Flight Safety Information - March 25, 2025 No. 060 In This Issue : Incident: India A20N near Chennai on Mar 24th 2025, low fuel or not? : Incident: Alliance AT42 at Shimla on Mar 24th 2025, brakes problem : Incident: 21 B762 near Omaha on Mar 24th 2025, cabin pressure problem : Incident: United A320 at Santa Barbara on Mar 22nd 2025, multiple bird strikes : Pilot Fined For Radio Silence : GE Aerospace and Air Charter Safety Foundation Announce Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Aviation Safety : United Airlines Breaks Ground on New $177M Ground Service Equipment Facility and Opens New State-of-the-Art Technical Operations Training Facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport : India to Welcome 3 New Airlines in 2025 : Russian Su-25 Crash Takes Moscow's Aircraft Losses to 5 in a Day : WestJet Looks to Hire Foreign Pilots : GE Aerospace and Boeing Seal Billion-Dollar Deal with Korean Air : Airbus, Boeing eye fast output as plastics loom for future jets : Former FAA Administrator Billy Nolen Joins ZeroAvia : ACCIDENT-INCIDENT SAFETY INVESTIGATOR TRAINING PROGRAM | 17-19JUN25 | Early-Bird Rate : ISASI is accepting nominations for the Jerome F. Lederer Award. : Calendar of Events Incident: India A20N near Chennai on Mar 24th 2025, low fuel or not? An Air India Airbus A320-200N, registration VT-TNY performing flight AI-2415 from Delhi to Bangalore (India) with 172 people on board, was descending towards Bangalore when the crew stopped the descent at FL240 about 30nm northeast of the airport and entered a hold for about 25 minutes. The crew subsequently decided to turn east and divert to Chennai (India), located about 140nm east of their position, due to fuel issue. The aircraft landed safely on Chennai's runway 07 about 55 minutes after entering the hold. The airline reported the aircraft diverted due to a restriction at Bangalore, refueled in Chennai and continued to Bangalore a short while later when that restriction was lifted. The airport reported every Monday the southern runway is closed for an hour due to maintenance work, however, the northern runway is in operation during that time, no such restriction existed therefore and all airlines are aware. The northern older runway however requires certification of the pilots, therefore crew without that certification can not land on that runway for an hour a week. https://avherald.com/h?article=525a238e&opt=0 Incident: Alliance AT42 at Shimla on Mar 24th 2025, brakes problem An Alliance Air Avions de Transport Regional ATR-42-600, registration VT-UDB performing flight 9I-821 from Delhi to Shimla (India) with 44 people on board, was on approach to Shimla when the crew reported a problem with the brakes. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 32 and taxied to the apron. The aircraft is still on the ground in Shimla 17 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=525a2168&opt=0 Incident: 21 B762 near Omaha on Mar 24th 2025, cabin pressure problem A 21 Air Boeing 767-200 freighter, registration N999YV performing flight 2I-805 from Cincinnati,KY to San Francisco,CA (USA), was enroute at FL360 about 140nm eastsoutheast of Omaha,NE (USA) when the crew reported cabin pressure problems, descended the aircraft to FL340, further to FL320 and subsequently diverted to Omaha for a safe landing on runway 32L about 30 minutes later. The FAA reported: "21 Air Flight 805 landed safely at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, around 3:15 a.m. local time on Monday, March 24, after the crew reported a possible pressurization issue. The Boeing 767 departed Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and was headed to San Francisco International Airport. The FAA will investigate." The aircraft is still on the ground in Omaha about 8 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=525a05c2&opt=0 Incident: United A320 at Santa Barbara on Mar 22nd 2025, multiple bird strikes A United Airbus A320-200, registration N457UA performing flight UA-671 from Denver,CO to Santa Barbara,CA (USA) with 150 passengers and 6 crew, landed on Santa Barbara's runway 07. Following landing the crew reported they had received multiple bird strikes and taxied to the gate. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT CONTINUED AND LANDED RUNWAY 7 AND REPORTED STRIKING MULTIPLE BIRDS AND TAXIED TO GATE. POST FLIGHT INSPECTION REVEALED DAMAGE TO RIGHT ENGINE AND 15 SMALL BIRDS WERE INGESTED INTO ENGINE." The aircraft returned to service about 15 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=525a034f&opt=0 Pilot Fined For Radio Silence U.K. regs require an ATC check-in every 30 minutes. An SAS Connect pilot has been fined about $5,800 in the first prosecution of a 2016 law that requires pilots to keep in radio contact with ATC. Capt. Christopher Hollands didn't check in for more than 30 minutes as he commanded an A320 with 58 passengers aboard from Oslo to Manchester. It resulted in a hijacking scare that led to two RAF