Looking back on Singapore Airlines flight 006

SINGAPORE AIRLINES BOEING 747-412 9V-SPN (MSN 28031)

Singapore Airlines Flight 006 was a scheduled international passenger service from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/WSSS) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX), with a stopover at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE/RCTP) in Taipei, Taiwan. On the 31st of October 2000, at 23:16 local time in Taipei, the Boeing 747-412 assigned to the flight mistakenly attempted takeoff from an incorrect runway at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport amidst a typhoon. The plane collided with construction equipment on the runway, resulting in the deaths of 83 of the 179 passengers on board. Initially, 98 passengers survived the crash, but two later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. This incident marked the first fatal crash of a Boeing 747-400.

At 23:05 ground control cleared the aircraft to taxi to runway 05L via taxiways SS, WC, and NP. 

At 23:15 the aircraft was cleared for takeoff on runway 05L.

After a six-second hold, at 23:16 the crew attempted takeoff on runway 05R—which had been closed for repairs—instead of the assigned runway 05L (which ran parallel to 05R). The captain correctly acknowledged that he needed to take off at 05L, but he turned the aircraft 215 m (705 ft) too soon and lined up with 05R. The airport at the time was not equipped with ASDE, a ground radar that enables air traffic controllers to detect potential runway conflicts by providing detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways.

Due to poor visibility from the heavy rain, the pilots failed to notice the construction equipment parked on runway 05R, which included two excavators, two vibrating rollers, a bulldozer, and an air compressor. Additionally, the runway was obstructed with concrete Jersey barriers and pits. Roughly 41 seconds later, the aircraft collided with the equipment, breaking into three main sections. The fuselage split, the engines and landing gear detached, and a crane severed the left wing, causing the plane to crash back to the ground. The nose hit a scoop loader, leading to a large fire that consumed the forward fuselage and wings.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-412, registered as 9V-SPK with serial number 28023, it was powered by four Pratt & Whitney PW4056 engines. It was the 1,099th Boeing 747 built and its first flight took place on the 12th of January 1997. It was one of two Singapore Airlines 747-412s painted in a special "Rainbow" livery to promote Singapore Airlines' latest cabin product and service offerings across all of the airline's travel classes at the time. 

Australia Inbound passenger cards to go digital

Last week, on our flight back to Australia from South Korea, we were given immigration cards to fill out by the flight crew. I remarked to my wife about the system's obsolescence. It seems someone took note because Australia is modernizing by phasing out the paper-based incoming passenger card for a digital solution: the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD).

Currently, the ATD is being trialed on select Qantas flights from New Zealand to Brisbane, starting with QF126 from Auckland. The trial is expected to expand to other Qantas flights from New Zealand to Brisbane this week.

Qantas has announced that more Australian destinations and international routes will adopt the program in the next few months. This is part of a collaborative effort with the Australian Government to streamline the arrival process.

Upon arrival, passengers will show a QR code generated by the system to the Border Force officers, eliminating the paper card requirement. The ATD will be accessible across airlines, with an Australian Border Force spokesperson confirming the eventual launch of a government-run website for the declaration. An app is also anticipated.

Travelers must complete the digital ATD within three days before their flight, with the option to use an in-app version available 72 hours prior to departure.

Incorporating the ATD into the Qantas app has expedited the trial's launch. This approach may pave the way for other airlines to integrate the ATD into their apps, offering travelers a comprehensive service.

Qantas begins Brisbane-Manila flights

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-303 VH-QPJ (MSN 712)

On the back of American Airlines inaugural Dallas - Brisbane flight on Monday, Qantas inaugurated a new route of its own on. Qantas has launched a Brisbane to Manila flight, promising to add over 100,000 seats annually on this path from the Queensland hub to the capital of the Philippines. The airline will operate flights four times a week using its Airbus A330 aircraft, complementing the existing daily services from Sydney to Manila.

QF97 was due to depart at 19.15 local, but due to severe storms in the area, the flight departed at 21.55.

That in turn pushed the arrival time back from 01.00 to 03.00.

QF98 was due to depart at 02.45 but didn't get airborne until 05.10.

It's scheduled arrival of 12.20 was pushed back to 14.13.

This new development also enhances connectivity for travelers from New Zealand to the Philippines, offering convenient connections from Auckland and Christchurch to Manila via Brisbane.

"The launch of this Qantas service significantly boosts Brisbane Airport's links to Southeast Asia," stated Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaf. He added, "The Philippines, being one of the fastest-growing economies globally and a crucial trading partner for Queensland, coupled with our vibrant Filipino community, ensures that the business and tourism prospects arising from this increased connectivity are poised for success."

The Brisbane-Manila launch follows Qantas’ recent expansion to its international network from Brisbane, with new flights to Palau, as well as an upgrade of some of its Auckland and Los Angeles services to the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The national carrier also recently commenced services from Brisbane to Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila and has added an extra two flights a week to Singapore.

