Looking back on Alaska Airlines Flight 261

ALASKA AIRLINES EMBRAER E175LR N641QX (MSN 17000761)

Alaska Airlines flight 261, traveling from Puerto Vallarta-Gustavo D. Ordaz Airport (PVR/MMPR) to San Francisco International Airport, CA (SFO/KSFO) crashed into the Pacific Ocean on the 31st of January 2000, roughly 2.7 miles (4.3 km; 2.3 nmi) north of Anacapa Island, California, following a catastrophic loss of pitch control, killing all 88 on board: (5 crew and 83 passengers.) 

The flight was a scheduled international passenger flight from Licenciado Gustavo International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, Washington, with an intermediate stop at San Francisco International Airport.

The subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that inadequate maintenance led to excessive wear and eventual failure of a critical flight control system during flight. The probable cause was stated to be "a loss of airplane pitch control resulting from the in-flight failure of the horizontal stabilizer trim system jackscrew assembly's Acme nut threads." For their efforts to save the plane, both pilots were posthumously awarded the Air Line Pilots Association Gold Medal for Heroism

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Alaska Airlines

Code: AS/ASA

Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83)

Registration: N963AS

Serial Number: 53077

Engines: 2 x PW JT8D-219

First Flew: 11th April 1992

Age: 32.9 Years

Passenger jet and helicopter collide near Washington's Reagan Airport,

DEVELOPING STORY

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says an American Airlines passenger jet has been involved in a mid-air collision with a US Army Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA/KDCA) in Washington DC.

This is what is known so far

• American Airlines flight 5342 with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided with a US Army helicopter with 3 US Army personnel while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.
• A large search-and-rescue operation is currently underway in the nearby Potomac River.
• There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision, but all take-offs and landings from the airport near Washington have been halted.
• The number of casualties is not yet known, but police have pulled multiple bodies from the water, according to officials and people familiar with the situation.
• Maryland State Police divers are on the scene to help search the Potomac River, Gov. Wes Moore said on social media.
• The Army helicopter involved in the crash was a UH-60 Black Hawk on a training flight, military officials said. The helicopter was assigned to Bravo Company of the 12th Aviation Battalion, which operates out of Davidson Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez said in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the midair crash occurred around 9 pm EST. The regional jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas (ICT/KICT) and collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to runway 33 at Washington. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just 5km south of the White House and the Capitol.
Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts' final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.


Aircraft Information:

Airline: American Eagle

Code: AA/AAL

Operator: PSA Airlines

Code: OH/JIA

Aircraft: Mitsubishi CRJ-701ER

Registration: N709PS

Serial Number: 10165

Engines: 2 x GE CF34-8C1

First Flew: September 2004

Age: 20.4 Years

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS, AND EVERYONE AT AMERICAN EAGLE AND THE U.S. ARMY

Fighter jet crashes at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska

Following an ejection from a fighter jet, which crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska on Tuesday, the Air Force pilot involved has been confirmed to be safe.

A Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, operated by the 354th Fighter Wing of United States Air Force (USAF), crashed during the approach inside the perimeter of Eielson Air Force Base (EIL/PAEI), Alaska.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:49 p.m. local time. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to base commander Col. Paul Townsend. The pilot, whose name has been kept private, was taken to Bassett Army Hospital for a thorough examination.

The video, which captured everyone's attention online, revealed the F-35 seemingly spinning out of control toward the earth, only to explode into flames the moment it hit the ground. In the background, a parachute can be seen drifting down. An Air Force spokesperson later confirmed the video's authenticity to the media.

"Our people are our most valuable resource and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security," Townsend stated. "The United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation to minimize the chances of similar incidents occurring in the future.'"

