IATA's turbulence aware platform expands with additional airlines and data integrators.
FAA and EASA pledge to support safe and secure civil aviation activities.
ICAO celebrates 80 Years with "Safe Skies. Sustainable Future" focus.
New FAA rule requires drug and alcohol testing for foreign repair station employees.
Delta named 'Airline of the Year' and other notable recognitions by Global Traveler.
Ethiopian Aviation University graduates over 460 aviation professionals.
Pegasus Airlines orders up to 200 Boeing 737-10 airplanes.
Innovative partnership between Rosenbauer and Dallas Fire Rescue Department brings PANTHER 6x6 Electric to Dallas Love Field Airport.
Worldwide Incidentals and Accidents
Bonus Video - Ford Tri Motor Flight 2013
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
IATA'S TURBULENCE AWARE PLATFORM EXPANDS WITH ADDITIONAL AIRLINES AND DATA INTEGRATORS
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that interest in its Turbulence Aware Platform continues to expand, with six airlines having joined the program in 2024. Most recently, this includes Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Scoot and Singapore Airlines.
Managing turbulence will remain at the forefront of aviation safety and efficiency, given the expected rise in demand for air travel, coupled with shifting weather patterns. Turbulence Aware pools anonymized turbulence data from flights operated by participating airlines. This real-time, accurate turbulence reporting enables pilots and dispatchers to choose optimal flight paths, avoiding turbulence and flying at optimum levels to maximize fuel efficiency and thereby reduce CO2 carbon emissions.
“Making use of accurate and up to date data in Turbulence Aware helps flight crews' efforts to avoid or at least mitigate the effects of turbulence. The quality of this data improves with each new airline contributing to the platform. So the strong take up of Turbulence Aware by airlines is important. As ever, they key to improving aviation safety is working together and we look forward to welcoming more airline participants in the coming year,” said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
Along with growing airline participation, the data transmission scope of Turbulence Aware is expanding through agreements concluded with The Weather Company, Lufthansa Systems, PACE TXT, APiJET, BCI and Storkjet over the past 12 months. Through their existing data solutions for cockpit instruments, flight planning, and flight tracking systems, these companies now offer access to Turbulence Aware data. This enables pilots, dispatchers and flight planners to receive turbulence data directly in their main workflows, without relying on multiple screens or tools.
IATA launched Turbulence Aware in 2018 to help airlines mitigate the impact of turbulence which remains a leading cause of passenger and crew injuries. At present, the IATA Turbulence Aware Platform has over 25 airlines contributing and consuming data through more than 2,600 aircraft. In 2023, a total of 38 million reports were generated. Data from IATA Turbulence Aware is also made available to meteorological offices for turbulence modelling validation and development as well as academic institutes for research purposes.
FAA AND EASA PLEDGE TO SUPPORT SAFE AND SECURE CIVIL AVIATION ACTIVITIES
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) signed a Declaration of Intent to continue to foster and enrich its partnership to support safe and secure civil aviation activities. Leaders from the FAA and EASA discussed the renewed commitment at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 80th Anniversary of Chicago Convention.
“Aviation safety and modernization is a joint effort that requires collaboration with our international partners,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “Emerging technologies are transforming the global aviation system and require constant collaboration to reevaluate and adapt our strategic direction as new challenges and opportunities present themselves. Efforts like this Declaration of Intent help bring it all together.”
“Building on the EU-US Agreement on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety, this Declaration of Intent will generate a new momentum in our EASA-FAA relationship and allow for better alignment on the priorities voiced by the global aeronautical industry,” said Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA.
Under the Declaration, the FAA and EASA agree to share knowledge and best practices on safety data and risk management, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, innovation, research, and sustainability, as well as seek regulatory alignment where possible. Both organizations will also collaborate to provide technical assistance to regions across the globe.
ICAO CELEBRATES 80 YEARS WITH "SAFE SKIES. SUSTAINABLE FUTURE" FOCUS
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) commemorated its 80th anniversary with an Extraordinary Session of the Governing Council, highlighting the continued impact of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).
The Chicago Convention, a key international agreement signed on 7 December 1944, has shaped global civil aviation to the benefit of all peoples and nations of the world.
