A deal for Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets could be announced as early as next week in conjunction with a March 4 investor meeting, the sources said. The final mix of aircraft is still in flux, with the U.S. carrier also considering whether to include Boeing’s forthcoming 737 MAX 10 as part of the deal following certification delays.

The move comes amid a scramble for scarce Airbus production slots, with rival United Airlines, opens new tab already in talks with Airbus for a potential mega-order to replace hundreds of MAX 10s on order from Boeing, Reuters reported last month.

Bloomberg was first to report that Airbus’ share of the deal is set to win a larger portion of the order.

The airline industry’s 2024 plans were upended after Boeing was thrust into a new crisis after a January accident when a cabin panel tore off of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet mid-flight.

American had sought to place a new order for planes for deliveries in 2027 and beyond. Chief Financial Officer Devon May told Reuters last month the carrier was talking to Boeing, Airbus and Embraer, opens new tab for the new order, but was mindful of Boeing’s ongoing issues.

“We absolutely take current events into consideration as we’re going through our analysis of this order,” May said in the interview last month.

American declined to provide specifics on the deal, referring to May’s previous comments on the negotiations.

Airbus declined to comment. Boeing deferred comment to American Airlines.

Reporting by David Shepardson and Valerie Insinna in Washington, Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago, Tim Hepher in Paris and Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Matthew Lewis – reuters.com

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Flight 1219 to Chicago “returned to ABQ shortly after takeoff due to a disturbance in the cabin involving a disruptive customer,” an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement. “The flight landed safely and the aircraft was met by local law enforcement upon arrival.”

The incident is just one in a series of recent passenger disruptions on flights that have left some travelers on high alert.

As of Sunday, there have been more than 250 unruly passenger incidents reported to the FAA by flight crews this year, according to the agency. The number of reports spiked to nearly 6,000 in 2021, according to FAA data, as more passengers returned to air travel following a decline during the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 2,000 unruly passenger reports were made in both 2022 and 2023, the data shows.

The incident Tuesday began about twenty minutes into the flight, passenger Zach Etkind told CNN. “I heard people yelling in the back … I thought guys were fighting but it was a man trying to open the door.”

The man, who was sitting at the emergency exit, “cracked open the window that was protecting the handle” on the door, passenger Emma Ritz told CNN affiliate KOAT. “He ripped down the handle where it exposed some of the emergency exit and all the wind came rushing down,” Ritz said.

Blaze Ward, who says he was among a group of passengers that intervened, told KOAT the man had the safety mechanism down, with both hands on the lever and he was yanking it.

“He had it pretty well pulled … I could hear the actual difference in pressure – there was a whistling,” Ward said.

Multiple passengers got the man to the ground and flight attendants restrained him with duct tape and flexi cuffs, Etkind said. He took video on the plane that shows a scuffle on the aisle floor while several men are subduing someone.

“Once we landed, we all got off and people could see the police pull up to the plane. We could watch from the terminal,” Etkind said.

Another video from the incident shows four police officers escorting someone from the plane. It’s not clear whether there was an arrest or if any charges are pending.

The flight took off at 1:54 p.m. and landed safely back at the airport at 2:45 p.m., a spokesperson for Albuquerque International Sunport said.

The FAA and the Albuquerque Division of the FBI are investigating, according to statements from each agency.

Unruly passengers have also caused disruptions in international travel. Earlier this month, a Canadian man was arrested in Thailand after allegedly opening a plane’s door on a flight that was waiting to take off, causing the evacuation slide to deploy.

Read the full originally published story on CNN

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Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, was arrested Jan. 18 after being accused of recording several young girls with a hidden camera as they used the restrooms on his flights.

He was charged after allegedly being caught redhanded in September by a 14-year-old girl who noticed an iPhone taped to the toilet on a flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Boston. Her family has filed a lawsuit against the airline.

A federal investigation revealed four prior victims, including a 9-year-old girl from Texas, the Daily Mail reported.

That girl’s parents claim Thompson recorded the child during a January 2023 flight to Los Angeles, where they were going to Disney World and a gymnastics meet, according to the outlet, which cited the second lawsuit.

The FBI reportedly recovered images from his iCloud that allegedly showed the girl’s face, buttocks and genitals.

“It felt like we were living in a nightmare when the FBI showed up on our doorstep to tell us that our daughter had been secretly filmed by an American Airlines flight attendant,” her family told the Daily Mail in a statement.

“Since then, our daughter has struggled with fear and anxiety. We are doing everything we can to support her during this traumatic time,” they told the outlet.

“An important part of our family’s healing is making sure that the flight attendant and American Airlines are held accountable for what happened to our daughter. We hope that this lawsuit is the first step in making sure nothing like this ever happens to another family.”

Thompson has been charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor in connection with the case of the 14-year-old.

