IATA Urges South Africa's Government to leverage aviation for economic growth & job creation.
South Africa has vast potential in sustainable aviation fuel production.
SAA welcomes return of Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes codeshare agreement.
IATA - Passenger Demand Up 10.7% in May.
African airlines set for a small profit in 2024.
TSA breaks record for most individuals screened on a single day.
Uzbekistan launches new aviation safety program with support from ICAO and partners.
Turkish Airlines named best airline in Europe at Skytrax Awards for the ninth time.
Accidents and Incidents
Bonus Video - The Legend - Piper's Super Cub
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS AND AIRLINERS NEWS
IATA URGES SOUTH AFRICA'S GOVERNMENT TO LEVERAGE AVIATION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH & JOB CREATION
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged South Africa's new Government of National Unity to continue prioritizing the development of its aviation sector as a critical driver for economic growth and job creation.
"South Africa's aviation industry is poised for significant growth over the next 20 years, adding 345 million additional passenger journeys by 2043. With aviation generating $6 in economic activity for every $1 spent, this expansion will inject billions into South Africa's GDP and create thousands of new jobs. It is important for the new government to keep this as a strategic focus. The economic and social benefits of aviation will be maximized with a sharp policy focus on keeping costs low, providing sufficient capacity to grow, monitoring the cost-effectiveness of regulations, and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050," said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
Priorities to strengthen South Africa's aviation industry are being addressed at IATA's Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference (WOCFA) underway in Johannesburg. It has brought industry leaders and representatives of governments and aviation safety and training entities together with the purpose of identifying concrete actions to strengthen aviation in Africa and optimize it for broader sustained economic growth.
Specifically, IATA urged the new government to focus on: Infrastructure Costs: Ensure continuous consultation between Airports Corporation South Africa (ACSA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) and their airline customers. Such consultation must ensure that the services provided are aligned with airline needs, efficient, and cost-effective.
Safety Leadership: Maintain a leadership role in southern Africa on safety, particularly with respect to the implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has already shown a great example of leadership on global standards by recognizing the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) as an acceptable means of compliance in alignment with South Africa's aviation safety regulations.
Skills Development: Continue to develop the world-class skills needed to support the aviation sector. A recent training agreement between IATA and ATNS is a good example of the cooperation that will position South Africa's aviation sector to expand connectivity while creating quality jobs in the sector.
Sustainability: Focus on policies that will support aviation's net zero carbon emissions by 2050 commitment-a goal that is shared with governments globally.
“This is a win-win agenda for the new government-facilitating trade, encouraging investment, and addressing unemployment. South Africa's aviation sector has had challenging times in recent years. But that has not changed the fundamental fact that aviation is a critical enabler for economic growth and prosperity. If the new government keeps a focus on safety, sustainability, skills development and costs, it will chart a course to renewed strength in aviation that will have a positive impact across the economy,” said Alawadhi.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on South Africa to mobilize its experience, resources, and infrastructure to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. The call came as government and industry officials gathered in Johannesburg for the IATA Wings of Change Focus Africa conference.
“South Africa has vast potential to become a leading Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producer in the region. And there is a waiting market for SAF as airlines work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. More than a strategy in support of aviation's decarbonization, it is a strategy for economic development and should be a top priority for the new South African government. Across agriculture, energy, and transportation, new jobs and industries are waiting to be created that would not only help fight poverty but also contribute to greater energy independence,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist.
South Africa chaired the 2022 ICAO Assembly at which governments agreed to a long-term goal aligned with the aviation industry's net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 commitment. The role of SAF in achieving this goal was emphasized by the ICAO CAAF/3 objective of a 5% average global reduction in aviation's carbon emissions by 2030. As decarbonizing aviation will require global collaboration, it is critical that global or regional stakeholders like States, development banks, industry, academia and other relevant parties bring forces together to help countries with SAF potential to develop their industry.
“Airlines are ready and waiting to purchase SAF as evidenced by the fact that every drop of SAF produced has been purchased and used. But the production volumes are a minute fraction of what aviation needs. That's why it is essential for governments of countries with production potential, such as South Africa, to embrace what is a unique win-win-win opportunity for economic development, energy transition, and decarbonized air transportation,” said Thomsen.
SOUTH AFRICA HAS VAST POTENTIAL IN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL PRODUCTION
IATA highlighted several advantages for South Africa in developing SAF production, which have also been noted by a study undertaken by World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
South Africa has an abundance of feedstocks from which SAF can be derived including sugarcane low carbon by-products, and biomass from cleared invasive alien plants (IAPs). With respect to IAPs, harvesting them will come with other environmental benefits such as improved biodiversity and water security. In all cases, no feedstocks would compete with food production for land or water use in line with the ICAO sustainability framework.