Typhoons being scrambled to escort the airliner to Manchester. After landing it was ordered to an isolated area of the airport so law enforcement could investigate. Hollands' gaffe violated a section of the Air Navigation Order of 2016, and the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority says it takes the law, and violations of it, seriously. "Aviation is one of the safest methods of transportation, and it relies on pilots maintaining radio communication with air traffic control through the standard channels during flight," CAA's head of flight operations said in a statement. "We continue to work with pilots, airlines, and the Government to reduce similar incidents, including by prosecuting offenders when appropriate to maintain confidence in UK aviation's safety and security." He also noted that Hollands could have gone to jail for two years. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/pilot-fined-for-radio-silence/ GE Aerospace and Air Charter Safety Foundation Announce Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Aviation Safety CINCINNATI, Ohio – Monday, March 24, 2025 – GE Aerospace is joining forces to promote aviation safety with the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), a leading organization dedicated to enhancing safety and security within business and general aviation. Utilizing ACSF’s wide reach, GE Aerospace’s Software as a Service (SaaS) group will promote the operational safety insights that their C-FOQA (Corporate Flight Operations Quality Assurance) and FlightPulse software solutions can offer members to help advance aviation safety. By leveraging these software solutions, ACSF members will be able to identify potential safety risks, optimize flight operations, and implement best practices more effectively. ACSF, with a robust membership base of 360 organizations, is committed to fostering a culture of safety through collaboration and partnership. The foundation offers a platform for its members to engage in safety initiatives, share best practices, and participate in industry events. ACSF’s mission is to elevate safety standards across the industry by promoting transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. "We find no greater purpose of joy in our work than when we find our work raises the bar in flight safety. Because of this we could not be more thrilled to partner with the Air Charter Safety Foundation to support their mission of enhancing aviation safety," said Andrew Coleman, General Manager of GE Aerospace, Software as a Service. "Our Flight Data Monitoring solutions are at the forefront of aviation safety technology, and we firmly believe that ACSF members will greatly benefit from both the insights and efficiencies they provide." Bryan Burns, President of ACSF, added, "This collaboration with GE Aerospace represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to promote safety and security within the aviation industry. By offering our members access to GE Aerospace's advanced safety solutions, we are providing them with valuable FDM tools to enhance their operations and maintain the highest safety standards." About GE Aerospace: GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft with a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures have an installed base of 45,000 commercial and 25,000 military aircraft engines, and the business is playing a vital role in shaping the future of flight. GE Aerospace software solutions put aviation data to work with products and services that empower airlines to run robust and resilient operations. Flight Ops, Tech Ops, and Maintenance and Reliability Analytics solutions from GE Aerospace, Software as a Service help aircraft operators enhance safety & efficiency, reduce operational disruptions, improve passenger experience, and make better decisions regarding real-time fleet health. Today, GE Aerospace Flight Analytics solutions supports over 17,000 aircraft and 50,000 pilots with FlightPulse pilot application. For more information, visit us at www.GEAerospace.com/systems/saas. https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-and-air-charter-safety-foundation-announce-strategic-collaboration United Airlines Breaks Ground on New $177M Ground Service Equipment Facility and Opens New State-of-the-Art Technical Operations Training Facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport United has invested $3.5 billion to build and upgrade modern facilities at IAH since 2015 HOUSTON, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United announced another investment in its Houston hub today by breaking ground on a new 140,000-square-foot Ground Service Equipment (GSE) Maintenance Facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and opening a new, state-of-the-art Technical Operations Training Center at the airport that will give employees a cutting-edge training experience. United is the largest airline in Houston, with more than 14,000 employees and more than 