This Week in Airliner, Airports and Airlines
Soft go-around: enhancing flight safety.
Ethiopian graduates nearly 800 aviation professionals.
Emirates to fly to Madagascar via the Seychelles.
FAA and EASA pledge strong cooperation to address aviation challenges of the next decade.
FAA ensuring safe public charter flights, exploring future solutions for all flyers.
TSA expands acceptance of digital IDs to New York State.
Arajet takes delivery of its 10th Boeing 737 MAX as carrier expands international routes.
Airbus demonstrates A330neo performance during high-altitude test campaign.
Accidents and Incidents
Bonus Video - Eight days In Kruger May 2024 Day One 26 05 Pafuri to Shingwedzi
Airlines, Airports and Airliners News
SOFT GO-AROUND: ENHANCING FLIGHT SAFETY
On 12 May 2010, an aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Tripoli Airport in Libya. The plane was operating in foggy conditions and according to the final accident report from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), while executing a go-around procedure due to poor visibility and a terrain avoidance alert, the flight team suffered from spatial disorientation.
This disorientation, combined with insufficient monitoring of flight parameters and inadequate crew reaction, led to a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
Spatial disorientation occurs when pilots are unable to correctly interpret the aircraft's attitude, altitude, or airspeed, often intensified by the lack of visual references. This incident underscored the importance of effective Crew Resource Management (CRM), adherence to operational procedures, and timely response to alerts.
How Soft Go-Around Enhances Safety
To prevent similar accidents, Airbus has developed the "soft go-around" (SGA) feature. This advanced functionality is designed to mitigate the risks associated with traditional go-around manoeuvres, particularly in challenging conditions.
The soft go-around system can be activated during a go-around to reduce the thrust while ensuring a climb trajectory. This reduces a potentially high acceleration that can lead to sensory illusions, where pilots might mistakenly feel the aircraft is climbing too steeply. By providing optimised thrust, the SGA function reduces longitudinal acceleration, thereby minimising the risk of disorientation.
When the flight crew initiates a go-around by selecting Take-off/Go Around (TO/GA) and reduces thrust, the SGA system: Optimises the thrust: ensuring a smooth acceleration and reducing the risk of spatial disorientation, provides optimal flight path: automating the flight path or providing guidance to avoid too steep attitudes and enhances situational awareness: offering clear visual cues to assist pilots
By using less thrust, the SGA function reduces the chances of sensory illusions that can lead to dangerous corrections. This system is especially crucial in conditions where maximum thrust is not necessary. It provides a safer, more manageable alternative to traditional go-arounds.
The introduction of the soft go-around feature, standard on A330neo, A350 and A380 and optional on A320neo and A330, marks a significant advancement in flight safety. This innovation not only enhances the safety of go-around manoeuvres but also reduces the likelihood of pilot error. It ensures a consistent, optimal response during critical phases of flight, contributing to safer skies.
The soft go-around functionality, coupled with effective CRM and strict adherence to operational procedures, is a crucial step forward, ensuring that pilots have the tools they need to navigate challenging situations safely and effectively. As aviation technology evolves, such innovations will continue to play a vital role in preventing accidents and enhancing overall safety.
Ethiopian Aviation University, Africa's largest aviation centre of excellence, graduates close to 800 aviation professionals including international trainees from eight African countries and one from Asia. The graduation ceremony took place at the university's facility, today June 15, 2024. The day has been graced by Ambassadors and Officials from African countries including Ethiopian Airlines Group executives, families and friends of the graduates.
The graduates were trainees in Ethiopian Aviation University's Pilot, Aviation Maintenance, Cabin Crew, and Commercial Training programs.
Congratulating the aviation professionals, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said, “We are delighted to witness the fruits of our effort in realizing a self-sufficient Africa, in terms of aviation professionals supporting the industry within the continent. We believe in the potential of Africa's youths to shape the continent's aviation and continue to educate them at our center of excellence. Training globally competitive professionals, today, we graduate 308 aviation maintenance, 142 pilots, 297 cabin crew, 25 electro-mechanical professionals, and 15 ticket agents. I urge Africans to invest in training their youth for the future of aviation at Ethiopian Aviation University."