Significant Production Capacity: The WWF estimates that South Africa has the potential to produce between 3.2 and 4.5 billion liters of SAF annually. This will be more than meet domestic fuel demand (1.8 billion liters) and present an export opportunity, where policies will be central for realization. Achieving production at the higher range of potential would require the co-development of a green hydrogen capability.
Existing Refinery Infrastructure: South Africa has existing refinery infrastructure which should be explored for brownfield investments-plant conversions or co-processing.
Experience: South Africa has long experience in synthetic fuel production, particularly the Fischer-Tropsch method. Moreover, the country's robust academic and research institutions also have a history of supporting innovations and technology for fuel production. It's the time we see polices to enable their role in SAF deployment.
Strategic Geographic Location: South Africa's airports, particularly OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport, serve as important hubs for connecting flights within Africa and to other parts of the world.
To capitalize on South Africa's SAF potential, IATA urges the government to adopt a strategic plan that should include four critical areas:
Industrial Infrastructure: Accelerate the development of production capabilities by using existing industrial infrastructure (brownfield investment) as a competitive advantage in the development and scaling of SAF production.
Pooling Resources: Identify opportunities to develop SAF by encouraging collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners to pool resources and expertise.
Incentives for Research and Development (R&D): Spur innovation to drive down costs, increase production volumes, and diversify source crops/production methodologies with tax incentives, grants, and subsidies for R&D in SAF technologies.
Investment in Infrastructure: Support the development of necessary infrastructure (greenfield), such as biorefineries and green hydrogen production facilities with tax and other incentives.
SAA WELCOMES RETURN OF GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES CODESHARE AGREEMENT
The codeshare agreement between South African Airways (SAA) and Rio de Janeiro-based Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes is back in place. This codeshare agreement is open for sale and travel with immediate effect.
This is a renewal of the SAA/Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes agreement that was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
SAA's Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Tebogo Tsimane said, “The reinstatement of the codeshare agreement affirms Brazil's status as a strategically important destination for South Africa. It connects two major economies in the southern hemisphere to enable leisure tourism, and to facilitate business, networking, and trade.
The SAA/Gol agreement includes flights between Cape Town International, OR Tambo International and Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio. It extends to domestic routes, connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha, giving Brazilian visitors seamless access to the four major economic hubs of South Africa. The agreement also makes it possible for SAA to add its designated code on more than 20 connecting Gol-operated flights in Brazil, including (but not limited to) Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte and Florianópolis.
In time, the airlines will add 60 additional Latin American destinations and many African ones to the agreement, to give travellers optimal choice and make it easier than ever to plan multi-city itineraries on a single SAA/Gol codeshare ticket.
The agreement extends to include accrual of SAA Voyager Miles and Gol Smiles.
Head of Alliances and Distribution at Gol, Mr André Gaspar says, "We are extremely pleased to reactivate this agreement with SAA and to contribute to strengthening relationships between Brazil and Africa. The partnership marks significant expansion in destination options for Gol customers. It provides access to many of Africa's most enchanting destinations and allows Gol customers to depart our main bases and reach two of the most important cities in South Africa, via Guarulhos that's part of the Sao Paulo metro region."
“The reinstatement of the codeshare agreement with Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes affirms the return of SAA as an intercontinental service provider,” added Tsimane. “It comes six months after SAA launched direct flights into São Paulo and a few weeks after the launch of direct flights into Perth, Australia.
“SAA is providing the market with enhanced connectivity and travel options, not only domestically and continentally, but between Africa, Latin America, and Australia, too. This codeshare agreement, along with direct intercontinental flight offerings, points to SAA's determination to connect people, businesses, and destinations to enable national, regional, and continental growth. It is an essential component of the airline's measured and determined return to profitability.”
IATA - PASSENGER DEMAND UP 10.7% IN MAY
Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 10.7% compared to May 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 8.5% year-on-year. The May load factor was 83.4% (+1.7ppt compared to May 2023), a record high for May.
International demand rose 14.6% compared to May 2023. Capacity was up 14.1% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 82.8% (+0.3ppt on May 2023).
Domestic demand rose 4.7% compared to May 2023; capacity was up 0.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5% (+3.8ppt compared to May 2023).