500 daily departures. These planned infrastructure improvements underscore the airline's continued commitment to the employees and customers who live in the Houston area. Since 2021, United has invested more than $32 billion worldwide including billions in modern infrastructure, cutting edge technology and nearly $10 billion alone in employee raises. "At United, we believe that investing in our people and our facilities is the key to maintaining our leadership in the aviation industry," said Vice President of Airport Operations, Phil Griffith. "With these new facilities, Ground Service Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Technical Operations Training Center, we are enhancing our ability to maintain a world-class fleet while empowering our employees with cutting-edge tools and training. This investment reflects our long-term vision for Houston as a critical hub for United's operations and our commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and growth." United expects the new $177 million GSE maintenance facility to open in 2027 – it will support the airline's fleet of more than 1,800 ground service vehicles and give United's Ground Service Equipment maintenance team, comprised of more than 130 employees, even more resources to perform critical tasks like charging batteries, fabricating metal, and monitoring electronic controls with improved infrastructure and modernized workspaces. The new, $16 million Tech Ops Training Center (TTC) will support the airline's plan to take delivery of hundreds of new planes by 2032 and the 91,000-square-foot facility includes sheet metal and composite training shops, desktop simulators, as well as scenario-based engine maintenance and inspection trainings. Additionally, the new Training Center will house a cutting-edge $6.3 million Move Team Facility, strategically designed to centralize United's Super Tug operations. United's IAH Move Team manages over 15 Super Tugs across the airfield, efficiently moving hundreds of aircraft daily to support flight departures, remote parking areas, and Technical Operations Hangars. This significant investment in both the Tech Ops Training Center and Move Team operations further bolsters the airline's growth under the United Next strategy. United Next is poised to transform the customer experience, with plans to introduce more than 500 new, narrow-body aircraft into its fleet, increase the total number of available seats per domestic departure by nearly 30%, dramatically reduce carbon emissions per seat, and create tens of thousands of high-quality, unionized jobs by 2026. "By opening our Tech Ops Training Center, we are setting a new industry standard for real world and specialized training opportunities for United technicians," said Maria Deacon, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at United. "We're also extremely pleased to break ground on a new GSE maintenance facility which will revolutionize our capacity to maintain our fleet of ground service equipment for decades to come." Meeting Growing Demand and Advancing Sustainability Efforts The GSE maintenance facility design is targeted to meet LEED Silver certification and will be twice the size of the current facility, which was built 40 years ago when IAH had only 37% of its current gates. This facility is part of United's continued efforts to lay a foundation for future growth at IAH. To date, the fleet in Houston is comprised of over 1,100 pieces of electric ground service equipment (eGSE), reinforcing the airline's commitment and investment to lead and electrify Houston. Houston is home to our largest fleet of electrified GSE equipment, which requires less maintenance and reduces air pollution. The new GSE maintenance facility will provide much-needed space to meet both current and future needs. Key features include: A 25% increase in repair space A 60% increase in shop space An 80% increase in storage capacity A 50% increase in shared spaces Supporting the Local Community and Workforce This significant investment in GSE maintenance highlights United Airlines' ongoing commitment to the local community and workforce. The new GSE facility will foster job creation as United continues to grow its Houston operation. In Houston, the airline hired more than 2,100 people locally in 2023 and added over 600 new team members in 2024. This expansion is also expected to create an additional 4,000 construction jobs. According to a recent study by Compass Lexecon, United's direct employment in Houston contributes to more than $1.2 billion in economic activity annually. Including the Terminal B project, United has invested more than $3.5 billion in its Houston facilities since 2015. Technical Operations Training Center Ensures Skills for Growing Fleet United Airlines' $16-million state-of-the-art Tech Ops Training Center (TTC) in Houston consolidates new hire and advanced skills training for Tech Ops employees in a 91,000-square-foot facility. The TTC provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning environment and is an investment to ensure that United's technicians are well-equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to maintain the airline's growing fleet with precision and efficiency. The Technical Operations Training Facility boasts sheet metal and composite training shops, desktop simulators where technicians can learn aspects of Boeing 737 and 787 troubleshooting, as well as scenario-based engine maintenance trainings, such as specialized aspects of aircraft maintenance, like borescope and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) engine inspections. The TTC allows us to train on simulators and specific aircraft components in a shop environment, rather than in a traditional classroom only environment. Hands-on instruction in these skills increases knowledge retention and an enhanced learning experience without taking aircraft out of service. Continued investment in Houston United is the largest airline in Houston, with more than 14,000 employees and more than 500 daily departures. These recent investments follow United's launch of the Terminal B renovation and expansion project, slated for completion in 2026. This project will add 40 gates for larger aircraft, increasing capacity by 40% for passengers traveling both domestically and internationally from IAH. The redeveloped terminal will also include a spacious United ClubSM, the largest in the network, with panoramic views of the airfield. About United At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers, and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL". SOURCE United Airlines https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-airlines-breaks-ground-on-new-177m-ground-service-equipment-facility-and-opens-new-state-of-the-art-technical-operations-training-facility-at-george-bush-intercontinental-airport-302408182.html India to Welcome 3 New Airlines in 2025 Shankh Air will operate from Noida Jewar International Airport while Kerala will host two new airlines—Air Kerala and Alhind Air. DELHI- The Indian aviation sector will witness unprecedented growth in 2025 with the launch of three new airlines in India—Shankh Air, Air Kerala & Alhind Air—starting operations within months of each other. Despite India having 12 functioning passenger airlines, market concentration remains high with just two carriers serving over 90% of passengers. The growing number of airports and increasing air travel preferences create substantial opportunities for new contenders in this expanding market. New Airlines in India Shankh Air will operate from Noida Jewar International Airport (DXN). Kerala will host two new airlines—Air Kerala and Alhind Air. Both will be competing to become the state’s first scheduled carrier while focusing on regional connectivity in southern states and future expansion to Gulf countries, reported Free Press Journal. All three carriers received their no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in 2024. They await final air operator certificates (AOC) from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Indian aviation sector will witness unprecedented growth in 2025 with the launch of three new airlines in India—Shankh Air, Air Kerala & Alhind Air—starting operations within months of each other. Shankh Air Shankh Air will operate from the upcoming Noida Jewar International Airport as Uttar Pradesh’s first scheduled full-service airline. Initial routes will connect Lucknow (LKO), Varanasi (VNS), Gorakhpur (GOP), and major metros including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR). The carrier plans to lease its first narrow-body aircraft by March-end, starting operations with two aircraft and expanding to five within a year. International expansion is targeted for 2027. Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma has committed $50 million in initial funding, while parent company Shankh Trading Pvt. Ltd. pledged $200 million for launch and expansion. “Our vision at Shankh Air is anchored in enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers across Uttar Pradesh and beyond,” stated Vishwakarma. Air Kerala Air Kerala aims to become India’s first ultra-low-cost carrier, launching domestic operations in 2025 and international flights in 2026. Initially conceptualized by the state government in 2005, this private initiative will operate under Zettfly Aviation Pvt. Ltd., founded by UAE-based entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada. The airline will operate three ATR 72-600 aircraft from Cochin International Airport (COK), focusing on connecting Kerala’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with major hubs while serving the Malayali expatriate community in the Middle East. Alhind Air Calicut-based Alhind Group will transition from a tour and travel agency to launch Alhind Air as a regional commuter airline. Starting with two ATR 72-600 aircraft operating from Cochin International Airport (COK), the carrier plans to expand to seven aircraft within a year and launch international routes to Gulf countries within two years of operations. Future of the New Airlines in India The launch of these three new airlines in India in 2025 marks a historic year for Indian aviation, promising improved regional connectivity, enhanced service quality, and competitive pricing. Final launch dates remain pending as the airlines await regulatory approval from the DGCA. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/24/india-to-welcome-3-new-airlines-in-2025/#google_vignette Russian Su-25 Crash Takes Moscow's Aircraft Losses to 5 in a Day A Russian Su-25 fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in Russia's Far East, the country's Defense Ministry said on Monday, bringing Russia's aircraft losses to five in a single day. Newsweek reached out to the Kremlin via email for comment. Why It Matters Russia's air force has suffered extensive casualties throughout the war in Ukraine, and a large number of its losses—such as that of the Su-25 crash on Monday—have been self-inflicted. General Christopher Cavoli, the head of the U.S. European Command, told American lawmakers that by April 2024, Russia had lost around 10 percent of its aircraft fleet since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What To Know The Defense Ministry said in a statement cited by Russia's state-run news agencies Tass and Interfax that the Su-25 fighter jet crashed in Russia's Primorsky Krai due to a technical malfunction. The pilot was able to eject and was rescued by a search and rescue team. There is no threat to the pilot's life or health. Both Russia and Ukraine have lost significant numbers of aircraft in the war. Dutch open-source intelligence defense analysis website Oryx has visually confirmed that 120 Russian planes have been destroyed and 17 damaged since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. Oryx has also visually confirmed that 100 Ukrainian aircraft have been destroyed since the beginning of the war, with four damaged and one captured. Kyiv's military said in an update on Monday that Moscow had lost 370 aircraft since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces posts figures on Russia's troop and equipment losses as part of its daily update on the war. It said Russia had lost 1,280 troops in a single day—bringing the total to 904,760. Moscow, like Ukraine, rarely divulges information on the number of casualties or equipment losses it has sustained in the war. In another self-inflicted loss this month, the Russian Defense Ministry said a Russian Mi-28 helicopter crashed in the Leningrad region, killing two pilots on board. What People Are Saying Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday: "The flight was conducted without ammunition, the plane crashed in an uninhabited area, and there was no damage on the ground. According to preliminary information, the cause of the accident was a technical malfunction." What Happens Next A Russian Air Force commission flew to the scene to investigate the crash. https://www.newsweek.com/russia-su-25-crash-primorsky-krai-2049538 WestJet Looks to Hire Foreign Pilots The workers would be temporary to backfill a shortage. WestJet may soon start hiring temporary foreign pilots for its Encore regional affiliate. The low-cost carrier continues to face a shortage of pilots, particularly in the left seat. Under Canada’s temporary foreign workers (TFW) program, employers must show that no local workers are available for employment. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – which represents pilots at WestJet and Encore – told CBC News that the company has already received government approval to hire foreign workers. This process, a WestJet spokesperson said, is one of “multiple avenues” the airline is considering to deal with a shortage of Encore captains. However, the spokesperson stopped short of confirming whether its TFW application was approved. “This application should never have been made,” said Capt. Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada, in a statement to CBC. He added that the union has no issues with hiring permanent immigrants. Encore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WestJet, operating regional flights on behalf of the carrier. It operates a fleet of 41 Q400 aircraft, 12 of which are currently parked. In June 2024, WestJet and Encore’s pilots ratified a new five-year contract. Specifics of the deal were not disclosed by ALPA, but the union said pay raises “set a new standard for regional pilots.” https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/03/24/westjet-looks-to-hire-foreign-pilots/ GE Aerospace and Boeing Seal Billion-Dollar Deal with Korean Air March 24 - South Korea's Korean Air sealed major fleet upgrades on Friday, finalizing deals with Boeing (BA, Financial) and GE Aerospace (GE, Financial) to enhance its aircraft and engine lineup. The carrier will purchase 50 new planes worth $24.9 billion by 2033, comprising 20 units each of the 777-9 and 787-10 models. South Korea's trade ministry provided these details on March 21, emphasizing the strategic fleet expansion aimed at boosting capacity and efficiency. In addition, Korean Air secured a $7.8 billion contract with GE Aerospace for eight jet engines and maintenance support. The deal finalizes a procurement initiative first revealed in July, reinforcing the airline's commitment to modernizing its operational capabilities. Korean Air's new aircraft, "The Livery", unveiled earlier this month, has helped it to refresh its image after its merger with Asiana. The carrier became Asia's second largest by capacity. On the criticism that the deals were (a bid for) tariff scratching, government officials pointed out the role they had in raising ties with the United States. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/ge-aerospace-boeing-seal-billion-121229236.html Airbus, Boeing eye fast output as plastics loom for future jets PARIS (Reuters) - Airbus (AIR.PA) and Boeing (BA) are preparing the aerospace industry for sharp increases in output of the next generation of workhorse jets to some 100 a month each, as they explore lighter plastic materials and robotic assembly, industry sources said. Facing weak supply chains and a potentially lengthy wait for future engine developments, the world's two largest planemakers are years away from launching projects to replace their decades-old Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series, which remain in demand. But both told a packed technical audience at a Paris composites fair this month that they were already making progress in researching what the succeeding generation of models could be made of - and in turn how fast they could be built. "The goal is to recommend the best approach to transition...(to) the next airplane programme," Randy Wilkerson, who represents Boeing in a NASA research project for high-capacity manufacturing called HiCAM, told the JEC World conference in Paris. The airplanes that future models would replace are built of aluminium under methods perfected over decades. But composites are being considered for their lighter weight and flowing shape. Already heavily used on larger jets like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, composites save fuel and emissions but currently need time-consuming handling in pressurised autoclave ovens. To meet the demand for much larger numbers of small jets, both planemakers are increasingly studying manufacturing based on novel materials like thermoplastics at faster speeds. Speakers said ongoing studies assume future production of 80 jets a month each for Airbus and Boeing: more than twice what Boeing is producing now, following a safety crisis, and higher than Airbus' repeatedly delayed target of 75 a month. However, sources told Reuters that both planemakers are telling the composites industry they want to go even further and be ready for speeds as high as 100 a month each, a blistering pace equivalent to one roughly 200-seat jet every few hours. Boeing and Airbus declined to comment. Thermoplastics It's a major gamble for an industry that first used composites in the 1970s but never at such ambitious rates. Analysts say production capacity will be as important a battleground in tomorrow's jet industry as picking the right designs, as the West faces rising competition from China. Until now structural parts for jets like the 787 have been made of a type of composite known as thermoset, which maintains its shape and toughness once cured in autoclaves. Possible future techniques include an evolution of the existing production system with faster curing times. "It's a lower risk approach but has a lot of potential," Wilkerson said. Also in the mix is resin infusion - a technique typically used to make boats but which could be used to make automated production of some components without needing an autoclave. But increasingly, thermoplastics are causing a buzz in aerospace, according to delegates at the world's largest composites event, where Airbus, GKN and others showcased part of the world's largest thermoplastic fuselage structure. The advantage of thermoplastic is that it can be reheated and remoulded to produce a single, flowing aerodynamic shape. "You can melt it and reshape it in any way you like," said Lukas Raps of German Aerospace Centre DLR. Such parts can also be welded using advanced methods like ultrasound rather than attached with rivets, reducing weight. And they are less likely to need autoclaves - a major time and energy saving when contemplating large output increases. "There (is) no doubt that thermoplastic materials offer opportunities that we don't have with thermoset," York Roth, a leading researcher at Airbus in Germany, told the conference. Any shift to welding rather than physical titanium fasteners on structural parts could face certification hurdles. Industry sources said the next airplanes are likely to include a mixture of approaches rather than just one technology. Aerospace is a relatively small player in composites but punches above its weight in terms of value and research clout. Officials stressed there was no immediate plan to launch a new plane, something that analysts have said might upset weary investors following supply chain crises and turmoil at Boeing. "This demonstrator was never meant to fly, but it has been established to maximise learning," Roth told delegates. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/airbus-boeing-eye-fast-output-091856002.html Former FAA Administrator Billy Nolen Joins ZeroAvia Leader in zero-emission aviation enlists regulation and aviation safety heavyweight to build on strong certification traction ZeroAvia has appointed former Federal Aviation Administrator Billy Nolen as a Senior Strategy & Regulatory Advisor to the company. A vastly experienced safety expert, airline executive and pilot, Nolen will work with ZeroAvia’s team to expedite the push towards certification of both its 600kW electric propulsion system and its full hydrogen-electric powertrains. ZeroAvia recently announced a significant regulatory milestone after receiving an FAA G-1 issue paper for its 600kW electric propulsion system. The company is also working to certify its first full hydrogen-electric powertrain – ZA600 – with the UK CAA. hydrogen central advertise Nolen spent more than a quarter of a century with American Airlines, including as a pilot operating narrowbody and wide-body aircraft. His career as a pilot was followed by roles focused on safety with American, Qantas and Westjet, before he joined the FAA, first as associate administrator for safety, before quickly taking on the role of acting administrator. Since departing his role at the FAA in June 2023, Nolen has served as Archer Aviation’s Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer and will continue in this role, splitting his time between both of the two innovative aerospace scale-ups. Val Miftakhov, Founder & CEO, ZeroAvia, said: Billy’s expertise on safety and the regulatory landscape will be another big advantage for ZeroAvia as we seek to certify our first engine and enter into service. “We are seeing great traction with the regulators who understand that this is a global race to deliver the aircraft propulsion systems of the future, and that safely certifying these technologies at pace creates a huge industrial opportunity. We’re excited to leverage Billy’s experience in this direction.” Billy Nolen, Senior Strategy & Regulatory Advisor, ZeroAvia said: We are on the cusp of a shift towards alternative propulsion systems and new aircraft modalities that is going to be the most exciting time in aviation since the dawning of the jet age. “I could not be more thrilled to be joining one of the standout pioneers and look forward to helping the team make history by obtaining the company’s first type certificates.” ZeroAvia has already extensively tested a prototype of its first ZA600-engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base. The company has also performed advanced ground tests in the US and UK for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic tanks or LH2 and proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems. ZA2000 will support up to 80–seat regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR72 or the Dash 8 400. https://hydrogen-central.com/former-faa-administrator-billy-nolen-joins-zeroavia/ ISASI is accepting nominations for the Jerome F. Lederer Award. The award is presented annually by the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) for outstanding lifetime contributions to technical excellence in furthering aviation accident investigation and achieving ISASI objectives, including enhancing aviation safety through the continuing development of investigation techniques. Any member of ISASI may submit an award nomination to the selection committee, which considers such traits as persistence, standing among peers, manner and techniques of operating, and achievements. Nominees not receiving the award are reconsidered for three years and may be nominated again after an intervening year. Nomination statements should emphasis an original and remarkable contribution and personal effort beyond normal duty requirements. The award may be given to an individual, group or organization, and may recognize a single event, series of events, or lifetime achievement. The nominee does not have to be an ISASI member. The nomination letter for the Lederer Award should be limited to a single page and should be e-mailed to the ISASI office or directly to the Awards Committee chair and must be received by May 30th each year. ISASI Office email – ann.schull@isasi.org Awards Committee Chair – Dave King - kingdfk@aol.com 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 . 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. . 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