Flight Safety Information - March 12, 2025 No. 051 In This Issue : Incident: Allegiant A320 at St. Petersburg on Mar 11th 2025, bird strike : Incident: Wizz A320 near Berlin on Mar 6th 2025, electrical problems : Cessna 750 Citation X - Wheels Up Private Jets Cessna 750 Citation X accident (Las Vegas) : Airbus A321-251NX _ Smoke in the Cabin (Portugal) : Key takeaways from NTSB’s preliminary report on deadly midair collision between DC plane and military helicopter : EasyJet pilot suspended after flying plane terrifyingly close to mountains : 10 upgrades the FAA says it's making to make flying safer : Families of Flight 3407 victims 'strongly oppose' DOT nominee Steven Bradbury : Olympian Served in World War II as a Fighter Pilot : The Thai Pilots Association will petition the Administrative Court on March 14, 2025, seeking temporary protection to revoke the Ministry of Labour's order allowing foreign pilots for domestic flights. : India Faces Growing Demand For 30,000 Pilots In The Next 20 Years As Travel And Aviation Industry Expands : Airlines issue stark warning on travel demand as confidence sinks : United to Retire Aircraft Amid Capacity Cuts : Air Methods Expands Fleet with Nearly 50 New Aircraft to Enhance Nationwide Air Medical Services : Calendar of Events Incident: Allegiant A320 at St. Petersburg on Mar 11th 2025, bird strike An Allegiant Airbus A320-200, registration N253NV performing flight G4-1536 from St. Petersburg,FL to Flint,MI (USA) with 182 people on board, was climbing out of St. Petersburg's runway 36 when the crew reported they had a bird strike on the runway and needed to return but needed some minutes to burn fuel. The aircraft stopped the climb at 3000 feet and entered a left hand downwind for runway 36. Airport operations found small remains of birds on the runway near taxiway A4, the crew advised they saw a large bird similiar to a hawk. The aircraft landed safely on runway 36 about 18 minutes after departure and taxied to the apron. The FAA reported: "Allegiant Air Flight 1536 returned safely to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida around 12:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 11, after the crew reported a possible bird strike. The Airbus A320 was headed to Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan. The FAA will investigate." The aircraft is still on the ground in St. Petersburg about 6 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5251d8f4&opt=0 Incident: Wizz A320 near Berlin on Mar 6th 2025, electrical problems A Wizz Air Malta Airbus A320-200, registration 9H-WZT performing flight W4-3362 from Dortmund (Germany) to Cluj (Romania), was enroute at FL370 about 110nm southwest of Berlin (Germany) when the aircraft began to climb from its assigned flight level, the crew declared emergency reporting electrical problems. The aircraft diverted to Berlin for a safe landing on runway 25L about 40 minutes later. The airline reported a technical problem prompted the diversion to Berlin, the passengers were taken to hotels over night and continued their journey the following day. The Aviation Herald received information on Mar 11th 2025, that the aircraft suffered severe electrical problems prompting the diversion to Berlin. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Berlin about 117 hours after landing (4 days 21 hours). https://avherald.com/h?article=5251bb06&opt=0 Cessna 750 Citation X - Wheels Up Private Jets Cessna 750 Citation X accident (Las Vegas) Date: Sunday 9 March 2025 Time: 19:40 UTC Type: Cessna 750 Citation X Owner/operator: Ryan Air LLC, opb Wheels Up Private Jets Registration: N962TX MSN: 750-0126 Year of manufacture: 2000 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Substantial Category: Accident Location: Las Vegas-Harry Reid International Airport, NV (LAS/KLAS) - United States of America Phase: Taxi Nature: Unknown Departure airport: San Diego International Airport, CA (SAN/KSAN) Destination airport: Las Vegas-Harry Reid International Airport, NV (LAS/KLAS) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A Cessna 750 Citation X, N962TX, struck a parked Boeing 757-2B7 (WL), N629NP, in the non-movement parking ramp at LAS. The leading edge of the right-hand horizontal stabilizer of the Cessna stuck the left-hand elevator of the Boeing 757. The tail fin of the Cessna suffered substantial damage. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/484563 Airbus A321-251NX _ Smoke in the Cabin (Portugal) Date: Tuesday 11 March 2025 Time: 16:15 UTC Type: Airbus A321-251NX Owner/operator: TAP Air Portugal Registration: CS-TJQ MSN: 9308 Year of manufacture: 2020 Engine model: CFMI CFM LEAP-1A32 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 200 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: None Category: Incident Location: E or Porto - Portugal Phase: En route Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Lisboa-Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS/LPPT) Destination airport: London-Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: TAP Portugal flight TP1356, an Airbus A321-251NX, was en route at FL360 when smoke entered the cabin. The flight diverted to Porto Airport (OPO). Nine passengers received medical attention for smoke inhalation. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/484549 Key takeaways from NTSB’s preliminary report on deadly midair collision between DC plane and military helicopter The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday recommended that helicopter traffic be banned from a four-mile stretch over the Potomac River when flights are landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, hours later, agreed to adopt the recommendation and continue with flight restrictions put in place after a deadly midair collision in January, saying the nation was “threading the needle” in allowing helicopters to fly down the same airspace as landing aircraft. The “urgent safety recommendation” is part of the NTSB’s preliminary report on the midair collision between a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter in which 67 people were killed in the deadliest crash in the US in nearly two decades. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, at a briefing Tuesday, said the setup at the airport poses an “intolerable risk” to safety. Duffy, after the crash, restricted helicopter traffic around the airport and over the Potomac River until the end of March. “We are going to continue with our restrictions,” he said Tuesday. Currently, planes at the airport are stopped for necessary helicopter flights – such as when President Donald Trump leaves the White House on Marine One – which has led to flight delays and diversions. “We remain concerned about the significant potential for a future midair collision,” Homendy said Tuesday, noting the restriction was to be lifted in about two weeks. The collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and the Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred on January 29 under clear skies over some of the country’s busiest and most tightly controlled airspace. The passenger jet was moments away from touching down when it was struck on the right side by the military helicopter at an altitude of roughly 300 feet, investigators said. The helicopter was on a training mission. A preliminary analysis of the flight data and voice recorder on board the Black Hawk indicated its altimeter may have been inaccurate and the pilots may not have heard some calls from the Reagan National Airport control tower, NTSB officials said last month. Tuesday’s report did not identify the probable cause of the crash – which is expected to take more than a year. Fatalities included American Airlines pilots Jonathan Campos and Samuel Lilley, two flight attendants and several members of the US figure skating community, according to friends, family and sports groups. American Airlines, in a statement, said it continues to mourn the victims and thanked the NTSB for the “urgent safety recommendations to restrict helicopter traffic” near the Washington-area airport. Here are some key takeaways from the NTSB’s preliminary report: Copter routes near airport pose safety risk The helicopter route the Black Hawk was following when it collided with the regional jet should be closed under certain conditions, according to the new recommendation from the NTSB. “Urgent recommendations require immediate action to prevent similar accidents or incidents when we issue them,” Homendy told reporters. “We believe a critical safety issue must be addressed without delay.” Specifically, the recommendation states: “Prohibit operations on helicopter Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge when runways 15 and 33 are being used for departures and arrivals, respectively, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.” It also calls for the designation of “an alternative helicopter route that can be used to facilitate travel between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge when that segment of Route 4 is closed.” Homendy said she was angry and devastated for the families who lost loved ones, adding that it “shouldn’t take a tragedy to require immediate action” when there were clear indicators of safety concerns. Duffy agreed, telling reporters during a separate news conference the “data was there” but “it wasn’t effectively analyzed to see that we had this kind of risk” at the DC-area airport. “It makes me angry. Maybe there was too much data coming in, and it’s easy maybe to look back and say you should have seen it,” he said. Warning signs were missed The warning signs leading up to the disaster over the Potomac River were there, NTSB investigators said, citing data detailing thousands of near collisions at the airport over a number of years. “I think the question is, when this data comes in, how did the FAA not know? How do they not study the data to say, ‘Hey, this is a hot spot. We’re having near misses, and if we don’t change our way, we’re going to lose lives.’ That wasn’t done,” Duffy told reporters Tuesday. Investigators uncovered 15,214 “near miss events” between 2021 and 2024 where aircraft were within one nautical mile of colliding, with a vertical separation of less than 400 feet. Additionally, there were also 85 cases where two aircraft were separated by less than 1,500 feet, with a vertical separation of less than 200 feet, according to the NTSB. Homendy said the FAA “could have used that information any time to determine that we have a trend here and a problem here, and looked at that route; that didn’t occur.” Currently, helicopters and planes can be as close as 75 feet apart during landing but Homendy said that distance is “insufficient” and unsafe. She said, “Unfortunately, people lost lives, and loved ones are grieving.” Homendy sought to reassure the public that “aviation is incredibly safe” but noted there are safety issues that need attention. Duffy on Tuesday vowed to seek congressional funding to begin work on a new air traffic control system that he said will be the envy of the world. He called the current system “antiquated” – relying on decades-old technology – but safe. The proposed changes will transform air traffic control from a system reliant on copper wires to one built from fiber, wireless and satellite technology. Military pilots may not have heard control tower The preliminary report also includes more details about an analysis of the flight data and voice recorder recovered from the helicopter. Investigators found the pilots may not have heard some calls from the control tower. The Army helicopter crew may not have realized they were flying higher than they were supposed to when the aircraft collided with the American Airlines regional jet, data suggests. The report said a portion of the tower radio transmission stating that the jet was “circling” may not have been received by the helicopter crew. One controller worked two positions One controller, investigators said, was working two positions in the tower the night of the collision. While that is allowed in certain circumstances, the preliminary report shows they started handling both positions at 3:30 p.m., and the accident occurred more than five hours later at approximately 8:50 p.m. Homendy dodged a question from reporters about whether the collision could have been prevented with more staffing. “That is part of our investigation and is part of the analysis phase of our investigation,” she said. “Right now, we are collecting facts on air traffic control. In our preliminary report today, we will mention that there were five controllers on position.” There were nine controllers total in the tower, with some in the break room, she said. “We are taking a look at that. We do not have any evidence that anybody left. In fact, the controller came back into rotation around 4:27 p.m.,” Homendy said of the lone controller on two positions, adding that two other positions were also combined for the entire day – “which is not abnormal.” The preliminary report also outlines that the American Airlines flight was communicating with the control tower on one frequency, and the helicopter pilots were using another. Because of this, the crews of each flight “were not able to hear each other’s transmissions to the controller, but the controller’s transmissions to each aircraft would be audible to both flight crews,” the report said. NTSB makes recommendations but cannot enforce them It’s up to the Federal Aviation Administration to turn NTSB’s recommendation into action. The FAA has barred helicopters from the area since the days after the accident, with a temporary restriction over six square miles near Reagan National Airport. The NTSB makes safety recommendations stemming from its investigations. These alerts are released to the government, industry and the public. They identify critical changes the board believes need to be made regarding transportation safety. Since the agency was established in 1967, more than 15,500 recommendations have been issued. Aviation accounts for most of those recommendations at 38%, according to NTSB data. Right now, there are at least 276 open NTSB aviation recommendations, and more than 1,000 that are closed by the board but listed as having “unacceptable action” taken. The NTSB, as an independent investigator, can make recommendations but cannot enforce them. Changes must be made by the FAA, airlines, airports or other parties involved. For instance, the NTSB has recommended since 2013 that flight data and cockpit voice recorders on most planes be retrofitted with a “crash-resistant flight recorder system” to record “cockpit audio and images with a view of the cockpit environment,” including “as much of the outside view as possible.” The recommendation has been reiterated seven times by the NTSB since then, with the board in 2023 expressing concern that no progress had been made on the issue more than a decade later. Another recommendation, in 2021, called for a requirement that firms that design, manufacture and maintain aircraft establish a safety management system. A year later, the FAA responded that it was reviewing the recommendation but the NTSB, in 2024, classified the response as “unacceptable.