As part of its commitment to digital transformation, SunExpress has also joined the AMOSeTL (AMOS electronic TechLog) development team. Alongside Condor, Luxair, Malaysia Airlines, El Al, Sideral, Cebu Pacific, and other industry leaders, SunExpress contributes to refining and testing AMOSeTL functionalities. This initiative represents the final phase of the airline’s Paperless Aircraft Maintenance Operations Project, as it aims to completely replace traditional paper-based technical logs.
• By implementing AMOSeTL, SunExpress will:
• Reduce aircraft weight by eliminating paper logbooks.
• Minimize transcription and data handling errors.
• Ensure real-time access to accurate aircraft maintenance records worldwide.
• Improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
With this transition, SunExpress becomes the first airline in Türkiye to implement fully paperless aircraft maintenance and one of the few airlines globally to achieve this milestone. The airline continues to enhance its processes for greater efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability, and Swiss-AS is proud to support this transformation.
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The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a safety bulletin urging Boeing 757 operators to inspect and replace flexible hydraulic hoses in the landing gear to prevent failures. The advisory follows multiple incidents where the left-hand hydraulic system was lost due to hose fatigue, including a DHL 757-200 freighter accident in Costa Rica on April 7, 2022. After suffering a hydraulic failure mid-flight, the crew returned to San Jose, but the aircraft veered off the runway upon landing, sustaining severe damage. Investigators linked the failure to material fatigue in a landing-gear actuator hose. While the FAA has not mandated an airworthiness directive, it emphasizes that repeated stress can degrade hoses over time. Boeing previously issued a service letter in March 2023, advising proactive hose replacements. The FAA now urges all 757 operators to follow Boeing’s recommendations to reduce failure risks.
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Thales has renewed its agreement with Vietnam Airlines to provide FlytCARE services for maintaining the airline’s inflight entertainment (IFE) systems. The contract, signed with Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company (VAECO), covers maintenance for the IFE systems on the airline’s Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleets. It also includes spare parts availability at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines operates 27 A350s and Boeing 787s, all equipped with Thales’ AVANT IFE systems. This extended partnership reinforces Thales’ long-term collaboration with Vietnam Airlines, ensuring high-quality service and reliability for passengers across its global network. While primarily designed for military roles, the PHASA-35 has potential civilian applications, including communications, border security, and disaster relief, according to BAE.
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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted a type certificate to Safran Electrical & Power for the 125 kW ENGINeUS 100B1, making it the first electric motor approved under the CS-23 standard. The approval paves the way for more powerful motors that may equip hybrid-electric regional aircraft. Moreover, Safran is preparing to use derived hybrid-electric technologies on the RISE demonstration program for a more efficient engine on narrowbody aircraft. Safran’s new motor inaugurates a new certification regulation. The Pipistrel Velis Electro two-seater was previously certified with a house-designed electric propulsion system. EASA approved the aircraft and its motor under the light sport aircraft category. The ENGINeUS is three levels higher in terms of certification requirements, Regis Rossotto, EASA’s product certification manager for the engine, said on the sidelines of a Feb. 3 press briefing. “With Safran, we did in-depth failure analysis,” he explained. “Endurance trials and environmental testing, which include extreme temperature, altitude, electromagnetic interference and icing conditions, were comparable to what we require from a helicopter turbine engine.”
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Eastern Airlines Technic (EASTEC), a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, has entered into a 12-year exclusive maintenance agreement with Lufthansa Technik for the auxiliary power units (APUs) of its Airbus A350 fleet. Under the agreement, Lufthansa Technik will provide comprehensive MRO services for the Honeywell HGT1700 APUs at its specialized maintenance facility in Hamburg, Germany. As an officially certified repair partner for this APU type, Lufthansa Technik ensures high-quality service through its advanced repair center and global supply network. This long-term partnership builds on more than 20 years of collaboration between Lufthansa Technik and China Eastern Group, which includes maintenance agreements for Boeing 777 passenger and cargo aircraft. The deal also strengthens Lufthansa Technik’s presence in the Chinese market and supports its goal of becoming a leading A350 APU maintenance provider in the region.
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Spirit AeroSystems’ shareholders have approved the company’s acquisition by Boeing, paving the way for the deal to be finalized by mid-2025. The agreement, initially announced in June 2024, comes as Boeing faces increasing pressure to improve quality and safety in its production system. Spirit, a key supplier for Boeing, including 737 fuselages, has also been under scrutiny for manufacturing quality issues. Boeing aims to integrate Spirit’s Boeing-related operations to enhance oversight and streamline production. Meanwhile, Airbus has expressed plans to acquire Spirit’s operations that supply Airbus components. The approval marks a significant step in the restructuring of the aerospace supply chain.