The meeting of the 36 members of the ICAO Council took place on 5 December in the same room of the Chicago Hilton (formerly Stevens Hotel) where the 1944 diplomatic conference was held.
The Council adopted a resolution which recognizes the significant contributions that ICAO has made over the eight decades since the 1944 meeting and looks to the future, to shape an aviation sector that is safe, sustainable and more accessible to all. The Council resolution also celebrates the significant contributions of civil aviation to global cooperation, peace, and economic development. It also urges Member States to continue promoting innovation, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In a written message to the Council, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres commended ICAO's leadership in environmental sustainability. He praised ICAO's new Long-Term Strategic Plan for its alignment with the UN's 2030 Agenda, particularly highlighting its focus on concrete emissions reduction, environmental protection, and capacity building through the "No Country Left Behind" initiative. The Secretary-General expressed strong support for ICAO's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
The commemorative events began on 4 December with a welcome reception featuring remarks from Mr. Pete Buttigieg, United States Secretary of Transportation. The event brought together representatives from the ICAO Council and high-level delegates from ICAO Member States, including 10 Ministers and 50 Directors General of Civil Aviation.
On 5 December, the ICAO Council held its historic Extraordinary Council session, where ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano told delegates that the 1944 Chicago conference was a remarkable moment in human history.
“Eighty years ago, as the Second World War still raged, 54 States came together in this very city to imagine a different future - one where aviation would serve as a bridge between nations rather than an instrument of conflict,” he expressed.
“Those delegates in 1944 could not have imagined the scale and complexity of today's aviation system. Yet they created a framework flexible enough to accommodate technologies they could never have dreamed of, and robust enough to guide aviation's development through decades of unprecedented change.”
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar remarked that the theme of the anniversary - “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future” - reflected ICAO's long-standing aspirations and dedication to achieving zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions.
“We commit to ensuring every flight is safe and secure - building on our remarkable safety and security record while adapting to new technologies and emerging risks and threats. We pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 - evolving aviation from a contributor to climate change into a leader in sustainable transport.”
“Like the visionaries who gathered in this room 80 years ago, we face many challenges and opportunities. Today, we must transform aviation again - making it efficient and accessible, sustainable and inclusive.”
Industry stakeholders concluded the Extraordinary Council session by presenting a joint declaration celebrating eighty years of collaboration, progress and innovation since the establishment of ICAO and pledging the sector's ongoing support to ICAO's long term strategic vision.
The afternoon of 5 December featured three high-level roundtables addressing key themes in aviation: "Economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability - how aviation can propel the UN Sustainable Development Goals," "The role of innovation in unlocking a sustainable future," and "Building the future of aviation: overcoming challenges, securing investment, and achieving sustainability." These discussions further emphasized the importance of cross-sector cooperation to drive change and ensure a sustainable future for aviation.
NEW FAA RULE REQUIRES DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING FOR FOREIGN REPAIR STATION EMPLOYEES
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule that requires certificated repair stations outside the U.S. to implement a drug and alcohol testing program. The testing applies to workers who perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft.
“This is an important step in our safety mission because few countries require testing of aviation maintenance personnel,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “This rule will ensure these employees are held to the equivalent high level of safety standards, regardless of where they are physically located.”
The rule also requires repair stations to ensure their employees receive all necessary anti-drug and alcohol abuse training and send their testing data electronically to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The FAA proposed the rule in December 2023 and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 required the agency to implement its provisions.
The rule may affect approximately 977 repair stations in 65 countries.
DELTA NAMED 'AIRLINE OF THE YEAR' AND OTHER NOTABLE RECOGNITIONS BY GLOBAL TRAVELER
Delta Air Lines has been declared 'Airline of the Year' by Global Traveler and secured multiple recognitions within the publication's 21st Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards.
Global Traveler's advisory board and select group of staff members selected the Airline of the Year based on financial and operational performance, loading and boarding time, safety procedures, onboard menus and brand image.
The latter survey, highly regarded by the luxury business travel industry, highlights notable hospitality transport, hospitality and loyalty services. The winners were chosen by Global Traveler readers.