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/key-takeaways-ntsb-preliminary-report-211350383.html EasyJet pilot suspended after flying plane terrifyingly close to mountains An easyJet pilot has been suspended after a jet carrying up to 190 people flew too close to a mountain as it descended into Egypt. Captain Paul Elsworth was operating an easyJet flight travelling from Manchester airport to the popular Red Sea resort town of Hurghada, Egypt last month. As the Airbus A320 started to descend on 2 February, the ground proximity warning system (GPWS), a safety feature which warns of a potential collision with terrain, was triggered in the cockpit. As a result, the jet was pulled up and levelled. Passengers remained unaware that the plane had just flown much closer to a mountain than it should have. A review found that the plane came within 770ft of the peak of a mountain while flying over the range at an altitude of 3,100ft. Pilots normally fly over this mountain range at around 6,000ft. Sources told The Sun the jet had been descending at 4,928ft per minute before the GPWS sounded the alarm. An official investigation is underway after Mr Elsworth is said to have reported the incident himself the next day before he was due to head back to Hurghada airport and pilot the plane back. In line with protocol, easyJet banned the captain from flying the plane back to the UK and was flown back to Manchester as a passenger, The Sun reports. The Sun’s source said: “Within moments of the flight drama being raised, officials stepped in and Paul Elsworth was forbidden from piloting the plane. Another flight crew brought the jet home. "The pilot will be asked detailed questions. The GPWS only sounds when a plane is heading into terrain - in this instance a mountain. “Passengers on board are understood to have been oblivious to the scare, and unaware of just how close they came to the mountain range as the plane descended into Egypt.” After returning to the UK, Mr Elsworth was officially suspended while the investigations continue. As part of the investigation, Mr Elsworth and the First Officer’s account will aid the understanding of what happened. The suspended captain said it would be inappropriate for him to comment while there is an ongoing investigation, according to The Sun. In a statement to The Independent, easyJet said: “Safety is the number one priority for all our pilots, they are trained to the highest industry standards, subject to rigorous testing and monitored closely. “The flight landed normally and as we have an ongoing investigation, the pilot remains stood down from duty in line with procedures.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/easyjet-pilot-suspended-plane-flies-162407037.html 10 upgrades the FAA says it's making to make flying safer The Department of Transportation announced a slew of upgrades to modernize the US' aerospace system. The American Airlines crash in DC highlighted potential lapses in air traffic control. The FAA plans to use AI, modernize technology, and speed up safety upgrades. The Federal Aviation Administration said it's rolled out a handful of upgrades to improve the United States' air-traffic control system and make flying safer after a string of incidents heightened flyer anxiety. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a Tuesday press conference that antiquated air traffic control systems are one of the biggest problems hampering aviation safety — something pilots, airline CEOs, and aviation experts have also long warned about. Duffy listed several ways the FAA plans to address the gaps, including using artificial intelligence to comb through safety reports and replacing old floppy disks and dated headphone jacks with modern technology. "It's old, but it's safe," he said. "Looking forward, we don't want to lose lives because we have a break in the system, so it has to be upgraded, and it's going to take money." He added that the ATC overhaul plan will be rolled out in the next two weeks. His goal is to have a "brand new" air traffic system in three and a half to four years, but it will be built at a pace that balances speed with safety. Some of the upgrades he mentioned include: • Using AI to analyze data and reports to catch safety trends faster. • Accelerating the implementation of safety programs already started, like those in the FAA's NextGen airspace modernization plan. • Deploying new runway safety technology that doesn't require tower controllers to "use binoculars to see where aircraft are." • Creating new "state-of-the-art" facilities with advanced screens and equipment for controllers. • Replacing copper wires with fiber, introduce more wireless and satellite technology, and improve radar. • Hiring more companies to build new and better infrastructure. • Speeding up air traffic controller hiring and paying trainees more. • Getting funding from Congress up front to begin work on the administration's plan within the next two weeks. • Permanently implementing NTSB's recommendations after the DC crash. • Working with pilots, airline CEOs, and other experts to identify ways to further improve. ATC changes come after deadly DC crash The American Airlines crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC, in January highlighted potential lapses in ATC — especially as the industry grapples with a controller shortage. That crash — as well as the Delta Air Lines crash-landing in Toronto in February and others involving smaller airplanes — have made people nervous about flying. The Trump Administration has vowed to make travel safer — though firings at the FAA have made some experts concerned about the end goal. Still, Duffy has emphasized the administration's steadfastness