Remembering Kenya Airways Flight 431

Kenya Airways Flight 431 was an international scheduled flight traveling from Abidjan-Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport (ABJ/DIAP) to Lagos-Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS/DNMM) operated by Kenyan national airline Kenya Airways. On the 30th of January 2000, the Airbus A310-300 serving the flight crashed into the sea off the Ivory Coast, shortly after takeoff from Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, Abidjan.  There were 179 people on board, of whom 169 were passengers. Only ten people survived.

The Commission of Inquiry concluded that the cause of the accident to flight KQ 431 was a collision with the sea that resulted from error. The pilot flying applying one part of the procedure, by pushing forward on the control column to stop the stick shaker, following the initiation of a stall warning on rotation, while the airplane was not in a true stall situation. 

In fact, the FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual) used by the airline states that whenever a stall warning is encountered at low altitude (stick shaker activation), it should be considered as an immediate threat to the maintenance of a safe flight path. It specifies that at the first sign of an imminent stall or at the time of a stick shaker activation, the following actions must be undertaken simultaneously: thrust levers in TOGA (Take-off/Go Around) position, reduction of pitch attitude, wings level, check that speed brakes are retracted. 

The investigation showed that the pilot flying reduced the pitch attitude but did not apply TOGA thrust on the engines. The investigation was unable to determine if the crew performed the other two actions: leveling the wings and checking that the speed brakes were retracted.

With 169 fatalities, the crash was the deadliest involving the Airbus A310 and the deadliest in Ivory Coast history. It was the first fatal crash for Kenya Airways as well as the deadliest.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Kenya Airways
Code: KQ/KQA
Aircraft: Airbus A310-304
Registration: 5Y-BEN
Serial Number: 426
Engines: 2 x GE CF6-80C2A2

First Flew: 3/10/1986

Age 13.3 Yrs

Air Busan Airbus A321 catches fire at the gate

A fire has erupted in the tail section of an Air Busan Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred at 10.30 pm while the aircraft was being loaded for the Busan-Gimhae  International Airport (PUS/RKPK) to Hong Kong-Chek Lap Kok to International Airport (HKG/VHHH) sector.

Emergency protocols were activated immediately, leading to the successful evacuation of all 176 passengers and crew members from the aircraft. Fire response teams rushed to the scene and began containment operations.

Local authorities confirmed the absence of injuries or casualties during the evacuation process.  Fire suppression efforts continue as emergency responders work to fully extinguish the blaze in the aircraft’s tail section.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed yet.

Aircraft Information 

Airline: Air Busan

Code: BX/ABL

Registration: HL7763

Serial Number: 3297

Engines: 2 x IAE V2533-A5

First Flew: October 2007

Age: 17.3 Years

American Airlines employee killed by airport tug

AMERICAN AIRLINES BOEING 787-9 N820AL (MSN 40639)

An American Airlines employee was struck and killed by an airport ramp vehicle at North Carolina's Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT/KCLT) on Monday, according to officials.

The employee was working on the tarmac when they were struck by a ramp vehicle at approximately 9: a.m. Police and emergency medical crews responded, but the worker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police identified the victim as a 66-year-old man who was hit by an airport tug. The man's name has not yet been released.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the employee's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time," the airport said in a statement. 

"The airport is working closely with airline and first responder partners in the ongoing investigation and is providing support as needed."

The airport said chaplains would be available on-site today.

"We are devastated by the accident involving a team member at Charlotte Douglas International Airport," American Airlines said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time."

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND EVERYONE AT AMERICAN AIRLINES:

Remembering TAME flight 120

TAME Flight 120 was a Boeing 727-134 airliner operating a scheduled international passenger flight between Quito, Ecuador (UIO/SEQM) and Cali, Colombia (CLO/SKCL), with a scheduled stopover at the Ecuadorian border town of Tulcán. The aircraft crashed while on approach to Tulcán's Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport (TUA/SETU) on the 28th of January 2002. The pilot flew the approach incorrectly in reportedly foggy conditions, and the aircraft crashed into the side of the Cumbal Volcano, located near Ipiales, Colombia, at 10:23 in the morning. All 94 passengers and crew were killed in the crash.

