Flight Safety Information - March 20, 2025 No. 057 In This Issue : Incident: Hong Kong A320 near Fuzhoe on Mar 20th 2025, fire in cabin : Accident: JAC AT42 at Amakusa on Mar 18th 2025, lightning strike : Incident: Delta B764 over Atlantic on Mar 18th 2025, windshield problem : Incident: Lanco B763 at Miami on Mar 17th 2025, dropped part of engine cowling on departure : Malaysia approves a new search for MH370 wreckage in the Indian Ocean : American Pilots Warned About Violating D.C. Airspace : Why Airline Pilots Have 'Concerns' About Trump's FAA Chief Nominee : FAA to install runway safety technology at 74 airports by end of 2026 : Commuter plane that crashed in Alaska was half a ton overweight for conditions : Beyond Aero’s Hydrogen Jet Promises Zero Carbon Flights by 2030 : Singapore's Asia Corporate Jet adds first G550 : Air India in talks for dozens of new widebody jets from Airbus, Boeing, sources say : Boeing Rallies as CFO Highlights Steady 737 Max and Dreamliner Production : Pakistani International Airlines Ban Under Review by UK : Calendar of Events Incident: Hong Kong A320 near Fuzhoe on Mar 20th 2025, fire in cabin A Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration B-LPC performing flight HX-115 from Hangzhou to Hong Kong (China), was enroute at 9200 meters (approx. FL301) about 120nm north of Fuzhoe (China) when a fire broke out in one of the overhead bins in the cabin. While cabin crew used fire extinguishers to fight the fire, the flight crew initiated a diversion to Fuzhoe. Cabin crew succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The aircraft landed safely on Fuzhoe's runway 03 about 30 minutes later. The aircraft is still on the ground in Fuzhoe about 3.5 hours after landing. The airline reported a fire broke out in one of the overhead compartments, which was successfully extinguished. https://avherald.com/h?article=525739ed&opt=0 Accident: JAC AT42 at Amakusa on Mar 18th 2025, lightning strike A JAC Japan Air Commuter Avions de Transport Regional ATR-42-600, registration JA01JC performing flight MZ-201 from Amakusa to Kumamoto (Japan) with 14 people on board, was climbing out of Amakusa's runway 31 when the crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet after receiving a lightning strike. The aircraft returned to Amakusa for a safe landing on runway 31 about 25 minutes after departure. The airline reported the aircraft was inspected, burn marks were found at the nose wheel area and on the tail of the aircraft. All flights of the aircraft until and including Mar 26th 2025 have been cancelled. https://avherald.com/h?article=5256e20e&opt=0 Incident: Delta B764 over Atlantic on Mar 18th 2025, windshield problem A Delta Airlines Boeing 767-400, registration N825MH performing flight DL-4 from London Heathrow,EN (UK) to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 143 people on board, was enroute at FL340 about 300nm west of Shannon when the crew descended the aircraft to FL100 and decided to turn around and divert to Shannon reporting a possible overheating of the windshield. The aircraft landed safely on Shannon's runway 06 about 90 minutes later. A replacement Boeing 767-400 registration N844MH positioned to Shannon, resumed the flight and is estimated to reach New York with a delay of about 20 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Shannon about 21 hours after landing. The airline reported a mechanical issue (flight deck window heating) prompted the diversion to Shannon. https://avherald.com/h?article=5256c941&opt=0 Incident: Lanco B763 at Miami on Mar 17th 2025, dropped part of engine cowling on departure A Lanco LATAM Cargo Boeing 767-300 freighter, registration N418LA performing flight L7-1817 (sched dep Mar 16th, act. dep Mar 17th) from Miami,FL (USA) to Sao Paulo Viracopos,SP (Brazil) with 3 crew, departed Miami's runway 09 when a part of an engine cowling separated from the aircraft. The crew continued the flight to destination for a landing without further incident. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT MIAMI, FL/AIR CARRIER INCIDENT-LATE REPORT/3-16 2138E/COLOMBIA REGISTERED LANCO 1817, B763, MIA - SBKP, DURING DEPARTURE PART OF AN ENGINE COWLING SEPARATED FROM ACFT AND CAME TO REST ON GRASS AREA NEXT TO RWY. ACFT CONTINUED TO DESTINATION AND LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. NO INJURIES REPORTED. DAMAGE UNKN" The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Sao Paulo about 50 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5256bf16&opt=0 Malaysia approves a new search for MH370 wreckage in the Indian Ocean KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia's government has given final approval for a Texas-based marine robotics company to renew the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. Cabinet ministers agreed to terms and conditions for a "no-find, no-fee" contract with Texas-based Ocean Infinity to resume the seabed search operation at a new 15,000-square-kilometer (5,800-square-mile) site in the ocean, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said in a statement Wednesday. Ocean Infinity will be paid $70 million only if wreckage is discovered. The Boeing 777 plane vanished from radar shortly after taking off on March 8, 2014, carrying 239 people, mostly Chinese