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A Boeing 777X prototype with extended wingtips on an airport runway during testing.
RegulatoryJul 26, 9:14 AM

Emirates anticipates Boeing 777X stretch variant as it awaits delayed 777-9 delivery

Dubai-based airline’s rejection of early-build airframes leaves their fate unclear. Emirates president Tim Clark believes Boeing will be tempted to explore a larger variant of the Boeing 777X – provisionally described as a '777-10' – based on performance data gathered from the prolonged development of the 777-9. Speaking during the Farnborough air show, Clark reiterated his interest in a stretched version, as the Dubai-based carrier awaits delivery of its much-delayed initial -9. "As far as the '777-10' is concerned…we do want a bigger one," he says, remarking that the capability of the 777-9 "is improving". "We already see higher take-off weights coming into the mix. We also see more thrust coming from [GE Aerospace]. "So in the end, the amount of testing they’ve been doing on this aircraft – given the time it’s taken to get out of the door – is already telling Boeing that they have the structural metrics to actually look at a stretch on this aircraft. "So I’m kind of confident that that’s the way it’ll go." He points out that the increased performance of the 777-9, and the possibility of a larger aircraft, appears to have "sparked interest…on the other side of the Atlantic", an apparent reference to Airbus's preliminary investigation of an A350 stretch beyond the -1000. Clark is hoping Emirates' first 777-9 will be delivered in the second quarter of 2027, adding that he expects Boeing will have the twinjet ready to show the carrier – with its power on, and all equipment fitted – in November this year. "And then we just wait for the certification process to complete, and its [extended twin-engined operations capability] programmed," he says. "So far, so good." But Clark states that Emirates has already informed Boeing that the carrier will not be taking any of the early-build models of the 777X initially destined for the airline, owing to the extensive rework that they would need to bring them up to the current delivery standard for the jet. Change incorporation Boeing is undertaking a process it calls "change incorporation", assessing some 30 777Xs to determine how much work is required to update them to delivery standard. This situation is a result of the 777X's long incubation period which meant early airframes, built to acquire experience and intended for airline service, have essentially become outdated. "Those airframes that were built for us…I was on board the first one, kitted out completely – except for our game-changer first-class suites," says Clark, adding that this was in 2019. "And when I got on board, the [folding wing-tips] were flapping for me…and [they were] trying to show me that it was all – not 'la la land', but they did actually work – and one thing and another. "I thought, this is great, I’m going to get this aircraft out of the door by maybe April [2020], and then, of course, it all went wrong." The pandemic disrupted the air transport system, particularly the long-haul market, for the next two years. "If we were to take those [early] aircraft in the first quarter of next year, they’ll be nearly eight years old, they’re half-life and no use to anybody," Clark states. "At the same time, we've been intimating to Boeing that's not the way they should go. "Quite honestly, if it had been me looking at these kind of things, looking at the prognosis…at some point, I would have provisioned for the write-off. And I would have charged that to my [profit-and-loss account]." Clark says there is "no point" in leaving the inventory on the balance sheet when delivery is "unlikely". "I probably would have said, 'These aren’t going anywhere'," he adds – although he acknowledges that Boeing might be able to "give them away" for a heavily-reduced price. "They have been standing on their wheels, with no engines of course, for some time. We last saw them a few years ago, parked outside Renton, all greened-up, looking very sad. "But the fact is, that’s commercial reality now. If they can, if they can get them out, that’s good to somebody who might buy them." Clark says this would mean carrying out the change incorporation work. "Whether or not that’s worth doing, whether or not you just cut them up, is up to them," he says. But he insists Emirates – which accounts for "10 or 11" of the early 777-9s – will not accept these aircraft. “We’ve already told them that," he adds. Clark says Boeing is focused on 737 Max 7 and Max 10 certification. "As soon as they've gone, their concentration is to get the [777-9] out the door," he says. "[Boeing] honestly thinks, and we believe, that with all the work that’s been done – the mods have been done, the latest mods on the engine – when it gets into the fleet, it’ll be almost a mature aeroplane. After all, it should be that, given that it’s probably the most tested aircraft in history. So we'll see."

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Boeing 787 Dreamliner taxiing at Dublin Airport on a cloudy day
Aviation SafetyJul 26, 3:00 AM

American Airlines Boeing 787 Diverts to Dublin After Multiple Flight Attendants Fall Ill Mid-Flight