The aircraft crashed into the side of the mountain at 10:23 AM, after which no further contact was made with the flight. The impact occurred at an elevation of 14,700 feet (4,500 m), some 1,400 feet (430 m) below the volcano's summit. Visibility was very poor at the time of the accident; the wreckage was not found until almost a day later.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: TAME Ecuador

Code: EQ/TAE

Aircraft: Boeing 727-134

Registration: HC-BLF

Serial Number: 19692

First Flew: 20-11-1967 (34 years 3 months)
Engines: 3 Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A

The aircraft involved had first flown in 1967 and was previously operated by Transair Sweden, Air Madeira and Philippine Airlines before being transferred to TAME.

Spotting from my back yard

As they were using runway 01 in Brisbane, I thought I would take some photos of the arrivals. Not everything went to plan. Light drizzle came in at once stage, then the low cloud set in (for most of the day).  Some even cut in early causing me to take photos into the sunlight. The highlight of the day was United flying clean over my roof. Frustratingly planes were flying over my roof and I couldn't see them due to the low cloud.

JETSTAR BOEING 787-8 VH-VKJ (MSN 36236)
JQ10 ARRIVING FROM TOKYO (NRT) 9 YEARS

EMIRATES AIRBUS A380-861 A6-EDM (MSN 042)
EK434 ARRIVING FROM DUBAI (DXB) 14 YEARS

AMERICAN BOEING 787-9 N836AA (MSN 40654)
AA7 ARRIVING FROM DALLAS (DFW) 6 YEARS

QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-VZC (MSN 34197)
QF132 ARRIVING FROM CHRISTCHURCH (CHC) 16 YEARS

AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRBUS A321-271 ZK-NNF (MSN 8839)
NZ207 ARRIVING FROM CHRISTCHURCH (CHC) 5 YEARS

SLING 2 24-8489 (MSN 151)

SINGAPORE AIRLINES A350-941 9V-SHC (MSN 276)
SQ235 ARRIVING FROM SINGAPORE (SIN) 6 YEARS

QANTASLINK DASH 8 Q400 VH-QOF (MSN 4128)

JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-251NX VH-OFS (MSN 11229)
JQ560 ARRIVING FROM MELBOURNE (MEL) 1 YEAR

UNITED BOEING 777-322 N2332U (MSN 62643)
UA96 ARRIVING FROM SAN FRANCISCO (SFO) 8 YEARS

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRBUS A350-941 B-329S (MSN 506)
CZ381 ARRIVING FROM GUANGZHOU (CAN) 2 YEARS

JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-231 VH-VWQ (MSN 7384)
JQ562 ARRIVING FROM MELBOURNE (MEL) 8 YEARS

CHINA EASTERN AIRBUS A350-941 B-305X (MSN269)
MU715 ARRIVING FROM SHANGHAI (PVG) 6 YEARS

QANTAS BOEING 737-838VH-VXC (MSN 30897)
QF508 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 23 YEARS

AIR CANADA BOEING 787-9 C-FRSA (MSN 37175)
AC35 ARRIVING FROM VANCOUVER (YVR) 8 YEARS

DIAMOND DA-40 DIAMOND STAR VH-YTB (MSN 40.891)

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8SA VH-IJW (MSN 44224)
VA319 ARRIVING FROM MELBOURNE (MEL) 10 YEARS

Spirit Airlines enforces passenger dress code restrictions

SPIRIT AIRLINES AIRBUS A319-132 N503NK (MSN 2470)

Spirit Airlines has revised its "contract of carriage" to include updated guidelines for passenger conduct and attire, including a detailed dress code prohibiting provocative or inappropriate clothing.

The changes, which took effect on the 22nd of January, provide specific scenarios in which passengers may be denied boarding or removed from a flight.

Outlined in Section 4.3 of the contract, the airline’s policy now explicitly states that passengers must not wear "see-through clothing; not adequately covered; exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts."