nationals, on a flight from Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, to Beijing. Satellite data showed the plane turned from its flight path and headed south to the far-southern Indian Ocean, where it is believed to have crashed. An expensive multinational search failed to turn up any clues to its location, although debris washed ashore on the east African coast and Indian Ocean islands. A private search in 2018 by Ocean Infinity also found nothing. The final approval for a new search came three months after Malaysia gave the nod in principle to plans for a fresh search. Ocean Infinity CEO Oliver Punkett earlier this year reportedly said the company had improved its technology since 2018. He has said the firm is working with many experts to analyze data and had narrowed the search area to the most likely site. Loke said his ministry will ink a contract with Ocean Infinity soon but didn't provide details on the terms. The firm has reportedly sent a search vessel to the site and indicated that January-April is the best period for the search. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a senate inquiry on the so-called war on drugs during his administration at the Philippine Senate Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Manila, Philippines. "The government is committed to continuing the search operation and providing closure for the families of the passengers of flight MH370," he said in a statement. https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5334315/malaysia-mh370-search-indian-ocean American Pilots Warned About Violating D.C. Airspace One pilot was interviewed by federal agents. The union representing around 16,000 American Airlines pilots issued a reminder to its members last week to avoid overflying the restricted airspace over Washington. Secret Service agents visited one captain at his home after he breached the airspace. In a memo to its pilots last week that was viewed by AirlineGeeks, the Allied Pilots Association warned members of the consequences for violating the heavily restricted P-56 airspace around the White House. “Your career is at risk,” the APA’s Safety Committee said Friday. American maintains a hub at Reagan National Airport, which is just a few miles from the White House and Capitol. The airline also has a pilot base at the airport. “Despite extensive training and outreach, for both the B737 and A32F fleets, incursions through the White House prohibited area, P-56, continue to occur,” the union added. When departing to the north, aircraft leaving Reagan National are required to make an immediate left turn to avoid this airspace. The P-56 includes areas surrounding the White House, the National Mall, and the Naval Observatory. “Treat P-56 as if it were a mountain,” the union’s memo stated. For over 50 years, no aircraft have been allowed through this airspace, which extends up to 18,000 feet. Very few exceptions exist, mostly for flight operations supporting the president or other agency operations. https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/03/19/american-pilots-warned-about-violating-d-c-airspace/ Why Airline Pilots Have 'Concerns' About Trump's FAA Chief Nominee The Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. (ALPA) said that it has "concerns" about President Donald Trump's nominee for Federal Aviation Administration administrator, Bryan Bedford. Bedford is CEO of regional airline Republic Airways, which amid a global pilot shortage in 2022 unsuccessfully proposed that the FAA should lower the number of hours required to become a co-pilot to 750 from 1,500. "We have concerns about the nominee's past efforts to lower pilot training and safety standards and we look forward to hearing his assurances that he will maintain the current requirements," ALPA said. Airline pilots are not pleased with President Donald Trump's choice to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), which represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines, said Tuesday that it has "concerns" about Trump's nominee to be FAA administrator, Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford. Indianapolis-based Republic Airways operates regional flights on behalf of United Airlines (UAL), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and American Airlines (AAL). Amid a global pilot shortage in 2022, Republic proposed that the FAA should lower the number of hours required to become a co-pilot to 750 from 1,500, but the agency rejected it, which pleased ALPA. "We have concerns about the nominee's past efforts to lower pilot training and safety standards and we look forward to hearing his assurances that he will maintain the current requirements," ALPA said. Airline Pilots Unions 'Are Huge Fans of the 1,500-Hour Rule' "Not surprisingly, unions representing airline pilots are huge fans of the 1,500-hour rule," according to Ben Schlappig of the travel site One Mile at a Time. "After all, pilots have been able to negotiate incredible pay increases, and that has largely been thanks to limiting the pilot pipeline by keeping requirements so high," Schlappig said in a post Wednesday. Bedford first must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before he can become FAA administrator. https://www.investopedia.com/why-airline-pilots-have-concerns-about-trump-faa-chief-nominee-11699578 FAA to install runway safety technology at 74 airports by end of 2026 The Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday it will install enhanced safety technology at 74 airports by the end of 2026 to help detect runway incursions. The FAA is installing the Runway Incursion Device, a memory aid for air traffic controllers that indicates when a runway is occupied. The system is operational at four airports and will be installed at another 70 airports over the next 19 months. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said earlier on Wednesday that he plans to announce in the next few days a plan to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control system to replace aging technologies. The Jan. 29 fatal Army helicopter and American Airlines regional jet collision that killed 67 people near Reagan Washington National Airport has also rekindled concerns about aviation safety. Duffy said last week that he plans to ask Congress for tens of billions of dollars to reform air traffic control. The Government Accountability Office says the FAA must take urgent action to address aging air traffic control systems, saying that one-third are unsustainable. The FAA said in October that it was opening an audit into runway incursion risks at the 45 busiest U.S. airports. Over the last two years, a series of troubling near-miss incidents has raised concerns about U.S. aviation safety and the strain on understaffed air traffic control operations. The Runway Incursion Device is installed at Austin airport, which was the site of a serious 2023 near-miss incident involving Southwest Airlines and FedEx airplanes after a mistaken assumption by a controller. A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights and, at many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts. The FAA, which has aging technology and facilities and needs billions of dollars to modernize, is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing, prompting the aviation industry and lawmakers to call for action. The FAA is also installing the Surface Awareness Initiative system and Approach Runway Verification system at airports. SAI uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast data to display surface traffic to controllers at airports without a surface surveillance tool. It is operational at 18 airports and the FAA plans to install it at 32 others by the end of 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/19/faa-to-install-runway-safety-technology-at-74-airports-by-end-of-2026.html Commuter plane that crashed in Alaska was half a ton overweight for conditions National Transportation Safety Board releases preliminary report on loss of aircraft that killed all 10 onboard A commuter plane that crashed on sea ice off Alaska, killing all 10 people onboard, was half a ton overweight for the weather conditions, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary report released on Wednesday. The report said the plane was too heavy for conditions that cause icing at the speed and altitude it was flying. A final report is expected later. The 6 February crash was one of Alaska’s deadliest plane crashes this century and the third major US aviation mishap in eight days. A commercial jetliner and an army helicopter collided near the nation’s capital on 29 January, killing 67 people. A medical transportation plane crashed in Philadelphia on 31 January, killing the six people onboard and another person on the ground. The Bering Air single-engine turboprop plane was on a regularly scheduled afternoon flight between the community of Unalakleet and Nome, a trip of about 150 miles (240km) when authorities lost contact less than an hour after takeoff, David Olson, the director of operations for Bering Air, said at the time. All 10 people aboard Alaska plane that crashed died, says US Coast Guard A review of the plane’s contents following the crash indicated that its estimated gross weight at departure was about 9,865lb (4,475kg) – about 1,058lb over the maximum takeoff gross weight for a flight where icing conditions were in the forecast, the report says. Messages seeking comment on Wednesday from the NTSB and from Bering Air were not immediately returned. The Cessna Caravan went missing about 30 miles south-east of Nome. After an extensive search, the wreckage was found the following day on a drifting ice floe. The pilot and all nine passengers had been killed. Radar data provided by the US civil air patrol indicated the plane rapidly lost elevation and speed, but it was unclear why that happened, the US Coast Guard has said. The agency was unaware of any distress signals from the plane. The plane was flying in an area where moderate icing was possible between 2,000ft (610 meters) and 8,000ft and where the weather could be hazardous to light aircraft, the NTSB chair, Jennifer Homendy, said at a news conference in Nome last month. She said the plane, which was last spotted on radar at 3,400ft, had an anti-icing system on its wings and tail, and that the equipment would be examined as part of the investigation. NTSB preliminary reports do not usually reveal the cause of a crash since the investigation is still ongoing. A final report, which does usually contain the cause, will be released later. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/19/alaska-plane-crash Beyond Aero’s Hydrogen Jet Promises Zero Carbon Flights by 2030 Beyond Aero Unveils BYA-1, A Revolutionary Hydrogen-Powered Jet Concept The aviation industry just took a significant leap toward sustainability, and Beyond Aero is at the helm of this transformation. The French aerospace startup has introduced a refined concept of its groundbreaking hydrogen-powered jet, the BYA-1. With claims of being the first battery-free, hydrogen-electric light jet, the BYA-1 marks a bold step forward in tackling one of aviation’s toughest challenges: decarbonization. BYA-1’s Technological Advancements Redefine Aviation The BYA-1 is not just another ambitious concept; it is a meticulously designed aircraft packed with cutting-edge innovation. At its heart lies a battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system. This unique architecture uses a modular setup with two electric engines powered by independent powerplant channels. This redundancy significantly improves resilience, ensuring the system exceeds established safety norms. With a power output of 2.4 megawatts, the BYA-1 proves that hydrogen propulsion can deliver on both performance and reliability. Safety is a top priority. Unlike traditional designs that integrate high-pressure fuel lines near passenger cabins, Beyond Aero has optimized the placement of its hydrogen tanks to reduce risk. Positioned above the wing box structure, the tanks enhance crashworthiness and align with the stringent safety protocols of modern aerospace engineering. The company has also upgraded its thermal management system with electric ducted fans for greater efficiency at every stage of flight. Then there’s the cost-saving appeal. BYA-1’s simplified electric powertrain features 90% fewer moving parts than conventional turbines, resulting in reduced maintenance complexity and operational costs. Reports indicate operators could see cost reductions of up to 55%, a crucial factor for business jet fleets. Adding to this is hydrogen’s potential to slash fuel costs by 17% compared to traditional jet fuel by 2030, making the BYA-1 an attractive option for both financial and environmental bottom lines. Beyond Just a Jet, A Solution for Aviation Decarbonization Aviation has long been scrutinized for its contribution to global emissions. While passenger cars shift toward electric motors and renewable energy, the skies have been slower to adapt. Jet engines rely heavily on liquid fuels, and alternative energy solutions for the sector remain in their infancy. Beyond Aero’s hydrogen-powered design directly addresses this quandary. Leveraging hydrogen fuel cells eliminates carbon dioxide emissions by replacing combustion with a chemical process where hydrogen and oxygen combine to generate electricity. The result? Zero emissions of greenhouse gases during flight. With the BYA-1 boasting an 800-nautical-mile range and a cruising speed of 357 mph, a hydrogen-powered future suddenly seems far more pragmatic and achievable. Hydrogen jets like the BYA-1 are an answer to stringent regulatory goals, such as the European Union’s focus on climate-neutral aviation under its “Fit for 55” initiative. The aviation industry is under pressure to accelerate decarbonization, and innovative designs like Beyond Aero’s represent a critical piece of the puzzle. Recent Milestones and Momentum Recent developments have bolstered Beyond Aero’s ambitions. Earlier this year, the company raised $20 million in funding to accelerate the BYA-1’s development. This financial boost supports not only technical refinements but also progress toward certification. The startup is actively engaging with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ensure the BYA-1 meets stringent standards. Since applying for Design Organisation Approval in 2024, Beyond Aero has been working closely with regulators to formalize its safety and certification framework. Beyond Aero’s leadership has also been proactive in assembling a world-class advisory committee. Comprised of former executives, structural engineers, and aviation leaders, this team lends substantial credibility to the project. Among them is Stéphane Mayer, who previously led Daher Aircraft, and other veterans whose expertise ensures the BYA-1 is both technically feasible and market-ready. But what does this mean for aviation’s future? With Beyond Aero targeting commercial readiness by 2030, the BYA-1 could be the first hydrogen-electric light jet available for business aviation. This development could disrupt the market, especially in the six- to eight-passenger segment traditionally dominated by models like the Cessna Citation CJ3. More importantly, it sets a precedent for the viability of hydrogen in aviation. While the industry struggles with the complexities of SAFs (Sustainable Aviation Fuels) and next-gen biofuels, hydrogen represents a cleaner, scalable alternative. If successful, Beyond Aero’s model could pave the way for wider adoption of hydrogen propulsion not just in light jets but potentially in commercial aviation as well. The broader implications extend beyond aviation. Hydrogen is heralded as a critical component of the global shift to decarbonized energy systems. If Beyond Aero can prove its