Flight Safety Information - March 6, 2025 No. 047 In This Issue : Incident: Cathay Pacific B773 near Lanzhou on Mar 6th 2025, engine shut down in flight : Incident: Argentinas B738 at Buenos Aires on Mar 5th 2025, bird strike : Incident: Arabia Maroc A320 at Bordeaux on Mar 4th 2025, hydraulic failure : Boeing 747-412F - Engine Problems/Inflight Diversion (Germany) : Air India Trainer Pilot Sacked, 10 Who Trained Under Him Taken Off Duty : IATA publishes air safety report for 2024, overall situation worse versus 2023 : U.S.-to-Mexico flight diverts to Texas after 'security concern' : Teenage Boy Broke Through Airport Security Fence And Tries to Board Sydney-Bound Flight With a Loaded Shotgun : Naked woman on Southwest plane prompts delays for flight at Hobby airport in Houston : US Senator calls for public hearing on Elon Musk’s FAA safety remarks : MedAire introduces aviation security awareness training : Emirates A380 and 777 Retrofit Programme Costing $5 Billion : FAA Launches Plan to Expedite Air Traffic Controller Recruitment : Global Pilot Shortage Intensifies as Airline Expansion and Retirements Surge : Russia wants to restore direct flights to the US. These airlines still fly to Moscow. : Calendar of Events Incident: Cathay Pacific B773 near Lanzhou on Mar 6th 2025, engine shut down in flight A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300, registration B-KQV performing flight CX-233 from Hong Kong (China) to Milan Malpensa (Italy), was enroute at 9200 meters (FL301) about 130nm northwest of Lanzhou (China) when the crew needed to shut the left hand engine (GE90) down and descended the aircraft to 8200 meters (FL270). The aircraft subsequently turned around and diverted to Lanzhou for a safe landing on runway 18 about one hour later. The remainder of the flight as well as the return flight were cancelled. The airline reported a technical failure as cause of the diversion to Lanzhou. https://avherald.com/h?article=524e57cb&opt=0 Incident: Argentinas B738 at Buenos Aires on Mar 5th 2025, bird strike An Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737-800, registration LV-FRK performing flight AR-1648 from Buenos Aires Aeroparque,BA to Neuquen,NE (Argentina) with 143 passengers and 9 crew, was climbing out of Aeroparque's runway 13 when the crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet after one of the engines (CFM56) had emitted a bang and streaks of flame following a bird strike. The crew shut the engine down. The aircraft diverted to Buenos Aires Ezeira,BA (Argentina) for a safe landing on runway 11 about 30 minutes after departure. Argentina's JIAAC announced, they have opened an investigation into the occurrence. https://avherald.com/h?article=524e14b0&opt=0 Incident: Arabia Maroc A320 at Bordeaux on Mar 4th 2025, hydraulic failure An Air Arabia Maroc Airbus A320-200, registration CN-NMJ performing flight 3O-301 from Fes (Morocco) to Bordeaux (France), was on approach to Bordeaux when the crew reported the failure of the green hydraulic system and entered a hold to perform an alternate gear extension. The aircraft subsequently landed on runway 05 about 30 minutes after entering the hold. The aircraft is still on the ground in Bordeaux about 28 hours after landing. An A320-200 registration CN-NMH performing flight 3O-118 from Brussels (Belgium) to Fes (Morocco) diverted to Bordeaux to pick the passengers for the return flight 3O-302 up and reached Fes with a delay of about 2 hours for both flights. https://avherald.com/h?article=524e1043&opt=0 Boeing 747-412F - Engine Problems/Inflight Diversion (Germany) Date: Wednesday 5 March 2025 Time: Type: Boeing 747-412F Owner/operator: Saudia Cargo, lsf Air Atlanta Europe Registration: 9H-AKJ MSN: 28263/1094 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Over Germany - Germany Phase: En route Nature: Cargo Departure airport: Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS/EHAM) Destination airport: Riyadh Air Base (XXN/OERY) Confidence Rating: Little or no information is available Narrative: Saudia Cargo flight 934 suffered problems with engine number 4 and diverted towards Liege, Belgium. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/482876 Air India Trainer Pilot Sacked, 10 Who Trained Under Him Taken Off Duty Air India today said it fired a simulator trainer pilot for lapses, and removed from flying duties 10 others who trained under him, pending further investigation. The action came after a whistleblower flagged the simulator trainer pilot not doing his job properly while training others, the Tata group-owned airline said in a statement. "Recently, a whistleblower alleged that a simulator trainer pilot had failed to properly discharge his duties during recurrent simulator training for pilots. A detailed investigation was conducted and, following a review of the evidence, the allegation was corroborated," Air India said. "Accordingly, the said trainer pilot's services are being terminated. As a precaution, 10 pilots who underwent recurrent training under the trainer pilot have been removed from flying duties pending further investigation," it said. Air India said it voluntarily reported the matter to the aviation regulator, DGCA, as part of its voluntary disclosure practice, and commended the whistleblower for stepping forward. The airline said immediately following the privatisation of Air India under the Tata group, the airline implemented the Tata Code of Conduct to establish clear behavioural expectations and accelerate cultural change to that of a Tata group company. "This included comprehensive training for all employees on Tata's ethos and ethics-related policies, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption and whistleblowing, among others. An apex ethics committee led by senior management oversees efforts to foster a culture with zero tolerance for unethical behaviour. Extensive awareness campaigns are regularly conducted to reinforce expectations," Air India said. A structured process for capturing allegations, conducting investigations and enforcing strict consequences was also introduced, it said, adding these are logged and investigated by an experienced team, independent of external interference. Under this process, in 2024 alone, more than 30 Air India employees have been terminated for various ethical breaches , with numerous others receiving other disciplinary action, the airline said. Tata group took over loss-making Air India from the government in January 2022. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-sacks-trainer-pilot-for-lapses-10-pilots-who-trained-under-him-removed-from-flying-duties-7855289 IATA publishes air safety report for 2024, overall situation worse versus 2023 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently released its Annual Safety Report for 2024. The figures contained within the report reveal that, overall, the air transport industry remained one of the safest forms of transport and demonstrated a trajectory of improvement on the five-year rolling average figures. However, safety for 2024 did not emulate the unprecedented low levels recorded in 2023, which turned out to be the safest year on record for commercial airline travel. In 2024, IATA reported an accident rate of 1.13 per million flights, which equated to one accident per 880,000 flights. While this figure was an improvement over the five-year average of 1.25, it was worse than the 1.09 figure recorded in 2023. In 2024, there were seven fatal airline accidents across 40.6 million commercial flights. This compares to just a single fatal accident recorded in 2023 and the five-year average of five fatal accidents per year. There were 244 onboard fatalities in 2024 (a figure that includes both passengers and crew members). This compares to the 72 fatalities reported in 2023 and the five-year average figure of 144. Fatality risk remained low at 0.06, below the five-year average of 0.10 but notably double the 0.03 figure reported in 2023. “Even with recent high profile aviation accidents, it is important to remember that accidents are extremely rare,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “There were 40.6 million flights in 2024 and seven fatal accidents. Moreover, the long-term story of aviation safety is one of continuous improvement. A decade ago, the five-year average (2011-2015) was one accident for every 456,000 flights. Today, the five-year average (2020-2024) is one accident for every 810,000 flights.” “That improvement is because we know that every fatality is one too many. We honor the memory of every life lost in an aviation accident with our deepest sympathies and ever greater resolve to make flying even safer. And for that, the accumulation of safety data, including the 2024 safety report, is our most powerful tool,” Walsh added. Background to the report Tail strikes and runway excursions were the most frequently reported accidents in 2024. This, states IATA, “underscores the importance of take-off and landing safety measures.” Notably, there were no controlled-flight-into-terrain (CFIT) accidents during 2024. Meanwhile, the downing of two aircraft in conflict zones (Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer in Kazakhstan with 38 fatalities in December 2024 and New Way Cargo Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 in Sudan in October 2024 with five fatalities) contributed to 43 of the fatalities in 2024 – around 18% of the total. Accidents and incidents relating to conflict zones are considered security-related events and are not included in the IATA report. However, along with growing incidents of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference are a top concern for aviation safety, requiring urgent global coordination, says IATA. “No civil aircraft should ever be a target, deliberate or accidental, of military operations. Governments must step up, enhance intelligence-sharing, and establish clearer global protocols to prevent such tragedies and safeguard civilian aviation,” said Walsh. Breaking down the regional figures In North America, there were 12 accidents in 2024, with the accident rate improving from 1.53 per one million sectors in 2023 to 1.20 in 2024. This figure was better than the region’s five-year average of 1.26. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2020. The most common accident types in 2024 were tail strikes, followed by runway damage and runway excursions. While no accidents have been linked to debris from space operations, IATA says it is becoming increasingly concerned regarding the increasing number of rocket launches and the challenges they present for air traffic management. The Asia-Pacific region saw seven accidents in 2024, with the accident rate increasing from 0.92 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.04 in 2024 but remaining below the five-year regional average of 1.10. The fatality risk was unchanged from 2023 at 0.15. According to the report, there was no dominant cause of the incidents and accidents in the region during 2024, which included tail strikes, runway damage, and turbulence, among other reasons. Africa saw 10 accidents in 2024, with the accident rate rising from 8.36 per million sectors in 2023 to 10.59 in 2024 and exceeding the five-year average of 8.46. The most common accident types in 2024 were runway excursions, followed by those related to landing gear failures. 