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Ryanair has begun construction on a €40 million airframe maintenance hangar at Dublin Airport, aiming to strengthen its internal MRO capabilities. The four-bay facility will support both line and heavy maintenance, complementing the airline’s outsourced operations across Europe. In response to global supply chain issues in the engine aftermarket, Ryanair is also exploring the insourcing of engine overhauls. CEO Michael O’Leary stated that the airline is considering establishing one or two in-house engine maintenance shops within the next 12-18 months to mitigate long turnaround times. Meanwhile, ongoing Boeing 737 MAX delivery delays have forced Ryanair to adjust fleet plans, keeping older 737s in service. The broader aviation industry is also facing challenges with current-generation narrowbody aircraft, leading to increased pressure on maintenance resources.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) is taking a major step in sustainable aviation by applying a riblet-shaped coating to its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Developed with JAXA and Orwell, this innovation helps reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. As part of a pilot program, JAL has applied the coating to 30% of a 787-9 fuselage. On the Tokyo/Narita-Frankfurt route, this could save 119 tons of fuel annually, cutting CO2 emissions by 381 tons. Following successful trials on a Boeing 737-800, JAL is now expanding its use on long-haul aircraft. If proven effective, the airline plans to implement this technology across its fleet, reinforcing its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
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Nayak remains focused on European line and base maintenance rather than expanding into components and engines. The acquisition aims to enhance services in the Nordic region and across Europe. The new organization will operate under the name Nayak-LM Nordic AB, combining both companies’ operations. Nayak’s Düsseldorf facility, with an 8,500 m² hangar, handles aircraft up to the size of an Airbus A330. Nordic MRO will add its expertise in ATR base maintenance, supporting airframe heavy maintenance demand expected to reach $120-140 million annually over the next decade.
Both companies provide line maintenance for various commercial aircraft, as well as airworthiness management and engineering services.
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GA Telesis has opened its new Latin America and Caribbean headquarters in San Salvador, aiming to expand business opportunities and MRO services in the region. Initially focused on component distribution and used serviceable material, the hub will also explore MRO services such as aircraft systems, landing gear, and auxiliary power units. CEO Abdol Moabery highlighted Latin America’s rapid aviation growth, with a 31% increase in MRO demand expected over the next decade. The company plans to partner with OEMs to tackle supply chain challenges and may introduce Specialized Procedures Aeroengine Hospitals (SPAHs) for faster engine repairs. San Salvador was chosen for its skilled bilingual workforce and proximity to MRO provider Aeroman. Leading the expansion is Bosco Rico, newly appointed VP for Latin America and the Caribbean, who brings over 25 years of industry experience. GA Telesis is also eyeing regional technology talent to support its AI and blockchain initiatives, following the launch of its WILBUR platform and R&D Center in Turkey. Existing operations in Mexico City, São Paulo, and Santiago will now report to the San Salvador headquarters to enhance regional coordination.
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In October, Airbus maintained strong production momentum, delivering 62 aircraft to 37 customers worldwide. Single-aisle models dominated, with 56 deliveries. The A321neo led with 32 units delivered to airlines such as Jet2, Delta Airlines, and easyJet, followed by 14 A320neos for carriers like IndiGo and China Eastern. The A319neo saw two deliveries to China Southern and Tibetan Airlines. The A220 family contributed eight deliveries, including seven A220-300s to Air France, Breeze, and Delta Airlines, and one A220-100 to ITA Airways. Widebody deliveries included two A350s for Lufthansa and Japan Airlines, three A330neos for Corsair, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta Airlines, and one A330-200 for the Royal Saudi Air Force. These deliveries highlight Airbus’ global reach and adaptability to customer needs.
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Delta Air Lines and Airbus have announced a partnership to develop advanced aerospace technologies, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. Unveiled on January 7 at the CES conference in Las Vegas, the collaboration highlights Delta’s commitment to innovation in aviation. Delta, which operates about 480 Airbus aircraft and plans to acquire 200 more, will work with Airbus’s UpNext unit on projects such as improved wing performance, fuel efficiency, superconductivity, and advanced aircraft systems. A key focus is Delta’s involvement in Airbus’s GEESE program, which tests fuel-saving techniques through jets flying in close formation, leveraging aerodynamic lift from leading aircraft. Delta will participate in the next phase of GEESE tests in late 2025, building on earlier trials with airlines like Air France and Virgin Atlantic. The partnership also includes joint efforts to expand sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) availability at Delta’s Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, supporting both companies’ goals for greener aviation.
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FEAM Aero is expanding into advanced air mobility (AAM) by partnering with UrbanLink Air Mobility to support its electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) fleet and other electric aircraft. UrbanLink’s fleet, launching in April 2024, includes cutting-edge electric vehicles and plans for operations in the U.S. and Europe.