Since its establishment in 1956, Ethiopian Aviation Academy, upgraded to a university level recently, has been offering various aviation courses to local and international trainees.
The university currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in aerospace and hospitality including BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Engineering, Aviation Management & Operations, BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, MSc in Data Science, and MBA in Aviation Management.
Ethiopian Aviation University continues to offer diploma and certificate programs in aircraft maintenance technician, pilot training, cabin crew, commercial training, leadership, career development, catering training, ICAO courses, and online courses.
In addition to its facility at Addis Ababa, Ethiopian offers aviation training in regional cities, including Hawassa, Dire-Dawa, Bahir-Dar, and Mekelle.
EMIRATES TO FLY TO MADAGASCAR VIA THE SEYCHELLES
Emirates will launch flights to Madagascar from 3 September 2024, offering more choice and connectivity for travellers, and driving inbound leisure and business travel to the country. The four-weekly flights between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR), will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles.
Boosting international travel to and from Madagascar, the flight times have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points in Europe, the Far East, West Asia and the Middle East/GCC. EK707 will depart from Dubai to the Seychelles at 0855hrs, arriving in Mahe at 1335hrs*, and will continue on to Antananarivo to land at 1650hrs. The return flight EK708 departs Antananarivo at 1835hrs, landing in Mahe at 2220hrs. The flight then takes off from Mahe at 2350hrs to Dubai, landing at 0420hrs the next day. Flights will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Travellers wanting to combine two holidays in one also have the option to conveniently fly between the Seychelles and Madagascar in style and comfort.
Tourism is a key pillar in Madagascar's economy, contributing to the creation of thousands of employment opportunities that support the country's goal to serve one million tourists by 2028. Emirates' new route will provide connectivity from over 140 points in its global network, supporting the Ministry of Tourism's strategy to diversify target markets and introduce international travellers to the island's many natural attractions. Emirates is also in discussion with Air Madagascar to offer further global connectivity to promote tourism and trade.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “Madagascar has historically been underserved, despite growing appetite from travellers for authentic ecotourism experiences. Emirates understands the importance of offering customers efficient connectivity and premium travel experiences and we're confident that this new service will have a positive impact on boosting Madagascar's connectivity, offering more opportunities for travellers to discover the hidden gem that is Madagascar, in addition to opening new international business opportunities.
The Malagasy's government is spearheading efforts to grow its tourism sector by enticing more tourists to experience the island's renowned biodiversity and natural attractions. Emirates is ready to support Madagascar's tourism agenda by helping bring visitors from around its network. We thank the Malagasy's government for their partnership and support in establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard soon.”
H.E Manambahoaka Valéry Ramonjavelo, Madagascar's Minister of Transports, and Meteorology said: “Our agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Madagascar opens the way to this new Antananarivo-Dubai route and represents a significant step forward for the development of tourism and trade between the two countries. This is extremely positive news in more than one way, as it opens a new door between Madagascar and the world, through the Dubai hub, the biggest international hub in passenger numbers.
It will also introduce the whole world to the incredible touristic and cultural treasures of Madagascar, while also creating opportunities for new business streams. The association of our national airline combined with this new Emirates route it will strengthen connectivity for our regions.”
Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island, boasting stunning scenery from white sandy beaches and emerald waters, to lush rainforests and national parks and the fossilized shells on limestone plateaus. Colloquially referred to as Treasure Island, it is home to three World Heritage UNESCO sites.
Adventurers can partake in a number of exciting activities, such as hiking, trekking or quad biking, or take to the seas with kite surfing, scuba diving or whale watching. Animal lovers can visit Lemur's Park and discover nine types of lemurs, along with other wildlife and fauna, while food aficionados can sample the traditional cuisine and delicious local produce.
Madagascar is also home to a wealth of precious biodiversity, with 5% of the planet's plant and animal species found only on the island. To protect the intricacies of the natural world, Madagascar encourages ecotourism, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the abundance of nature and embrace the local culture while respecting the environment.
The UAE and Madagascar have grown their bilateral relationship across a number of sectors, including commercial, logistics and other industries to reinforce the growth of mutual trade. With the launch of the passenger flight, the airline's cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, will support this by exporting goods via its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, into key markets such as the UAE, China, Indonesia, the United States and France, among others.