Remembering Lion Air 610

 

LION AIR BOEING 737-8GP PK-LQV (MSN 39861)

Lion Air Flight 610 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK/WIII), Indonesia to Pangkal Pinang Airport (PGK/WIKK), Indonesia

On the 29th of October 2018, the Boeing 737 MAX operating the route crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 passengers and crew. It was the first major accident involving the new Boeing 737 MAX series of aircraft, introduced in 2017, and the highest death toll of any accident or incident involving the entire Boeing 737 series, Original, Classic, Next Generation or MAX, surpassing Air India Express Flight 812 in 2010. It was the deadliest accident in Lion Air's history, surpassing the 2004 Lion Air Flight 538 that killed 25, and the second deadliest aircraft accident in Indonesia behind Garuda Indonesia Flight 152.

The aircraft departed at 6:20 a.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive at Depati Amir Airport in Pangkal Pinang at 7:20 a.m. It took off in a westward direction before circling around to a northeast heading, which it held until crashing offshore northeast of Jakarta in waters estimated to be up to 35 m (115 ft) deep. The flight crew had requested clearance to return to the Jakarta airport 35 km (19 nautical miles) into the flight. The accident site was located 34 km (18 nautical miles) off the coast of the island of Java.

Communication between air traffic control (ATC) and Flight 610 was suddenly lost at 6:33 a.m. ATC informed the National Search and Rescue Agency, which deployed three ships and a helicopter to the area. At 7:30 a.m., the agency received reports that Flight 610 had crashed a few kilometres from an offshore oil platform. Workers on the platform reportedly saw the aircraft crash with a steep nose-down angle. Boats from the platform were immediately deployed and debris from the crashed aircraft was found shortly after.

The aircraft was a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration PK-LQP, serial number 43000, line number 7058, powered by two CFM International LEAP - 1B25 engines. The aircraft was leased from China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG) Aviation Capital. It made its first flight on the 30th of July 2018 and was delivered new to Lion Air on the 13th of August 2018. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was only three months old had flown around 800 hours in service.  

THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS THINGING ABOUT THEIR LOVED ONES TODAY.

Brisbane Airport welcomes American Airlines

This morning began at 3:30 am for me as American Airlines launched its highly anticipated inaugural flight from Dallas, Texas (DFW/KDFW) to Brisbane, Queensland (BNE/YBBN). Departing from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport at 10 pm local time from runway 36R and arriving at Brisbane Airport on runway 19R at 4:55 am local time, the maiden flight AA7 became American Airlines' longest flight, covering over 13,000 km and lasting 15 hours and 40 minutes. 

It was among the most monitored flights on FlightRadar24. From 2013 to 2016, Qantas Flight 7 and 8 operated between Sydney Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport via Brisbane with their Boeing 747-438, holding the record for the world's longest regularly scheduled non-stop commercial flights.

Brisbane airport corporation held a competition where you could win a chance to go airside for this event. They also broadcast the arrival live on YouTube, which in turn was picked up by the media worldwide.

AMERICAN AIRLINES BOEING 787-9 N825AA (MSN 40644)
AA7 ARRIVING FROM DALLAS (DFW) 7 YRS OLD

But the inaugural flight wasn't the only exciting thing happening today at the airport, United Airlines from San Francisco swapped their Boeing 787-9 for a Boeing 777-200 today.

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-202 VH-EBV (MSN 1365)
QF16 ARRIVING FROM LOS ANGELES (LAX) 12 YRS OLD

QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-VZX (MSN 34188)
QF942 ARRIVING FROM PERTH (PER) 12 YRS OLD

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-YIZ (MSN 40702)
VA473 ARRIVING FROM PERTH (PER) 10 YRS OLD

JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-251NX VH-OYT (MSN 11977)
JQ967 ARRIVING FROM PERTH (PER) 1 MONTH OLD

MINRES AIR AIRBUS A319-132 VH-VHP (MSN 3757)
OFF TO WODGINA (QBW) 
OPERATED BY SKYTRADERS

QANTASLINK DASH 8 Q400 VH-LQJ (MSN 4414)
QLK806D OFF TO MORANBAH (MOV) 12 YRS OLD

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-303 VH-QPF (MSN 0595)
QF52 ARRIVING FROM SINGAPORE (SIN) 20 YRS OLD

UNITED AIRLINES BOEING 777-224 N78009 (MSN 29479)
UA96 ARRIVING FROM SAN FRANCISCO (SFO) 25 YRS OLD

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-303 VH-QPC (MSN 0564)
QF62 ARRIVING FROM TOKYO (NRT) 20 YRS OLD

BATIK AIR BOEING 737-MAX 8 9M-LRF (MSN 42994)
OD157 ARRIVING FROM DENPASAR (DPS) 7 YRS OLD

ALLIANCE AIRLINES FOKKER 70 VH-NUU (MSN 11532)
VA1709 OFF TO GLADSTONE (GLT) 29 YRS OLD 

LINK AIRWAYS CESSNA 441 CONQUEST VH-VEJ (MSN 441-0249)
OFF TO ROCKHAMPTON (ROK) 42 YRS OLD

LINK SAAB 340 VH-ZRM (MSN 340B-400)