Additionally, attire or body art that is "lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature" may result in removal. Passengers are also prohibited from boarding if they are barefoot.

The new dress code is part of broader rules governing passenger behavior under the "Conduct/Condition" section.

According to the contract, a passenger may also be denied boarding or removed for reasons including:

• Disorderly, abusive, or violent behavior that creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to others.
• Intoxication or drug use.
• Failure to follow lawful instructions from flight crew members.
• Behaviors perceived as a security threat or risk of harm to others, the airline, or property.
• Contagious diseases transmissible during flight, such as chickenpox.
• Refusal or inability to fasten a seat belt during the flight.
• Offensive odors, unless caused by a disability.

Spirit Airlines has not publicly commented on the updated policy beyond what is outlined in the contract of carriage.

Passenger sues airline and woman who filmed her after refusing to swap seats

GOL AIRLINES BOEING 737-MAX 8 PR-XMH (MSN 43993)

A Brazilian bank employee who declined to exchange seats with a crying toddler on a flight is now initiating legal action against the airline and the passenger who recorded her.

The viral spat unfolded on a GOL Airlines flight from Rio de Janeiro (GIG/SBGL) to Belo Horizonte (CNF/SBCF) on the 4th of December, when Jeniffer Castro, 29, refused to give up her window seat to a young boy.

The child already had a window seat in another row but insisted sitting in Ms. Castro's spot and threw a tantrum when he did not get his way. After she declined, a boarding passenger, unaware of the full context, took out her phone and began recording the incident, chastising Ms. Castro for her decision.

The woman can be heard clearly saying behind the camera, “Why doesn’t she want to change seats?
“I even asked her if she had some kind of syndrome or something". If someone has a problem, some disability, we understand.

“I’m recording your face, this is disgusting. It’s the 21st century and people have no empathy for young children” you could hear her saying.

Despite the insults, Ms. Castro remained composed, merely inquiring if she was being recorded without her consent. Rather than eliciting widespread condemnation, the clip backfired online, with many supporting Ms. Castro for standing her ground.

Another wrote, “It turns out the only one who is really spoiled is the mother, but now life is showing her who’s boss.” The incident sparked a frenzy on social media, catapulting Ms. Castro into the spotlight. Her Instagram page now has more than 2.1 million followers, and she’s since landed several advertising deals.

“Measures are now being taken,” she said. “What I went through wasn’t easy. The flight attendants could have asked me if I needed anything, or if I was bothered by the passenger, but they didn’t. They stayed out of it.”

Recounting the flight, Ms Castro explained, “When I got on the plane, the child was already in my seat. I said, ‘This is my seat,’ and waited for him to leave.

“A guy across the aisle said, ‘Change with him, you sit next to the aisle, and he’ll have your place.’ 

I said, ‘No.’

“The boy cried the entire flight which was around 50 minutes. His mother was very rude and angry.”

She added, “I’m happy about all the support I received, although there were some online haters too. 

I still don’t know how to feel about it — I’m still trying to process everything.”

Happy Australia Day

  

Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi! Oi! Oi!

Australia Day is the day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate being Australian and to acknowledge our history.

Australia Day is the official National Day of Australia. Celebrated annually on the 26th of January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip. Australia is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Its major cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin – are coastal cities, while its capital, Canberra, is inland. The country is known worldwide for its Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef, a vast interior desert wilderness called the Outback, and unique animal species like kangaroos, koala's and the platypus. Australia Day is the official National Day of Australia. In present-day Australia, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community. The meaning and significance of Australia Day has evolved over time. The date marked the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia (then known as New Holland). Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on the 26th of January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. 

• Australia's population is roughly 27,204,809 people as of the 30th of June 2024.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of attractions

New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) (NSW) & (ACT)  New South Wales is Australia's most populous state. The Harbour City of Sydney is Australia's largest city. The coast of New South Wales is lined with beach side communities, each one offering experiences for the traveller. A little inland are the mountain ranges of the Blue Mountains and Snowy Mountains, as well as the purpose-built capital city of Canberra, excised from New South Wales. Further inland still expect sweeping plains, turning from agriculture to desert the further inland you venture. NSW currently has a population of 8,189,000.