Awards that Delta secured in the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards include: Best Airline website (Delta.com); Best Airline Lounges (Delta Sky Clubs); Best Airline for Domestic First Class &Best Airline App (Fly Delta)
“We are proud that Delta's commitment to elevated and premium service has been recognized by Global Traveler,” Dwight James, Senior Vice President - Customer Engagement & Loyalty for Delta Air Lines, and CEO - Delta Vacations, said. “Trust in our brand, operations and our products are what fuel our workforce of over 100,000 to keep climbing.”
Delta's commitment to excellence from operational reliability and elevated customer experience is evident through its recognition from prominent organizations such as JD Power's top-ranked airline for First/Business and Premium Economy Passenger Satisfaction, securing Business Travel News' top carrier for business travelers title for the fourteenth year in a row and being named America's most on-time airline for the third year in a row by Cirium.
Open-ended ballots were distributed in Global Traveler magazine subscriptions, online, direct mail and email from Dec. 13, 2023 - Aug. 31, 2024. Ballots sent back with less than 50 percent of the fields completed were then disqualified. An outside accounting firm, Citrin Cooperman LLP, tabulated the results. Employees of the magazine and members of the travel industry were barred from participation.
ETHIOPIAN AVIATION UNIVERSITY GRADUATES OVER 460 AVIATION PROFESSIONALS
Ethiopian Aviation University, the largest aviation center of excellence in Africa, proudly announces the graduation of more than 460 aviation professionals, including international trainees from 10 African countries. The university held a vibrant graduation ceremony at its facility, celebrating the remarkable achievements of its trainees.
During the ceremony, the university honored the accomplishments of 132 pilots, 128 commercial trainees, 123 cabin crew, and 84 aircraft maintenance technicians. These graduates completed rigorous training programs in the university's Pilot Training, Commercial & Ground Services, Cabin Crew & Catering, and Aviation Maintenance Training Schools, respectively.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew remarked, “Today's graduation is a testament to Ethiopian Airlines Group's commitment to play a part beyond transportation in the aviation industry. As a Pan-African airline and the continent's aviation giant, it is also a pleasure to extend our aviation training to other African nations and take a step further in realizing a well-connected Africa, where well-trained professionals support the industry.”
We are immensely proud of our graduates and their contributions to the aviation industry. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and wish them the best of luck in their new careers. Let us work together and make Africa proud," he added.
Ethiopian Aviation University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to both local and international trainees. It provides various aviation courses such as aerospace and hospitality, including a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Engineering, Aviation Management & Operations, a BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, an MSc in Data Science, and an MBA in Aviation Management.
In addition to degree programs, the university offers diploma and certificate programs in aircraft maintenance technician, pilot training, cabin crew and commercial training, leadership & career development, and catering training. The university also provides ICAO and online courses, ensuring comprehensive education and training for all aviation professionals.
Ethiopian Aviation University is a cornerstone of aviation excellence in Africa. It not only meets the immediate needs of Ethiopian Airlines but also supports the growth of Africa's aviation sector, making it a key player in the continent's development.
PEGASUS AIRLINES ORDERS UP TO 200 BOEING 737-10 AIRPLANES
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Pegasus Airlines today announced Türkiye's leading low-cost carrier will grow and modernize its single-aisle fleet with an order for up to 200 737 MAX airplanes. The airline's purchase includes a firm order for 100 737-10 jets - plus options for 100 more.
The largest model in the 737 MAX family, the 737-10 can carry as many as 230 passengers with a range of up to 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles), while reducing fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. The airplane's efficiency and flexibility will enable Pegasus Airlines to serve more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane.
"Boeing aircraft have been an integral part of our operations since Pegasus entered the aviation industry in 1990," said Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines. "We are pleased to be expanding our fleet with the new Boeing 737-10 model aircraft. We continue to invest in our fleet in line with our growth targets in Türkiye and globally, and to expand our network by launching new routes."
Ozturk added: "Within the scope of our agreement with Boeing, we have ordered a total of 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The first 100 aircraft are firm orders and we will be evaluating converting the remaining 100 aircraft options into firm orders in the coming years, based on market conditions and the needs of our fleet."
Pegasus Airlines launched operations with the Boeing 737 Classic nearly 35 years ago. The 737-10 will complement the airline's fleet of Next-Generation 737s by providing operational commonality and flexibility to meet growing travel demand.