NATIONAL JET DASH 8 Q400 VH-8QA (MSN 4582)
NC342 OFF TO MORANBAH (MOV) 6 YRS OLD

EMIRATES AIRBUS A380-861 A6-EOH (MSN 174)
EK434 ARRIVING FROM DUBAI (DXB) 9 YRS OLD

JETSTAR BOEING 787-8 VH-VKG (MSN 36232)
JQ10 ARRIVING FROM TOKYO (NRT) 10 YRS OLD

SKYTRANS DASH 8 Q100 VH-QQF (MSN 014)
QN902 OFF TO LORD HOWE ISLAND (LDH) 39 YRS OLD

ALLIANCE EMBRAER E190AR VH-UYK (MSN 19000089)
QF1880 OFF TO CAIRNS (CNS) 17 YRS OLD 
FLYING FOR QANTAS

AIR CANADA BOEING 787-9 C-FVLQ (MSN 38357)
AC35 ARRIVING FROM VANCOUVER (YVR) 6 YRS OLD

SINGAPORE AIRLINES AIRBUS A350-941 9V-SHP (MSN 436)
SQ235 ARRIVING FROM SINGAPORE (SIN) 4 YRS OLD

Bomb threat crisis deepens, over 30 flights targeted on Saturday

On Saturday, 33 flights in India received bomb threats, adding to over 300 such hoax threats in 13 days. Most threats were issued via social media. The IT Ministry has urged social media platforms to act swiftly to remove misinformation, and airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara followed strict security protocols.

Amid the threats, the IT Ministry has asked social media platforms to observe due diligence obligations and promptly remove or disable access to misinformation within the strict timelines prescribed under IT rules.

The sources in the know said 11 flights each of IndiGo, Air India and Vistara received the threats on Saturday. In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said a number of its flights were subject to security threats received on social media on Saturday.

"Following the laid down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities," the spokesperson said.

Spirit Airlines cuts jobs and sells off jets to survive

SPIRIT AIRLINES AIRBUS A319-214  N505NK (CN 2485)       

Spirit Airlines is cutting jobs and selling off some jets worth millions of dollars as the budget carrier aims to cut costs amid looming financial struggles and an uncertain future. In a Thursday regulatory filing, Spirit said it has identified about $80 million of cost-cutting measures set to begin early next year. Those cuts will be driven primarily by a "reduction in workforce," the Florida-based airline noted.

Spirit did not specify a number for the layoffs or what positions would be impacted. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment further when reached by The Associated Press Friday. The budget airline also disclosed that it's agreed to sell 23 airplanes to GA Telesis, an aviation services company, for about $519 million. The Airbus A320ceo and A321ceo models, which were manufactured between 2014 and 2019, are expected to be delivered starting this month and through February.

GA Telesis celebrated the acquisition last Friday, highlighting that it will significantly enhance its fleet portfolio. Spirit anticipates that the sale's proceeds, along with the elimination of related debt, will improve its liquidity by $225 million by the end of 2025. Spirit's shares surged 25% to $3.01 by midday trading on Friday. However, the stock has plummeted more than 80% in the past year.

The recent years have been challenging for Spirit. The airline struggled to achieve profitability post-COVID-19 pandemic, as travel resumed, mainly due to escalating operational costs and heightened competition. Competing airlines have captured some of Spirit's cost-conscious clientele by offering their own low-cost, no-frills tickets.

The company has been accruing losses, with more than $2.5 billion lost since the beginning of 2020. Spirit is also grappling with increasing debt, facing imminent payments exceeding $1 billion.

Speculation about bankruptcy has been surrounding Spirit, making it a compelling candidate for acquisition, though a merger has not yet materialized. JetBlue's recent attempt to purchase Spirit was abandoned after a federal judge halted the acquisition due to antitrust concerns in January.

Frontier Airlines had previously sought to merge with Spirit but was outbid by JetBlue. However, The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Frontier is considering a renewed bid, according to unnamed sources. Should the deal materialize, it may involve Spirit restructuring its debt and other liabilities through bankruptcy, as reported by The Journal, which also noted that the airline is in talks with bondholders regarding a potential bankruptcy filing. Spirit's spokesperson has declined to comment.

Midair collision kills three

Sadly, three men have died following a midair collision of two light aircraft, a Jabiru UL-45 and a Cessna 182 Skylane, which subsequently crashed into bushland in Sydney's south-west.

Emergency services converged on the scene at Belimbla Park, near Oakdale, 86 kilometers (53 miles) southwest of Sydney around midday today after locals reported the accident. A minimum of five ambulance units, supported by police and fire services, were stationed nearby, with first responders trekking to the crash sites.

Both crash locations were situated close to each other, with one aircraft igniting upon impact.

Authorities confirmed the death of three men at the scene.