During her flight, she got up to use a nearby lavatory but found it occupied so Thompson told her the first-class bathroom was open and escorted her there, prosecutors said.

He told her he needed to wash his hands and that the toilet seat was broken – then briefly popped in and out of the restroom before letting her in, according to officials.

The girl noticed red stickers on the underside of the open toilet seat lid that stated, “INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT” and “REMOVE FROM SERVICE,” according to court documents and images obtained by The Post. “SEAT BROKEN” was hand-written in black on one of the stickers.

She then snapped a photo of the stickers and a cell phone she noticed beneath them – after which Thompson immediately went back inside.

Her photo showed an iPhone crudely taped to the seat and covered except for where the camera is located, with its flashlight turned on. Her parents alerted other crew members, who notified the captain of the incident.

The girl’s dad allegedly confronted Thompson, who then locked himself in the bathroom with his phone before the plane landed in Boston, where police found 11 additional stickers and discovered his phone may have been restored to factory settings.

Read the full story originally published on nypost.com

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According to an FAA statement, the American Airlines Airbus A320 “made a hard landing” on an airport runway around 2 p.m. local time. Those hospitalized included one passenger and five flight attendants, American said in a separate statement.

Flight 271 from Los Angeles International Airport “experienced an issue upon landing,” the airline said. “The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally.”

The weather in Maui at the time was partly cloudy and windy with a temperature of roughly 80 degrees, according to National Weather Service data.

The aircraft carried 167 customers and seven crew members, American said. It was taken out of service and undergoing inspection, it said.

“The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority,” the airline said.

The FAA said it was investigating the cause of incident.

According to the Maui airport, the flight was scheduled to arrive at 12:47 p.m., about 79 minutes before its actual arrival. The plane taxied at LAX for more than an hour before leaving the ground, according to Kahului information, as well as data from flight-tracking website FlightAware.

Read the full originally published story: nbcnews.com

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The man was removed from an American Airlines early evening flight from Phoenix, Arizona to Austin, Texas, after the unusual behaviour.

The chaos forced the aircraft to return to its gate and delayed by 15 to 30 minutes at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, someone on the flight said.

The Texas-based passenger wrote on Reddit: “I was on a direct American flight from Phoenix to Austin and I was seated near the row where this situation occurred.”

They added that stinky situation on January 14 was “kinda funny” and “somewhat entertaining” but nothing was filmed.

The Reddit poster added the passenger could have been hungover as they were “audibly disgruntled about something” after boarding the flight.

The fellow passenger wrote: “As soon as he sat down, he was grumbling about something under his breath, like ‘f****** hell’ or something.”

Once most passengers were boarded, the “grown man” reportedly said: “You thought that was rude? Well how about this smell” and farted.

The witness did not know what led to the heated incident, but wrote “while kinda funny to overhear, it was uncalled for especially coming from a grown man on an airplane nonetheless”.

Female passengers sitting next to the person causing havoc were “seemingly minding their own business”, the person recalled.

They added: “I didn’t catch anyone’s response to that but the guy seated next to me and I exchanged smiles and shook our heads.”

Some people were said to be having snacks or eating food when the disgruntled man said: “Yeah, everybody let’s just eat the smelliest food possible all at the same time.”

‘FLY PRIVATE’

The social media user also claimed that he was loud and condescending when he made the shocking remark.

The situation then started to get heated when other passengers were fed up with his jokes, the author said.

A male passenger who was seated nearby said: “If you don’t like it you can fly private.”

Another added: “I think we’d all agree you’re the rude one here.”

The Reddit user wrote: “Fartman replies something like ‘that’s just so low class’ and the other guy rebuttals with ‘well you’re back here in economy with the rest of us’.”

Flight attendants intervened by saying, “that’s enough,” according to the author, as the flight was already taxiing towards the runway.

‘I DON’T UNDERSTAND’

Moments later, the plane came to a halt when the flight crew announced: “Apologies for the interruption, but we are returning to the gate.

“We will provide more information when we have it.”

As the plane returned to its gate, a flight attendant approached the farting passenger and informed him that he could not remain on the aircraft.

The author wrote: “He simply replies, ‘I don’t understand’ and she tells him they’ll talk about it off the plane.”

Read the full originally published story on thesun.co.uk

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American Airlines Flight 1497 from Dallas to Bozeman landed at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport at 2:20 p.m.

According to the FAA, the crew reported a passenger disturbance.

A source told ABC 7 that a drunk passenger, later identified as Keith Edward Fagiana, of Las Vegas, got into a fight with a flight attendant.

Dazia Poland was also on the flight.

She shot video of airport police taking Fagiana off the plane in handcuffs.

Poland told ABC 7 that Fagiana threw multiple punches at a male flight attendant before he was tackled by other passengers.

She said another passenger told her Fagiana was spitting at people.