40% of all accidents in Africa in 2024 involved turboprop aircraft. With two accidents in 2024 in the Middle East and North Africa, the accident rate improved from 1.12 accidents per million sectors in 2023 to 1.08 in 2024. This figure was also better than the region’s five-year average of 1.09. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2019. While no accidents were related to GNSS interference during that time, it has emerged as a critical area of concern for air traffic in the region. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) witnessed no accidents in 2024, with the accident rate improving from 1.05 accidents per million sectors in 2023 to zero in 2024 – an improvement over the region’s five-year average of 2.49. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2022, says IATA, which adds that GNSS interference and security risks linked to regional conflicts remain key concerns for aviation safety in the area. IATA noted that due to ongoing geopolitical relations with the CIS region, it could not guarantee the quality of data obtained relating to air safety in the region. With nine accidents in Europe in 2024, the continent’s accident rate increased slightly from 0.95 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.02 accidents in 2024. This rate is on par with the region’s five-year average accident rate of 1.02. The fatality risk rate increased from zero in 2023 to 0.03 in 2024. The largest proportion of accidents were related to tail strikes, followed by runway excursions. With a single accident in North Asia in 2024, the accident rate increased slightly from zero accidents per million sectors in 2023 to 0.13 in 2024. This was better than the region’s five-year average of 0.16 accidents per million sectors. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2022. Lastly, in the Latin America and Caribbean region, there were five accidents in 2024, with the accident rate increasing from 0.73 accidents per million sectors in 2023 to 1.77 accidents in 2024. This was better than the five-year average of 2.00. The fatality risk increased from 0.00 in 2023 to 0.35 in 2024. The largest proportion of accidents was related to tail strikes. Summary The IATA report for 2024 offers both positives and negatives for the air transport industry. The fact that there were just seven fatal accidents across 40.6 million commercial flights remains a staggeringly low figure. However, the report highlights where there is clearly room for improvement. With 2025 having already started badly for the aviation sector, with two notable fatal accidents within the first four weeks of the year (American Eagle in Washington DC, and Jeju Air Boeing 737 in Muan, Korea), the fatality figure has already surpassed that for 2024 with nine months still remaining in the year. Only time will tell just how many this figure ends up being when IATA publishes its next safety report in February 2025. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/iata-safety-report-2024-summary U.S.-to-Mexico flight diverts to Texas after 'security concern' The plane, headed from the Minneapolis area to Mazatlán, landed without incident, and all the passengers got off safely, Sun Country Airlines said. A "security concern" prompted a flight headed to Mexico from the Minneapolis region to divert to El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, officials said. More details about what caused Sun Country Airlines Flight 593 to make the unscheduled stop in El Paso were not immediately clear. The airline said the plane landed without incident. The plane “diverted to El Paso out of an abundance of caution in response to a security concern,” it said in a statement. All the passengers got off the aircraft safely and were being provided with overnight accommodations, it said. The FBI office in El Paso said in a statement on X that it was responding to El Paso International Airport, but it released few other details. 42 endangered live lizards seized at Hong Kong airport “At approximately 4:15pm MST, FBI El Paso was notified by our partners at El Paso International Airport and the FBI’s National Threat Operation Center of a diverted airplane heading to El Paso, Texas, from Minneapolis,” FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John Morales said in the statement. Personnel from the bureau's El Paso office responded to the airport to "assist our partners and ensure the safety of the passengers and the flight crew aboard the plane,” Morales said. The flight was headed from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to the coastal Mexican city of Mazatlán, Sun Country Airlines said. "We are working with law enforcement to fully investigate the situation and assess the validity of the concern,” the airline said. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fbi-responds-us-mexico-flight-diverts-texas-security-concern-rcna195054 Teenage Boy Broke Through Airport Security Fence And Tries to Board Sydney-Bound Flight With a Loaded Shotgun An armed teenage boy managed to breach an airport security fence at Avalon Airport close to Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria on Thursday afternoon and attempted to board a packed Jetstar flight to Sydney with a loaded shotgun. The 17-year-old suspect is believed to have climbed through a hole in the perimeter fence at Victoria’s second-busiest airport, located around 31 miles from Melbourne, and made it all the way across the tarmac to a Jetstar Airbus A320, which had just finished boarding passengers. Police believe the boy managed to escape the attention of airport workers and security personnel because he was dressed in high visibility workwear similar to what ground staff at the airport wear while airside. The unnamed suspect breached the security fence at around 2:20 pm on March 6 and slowly made his way towards the Jetstar plane, where police were alerted to an incident at around 3 pm. After managing to get onboard Jetstar flight JQ610 with a loaded shotgun, he was quickly restrained by passengers and even the plane’s captain, who pinned him to the ground and disarmed him. Police are yet to establish whether there is any link to terrorism. “No doubt this would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers of that plane, and Victoria Police really commend the bravery of the passengers who were able to overpower that male,” commented Superintendent Michael Reid from the Victoria Police Force. Passengers onboard the plane said they first noticed something was amiss when a flight attendant started to question the suspect at the boarding door because he didn’t have an airport ID badge. Initially, the passengers just thought the man was an airport worker, but he then became agitated, and within seconds, he brandished a shotgun. A passenger sitting at the front of the aircraft immediately leaped up from his seat and put the suspect into a chokehold, as the Captain also came running to restrain the man, along with several other passengers. In a statement, Jetstar said it was working with the local police to “urgently understand what has occurred.” The statement continued: “The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and we can confirm there are no reported injuries,” a spokesperson said.” The flight was, perhaps unsurprisingly, canceled. https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2025/03/06/teenage-boy-broke-through-airport-security-fence-and-tries-to-board-sydney-bound-flight-with-a-loaded-shotgun/ Naked woman on Southwest plane prompts delays for flight at Hobby airport in Houston HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Passengers aboard a Southwest flight are shaken up after a naked woman delayed their flight on Monday. The flight from Houston to Phoenix had to return back to the gate due to the incident at 3:20 p.m. An Eyewitness News viewer sent a video which showed a woman who appeared at the front of the cabin topless, causing a scene. The viewer said the naked woman paraded on board for 25 minutes before action was taken. The Houston Police Department took her away from medical evaluations but did not say if there would be any charges. Southwest Airlines sent ABC13 the following statement: "Local law enforcement met Flight 733 from Houston to Phoenix Monday afternoon after it returned to the gate because of a customer situation onboard. We've reached out to customers to apologize for the delay and appreciate their patience as our teams worked to get them to their destinations as quickly as possible." https://abc13.com/post/naked-woman-southwest-flight-houston-phoenix-prompts-travelers-return-back-gate-hobby-airport/15981724/ US Senator calls for public hearing on Elon Musk’s FAA safety remarks US Senator Ed Markey is calling for a public hearing to investigate Elon Musk’s recent statements about the safety of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) air traffic control technology. The announcement comes after the FAA said it is considering canceling a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon in favor of Elon Musk’s Starlink. In a letter to Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, published on his website on March 3, 2025, Senator Markey said that “Musk’s comments could understandably cause panic among air travelers,” adding that the public is more anxious about air travel due to several recent aircraft crashes. “Although the FAA’s information technology systems need modernization, Musk’s alarmist rhetoric appears extreme,” Markey wrote. “If he has discovered new vulnerabilities in the FAA’s Air Traffic Control system, the Committee should know about such information immediately.” Musk holds two key roles as the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, as well as being a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump. However, this raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest in the awarding of certain government contracts. On March 3, 2025, Sharice Davids, a member of the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, stated that “the administration must ensure federal contracts are awarded through a fair and transparent process, not at the whim of a billionaire with political ties to those in power.” On February 27, 2025, Elon Musk said on X that “the Verizon communication system to air traffic control is breaking down very rapidly.” He added that the FAA’s evaluation indicates “single digit months to catastrophic failure”. Musk later admitted that he made a mistake when he claimed Verizon managed the FAA’s communications system, updating his statement on X to clarify that “the ancient system that is rapidly declining in capability was made L3Harris,” while “the new system that is not yet operational is from Verizon.” Concluding the letter, Senator Markey wrote: “If Musk cannot provide evidence of his claims, it raises serious questions about whether he is using his role as a senior government official to enrich his company SpaceX, currently competing for FAA contracts. In either case, the Commerce Committee has a responsibility to immediately hold a public hearing to investigate Musk’s claims on behalf of the