in addressing the problems. He said the FAA is accepting and implementing two "urgent" recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board issued on Tuesday following the DC crash. This includes closing Route 4, the helicopter path involved in the crash, when certain runways are in use at Reagan, and finding an alternate helicopter path when Route 4 is closed. Duffy said he has spoken with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about giving the military a route around the original path, in line with the recommendation. He added that the airspace will be closed to airplanes so special helicopter missions, like presidential transport, can use Route 4 safely. Duffy said it's essential that the industry learn from its mistakes and be proactive in safety to prevent another crash from happening again. "I think we can honor those who lost their lives by paying this forward," he said. "We do it by fixing the system and making it better and making it work." https://www.yahoo.com/news/10-upgrades-faa-says-making-215907334.html Families of Flight 3407 victims 'strongly oppose' DOT nominee Steven Bradbury The families of the victims of Flight 3407 strongly oppose the nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation. In a statement, the families said Steven Bradbury's past policy decisions show he does not prioritize safety for public flying. “Steven Bradbury has a documented history of putting corporate interests ahead of aviation safety,” said Scott Maurer, of Palmetto, Florida, who lost his 30-year-old daughter Lorin in the Flight 3407 crash. “His obstruction of the Boeing 737 MAX investigation and willingness to roll back critical safety regulations make him unfit for this role. On this sixth anniversary of the preventable Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident, the Department of Transportation needs leaders who will prioritize the safety of every passenger, not those who put business interests first. We call on the U.S. Senate to reject Bradbury’s nomination and demand instead a Deputy Secretary of Transportation who will uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and transparency. The lives lost in preventable air disasters demand nothing less.” This includes supporting rollbacks that would weaken pilot training requirements, something the 3407 Families strongly advocated for following the tragedy in 2009. "Under Bradbury’s leadership at the DOT, the department failed to support a thorough and transparent investigation into the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, the second fatal crash of a Boeing 737 MAX. Bradbury was instrumental in withholding critical investigative materials from Congress, obstructing efforts to uncover the full extent of Boeing’s missteps. His reluctance to cooperate with congressional inquiries directly hindered accountability and delayed much-needed safety reforms. Furthermore, during his tenure, Bradbury supported regulatory rollbacks that would weaken pilot training requirements and safety oversight measures—policies that contradict the hard-won reforms championed by the Families of Flight 3407. These reforms, including stronger pilot training requirements enacted in the wake of the Flight 3407 tragedy, have been essential in maintaining aviation safety standards and preventing future crashes." Continental Flight 3407 crashed in Clarence Center on Feb. 12, 2009, killing all 49 people on board the flight, along with one person on the ground. The NTSB ruled pilot error and a lack of training were the causes of the crash. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2025/03/11/families-of-flight-3407-victims-strongly-oppose-dot-nominee-steven-bradbury Olympian Served in World War II as a Fighter Pilot Iris Cummings Critchell was a highly competitive person, and she used that competitive drive to succeed as a swimmer and, later, as a World War II fighter pilot. At age 15, Critchell won the American national 200-meter breaststroke championship in 1936 and, in the same year, represented the United States at the Summer Olympics in Berlin, placing fourth in the women's 200-meter breaststroke. In 1939, she entered the University of Southern California's Civilian Pilot Training Program, earning a pilot's license the following year. In 1941, Critchell became a flight instructor for the Navy Cadet Training Program. The following year, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, which became part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, better known as WASP, in 1943. When WASP was deactivated on Dec. 20, 1944, Critchell joined the 6th Ferrying Group, Air Transport Command, flying P-38 Lightning and P-61 Black Widow fighter aircraft and the P-51 Mustang fighter bomber. After the 6th Ferrying Group was deactivated near the end of the war, she married fellow military pilot Howard Critchell and returned to USC to teach aviation to veterans. During a luncheon at Los Angeles Air Force Base in March 2007, Critchell said her generation of fliers stood on the shoulders of those who came before them. "Their dedication and competency made it possible for us to gain experience quickly and move into the ranks of experienced pilots to adapt in order to serve in World