Queensland (QLD)  Here in Queensland, we have a saying "Beautiful one day - Perfect the next" and that is exactly how Queensland is. Queensland has endless beaches with golden sand and crystal clear waters, clear blue sky's and lushes rain forests. Famous for its sunny warm weather, Queensland offers coastal exploration from the vibe of the Gold Coast to the tropics of the Great Barrier Reef to the bustling city of Brisbane. It is also home to tropical rainforests of the Daintree National Park, and the island resorts of the Whitsundays. Inland lies the ranges of the hinterland, and further on the vast expanses and beauty of outback Australia. They might call NSW the cockroach state, but cockroach races are one of Brisbane’s biggest Australia Day events — The Story Bridge Hotel in Kangaroo Point has been hosting an annual cockroach race for 44 years and counting. Queensland currently has a population of 5,221,500

South Australia (SA)  Renowned for the fine wines of the Barossa Valley, the beauty of the Flinders Ranges and the outback, the wildlife and nature on Kangaroo Island and the beaches and events and culture of the City of Churches, Adelaide. South Australia currently has a population of 1,773,000

Tasmania (TAS)  Proud to say this is my home state. Tasmania is separated from the mainland by Bass Strait, Tasmania has rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain and the west, the beaches of the east, and the complete wilderness of the south. Hobart was the site of the second European settlement in Australia, and many historic sites like Port Arthur and Richmond are well preserved. Tasmania currently has a population of 541,479

Victoria (VIC)  Small, vibrant and with something for everyone, Victoria has dramatic surf beaches along the southwest and central coast, green rolling farmland and photogenic national parks. The diversity of rural Victoria is very easy to access due in part to its size and well maintained roads. Australia and Victoria's sporting, shopping, fashion and food capital is Melbourne. Victoria currently has a population of 6,649,159

Western Australia (WA)  A vast state. The south-west contains the state capital and major city of Perth closely surrounded by the wildflower, wine growing and scenic destinations of Margaret River and Albany. In the far north are the tropics and the beach side destination of Broome. Small townships, roadhouses, mining communities and national parks scattered around the long distances between. Western Australia currently has a population of 2,661,900 Northern Territory (NT)  From the red deserts surrounding Ayres Rock and Alice Springs up to the tropics of Darwin and Kakadu National Park, the Northern Territory is stunningly beautiful. Northern Territory currently has a population of 2,681,633.

Baby born mid-flight

This week a miraculous moment happened in the skies when a baby boy was delivered aboard Hi Fly's A330 CS-TCE, while operating the route from Dzaoudzi (DZA/FMCZ) to Nairobi (NBO/HKJK).

Huge thanks to our incredible, well-trained 787-9 cabin crew who responded swiftly and worked alongside 3 doctors (one being an obstetrician) who happened to be on board as passengers. HiFly said in a statement,

Despite the intense situation, our crew kept everything running smoothly, and their collective expertise ensured the safety and comfort of both mother and premature newborn.

Upon landing in Nairobi, mother, baby, and their little daughter were safely transferred to awaiting local health services. The newborn is doing perfectly well, and we wish him a lifetime of happiness!

This got me thinking, if you were born in the air, what nationality are you, or what actually happens. So I did some google searches and found this:

If you are born in the air, your citizenship is typically determined by the country where the aircraft is registered meaning the citizenship of the plane itself, not necessarily the airspace you were flying over at the time of birth; this is because most countries follow the principle that an aircraft is considered part of the territory of the country where it's registered, regardless of its location in the air.

