Aviation2Day

Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026 Brussels, Belgium – November 2025  Brussels Airlines has announced that it will launch direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania starting June 3, 2026, strengthening the connection between Europe and East Africa. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using the Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured in three classes - Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The route will follow a triangular pattern: Brussels → Kilimanjaro → Nairobi → Brussels. About Brussels Airlines Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium and a member of the Lufthansa Group - one of Europe’s largest airline networks. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance, giving passengers global connectivity through code-sharing and coordinated routes with other major carriers. From its hub at Brussels Airport (BRU), the airline serves more than 80 destinations across Europe, A...

Burkina Faso’s national carrier, Air Burkina , has strengthened its fleet with the arrival of an Embraer 190 aircraft, marking a renewed push to modernize and stabilize its operations amid efforts to revitalize the country’s aviation sector. The newly-acquired jet, registered XT-ABT, touched down at Ouagadougou International Airport late October 2025. Though not a factory-fresh delivery, the 98-seat aircraft brings enhanced performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency compared to the carrier’s aging fleet. The aircraft was originally delivered to a Chinese operator in 2015 and has since undergone technical inspection and reconfiguration before joining Air Burkina. Air burkina Embraer 190 Air Burkina officials said the addition of the Embraer 190 forms part of the government-backed initiative to rebuild the airline’s operational capability and improve domestic and regional connectivity. The aircraft will be deployed on high-demand West African routes linking Ouagadougou with Abidjan, Bam...

Kwale County, Kenya — October 28, 2025 A Mombasa Air Safari aircraft crashed early Tuesday morning in Kenya’s coastal region, killing all 12 people on board , including ten foreign tourists and Kenyan pilot. The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration 5Y-CCA) , departed Diani Airstrip in Kwale County en route to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. According to Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) officials, communication with the pilot was lost shortly after takeoff, and attempts to reach the aircraft for nearly thirty minutes were unsuccessful. The wreckage was later discovered in a hilly, forested area about 40 km from Diani, during a period of heavy rainfall and thick mist. The Victims Authorities confirmed that the passengers included eight Hungarians and two Germans , along with the Kenyan pilots. All were part of a safari group headed for the Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s most visited tourist destinations. Aircraft and Technical Detail...

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania   The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has announced a critical measure to enhance safety and efficiency in the Serengeti region, issuing a Letter of Intent to introduce Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) at the Seronera and Kogatende Aerodromes. This move comes as the popular safari hubs experience a significant and sustained spike in operations, now surpassing 200 daily aircraft movements. The introduction of ATFM is a proactive safety initiative responding directly to the exponential growth in air traffic from scheduled, charter, and general aviation.

AAir Transport Adds USD 3.8 Billion to Tanzania’s GDP Air Transport Adds USD 3.8 Billion to Tanzania’s GDP Data highlights (Oxford Economics / IATA / WTTC) • 2023/2024 The air transport industry supports more than 710,000 jobs in Tanzania and contributes approximately USD 3.8 billion to the national GDP, driving tourism, trade, and wider socio-economic benefits. Key Findings USD 3.8 bn Total contribution to GDP 711,000 Total jobs supported 16,500 Direct aviation jobs 29,800 t Air cargo handled (2023) Overview The aviation sector in Tanzania directly employs an estimated 16,500 people and generates USD 131.4 million in direct economic output (about 0.2% of GDP). When indirect and induced effects are included — particularly tourism supported by air connectivity — the sector’s total contribution rises to approximately USD 3.8 billion, supporting rough...

NIT Inaugurated as East Africa’s First EASA Part-66 Examination Center Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – In a landmark move poised to transform aviation maintenance education and bolster Africa’s air transport sector, the National Institute of Transport (NIT) has inaugurated East Africa’s first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-66 Examination Center for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. The launch ceremony—attended by the Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) alongside key government and industry figures—marks a pivotal moment for the region. It directly addresses Africa’s projected shortage of skilled aviation professionals and positions Tanzania as a regional leader in aviation technical training. Inauguration of NIT as EASA Training and Examination Centre  A Regional Game-Changer: EASA Certification Comes to Tanzania The new center is the result of a strategic partnership between NIT, Aerolink Solutions Tanzania Ltd, and the Athens Av...

Etihad Airways Relaunches Zanzibar Flights for Summer 2026 Etihad Airways is set to bring back one of its most sought-after leisure routes with the relaunch of seasonal flights to Zanzibar, the world-famous “spice island” in the Indian Ocean. Starting June 14, 2026, the airline will operate four weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to the Tanzanian archipelago, catering to strong summer demand from Europe and the GCC. The service will run until September 6, 2026. Etihad confirmed that Zanzibar is the 30th new destination added to its network this year, underscoring its accelerated global expansion strategy. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said,  “Zanzibar is the perfect summer escape and we are thrilled to welcome it back to our growing network,” “We know it’s a destination our guests have been eager to see return, and we can’t wait to connect them to this unique island paradise.” Boosted by European Connections The decision to reinstate Zanzibar flights...