War II, and my place to follow on with a career in aeronautics for the next 65 years in flight," she said. "Our challenge is to inspire youth to question and look with wonder at the physical world around them; help them be aware of flight, aeronautics and space; help them to welcome a broad physical and academic preparation for life; and offer the balance provided by our humble respect for those early pioneers of aviation on whose shoulders we all stand," Critchell said. Her other career highlights include: Racing airplanes and winning the 1957 All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race. Founding the Bates Foundation's Bates Aeronautics Program, whose students included future astronauts Stanley G. Love and George Nelson. Serving as a Federal Aviation Administration pilot examiner. Her awards include: • Induction into the National Flight Instructors Hall of Fame in 2000. • Awarded the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2006 for her dedication to airplane safety. • Awarded the Nile Gold Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 2007 for her lifetime of dedication to aviation education. • Critchell was born Dec. 21, 1920, in Los Angeles. She and her husband Howard had two children and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. When she died Jan. 24, 2025, the 104-year-old was the last-known surviving Olympian of the 1936 Berlin Games. https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4112471/olympian-served-in-world-war-ii-as-a-fighter-pilot/ The Thai Pilots Association will petition the Administrative Court on March 14, 2025, seeking temporary protection to revoke the Ministry of Labour's order allowing foreign pilots for domestic flights. This follows the Cabinet's approval on December 7, 2024, allowing airlines to temporarily lease aircraft with pilots (Wet Lease) for one year, ending on December 31, 2025, with the option for two 6-month extensions. Currently, Thai Vietjet is the only airline using this option, allowing foreign pilots to operate domestic flights. Captain Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, President of the Thai Pilots Association, stated that on March 14, 2025, the association will petition the Administrative Court to revoke the Ministry of Labour's announcement that permits foreign pilots to operate in Thailand. The association will request a temporary injunction, arguing that the Ministry of Labour and the Cabinet's decision to allow foreign pilots to operate in Thailand temporarily through Wet Lease arrangements directly impacts many unemployed Thai pilots. Why the Thai Pilots Association is filing a lawsuit with the Administrative Court Impact on Thai pilots' careers Currently, there are many Thai pilots who are unemployed and ready to work. Allowing foreign pilots to operate in the country could reduce job opportunities for Thai pilots. Contradiction with Thai labour laws According to the Ministry of Labour's announcement, domestic aviation jobs are reserved for Thai nationals, except for international flights. Impact on the long-term standards of the Thai aviation industry If the Wet Lease practice becomes standard, it may lead airlines to reduce investments in training Thai pilots, which could negatively affect the stability of the country's aviation industry. The Thai Pilots Association urges the government to reconsider this measure and prioritize Thai pilots first. " We affirm that we will take action to protect the rights of all Thai pilots and request the support of members and stakeholders in the aviation industry to stand together in support of the Thai Pilots Association's petition to the Administrative Court, seeking temporary protection in the case of allowing foreign pilots to operate domestic flights," Captain Teerawat said. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/policy/40047310 India Faces Growing Demand For 30,000 Pilots In The Next 20 Years As Travel And Aviation Industry Expands India’s aviation industry is set to require 30,000 pilots in the next two decades, driven by fleet expansion and the growing demand for travel and aviation services. India’s Growing Demand for Pilots India is projected to need approximately 30,000 new pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, as domestic airlines continue expanding their fleets. This was announced by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday. Fleet Expansion Driving the Need for Pilots Domestic carriers have placed orders for over 1,700 new aircraft, building upon an existing fleet of more than 800 planes. This significant fleet growth is driving the demand for pilots, further reinforcing the need for comprehensive pilot training programs. Government Focus on Enhancing Pilot Training At an event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 200 trainer aircraft, Naidu emphasized the importance of strengthening pilot training in India. Reviewing and Rating Flying Training Organizations To support this initiative, the government is reviewing 38 Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) across the country. Additionally, a rating system for these organizations will be introduced to ensure quality and consistency in pilot training. Future of Airports and