Key points to remember:

Parents' Citizenship:
In most cases, the citizenship of the child born in the air will also be linked to the citizenship of their parents even if the aircraft is registered in a different country

Jurisdictional complexities:
While the aircraft registration is usually the deciding factor, specific legal situations may vary depending on the countries involved and their nationality laws.

Births on airplanes are extremely rare, with only about 70 people worldwide known as "skyborns"
This means that only about one in every 26 million air passengers give birth on a flight.

It's very unlikely that a pregnant woman close to labor will be allowed to board a plane. Air travel and crowded airports can increase a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease.

There is no official data on the number of babies born on planes, but a 2020 study found that 74 babies were born on commercial flights between 1929 and 2018. 71 of the babies survived delivery, while two died shortly after.

The gestational age of the babies ranged from 25 to 38 weeks. Most airlines have policies that restrict pregnant women from flying in the later stages of pregnancy.

Emirates to launch Premium Economy for flights from Brisbane

EMIRATES AIRBUS A380-861 A6-EEK (MSN 132)

Emirates has revealed a luxurious upgrade coming soon for Aussie travellers. Aussie jetsetters heading to Dubai will soon have several more opportunities to get a taste of luxury on their flights.

Emirates will roll out its Premium Economy seats on flights EK434 and EK435 between Brisbane (BNE/YBBN) and Dubai (DXB/OMDB) from the 1st of February 2025. The upgraded seats will be available on the route three times a week. The addition will give travellers the chance to indulge in a special wine list - served in fine glassware - among other little luxuries.

Brisbane will become the third city in the airline’s Australian network to offer Premium Economy seats, which are already available on flights between Sydney (SYD/YSSY) or Melbourne (MEL/YMML) and Dubai. Emirates plans to offer close to 4000 Premium Economy seats by the 1st of April, including daily services from both Sydney and Melbourne along with the new Brisbane flights.

It will also be launching a third Melbourne service on the 30th of March, according to a statement from the airline. Premium Economy seats are similar to those in Business, with leather coverings and six-way adjustable headrests.

Cairns man charged over incident on Perth bound flight

A Cairns man is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court this week charged with allegedly causing a disturbance that resulted in a Brisbane to Perth flight being turned around for safety reasons.
The AFP responded to a request for assistance from airline staff after the man, 38, allegedly behaved aggressively towards fellow passengers on a domestic flight on the 10th of December 2024.

Police will allege the man was intoxicated and touched other passengers without consent and twice banged on the walls while in the airplane toilet. The captain returned the flight to Brisbane Airport as a safety precaution. AFP officers at Brisbane Airport escorted the man off the plane and charged him with one count of behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner, contrary to regulation 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

The offence carries a maximum fine of $8065.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott said the flight was delayed for about two hours.

"Bad behaviour on planes or in terminals is not only disrespectful to passengers and airline staff, it can pose safety risks," Det a/Supt Scott said.

"Delays can also lead to passengers missing connecting flights and keeping friends and family waiting at the airport."

If you ever require a police presence at an airport in Australia, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP's Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).

Looking back on Royal Jordanian 707 crash

On the 22nd of January 1973, a Royal Jordanian Boeing 707 travelling from Jeddah International Airport (JED/OEJD), Saudi Arabia to Lagos/Ikeja International Airport (LOS/DNMM), Nigeria crashed while attempting to land at Kano International Airport (KAN/DNKN). The aircraft had been chartered by Nigeria Airways to fly pilgrims back from Jeddah to Lagos. But unfortunately, bad weather at Lagos forced the crew to divert to Kano.

Amid strong winds, on the aircraft's final approach, the pilot-in-command was met with mist during the last phase. Subsequently, control was lost, and the plane in a nose down position hit the runway surface with its nose gear first. The nose gear then collapsed, and both main gears punctured the fuel tanks. The 707 then lost both left engines before making an opposite turn and going up in flames. 

As the fire took hold, and after a prolonged pause, some of the passengers and crew evacuated. 