Acting Superintendent Timothy Calman of the New South Wales Police reported that one of the aircraft was a Cessna 182 flying from Cessnock to Wollongong with two passengers. The second was an ultralight plane from The Oaks airfield, carrying one individual.

Acting Superintendent Calman said that witnesses observed "debris falling from the sky" and hurried to assist at the crash site. He lamented that first responders quickly realized little could be done to rescue those on board, marking a sorrowful and tragic event.

He noted the collision occurred in uncontrolled airspace, and the crashes, roughly a kilometer apart, were "unsurvivable."

Efforts to identify two of the deceased are ongoing. NSW Ambulance Inspector Joseph Ibrahim stated that ten ambulances responded, including an air rescue helicopter.

Regrettably, he acknowledged that no intervention could have been made.

On holidays

Hello readers

I am on holiday touring Japan and South Korea. 

I have had the pleasure of doing plane spotting in Taipei and Tokyo

I have been extremely busy and haven't had time to post. 

I will be posting photos over the next few weeks, so please keep checking in.

Global Airlines one step closer to launching

Prospective start up airline Global Airlines has taken another step towards being an operational airline after signing an agreement with German MRO Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH to prepare and maintain its sole Airbus A380 which is currently stored at Glasgow's Prestwick Airport (PIK/EGPK).

Global Airlines signed the contract yesterday which will see EFW carry out airframe heavy maintenance on the ex-China Southern A380 which was recently purchased from Hi-Fly Malta.

In a statement EFW said it "will be responsible for all scheduled maintenance, including mandatory inspections and component replacements." Works will commence at EFW's Dresden facility during the fourth quarter of this year.' Once the maintenance and flight preparation are complete the A380 will then be having a cabin refit ready for operations which Global hopes will begin early 2025.

Global Airlines is the idea of James Asquith who thinks he sees a gap in the transatlantic market from London Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) using high density aircraft. There 380 will have a three-class layout with between 450-470 seats.

Destinations touted by Global include New York and Los Angeles putting in direct competition with Heathrow based British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, both well-established Airlines in the transatlantic market.

The Global Airbus A380-841 started its life with China Southern Airlines on the 01/03/2013 as B-6140 It was stored in 12/2022 

02/02/2023 HiFly Malta took ownership.

03/02/2024 Global Airlines took ownership of the aircraft and registered to 9H-GLOBL

Turkish Airlines pilot dies mid-flight

                               BREAKING NEWS 

Hearing about this is truly heartbreaking. My family and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and colleagues.

TURKISH AIRLINES BOEING 737-MAX 8 TC-LCU (MSN 60068)

A Turkish Airlines pilot passed away during a flight from Seattle (SEA/KSEA) to Istanbul (IST/LTFM), necessitating an emergency landing in New York.

Pilot İlçehin Pehlivan, aged 59, became unconscious after the departure of flight TK204 from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport on the United States' west coast shortly after 7pm PDT on Tuesday, according to Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Üstün.

Following initial medical intervention on board, the second pilot and co-pilot decided to proceed with an emergency landing. The Airbus A350-900 was over Canada when it rerouted to John F. Kennedy International Airport, approximately four and a half hours into the journey. The plane landed successfully just before 6am EDT, but sadly, Pehlivan was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Pehlivan had been employed by Turkish Airlines since 2007, and a routine health check in March indicated no issues that would have precluded him from flying, stated Üstün.

"We at Turkish Airlines are profoundly saddened by the loss of our captain and offer our deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues, and all those who cherished him," he expressed.

TATCA, the national air traffic controllers association, remarked that Pehlivan had "dedicated many years to the aviation community" and extended its condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

The exact cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.

Provisions had been made to assist passengers in continuing their journey to their final destination from New York.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Turkish Airlines

Code: TK/THY

Aircraft: Airbus A350-941

Registration: TC-LGR

Serial Number: 651

Engines: 2 RR Trent XWB

First Flew: 6th February 2024

Age: 8 Months old

Qantas ordered to pay $100 million in fines for cancelled flights

Qantas, Australia's premier airline, has been fined $100 million for selling tickets on flights it had already cancelled and for delays in notifying passengers about the cancellations. This Federal Court decision follows Qantas' May agreement to pay $20 million in compensation to the many consumers impacted by the prolonged issue.

The company acknowledged that its senior managers were aware that cancelled flights were not immediately withdrawn from sale and that customers were not quickly informed of cancellations. Qantas has consented to overhaul its operational and scheduling systems to avoid future violations of consumer law.

The hefty fine was imposed by the court following a joint proposal by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Qantas, suggesting it as a suitable measure to deter Qantas and other companies from future infringements of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

"This is a significant penalty, sending a clear message to all businesses, regardless of size, that there are grave repercussions for deceiving their customers," states ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.

The ACCC initiated legal action against Qantas in August of the previous year, accusing the airline of misleading consumers by selling tickets and not promptly notifying them of flight cancellations, which they claimed was a violation of the ACL. "This significant penalty sends a clear message to all businesses, large or small, that they will face severe consequences if they deceive their customers," reiterated ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.

