Airline, Organisations & Operators,

Airbus regrets to confirm that an A350-900 operated by Japan Airlines was involved in an accident during flight JAL516 from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Haneda International Airport shortly after 17:47 (local time) on 02 January 2024. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members on-board evacuated the aircraft.The A350 collided with a DHC-8 aircraft at landing in Haneda. The Japanese authorities have since confirmed that sadly five of the six people on board the DHC-8 did not survive. The exact circumstances of the event are still unknown.
The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number JA13XJ, was MSN 538, delivered to Japan Airlines from the production line on 10 November 2021. It was powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 recommendations, Airbus will provide technical assistance to the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and to the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) in charge of the investigation. For this purpose, Airbus is presently dispatching a team of specialists to assist the Authorities.
Further updates will be provided as soon as consolidated information is available and Airbus is authorised to release them.
Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident.ADVERTISEMENT

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Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 airline, called on the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to protect overflights and EU citizens’ freedom of movement during the French ATC strike taking place Mon, 20th Nov.
So far in 2023, there has been 65 days of ATC strikes (over 13 times more than in 2022) forcing airlines to cancel thousands of EU overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the UK, while France in particular uses Minimum Service Laws to protect French flights. This is unfair. France (and all other EU states) should protect overflights during ATC strikes as they do in Spain, Italy and Greece, and cancel flights to/from the affected State.
Ryanair calls on the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to protect overflights and EU citizens’ freedom of movement during ATC strikes and calls on passengers to join its call on the EU Commission by signing Ryanair’s “Protect Passengers: Keep EU Skies Open” petition as over 2m fed up passengers have already done.
A Ryanair spokesperson said:
‘It is completely unacceptable that there have been 65 days of ATC strikes this year (13 times more than in all of 2022) which have caused the cancellation of thousands of flights at short notice, unfairly disrupting EU passengers’ travel plans. Despite repeated calls on Ursula von der Leyen to protect passengers and overflights during these ATC strikes, she has failed to take any action to do so.ADVERTISEMENTAs a result, even more passengers will have their flights cancelled at short notice due to this French ATC strike on Mon, 20th Nov, despite not even flying to/from France. This is because France unfairly uses Minimum Service Laws to protect French flights while forcing cancellations on overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the UK. We have no problem with French ATC unions exercising their right to strike, but the EU Commission should insist that cancellations due to French ATC strikes are allocated to French flights, not those overflying France en route to another unrelated EU destination.
EU passengers are sick and tired of suffering unnecessary overflight cancellations during ATC strikes, as evidenced by the 2m EU passenger signatures on our Protect Passengers – Keep EU Skies Open petition calling on Ursula von der Leyen to protect overflights and keep EU skies open during ATC strikes. There is no excuse for EU passengers not flying to/from the affected member state to bear the burden of ATC strikes that are completely unrelated to them and Ursula von der Leyen must immediately put a stop to this or answer to the 2m passengers who she has failed to protect by offering her resignation.”

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Boeing and Royal Jordanian announced today an order for four 787-9 Dreamliner jets as the airline expands and modernizes its widebody fleet. Jordan’s flag carrier also reconfirmed at the Dubai Airshow a previous order for two 787-9s, bringing its total 787-9 backlog to six.“Our decision to add the 787-9 Dreamliners to our fleet is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled travel experience,” said Samer Majali, vice chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian. “This move aligns seamlessly with our broader strategy of fleet modernization, emphasizing fuel efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort. As we embark on this journey, we are confident that the Dreamliner’s cutting-edge technology will play a pivotal role in elevating our operational capabilities.”
Building on Royal Jordanian’s fleet of seven 787-8 airplanes, the addition of another member of the Dreamliner family will enable the airline to fly more passengers and cargo farther. The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), building on routes first opened by the 787-8.
“Royal Jordanian, having been the first in the Middle East to order the 787 over 16 years ago, continues to lead in adopting advancements in aviation,” said Majali. “The airline’s current fleet of seven 787-8 Dreamliners has proven successful in connecting Amman to major global destinations. The additional order underscores Royal Jordanian’s forward-looking approach and commitment to meeting the growing demand for long-haul travel.”
“This order for additional 787s is a testament to Royal Jordanian’s longstanding commitment to the market-leading capabilities of the Dreamliner,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are confident Royal Jordanian will profitably expand its network and operate a more sustainable fleet with these new fuel-efficient jets.”
Boeing Global Services will also provide modification services for Royal Jordanian’s in-service 787s that will enhance in-flight connectivity for passengers and crew. As part of the agreement, Boeing will perform the engineering work, while supplying kits for the modifications.ADVERTISEMENTSince revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 380 new nonstop routes around the world. The 787 Dreamliner family reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) cites a growing need for widebody airplanes in the Middle East as passenger demand in the region continues to grow between major population centers. The CMO projects delivery of 3,025 new commercial airplanes in the region by 2042 ─ nearly half of which will be widebodies.

