Flight Safety Information - November 11, 2024 No. 224 In This Issue : Incident: Qantas B738 at Sydney on Nov 8th 2024, engine failure on departure sets grass alight : Incident: Hainan B789 at Rome on Nov 10th 2024, bird strike : Accident: Total B734 at Sao Paulo on Nov 9th 2024, aircraft on fire in flight : Boeing 727-227 Adv. (F) - Ground Damage on Takeoff (Colombia) : Pilot reports plane illuminated by green laser near Concord airport, FAA says : Pilots Escape Burning Cargo 737 In Brazil : 34 Passengers Fall ill on United and Japan Airlines Flights to Tokyo : American Airlines’ Powerful New Policy To Prevent Unnecessary Passenger Ejections : Southwest Airlines To Issue Voluntary Separation Packages To Alleviate Overstaffing : FAA opens applications for summer intern program : HK Express welcomes its 10th A321neo aircraft : Air India Swaps Vistara Int’l Routes, Unhappy Pilots, Singapore Airline Funding : Calendar of Events Incident: Qantas B738 at Sydney on Nov 8th 2024, engine failure on departure sets grass alight A Qantas Boeing 737-800, registration VH-VYH performing flight QF-520 from Sydney,NS to Brisbane,QL (Australia) with 181 people and dry ice on board, was departing Sydney's runway 34R when the crew declared PAN PAN during initial climb reporting an engine (CFM56) failure. The crew continued the climb to 3000 feet, shut the failed right hand engine down and entered a hold at 4000 feet while emergency services started to battle a fire that had ensued in the grass at the side of the departure runway. The aircraft landed safely on runway 34L about 30 minutes after departure, emergency services were still fighting the grass fire at that time. The airline reported the engine suffered a contained engine failure and added: "While customers would have heard a loud bang, there was not an explosion." https://avherald.com/h?article=51ffac59&opt=0 Incident: Hainan B789 at Rome on Nov 10th 2024, bird strike A Hainan Airlines Boeing 787-9, registration B-1119 performing flight HU-438 from Rome Fiumicino (Italy) to Shenzhen (China) with 249 passengers and 16 crew, was climbing out of Fiumicino's runway 16R when the right hand engine (Genx) ingested a number of birds and suffered from repeated compressor stalls. The crew stopped the climb at 6000 feet and entered a hold while working checklists and dumping fuel. The aircraft returned to Fiumicino for a safe landing on runway 16R about 55 minutes after departure. https://avherald.com/h?article=52027276&opt=0 Accident: Total B734 at Sao Paulo on Nov 9th 2024, aircraft on fire in flight A Total Linhas Aereas Boeing 737-400 freighter, registration PS-TLB performing flight 0T-5682 from Vitoria,ES to Sao Paulo Guarulhos,SP (Brazil), was descending towards Guarulhos when the crew reported a fire in the cargo hold and declared emergency. The aircraft continued towards Guarulhos' runway 28L, about 5 minutes prior to landing the radio contact was lost (the transponder continued to work normally), however, the crew managed a safe landing on runway 28L and stopped on the runway. Tower reported seeing fire from the aircraft, the crew evacuated via rope through the cockpit windows, emergency services responded and penetrated the fuselage to extinguish the fire. The following morning about 8 hours after landing, after all cargo was unloaded, the aircraft could be towed off the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, in particular the fire burned through the aircraft crown. The airport reported a fire was identified in the cargo hold of the aircraft while still in flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=52006308&opt=0 Boeing 727-227 Adv. (F) - Ground Damage on Takeoff (Colombia) Date: Sunday 10 November 2024 Time: 21:42 UTC Type: Boeing 727-227 Adv. (F) Owner/operator: Aerosucre Colombia Registration: HK-5216 MSN: 21996/1571 Year of manufacture: 1980 Engine model: P&W JT8D Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Bogotá-Eldorado International Airport (BOG/SKBO) - Colombia Phase: Take off Nature: Cargo Departure airport: Bogotá-Eldorado Airport (BOG/SKBO) Destination airport: Valencia-Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN/SVVA) Investigating agency: Aerocivil Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Aerosucre Flight A4-372, a Boeing 727-227(AF), was taking off from Runway 14L at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) when it impacted the localizer array for the reciprocal runway, Runway 32R, 300 meters (990 feet) past the end of the runway. The aircraft returned to Bogotá safely, with minor damage being sustained to the landing gear of the aircraft and the localizer on the ground. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/459812 Pilot reports plane illuminated by green laser near Concord airport, FAA says CONCORD, N.H. —A pilot flying over New Hampshire Saturday night reported being illuminated by a laser, the Federal Aviation Administration told News 9. The FAA said the pilot of an Embraer Phenom 300 jet reported being illuminated by a green laser about 5 miles north of the Concord airport around 8 p.m. No injuries were reported, and local authorities were notified, the FAA said. President of Kinton Aviation Consulting, Tom Kinton, sees the rise of laser-related reports with his clients, and the dangers that come with it. "When you point that into the sky, it gets magnified over thousands of feet in elevation," he said. "It becomes the size of a headlight beam in the cockpit." Lee Avery, the owner of pilot training company Sky Bright, has worked in the aviation industry for decades. However, he said the increase in laser-related reports just started over the past ten years. His explanation as to why, though, is not one that comes easily. "All of a sudden, you're flying an airplane without being able to see anything potentially. That's the problem," he said. Now, experts said pilots are having their safety put at risk more frequently — and the safety of their passengers. "Not only is there potentially temporary or permanent eye damage, but why are you putting people at risk for no particular reason?" Avery said. The FAA said on Oct. 31, the flight crew of a Boutique Flight reported being illuminated by a green laser about 5 miles northeast of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. In 2023, the FAA said there were 13,304 laser incidents, an increase from 9,457 in 2022. The FAA said people who shine lasers at an aircraft face fines up to $11,000 per violation and up to $38,000 for multiple incidents. https://www.wmur.com/article/man-decorates-entire-street-as-early-christmas-gift-to-his-wife/62852318 Pilots Escape Burning Cargo 737 In Brazil Fire destroyed a Total Cargo Boeing 737-400 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Saturday. The two crew members aboard a Total Cargo Boeing 737-400 RS managed to get the burning aircraft on the ground in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early Saturday before rappelling to safety from a window using the emergency escape rope. The drama unfolded on a short flight from Vitoria. The crew declared an emergency on final and controllers said flames were visible after the plane stopped on the runway. The pilots were not hurt. The fire is believed to have started in the cargo. The plane took off at about 11:34 p.m. on Friday and landed about an hour later. Firefighters met the plane on the runway and fought the stubborn blaze for several hours. The written-off airframe was towed off the runway more than eight hours after the incident. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/pilots-escape-burning-cargo-737-in-brazil/ 34 Passengers Fall ill on United and Japan Airlines Flights to Tokyo Symptoms primarily included vomiting, with some passengers showing signs of illness even before boarding. TOKYO- A group of 34 passengers, including high school students traveling from Guam to Japan, displayed symptoms of suspected food poisoning (fall ill) on two separate flights, Japan Airlines (JL) Flight 942 and United Airlines (UA) Flight 873, both of which landed at Narita Airport on Thursday night, officials reported. The Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) office and Chiba Prefecture authorities stated that of the affected passengers, 16 were on Japan Airlines Flight 942, while 18 were on United Airlines Flight 873. Symptoms primarily included vomiting, with some passengers showing signs of illness even before boarding. After the flights landed, 14 of the passengers required hospital care, though others managed symptoms without immediate medical assistance. Japan Airlines informed airport authorities that it does not believe inflight meals caused the illness, based on reports that some passengers experienced symptoms before boarding. Japanese authorities are investigating the incident to determine the source of the suspected food poisoning and to rule out other possible causes. Similar Incidents In July 2024, Delta Air Lines (DL) temporarily limited meal options on 75 international flights, offering only pasta after an emergency landing occurred due to passengers falling ill from suspected food contamination. The Detroit-to-Amsterdam flight was diverted to New York’s JFK Airport on July 3 after approximately 24 passengers became sick, reportedly from moldy chicken that was also consumed by the pilots. Delta instructed staff to inspect all meal dishes closely before serving, implementing the meal restriction “out of an abundance of caution.” This adjustment was in place for only two days, during which Delta continued its flight meal changes on international routes. Delta has since restored all meal choices. In October 2024, Delta further suspended hot meal service on over 200 flights departing from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) following a separate food safety issue at its catering facility. The airline stopped operations at the affected kitchen and sourced hot meals from alternative facilities to ensure food safety. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/11/08/34-fall-ill-on-united-japan-airlines-flights-to-tokyo/ American Airlines’ Powerful New Policy To Prevent Unnecessary Passenger Ejections prevent unfair ejections American Airlines revamps passenger removal policy, setting clear guidelines to prevent unfair ejections and address rising complaints of discrimination onboard. Airline policies governing onboard conduct have become a significant topic of public scrutiny, and American Airlines is taking a proactive approach by revising its guidelines on how flight attendants manage complex passenger interactions. The revised policy aims to reduce unnecessary passenger removals, particularly in cases not related to immediate safety or security threats, reflecting the airline’s commitment to fair treatment and reducing potential instances of discrimination. The surge in customer complaints, especially related to perceived discriminatory practices, has placed many airlines under a magnifying glass, and American Airlines is no exception. With the new policies in place, American Airlines is redefining how its cabin crew handles such incidents, offering them more structured guidance on de-escalation, especially in situations involving customer complaints not directly related to safety. Background: Growing Tensions and Complaints Against Airlines Over the years, incidents involving disputes between flight attendants and passengers have escalated, garnering significant media attention and sparking debates about discrimination and fair treatment. While tensions between cabin crew and passengers are nothing new, the post-pandemic era has seen a noticeable increase in such conflicts. Stricter rules, renewed health concerns, and heightened sensitivities have all contributed to a higher frequency of disagreements onboard. An increasing number of travelers have voiced concerns over airline staff’s handling of disputes, questioning whether some passenger removals are justified or if the situations could have been resolved without escalation. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) data underscores this trend. In 2023, discrimination-related complaints filed against airlines rose by a notable 26% compared to the previous year, drawing attention to the need for airlines to address these issues directly. American Airlines Responds to Rising Complaints with Policy Revisions In response to these concerns, American Airlines has implemented new guidelines, clarifying when flight attendants are permitted to request that a passenger leave the aircraft. The goal of this revised policy is clear: to reduce the number of customer removals and address incidents in a way that minimizes unnecessary conflict. The new policies prioritize handling customer concerns without resorting to passenger removal unless a genuine safety or security threat is identified. This shift not only aligns with American Airlines’ commitment to customer service but also aims to enhance the onboard experience for all travelers by providing a consistent approach to conflict resolution. Key Provisions of the New Policy According to View From The Wing, which accessed the revised inflight manual, the updated guidelines detail the procedures for cabin crew when dealing with passengers in non-safety-related conflicts. The policy highlights several essential points: Non-Safety Related Incidents: In instances where an issue does not pose a direct safety or security risk, flight attendants are encouraged to resolve the matter in a manner that does not involve removing the customer from the aircraft. This approach emphasizes calm communication and de-escalation, allowing the crew to address the situation more tactfully. Customer-Initiated Concerns: The policy also specifies that cabin crew should only respond to non-safety or non-security issues raised directly by customers. By focusing on customer-initiated concerns, the airline aims to avoid unnecessary intervention in cases where issues could potentially be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Final Decision-Making Authority: While flight attendants are responsible for managing passenger interactions, the final decision to remove a passenger remains with the captain of the flight. This authority structure ensures that removals are only conducted in cases where absolutely necessary, preserving safety as the utmost priority. Rise in Discrimination Complaints: A Catalyst for Policy Change American Airlines’ decision to revise its policy did not come out of the blue. In recent years, there have been multiple high-profile incidents involving alleged discrimination, leading to calls for greater oversight and transparency in airline practices. The rising trend of discrimination complaints in the airline industry has had a significant influence on this policy shift. The DOT’s 2023 report highlighted over 220 complaints related to alleged discriminatory treatment, compared to 176 in the previous year. These complaints underscore the urgent need for airlines to establish clear guidelines that help prevent any perceived bias or unfair treatment. One particular incident that sparked significant media attention involved eight African American men who were removed from an American Airlines flight due to complaints of body odor. The passengers, who did not know each other, were seated in different parts of the aircraft, raising questions about the motivations behind their removal. This incident brought American Airlines’ practices under scrutiny, leading to discussions between airline executives and civil rights advocates. Initiatives to Address Discrimination and Improve Customer Experience Following this incident, American Airlines took concrete steps to improve its practices and rebuild customer trust. Company executives, including the airline’s top leadership, engaged in dialogue with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to address these concerns directly. As a result, American Airlines introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and preventing