Flight Safety Information - March 3, 2025 No. 044 In This Issue : Incident: Norwegian B738 at Stavanger on Mar 1st 2025, flaps up landing : Incident: Delta BCS1 at Boston on Mar 2nd 2025, fumes in cockpit : Incident: Fedex B763 at Newark on Mar 1st 2025, engine fire due to bird strike : Incident: Delta A333 at Atlanta on Feb 28th 2025, engine shut down in flight : Incident: Batik B738 near Bangkok on Feb 24th 2025, heat bank : Incident: MNG A333 and Silk Way B772 at Hong Kong on Feb 27th 2025, loss of separation on departure : Incident: Wizz UK A21N near Munich on Feb 27th 2025, one pilot incapacitated : Investigation underway after Delta employee struck by catering truck on tarmac at DTW : Delta Air Lines flight to New Orleans returns to Boston after ‘smoky odor’ detected in cabin : FAA reportedly ordered staff to find millions of dollars to fund Starlink deal : FedEx Plane Catches Fire in Air Before Emergency Landing : Fears Asia-Pacific aviation boom could outpace capacity to keep passengers safe : Turkish Airlines Eyes Fleet of 500 Aircraft by September 2025 : Multiple flights diverted to Waco Regional Airport Incident: Norwegian B738 at Stavanger on Mar 1st 2025, flaps up landing A Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737-800, registration LN-NGD performing flight DY-9323 from Las Palmas,CI (Spain) to Stavanger (Norway), was on approach to Stavanger when the crew stopped the descent at 3000 feet and entered a hold due to problems with the flaps. The crew subsequently prepared for a flaps up landing, positioned for an approach to Stavanger's runway 18 about 30 minutes later and landed safely at high speed (193 knots over ground). The aircraft stopped at the end of the runway for about 5 minutes before continuing taxi to the apron. The aircraft returned to service about 14 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=524c2684&opt=0 Incident: Delta BCS1 at Boston on Mar 2nd 2025, fumes in cockpit A Delta Airlines Bombardier C-Series CS-100, registration N131DU performing flight DL-1398 from Boston,MA to New Orleans,LA (USA) with 87 passengers and 5 crew, was climbing out of Boston when the crew stopped the climb at FL240 reporting fumes on the flightdeck. The aircraft returned to Boston for a safe landing on runway 33L about 30 minutes after departure. The FAA reported: "Delta Air Lines Flight 1398 returned safely to Boston Logan International Airport around 9:35 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 2, after the crew reported fumes in the flight deck and cockpit. The Airbus 220 was heading to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The FAA will investigate." The airline reported a smoky odour in the cabin. A replacement CS-100 registration N117DU positioned to Boston and is currently estimated to reach New Orleans with a delay of 6:15 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=524c24a9&opt=0 Incident: Fedex B763 at Newark on Mar 1st 2025, engine fire due to bird strike A Fedex Federal Express Boeing 767-300, registration N178FE performing flight FX-3609 from Newark,NJ to Indianapolis,IN (USA) with 3 crew, was climbing out of Newark's runway 22L, tower already instructed to contact departure, when the crew still on tower declared emergency reporting they had taken a bird into the #2 engine (CF6). The crew of another aircraft on the ground advised tower, they believed they saw the right hand engine fall off the aircraft (which was not correct). Ground observers reported they saw the aircraft flying over them with large flames trailing the right hand engine. The aircraft stopped the climb at 2000 feet, shut the engine down, positioned for the approach and landed safely on runway 22L about 8 minutes after departure, emergency services already at the runway, the right hand engine still emitting continuous large flames through the exhaust, tower advising the crew the right hand engine emitted fire. The aircraft stopped on the runway, emergency services closed the runway. The crew subsequently advised emergency services, that they had discharged both fire bottles onto the engine after receiving an engine fire indication, emergency services confirmed the engine was still on fire and they were putting water on. Tower closed all runways. The crew reported they were just initiating the turn at about 500 feet AGL when birds got into the right hand engine. About 15 minutes after landing tower reopened runway 29 while runways 22L and 22R remained closed. The NTSB announced: "The NTSB is investigating an incident in which a FedEx B-767 made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after striking birds on departure out of the same airport on Saturday morning." https://avherald.com/h?article=524b6f82&opt=0 Incident: Delta A333 at Atlanta on Feb 28th 2025, engine shut down in flight A Delta Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration N811NW performing flight DL-14 from Atlanta,GA (USA) to Frankfurt/Main (Germany), was climbing through 16,000 feet out of Atlanta's runway 27R when the crew stopped the climb reporting they had lost their #2 engine (PW4168A, right hand). The aircraft returned to Atlanta for a safe landing on runway 27R about 30 minutes after departure. A replacement A330-200 registration N859NW reached Frankfurt with a delay of about 5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Atlanta about 16 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=524b62c4&opt=0 Incident: Batik B738 near Bangkok on Feb 24th 2025, heat bank A Batik Air Boeing 737-800, registration 9M-LNP performing flight OD-530 from Johor Bahru (Malaysia) to Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand), was enroute at FL380 nearing the top of descent into Bangkok when a passenger's power bank stored in an overhead locker suffered a thermal runaway emitting smoke. Cabin crew secured the power bank into a safe container. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Don Mueang's runway 21R about 30 minutes later. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 8.5 hours and departed for its next sector with a delay of about 7 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=524ac551&opt=0 Incident: MNG A333 and Silk Way B772 at Hong Kong on Feb 27th 2025, loss of separation on departure A MNG Airlines Airbus A330-300 freighter, registration TC-MCN performing flight MB-380 from Hong Kong (China) to Istanbul (Turkey), was climbing through about 2500 feet out of Hong Kong's runway 07C about to turn right onto departure route. A Silk Way Airlines Boeing 777-200 freighter, registration VP-BMU performing flight 7L-625 from Hong Kong (China) to Baku (Azerbaijan), was climbing through 2500 feet out of Hong Kong's runway 07R about to turn right onto departure route. The crew received a TCAS resolution advisory to descend. According to ADS-B data the separation between the aircraft reduced to 0 feet vertical and about 800 meters/0.45nm horizontal at 23:02:06Z. After the conflict was resolved both aircraft continued their climbs and flights to destination without further incident. Hong Kong's CAD opened an investigation into the occurrence stating the aircraft had been cleared to 5000 respective 3000 feet, however, due to the climb rates differing from what ATC anticipated the desired vertical separation was not achieved. While following their standard departure routes both aircraft were visual with each other. About 7nm after takeoff the crew of the Boeing 777 received a TCAS resolution advisory to descend. https://avherald.com/h?article=524aacee&opt=0 Incident: Wizz UK A21N near Munich on Feb 27th 2025, one pilot incapacitated A Wizz Air UK Airbus A321-200N, registration G-WUKO performing flight W9-5327 from London Luton,EN (UK) to Istanbul (Turkey), was enroute at FL350 about 90nm westnorthwest of Munich (Germany) when the crew declared emergency reporting one of their pilots was incapacitated, they wanted to divert to Budapest (Hungary). About 10 minutes later, while overflying the airport of Munich, the crew decided to divert to Munich and landed safely on Munich's runway 26R about 40 minutes after declaring emergency. The aircraft is still on the ground in Munich about 16.5 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=524aa06f&opt=0 Investigation underway after Delta employee struck by catering truck on tarmac at DTW A Delta Airlines employee was struck by a vehicle on the tarmac at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport Wednesday morning, requiring hospitalization. Officials at Delta and the airport said they are investigating the incident. Representatives at the airport told the Free Press that the worker was struck by a vehicle that was driving on the airfield. The worker was transported to a local hospital by the Wayne County Airport Authority Fire Department. The driver of the vehicle was operating a catering truck that was carrying food to be served on a flight, according to a spokesperson for Delta. After striking the employee, the driver fled briefly before being apprehended. Officials at the airport said the driver had been taken into custody while their investigation continued. Delta representatives declined to respond to questions about the victim's condition or whether other factors — such as drugs or alcohol — played a role in the incident. "Our hearts are with our colleague who was involved in an accident with a catering truck in Detroit," a Delta spokesperson said. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers and we are fully investigating what happened." https://www.yahoo.com/news/investigation-underway-delta-employee-struck-215951318.html Delta Air Lines flight to New Orleans returns to Boston after ‘smoky odor’ detected in cabin A Delta Air Lines flight to New Orleans Sunday morning was forced to return to Boston after a “smoky odor” was detected in the aircraft’s cabin, the airline said. Shortly after takeoff around 8:48 a.m. ET, Delta Flight 1398 to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport declared an emergency for priority handling from air traffic control, according to Delta. “Our flight crew followed established procedures and returned to Boston safely,” a Delta spokesperson said in a statement. “We sincerely apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels.” The Airbus A220 aircraft carrying 87 passengers, three flight attendants and two pilots made it back to the gate at Boston Logan International Airport safely, and the plane was met with emergency response personnel on the ground, per protocol. https://www.yahoo.com/news/delta-air-lines-flight-orleans-160349854.html FAA reportedly ordered staff to find millions of dollars to fund Starlink deal It follows reports that the FAA may be considering canceling its deal with Verizon. According to Rolling Stone, employees with the Federal Aviation Administration were told on Friday to “begin finding tens of millions of dollars for a Starlink deal,” after The Washington Post reported that the FAA may cancel its $2.4 billion contract with