ICAO Assembly Elects New Council Member States Montréal, The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has announced the results of elections for Part I and Part II of its Council at the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly. The newly elected States will serve a three-year term on the 36-member governing body of the UN aviation agency. Part I – States of Chief Importance in Air Transport The following ten countries, recognized for their leading role in global air transport, secured seats under Part I: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Part II – States Contributing to International Air Navigation Twelve additional seats were filled under Part II, which recognizes countries making significant contributions to the provision of international civil air navigation facilities: Argentina, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and Switzerland. Part...

FAA Proposes $3.1 Million in Fines Against Boeing  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed civil penalties totaling $3,139,319 against The Boeing Company for multiple safety violations tied to its 737 production line. The fines stem from issues that occurred between September 2023 and February 2024, including events connected to the January 5, 2024, 737 MAX door plug blowout and interference with FAA safety oversight. Quality System Failures The FAA said it found “hundreds of quality system violations” at Boeing’s 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and at Spirit AeroSystems’ 737 facility in Wichita, Kansas. According to the agency, Boeing failed to comply with its mandated quality control system and even presented two aircraft as airworthy when they were not in conformity with FAA standards. “These lapses undermine the integrity of the aviation safety system,” the FAA said, noting that it exercised its maximum statutory civil penalty authority in the case. Pres...

Spirit Airlines Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection September 11, 2025 — Spirit Airlines has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, marking its second filing in less than a year. The carrier says the move is part of a comprehensive restructuring effort aimed at ensuring long-term financial stability and operational sustainability. Spirit emphasized that flights, bookings, tickets, credits, and loyalty points remain unaffected during the restructuring process. Employees, including contractors, will continue to receive wages and benefits, while vendors and suppliers will be paid for goods and services delivered after the filing date. The airline outlined a transformation plan focused on four key areas: Redesigning its network by concentrating on profitable key markets while reducing its presence in weaker routes. Optimizing fleet size to better align capacity with demand, lowering debt ...

FAA Issued Safety Alert on Lithium Battery Risks in Aircraft Cabins Washington, D.C., – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 25002) warning airlines about the growing risks posed by lithium batteries carried by passengers and crewmembers. The alert highlights the dangers of thermal runaway events and urges operators to strengthen risk management, firefighting procedures, and passenger education. Lithium batteries, found in portable electronic devices (PEDs), power banks, and chargers, are essential for modern travel but have also become a leading cause of in-flight fire incidents. FAA data shows a steady rise in reported cases where lithium batteries overheated, smoked, or ignited, with many events occurring in carry-on baggage or overhead bins—locations that can delay detection and firefighting. Thermal Runaway Risks The FAA stresses that traditional firefighting methods are not enough to stop a lithium battery in thermal ru...

Namibia Moves to Establish New National Airline, Leaves Air Namibia in the Past Namibia is pressing ahead with plans to set up a new flag carrier, but officials have made it clear the project will not bring back the Air Namibia brand. Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi confirmed preparations are advancing, with a more detailed roadmap expected in the coming months. “We are not reviving Air Namibia. We are reviving a national airline,” Nekundi told New Era . He stressed that the new airline will be built from scratch, with sustainability and accountability at its core. The Fall of  Air Namibia Air Namibia was grounded in 2021 after years of financial strain and mounting bailouts that cost taxpayers around NAD8 billion (USD453 million). The government cited mismanagement and poor oversight as the main drivers of its failure. Officials now say those mistakes will not be repeated. Nekundi argued that sound decision-making and proper governance will be essential if the n...

EAST HARTFORD, Conn.,  Pratt & Whitney, a business under RTX, has been awarded a $2.8 billion undefinitized contract action (UCA) to produce Lot 18 of F135 engines, the powerplant for all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet. The deal covers engines for the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), carrier variant (CV), and short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft operated by the United States and allied customers. In addition to production engines, the contract also includes spares, spare modules, tooling, program management, and engineering support. Christopher K. Johnson, vice president of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 program, emphasized the engine’s role in ensuring operational success: “The combat-proven F135 engine delivers the power, safety, reliability, and low-observability to ensure operators can accomplish their most critical missions. This contract will enable our team to continue providing this critical capability to help t...

Korean Air has announced its largest-ever aircraft order, committing to purchase 103 Boeing jets in a landmark deal that will modernize its fleet and support the airline’s integration with Asiana Airlines. The agreement includes widebody and single-aisle aircraft designed to boost fuel efficiency and expand the carrier’s global network. The commitment, revealed during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, comprises 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and 8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters . Once finalized, it will be Boeing’s largest widebody order from an Asian carrier and is expected to support approximately 135,000 jobs across the United States. Modernization Strategy and Merger Plans Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, described the order as a cornerstone of the airline’s modernization efforts: “Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger e...

Airbus is facing a significant industrial challenge in the United Kingdom, as more than 3,000 workers at its major sites in Broughton (Wales) and Filton (near Bristol) have voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action. The move, backed by 90% of Unite union members, comes amid an ongoing dispute over pay and inflation pressures. The strike is scheduled to take place over 10 days in September, beginning with two-day walkouts on September 2–3 and September 10–11. Additional days will follow from mid-September, with the potential for further escalation if no agreement is reached. The affected employees are primarily aircraft fitters and engineers, critical to Airbus’s wing production for its commercial and military aircraft, including the A320, A330, A350, and A400M. Unite has argued that Airbus’s latest pay proposal does not adequately reflect the rising cost of living, with UK inflation standing at 3.8% in July 2025. The union says workers deserve a fairer deal, highlighting their ski...

Air Canada has reached a tentative agreement with nearly 10,000 flight attendants , represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) , bringing an end to a strike that grounded the airline’s mainline operations, stranded more than 130,000 passengers daily , and sparked a national debate over labor rights in aviation. The strike began on August 16, 2025 , when flight attendants walked off the job demanding higher wages and compensation for unpaid ground duties such as boarding, assisting passengers before takeoff, and deplaning. Cabin crew argued these tasks were essential but excluded from paid hours, leading to significant wage losses. CUPE leaders repeatedly emphasized that flight attendants are more than service staff they are trained to handle emergencies, in-flight disruptions, and evacuations. They insisted that fair pay was essential to morale, recognition, and the long-term safety culture of Canadian aviation. Defiance and Fallout The Canada Industrial Relatio...

In a devastating turn of events, an AMREF Flying Doctors air ambulance , a Cessna Citation XLS with a registration 5Y-FDM , crashed into a residential neighborhood in Mwihoko, Kiambu County just outside Nairobi killing six people and injuring others. The twin-engine medical jet departed from Wilson Airport at approximately 2:14–2:17 PM local time on Thursday, bound for Hargeisa in Somaliland. Merely three minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control. Citation XLS 5Y-FDM. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: “The plane started burning while in the air,” one resident recounted, while another said the aircraft “passed by our building shaking it,” before crashing into a house. The impact and ensuing blaze claimed the lives of all four people aboard and two individuals inside the home. Rescue teams, including those from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police, and aviation authorities, rushed to the scene.  AMREF ...

Cathay Pacific  a major international airline based in Hong Kong is doubling down on its commitment to modern, fuel-efficient long-haul travel with a fresh order of 14 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets, boosting its total order book to 35 aircraft. This strategic move cements the Hong Kong-based airline as the largest 777-9 operator in the Asia-Pacific region. The Boeing 777-9, the latest member of the renowned 777 family, is designed to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20% while reducing noise by 40% compared to the older aircraft it will replace. With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the aircraft will allow Cathay Pacific to connect Hong Kong to key long-haul destinations worldwide with enhanced efficiency and comfort.   “We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub,” said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group CEO . “This order strengthens our partnership with ...

Airbus SE has announced its financial results for the first half (H1) of 2025, posting solid growth in earnings despite continued supply chain pressures and delayed aircraft deliveries. The aerospace giant reported revenues of €29.6 billion , a 3% increase from the same period last year, while EBIT( Earnings Before Interest and Taxes)  Adjusted surged 58% to €2.2 billion, reflecting improved performance in the Defence and Space division and a favorable financial environment. Net income jumped to €1.53 billion, up 85% year-on-year, with earnings per share of €1.93. “The commercial performance in the first half of 2025 has been strong across the Company,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “While we face persistent engine supply issues, our financials reflect the progress of our transformation, particularly in Defence and Space.”

 On July 26, 2025, an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Flight 3023) caught fire during its takeoff roll at Denver International Airport, forcing the pilots to abort the departure and evacuate everyone on board. The aircraft was scheduled to fly from Denver to Miami. The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time when crew members heard a loud pop and saw smoke and flames from the left landing gear area. The pilots acted immediately, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway and deploying the emergency slides. There were 173 passengers and 6 crew members onboard. All were evacuated successfully. Six passengers suffered minor injuries, mainly from the evacuation slides, and one person was taken to the hospital for further treatment. No fatalities were reported. Firefighters from the Denver Fire Department arrived quickly and managed to extinguish the fire. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are examin...