Fuelled by the country's entrepreneurial spirit, more Malagasy businesses are targeting global audiences. Offering 22 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity in and out of Antananarivo every week, Emirates SkyCargo will uplift key commodities such as fresh fruits and vegetables, vanilla, textiles and mining products, transporting them quickly, efficiently and reliably via the airline's multi-vertical specialized product portfolio.
The Dubai- Antananarivo route will be served by the Boeing 777-300ER, with 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats and 310 seats in Economy. Offering the best experience in the sky, passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can tune in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment in various languages on ice, Emirates' award-winning inflight entertainment system.
FAA AND EASA PLEDGE STRONG COOPERATION TO ADDRESS AVIATION CHALLENGES OF THE NEXT DECADE
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have pledged to work together to meet the challenges of a fast-changing and evolving aviation industry and the increasing speed of development of future technologies. Leaders from the FAA and EASA discussed the renewed commitment at the 2024 International Aviation Safety Conference.
“Our aim is to promote a cooperative and collective approach to aviation safety and modernization,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “As we look to the next decade, establishing a unified strategic direction based on information sharing and collaboration with our international partners will meet the needs of our global aviation system of the future.”
“The aviation industry is in the fastest period of change since commercial flights began. New technologies are urgently needed to make the industry more sustainable. Other innovations, for example in artificial intelligence, are emerging rapidly and we have a generational change in the workforce,” said Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA. “It is more important than ever that international aviation regulators work together to accompany the changes and ensure safety needs are always met.”
Discussions in plenary sessions and side meetings at the three-day conference around on the theme “Building foundations: Preparing for the next decade together” reinforced that strong collaboration between regulators is essential to keep pace with this rapid evolution.
The FAA and EASA pledge to: Prioritize enhancing cooperative efforts at all working levels between our organizations. Strengthen the focus and information exchange on safety oversight to promote a strong safety culture. Optimize our resources and fully leverage the US-EU Aviation Safety Agreement, encouraging our technical experts to work together and rely on one another to reduce duplication of effort, taking a risk-based approach. Deepen proactive collaboration on certification activities and on operational frameworks for new and innovative technologies. Expand and target cooperation on rulemaking efforts earlier in the development process. Promote aviation sustainability, particularly activities on sustainable aviation fuel development and deployment. Partner to ensure goals of the Bilateral Enhancement Roadmap on certification activities are realized. Reinforce cooperation on the analysis and mitigation of systemic safety risks as well as innovation and future aviation technologies. Facilitate exchange and information sharing on topical areas and emerging risks facing aviation safety, such as cyber, conflict zones and GPS/GNSS interference.
The FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference brings together around 400 senior aviation professionals from regulators, manufacturers, airlines and associations from all over the world. The event is held annually and is alternately hosted by the FAA and EASA.
FAA ENSURING SAFE PUBLIC CHARTER FLIGHTS, EXPLORING FUTURE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL FLYERS
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is announcing today plans to take two actions to address public charter flights, which have rapidly expanded in frequency and complexity in recent years. Some services appear to operate like scheduled airlines but under less-rigorous safety regulations - a fact that oftentimes is not transparent to the flying public. The FAA will explore new ways to integrate charter flights into the airspace in a manner that provides flexibility and safe options for all flyers.
First, as previously announced in a request for comments, the FAA intends to initiate a rulemaking to amend part 110 definitions of “scheduled,” “on demand,” and “supplemental” operations. If finalized, the effect of this proposed rule change would be that public charters will be subject to operating rules based on the same safety parameters as other non-public charter operations.
“Part of the safety mission of the FAA is identifying risk early on, and that's exactly what we're doing on public charters as usage expands. If a company is effectively operating as a scheduled airline, the FAA needs to determine whether those operations should follow the same stringent rules as scheduled airlines,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.
The FAA intends to issue the notice of proposed rulemaking expeditiously. As part of any proposed rule, FAA would seek comment on an effective date that would allow for industry to adapt to any change in the regulatory environment. FAA's plans follow an initial request for comment on the issue in August 2023, in which the agency received and evaluated approximately 60,000 public comments.