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U.S. airlines are expecting nearly 30 million travelers over the 11-day Thanksgiving travel period (Nov. 17-27), which is an all-time high.
A4A projects about 2.7 million passengers will fly per day over the holiday, which is a nine percent increase from 2022.The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, is predicted to be the busiest day of the holiday period, with a record-setting 3.2 million passengers.
Airlines are Ready for Record Demand
U.S. airlines have been working for months to prepare for the holiday travel season and are ready to welcome the record number of travelers. To prepare, airlines have been:
Hiring aggressively to ensure we have the right people in the right places at the right time to support the unprecedented travel volumes. Today, U.S. passenger airlines have the highest employment levels in more than 20 years and are hiring at a pace 3.5 times higher than overall U.S. job growth. More information about the industry’s investments in our workforce can be found here.Adjusting schedules to reflect passenger demand and to prioritize operational performance.Investing heavily in technology including mobile apps to improve communication with travelers.Tips for TravelersADVERTISEMENTDownload your airline’s mobile app: Be sure to download your carrier’s app as soon as you purchase a ticket! U.S. airlines have made significant investments in their mobile apps so they can provide important flight updates such as boarding times, gate numbers and other necessary announcements. Also, many airline apps offer free movies, tv or texting services in flight.Allow plenty of time: Be sure to allow extra time if you are hailing a taxi or using a ride share company, as they get particularly busy around the holiday travel season. If you are driving yourself to the airport, allow ample time for heavy airport traffic and be aware that some parking garages are under construction.Pack snacks and an empty water bottle: Some airport vendors may be closed, so take a snack and an empty water bottle that you can fill after clearing security.Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: If you do not have TSA PreCheck, consider enrolling ahead of your next trip for a faster and smoother experience at the security checkpoint.

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The current batch has 290 – 23 nationalities, 27 women – and there are over 120 graduates who’re now flying full-time for Emirates. All these dreamers and ambitious high-flyers are Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) cadets, who form the new generation of pilots critical to the future of aviation.EFTA, which was started with a focus on the national cadet pilot programme for Emirates, now offers their world-class training to cadets from all over the globe. Besides the staggering success of its graduates – who’ve all been snapped up by Emirates after a stringent recruitment process – the academy is flying high on the integration of three brand-new Diamond aircraft into its training programme.
Although the majority are students who’ve recently graduated from high school, the cadets range in age from 17 to 26 years. In fact, an Emirates cabin crew is now a cadet at EFTA, having met the academy’s strict eligibility criteria.

Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy, said; “EFTA is fully focused on establishing a reliable stream of pilots for the aviation industry, which has been staring at scarcity in the short to the long term, and giving aspiring cadets a visionary academy based in an iconic and one of the safest cities that is also one of the largest aviation hubs on the planet. We offer one of the most sophisticated cadet training programmes, delivered by our 50+ highly skilled instructors, and backed by the exceptional standards and governance set by Emirates, the world’s largest international airline. It’s inspiring to see the camaraderie and collaboration among our cadets as they graduate real-world ready with the highest levels of skills and competencies required by commercial pilots.”
EFTA’s cadets now also fly the Diamond DA42-VI light piston twin-engine aircraft, which has successfully introduced multi-engine piston training at the academy. This means cadets train on three different aircraft types – single-engine, twin-engine and multi-engine light jets. This is a rarity among flight training academies that generally train cadets on just one or two aircraft types.ADVERTISEMENTAt the Dubai Airshow, EFTA will be showcasing its Diamond DA42-VI and Cirrus SR22 aircraft with instructors on hand to share information about the Academy’s fleet and cadet training programme.
Flight deck careers have seen a huge resurgence post pandemic and are riding another wave of popularity. Salaries have increased, airlines are fast tracking career paths and expanding at a phenomenal rate, aircraft are more sophisticated, demand for travel is booming – all these and more have made aviation a sought-after career. According to Oliver Wyman’s latest research, the gap between supply and demand of pilots is currently about 17,000 and it will increase to 24,000 in 2026.
Emirates launched EFTA in 2017 to train UAE nationals and international students with no previous knowledge of flying. All graduates have the unique opportunity to go through Emirates’ recruitment process.
The Academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 29 training aircraft – 22 x Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine piston, 4 x Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jet, and 3 x Diamond DA42-VI light piston twin-engine aircraft.
EFTA’s state-of-the-art facility, which is spread over 12.5 million sq.ft. (1.2 million sq.m) equivalent to 200 football pitches, currently has 36 modern classrooms, 6 full motion flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800m runway. Cadets live on campus in fully furnished, individual studio flats with an enviable range of recreational facilities, social activities and top-notch dining.

Ground school (52 weeks): All 36 classrooms are equipped with two 86” touchscreens, running bespoke training software created specifically for EFTA. Cadets undergo at least 1,100 hours of ground-based training, and access the material via their own devices, which are digitally interconnected, creating an interactive training environment.
Flying Phase (52 weeks, 272 hours): Cadets train on simulators and the three types of training aircraft.
Here’s what two EFTA graduates, currently Emirates’ Cadet Pilots, had to say:
Thomas Saunders, Cadet Pilot at Emirates, Australian national
“From a very young age, I’ve been fascinated by how these big machines could stay in the sky, and that has led me down the most amazing career path. Emirates Flight Training Academy is a great route to work at the best airline in the world. I also felt that an airline that has such sky-high standards and is so quality conscious will quite naturally impart the best training and mentorship in aviation. My instincts were proved right.
“Our cadet community at EFTA is very tight knit and collaborative. The training gets the best out of us and sets us on our way to a long, enjoyable and successful career. The facilities and infrastructure are absolutely stunning, and everything you need is right at your doorstep.
“My first flight was the most surreal feeling. It was just me at the controls, nature at its best, the incredible Dubai landscape below me – it’s something I had only dreamed of. I advise potential cadets considering a career in aviation to keep at it, enjoy the turbulence, and twists and turns as the experience builds character, and the outcome is way better than you can ever imagine!”
Jordan Engeler – Cadet Pilot at Emirates – Australian national
I’ve always had a deep fascination for the aviation industry and the sense of freedom it offers. The idea of being in control of a sophisticated aircraft, navigating the skies, and experiencing the world from a unique perspective was incredibly appealing to me.
World class training facilities, experienced and supportive instructors, and a diverse and inclusive community were the top three things I loved about EFTA. Emirates is renowned for its exceptional commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in the aviation industry. EFTA shares these values and offers a world-class training programme that aligned perfectly with my aspirations to become a highly skilled pilot. EFTA’s state-of-the-art facilities, modern fleet of aircraft, and experienced instructors made it an ideal environment for me to learn and thrive.
The feeling of my first solo flight was extremely exhilarating. As I accelerated down the runway, there was a mix of nervousness and excitement, but as the wheels left the ground, it was like a dream come true. I could feel the aircraft responding to my inputs, and the realisation that I was solely responsible for this flight was both empowering and humbling.