In May of this year, Qantas acknowledged its intentional deception of customers and consented to a $20 million compensation payout.

Furthermore, Qantas collaborated with the ACCC to propose to the Federal Court a $100 million fine for its legal infractions.

At that time, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson offered an apology, admitting the airline had "disappointed customers" and mentioned that investments were being made in technology to prevent a recurrence of such issues. Following its May confession, Qantas has been in contact with nearly 87,000 customers eligible for a portion of the $20 million compensation.

These passengers, who between 2021 and 2023 had either booked flights that the airline intended to cancel or were reassigned to these flights following the cancellation of others, are set to receive payments ranging from $225 to $450, based on whether they were booked on domestic or international flights.

An additional 883,000 passengers are also believed to have been misled by Qantas's failure to promptly inform them of flight cancellations. However, these customers are not receiving financial compensation from Qantas as per its agreement with the ACCC.

Emirates bans walkie-talkies and pagers on all flights in and out of Dubai

EMIRATES AIRBUS A380-861 A6-EDV (MSN 101)

Emirates Airlines has now banned walkie-talkies and pagers on all flights in and out of Dubai after Israel's booby-trap attack against Hezbollah. Flyers are not able to take them in checked or hand luggage and comes after the airline cancelled many flights on Friday.

In a statement posted on their website, Emirates Airlines said: 

"All passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage."
It went on to say
“Such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police."

The Middle East's largest airline also announced that flights to Iraq and Iran will remain suspended until Tuesday, while services to Jordan will resume on Sunday.

Israel is set to strike Iran after the Ayatollah sent a rocket barrage at the country on Tuesday causing fire to rain down over the country's skies. That's made flying in the region dangerous as Israel could strike at any time with a revenge blitz of its own.

In the aftermath of the mass simultaneous sabotage strike, Lebanon's aviation authority also made the same decision. Thousands of Lebanese were injured, including Hezbollah fighters and innocent civilians. Over 30 were killed and many lost fingers, eyes, or had large chunks of flesh taken out of their legs.

One security expert told reporters that the strike would cause global fears that terrorists could use the same tactic. Ex-military intelligence officer Philip Ingram said there could be "panic around the world" with airports and planes now more vulnerable than before.

Another aviation security expert said terrorists could use the same tactic to bring down a plane as it was just a "numbers game".

Qantas apologises after R-rated movie played to passengers

Qantas has apologised to passengers on a flight from Sydney to Japan after an R-rated film was played to the entire plane. Passengers on the flight to Haneda were shown the start of Daddio, a 2023 R-rated film starring Dakota Johnson.

Technical issues meant individual movie selection was not available, so after a request from some passengers, the crew chose to play the film for the entire flight. Once passengers realised the content of the movie, crew members ended it and instead put a children’s film on screens.

“The movie was clearly not suitable to play for the whole flight and we sincerely apologise to customers for this experience,” a spokesperson for Qantas said.

“All screens were changed to a family-friendly movie for the rest of the flight, which is our standard practice for the rare cases where individual movie selection isn’t possible.

“We are reviewing how the movie was selected.”

After the flight, some passengers shared the experience on social media. One described the movie as “40 minutes of penis and boobs”.

“These poor kids and their parents because you should’ve heard the audible gasps across the plane,” wrote the passenger.

“The film was featuring Dakota Johnson, and I really thought they were playing Madame Web or something – I honestly don’t know if that would’ve been worse.”

Another passenger wrote that the screens appeared locked, and the movie could not be turned off until staff changed it.

Jetstar flight forced to turn back to Adelaide due to a blocked toilet

JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-251NX   VH-OFE (MSN 9540)

This morning, a Jetstar flight bound for Bali had to return to its origin after the toilets onboard malfunctioned. Flight JQ125, destined for Denpasar (DPS/WADD), took off from Adelaide Airport (ADL/YPAD) at 7 .13 am from runway 23 and was rerouted back to Adelaide 1 hour and 19 minutes into the journey. The aircraft landed back in Adelaide around 9:50 am. 

Mid-flight, the toilets ceased functioning and would not flush, a situation confirmed by Jetstar to the awaiting media. The issue with the toilets could not be resolved in the air, and passengers were notified that the flight would head back to Adelaide for engineers to rectify the problem.

A substitute aircraft was arranged for the passengers, and the subsequent flight left Adelaide at 11 am.

The passengers are expected to reach Denpasar at 1:40 pm local time.

The first original aircraft was an Airbus A321-251NX with the registration of VH-OFY (MSN 11410)

the second aircraft was also an Airbus A321-251NX with the registration of VH-OYD (MSN 11797)

Looking back on Qantas Flight 72

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-303 VH-QPA (MSN 0553)

Qantas Flight 72, a scheduled service from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/WSSS) to Perth Airport (PER/YPPH) made an emergency landing at Learmonth Airport (LEA/YPLM) near Exmouth, Western Australia, on the 7th of October 2008. This was due to an in-flight incident involving sudden, uncommanded pitch-down movements that resulted in serious injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and spinal injuries, to passengers and crew. The aircraft was met by the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and Care Flight at Learmonth. 