Pilot Training The aviation ministry is also strategizing to categorize airports, including the potential for dedicated airports focused on cargo operations and pilot training. This effort aims to strengthen infrastructure and provide specialized facilities for aviation professionals. Training Aircraft: A Game-Changer for Pilot Development Naidu further stressed that training aircraft are fundamental to the development of pilots. This new initiative is expected to be a game-changer, empowering the next generation of skilled pilots and strengthening India’s aviation industry. India’s Growing Aviation Market and Job Opportunities India continues to be one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The expansion of airline networks is creating new employment opportunities, and the government is committed to improving infrastructure and training facilities to meet future industry needs. Domestic Air Passenger Traffic on the Rise India’s domestic air passenger traffic continued its upward trend in January 2025, reaching an estimated 150.3 lakh passengers. This marks a 0.7% increase compared to December 2024 and a substantial 14.5% rise compared to January 2024. Additionally, January 2025’s traffic surpassed pre-COVID levels (January 2020) by a strong 17.9%. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/india-faces-growing-demand-for-30000-pilots-in-the-next-20-years-as-travel-and-aviation-industry-expands/ Airlines issue stark warning on travel demand as confidence sinks The three biggest U.S. airlines issued dour near-term forecasts over the past two days, warning that travel demand would weaken as the economy slows and the Trump administration's tariff policies would sap consumer sentiment. Each of the three major U.S. carriers — Delta Air Lines (DAL) , American Airlines (AAL) and United Airlines (UAL) — updated investors on their first-quarter-profit forecasts heading into an industry event hosted by JP Morgan today in New York. Smaller rivals including Southwest Airlines and JetBlue (JBLU) also published fresh near-term forecasts that indicated softening travel demand and weaker-than-expected profit. "The first quarter is always, seasonally, the most difficult quarter of the year for our industry and historically somewhat tough to project," Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian told CNBC. "We saw in February a pretty significant shift in GDP sentiment and the output and the confidence signals that we monitor," he added. "Consumer confidence is coming down a bit, as we all know, and that's why the market is in the challenge that it is." The Atlanta carrier slashed the lower end of its Q1-profit forecast by 40 cents a share, and it now sees earnings around 30 cents to 50 cents a share. American Airlines, meanwhile, said it expected a first-quarter loss of 60 cents to 80 cents a share, compared with its prior forecast in late January of a loss of 20 cents to 40 cents a share. Airlines see travel demand softening The Fort Worth, Texas, carrier also cited the impact on near-term sentiment of the Jan. 29 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River. The crash killed all 67 people on board as well as the three military personnel operating the UH-60 Blackhawk. U.S. airlines have been a bellwether for discretionary spending in the three years that followed the pandemic-era trough in domestic and international travel. Record levels of passenger traffic and Transport Safety Administration screenings have been recorded over the past year. Heading into opening months of 2025, however, each of the three major carriers is reporting a notable pullback in demand, with Delta planning fewer flights over the summer and United seeing what it called a "50% drop" in government-related travel. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, meanwhile, told the JP Morgan event that the Chicago carrier likely would remove "unprofitable" capacity in coming months. He also echoed concern about fading travel demand. Southwest Airlines (LUV) , for its part, is planning to mitigate the expected revenue decline, which it estimates at 2% and 4% in Q1, by charging for bags. That's the first time the Dallas airline has charged for checked bags. "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect," CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement. Are airline mergers ahead? United's Kirby also suggested the industry's challenges could lead to another round of consolidation, arguing that demand in the domestic market is sufficient to support only two premium carriers. When asked how that might play out, Kirby said that New York-based JetBlue would be the obvious target candidate. JetBlue and Spirit Airlines abandoned a $3.8 billion merger attempt in March of last year after the Justice Department under President Joe Biden sued to prevent the deal amid concern it would limit consumer choice and increase prices. Investors have been hoping that the Trump administration will prove more supportive for big corporate mergers, but new Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson issued a memo last month that stressed enforcement "stability" over "wholesale rescission" of consolidation guidelines. Delta Air Lines shares were marked 2.8% lower in early Tuesday trading, while American edged 0.25% higher and United gained 2.8%. Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, jumped 10.5% on bets that its new baggage policy, which will end free check-ins for most passengers, will boost overall revenues. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/airlines-issue-stark-warning-travel-163000615.html United to Retire Aircraft Amid Capacity Cuts The carrier plans to remove over 20 jets from its fleet. With plans to reduce capacity later this year, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline will also retire several aircraft. The move comes as U.S. airlines report lower-than-expected profitability outlooks for the first quarter. In response, 21 aircraft will be retired early, Kirby stated. He did not say which types would be removed from United’s fleet. “That’s something that’ll be cash-positive this year,” he added, noting that the Chicago-based carrier would have to spend around $100 million on engine overhauls alone. “Those are our most expensive aircraft,” Kirby said during a Tuesday J.P. Morgan investors conference. “… We built a plan with optionality and flexibility that if we see short-term headwinds, we can make short-term responses. And that 21 aircraft, by the way, sort of correlates with what we’ve seen from the government.” According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, United retired a single Airbus A320 in 2024. The airline took delivery of its 1,000th mainline jet in January. Scaling Back Capacity Kirby said the airline has already started pulling out capacity in certain markets. Among them is the transborder sector due to “dropping” Canadian traffic to the U.S. In addition, capacity will be reduced in “key government markets” where there’s less demand. Government travel makes up around 2% of United’s business, Kirby noted. Amid slashes to government spending, government-related travel is down around 50%, “a pretty material impact in the short term,” he said. https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/03/11/united-to-retire-aircraft-amid-capacity-cuts/ Air Methods Expands Fleet with Nearly 50 New Aircraft to Enhance Nationwide Air Medical Services Signs major purchase agreements with Bell Textron Inc., and AirBus Helicopters DALLAS, TX, March 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical provider, is growing its fleet by nearly 50 aircraft to expand services across the country and serve more patients in need of emergency transport. Today, at the VERTICON 2025 conference in Dallas, Air Methods signed major purchase agreements with both Bell Textron Inc. and Airbus Helicopters, reinforcing Air Methods’ commitment to providing cutting-edge aircraft for lifesaving missions. “It is our mission to provide lifesaving care to as many people as possible,” said Air Methods CEO Rob Hamilton. “With more than 100,000 patient transports each year, expanding our fleet is critical to ensuring our crews have the safest, most reliable aircraft to serve communities nationwide.” As part of its agreement with Bell Textron Inc., Air Methods will acquire up to 27 Bell helicopters, including 15 IFR-configured Bell 407GXis, a Bell 429, and 12 additional aircraft expected in the near future. The addition of these aircraft will further enhance Air Methods’ ability to provide rapid and reliable emergency medical transport to the communities it serves. “Air Methods and Bell have worked together for the entirety of Air Methods’ 45 years in operation. The Bell 407 and Bell 429 are core aircraft in our fleet of over 390 aircraft,” said Leo Morrissette, EVP of Operations at Air Methods. “The Bell 407 demonstrates exceptional performance and reliability, while the Bell 429 provides our clinical team with the cabin capacity necessary to deliver industry-leading specialty care to our patients.” Bell and Air Methods have maintained a strong partnership spanning four decades, with Air Methods currently operating 90 Bell aircraft. The Bell 407GXi’s single-pilot IFR capability and the Bell 429’s advanced avionics and spacious interior make them ideal platforms for emergency medical services (EMS) missions. In addition to the Bell fleet expansion, Air Methods also entered into a Global Fleet Agreement with Airbus Helicopters, placing an order for 21 Airbus helicopters—10 H125s and 11 H135s. As the largest global commercial operator of Airbus helicopters, Air Methods continues to rely on the H125 and H135 models for their safety, reliability, and ability to support critical care transport operations. “This agreement strengthens our ability to support our customers with state-of-the-art aircraft and positions Air Methods for long-term growth and innovation,” said Hamilton. With 300 bases serving 48 states, Air Methods transports more than 100,000 patients annually, flying over 150,000 hours each year. The company remains dedicated to integrating the latest technology and best-in-class aircraft to ensure rapid response times and exceptional patient care. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/12/3041100/0/en/Air-Methods-Expands-Fleet-with-Nearly-50-New-Aircraft-to-Enhance-Nationwide-Air-Medical-Services.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