“Strong demand for travel continues with airlines posting a 10.7% year-on-year increase in travel for May. Airlines filled 83.4% of their seats, a record for the month. With May ticket sales for early peak-season travel up nearly 6%, the growth trend shows no signs of abating. Airlines are doing everything they can to ensure smooth journeys for all travelers over the peak northern summer period. But our expectations of air navigation service providers (ANSPs) are already being tested. With 5.2 million minutes of air traffic control delays racked up in Europe even before the peak season begins, it is clear that Europe's ANSPs have unresolved challenges. And the 32,000 flight delays over the Memorial Day weekend in May show that challenges persist in the US too. Airlines are accountable to their customers; ANSPs must be as well. ANSP performance matters to their airline customers and to millions of travelers. We all need them to do their job efficiently,” said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
Regional Breakdown - International Passenger Markets
All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in May 2024 compared to May 2023. The load factor increased in all regions except North America.
Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead the way, with a 27.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 26.0% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 81.6% (+0.6ppt compared to May 2023). This performance maintains Asian carriers as the largest contributor to industry-wide growth in May, accounting for 42% of the year-on-year increase.
European carriers saw an 11.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 11.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.7% (up 0.3ppt compared to May 2023).
Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.0% year-on-year and the load factor increased 0.5ppt to 80.7% compared to May 2023. Asian routes to the Middle East are particularly strong, now standing some 32% higher than in 2019. Another notable development is the Europe-Middle East route, which saw an April-May RPK increase for two years in a row, reversing the previous historic pattern of a decline between these months. In the coming months, it will become clearer to what extent these trends could be related to the Russia-Ukraine war.
North American carriers saw an 8.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.7% year-on-year, and the load factor fell to 84.0% (-1.2ppt compared to May 2023).
Latin American airlines saw a 15.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 14.3% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 85.1% (+1.2ppt compared to May 2023), the highest among the regions.
African airlines saw a 14.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 8.2% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 72.3% (+3.7ppt compared to May 2023). This was the fastest increase in load factor among all regions, although Africa still has the lowest load factor overall.
Domestic Passenger Markets
Domestic demand increased at a stable pace in May. China's growth rate surged in line with the post-Labor Day holidays. Japan declined -1.8% possibly reflecting low business and consumer confidence.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 330 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic.
The IATA Passenger survey of 6,500 recent (in the last 12 months) airline travellers was conducted between March 29th and April 14th in Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Japan, Singapore, UAE, UK, USA, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Spain and China. This Is Motif Ltd prepared the questionnaire and analysis based on data collection and tabulation by Dynata.
AFRICAN AIRLINES SET FOR A SMALL PROFIT IN 2024
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on Africa's governments to take advantage of a strengthening aviation sector to maximize its benefits for economic and social development across the African Continent.
Recently IATA announced that Africa's airlines are expected to earn a collective net profit in 2024 for the second year in a row. That is a welcome and hard-won result reflecting the sector's resilience in its post-COVID recovery. The expected $100 million profit, however, translates into just 90 cents per passenger-well below the global average of $6.14.
“Africa's airlines are making a collective profit. That is good news. But it is razor-thin and well below the global benchmark. And there are wide variations across the continent where many individual airlines still struggle with losses. The demand to travel is there. To meet it, the African airline sector needs to overcome many challenges, not least of which are infrastructure deficiencies, high costs, onerous taxation, and the failure to broadly implement a continent-wide multilateral traffic rights regime,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
“The challenges facing African aviation are significant, but they are not insurmountable. IATA's Focus Africa initiative is by no means a panacea, but it does lay out a framework to build a stronger aviation sector that will provide even better support to economic growth and social development. The prize for working together across the continent for safe, efficient, and sustainable air connectivity is well worth focused policy efforts across the continent,” said Alawadhi.
2024 Financial Outlook Highlights
Net Post-Tax Profit: African airlines are projected to achieve a net post-tax profit of $100 million, the second year of profits following the COVID crisis.
Per Passenger Profit: Profit per passenger is expected to reach USD 0.9, nearly doubling the 2023 figure of $0.5, reflecting improved operational efficiency and increased demand, but well behind the global average of $6.14. Profit as a Percentage of Revenue: Profit margins are anticipated to be 0.6% of revenue, up from 0.4% in 2023. This remains significantly lower than the global net profit margin of 3.1%. Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) Growth: RPK growth is forecasted at 8.5%, indicating continued strong passenger demand across the region. This does, however, lag behind the expected growth in capacity of 9.1%.
Load Factor: The load factor is expected to reach 61.9%, slightly ahead of the 59.8% breakeven load factor for African Airlines.
Focus Africa Priorities
Focus Africa aims to address key challenges and opportunities within the continent's aviation sector. The initiative emphasizes six priority areas: Safety, Infrastructure, Connectivity, Finance and Distribution, Sustainability, and Future Skills.
Safety
Africa had no jet hull losses in 2023, for the second year in a row. Moreover, the continent recorded no fatalities in commercial aviation accidents in 2023, as presented within the IATA Annual Safety Report. The all accident rate for Africa was 6.38 per million sectors which is an improvement on the five-year average of 7.11.
IOSA registered carriers continue to outperform non-IOSA registered carriers both on the continent and globally. There are currently 31 operators in Africa on the IOSA registry.
The priority for Africa continues to be the implementation of safety-critical ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) for safety. Under the Focus Africa initiative IATA introduced the Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP) to help deliver this.
The Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and the AFI Regional Aviation Safety Plan are targeting SARPS implementation at 75% for Africa. Currently, only 12 out of Africa's 54 states meet this standard.
Connectivity
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) seeks to liberalize civil aviation across the continent by removing restrictions on traffic rights for African airlines. SAATM provides Africa with a ready-made mechanism to drive economic growth, but few governments have taken the steps needed for its implementation. Moreover, an IATA analysis of 607 bilateral air service agreements (BASA's) in Africa revealed limitations on the development of intra-Africa connectivity because the implementation of over half of these agreements was being compromised.
Non-compliance of by African governments BASA's is a major obstacle to achieving seamless regional connectivity and growth in the African aviation sector. To develop economy-boosting intra-Africa connectivity Africa's governments must back SAATM with actions. This is another key element Focus Africa is addressing.
Blocked Funds
The development of connectivity in Africa also requires certainty that markets will abide by global standards with respect to the repatriation of funds from sales activities. Airlines still struggle with the inability to repatriate blocked funds efficiently and in line with international agreements and treaty obligations in several African markets.
The amount of blocked funds in African countries in June 2024 stood at $880 million, just over 52% of the $1.68 billion in blocked funds globally. This is an improvement following Nigeria clearing 98% of the total funds blocked ($831 million). The top five countries in Africa with blocked funds are:
“The potential for aviation in Africa is huge. It has 17% of the world's population yet only contributes about 2% of total global travel. While there are hurdles to overcome, through collaborative initiatives like Focus Africa with our partners including AFCAC, AFRAA and AASA we are addressing critical challenges hindering the advancement of aviation across Africa. Our goal is a safer, more efficient, and better-connected continent, driven by a diverse, skilled workforce to unleash aviation's potential and unlock the economic and social opportunities,” said Al Awadhi.
TSA BREAKS RECORD FOR MOST INDIVIDUALS SCREENED ON A SINGLE DAY
As airline passengers prepare to take to the skies this Independence Day holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for a sustained period of high passenger volumes. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals from Thursday, June 27 through Monday, July 8, which is a 5.4% increase over 2023 Independence Day holiday travel volumes.
On Sunday, June 23, TSA broke the record for most people screened on a single day, screening nearly 3 million (2.99 million) individuals. This summer's record-breaking travel volumes reflect the role TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have in securing the nation's transportation systems, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is vital to our country's economic well-being.
TSA anticipates the peak travel day will be Friday, June 28, when the agency expects to screen more than 3 million individuals. TSA is staffed to meet its wait time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes. Seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred over the past month.
"We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "Compared to last year, we have cut our attrition rates by almost half and increased our recruiting as a result of the TSA Compensation Plan that was funded in the budget passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. The traveling public is on the move, which is a sign of a healthy economy. We are ready, along with our airline and airport partners, to handle this boost in passenger volumes."
Airline passengers should be aware that security screening technologies may vary by airport. Although TSA follows strict standardized screening protocols, it is important for passengers to arrive early and listen to the guidance provided by Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).
UZBEKISTAN LAUNCHES NEW AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM WITH SUPPORT FROM ICAO AND PARTNERS
A significant initiative to enhance Uzbekistan's aviation safety capabilities took a significant step forward on 18 June 2024, with the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Review Board (SRB) for Uzbekistan's Country Strategic Plan of Action (COSPA) pilot programme. This targeted initiative, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aims to improve aviation safety in this landlocked nation, which relies heavily on a safe and secure air transport network for its connectivity and economic development.
The meeting held at the ICAO European and North Atlantic (EUR/NAT) Regional Office in Paris was chaired by ICAO Regional Director, Mr. Nicolas Rallo. It brought together Government officials from Uzbekistan and ICAO, along with representatives from key aviation stakeholders including:
France's Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) and the Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA), the United States' Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as Airbus, Boeing and the world Bank.
Uzbekistan's COSPA is designed to significantly improve the State's performance in safety planning, oversight, accident and incident investigation, safety management, and operational safety. This tailored approach supports the sustainable socio-economic development of Uzbekistan by prioritizing aviation safety needs through a three-year plan.
Mr. Rallo emphasized the programme's importance: "The COSPA initiative represents a new strategic and collaborative approach, in line with ICAO's implementation support policy. By bringing together global expertise and resources, we are not just improving Uzbekistan's aviation sector - we are unlocking the potential of partnerships and are creating a model that can elevate aviation safety in other States."
Key outcomes of the meeting included: Acceptance of the initial version of the COSPA. Endorsement of several initial actions. A call for action addressed to Uzbekistan, including to make the best possible use of available industry programmes and an unanimous recognition of COSPA's potential to enhance convergence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in capacity development activities.
To implement the programme, a technical coordination team will be formed to manage activities under a Collaborative Implementation Support Roadmap (CISRO), an online tool overseen by ICAO and COSPA Partners.
The COSPA programme welcomes additional partners, with similar initiatives expected for other States aiming to improve their aviation safety and capacity development frameworks.
TURKISH AIRLINES NAMED BEST AIRLINE IN EUROPE AT SKYTRAX AWARDS FOR THE NINTH TIME
Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, is named Best Airline in Europe by Skytrax on the prestigious 2024 World Airline Awards, also known as the Oscars of the aviation industry.
Held in London at the iconic Fairmont Windsor Park on 24 June, 2024, the World Airline Awards saw several accolades being presented to the successful flag carrier. In addition to being recognised as the “Best Airline in Europe”, Turkish Airlines won two other top awards at the ceremony, including the “World's Best Business Class Catering” and “Best Airline in Southern Europe”.
Based on results from the independent surveys carried out by Skytrax, Turkish Airlines has been named best airline both in Europe and Southern Europe. These awards highlight the carrier's exceptional service quality across its extensive network, underscoring the airline's dedication to providing a seamless and comfortable travel experience for its passengers. Continuing to set the benchmark for in-flight dining and offering passengers an unforgettable gastronomic journey above the clouds, Turkish Airlines has secured "World's Best Business Class Catering” award.
Receiving the awards at the ceremony, Bilal Eksi, CEO of Turkish Airlines stated: “We are delighted to receive these prestigious awards from Skytrax. Being named the Best Airline in Europe and in Southern Europe, and receiving recognition for our business class catering excellence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. As the Turkish Airlines family, we would like to thank our valued passengers, who deemed us worthy of these wonderful awards, and the Skytrax team, who put this evaluation into practice. With Turkish hospitality in our DNA, we remain committed to delivering an unmatched travel experience to our passengers and will continue to innovate and enhance our services."
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "We congratulate Turkish Airlines on being named the Best Airline in Europe, which for the ninth time is a remarkable achievement in such a competitive region, and demonstrates that they are a customer favourite. Turkish Airlines repeated earlier year successes by winning the award for the World's Best Business Class Catering and the airline and its catering partner Turkish DO&CO should be very proud of this success."
Through these awards, Turkish Airlines reaffirms its leading position in hospitality, service quality and extensive network, which boasts more countries than any other. With the addition of Melbourne route in March 2024, the national flag carrier's network has expanded to six continents. The airline is also committed to sustainability in aviation, undertaking various projects to create a better world for future generations. Turkish Airlines continues to uphold its signature service quality, ensuring best-in-class travel experience for its passengers.
Canada, Near Cape Hurd, Canada: An Air Canada Airbus A330-343C155 was a scheduled flight from Toronto to Calgary. The take-off and climb were normal until about 20:14 local time when the aircraft suffered a loss of pressurization near cape Hurd and Declared an emergency before descending to 10,000ft. The Aircraft would make a safe landing back in Toronto. Multiple fire trucks surrounded the aircraft after landing.
Russia, 110 km southeast of Moscow: An Ural Airlines Airbus A321-231, was climbing through FL170, 110 km southeast of Moscow, when the crew reported a failure of two hydraulic systems. The crew decided to return to the Domodedovo departure airport. At 23:18 the aircraft landed safely.
Russia, area of the Moscow (Vnukovo) airport: A Pobeda Airlines Boeing 737-8LJ (WL) took off and flew to an altitude of 8000 Ft when the crew reported that the landing gear did not retract. The crew's returned to the departure airport. Landing in Vnukovo safely.
Iran, Chabahar Konarak Airport: A Varash Airlines Boeing 737-5Q8 was undergoing maintenance at Chabahar Konarak Airport when one of the engines was started. A ground technician was ingested in the engine and died.