Verizon to overhaul the US’s airspace management systems and go with Elon Musk’s company instead. Whether the FAA has actually dropped its Verizon deal in favor of Starlink has yet to be confirmed publicly. Anonymous sources told Rolling Stone that the orders from FAA officials on Friday were “delivered verbally” to staff, in an “unusual” move. It comes a few days after Musk claimed on X that the situation around air traffic control communications is “extremely dire,” saying the existing system (which he wrongly attributed to Verizon before later adding a correction) is “breaking down very rapidly.” He went on to say that “Starlink terminals are being sent at NO COST to the taxpayer on an emergency basis to restore air traffic control connectivity.” Bloomberg, citing sources close to the matter, previously reported that 4,000 Starlink terminals were being sent to help upgrade the FAA’s networks, which the FAA confirmed. In a statement posted on X in response last week, the FAA claimed it’s “been considering the use of Starlink since the prior administration.” As recently as Wednesday, though, the FAA said in statements to The Washington Post and other publications that it had not made a decision about its Verizon deal. The agency is one of many that has been hit by layoffs led by Musk’s DOGE over the last few weeks, with hundreds of FAA employees fired in February. https://www.yahoo.com/tech/article/faa-reportedly-ordered-staff-to-find-millions-of-dollars-to-fund-starlink-deal-205236985.html FedEx Plane Catches Fire in Air Before Emergency Landing A FedEx cargo plane has made an emergency landing after one of its engines caught fire mid-air after hitting a bird. The aircraft, a Boeing 767, was headed from Newark, New Jersey to Indianapolis, Ind. and landed back Newark Liberty International Airport less than 10 minutes after takeoff, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. Videos of the burning plane in flight were shared on social media. The Federal Aviation Administration released a statement after the aircraft landed. "FedEx Flight 3609 safely returned to Newark Liberty International Airport around 8 a.m. local time on Saturday, March 1, after striking a bird while departing," the government agency said. "The strike damaged one of the Boeing 767’s engines. The flight was headed to Indianapolis. The FAA will investigate." FedEx also shared its own statement. "FedEx Flight 3609 from Newark to Indianapolis experienced a bird strike during takeoff," the company said, per NBC News. "Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark atter dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire." The statement continued, "The training, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by our FedEx pilots was exemplary. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders." The aviation incident is one of several reported this week. On Feb. 25, an American Airlines commercial flight from Boston to Virginia delayed its landing at Virginia's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to avoid hitting another plane departing from the same runway. “American Airlines flight 2246 landed safely and normally at DCA after it was instructed by Air Traffic Control to complete a standard go-around to allow another aircraft more time for takeoff,” the airline said in a statement to E! News. "American has a no-fault go-around policy as a go-around is not an abnormal flight maneuver and can occur nearly every day in the National Airspace System." https://www.yahoo.com/news/fedex-plane-catches-fire-air-194200135.html Fears Asia-Pacific aviation boom could outpace capacity to keep passengers safe By the end of 2024, passenger demand in the Asia-Pacific grew by 26 per cent year-on-year. (Reuters: Tim Wimborne) In short: The Asia-Pacific's aviation industry is booming, driven by post-pandemic travel demand and expanding markets in China, India, and Vietnam. Passenger demand in the region increased by 26.6 per cent year-on-year. What's next? Experts say aviation staff shortages, congested airports and infrastructure challenges are increasing concerns over flight safety in the region. As the world continues to burn fossil fuels, global temperatures are rising, and turbulence is just another natural phenomenon that's affected by that warming. While air travel is still statistically the safest mode of transport, the International Air Transport Association's latest annual safety report saw the global fatality risk double from 0.03 in 2023 to 0.06 in 2024. Global aviation fatalities more than tripled, rising from 72 in 2023 to 244 in 2024, marking the deadliest year in six years. This number does not include accidents in conflict zones, such as the Azerbaijan Airlines crash. "Even with recent high profile aviation accidents, it is important to remember that accidents are extremely rare," said Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). But with the Asia-Pacific region set to dominate the future of global air travel, experts say the industry will have to overcome challenges like staff shortages and congested airports to ensure strict safety standards are upheld. Demand driven by low-cost carriers Powerhouse markets such as China, India and Vietnam were fuelling a post-pandemic travel boom, especially among the Asia-Pacific's rising middle class, said the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) director-general Subhas Menon. "Unlike in other regions, people here need to fly for business, to visit