Poland also said she saw Fagiana banging his head against the window.

The plane departed Amarillo at 2:52 p.m.

Fagiana is charged with interference with a flight crew.

The FBI said Fagiana’s initial appearance is scheduled for Friday in Amarillo.

ABC 7 also reached out to American Airlines about the incident.

“Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation,” said American Airlines.

Read the full originally published story at abc7amarello.com

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Video shows how the American Airlines flight from Los Angeles was met with heavy gusts and high speed winds as the pilot tried to land in London yesterday.

The Boeing 777 drifted from the crosswinds as it approached the tarmac. The plane appeared to wobble and shake as the wheels neared the ground.

Big Jet TV planespotter Jerry Dyer, who shared the footage online, applauded the pilot for tackling the unstable landing. He tweeted: ‘Strong, gusting crosswind elements catching-out even the most seasoned pilots.’

The pilot’s impressive landing came as Storm Gerrit battered the UK, causing a ‘localised tornado’ in Greater Manchester overnight and wreaking havoc on the nation’s travel network.

Mr Dyer, who went viral last year after documenting the battles pilots faced while landing at Heathrow during Storm Eunice, says yesterday’s landing was caught during their livestream at the airport.

He posted the one-minute video on X and it has already been viewed more than 2.3 million times. Throughout the clip, the aviation enthusiast can be heard reacting in disbelief as the plane struggles to land.

‘The vortex is coming off the winds, folks,’ he said as the plane neared the tarmac. He then screams ‘oh, oh, oh, stop it’ as the Boeing 777 rocks back and forth.

Commenting on the clip, he added: ‘Wouldn’t have liked being the NFP on this one.’

Mr Dyer, the son of an airline captain from Sussex, captivated the nation last year with his stomach-churning footage during Storm Eunice at Heathrow Airport.

Now, YouTube subscribers from all over the globe pay around £4-a-month for two live shows a week, commentaries from airports all over the UK and Europe, with access to exclusive footage and invites to fan-only events.

He even made a name for himself outside of the UK with viewers in Micronesia, New Zealand and Alaska all tuning in.

He also alleged last year that he had been in talks with NASA about filming a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, it is unclear if that came to fruition.

Big Jet TV’s latest video came as Storm Gerrit brought wind gusts of 80mph and heavy rain to the UK yesterday, causing delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.

Eighteen British Airways flights were cancelled due to air traffic control restrictions.

The storm also wreaked havoc on the rail network on Wednesday with a string of train operators – including ScotRail, LNER and Avanti West Coast – suspending and terminating some services, as well as advising customers not to travel.

Scotland’s rail network experienced widespread cancellations and delays with a train driver’s cabin hit by a falling tree. No-one was injured.

ScotRail has suspended multiple train services until further notice to allow for safety inspections to be carried out.

Avanti West Coast, which operates services on the West Coast Main Line, said this morning that a tree falling on overhead wires between Rugby and Lichfield Trent Valley means some lines are blocked, extending journey times for services from London Euston towards the North West, as trains are diverted through the Midlands.

Ferry operator DFDS said its sailings between Dover and France are delayed due to strong winds in the Channel. Passengers are being advised to check in as normal and are being put onto the first available sailing.

The storm also brought what police have called a ‘localised tornado’ to Stalybridge, Tameside, damaging around 100 properties.

Read the full originally published story on dailymail.co.uk

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In 2023, several airlines around the world have emerged as the safest options for travelers. Let’s delve into the Top 20 safest airlines in the world, as ranked by Airline Rankings, and explore the criteria used to determine their safety.

What makes an airline safe?

Determining the safety of an airline involves a complex analysis of multiple factors. According to Geoffrey Thomas the editor-in-chief for Airline Rankings, their editors employ a comprehensive methodology. They analyze:

• Crashes in the last 5 years: The number of crashes an airline has experienced over the past five years is a crucial indicator of its safety performance. Few or no crashes demonstrate a commitment to safety.
• Serious incidents within a two-year period: While crashes are the most severe safety events, serious incidents like engine failures, emergency landings, or near-miss situations also play a role in assessing an airline’s safety.
• Inspections conducted by aviation regulatory authorities: Regulatory agencies and industry associations conduct regular audits to assess an airline’s adherence to safety standards and procedures.
• Fleet age: Older aircraft may have more wear and tear, increasing the risk of mechanical failures. A young fleet is often seen as a safety advantage.
• Assessment of pilot training: Well-trained and experienced pilots are a cornerstone of flight safety. Airlines with rigorous pilot training programs score higher in safety assessments.
• COVID protocols: In the post-pandemic world, airlines’ response to health and safety measures is also a significant consideration.

With these criteria in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Top 20 safest airlines in the world for 2023:

1. Qantas

Country: Australia
Commenced operations: November 2, 1922
Qantas achieved a remarkable safety milestone with its last fatal crash occurring back in 1951. Since that time, over 70 years have passed without any fatal accidents being recorded by the airline.