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The Emirates Group’s employees gathered at its headquarters in Dubai to commemorate the UAE Flag Day, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates airline and Group.
The Group’s diverse workforce encompasses more than 160 nationalities, united by a sense of belonging and shared purpose, contributing to the achievement of the vision set by the UAE’s leadership. Watch here highlights from the Emirates Group’s flag-hoisting ceremony.
The Emirates Group marks the UAE Flag Day every year on 3 November, in honour of the accession of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the UAE in 2004 and continuation of the nation’s development journey.

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Boeing and United Airlines announced today the carrier is expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet, exercising options to order 50 787-9 airplanes and securing an additional 50 options. The new Dreamliner order provides United additional flexibility as the airline modernizes its global fleet over the next decade.
“We’re building a bright future at United, and this order takes our already successful United Next plan into the next decade and beyond,” said Scott Kirby, United CEO. “Our planning and focus on the long term have helped us surge past other airlines that stood still. I’m convinced our strategy is the right one as we continue to add new, larger aircraft to take full advantage of our growing flying opportunities both internationally and domestically.”
With 150 firm orders, United has the largest Dreamliner orderbook on record and is positioned to become the largest 787 operator in the world. Today’s announcement follows the airline’s record-setting purchase of 100 787 airplanes last year.
As the first airline to operate all three models in the 787 family, United’s existing fleet consists of more than 70 Dreamliners. The fuel efficiency and reliability of the 787 provide United with the flexibility to fly its expansive global route network.
“United’s unprecedented commitment to the 787 Dreamliner family is a testament to the market-leading operating economics and reliability of Boeing’s widebody jets,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the 787, United will enjoy all the synergies of operating one of the largest, most efficient fleets in the skies.”ADVERTISEMENTThe enhanced efficiency and performance of the 787 reduces fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared with the airplanes it replaces, depending on the configuration. The 787-9 has a globe-spanning range that allows carriers to fly up to 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km) while seating up to 296 passengers.
The 787 is the best-selling widebody in history with more than 1,800 orders from 87 customers – including more than 870 repeat orders from 56 repeat customers. In the last year, customers have placed nearly 350 orders and commitments for the 787 family.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

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More flights at London Luton Airport (LLA) were operated using quieter, more fuel efficient “next generation” aircraft this summer than at any other major European airport.
Data gathered from aviation intelligence and data specialist RDC Aviation, shows that between April and August 2023, more than a third (33.5%) of all flights from LLA were operated using Airbus neo or Boeing Max variants, reducing emissions by up to 20%.
This year has seen LLA working with its three largest airlines to double their next generation fleet averages operating at the airport. In April, Ryanair announced the addition of three new 737 8200 (MAX) aircraft to be based at LLA, while Wizz Air is increasing the number of Airbus A321 neos in its LLA fleet to 100% by 2025. easyJet has also increased the number of Airbus neo operating flights from LLA.
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, commented: “The analysis from leading aviation data provider RDC, highlights the significant strides that London Luton Airport is making as we look to work more sustainably with airlines. As well as our own commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon for our own airport emissions by 2040, we are working closely with our airlines to reduce their emissions and the agreements secured this year with easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz represent important milestones in our sustainable aviation strategy.”
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, added: “We are already leading in sustainability, operating the youngest fleet in Europe¹ in the most efficient way. London is an important market for Wizz Air and we are confident that fleet renewal is a key solution available here and now to reduce emissions from aviation. Currently, the newest and more fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo accounts for over 60% of our total fleet at London Luton Airport. Replacing older generation aircraft with newer technology is part of our long-term fleet renewal strategy to reduce carbon intensity by 25% by 2030. As LLA’s largest operator we are delighted to work on finding new and innovative solutions that help us to reach our targets together, collectively as an industry.”ADVERTISEMENTThe data shows that the increase in next generation aircraft accounted for 33.52% of total departures from LLA, ahead of second place Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport and third placed Lisbon Airport, with Milan Orio Al Serio and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos making up the top five².
For further information on London Luton Airport’s plan to achieve net zero in its emissions³ by 2040, please click here: https://www.london-luton.co.uk/corporate/community/net-zero
¹ Based on official publicly disclosed information² Excluding Turkey³ Net Zero in our Scope 1 and 2 emissions that we have direct control over

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