FEAM brings extensive infrastructure, including 50+ global stations, maintenance facilities, and a training program to prepare mechanics for electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Partnerships with SkyDrive and ZeroAvia further position FEAM as a leader in AAM maintenance and innovation, with plans for hydrogen production and support for next-generation aircraft. With its bold vision and strategic collaborations, FEAM Aero is shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
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BAE Systems has shared updates on its PHASA-35, a solar-powered, ultra-long-endurance aircraft developed by its subsidiary Prismatic, as it moves closer to operational deployment by 2026. During recent trials at Spaceport America in New Mexico and over the White Sands Missile Range, the PHASA-35 flew for 24 hours, reaching an altitude of over 66,000 feet and operating in the stratosphere. The uncrewed aircraft, weighing 150kg with a 35m wingspan, carried a BAE-developed software-defined radio payload, demonstrating its suitability for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The tests were sponsored by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center. Prismatic CEO Bob Davidson called the trials a significant milestone, highlighting efforts to accelerate development. Meanwhile, BAE announced an upgraded PHASA-35 model with over double the solar power capacity, enabling extended and more complex missions starting next year. While primarily designed for military roles, the PHASA-35 has potential civilian applications, including communications, border security, and disaster relief, according to BAE.
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Dubai-based Emirates (EK/UAE) has welcomed its first Airbus A350-900, a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion strategy. This aircraft is the first of 65 A350-900s ordered, which will support the establishment of a new “Mega Hub” at Dubai World Central (DWC) airport. Configured with a three-class cabin—32 business class, 21 premium economy, and 321 economy seats—the A350 also features Airbus’ HBCplus satcom system, providing global connectivity. As the most modern and efficient aircraft in the 300-410 seat range, it can operate on a 50% SAF fuel blend, helping Emirates achieve its emissions goals. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and featuring wings manufactured in North Wales, the A350 fleet will play a pivotal role in broadening Dubai’s economic agenda, with plans to connect 400 cities to its trade map over the next decade.
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The Italian government has approved the acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace by Turkish UAV manufacturer Baykar Technologies, ending the company’s six years in extraordinary receivership. The sale includes all of Piaggio’s assets and operations.
Baykar was chosen from three bidders after the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy determined its plan best serves Piaggio’s creditors and employees. The acquisition aims to secure Piaggio’s future, maintaining its workforce and production capabilities while revitalizing its industrial operations.
Baykar plans to expand its presence in the European aerospace market and has committed to strengthening Piaggio’s aircraft production, engine maintenance, and component manufacturing activities. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Piaggio has been in financial distress since 2018 when its main shareholder, Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, withdrew support. Despite multiple failed attempts to find a buyer, this acquisition offers a clear plan for Piaggio’s long-term recovery and growth.
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Vertical Aerospace has entered Phase 2B of flight testing for its VX4 prototype, successfully performing piloted low-speed maneuvers at Kemble airfield in England. Chief test pilot Simon Davies conducted the January tests, which included roll, yaw, and spot-turn maneuvers, with speeds capped at 20 knots. Since its first flight in July 2024, the VX4 has progressed from hovering to low-speed operations, utilizing lift from its eight propellers. Vertical Aerospace is collaborating with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to secure approval for Phase 3 wingborne flight tests. This phase will test manual control of the VX4’s flight surfaces and forward rotors. The VX4, featuring advanced aerodynamics with flaps, flaperons, ailerons, and ruddervators, aims for certification and service entry by 2028. Future testing will evaluate transitions between thrustborne and wingborne flight modes at speeds of 40–75 knots. In preparation, the company has added test pilot Tim Eldridge to its team and anticipates the maiden flight of a second VX4 prototype, currently being completed by GKN Aerospace, in Q2 2025.
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On December 20, 2024, Lufthansa Group announced the purchase of five additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total order for this type from 10 to 15. Valued at approximately $2 billion, these aircraft are set for delivery between 2028 and 2030. Currently, Lufthansa operates 28 A350-900s, with 47 more expected by 2031. The A350-1000, 73.8 meters long, offers about 15% more passenger capacity than the A350-900. Lufthansa plans to use these fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft to replace older four-engine models, such as the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340 series. With this latest order, Lufthansa has now ordered 770 aircraft from Airbus, solidifying its status as the manufacturer’s largest customer worldwide.
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Jeju Air’s Boeing 737-800, operating as flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport on the morning of December 29, 2024. Initially, rescue teams reported that one passenger and one crew member survived, found in the tail section of the aircraft. By 21:00, 12 hours after the accident, authorities confirmed the deaths of 179 people. Two crew members were rescued and taken to hospitals in Seoul.
Investigation into the Cause of the Crash.