"We have been a proud partner of Pegasus Airlines since their inception and we are excited to welcome them as the newest 737 MAX customer," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We appreciate their trust in the Boeing team and we look forward to delivering on the 737-10 and its promise of greater efficiency, versatility and reliability."
As low-cost carriers continue to boost regional growth and connectivity, the 737-10 will support Pegasus Airlines in reaching new markets across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook forecasts European and Central Asian operators will take delivery of nearly 7,900 single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years.
"When considered within the scope of Boeing's National Aerospace Initiative launched with the Turkish government in 2017, our order will also open new doors and create production and exports opportunities both for Turkish manufacturers and for the wider aviation industry," said Öztürk.
Pegasus Airlines' purchase of 100 737-10 jets will bring the total orders of the 737 MAX variant to more than 1,200 jets.
Incorporated in 1990, Pegasus was acquired by ESAS Holding in 2005 and launched as a scheduled low-cost carrier. As one of the region's leading low-cost airlines, Pegasus believes that everyone has the right to fly and offers its guests the opportunity to travel with low fares and young aircraft through its low-cost model. In 2018, Pegasus adopted the motto Your Digital Airline and carries its guests to 144 destinations, with 35 in Türkiye and 109 on its international network, in 53 countries. Pegasus operates connecting flights between Türkiye and Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia through its point to point and connecting flights through Türkiye. Pegasus offers digital technologies and unique innovations that enhance the guest experience and makes comprehensive efforts for a cleaner, more equal, and harmonious future together, with the mission of Moving Towards a Sustainable Future.
INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ROSENBAUER AND DALLAS FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT BRINGS PANTHER 6X6 ELECTRIC TO DALLAS LOVE FIELD AIRPORT
Rosenbauer America and the Dallas Fire Rescue Department have entered into an innovative partnership aimed at the joint further development of the PANTHER 6x6 electric through to series production. The pre-series vehicle will be delivered in mid-2025 and will operate at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), making it the first airport to receive a PANTHER 6x6 electric.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department plays an important role as a cooperation partner. During the approximately 6-month test phase, the vehicle will be put through its paces. Tests will include integration into daily operations, performance compared to the current fleet, and functionality in training operations. The insights gained is passed on to the product team and flows directly into further development. After the completion of the testing phase, the PANTHER 6x6 electric will be integrated into the fleet as a regular operational vehicle.
“The Dallas Fire Rescue Department is proud and excited for the opportunity to partner with Rosenbauer in the creation and development of a new and sustainable technology that will help lower our carbon footprint while ensuring the safety of our residents and millions of travellers who fly through Dallas Love Field every year,” said Interim Fire Chief Justin Ball.
Sebastian Wolf, CEO of Rosenbauer International, says "With the PANTHER 6x6 electric, we are setting a new benchmark in terms of performance and emission reduction in the field of airport firefighting vehicles. We are proud to test and deploy this new technology together with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department."
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (DFR) is responsible for fire protection and emergency medical care for the City of Dallas and therefore, also oversees the fleet of firefighting vehicles at Dallas Love Field Airport, where the PANTHER 6x6 electric will be used at DAL ARFF Station 21. The City of Dallas' Aviation department pays particular attention to sustainability and plans to be emission-free by 2040. In order to achieve this goal, the existing fire station is being redesigned and rebuilt as part of the "DAL ARFF Station 21 Replacement" project. The new fire station at DAL will not only be modern and optimally positioned to minimize response times but will also be geared towards energy efficiency and sustainability. This also includes gradually replacing the fleet vehicles with vehicles with alternative drive systems.
"We are excited to collaborate with the Dallas Fire Rescue Department and Dallas Love Field as partners to advance the PANTHER 6x6 electric. Findings from real operating conditions at Dallas Love Field will be incorporated into the optimization of the vehicle. This paves the way for airports to further reduce their carbon footprint in the future by using low-emission vehicles," said Andreas Zeller, Chief Sales Officer of Rosenbauer International.
In May 2024, Dallas Love Field expanded to its carbon neutrality status and achieved Level 4 - Transformation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program. This made DAL, the busiest medium hub airport in the U.S., one of only five airports in the country, and one of two airports in Texas certified at Level 4 or higher in the Program. The self-funded city entity recently served over 17.6 million passengers in 2023, the most in its history, and is the sole funding source for this innovative development. On average, the airport's airfield accommodates 675 aircraft operations per day and ranks third busiest in private aircraft traffic. Such high activity demonstrates the need for top-of-the-line safety infrastructure and rapid response times in an emergency.
