit and rail, and modernizing the nation's ports and airports. To date, the Administration has announced over $461 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for over 60,000 infrastructure projects across the nation and has mobilized over $898 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States.
25 YEARS OF HELP ALLIANCE: LUFTHANSA AIRBUS TAKES OFF IN FALL WITH SPECIAL 'HELPING HANDS' LIVERY
Exactly 25 years ago, Lufthansa Group employees in Frankfurt am Main founded the help alliance, Lufthansa Group's aid organization. To mark this anniversary, Europe's largest aviation company is sending a clear sign of support across the continent: an Airbus A321neo with the lettering 'help alliance' and many colourful "helping hands" will be flying in Lufthansa's European route network from autumn.
The aircraft with the help alliance sticker pays tribute to all the people who have shown great commitment to the aid organization over the past 25 years and collects donations. Those who hurry can symbolically leave a colourful handprint on the plane. There is space for a total of 300 handprints on the aircraft - they can be purchased at helpalliance.org. The money will be used to provide children in Africa and India with school books and meals, among other things.
Vivian Spohr, patroness of help alliance, says: "It makes me proud and grateful that Lufthansa is sending out a strong and highly visible signal on the 25th anniversary of help alliance. The aid organization would be inconceivable without people who care for those who need support - either actively in projects around the world or as donors. The "helping hands" on the plane are a tribute to their great work. Every donation helps to give children all over the world a better future. With help alliance, we are taking responsibility - in the past and in the future, because we still have a lot to do."
HOW THREE EMIRATI WOMEN ARE SHAPING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR DA
As the United Arab Emirates prioritises its sustainability agenda and the aviation sector seeks a balance between growth and environmental responsibility, Dubai Airports is taking concrete actions to reach its sustainability goals.
The operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC), is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing operational efficiency through various initiatives, including energy-saving projects, environmental coalitions, diverting waste from landfill, and installing large-scale solar energy systems. These efforts have significantly reduced carbon emissions and energy costs, earning Dubai Airports recognition from the Airport Council International (ACI) Carbon Accreditation Programme.
At the heart of this transformation are three exceptional Emirati women, who are playing crucial roles in supporting Dubai Airports' sustainability goals forward. Their efforts prove that change doesn't just happen from the top down; it takes passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of progress across the entire organisation.
Sara Al Abdulla, Senior Manager of Commercial Sustainability, is not merely discussing sustainability; she is actively building it, one partnership at a time. Dubai Airports waste management diverts a remarkable 60% of all Dubai International (DXB) waste away from landfill, a testament to the organisation's commitment to decarbonisation, and Sara's ability to rally the entire airport community around a shared purpose. "Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a journey we embark on together. By building a community that shares knowledge and works collaboratively, we are creating a future that benefits everyone," says Sara.
Maryam Alawadhi, a passionate Energy and Sustainability Engineer at Dubai Airports, is on a mission to prove that sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. One of her key projects was a lighting and building retrofit, which managed to offset 47,000 tonnes of carbon - equivalent to planting more than a million trees annually. "Every project I contribute to, no matter how small or big, is a step towards a more sustainable world. The energy savings we achieve are more than just numbers; they represent a tangible difference in our community's future," Maryam shares.
As the Director of Category Management, Najla Alghammai has been at the forefront of integrating environmentally sustainable practices into procurement processes at Dubai Airports, proving that it can be a
core business strategy. Her leadership in developing the Dubai Airports' Green Procurement Policy has resulted in a 49% increase in eco-friendly purchases compared to 2022. Additionally, her support for implementing a Dubai Airports paperless policy has drastically reduced printing, from thousands of pages in 2018 to zero in 2024. "Sustainability in procurement is not just about choosing the right products; it is about setting a precedent for responsible, ethical decision-making that ripples throughout the entire industry," says Najla.
As Dubai Airports continues its journey towards a net-zero future, Sara, Maryam, and Najla stand as a testament to the power of Emirati women to shape a better future, one step at a time.
USA, Denver International Airport, CO (DEN/KDEN): United Airlines flight UA1451, a Boeing 737-824, blew a tire on take-off from Denver International Airport, CO (DEN) and continued to the destination, MCO. After landing the aircraft was disabled on the runway for 50 minutes before it proceeded to the gate. A post flight inspection revealed damage to the right main gear and fuselage.
Hong Kong, near Hong Kong: Scoot flight TR100, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, was descending through FL200 towards the destination Guangzhou when it encountered turbulence. Four passengers and three crew members received medical assistance immediately upon arrival in Guangzhou. One passenger required hospitalization for further medical observation.
Korea, 200 km east of Seoul: Japan Airlines' flight JAL/JL22 from Beijing Capital, China to Tokyo/Haneda, Japan, a Boeing 787-9, encountered severe turbulence while flying over South Korea at FL410. A cabin attendant suffered injury of the right 10th rib fracture by sudden roll. The Boeing continued to the destination where a safe landing was carried out. On 10th September, Japan Transport Safety Board launched an accident investigation instead of the Korean authority.