An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with as many as 284 passengers on board made an emergency landing in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday afternoon after six of the eight flight attendants on the service from Rome to Philadelphia reportedly felt ill as the plane started its transatlantic service. American Airlines flight AA-719 departed Rome Fiumicino International Airport just before 1 pm local time on July 25 for what should have been a routine eight-and-a-half-hour flight across the pond to the carrier’s Philadelphia hub. Flight Radar 24 shows how American Airlines 719 from Rome to Philadelphia ended up diverting to Dublin on July 25. Data from the light tracking website Flight Radar 24 shows that the seven-year-old aircraft climbed to a cruising altitude of around 38,000 feet as it tracked over France and over the Atlantic Ocean, before the pilots suddenly turned towards Ireland around three hours into the flight. The reason given to air traffic control for the sudden diversion was a medical emergency, although the exact details of what kind of medical episode was taking place weren’t immediately revealed. Sources cited by trusted aviation insider JonNYC on X have, however, reported that six of the flight attendants started to feel dizzy and ill as the plane flew over the Atlantic. Although none of the crew members are believed to have been incapacitated, the pilots decided that the flight couldn’t continue with so many flight attendants feeling ill all at once. The plane landed safely in Dublin on Saturday afternoon, but with no replacement crew to take the passengers to Philadelphia, and the cause of the illness amongst the flight attendants still a mystery, American Airlines had no other option but to cancel the onward flight. on this, I'm told– 100% UNCONFIRMED– "AA 719. Flight divert after 6 of 9 FA's felt dizzy / ill." 100% unconfirmed. https://t.co/2uBxohJ0Bn — JonNYC (@xJonNYC) July 25, 2026 American Airlines has been contacted for comment, but had not responded by the time of publication. There are several potential causes for this sudden mass sickness amongst the flight attendants, although some type of ‘toxic’ fume event (a term that the airline industry prefers to call an ‘odor’ event) is the least likely, given that this flight was operated by a Boeing 787. The Dreamliner is the only commercial passenger aircraft that does not use the so-called ‘bleed air’ system to feed air into the cabin from the outside. The term bleed air is derived from the fact that some of the air being sucked into the engines is then bled into the air conditioning system. This method of delivering fresh air into the passenger cabin has been criticized as campaigners claim the air can become contaminated with vaporized engine oil or other contaminants from the engine, which can make passengers and crew sick if it is fed into the cabin. The more likely cause for this diversion is a fault with the air conditioning packs that supply the air into the cabin. If even one of these packs stops working, the levels of oxygen in the cabin can drop to the point that passengers and crew could start feeling the early symptoms of hypoxia. This wouldn’t necessarily be bad enough to trigger a depressurization emergency, but it would be enough for people to start feeling dizzy, light-headed, and potentially even clumsy and euphoric. This kind of fault is much more likely to affect flight attendants rather than the passengers because they are up and about, running a busy meal service, meaning their bodies require more oxygen to function normally. Another potential cause, although highly unusual, could be a chemical leak from a spilt cleaning product. Yes, this sounds oddly specific, but this is exactly what caused a group of American Airlines flight attendants to feel ill shortly after takeoff from London Heathrow during a flight to Philadelphia in October 2018. Two of the crew members were so badly affected by the smell of the noxious chemicals that they lost consciousness for a short time, leading the pilots to make an emergency diversion to Shannon, Ireland. American Airlines said the incident was caused by a bottle of industrial cleaning solution known as CH2200D, which had been accidentally left in a toilet by the cleaning crew. When the plane took off, the bottle tipped over, and the solution soaked into the carpet, releasing a noxious vapor that overpowered some of the flight attendants.

Airbus A380 taxiing on runway with maintenance crews inspecting wing
AirlinesJul 25, 10:00 PM

Airbus fixed A380 wing cracks by replacing carbon composite parts with aluminum to avoid fleet grounding

The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger airliner ever built. Airbus launched the double-decker to compete directly with Boeing's 747 and targeted airlines that needed a high-capacity aircraft for long-haul routes between major hubs. The aircraft entered commercial service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines, and several major carriers later added the A380 to their long-haul fleets.

A Ryanair Boeing 737 taxiing at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in daylight.
Aviation SafetyJul 25, 1:37 PM

Ryanair Fires Captain for Using Legal Discretion to Extend Cabin Crew Rest Period

The European low-cost behemoth, Ryanair, allegedly sacked a Captain based at the airline’s Barcelona hub who used his legal authority to extend the rest period for a group of cabin crew who had worked beyond normal working hours under a special provision called ‘Commander’s Discretion.’ The SEPLA pilots’ union, which represents some of Ryanair’s pilots in Spain, said the decision sent a “deeply worrying” message to pilots who could fear disciplinary proceedings and termination for taking a safety-related approach to fatigue management. In Europe, there are extensive rules covering the maximum number of hours that pilots and cabin crew can work. The rules are commonly known as ‘Flight Duty Limitations’ and are set by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to prevent the risk of fatigue-induced accidents. Pilots and cabin crew who work short-haul flights without special in-flight rest facilities are only legally permitted to work a maximum duty day of up to 13 hours. In ‘unforeseen situations’, however, this duty limit can be extended by up to two hours through the use of Commander’s Discretion. Commander’s Discretion gives the Captain of the plane the ultimate authority to decide whether the maximum duty limit will be extended, taking into account their own tiredness levels and those of their crew. In the case of the Ryanair Captain who was recently terminated, he used this discretion to extend the duty period for his crew. Once back at base, the Captain then used another element of his power under Commander’s Discretion to extend the minimum rest period of the crew. It was this decision that reportedly led to disciplinary proceedings against the Captain. “The communication sent by the company itself recognizes that the commander exercised this discretion to complete the operation and that, subsequently, he extended the rest of the crew, facts that have served as the basis for the disciplinary procedure that has culminated with his dismissal,” the SEPLA union noted. The union further explained: “When a commander considers that operational circumstances require the use of discretion or that the rest initially planned may not be sufficient to guarantee a safe operation, he must be able to act exclusively according to his professional criteria, free from any pressure or fear of reprisals.” “No commander should be forced to choose between protecting flight safety and protecting their employment.” EASA says that Commander’s Discretion should only ever be used when unforeseen circumstances beyond the airline’s control have occurred that would result in a plane, its crew, and its passengers being stranded. There is, however, a lot of debate about what constitutes ‘unforeseen circumstances,’ and EASA points out that airlines should be leaving enough padding in their schedules to avoid pilots having to rely on Commander’s Discretion for day-to-day operations. That is not, however, what is happening in reality, the European Cockpit Association says. The pan-European pilots’ association claims airlines routinely “pack pilot schedules” even when they know that delays are likely to happen. “They expect pilots to use Commander’s Discretion to make the day work. It’s no longer the exception – it’s part of the plan,” the association said last week. The SEPLA union says it is exploring all available legal means to get the sacked Captain his job back.