In addition to the pre-series PANTHER 6x6 electric for Dallas, three prototypes have been produced and tested at the Leonding site (Austria). Since early October 2024, emergency organizations have been able to order the new PANTHER 6x6 electric. The first pre-series vehicles could be delivered as early as the end of 2025.
Ethiopia, near Addis Ababa Bole International Airport: A Ethiopian Boeing 777-300ER, returned to land back at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport after it "experienced a technical issue", according to a statement from the airline. Unconfirmed reports suggest the aircraft suffered an engine failure. The aircraft had been stored at Victorville since March 2022. It was ferried from Victorville to Addis Ababa on December 9, 2024 and entered into service on December 12. The incident flight was the 9th revenue flight of the aircraft since delivery.
Nigeria, Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV/DNAA): An Allied Air Boeing 737-400 (SF), veered off the right side of runway 22 after landing at Abuja International Airport (ABV), Nigeria. The aircraft came to a rest in a grassy area. The 737 was said to be transporting money and other goods for the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Argentina, near San Fernando Airport (SADF), San Fernando, BA: A Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 300 experienced a runway excursion after landing on runway 05 at San Fernando Airport (SADF), San Fernando, Buenos Aires. The aircraft overran the runway and veered to the right to avoid an ILS localizer antenna array. It went through the perimeter fence and knocked over a tree with the left-hand wing before crossing a small street and sliding into a side street while the left-had wing separated from the fuselage. A fire erupted. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. Runway 05 at SADF has a Landing Distance Available of 1690 m. The airport perimeter fence is located 200 m past the paved end of the runway.
Kazakhstan, 5 km NW of Aktau Airport (SCO/UATE): An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer ERJ-190AR, crashed near Aktau Airport, Kazakhstan, after having declared an emergency. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft having fluctuating altitude and speed data. There are conflicting figures as to the number of people on board. According to the airline, there were five crew and 62 passengers onboard. According to information from the Ministry of Emergencies, 29 survivors were taken to the hospital. Eleven are in serious condition. Flight 8243 took off from Baku International Airport (GYD) in Azerbaijan at 03:55 UTC on a flight to Grozny Airport (GRV), Russia, that usually takes about one hour. Kazakh media, quoting a Grozny Airport spokesperson, suggested that the flight was unable to land at GRV due to low visibility. At 05:02 UTC there was an overcast cloud deck at 800 feet with a visibility in fog of 3500 m. The flight then reportedly attempted a diversion to Makhachkala Uytash Airport (MCX). It is unclear if the flight attempted to land there. Weather between 05:00 UTC and 06:00 UTC at MCX showed a visibility decreasing from 6000 m to 3600 m with an overcast cloud deck of about 2400 ft. Flightradar24 ADS-B data stopped at 04:25 UTC reappeared at 06:07 UTC when the flight showed up over the Caspian Sea, squawking 7700 (emergency). Altitude and speed data are available from 05:14 UTC, showing fluctuating altitude and speed as the aircraft heads to Aktau Airport. According to local media, Kazaeronavigatsiya stated that the flight crew had reported problems controlling the aircraft. Videos show that the aircraft collided with terrain in a right wing low, nose down altitude. The aircraft broke up and a fire erupted. Post accident photos show that the main cabin area was consumed by the ensuing crash fire. The tail section came to rest upside down away from the main wreckage and was free of fire damage. Multiple videos, purportedly of flight J28243, are being shared on social media. They show the oxygen masks had dropped in the cabin at some point before the accident. Also, a passenger was supposedly interviewed after surviving the accident. He stated having heard an explosion during the descent or approach. He also reported observing that shrapnel had perforated his life vest. Another in-flight video shows a hole in a flap track fairing on the left-hand wing. Additionally, post-accident video footage of the tail section shows multiple small holes in the tailfin as well as horizontal stabilizer.At the time flight 8243 was flying toward GRV, Russian air defence forces were actively attempting to shoot down at least one Ukrainian unmanned aircraft in the area of Grozny.
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