2. Air New Zealand

Country: New Zealand
Commenced operations: April 1, 1965
Air New Zealand is renowned for its commitment to safety and excellent service, making it a top choice for travelers.

3. Etihad Airways

Country: United Arab Emirates
Commenced operations: November 2003
Etihad Airways maintains a strong safety track record, providing peace of mind to passengers.

4. Qatar Airways

Country: Qatar
Commenced operations: January 20, 1994
Qatar Airways is recognized for its modern fleet and adherence to safety standards.

5. Singapore Airlines

Country: Singapore
Commenced operations: October 1, 1972
Singapore Airlines is known for its impeccable safety record and high-quality service.

6. TAP Air Portugal

Country: Portugal
Commenced operations: September 19, 1946
TAP Air Portugal has been steadily climbing the safety rankings, thanks to its rigorous safety protocols.

7. Emirates

Country: United Arab Emirates
Commenced operations: October 25, 1985
Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines, consistently prioritizes safety, making it a popular choice for travelers.

8. Alaska Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: June 6, 1944
As one of the safest airlines in the US, Alaska Airlines has a strong safety culture.

9. EVA Air

Country: Taiwan
Commenced operations: July 1, 1991
EVA Air or Evergreen Airways is known for its modern fleet and dedication to passenger safety.

10. Virgin Australia/Atlantic

Country: Australia/United Kingdom
Commenced operations: Virgin Australia August 29, 2011, and Atlantic June 22, 1984
The Virgin Group airlines Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic place a strong emphasis on safety, offering reliable travel experiences.

11. Cathay Pacific Airways

Country: Hong Kong
Commenced operations: September 24, 1946
Cathay Pacific Airways maintains an excellent safety record, assuring travelers of their well-being.

12. Hawaiian Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: October 6, 1929
Hawaiian Airlines is a trusted choice for those traveling to and from Hawaii, known for its safety measures.

13. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

Country: Sweden/Norway/Denmark
Commenced operations: August 1, 1946
SAS is recognized for its commitment to safety, serving travelers in Scandinavia and beyond.

14. United Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: March 28, 1931
United Airlines is one of the largest carriers in the world, and its safety record reflects its dedication to passenger well-being.

15. Lufthansa Group airlines

Country: Germany
Commenced operations: April 1, 1955
Lufthansa Group airlines, operating under one umbrella, prioritize safety and passenger satisfaction.

16. Finnair

Country: Finland
Commenced operations: November 1, 1923
Finnair is a reliable choice for European and international travel, with a strong safety record.

17. British Airways

Country: United Kingdom
Commenced operations: August 25, 1919
British Airways has a long history of safety and provides a comfortable travel experience.

18. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Country: The Netherlands
Commenced operations: October 7, 1919
KLM’s commitment to safety and service has earned it a place among the Top 20 safest airlines.

19. American Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: June 25, 1936
As a major United States carrier, American Airlines emphasizes safety to ensure passenger confidence.

20. Delta Air Lines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: June 17, 1929
Delta Air Lines rounds out the list, known for its focus on safety and customer service.

When it comes to choosing the best airline for your travels, safety should always be a top priority. The Top 20 safest airlines in the world in 2023, as ranked by Airline Rankings, have demonstrated their commitment to passenger safety through their excellent safety records, rigorous training programs, and adherence to industry standards.

Whether you’re embarking on a short domestic flight or a long-haul international journey, these airlines provide peace of mind, making your travel experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. So, if you fear flying, rest assured that these airlines have your safety at heart, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey rather than the fear of the flight.

Read Full Originally Published story on www.aerotime.aero

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The 66-year-old woman, a resident of Las Vegas, was discovered unresponsive by cleaning staff at the Philadelphia Airport Marriott on Monday evening. Later, medics pronounced her dead around 10:40 pm.

According to media reports citing police, there were no signs of forced entry or a struggle and no weapons were found inside the room, but the woman suffered a sudden death.

From inside the hotel room, sealed prescription bottles were found.

She was on several medications, as per the reports.

No arrests have been made yet.

The cause of death is not known yet.

As the woman’s death is considered suspicious, it is being probed by the police department’s Homicide Detectives Division, said the NYpost.com report.

Her body was taken to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office and the results of an autopsy are awaited.

The flight attendant “passed away suddenly” while on a layover in Philadelphia. She had worked for the airline for 25 years, American Airlines said in an internal memo.

“The well-being of our team members is our top priority, and we will ensure that all those affected by this tragic loss have the support they need,” American Airlines said.

“Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure all affected have the support they need during this difficult time,” American Airlines said in a statement. “We will continue to cooperate fully with local law enforcement in their investigation.”

Read full originally published story on livemint.com

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