Airlines

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Lufthansa Airbus A350 taxiing at airport with business class branding
AirlinesJul 26, 6:20 AM

Lufthansa Charges Extra for Most Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Seats

Lufthansa is in the process of rolling out its much anticipated new Allegris business class cabins, and so far, they're installed on select Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787-9s, consistently available on some long haul routes . Lufthansa has heavily marketed how its new Allegris business class product is all about choice, and that the airline offers at least five different business class seating options. The catch is that a majority of these seats are actually buy-up options, so they'll cost you extra if you just book a standard business class ticket. In this post, I'd like to take a look at how Lufthansa Allegris business class seating actually works in terms of the fees. How much will you pay to assign the various types of Allegris business class seats, and what happens if you don't pay for a seat in advance? Is waiting until check-in to get a seat assignment going to get you the worst seat, or is that the hack to get the best seat? Let's start with covering the basics of Lufthansa's different kinds of Allegris seats, and then we'll talk about how much assigning them will cost you. Types of Lufthansa Allegris business class seats I've now had the chance to fly Lufthansa's Allegris business class on both the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 . It's a massive improvement over the old product, and there's also a huge difference in terms of the quality between the various seats in this configuration. Lufthansa Allegris business class cabin Lufthansa publishes the below maps of the two plane types that have Allegris, which shows you the different kinds of seating options. Lufthansa Allegris seat map Airbus A350-900 Lufthansa Allegris seat map Boeing 787-9 Let me use the Airbus A350-900 as an example, which has 38 business class seats. Here are the five types of seats, including which cost extra, who can assign them for free, etc.: The classic seats (12 of 38 seats), which are the standard seats closest to the aisle, can be assigned in advance by all passengers at no extra cost The privacy seats (10 of 38 seats), which are the "true" window seats that offer extra privacy, are free for Miles & More HON Circle and Senator members and their companions, and can be booked at an extra cost by others The extra space seats (four of 38 seats), which are the middle "throne" seats that offer a lot of space, are free for Miles & More HON Circle and Senator members and their companions, and can be booked at an extra cost by others The extra long bed seats (four of 38 seats), which are select middle seats with extra long beds behind the extra space seats, are free for Miles & More HON Circle members and their companions, and can be booked at an extra cost by others The business suites (eight of 38 seats), which are the super spacious seats with doors in the first row of each cabin, are available at an extra cost for all passengers Lufthansa Allegris business class privacy seat How much Lufthansa charges for Allegris seat assignments How much does Lufthansa charge to assign seats in Allegris business class? It depends on the length of the flight and the exact seats. Lufthansa actually no longer publishes the amounts (best I can tell), so I guess the pricing is technically dynamic. That being said, at launch the airline did publish these prices, and I think the pricing is largely still similar, so let me share those numbers (while noting that they may be a little different now). The prices shown are in three different currencies. For shorter long haul flights, including to and from Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, you can find the seat fee chart below. Lufthansa Allegris business class seat fees For medium long haul flights, including to and from Angola, Eastern Canada, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, and the Eastern United States, you can find the seat fee chart below. Lufthansa Allegris business class seat fees For longer long haul flights, including to and from Argentina, Brazil, Western Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and the Western United States, you can find the seat fee chart below. Lufthansa Allegris business class seat fees To summarize: The extra space seats range in cost from €130 to €230 The extra long bed seats range in cost from €100 to €170 The privacy seats seats range in cost from €100 to €170 The business suites range in cost from €400 to €600 Lufthansa Allegris business class classic seat What happens if you don't assign a seat in advance? What happens if you are flying in Lufthansa Allegris business class, and don't assign a seat in advance? That could either be because there are no classic seats left to assign, or simply because you want to gamble, and see what you end up with. For example, I recently played around with this a bit on a flight from Austin (AUS) to Frankfurt (FRA). Before online check-in, below is what the seat map looked like (I assume the pricing was showing in CAD since I had redeemed Air Canada Aeroplan points). Lufthansa Allegris business class seat fees As you can see, there was a classic seat left to assign, but it was a center seat in the last row. Meanwhile there were were a few business suites, a couple of privacy seats, and an extra long bed seat, so I figured there was no downside in waiting. Worst case scenario, I'd end up in the only seat I could assign at no cost anyway. Once online check-in opened, I noticed that the privacy seats were available to select at no additional cost. Meanwhile the business suites and extra long bed seats continued to show the same pricing. Lufthansa Allegris business class seat map Lufthansa Allegris business class seat fees So the system seems to be that privacy seats become assignable at no cost when online check-in opens. I understand the concept of wanting to still charge for business suites, but for extra long bed seats? I find that to be weird, as it's a really niche product. Now, who ended up getting the business suites? I know in theory Lufthansa tries to upgrade its top elite members to those seats, but more often than not, things don't seem to play out that way. I was monitoring the seat map, and those seats seemed to go to the last people who checked in, when there were no remaining seats. I of course can't say with certainty, but the people didn't strike me as Lufthansa frequent flyers. So of course it depends on the situation on a particular flight, but it seems that the best way to get a business suite at no cost is to be among the last to check-in. Of course that could also mean you get the worst seats in the cabin, so it goes both ways. Lufthansa Allegris business class extra space seat My take on Lufthansa's Allegris pricing approach As you can see above, the average business class passenger can assign fewer than one-third of Lufthansa's Allegris business class seats at no extra cost. Miles & More elite members can assign more seats at no extra cost, but the front row business class suites are only available for purchase, and aren't given to anyone for free, unless it's for operational reasons. With that in mind, a few thoughts: It's disappointing to think that even having the privilege of looking out the window comes at an extra cost in Allegris business class Those who don't want to pay extra for assigning seats in Allegris business class are going to often find themselves not being able to assign a seat in advance, and/or may also have issues assigning seats next to a travel companion (which is a problem in Allegris business class in general, given that the only seats together are the center business suites) I guess we can't be too judgmental of the concept of charging for business class seat assignments, given that this is something that British Airways has done for years, and which Air France-KLM have adapted as well Lufthansa's first row suites in Allegris business class are excellent, among the better "business class plus" products out there;

Airbus A380 taxiing on runway with maintenance crews inspecting wing
AirlinesJul 25, 10:00 PM

Airbus fixed A380 wing cracks by replacing carbon composite parts with aluminum to avoid fleet grounding

The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger airliner ever built. Airbus launched the double-decker to compete directly with Boeing's 747 and targeted airlines that needed a high-capacity aircraft for long-haul routes between major hubs. The aircraft entered commercial service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines, and several major carriers later added the A380 to their long-haul fleets.

Business Aviation

More Business Aviation →
Boeing 747 aircraft parked at airport gate under clear daylight
Business AviationJul 24, 5:00 AM

Chartering a Boeing 747 Costs $25K-$40K Per Hour in 2026 for Large Passenger and Cargo Needs

Chartering aircraft has been a popular alternative to commercial air travel since the end of World War II, according to Business Aircraft Center. The introduction of the Learjet 23 in 1963 further cemented charter aircraft operations as a mainstay in the corporate aviation landscape. Several manufacturers from the 1960s onward began to produce their own variants, to grow the business aviation landscape as it stands today. Companies such as Bombardier, Dassault Falcon , Gulfstream, Embraer , and Textron are some of the most common corporate jet manufacturers in the industry today.

Here's What Delta Air Lines' Medallion Status Actually Gets You After Your Hometown Loses Its 50-Seater
Business AviationJul 17, 5:00 AM

Delta Medallion Loyalty Faces New Challenges as CRJ200 Fleet Retires and MQD Rules Tighten

For years, small communities occupied a unique place in Delta Air Lines' network. Travelers from cities served by the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 often accepted cramped cabins, limited amenities, and frequent connections because loyalty delivered tangible rewards. Frequent regional flyers accumulated Medallion status through repeated trips, received complimentary upgrades on connecting flights, and benefited from priority treatment during disruptions. That long-standing tradeoff has now been disrupted by two major changes that arrived almost simultaneously. Delta retired its CRJ200 fleet in late 2023, replacing the aircraft with larger dual-class regional jets such as the CRJ700, CRJ900, Embraer E175, and eventually the CRJ550. Although several CRJ200s briefly returned during the summer of 2024 to cover temporary fleet shortages, the airline's long-term strategy remains centered on fewer, fuller aircraft that offer a more premium onboard experience. At nearly the same time, Delta overhauled its SkyMiles Medallion program by making Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) the primary path to elite status, shifting the emphasis from how often customers fly to how much they spend.