Fourteen individuals were airlifted to Perth for hospital treatment, and thirty-nine others were also hospitalised. Overall, one crew member and eleven passengers sustained serious injuries, while eight crew members and ninety-nine passengers incurred minor injuries. The investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) identified a malfunction in one of the plane's three air data inertial reference units (ADIRUs) and an unrecognized software design flaw in the Airbus A330's fly-by-wire flight control primary computer (FCPC).

Qantas Flight 72, carrying 315 passengers, departed Singapore at 9:32 am local time. By 10:01 am, the aircraft had reached a cruising altitude of approximately 37,000 feet (11,000 m) and was maintaining a cruising speed of Mach 0.82. The incident began at 12:40 Perth time when one of the plane's three air data inertial reference units (ADIRUs) began supplying incorrect data to the flight computer. As a result, the autopilot automatically disengaged. Shortly thereafter, the pilots received electronic warnings on the aircraft's electronic centralized aircraft monitor about inconsistencies in the autopilot and inertial reference systems, along with conflicting stall and overspeed alerts. At this point, the captain took manual control of the aircraft. The autopilot was re-engaged briefly, prompting the plane to revert to its previously selected flight level. However, the crew disengaged the autopilot after roughly 15 seconds, and it remained off for the rest of the flight.

At 12:42, the aircraft executed a sudden, uncommanded pitch-down maneuver, experiencing -0.8 G and reaching an 8.4-degree pitch down, resulting in a rapid descent of 650 feet (200 m). Twenty seconds later, the pilots managed to return the aircraft to its assigned cruise flight level, FL370. At 12:45, the aircraft underwent a second uncommanded maneuver of a similar nature, this time with an acceleration of +0.2 G, a 3.5-degree pitch down, and an altitude loss of 400 feet (120 m); the flight crew successfully re-established the aircraft's assigned level flight within 16 seconds.

Passengers and crew who were unrestrained—and even some who were restrained—were thrown around the cabin or injured by falling overhead luggage, as well as by impacts with and through the overhead compartment doors. The pilots stabilized the plane and issued a Pan Pan Pan call, which was later escalated to a Mayday when the extent of the injuries became known to the flight crew.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Qantas Airways

Code: QF/QFA

Aircraft: Airbus A330-303

Registration: VH-QPA

Serial Number: 0553

Engines: 2 x GE CF6-80E1A3

First Flew: 11th November 2003

Age: 20.11 Years Old

Frontier Airlines catches fire while landing at Las Vegas airport,

A Frontier Airlines flight travelling from San Diego International Airport, CA (SAN/KSAN) to Las Vegas-Harry Reid International Airport, NV (LAS/KLAS) appeared to catch fire during an emergency landing at Harry Reid International Airport Saturday evening.

The flight was in the process of landing when the pilots detected smoke and declared an emergency, Frontier said.

After fire & rescue extinguished the fire, all 190 passengers and seven crew members deplaned by the airstairs, according to the airline. No injuries were reported, and passengers were bussed to the terminal, Frontier said in a statement on X.

"The cause of the incident is currently under investigation," the airline said in a statement to reporters. Flight 1326 "experienced a hard landing," Harry Reid International Airport said in a statement.

A ground stop was in effect until 7 p.m. and the Federal Aviation Administration is continuing to investigate.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Frontier Airlines 

Code: F9/FFT

Aircraft: Airbus A321-211

Registration: N701FR

Serial Number: 6793
Engines: 2 x CFMI CFM56-5B3/P
First Flew: 28th September 2015

Age: 9 Years Old

Spirit Airlines looking at potential bankruptcy

SPIRIT AIRLINES AIRBUSA321-231 N661NK (MSN 6867)

Spirit Airlines is negotiating with bondholders regarding the terms of a possible bankruptcy filing following the collapse of its merger with JetBlue Airways, as reported by the media on Thursday. This news caused a 30% drop in its share value during extended trading.

The company is also considering restructuring its balance sheet via an out-of-court deal, but recent discussions have shifted toward securing an agreement with bondholders and other creditors to back a Chapter 11 filing, according to reports, quoting sources knowledgeable about the situation.

The timing of such a filing, should it occur, is not considered imminent, as per the report.

Spirit Airlines referred to the company's second-quarter earnings call where CEO Ted Christie mentioned that the company was engaging with the advisers of its bondholders to address the upcoming debt maturities due in 2025 and 2026.

"Since those discussions are ongoing, we will not delve into details, respond to inquiries on this subject, or speculate on potential outcomes," Christie stated, emphasizing that it was a priority for the company to secure the "best outcome for the business as swiftly as possible."

The news of the potential bankruptcy surfaces months after Christie declared the airline was not contemplating a Chapter 11 bankruptcy and expressed optimism about the plan in place following the collapse of the deal with JetBlue.