Additionally, because of our dedication to expanding air service to small and rural communities, we will explore opportunities to align aircraft size and certification standards with operational needs for small community and rural air service. Specifically, the FAA will convene a Safety Risk Management Panel (SRMP) to assess the feasibility of a new operating authority for scheduled part 135 operations in 10-30 seat aircraft. The panel will dig into the data as we work to address the risks that exist today as well as think about the future of the national airspace system.
Whitaker added, “At the same time, we want to look at how future innovation might cause us to think differently. Safe air travel options should be available to everyone, not limited to only those living near a major airport. We want to put a safety lens over the options of future innovation, as we work to further connect small and rural communities to open up more options for everyone at the same high level of safety.”
The FAA's public charter work is being done in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While the FAA focuses on the safety of the flying public, TSA focuses on the security of transportation systems. The TSA has been reviewing the security requirements of certain operators under the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP), which includes a proposal for the screening of passengers and their accessible property on public charter flights along with other requirements for all TFSSP operators. In accordance with 49 CFR 1544, TSA provided a 45-day comment period for the impacted operators that ends on June 27. TSA will adjudicate any comments received from industry and continue to work closely with the impacted operators. TSA will consider all of the feedback prior to issuing the changes in final.
TSA EXPANDS ACCEPTANCE OF DIGITAL IDS TO NEW YORK STATE
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now accepting New York-issued mobile driver licenses (mDLs) at checkpoints with digital ID readers nationwide.
Travelers who have downloaded the New York Mobile ID app to their smart phone can use that for identity verification during the screening process in lieu of handing over a physical photo ID and boarding pass to the TSA security officer at the entry to the checkpoint.
The State of New York has made the New York Mobile ID available to all state residents at no additional cost. First make sure that you have been issued a license, permit, or non-driver ID card by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Then just download the New York Mobile ID app from the App Store or Google Play to add it to your smartphone.
“We are pleased to be able to add this state-of-the-art digital ID to the list of acceptable IDs at our security checkpoints,” said Robert Duffy, TSA's Federal Security Director for LaGuardia Airport. “Travelers who want to take advantage of this new capability will find that their New York mobile ID is a convenient option when going through the security process.”
“Digital credentials are the future of identity verification, and New York is proud to be among the States leading this innovation in partnership with the TSA,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “This is an exciting way to prove who you are without having to dig through your wallet or purse to find your physical document. Rather than handing over your physical ID with lots of personal information, the Mobile ID gives you greater control over what personal data you share, making it both more convenient and much safer for you,” he said.
New Yorkers can use their TSA approved Digital ID for identity verification at the checkpoint at John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports, and at 26 other airports where TSA has credential authentication technology units. These units are equipped with digital ID readers and a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler to match the face of the person with the face on their ID. After the TSA officer clears the person into the checkpoint, the photos are deleted.
The units are also able to verify that an individual is ticketed for air travel that day, so the traveler does not need to show a boarding pass to the TSA officer, although a boarding pass is needed to present to the airline gate agent.
New York is now the ninth state that offers digital IDs with interoperability with TSA's credential authentication technology. The other states offering digital IDs are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland and Utah.
ARAJET TAKES DELIVERY OF ITS 10TH BOEING 737 MAX AS CARRIER EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL ROUTES
Arajet's 10th Boeing [NYSE: BA] 737 MAX arrived today in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic as the airline continues to grow its fuel-efficient fleet. This 737-8 delivery through a lessor supports Arajet's growth strategy throughout the Americas as the airline plans to more than double its routes in the next few years.
“This tenth aircraft is unique, not only because it has a special Dominican ribbon painted on the fuselage, but because it will increase the number of connections we make with the continent. We are reaffirming our commitment to democratize the skies and be able to connect all our countries with the lowest possible prices,” said Victor Pacheco Méndez, CEO and founder of Arajet.
Since launching in 2022, Arajet has grown its all-737 MAX fleet to serve 23 destinations in 16 countries, including Canada, Mexico and Argentina. Arajet's performance earned it recognition as the Startup Airline of the year at the World Aviation Summit in 2023.
With 737-8 jets that can fly up to 3,500 nautical miles, the airline operates some of the longest routes in the region - efficiently connecting the Caribbean to North and South America.