discriminatory treatment. One of the major steps taken was the establishment of an “Oversight and Excellence Advisory Group.” This new body is tasked with continuously monitoring the airline’s practices, particularly in areas where potential bias could affect customer experience. The advisory group plays a vital role in ensuring that the airline remains vigilant against discriminatory behavior and that any instances of bias are quickly addressed. Additionally, American Airlines has initiated a review of its cultural practices, emphasizing the need for respectful interactions and understanding among its cabin crew and customer-facing staff. By fostering a more inclusive culture, the airline hopes to create a more welcoming environment for passengers of all backgrounds. Balancing Safety with Fairness: The Role of Flight Attendants Flight attendants play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring a pleasant onboard experience, and American Airlines recognizes the challenging nature of this role. The new policies provide clear guidelines for flight attendants, emphasizing the importance of fairness and respect in every customer interaction. However, the airline also acknowledges the need to support its cabin crew in making real-time decisions, especially in high-stress situations. The responsibility of deciding whether a passenger should remain on board ultimately rests with the flight’s captain, reinforcing the importance of safety above all else. The updated guidelines strive to balance the need for safety with the need to protect passengers’ rights and ensure fair treatment. American Airlines’ Commitment to Reducing Discriminatory Practices American Airlines’ proactive policy changes reflect its commitment to addressing the concerns of its diverse customer base. By setting clear parameters for when and how passengers may be removed from a flight, the airline aims to create a more transparent and equitable approach to handling onboard incidents. The airline’s recent efforts are not just about improving policies but are also part of a broader cultural shift aimed at building a more inclusive experience for all passengers. American Airlines’ collaboration with civil rights organizations, coupled with its internal advisory group, exemplifies a dedication to accountability and continuous improvement. Looking ahead, American Airlines aims to further strengthen its relationship with customers by fostering transparency and inclusivity in its policies. While the new guidelines mark an essential step in addressing discrimination concerns, the airline acknowledges that there is still work to be done. By prioritizing open communication, fostering a culture of respect, and equipping its staff with clear guidelines, American Airlines is taking meaningful strides toward rebuilding trust with its passengers. The airline’s policy revisions serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for airlines to continuously adapt to meet the evolving expectations of their customers. In a competitive industry, customer experience is paramount, and American Airlines is demonstrating its commitment to setting a high standard for passenger interactions. As the airline continues to refine its policies and engage with stakeholders, it aims to lead the way in fostering a more equitable and respectful travel environment for all. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/american-airlines-powerful-new-policy-to-prevent-unnecessary-passenger-ejections/ Southwest Airlines To Issue Voluntary Separation Packages To Alleviate Overstaffing In a statement early Sunday, a Southwest spokesperson confirmed VPS 24 and said that the carrier has slowed hiring new employees. Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is attempting to address overstaffing concerns at some airports. Leaders sent a memo to ground operations, cargo, and provisioning employees on Friday indicating that the airline is offering voluntary separations. The carrier’s staffing overfill, which is reportedly linked to aircraft delivery delays, does not seem to be a concern at all of its destinations. However, staff at nearly 20 airports – some of which Southwest has a large presence at – will be receiving information about voluntary separation, in addition to select positions at its headquarters. “Support the long-term viability” Aviation watchdog JonNYC was the first to report the development. In a leader update to staff, Chris Johnson, Southwest’s Vice President of Ground Operations, along with Cole McGuire, the carrier’s Ground Operations Strategy & Planning Vice President, and Wally Devereaux, Vice President of Cargo & Provisioning, said the voluntary separations would “help align” the airline’s staffing target. “As you know, the Company has experienced aircraft delivery delays, resulting in changes to our plan and reductions in capacity, which has also led to overstaffing in some locations and Teams. As the Company plans for moderating capacity growth, we are introducing a 2024 Voluntary Separation Program (VSP 24) to help align our staffing numbers with our business and support the long-term viability of our Company.” Who’s eligible? Johnson, McGuire, and Devereaux went on to explain that the VSP 24 will be offered to both contracted and non-contracted employees “who meet the eligibility criteria,” which include