JetBlue and Spirit terminated their $3.8 billion merger agreement in March after a U.S. judge halted the deal in January due to antitrust concerns.

Had the deal succeeded, it would have established the fifth-largest carrier in the United States and provided Spirit with an opportunity to persevere during a period of cash burn and significant debt.

Spirit has forecasted a steeper loss for the third quarter, primarily attributed to a fierce competitive struggle for price-sensitive leisure travelers and a surplus of airline seats in the domestic market.

Spirit has not reported a profit in five of the last six quarters, casting doubt on its debt servicing capability.

For fiscal year 2023, the airline reported approximately $3.06 billion in long-term debt and finance leases, not including current maturities.

RAAF Roulette damaged in runway accident

RAAF ROULETTE PILATUS PC-21 A54-035 (MSN 268)

A student pilot emerged unscathed following a runway incident with a Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) Roulette aircraft in Victoria. The event, involving a PC-21 aircraft, took place at RAAF Base East Sale last Thursday.

An RAAF representative stated that the pilot was conducting a "low-speed runway excursion" when the incident happened. The student pilot was subsequently taken to the base's medical center for a precautionary assessment.

Local photographer Grant McKillop reported he was at home when he learned from a friend about the disturbance at the RAAF base.

"My friend informed me that a plane had gone down and that there was a significant number of people and some fire trucks surrounding it," he recounted.

"The aircraft was tilted forward with its propeller detached," he observed.

The student pilot managed to exit the aircraft without injury. Mr. McKillop surmised that approximately 20 emergency service workers were present, evaluating the damage and confirming the pilot's safety.

"I hurried to the fence line, took a few quick shots, and then dashed back to my car," he added.

An investigation into the accident is underway.

The Pilatus PC-9/A was retired from the Roulettes' operations in March 2019 and replaced by the Pilatus PC-21, one of the world's most advanced training aircraft.

Roulette displays, performed all over Australia, consist of numerous manoeuvres executed in various formations at low altitude. These displays are a continuation of the formation, aerobatics, low-level flying, and airmanship skills taught to Air Force pilots and honed throughout their careers.

The Roulettes perform as low as 250 feet (80 meters) at speeds reaching 370 knots (685 km/h), with pilots enduring up to 6 Gs, or six times the force of gravity, during a display. Flying just three meters apart, the team demonstrates the high level of visual judgment and hand-eye coordination that Air Force pilots can achieve.

Roulette pilots, who are Qualified Flying Instructors at the Central Flying School based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, spend time between displays teaching other Air Force pilots to become instructors.

Aircraft Information:

Royal Australian Air Force

Code: ASY

Aircraft: Pilatus PC 21 

Registration: A54-030

Serial Number: 263

First Flew: October 2018

Age. 6 Years

Remembering EL AL 1862

EL AL BOEING 787-8 4X-ERC (MSN 63399)

On the 4th of October 1992, El Al Flight 1862, a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft of the Israeli airline El Al, crashed into the Groeneveen and Klein-Kruitberg flats in the Bijlmermeer neighbourhood of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. The crash is known in Dutch as the Bijlmer disaster.

The aircraft was traveling from Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS/EHAM) to Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV/LLBG). 43 people were killed, including all four on board the freighter and 39 on the ground. 11 people were seriously injured and 15 received minor injuries. The exact number killed on the ground is uncertain, as the building housed many unregistered residents. 

The crash is the deadliest aviation disaster to have occurred in the Netherlands.

EL AL flight 1862 departed AMS at 18:28, as the aircraft was climbing through 6500 feet, the no. 3 engine and pylon separated from the wing in an outward and rearward movement, colliding with the no. 4 engine causing this engine and pylon to separate as well. An emergency was declared, and the crew acknowledged their intention to return to Schiphol Airport and reported that they had a no. 3 engine failure, and a loss of engine thrust of both no. 3 and 4 engines. At 18:29 the Amsterdam Radar controller informed the crew that runway 06 was in use with wind from 40 degrees at 21 knots. The crew however requested runway 27 for landing. A straight in approach to runway 27 was not possible because of airplane altitude (5000 feet) and distance to the runway (7 miles). The Amsterdam Arrival controller then instructed the crew to turn right heading 360 degrees and descend to 2000 feet. During this descending turn the flight crew reported that the no. 3 and 4 engine were out and that they were having flap problems. Final clearance was given to turn right heading 270 to intercept the final approach course. When it became apparent that the aircraft was going to overshoot the localizer, the controller informed the crew accordingly and directed them to turn to heading 290 to try and intercept the final approach path again. A further instruction was given for a 310-degree heading change and descent clearance for 1500 feet. These instructions were acknowledged, and the crew added that they were experiencing control problems. While reducing speed in preparation for the final approach, control was lost and the aircraft crashed into an eleven-floor apartment building the Bijlmermeer suburb of Amsterdam.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: EL AL

Code: LY/ELY

Aircraft: Boeing 747-258F

Registration: 4X-AXG

Serial Number: 21737

Engines: 4 Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7J

First Flew: 7/3/1979

Age: 13.7 Years

Philippine Airlines Lines to offer daily flights to Brisbane

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES AIRBUS A320-214 RP-C8613 (MSN 3579)

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is poised to enhance its Australian routes, providing 22 flights per week from the 27th of October 2024. The carrier will add a seventh weekly direct flight from Manila (MNL/RPLL) to Brisbane (BNE/YBBN), elevating this service to a daily schedule.