“The versatility and efficiency of the 737 MAX supports Arajet's commitment to provide safe, affordable travel for its customers,” said Mike Wilson, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean. “By introducing the 10th 737-8 to its fleet, Arajet reaches an important milestone as the airline further connects the Dominican Republic with the rest of the Americas.”
Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to airplanes it replaces. It can fly farther than prior generation airplanes and has a 50% smaller noise footprint.
Boeing's 20-year Commercial Market Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean forecasts that more than 90% of the region's airplane demand will be for single-aisle jets to serve popular routes - including those to North America.
AIRBUS DEMONSTRATES A330NEO PERFORMANCE DURING HIGH-ALTITUDE TEST CAMPAIGN
Airbus' A330-900 flight-test aircraft - MSN1795 / F-WTTN - recently flew to Toluca in Mexico, and then to La Paz in Bolivia. There it conducted a fortnight long 'Hot and High' flight test campaign to prove aircraft and engine performance in high-altitude, warm and humid airport environments.
Toluca airport lies at an altitude of 9,186ft (2,800m), while La Paz airport is at 13,300ft (4,054m).
This is not the first time that Bolivia is selected by Airbus to test its aircraft. The country's extreme hot climate and high altitude are ideal for testing the design limits of its aircraft under such operational conditions.
However, this is the first time that this particular aircraft - the A330neo - had operated from airports at such high altitude, and this is part of Airbus' incremental envelope extensions for the aircraft. This will be especially beneficial for airline customers whose networks require such operations.
Overall, the main objective of this certification exercise is to expand and certify the wide range of airports from where the A330neo can operate. Up to now, the A330neo has been certified to operate at airports that are up to 8,000ft elevation. However, following certification approval, which is expected in Q1 2025, the aircraft will be able to serve airports that are up to 12,500ft in elevation. Such locations include: China and Tibet (eg. Lhasa); Central and South America (eg. Bogota, Toluca, Quito and Mexico) and in Africa (eg. Addis Ababa).
While the primary focus of the tests conducted is to evaluate take-off and landing performance - especially since the increased altitude reduces engine thrust levels, the aircraft also conducted local flights to evaluate climb and approach performance. Other tests included multiple engine starts, system behaviour verification, low-speed taxi and rejected take-offs. In the case of the engine starts - a crucial part of the campaign - the tests included special instrumentation to measure the starter air pressure, which would be affected by the high airport altitude.
During the campaign - which took place between 18th and 30th March - a team comprising around 40 Airbus experts participated in the planning, logistics, maintenance, local liaison (airports, ATC, authorisations, permits etc), tests-support, execution, analysis activities - and flying of course. The early test results already reflect the good performance and behaviour of both the aircraft and its Trent 7000 engines.
Capt. Franck Busnel, the mission leader as well as being one of the test pilots, sums-up the campaign: “By extending the envelope of operation of the A330neo, which was successful, we can show to the operators, the current one or the new ones, that the aircraft reaches the same capability of the A330ceo in term of high-altitude operations - and with the advantage that the A330neo is much more fuel efficient.”
Russia, near Volgograd: The crew of a Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B reported the failure of one of the fuel pumps and the decision to land at the unscheduled airport Volgograd (Gumrak) (VOG/URWW).
New Zeeland, between Wellington and Queenstown: Turbulence on an Airbus A320-232 flight from Wellington to Queenstown One passenger and one cabin crew member were injured. The cabin crew were serving drinks when the turbulence struck, and a full coffee pot was poured onto a passenger.
Russia, near Shlisselburg, Leningrad region: After take-off at flight level 270, the crew of a Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B reported a problem with the air conditioning system. Requested a descent and holding area. The captain decided to return to the departure airfield in St. Petersburg, landing safely.
South Korea, Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN/RKSI): Atlas Air flight 5Y8692, a Boeing 747-400Fm suffered a tire failure on take-off from Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN). The flight entered a holding pattern and returned to land back at ICN, about 90 minutes after take-off. The aircraft was disabled on the runway due to severe damage to the tires of the left-hand main body gear.
Eight days in Kruger May 2024 day one Pafuri to Shingwedzi