cost and efficiency claims, it could trigger a ripple effect across sectors—from shipping to energy storage to ground transportation. Charting the Course for Greener Skies Beyond Aero’s debut of its BYA-1 is more than a technological milestone; it is a glimpse into what sustainable aviation might look like in the decades to come. With innovative architecture, ambitious development timelines, and a firm commitment to certification, Beyond Aero is positioning itself as a leader in aviation’s green revolution. While challenges remain—including scaling hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure globally—advancements like those seen in the BYA-1 fuel optimism that aviation can uphold its role in connectivity without compromising the planet. For now, the skies appear just a little bluer. https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/beyond-aeros-hydrogen-jet-2030/8570129/ Singapore's Asia Corporate Jet adds first G550 Asia Corporate Jet has added the first G550, ch-aviation research reveals. The Gulfstream Aerospace aircraft, registered in the Cayman Islands as VP-CWZ (msn 5313), is 13.8 years old and was previously registered in the United States as N61WZ. Not listed as a Part 135-certified aircraft, it was last active on February 18, 2025, flying between Kuala Lumpur Subang and Singapore Seletar, where it was based. It first operated as VP-CWZ on March 14, departing for Johor Bahru, conducting a series of test flights, and returning to Singapore Seletar, where it remains parked. This G550 joins Asia Corporate Jet’s fleet of two 13.6-year-old G450s, one of which is a 13-seat jet available for charter under the company’s Caymanese AOC, while the other is privately operated. https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/151599-singapores-asia-corporate-jet-adds-first-g550 Air India in talks for dozens of new widebody jets from Airbus, Boeing, sources say NEW DELHI/PARIS (Reuters) -Air India is exploring a fresh multi-billion dollar order for dozens of widebody jets from Boeing and Airbus, industry sources said, furthering the former state carrier's transformation under new owner Tata Group. The deliberations involve 30 to 40 aircraft split between the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X models, with one source suggesting the potential deal could exceed 50 jets. Details have not been finalised, the sources added. "Things should become clearer closer to the Paris Air Show (in June)," one of the sources said, asking not to be named. An Air India spokesperson said the airline does not comment on speculation. Boeing and Airbus declined to comment. The planned expansion comes on top of a mammoth deal in 2023 for 470 planes from both suppliers and another 100 Airbus jets last year -- but most were for single-aisle aircraft. The latest widebody deal could boost Air India's ambitious modernisation plans to re-capture market share lost to global rivals. The airline has 50 Airbus A350s, 10 Boeing 777Xs and 20 787 Dreamliners on order between the two deals. The potential new order comes as international passenger traffic from India is surging, expected to grow 15-20% in the current fiscal year ending March 31, outpacing domestic travel growth of 7-10%, according to ICRA, Moody's local ratings agency. It also comes as airlines are rushing to get in line for limited production slots of widebody jets after a run on supplies of smaller workhorse narrowbody jets from fast-growing airlines like India's largest carrier IndiGo. Air India's turnaround efforts under Tata are being closely watched by investors, manufacturers and lessors after decades of decay under state ownership, but are being hindered by aircraft delivery delays. The airline, which was once considered a world-class service, saw its image tarnished since the mid-2000s due to financial troubles, an ageing fleet and poor service. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said earlier this week that global aircraft shortages will persist for at least four years as supplies of engines and first and business class seats as well as some fuselage elements remain under pressure. The resulting delays have forced the airline to keep using some older aircraft and extended Tata's five-year transformation plan for Air India. The airline is not alone in grappling with delivery delays. Akasa Air, India's newest airline, is working to assuage anxious pilots who have been left idle due to lack of adequate aircraft, Reuters reported on Thursday. While navigating delivery delays, Air India is also working to recapture market share from international competitors like Emirates, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, which have historically attracted Indian travelers with newer fleets and premium cabin products. Indian carriers account for 43-44% of outbound passenger traffic from India, according to ICRA, with international airlines still in the lead. The airline and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express are expected to take delivery of roughly 20 narrow and widebody aircraft this year, according to UK consultancy Cirium Ascend. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/exclusive-air-india-talks-dozens-082536051.html Boeing Rallies as CFO Highlights Steady 737 Max and Dreamliner Production Boeing (NYSE:BA) climbed 5.34% to $170.20 as of 9:45 AM ET Wednesday, as investors reacted to upbeat comments from Chief Financial Officer Brian West at a Bank of America investor conference. West said Boeing is in strong shape as it works toward producing 38 units of the 737 Max per month, according to Bloomberg News. However, the Federal Aviation Administration has capped production at that level due to safety concerns. The company has also faced supply-chain issues and labor strikes that have impacted output. Production of the 787 Dreamliner is stabilizing at five units per month, with plans to ramp up, West noted. He also said March aircraft deliveries will be in line with February, when Boeing delivered 44 aircraft, including 32 from its 737 family. With production stabilizing and output targets in place, investors responded positively to Boeing's outlook. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/boeing-rallies-cfo-highlights-steady-145923888.html Pakistani International Airlines Ban Under Review by UK The air travel corridor between the United Kingdom and Pakistan represents a vital connection for both countries. KARACHI– According to UK Civil Aviation Authority officials, a crucial meeting of the UK Air Safety Committee is scheduled for Today, March 20, to review the prolonged ban on Pakistani Airlines, including the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PK) or PIA. The committee will evaluate all Pakistani carriers and consider lifting restrictions in place since July 2020. The ban was implemented by UK and European aviation authorities following revelations about fake pilot licenses. Despite this setback, Pakistani authorities express optimism about a positive outcome from tomorrow’s review. a crucial meeting of the UK Air Safety Committee is scheduled for Today, March 20, to review the prolonged ban on Pakistani Airlines, including the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PK) or PIA. Background of the Ban The controversy erupted in 2020 during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s government when then-aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan disclosed that pilots were operating aircraft with fraudulent licenses. This announcement came in the aftermath of a tragic incident where a PIA Airbus A-320 crashed in a Karachi (KHI) residential area, resulting in nearly 100 fatalities. The revelation prompted immediate regulatory action. European Union, United Kingdom, and United States immediately banned Pakistani airlines from operating in their airspace. This restriction has cost the already struggling PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) in annual revenue. In January 2025, after a prolonged suspension, PIA marked a significant milestone by operating its first direct flight from Islamabad (ISB) to Paris (CDG), effectively resuming services to Europe. Looking ahead to potential UK operations, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan indicated that once cleared by the Department for Transport, London (LYC), Manchester (MAN), and Birmingham (BHX) would become priority destinations for the airline. PIA currently holds 23% of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market. However, its fleet of 34 aircraft struggles to compete with Middle Eastern carriers that dominate 60% of the market. This disparity exists despite PIA having agreements with 87 countries and possessing key landing slots at international airports. The air travel corridor between the United Kingdom and Pakistan represents a vital connection for both countries, supporting significant cultural, economic, and familial ties. With approximately 1.2 million British Pakistanis forming one of the largest diaspora communities in the UK, demand for direct flight routes remains consistently high. Before the 2020 ban, multiple weekly flights operated between major cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. These routes served not only the Pakistani diaspora but also business travellers, tourists, and students. The suspension of direct flights has forced travellers to rely on connecting services through Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. This has increased journey times by several hours and raised costs for passengers, while also benefiting Gulf carriers at the expense of Pakistani airlines. If the ban is lifted, industry analysts expect rapid restoration of direct services, potentially creating new economic opportunities for both countries. Tourism development initiatives in Pakistan, particularly in the northern regions, could benefit significantly from improved air connectivity with the UK. The restoration of direct flights would also strengthen trade relations, with air cargo capacity enabling faster transportation of goods between the two markets at a time when both nations are seeking to expand their post-Brexit and post-pandemic commercial partnerships. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/20/uk-evaluate-pakistani-airlines-ban-amid-fake-license-scandal/#google_vignette CALENDAR OF EVENTS · 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 . 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. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines · 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