family, and for economic opportunities more regularly," said Mr Menon, who worked at Singapore Airlines for more than 30 years. "Asia-Pacific aviation has been growing strongly for a very long time, but it got a major boost when China opened up," he said. "Today, China is the second-largest aviation market in the world after the US." By the end of 2024, passenger demand in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 26 per cent year-on-year, according to IATA, but remained 8.7 per cent below 2019 levels, indicating that full recovery had yet to be achieved. Qantas and Air New Zealand last month rejoined AAPA, ending a long period without South Pacific airline representation in the organisation. In recent years, Qantas has grown its presence across the Pacific with new connections to the Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Palau, and Timor Leste, as well as new routes from Brisbane to Manila. It is not the only major airline seeking to expand its foothold in the region. The Asia-Pacific is set to capture more than half the world's air travel passengers by 2040. (Reuters: Loren Elliott) Tim Clark, president of Emirates, the fourth-largest carrier in the world, said the group had "significant aspirations for the Pacific Rim operation". But congestion at China's airports had made securing new routes difficult. "They're trying to accommodate us, but slots are not easy in their ports because they're so congested," Sir Clark said in January. The level of regional demand has also been largely driven by the rapid growth in low-cost carriers since the mid-2000s said Simon Elsegood, head of research at the Sydney-based Centre for Aviation. "Airlines like AirAsia have pursued a pan-Asian strategy, setting up units in multiple countries," he said. "IndiGo has expanded rapidly in India, now with nearly 1,000 aircraft on order and plans to move into long-haul international operations. "With a growing middle class and increasing disposable incomes, this region represents a massive source of potential air traffic, not just within Asia but globally." Australians have enthusiastically returned to travel post-pandemic, but the government agency responsible for air safety is facing criticism. (Angelique Donnellan) Human resources already stretched, says safety expert The Asia-Pacific is set to capture more than half the world's air travel passengers by 2040, according to IATA and other aviation groups. Reflecting this reality, the Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety was established in 2023 as a branch of the long-running Flight Safety Foundation. The centre's director, Mitchell Fox, said a shortage of skilled aviation workers was becoming a major concern — not just pilots but also air traffic controllers and maintenance technicians. "We need to take a holistic view of aviation safety, it's an entire ecosystem with many players involved," Mr Fox said. "While frontline personnel like pilots and air traffic controllers are critical, there's so much that happens behind the scenes that isn't visible to the public. "In fact, currently the demand for maintenance technicians is eclipsing the demand for pilots, yet it's not always seen as an attractive profession," he said. In response to pilot shortages, some major airlines in the region have lowered standards. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific last year decreased the flight hours for first officers looking to be promoted to captain from a minimum of 4000 hours to 3000. Turbulence incidents raise questions about safety going to the bathroom Photo shows Caroline laying in a hospital bedCaroline laying in a hospital bed As Caroline Southcott was returning from the bathroom, the plane she was on suddenly dropped. Captain Steve Cornell, safety and technical director at the Australian and International Pilots Association, said "pilot shortages remain a significant issue at some airlines". "I think it's fair to say that overall experience levels [for pilots] are dropping," said Mr Cornell, who has over 20 years experience in commercial flying. "Around the world, airlines adjust the minimum hours required for pilots based on demand. During shortages, those minimums tend to come down, and when there's a surplus, they go back up. "There's a clear correlation between experience levels and safety, which is why maintaining high standards is so important." Mr Cornell also pointed to a push by plane manufacturer Airbus to reduce the mandatory two-pilot cockpit requirement to one pilot, which has been heavily criticised by pilot associations. He said global air traffic controller shortages were also concerning. 'Future-proofing aviation means adapting' In February, a lack of air traffic controllers left pilots in parts of Eastern Australian air space using Traffic Information Broadcast by Aircraft procedures (TIBA), where they communicate directly to maintain safe separation from each other. TIBA is typically used in the absence of an Air Traffic Control service, making its increasing use in Asia-Pacific a worrying sign of staffing shortages. "It's something I had only come across in Somalia's airspace prior to Airservices Australia commencing to use it on a regular basis," Mr Cornell said. The Cathay Pacific plane is parked at a gate with its luggage hold open, at Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific slashed the flying hours required for pilots to apply for captain training in an effort to tackle a personnel crunch. (ABC News: Dan Conifer) Maintaining high safety standards in aviation required continued investment from governments and industry, with infrastructure and workforce development going hand in hand, Mr Fox said. "We've seen remarkable infrastructure investment in China, and Singapore's Changi Airport is expanding to operate three runways and a new terminal that will double passenger capacity," he said. However, safety remains the top priority for all stakeholders. "As the industry grows, we must redouble our commitment to safety. Future-proofing aviation means adapting, innovating, and excelling," Mr Fox said. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-03/asia-pacific-aviation-boom-safety-concerns-staff-shortage/104993742 Turkish Airlines Eyes Fleet of 500 Aircraft by September 2025 By 2033, this number is expected to rise to 813, coinciding with the airline’s 100th anniversary. ISTANBUL- Turkish Airlines (TK) is set to expand its fleet to 500 aircraft by September, reinforcing its position as a leading global carrier. The airline’s long-term strategy includes further growth, with plans to reach 813 aircraft by 2033, marking its centennial anniversary. Turkish Airlines (TK) is set to expand its fleet to 500 aircraft by September, reinforcing its position as a leading global carrier. Turkish Airlines Expands Fleet Turkish Airlines (TK) is progressing towards its ambitious goal of operating 500 aircraft by September. Currently, the airline has 492 aircraft, including both passenger and cargo planes. By 2033, this number is expected to rise to 813, coinciding with the airline’s 100th anniversary. The fleet expansion has been consistent over the years. The airline had 100 aircraft in 2006, doubled to 200 by 2012, and reached 300 in 2016. In 2023, the fleet size grew to 400, continuing its rapid upward trajectory. As of late 2024, Turkish Airlines operates flights to 352 destinations across 131 countries. This extensive network contributes to its revenue growth, which reached $22.7 billion in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year and a 71% surge from 2019 levels. Despite intensifying competition, passenger revenue increased by 4% in 2024, reaching $18.4 billion. Additionally, cargo operations have played a vital role in the airline’s financial performance. Due to strong demand from Asia, Turkish Airlines transported 2 million tons of cargo, generating $3.5 billion in revenue—a 35% increase from 2023. To enhance its revenue streams, Turkish Airlines introduced the “Turkish Airlines Holidays” platform, offering travelers a comprehensive booking service. Financially, the airline has significantly reduced its debt. Since the end of 2020, liabilities have decreased from $14 billion to $5.7 billion—a reduction of $8.3 billion. However, despite strong operational performance, Turkish Airlines posted a net income of $3.43 billion in 2024, reflecting a 43% decline from the previous year. Future Outlook Turkish Airlines remains committed to expanding its fleet and strengthening its global presence. With a robust financial strategy and increasing demand, the airline is poised for continued growth in the coming years. By 2033, its 813-aircraft target will further solidify its status as a dominant force in global aviation. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/02/turkish-airlines-eyes-fleet-of-500-aircraft-by-september-2025/#google_vignette Multiple flights diverted to Waco Regional Airport WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Multiple flights were diverted to the Waco Regional Airport Sunday night. Interim Director of Aviation Michal A. Reisman said one United Airlines was diverted due to turbulence and two American Airlines flights were diverted due to weather. Reisman said he is gathering additional information on the American Airlines flights. KY3 in Springfield reports that the McLennan County Office of Emergency Management said the United Airlines flight landed at the airport around 6:30 p.m. and was carrying 31 people, 28 of which were passengers. According to Reisman, some passengers on the United Airlines flight were injured but their condition is unknown. The United Airlines flight is still on the ground in Waco and Waco Fire is on scene to help, according to Reisman. United Airlines, according to Reisman, is working on a recovery plan to potentially bring an empty plane for the passengers of the first flight. The United Airlines flight was coming from Springfield, Missouri and set to arrive in Houston, Texas. https://www.kwtx.com/2025/03/03/united-airlines-flight-diverted-waco-regional-airport-due-turbulence/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS · · Sponsor the 2025 Fuzion Safety Conference! March 4 & 5, 2025 (Orlando) · · "Automation in Transportation: Lessons for Safe Implementation," on March 11-12, 2025, in Washington, DC. · · Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Conference Center | Denver Colorado, March 27-29, 2025 · · 59th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium is scheduled March 31 - April 2, 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 · . Flight Safety Foundation - Aviation Safety Forum June 5-6, 2025 - Brussels . . 2025 EASA-FAA International Aviation Safety Conference, 10 Jun 2025 to 12 Jun 2025, Cologne, Germany · · The 9th Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exposition 2025; June 11 to 13, 2025 · . ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · . CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis