Aviation News Roundup: Week Ending Jan 11th
Los Angeles Firefighting Operations Disrupted by Drones
Aerial firefighting efforts in Los Angeles faced significant challenges due to unauthorized drone activity. A “Super Scooper” water bomber collided with a drone, leading to a temporary halt in firefighting operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has emphasized strict penalties for such violations, though enforcement remains difficult.
LAX Operations Amidst Los Angeles Wildfires
Despite ongoing wildfires and strong winds in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains operational. However, passengers have experienced significant disruptions, with 126 flights canceled since Tuesday. Airlines including American, United, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue have issued fee waivers for flight changes to or from affected airports.
U.S. Treasury’s New Model Limits Ethanol Producers’ Access to Clean Fuel Tax Credits
The U.S. Treasury Department is set to release a new climate model for clean fuel tax credits, which will significantly restrict ethanol producers’ access to subsidies for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. This development may impact the profitability of SAF production for ethanol producers, as the process is costly without subsidies.
Data Breach at UN Aviation Agency Affects Nearly 12,000 Individuals
The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reported that 11,929 individuals were affected by an unauthorized release of recruitment application records spanning from April 2016 to July 2024. The breach has been attributed to a threat actor known as Natohub, who claimed to have released 42,000 records. ICAO is in the process of contacting the affected individuals.
Investigation into Jeju Air Crash Complicated by Black Box Data Loss
The investigation into the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea, which resulted in 179 fatalities, has encountered complications as both black boxes ceased recording data four minutes before the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been sent to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board for analysis. South Korea has mandated emergency safety inspections for all Boeing 737-800s following the incident.
Bodies Discovered in JetBlue Aircraft’s Landing Gear Compartment
Two decomposed bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, Florida, following a flight from New York’s JFK Airport. The discovery was made during a routine post-flight inspection. Authorities are investigating how the individuals accessed the compartment; their identities remain unknown.
UK Government Reconsiders Net Zero ‘Flight Tax’
The UK government is reassessing a proposed net zero “flight tax” amid concerns that it could substantially increase travel costs for consumers. New aviation regulations require airlines to use a minimum of 2% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with the mandate rising to 22% by 2040. Critics argue that the policy is impractical and could lead to significant ticket price increases.
New Airline Routes Announced
Several airlines have announced new routes set to commence in 2025:
- Wizz Air: Launching a new route connecting Cluj-Napoca, Romania, to Castellon, Spain.
- Condor: Introducing a twice-weekly service between Frankfurt and Panama City, starting June 11, using Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
Business Aircraft Flight Activity Increases in December
Global business aircraft flight activity in December 2024 increased by 7.3% year over year, with North America reporting a 4.1% rise. The European market also turned positive, rising 1.3% year over year, while the rest of the world saw a 30% increase.
Cessna 402C Crash in Colombia Results in 10 Fatalities
On January 8, 2025, a Cessna 402C operated by Pacífica de Aviación crashed near Urrao, Antioquia Department, Colombia, resulting in the deaths of all 10 individuals on board. The aircraft was en route from Juradó Airport to Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport when it crashed into a mountainside. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
European Aviation Regulator Issues Warning
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a new alert advising non-European carriers to avoid flying within western Russian airspace. This warning is due to the risk of being unintentionally targeted by air-defense systems amid ongoing regional tensions.
Pakistan International Airlines Resumes European Flights
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights to Europe after a four-year ban imposed by the European Union over safety concerns. The first flight from Islamabad to Paris was fully booked, marking a significant step in improving PIA’s international operations and image.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandates in Europe
The European aviation industry is now required to incorporate sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) into their operations, starting with a 2% mandate. This initiative aims to decarbonize the sector, though challenges remain due to the high costs and complex production processes associated with SAFs.
U.N. Aviation Agency Data Breach
The U.N. aviation agency reported that nearly 12,000 individuals were affected by an unauthorized release of recruitment application data records spanning from April 2016 to July 2024. The agency is currently addressing the breach to prevent future occurrences.
Airfares Expected to Remain High
Airfares are projected to stay elevated in 2025 due to factors such as delayed aircraft deliveries, the high cost of sustainable aviation fuels, and robust travel demand. The implementation of SAF mandates is anticipated to contribute to these sustained higher prices.
MH370 Search Efforts Renewed
Ocean Infinity has initiated a new search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014. Utilizing advanced autonomous ships and underwater drones, the search is being directed from a remote control center in Southampton, UK, focusing on a new area in the Indian Ocean.
TUI Airways has launched its 2025 fully funded pilot training program. The airline pledges to cover the majority of upfront training costs associated with gaining a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) and Boeing 737 type rating, which can exceed £100,000. This initiative opens opportunities for individuals aspiring to become pilots without prior experience.
The busiest international airline route in 2024 was between Hong Kong (HKG) and Taipei (TPE), with 6.8 million seats. This route has regained the top position, reflecting the high demand for travel between these two cities.
British Airways has committed £21 million to training 200 new pilots in 2025. This investment marks the largest in ab-initio flight training by a UK airline in decades. The airline will cover the full training costs for aspiring pilots, aiming to attract talented individuals regardless of their financial means.
Emirates is set to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline. The airline is training over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff to better serve passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities. This initiative includes introducing digital sensory guides and in-flight neurodiverse sensory products to enhance the travel experience for autistic passengers and their families.
Recruitment:
- Lufthansa Group is aiming to recruit around 10,000 people across the group in 2025, focusing on roles such as flight attendants, ground staff, technical experts, administrative staff, and pilots. More than half of these recruits will be based in Germany.
- Emirates is celebrating the new year with a global cabin crew recruitment drive, planning to hire 5,000 new joiners to boost existing cabin crew numbers by 25%. The airline invites graduates and young professionals worldwide to apply.
- British Airways has launched a Whitetail Recruitment Programme in partnership with five approved training organisations, aiming to recruit 500 new pilots over the next two years.
- EasyJet has initiated a recruitment drive aimed at veterans of the Armed Forces, recognizing the valuable and transferable skills they bring to roles in engineering and cabin crew.
- Aer Lingus is hiring cabin crew for their 2025 flights, with assessments happening in early December. Successful candidates will undergo an intensive six-week paid training program in Dublin from March to May 2025.
- Pegasus Airlines has announced recruitment opportunities for A320 Captain pilots.
- Virgin Atlantic is offering various airline job opportunities, including positions for Personal Travel Advisors, First Officers/Senior First Officers, Clubhouse Crew, and more.
- Etihad Airways is offering exciting career opportunities as they transform the aviation industry through creativity and innovation.
- DHL Pilot Positions: DHL Air UK is recruiting pilots for their mixed fleet of 757, 767, and 777 aircraft, based at East Midlands Airport. They are looking for individuals passionate about aviation and delivering outstanding service.