Sadly 176 passengers and crew perished in the crash. There were 26 survivors.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Alia Royal Jordanian Airlines
Code: RJ/RJA
Aircraft: Boeing 707-3D3C
Registration: JY-ADO
Serial Number: 20494
Engines: 4 Pratt & Whitney JT3D

First Flew: 14/01/1971

Age 2 Yrs

Qatar Airways flight hit by turbulence - 12 injured

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

Twelve people were injured when a Qatar Airways flight from Doha (DOH/OTHH) to Dublin (DUB/EIDW) encountered turbulence on Sunday. The flight landed in Dublin shortly before 1 pm local time and was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department.

According to a statement from Dublin Airport, six passengers and six crew members were injured in the incident, eight of which were seriously injured and were taken to hospital following assessment. The Qatar Airways flight QR017 experienced turbulence while flying over Turkey, the statement said.

Dublin Airport said it was assisting passengers and staff and that operations were unaffected. The plane’s return flight to Doha, flight QR018, did go ahead as expected, though its departure was delayed, the airport said.

In a statement to the media, Qatar Airways reported the flight landed safely in Dublin, and although a small number of passengers and crew sustained injuries during the flight, they are now receiving medical attention.

“The matter is now subject to an internal investigation,” the statement continued. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our top priority.”

Airline Information:

Airline: Qatar Airways

Code: QR/QTR

Aircraft: Boeing 787-8

Registration: A7-BCC

Serial Number: 38321

Engines: 2 x GEnx-1B

First Flew: 3rd December 2012

Age: 12.1 Years

Passenger passes away on flight

Sadly, two people have passed away on two separate flights during the past 7 days

Fiji Airways has confirmed that a passenger on board flight FJ870 from Nadi (NAN/NFFN) to San Francisco (SFO/KSFO) last week passed away on the plane. The 59-year-old male collapsed during the flight, which was a few hours away from San Francisco, said the airline.

“Despite the immediate response from our Cabin Crew, including CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the guest could not be revived,” said Fiji Airways.

“On behalf of Fiji Airways, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

“We also wish to thank our other traveling guests for their patience, understanding, and cooperation under these tragic circumstances.”

Fiji Airways commended its crew for their swift and professional actions, ensuring that every possible measure was taken to assist the guest.

Then according to the media, another passenger passed away on Tuesday the 14th of January while onboard Air France flight AF334 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG/LFPG) to Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS/KBOS). The flight landed about 5 p.m.

The media outlet reported that first responders were seen by an Air France plane upon its arrival at Boston Logan International Airport. The airline company confirmed that the passenger had "taken ill" mid-flight.

“Despite the assistance of a doctor on board, the customer couldn't be rescued,” Air France said.

Air France did not provide any further details, including details about the plane passenger, about the incident but confirmed that its flight crew members are "regularly trained" to handle “these kinds” of situations.

“Air France regrets this sad event and expresses its sincere condolences,” the airline added.

The Massachusetts State Police said they are still investigating, calling the incident "an unattended death."

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

Pakistan airline say ad was not meant to upset anyone

Pakistan’s national airline said on  Thursday that an advertisement showing a plane heading toward the Eiffel Tower was never intended to evoke the memories of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The illustration, not in video format, shows a plane superimposed over the French flag and tilted toward the Paris landmark, with the words “Paris, we're coming today.”

The ad was posted on X by Pakistan International Airlines, or PIA, on the 10th of January the day that the company resumed flights to European Union countries after a four-year ban by the bloc's aviation safety agency.

Many social media users immediately decried the ad, and Pakistan's prime minister called for an inquiry. On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described the ad as an act of “stupidity.”

PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez said Thursday that the ad, which hasn't been deleted and has more than 21.2 million views, was only ever meant to celebrate that the airline was resuming flights to Europe, and never intended to harm 9/11 survivors or victims' families.

Hafeez told The Associated Press that he was surprised over the criticism. But he said that “we apologize to those who feel the advertisement hurt them.