American public.” https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/senator-markey-calls-for-hearing-on-musks-faa-safety-claims MedAire introduces aviation security awareness training MedAire, a leader in remote medical and security assistance, has announced the launch of its Basic Aviation Security Awareness Training This program is designed to unify the language and understanding of security across all aviation industry sectors, from air carriers to corporate flight departments. MedAire’s Basic Aviation Security Awareness Training provides aviation professionals with the foundational knowledge required to recognise and address security concerns effectively. The Basic Aviation Security Awareness Training covers crucial topics to ensure comprehensive understanding and compliance. The course delves into critical security definitions and how to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. By exploring historical and current threats to aviation, the training provides context for the necessary countermeasures. “This program is meticulously crafted for air carrier personnel, airline staff, contractors, office staff, and ground personnel. Our primary goal is to cultivate a unified understanding of security protocols and procedures. By ensuring everyone is aligned in their approach to safety and security, we enable seamless communication when confronting potential threats and security challenges,” said Hany Bakr, senior VP Aviation & Maritime Security. MedAire’s training aligns with international and local aviation security regulations, including those best practices established by ICAO, IATA, and IBAC. https://www.businessairportinternational.com/news/medaire-introduces-aviation-security-awareness-training.html Emirates A380 and 777 Retrofit Programme Costing $5 Billion Boeing's 777X model will not be delivered to Emirates this year, as the aircraft awaits final certification. BERLIN- Dubai-based carrier Emirates (EK) is investing approximately $5 billion to retrofit existing aircraft, addressing critical supply chain disruptions in the aviation industry. The airline’s strategic move aims to maintain operational efficiency while navigating complex manufacturing delays. Emirates Retrofit Programme Company President Tim Clark revealed the comprehensive retrofit strategy during a journalists’ meeting in Berlin, emphasizing the proactive approach to managing fleet challenges. Clark candidly acknowledged the impending supply chain complications, stating, “We’ve had to take control of our own destiny.” The retrofit initiative primarily targets iconic aircraft models like the Airbus A380 jumbo jet and Boeing 777. Emirates will comprehensively upgrade these aircraft at its advanced engineering facilities in Dubai, implementing new cabin interiors and critical system enhancements to extend their operational lifespan. Boeing’s 777X model will not be delivered to Emirates this year, as the aircraft awaits final certification. This delay has further compelled the airline to invest in existing fleet modernization. Emirates is simultaneously exploring alternative options, including the Airbus A350-1000, though Clark emphasized the need for proven engine reliability from Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc before finalizing any orders. Emirates remains the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A380, a double-decker aircraft discontinued due to operational complexities and limited market appeal. The airline’s retrofit strategy demonstrates a pragmatic response to unprecedented manufacturing and delivery challenges in the commercial aviation sector. Boeing Challenges Emirates President Tim Clark exposed significant communication breakdowns between Emirates and Boeing, highlighting the aerospace industry’s current complexities. Boeing executives recently canceled a scheduled meeting in Dubai, demonstrating the mounting pressures within the aircraft manufacturing sector. Clark revealed that the anticipated meeting with Boeing Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg remains tentative, signaling ongoing challenges in manufacturer-airline relationships. He emphasized Boeing’s critical need to return to its operational excellence from the early 1990s, suggesting substantial internal restructuring is necessary. The Emirates leader provided deeper insights into the global economic landscape, characterizing the current environment as “uncharted territory.” Clark expressed significant concerns about the potential economic impacts of international tariffs, specifically highlighting their potential to diminish consumer discretionary income and subsequently reduce travel demand. Despite the challenging economic climate, Clark maintained an optimistic perspective. He advocated for diplomatic resolution, believing that global leadership would ultimately collaborate to restore balanced international trade mechanisms. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/05/emirates-a380-and-777-retrofit-programme-cost-5-billion/#google_vignette FAA Launches Plan to Expedite Air Traffic Controller Recruitment New hiring process aims to address staffing shortages and improve aviation safety. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced an initiative to accelerate the hiring of air traffic controllers, following a visit to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. During his visit, the transportation secretary emphasized the essential role controllers play in aviation safety and highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing a decade-long staffing shortage. “I witnessed firsthand the dedication, skill, and rigor that our future air traffic controllers bring to their training and the urgent need to do all that we can to recruit more people to join in our shared mission of safety in our skies,” said Secretary Duffy. “This staffing shortage has been a known challenge for over a decade, and this administration is committed to solving it. The new streamlined hiring process is just the first step to deliver on President Trump’s agenda to prioritize the American people’s safety and modernize the federal government.” The FAA will open applications from February 27 to March 17, to attract top talent through a merit-based system. Candidates scoring “Well Qualified” on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment Test will receive priority placement. Starting salaries will increase by 30 percent. https://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/2025/03/06/faa-launches-plan-to-expedite-air-traffic-controller-recruitment/ Global Pilot Shortage Intensifies as Airline Expansion and Retirements Surge The aviation industry is facing an escalating pilot shortage, with new estimates projecting the need for 649,000-674,000 pilots between 2024 and 2043—significantly higher than previous forecasts. This growing demand stems from multiple factors, including rapid airline expansion, pilot retirements, rising salaries, global competition, and increasing travel demand. 1. Rapid Airline Expansion Fuels Demand for Pilots Airlines worldwide are expanding at an unprecedented pace, intensifying the shortage. In 2024 alone, Airbus delivered 766 commercial aircraft, with many allocated to European carriers. Each new aircraft requires multiple flight crews—typically ten pilots per aircraft, comprising five Captains and five First Officers. “To meet this demand, airlines are increasingly adopting Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) training programs,” explains aviation expert Mazeika. “This training approach, developed in partnership with airlines, offers a streamlined path for new pilots, ensuring they are prepared for operational demands more efficiently than traditional training methods.” 2. Aging Workforce Accelerates Pilot Shortages The aviation industry is experiencing a wave of retirements, further straining the talent pool. The FAA projects approximately 4,300 pilot retirements annually through 2042. European airlines are also seeing similar trends, prompting them to accelerate recruitment and ease certain selection criteria. For instance, legacy carriers that previously required fluency in a national language are now revising this prerequisite to attract a broader talent pool. Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, the FAA’s 2023 Pilot Workforce Analysis indicates that the number of new pilots entering the industry is insufficient to offset retirements and meet expansion needs. Some estimates suggest a shortfall of 5,000-7,000 pilots per year. “So, on one hand, airlines are rapidly expanding their fleets, while on the other, retirements are outpacing new pilot entries,” says Mazeika. “This creates the perfect scenario for rising salaries.” 3. Surge in Pilot Salaries Shows No Signs of Slowing Over the past few years, pilot salaries have risen significantly due to increased demand. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, First Officers in Europe earned between €21,600 and €72,000 annually. By early 2023, this had increased to €25,000-€91,000. The trend continued in 2024, with salaries reaching €51,000-€97,000—a near doubling of the lower range in just one year. Chief Pilots saw even steeper increases. In 2024, they earned between €120,000 and €270,000—an impressive 49.46% jump from the previous year’s range of €61,000-€200,000. Industry experts anticipate continued salary growth in 2025 and beyond due to the persistent shortage of skilled pilots. 4. Fierce Competition for Pilots Among Airlines As airlines struggle to secure experienced pilots, competition has intensified. Some carriers are offering significantly higher pay to attract pilots from competitors. According to The Times, easyJet has offered up to £191,000 for Captains, while British Airways offers around £138,000. However, British Airways provides a lower retirement age of 55 compared to easyJet’s 65, using early retirement as a recruitment incentive. They also offer long-haul transition opportunities, which promise higher future salaries. “But salaries alone aren’t the deciding factor,” notes Mazeika. “Pilots also consider work-life balance, retirement benefits, and career growth opportunities. Airlines are crafting increasingly attractive offers to lure talent.” New airlines in Asia and the Middle East are aggressively entering the market, often offering above-market salaries to attract pilots. This approach creates a ripple effect, driving up wages across the industry. 