Welcome to another publication of our FAN! In these two weeks, much pandemonium ensued in the world of aviation, with many new introductions and unfortunate incidents. Without further ado, let's jump right into it.
By: Haotian
Published on: 26 May 2024, 9.00pm (GMT +8)
Qatar Executive introduces 2 Gulfstream G700
The G700 was certified by the FAA in March of this year. Photo: Qatar Airways
Qatar Executive (QQE/QE) welcomed the world's first two Gulfstream G700 jets to its fleet. It is the first ever commercial operator of the G700 jet.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, commented:
“Today we welcome the industry’s highest performance ultra-long-range business jet, Gulfstream G700 aircraft to the Qatar Executive fleet. We are proud to enhance our existing fleet of 15 Gulfstream G650ER aircraft to include the pinnacle of business aviation excellence and look forward to seeing our guests on board soon to experience this technologically advanced aircraft.”
Mr Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream, added:
“Qatar Executive has been a valued Gulfstream customer for nearly 10 years. We are honoured to have them as our international partner for the launch and first deliveries of the all-new G700. We look forward to growing their fleet in the months ahead.”
The Gulfstream G700 sets the standard for the future of private air travel, delivering an unparalleled flying experience with its cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort and style. The G700 also features a quieter cabin, along with 100% fresh air replenished every two minutes, and an ionising system for the cabin oxygen, achieving the highest air quality ever in a business jet.
Qatar Executive expects eight more G700 aircraft to be delivered soon. Two have already been received, with another two ready to arrive within weeks. The full G700 fleet is slated to enter commercial service in June. In preparation, Qatar Airways is already gathering advance expressions of interest from clients eager to charter this new aircraft.
Singapore Airlines' new seatbelt regulations
Singapore Airlines has changed its seatbelt regulations after a recent incident. PhotoL Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines (SIA/SQ) has implemented a new set of rules and regulations after a recent incident involving a Boeing 777-300ER, which was met with clear air turbulence while on the way to Singapore from London, resulting in the unfortunate death of one passenger, and dozens of injuries sustained.
Following the incident, Singapore Airlines has taken a more cautious stance to manage turbulence experienced in-flight, with multiple new rules they introduced.
With the revised rules and regulations, cabin crew will no longer conduct in-flight service while the seatbelt sign is on, instead of only suspending hot beverage service when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, which was the case before the implementation of the new rule.
Cabin crew will also continue to secure loose and small items when encountering turbulence, and also step up reminders for passengers to fasten their seatbelts when they are seated, regardless whether the seatbelt sign is on or off.
Singapore Airlines has also avoided Myanmar airspace when travelling between London and Singapore, instead flying above the Bay of Bengal into Singapore instead.
Coroner labels Boeing whistleblower's death as suicide
John Barnett, a Boeing whistleblower, was determined to have committed suicide. Photo: Boeing
On 9 March 2024, the body of a former Boeing employee, John Barnett, was discovered in his truck outside the Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview with a gunshot wound to his head.
According to police, before Barnett allegedly committed suicide, he had written a note, which was discovered in the passenger seat, which said that he was experiencing significant distress. His fingerprints were identified on the note and notebook, though three fingerprints could not be identified due to insufficient details.
The Charleston County Coroner's Office released documents on 17 May 2024, determining that Barnett has passed away by committing suicide. The Charleston Police Department had also looked into the matter and had the same deduction as the Coroner's Office.
In 2019, Barnett disclosed that parts that were not up to standard were being used to manufacture the Boeing 787 Dreamliners. He added that after operations commenced in South Carolina, these problems started to arise. He also discovered that about 25% of tests conducted on the emergency oxygen systems of the Dreamliners failed. Boeing clarified that none of these faulty equipment had been installed on any aircraft, but agreed to the claims of receiving faulty oxygen bottles which did not deploy.
Air India Express Airbus A320 Engine Fire Forces Emergency Landing
An Air India Express A320, formerly owned by AirAsia India, caught fire. Photo: Aman Kumar/Aviation A2Z
On 18 May 2024, an Air India Express Airbus A320-200 registered VT-ATF, operating under flight number IX1132 from Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (VOBL/BLR) to Cochin International Airport (VOCI/KCZ) made an emergency landing at Bengaluru Airport at about 11.10pm, due to a reported fire in one of the CFM 56-5B engines.
Shortly after the A320 took off, flames were seen coming out of the right engine. The pilots made an immediate decision to turn back to Bengaluru Airport.
A total of 185 passengers and crew were on the aircraft. Fortunately, no passenger was hurt, and after the fire was extinguished, a safe evacuation of the aircraft was carried out.
Secondary cockpit barriers are now mandatory on all commercial aircrafts
23 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, secondary cockpit barriers are now mandated by the FAA. Photo: Pinterest
On 22 May 2024, the president of the United States of America, Mr Joe Biden, signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which now makes a secondary cockpit barrier a mandatory instalment on all commercial aircrafts in the United States.
The mandate will take quite some time to be fully implemented, and it could take approximately six years to implement.
This implementation of a secondary cockpit barrier is key to preventing any future aircraft hijackings, and it should deter terrorists from gaining easy access to the cockpit. Installing a secondary barrier was part of the final 9/11 Commission's recommendation.
The change in legislation will require all new aircraft to be fitted with the second cockpit barrier, with Mr Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of US Transportation, stating in a release from the FAA:
“Every day, pilots and flight crews transport millions of Americans safely - and today we are taking another important step to make sure they have the physical protections they deserve.”
Pilot dies after Spitfire crashes during Battle Of Britain event
The pilot tragically passed away as a result of the crash. Photo: Shutterstock
On 25 May 2024, a British Spitfire aircraft crashed in Lincolnshire, England, which resulted in the death of the pilot of the aircraft. The aircraft was about 75 years old. Before the tragic incident, only eight flying Spitfires around the world were still flying and it had been used to commemorate its role as one of the top aircrafts that saved England during the Battle of Britain.
Police and ambulance attended to the crash at about 1.30pm local time (GMT -7), after receiving reports of the crash.
The British Ministry of Defence later released a statement on X, saying:
"It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today."
The pilot's family has been informed about the tragic event. Project AeroFlight would like to send our sincerest condolences to the family of the pilot.
With that, this publication of FAN is over. Catch our next Fortnight Aviation News release in a fortnight!
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