PAL currently boasts the most comprehensive network from the Philippines to Australia, serving four cities. Alongside the daily Brisbane flights, the airline also offers daily trips to Sydney (SYD/YSSY), five weekly journeys to Melbourne (MEL/YMML), and three to Perth (PER/YPPH).

"Philippine Airlines is thrilled to welcome both tourists and business travelers on our daily Manila to Brisbane flights, as well as our extensive nonstop network to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth," stated PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng.

Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Hellen B. De La Vega, commended the initiative, saying, "This improved connectivity is set to significantly enhance people-to-people exchanges and tourism, and will open up more opportunities for trade and investment as the Philippines and Australia continue to strengthen our Strategic Partnership."

Rafael Toda, President of the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC), mentioned that the increased service will "help to fortify economic relations and cooperation between Australia and the Philippines, enhancing productivity and facilitating a quicker reaction to new business opportunities."

The expansion of PAL's service to Australia is a component of its extensive network, which includes routes to 36 international destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East, as well as 32 domestic locations in the Philippines.

The new daily schedule for Brisbane is as follows: 

• PR 221 leaves Manila at 12:05 AM and arrives in Brisbane at 9:50 AM. 
• PR 222 departs Brisbane at 11:10 AM and lands in Manila at 5:00 PM.

Qatar Airways takes 25% stake in Virgin Australia

QATAR AIRBUS A380-861 A7-API (MSN 235)

Qatar Airways is set to acquire a significant 25% stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital, marking a substantial shift in the nation's aviation sector. The transaction is pending approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Should the approvals be granted, Virgin Australia plans to initiate flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to Qatar's Doha hub by mid-2025. This expansion will provide access to over 100 destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Virgin is set to enter a "wet-lease" agreement with an airline to utilize their long-range jets, with Qatar providing the crew for these flights. Currently, Virgin's fleet comprises only Boeing 737s. "The minority stake is a pivotal investment in anticipation of Virgin Australia's return to public ownership, offering Australians a chance to participate in the airline's future," stated the airlines in a joint announcement.

On Tuesday, the 1st of October, Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka appeared on an Australian national morning TV show called Sunrise to discuss the development.

"It highlights why this partnership is so beneficial for Australia and particularly advantageous for Virgin Australia," she commented.

"This partnership presents us with the chance to significantly strengthen our position in the domestic market and grants us access to the world's premier international airline."

The deal opens more opportunities for Australians to travel through Doha to Europe and Africa and is a testament to the hard work of our 8000 employees over the past four years, culminating in attracting the world's top airline as a 25 percent shareholder. Hrdlicka highlighted that the agreement would offer better value for Australians, providing more affordable travel options and a wider selection of choices. The addition of these services will make another 107 destinations accessible to Australians with just one stopover. The value this brings is significant and multifaceted. 

The competitive landscape of Australia's aviation sector has been under scrutiny following the downfall of Rex Airlines, which attempted to rival the dominance of Qantas and Virgin on the east coast's capital routes. This announcement follows a year after the Albanese government faced criticism for rejecting Qatar's request to double its 28 weekly flights. The decision was questioned when it was disclosed that Qantas had lobbied against the increase before announcing a record $2.5 billion profit.

Passenger finds cockroach in food served during flight

AIR INDIA BOEING 787-8 VT-ANT (MSN 36297)

Merely eight days following the report of a mouse discovered in an inflight meal, news has surfaced again regarding an undesirable object found in another meal while inflight.

Air India has issued an apology after a passenger on board from Delhi to New York had an unpleasant experience after finding a cockroach in their inflight meal on the 17th of September.

The Air India spokesperson said on Saturday, that they have raised the issue with the catering service provider to investigate it further and ensured to take necessary actions to prevent any recurrence of such instances in the future.

"We are aware of a social media post by a passenger regarding a foreign object in the onboard meal offered to them on AI101 operating from DEL to JFK on 17 September 2024. Air India works with reputed caterers who supply to leading airlines globally and have stringent SOPs and multiple checks to ensure the quality of meals served to our guests," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"We are concerned about the experience of the customer in the said instance and have taken it up with our catering service provider to investigate it further. We will take necessary actions to prevent any recurrence of such instances in future," the statement added.

In a post on X, the passenger said a cockroach was found in the omelette served on the flight from Delhi to New York.

"My 2-year-old finished more than half of it with me when we found this. Suffered from food poisoning as a result," she said.

The passenger also shared a short video and pictures of the food items served during the flight. She tagged Air India, aviation regulator DGCA and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu in the post.