“We want to make it clear that we had no intention to hurt the feelings of anyone," Hafeez said.

He said that the Eifel Tower was shown in the ad because it's one of the best places in the world.

More from the Gold Coast Airport

Continuing from the previous posts, here are additional photos taken today, including some from the room and some from outside

Gold Coast Airport (formerly known as Coolangatta Airport (OOL/YBCG) is a domestic and international airport located at the southern end of the Gold Coast and approximately 100 km (62 miles) south of Brisbane. It is 6 metres (21 feet) above sea level and has two asphalt runways. 

14/32     2,492 m     8,176 feet

17/35        582 m     1,909 feet

The main runway (14/32) and terminal cuts through the state borders of Queensland and New South Wales. During summer, these states are in two different time zones. The Gold Coast Airport operates on Queensland Time (year-round AEST / UTC+10). 

The state border runs through the terminal, allowing travelers to step from Queensland to New South Wales in one big step.

Other airports with a border crossing through them are:

• Gibraltar International Airport: Travelers from Spain must cross the main border crossing to access the airport
• Avey Field, Washington: (A binational airport
• Del Bonita/Whetstone International Airport, Montana: A binational airport
• Coronach/Scobey Border Station Airport, Montana: A binational airport
• Coutts/Ross International Airport, Montana: A binational airport
• International Peace Garden Airport, North Dakota: A binational airport
• Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport, Minnesota: A binational airport

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-VOK (MSN 33758)
VA500 OFF TO SYDNEY (SYD) 21 YEARS

QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-VXU (33761)
QF591 OFF TO SYDNEY (SYD) 21 YEARS

JETSTAR AIRBUS A320-232 VH-VFU (MSN 5814)
JQ431 OFF TO MELBOURNE (MEL) 11 YEARS

AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRBUS A321-271NX ZK-NNA (MSN 8496)
NZ181 ARRIVING FROM AUCKLAND (AKL) 6 YEARS

JETSTAR AIRBUS A320-251N VH-A5B (MSN 12229)
JQ400 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 1 MONTH

CESSNA 208B GRAND CARAVAN VH-TFB (MSN 208B5061)
OFF TO REDCLIFFE (QBR) 12 YEARS

CESSNA 208B GRAND CARAVAN VH-TQI (MSN 208B5488)
OFF TO HERVEY BAY (HVB) 7 YEARS

PIPER PA-46-500 VH-WME (MSN 4697275) 19 YEARS

DASSAULT FALCON 7X N4144 (MSN 199) 12 YEARS

JETSTAR AIRBUS A320-232 VH-VFF (MSN 5039)
JQ435 OFF TO MELBOURNE (MSL) 12 YEARS

QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-XZM (MSN 44574)
QF593 OFF TO SYDNEY (SYD) 10 YEARS

CESSNA 172RG VH-OUA (MSN 172RG0534) 45 YEARS

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-VUH (MSN 34440)
VA509 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY (SYD) 18 YEARS

PIPER PA-31-350 VH-OIH (MSN 31-7852058)

GLOBAL JET INT BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 604 VH-VSV (MSN 5411)

AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRBUS A320-271 ZK-NHD (MSN 9207)
NZ188 OFF TO AUCKLAND (AKL) 5 YEARS

QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-XZJ (MSN 39365)
QF595 OFF TO SYDNEY (SYD) 11 YEARS

EXECUJET AUSTRALIA HAWKER 800 XPi VH-RIU (MSN 258723)
ARRIVING FROM BALLINA (BNK) 20 YEARS

CESSNA 525 CITATION JET VH-DAA (MSN 525-0138) 

NAVAIR JET SERVICES EMBRAER PHENOM 100 VH-LXZ (MSN 50000423)
OFF TO ADELAIDE (ADL) 4 YEARS

AUSTRALIA'S BIG THREE

EASTERN AIR BEECH KING AIR B200 VH-MVP (MSN BB-1812)