5. Growing Travel Demand Intensifies the Shortage Global travel demand is rebounding faster than expected, with a projected 4.3% annual growth rate over the next 20 years. Airlines are increasing flight frequencies and expanding routes to accommodate this surge. For instance, Ryanair recently surpassed 20 million monthly passengers, highlighting the booming demand. Initially, many experts believed air travel would take years to recover from the pandemic. However, by 2024, European airports welcomed over 5 billion passengers—a 7.4% increase from 2023—exceeding 2019 levels by 1.8%. The Bottom Line The upward trend in pilot salaries reflects deeper industry challenges. A combination of airline expansion, retirements, increasing travel demand, and heightened competition among carriers ensures that pilot wages will continue rising. “In the short term, airlines will continue competing fiercely for available pilots, leading to sustained salary increases,” Mazeika concludes. “However, for long-term stability, airlines must invest in comprehensive training and development programs to ensure a steady influx of new pilots.” About BAA Training BAA Training is a leading international aviation training organization operating across Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa. As a member of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest global ACMI provider, BAA Training offers extensive pilot training solutions. The organization operates simulator centers in Spain, France, Lithuania, and Vietnam, a global sales office in Dubai, and major pilot consultancy centers in India. Annually, BAA Training facilitates approximately 100,000 flight hours through its FFS/FTD training programs and provides Type Rating training for over 1,200 pilots, serving more than 100 airlines and 300 private customers. As one of Europe’s EASA-approved training organizations, BAA Training offers ATPL Integrated, CPL Modular, cadet, and MPL programs. The company also operates full-flight simulators for Airbus A320, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 737 NG, Boeing 737 CL, and Boeing B747-400 types, while maintaining access to over 60 partner simulator locations worldwide. About Avia Solutions Group BAA Training is part of Avia Solutions Group, an Ireland-based global aviation leader. Avia Solutions Group is the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, managing a fleet of 221 aircraft across six continents. The group also delivers a broad range of aviation services, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and various specialized services. With a workforce of 14,000 aviation professionals, Avia Solutions Group operates in 68 countries worldwide. https://www.airlineratings.com/articles/global-pilot-shortage-intensifies-as-airline-expansion-and-retirements-surge Russia wants to restore direct flights to the US. These airlines still fly to Moscow. Russian negotiators asked the US to consider restoring direct flights between the two countries. The aviation industry was shaken up by air space bans after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Emirates and Turkish Airlines are among the carriers that continued flying to Russia after the invasion. Russia is growing tired of not being able to fly directly to the US. During a meeting in Istanbul, Russian negotiators asked the US to consider restoring direct air service between the two countries, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday. Air links were singled out by the ministry as a way of improving relations between the two powers. The statement also said that both sides "meticulously explored avenues to overcome numerous irritants inherited from previous US administrations." After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the US, Canada, and most of Europe banned Russian aircraft from their airspace. The move shook up the aviation industry as Russia retaliated by similarly barring North American and European airlines. Aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus also stopped doing business with Russia. This meant some customers, such as Air India, benefited as they received aircraft previously set to be delivered to Russian airlines. Meanwhile, Russian carriers were left scrambling for spare parts — going as far as cannibalizing older jets or relying on the black market. Aeroflot, Russia's flag carrier, still carries tens of millions of passengers a year. Istanbul is the most popular international destination from Moscow, with more than 133,000 seats scheduled on such flights this month, according to data from Cirium. Turkish Airlines' Airbus A330s are scheduled to fly back and forth six times a day. The top 10 routes also include flights to the Turkish capital operated by Aeroflot and budget carrier Pegasus Airlines. Istanbul is closely followed by Dubai, which also has more than 100,000 seats scheduled on flights out of Moscow this month. While Emirates offers half as many flights as Turkish Airlines between its hub and Moscow, the Dubai-based carrier uses the far bigger Airbus A380. Qatar Airways also operates one flight a day, equal to nearly 11,000 seats this month. These airlines operate hub-and-spoke models — taking advantage of their geography as a stopover point to link cities around the world. They would be the main options for Russians to fly to the US, or vice-versa. Two of Aeroflot's highest-capacity international routes are to Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand — both popular tourist destinations. Tens of thousands of seats are also scheduled from Moscow to Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada this month. Many flights also operate to the capitals of former Soviet republics, such as Yerevan, Armenia; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Baku, Azerbaijan. Minsk and Beijing also feature in the top 10 cities by number of seats scheduled for this month. https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-wants-restore-direct-flights-111740486.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS · "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 . 70th annual Business Aviation Safey Summit (BASS), May 6-7, 2025, Charlotte, N.C., organized by Flight Safety Foundation in partnership with NBAA and NATA. · 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 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. · 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