Airbus A321 of Frontier Airlines taxiing under bright daylight
Business AviationJul 14, 2:33 PM

Frontier Airlines to Install Starlink Wi-Fi Across Entire Fleet by Early 2027

Denver-based carrier joins growing list of North American airlines to opt for the SpaceX service. Frontier Airlines is to install SpaceX's Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi service on its entire fleet as part of a programme that will see five Indigo Partners-backed carriers equip more than 1,000 aircraft with the system. European budget carrier Wizz Air, Mexico's Volaris, Latin America's JetSmart and Philippines-based Cebu Pacific will also install Starlink on their aircraft. "Starlink will provide our portfolio airlines with reliable, high-speed connectivity," says Indigo Partners managing partner Bill Franke. A Frontier spokesperson confirms to FlightGlobal that all 183 of the carrier's Airbus A320s and A321s will be equipped with Starlink. The first Starlink-equipped aircraft is scheduled to launch in early 2027. Further details on how long the full roll-out will take are still "to come", adds the spokesperson. Frontier becomes the latest in a string of North American carriers to select SpaceX's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based in-flight connectivity service . Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet and charter carrier JSX have all opted to install Starlink across their fleets. Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways, meanwhile, have both selected Amazon's competing Leo service. Frontier says it will be the first US carrier to offer passengers access to Starlink through "a new service managed directly by Starlink". FlightGlobal has approached SpaceX for more information about this service. Starlink uses a network of LEO satellites to provide low-latency global coverage, including across polar regions. Both Starlink and Amazon Leo have been taking market share from incumbent satellite providers , which have traditionally focused on satellites in geostationary orbit. Those providers are increasingly offering multi-orbit solutions to airlines in response.

Aviation Safety

More Aviation Safety →
Boeing 787 Dreamliner taxiing at Dublin Airport on a cloudy day
Aviation SafetyJul 26, 3:00 AM

American Airlines Boeing 787 Diverts to Dublin After Multiple Flight Attendants Fall Ill Mid-Flight

An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with as many as 284 passengers on board made an emergency landing in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday afternoon after six of the eight flight attendants on the service from Rome to Philadelphia reportedly felt ill as the plane started its transatlantic service. American Airlines flight AA-719 departed Rome Fiumicino International Airport just before 1 pm local time on July 25 for what should have been a routine eight-and-a-half-hour flight across the pond to the carrier’s Philadelphia hub. Flight Radar 24 shows how American Airlines 719 from Rome to Philadelphia ended up diverting to Dublin on July 25. Data from the light tracking website Flight Radar 24 shows that the seven-year-old aircraft climbed to a cruising altitude of around 38,000 feet as it tracked over France and over the Atlantic Ocean, before the pilots suddenly turned towards Ireland around three hours into the flight. The reason given to air traffic control for the sudden diversion was a medical emergency, although the exact details of what kind of medical episode was taking place weren’t immediately revealed. Sources cited by trusted aviation insider JonNYC on X have, however, reported that six of the flight attendants started to feel dizzy and ill as the plane flew over the Atlantic. Although none of the crew members are believed to have been incapacitated, the pilots decided that the flight couldn’t continue with so many flight attendants feeling ill all at once. The plane landed safely in Dublin on Saturday afternoon, but with no replacement crew to take the passengers to Philadelphia, and the cause of the illness amongst the flight attendants still a mystery, American Airlines had no other option but to cancel the onward flight. on this, I'm told– 100% UNCONFIRMED– "AA 719. Flight divert after 6 of 9 FA's felt dizzy / ill." 100% unconfirmed. https://t.co/2uBxohJ0Bn — JonNYC (@xJonNYC) July 25, 2026 American Airlines has been contacted for comment, but had not responded by the time of publication. There are several potential causes for this sudden mass sickness amongst the flight attendants, although some type of ‘toxic’ fume event (a term that the airline industry prefers to call an ‘odor’ event) is the least likely, given that this flight was operated by a Boeing 787. The Dreamliner is the only commercial passenger aircraft that does not use the so-called ‘bleed air’ system to feed air into the cabin from the outside. The term bleed air is derived from the fact that some of the air being sucked into the engines is then bled into the air conditioning system. This method of delivering fresh air into the passenger cabin has been criticized as campaigners claim the air can become contaminated with vaporized engine oil or other contaminants from the engine, which can make passengers and crew sick if it is fed into the cabin. The more likely cause for this diversion is a fault with the air conditioning packs that supply the air into the cabin. If even one of these packs stops working, the levels of oxygen in the cabin can drop to the point that passengers and crew could start feeling the early symptoms of hypoxia. This wouldn’t necessarily be bad enough to trigger a depressurization emergency, but it would be enough for people to start feeling dizzy, light-headed, and potentially even clumsy and euphoric. This kind of fault is much more likely to affect flight attendants rather than the passengers because they are up and about, running a busy meal service, meaning their bodies require more oxygen to function normally. Another potential cause, although highly unusual, could be a chemical leak from a spilt cleaning product. Yes, this sounds oddly specific, but this is exactly what caused a group of American Airlines flight attendants to feel ill shortly after takeoff from London Heathrow during a flight to Philadelphia in October 2018. Two of the crew members were so badly affected by the smell of the noxious chemicals that they lost consciousness for a short time, leading the pilots to make an emergency diversion to Shannon, Ireland. American Airlines said the incident was caused by a bottle of industrial cleaning solution known as CH2200D, which had been accidentally left in a toilet by the cleaning crew. When the plane took off, the bottle tipped over, and the solution soaked into the carpet, releasing a noxious vapor that overpowered some of the flight attendants.

A Ryanair Boeing 737 taxiing at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in daylight.
Aviation SafetyJul 25, 1:37 PM

Ryanair Fires Captain for Using Legal Discretion to Extend Cabin Crew Rest Period

The European low-cost behemoth, Ryanair, allegedly sacked a Captain based at the airline’s Barcelona hub who used his legal authority to extend the rest period for a group of cabin crew who had worked beyond normal working hours under a special provision called ‘Commander’s Discretion.’ The SEPLA pilots’ union, which represents some of Ryanair’s pilots in Spain, said the decision sent a “deeply worrying” message to pilots who could fear disciplinary proceedings and termination for taking a safety-related approach to fatigue management. In Europe, there are extensive rules covering the maximum number of hours that pilots and cabin crew can work. The rules are commonly known as ‘Flight Duty Limitations’ and are set by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to prevent the risk of fatigue-induced accidents. Pilots and cabin crew who work short-haul flights without special in-flight rest facilities are only legally permitted to work a maximum duty day of up to 13 hours. In ‘unforeseen situations’, however, this duty limit can be extended by up to two hours through the use of Commander’s Discretion. Commander’s Discretion gives the Captain of the plane the ultimate authority to decide whether the maximum duty limit will be extended, taking into account their own tiredness levels and those of their crew. In the case of the Ryanair Captain who was recently terminated, he used this discretion to extend the duty period for his crew. Once back at base, the Captain then used another element of his power under Commander’s Discretion to extend the minimum rest period of the crew. It was this decision that reportedly led to disciplinary proceedings against the Captain. “The communication sent by the company itself recognizes that the commander exercised this discretion to complete the operation and that, subsequently, he extended the rest of the crew, facts that have served as the basis for the disciplinary procedure that has culminated with his dismissal,” the SEPLA union noted. The union further explained: “When a commander considers that operational circumstances require the use of discretion or that the rest initially planned may not be sufficient to guarantee a safe operation, he must be able to act exclusively according to his professional criteria, free from any pressure or fear of reprisals.” “No commander should be forced to choose between protecting flight safety and protecting their employment.” EASA says that Commander’s Discretion should only ever be used when unforeseen circumstances beyond the airline’s control have occurred that would result in a plane, its crew, and its passengers being stranded. There is, however, a lot of debate about what constitutes ‘unforeseen circumstances,’ and EASA points out that airlines should be leaving enough padding in their schedules to avoid pilots having to rely on Commander’s Discretion for day-to-day operations. That is not, however, what is happening in reality, the European Cockpit Association says. The pan-European pilots’ association claims airlines routinely “pack pilot schedules” even when they know that delays are likely to happen. “They expect pilots to use Commander’s Discretion to make the day work. It’s no longer the exception – it’s part of the plan,” the association said last week. The SEPLA union says it is exploring all available legal means to get the sacked Captain his job back.

British Airways Boeing 777 taxiing at airport terminal at dusk
Aviation SafetyJul 25, 6:02 AM

British Airways Relocates Hyderabad Crew Hotel After Multiple Pilot Food Poisoning Cases

British Airways is moving crew out of its layover hotel in the Indian city of Hyderabad after all three pilots of a return flight to London Heathrow suffered violent food poisoning at 35,000 feet, with one pilot becoming so sick that he became “incapacitated” and had to be put on oxygen. The recent incident occurred on British Airways flight BA-276, which is operated by one of the airline’s Boeing 777 workhorses. The flight normally takes 10 hours and requires three pilots so that they can take a rest in special crew rest facilities one at a time. During this particular flight, however, all three pilots started to report classic symptoms of food poisoning. Thankfully, while one was declared incapacitated, the other two pilots were able to safely continue to fly the plane to London, although their condition reportedly deteriorated shortly after arrival. Suspicion as to the cause of the food poisoning wasn’t something they had eaten on the plane, but rather the buffet in the executive lounge of the hotel in Hyderabad, where British Airways puts its crew up for layovers in the city. Initial reports claimed that the pilots had been asked to provide ‘samples’ to enable investigators to determine the cause of their sickness. While the results of those tests haven’t been revealed, this wasn’t the first time that BA’s pilots and cabin crew had allegedly reported food poisoning symptoms after staying at this particular layover hotel. Despite a slew of reports, British Airways had reportedly failed to take action. Following the now viral story of these three pilots, however, we have now learned that immediate steps have been taken by the airline to prevent any further recurrence. British Airways has moved swiftly to move pilots and cabin crew out of the hotel where the alleged food poisoning incidents took place, with the airline now buying up rooms at a luxury Five Star hotel in the heart of Hyderabad’s commercial district. In a statement, a spokesperson for the airline said "the welfare of our colleagues is a top priority, and we are reviewing crew accommodation in this location following some isolated reports of sickness." Despite the fact that one of the pilots was incapacitated, and the other two reported feeling ill during the flight, British Airways insisted that safety was never compromised.