customer service agents, ramp agents, cargo agents, and provisioning agents. The program is also extended to operations agents, ramp supervisors, provisioning supervisors, assistant managers, and operations managers. The leaders said those eligible at the following 18 airports “will receive information about the VSP 24 package in the coming days”: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) Dallas Love Field (DAL) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Long Beach Airport (LGB) Miami International Airport (MIA) Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) Portland International Airport (PDX) Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) John Wayne Airport (SNA) Tampa International Airport (TPA) The move comes as Southwest plans to significantly scale back its operation in Atlanta. Simple Flying previously reported that the low-cost carrier expects to reduce over 300 pilot and flight attendant roles at Hartsfield–Jackson by April of next year. The airline has been focused on growing its overall revenue – under the pressure of Elliott Investment Management, which owns 10% of its common stock. Making the appeal Johnson, McGuire, and Devereaux highlighted that current employees who are close to retirement “within the next few years” may want to consider voluntary separation. They also said it “may be appealing” for staff who wish “to go back to school, would like to spend more time with family, or have other interests in taking time away from work.” Select employees at Southwest’s headquarters in Dallas will also receive information about the VSP 24 package. The memo states that all staff in the selected locations “will have several weeks to review the resources and decide whether the package suits their current needs.” It is not clear what will happen to employees who decline the package. In a statement early Sunday, a Southwest spokesperson confirmed VPS 24 and said that the carrier has slowed hiring new employees. "Southwest has reduced overall capacity to meet demand with a constrained fleet due to aircraft delivery delays. Offering voluntary separation and extended time off to contract and noncontract Employees, along with continued slowed hiring, will help us avert overstaffing in certain locations." Those who choose to voluntarily separate are reportedly subject to a resignation date of December 30, 2024. https://simpleflying.com/southwest-airlines-voluntary-separation-program-2024/ FAA opens applications for summer intern program The FAA is accepting applications until Nov. 29, 2024, for the summer 2025 session of the Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Intern Program. The paid summer internship includes students from a variety of educational backgrounds in academic fields such as air traffic control, aviation management, business administration, computer science, economics, engineering, and information technology. Students also may earn academic credit for their internship, according to FAA officials. The internship runs from June 9 to Aug. 15, 2025. Eligibility requirements: U.S. citizenship Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited institution Be in good academic standing How to Apply The 2025 student intern application period is open through Nov. 29. Submit your applications at USAJobs. Information Sessions The FAA will hold a number of virtual information sessions on the program, including : Nov. 13: 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Nov. 19: 3: p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Nov. 22: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Nov. 25: 2: p.m. – 3:30 p.m. To register, click here. For more information: FAA.gov https://generalaviationnews.com/2024/11/09/faa-opens-applications-for-summer-intern-program/ HK Express welcomes its 10th A321neo aircraft HK Express Airways has announced the arrival of its 10th Airbus A321neo aircraft. The A321neo is the largest passenger aircraft in HK Express’ fleet, enabling them to accommodate more travellers offering 31 destinations across Asia. The engineering and pilot teams from HK Express have recently visited the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France for a four-day inspection and test flight of the aircraft. Jeanette Mao, chief executive officer, HK Express said: “As HK Express continues to introduce new routes, we are thrilled to welcome our 10th Airbus A321neo aircraft, marking a significant step towards the goal of growing our fleet to 40 aircraft. “Since receiving our first A321neo aircraft in March last year, we have added 10 A321neo aircraft in just over a year and a half. “With the rapid expansion of our fleet and the launches of new routes, HK Express will increase its weekly flights to over 800.” HK Express now flies an average of over 15,000 passengers arriving and departing the Hong Kong International Airport daily. This contributes to the development of the city’s tourism industry, facilitating more frequent travels between Hong Kong and other Asian countries while creating new business opportunities. “HK Express is confident in the Asian market, especially with the commissioning of the Three-runway System,” Mao added. “We look forward to the new opportunities it will bring. “We will continue to expand our fleet, introduce new routes, and enhance our Asian flight network, providing more affordable and reliable flight options while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as the region’s leading international aviation hub.” https://airlinergs.com/hk-express-welcomes-its-10th-a321neo-aircraft/ Air India Swaps Vistara Int’l Routes, Unhappy Pilots, Singapore Airline Funding Some Air India pilots are expressing frustration over differing retirement ages as the merger with Vistara approaches GURUGRAM- From November 12, 2024, there will be no Vistara, as it merges with Air India (AI) to form a bigger and only full-service entity in the country. Following this, Air India made changes to some international flights that are operated by Vistara. See there are other changes as well, but these are the latest changes and do not give a complete list of updates. Air India Vistara International Routes Swap The Gurugram-based carrier has made several network adjustments for the period between November 12 and December 31, 2024, as reported by X user BOMLHR and they are as follows: Air India is introducing its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on the Delhi-Bali route, enhancing connectivity to this popular Indonesian destination. Air India will temporarily deploy Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft on several key routes until December 31, 2024: Delhi – Paris (AI 143/144) Delhi – Frankfurt (AI 121/122) Delhi – Dubai (Two daily frequencies) Vistara will cease operations on two important European routes: Mumbai – Frankfurt Mumbai – Paris Charles de Gaulle Apart from this, Air India has also made changes to other European routes which you can read here: Vistara Ending Delhi to London Flight, Air India to Use Free-Up Slots | Exclusive Air India Pilots Unhappy In a separate development, reports have emerged that some Air India pilots are expressing frustration over differing retirement ages as the merger with Vistara approaches, according to sources. Currently, Air India, under government ownership until its transfer to the Tata Group in 2022, sets the retirement age for pilots and other staff at 58. Vistara, co-owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has a retirement age of 60 for its pilots. The Vistara-Air India merger, set for November 11, is part of Tata Group’s strategy to consolidate its aviation interests. However, sources indicate that Air India management has yet to establish a unified retirement age for the merged airline, fueling discontent among some Air India pilots. According to DGCA regulations, pilots can work until age 65. In August, Air India introduced a policy allowing select pilots to continue on a five-year contract post-retirement, with potential extensions up to age 65. Some Air India pilots argue the management should raise their retirement age to 60 to address this discrepancy. Air India pilots are also concerned about the merged seniority list, which, they claim, places some senior Air India pilots behind less-experienced Vistara pilots. Singapore Airlines Investing in Air India Group Singapore Airlines (SQ) or SIA will invest an additional ₹3,194.5 crore in Air India following the merger with Vistara, scheduled for November 11. This merger, announced on November 29, 2022, will give SIA a 25.1% stake in the combined Air India entity. As part of the merger terms, SIA’s consideration includes its 49% stake in Vistara and ₹2,058.5 crore in cash for the equity interest. SIA also expects a non-cash accounting gain of around 1.1 billion Singapore dollars post-merger and will begin equity accounting for its stake in Air India’s financials. The agreement includes SIA’s commitment to cover its share of Tata’s prior funding for Air India, totaling up to ₹5,020 crore, ensuring it maintains the 25.1% ownership. SIA’s new investment will amount to ₹3,194.5 crore (SGD 498 million), made through Air India shares in November 2024. SIA stated it will consider future investments based on Air India’s capital needs and funding options. This merger marks a significant consolidation in India’s aviation sector, combining Air India’s and Vistara’s domestic, international, full-service, and low-cost operations. SIA sees this as an enhancement to its multi-hub strategy, allowing it greater access to India’s growing aviation market. In line with this expansion, Air India and SIA recently extended their codeshare partnership to include 11 additional Indian cities and 40 international destinations. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/11/10/air-india-swaps-vistara-intl-routes/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS • NATA’s Aviation Business Conference (ABC) - November 12-13,2024, Nashville, TN • Elevate Your Organization's Safety Practices with ERAU’s SMS Course in Daytona Beach Nov. 19-21 • The Gulf Flight Safety Association (GFSA) - 26/27 of November 2024; Manama, Bahrain • Sponsor the 2025 Fuzion Safety Conference! March 4 & 5, 2025 (Orlando) • Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Conference Center | Denver Colorado, March 27-29, 2025 • Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium April 7-9, 2025 • AIA Conference: The Aviation Insurance Association's annual conference in Orlando, Florida from April 25–28, 2025 • Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore • The 9th Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exposition 2025; June 11 to 13, 2025 Curt Lewis