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Cathay’s I Can Fly unites Hong Kong, mainland China students in aviation program
Flight TrainingJul 16, 2:23 PM

Cathay Pacific unites Hong Kong and mainland students in groundbreaking aviation youth program

Cathay brought together 80 students from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland on July 15, 2026, for a joint aviation education program in Chengdu, the first time the airline's I Can Fly initiative has combined participants from both regions into one cohort. The program, called I Can Fly Youth Academy, is part of Cathay Pacific's broader I Can Fly initiative, which the airline has run since 2003. Since then, more than 8,800 students have gone through the program, with a number of them going on to build careers in aviation. This year's edition, developed in partnership with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, also coincides with Cathay's 80th anniversary. A trip spanning three cities Cathay said that rather than staying in one place, the students will move through Chengdu, Hong Kong, and Adelaide over the course of the program, with each stop built around a different side of the aviation industry. In Chengdu, students are visiting aviation facilities and training institutions, including the AVIC Chengdu Aviation Theme Education Base, the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, getting a look at how the aviation sector and its talent pipeline have developed on the mainland. From there, the group heads to Hong Kong, where the focus shifts to how a major international aviation hub actually runs. Visits are planned to Cathay City, the Civil Aviation Department, and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company, covering everything from flight operations and engineering to cabin service. Students who stand out during the program will get an additional opportunity: a trip to Adelaide, Australia, where they'll get international exposure and the chance to meet working aviation professionals. Building connections through aviation The launch ceremony in Chengdu drew a mix of officials and representatives, including China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Secretary-General Chen Hongqu, government officials from Sichuan, and Cathay's Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau. Lau described the program as central to how the airline approaches youth development, noting that Cathay has watched participants use it over the years to broaden their horizons and pursue new paths. She said extending the academy to Chengdu, and bringing students from both regions together for the first time, marked a meaningful step for the program. Chen echoed that sentiment, framing the collaboration as a way to give young people in Hong Kong and the mainland more chances for cross-cultural exchange through hands-on experience. Part of a broader push The I Can Fly Youth Academy is one piece of a larger set of youth-focused programs Cathay runs, alongside initiatives like Cathay Young Explorers, its Cadet Pilot Training Programme, and the Cathay Hackathon. Together, the airline says, these programs are meant to support aviation education and talent development across Hong Kong and the mainland. The academy also fits into a wider community commitment Cathay has set for the year: an aim to reach 80,000 people in 2026 through programs centered on youth development, sports, and arts and culture. RELATED Cathay Pacific marks first batch of cadet pilots from in-house training program

This 2007 Diamond DA40-FP Is a Proven ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick
Flight TrainingJul 14, 3:00 PM

2007 Diamond DA40-FP Offers Reliable Composite Flight Training and Cross-Country Capability

Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today's Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today's Top Pick is a 2007 Diamond DA40. Standing out in the aviation landscape with its aerodynamically efficient composite construction, the Diamond DA40 has cultivated a stellar reputation as a highly capable and forgiving platform.  This 2007 Diamond DA40-FP Diamond Star presents an exceptional opportunity for first-time aircraft owners or flight schools looking to acquire a reliable, economical cross-country machine. The airframe boasts 5,870 hours total time since new (TTSN) and a clean pedigree with no known damage history and completely intact logbooks. Sitting in the pilot's seat reveals an advanced instrument layout centered around a fully integrated Garmin G1000 flight deck, offering phenomenal situational awareness for IFR operations. The dual 10-inch primary and multi-function displays are supported by dual Garmin GIA 63 integrated radio modules, a GRS 77 solid-state AHRS, and a GTX 335R transponder. While configured as a non-WAAS setup without an autopilot, the panel provides an exceptional environment for building genuine stick-and-rudder instrument proficiency. The cockpit is outfitted with several thoughtful utilitarian touches designed for comfort and practicality. The installation of a larger factory-style bubble canopy provides significantly increased headroom, making it ideal for taller pilots or demanding flight school operations. Further cabin refinements include a four-way baggage compartment system, canopy vent window scoops, dual USB power ports, and a convenience package featuring integral cupholders and large-capacity side pockets. 2007 Diamond DA40 [Credit: Aerista] Moving beyond the sleek composite lines, the nose section houses a proven and dependable Lycoming IO-360 powerplant that consistently delivers economical operation and predictable performance. Providing a respectable 829-pound useful load, this aircraft is further enhanced by several valuable upgrades, including a Power Flow tuned exhaust system that maximizes efficiency and a Plane-Power heavy-duty alternator. A pre-installed EZ Heat engine pre-heater ensures the powerplant is protected during cold-weather operations. Underscoring its readiness for immediate flightline duty, the aircraft is backed by a fresh annual inspection recently completed in January 2026. This thorough checkup guarantees mechanical integrity and dispatch reliability right out of the gate, with the ELT inspection not due until May 2027. Listed at $224,900 , this Colorado-based 2007 Diamond DA40-FP Diamond Star provides an affordable and highly attractive pathway into modern composite aircraft ownership. If you're exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com . FLYING Magazine: Diamond's DA40 NG Just Might Be What the General Aviation Market Is Clamoring For FLYING Magazine: Diamond Offers a Year's 'Free Flying' for DA40 Buyers FLYING Magazine: UNSW School of Aviation Expands Diamond Fleet Plane + Pilot : Rediscovering the Diamond DA40 Plane + Pilot : Diamond DA40 XL: Polishing the Diamond Star Plane + Pilot : Diamond Aircraft to Build Electric DA40 Model The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Diamond DA40 Star The Aviation Consumer : Diamond DA40 Star

Military/Defense

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Embraer E195-E2 aircraft parked on tarmac during daylight operations
Military/DefenseJul 26, 6:00 AM

Embraer Reports Record $34.5 Billion Order Backlog in Q2 2026, Driven by Commercial and Defense Growth

Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace leader, has reported a firm order backlog of US$34.5 billion for the second quarter of 2026. This marks the company’s seventh straight record high, highlighting strong global demand across its business units. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The backlog grew 7% from the first quarter of 2026 and rose 16% compared to the same period in 2025. This steady growth reflects Embraer’s expanding presence in commercial aviation, executive jets, defence, and services. Strong Performance Across Key Segments Commercial Aviation led with a US$15.1 billion backlog, up 15% year-over-year. A major driver was Azorra’s firm order for 15 E195-E2 aircraft. This pushed the E2 family beyond 500 firm orders, with customers on every continent. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Additional momentum came from deals announced around the Farnborough Airshow, including orders from Binter Canarias, Luxair, Fuji Dream Airlines, and an agreement with Abra Group for up to 45 E195-E2 jets. Embraer also signed an MoU with Azorra for up to 30 E-Freighters. Image Credit: Embraer The commercial unit achieved a healthy 1.8x book-to-bill ratio over the last 12 months, showing robust order intake relative to revenue. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Executive Aviation recorded a US$7.8 billion backlog, a 5% increase from Q2 2025. New certifications for the Praetor 600E and Praetor 500E models by ANAC, FAA, and EASA strengthen future growth. The segment posted a solid 1.1x book-to-bill ratio. Defense & Security delivered impressive results with a US$6.1 billion backlog — up 42% year-over-year. A landmark agreement with the United Arab Emirates for the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft was a key highlight. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Services & Support also reached a record US$5.5 billion backlog, growing 12% from the prior year. New agreements, such as the long-term support deal with Jazz Aviation in Canada, underscore Embraer’s focus on aftermarket revenue. Image Credit: Embraer Solid Delivery Numbers and Operational Momentum Embraer delivered 65 aircraft in Q2 2026 (20 commercial and 45 executive jets). This represents a 48% increase quarter-over-quarter and the strongest second-quarter performance in 16 years. These deliveries support Embraer’s full-year 2026 guidance of 80-85 commercial aircraft and 160-170 executive jets. The company continues to benefit from production levelling initiatives and a healthy order pipeline. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Implications for the Industry Embraer’s consistent backlog growth occurs amid strong demand for efficient regional jets and versatile defence solutions. The E2 family offers lower operating costs and superior performance, appealing to airlines seeking to replace older fleets. Meanwhile, the C-390 Millennium gains international traction as a reliable multi-mission platform. The company’s diversified portfolio — spanning commercial, executive, defence, and services — provides resilience against sector-specific fluctuations. Record services backlog also signals growing recurring revenue, which enhances long-term stability. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Photo Credit: Embraer Looking Ahead With production slots still available before 2030 and a strong order book, Embraer is well-positioned for continued expansion. The company reaffirmed its 2026 delivery targets and remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships. Embraer’s latest results demonstrate the strength of its product lineup and execution capabilities. As demand for modern, efficient aircraft rises worldwide, the Brazilian manufacturer continues to solidify its role as a key player in global aerospace.

A sixth-generation stealth fighter jet in flight over a coastal landscape at dusk
Military/DefenseJul 24, 11:00 PM

Japan's GCAP Fighter Offers Sovereign Control Beyond F-35's Limits

The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are one of the founding partners under the trilateral Global Combat Air Program. Managed collectively through the EdgeWing Consortium, Japan has partnered with the United Kingdom and Italy to build a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet based on the template of the BAE Systems 'Tempest.' This aircraft will be the first fighter jet airframe in the nation's history developed independently of any of the aerospace manufacturers of the United States.

RAF Red Arrows jets performing an aerobatic maneuver in clear sky at an airshow
Military/DefenseJul 23, 8:12 PM

AirVenture 2026 Friday Highlights Include RAF Red Arrows and Modern Military Demos

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Which part of Friday's AirVenture airshow interests you most? The RAF Red Arrows Modern military demonstrations, including the F-35B and F-16 Warbirds, vintage aircraft, and the seaplane showcase I won't attend, but I'll follow the show remotely Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 1064, 'https://avweb.com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_1064').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_1064');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_1064').length > 0;var is_redirect =