According to local transportation officials, the pilots made a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control after a bird strike. BBC reports that the bird strike occurred while the aircraft was attempting to land, and the pilots communicated with ATC, who then directed the plane to land from the opposite direction. The aircraft attempted to land but was unable to deploy its landing gear. After landing without the gear, it skidded and collided with a wall. The pilot in the cockpit has over 9,800 flight hours and has been in the position since 2019.
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Landing gear is crucial for ensuring an aircraft’s safe takeoff and landing. A malfunction can prevent the aircraft from landing smoothly and lead to serious safety risks. If landing gear fails, the aircraft can become uncontrollable, skid on the runway, or result in fire hazards. Following recent news of a South Korean plane crashing during landing, another alarming incident occurred when an Air Canada DH8-400 aircraft landed with a broken landing gear at Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Dec 29, 2024. The plane, traveling from St. John’s to Halifax, scraped its left wing on the runway during landing, sparking a fire. Passenger Nikki Valentine described the dramatic moments, saying, “We heard a loud crash as the wing scraped the pavement, and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane.” Videos clearly showed the aircraft scraping the runway and sparking a fire. Fortunately, none of the 73 passengers and crew members on board were injured. This event marks the latest example in a series of aviation accidents in Halifax. Previous incidents, including those in 1965, 1998, and 2015, highlight Halifax’s place in aviation history. For instance, in 1998, Swissair Flight 111 veered off course due to smoke in the cockpit but crashed into the ocean before reaching Halifax, killing 229 people. This event in Halifax emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance for landing gear systems and the readiness of airports’ emergency response capabilities. The functionality of landing gear systems is critical not only for aircraft maintenance teams but also for passenger safety.
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Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus (FlyPGS) has made a historic deal with US manufacturer Boeing, placing an order for 200 aircraft to strengthen its fleet in line with its growth strategy. The order consists of a firm purchase of 100 Boeing 737 Max 10s and an additional 100 options for more Max 10s. Deliveries of the first aircraft are expected to begin in 2028. With an average fleet age of 4.5 years, Pegasus currently operates the youngest fleet in Turkey and ranks among the youngest fleets globally. Pegasus CEO Güliz Öztürk stated that, following the pandemic, the airline has contributed to Turkey’s target of attracting 100 million visitors and generating 100 billion USD in tourism revenue by achieving record growth in the tourism sector.
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The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, was struck by three surface-to-air missiles that caused critical damage to its flight controls. Despite the pilots’ efforts to manage an emergency landing across the Caspian Sea, the aircraft broke apart on impact and caught fire. Remarkably, 29 passengers survived, with many recounting hearing three loud explosions before the aircraft lost control. Crash site investigations revealed shrapnel damage to the tail and elevators, corroborating survivors’ accounts.
The Kremlin released a rare statement expressing deep condolences and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. While stopping short of directly admitting responsibility, Russian authorities cited active air defenses in the region due to ongoing attacks by Ukrainian drones. Officials also suggested that electronic countermeasures may have interfered with the plane’s guidance systems.
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Helicopter’s improved empennage for the R22, R44, and R66 models. The new empennage, featuring a symmetrical horizontal stabilizer and tailcone, enhances flight safety and roll stability, particularly during high-speed flights. This upgrade is now standard on new Robinson models and is available as a retrofit option. Following FAA approvals, Robinson has delivered 250 new helicopters and over 700 retrofit kits, with a discounted price of $3,600 for the retrofit kits through December 2025. Additionally, the service life of the R22 and R44 main rotor blades has been extended from 12 to 15 years. In 2025, three new training courses will be introduced: R66 Transition, Avionics and Autopilot Familiarization, and Post-Maintenance Procedures. These courses aim to equip pilots with the skills necessary to safely and effectively perform post-maintenance flights. These advancements strengthen Robinson Helicopter’s commitment to enhancing flight safety and operational efficiency.
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On November 25, 2024, a DHL Boeing 737 cargo plane en route from Leipzig to Vilnius Airport (VNO) crashed near Liepkalnis Hill while approaching the runway. The aircraft struck a two-story residential building at 05:28 local time, causing a fire. Emergency teams, including Vilnius Airport’s fire brigade, responded promptly. One pilot was rescued with injuries, and two of the four on board received medical attention. Unfortunately, one person lost their life. The cause remains unknown, but ATC recordings show the crew was in contact with controllers before the crash. Despite being cleared to land, the crew did not respond to ATC.
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On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a Boeing 737 operated by TUI fly Belgium (TB) suffered a collapse of its nose landing gear while parked at Brussels Airport. The incident occurred after TUI Airways’ flight TB1012 arrived from Málaga (AGP), Spain. The airline has announced that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. The incident occurred after the aircraft’s mobile airstairs were removed. According to witnesses, all doors were initially secured during departure preparations, but a flight attendant mistakenly reopened one of the main boarding doors, causing the crew member to fall from the aircraft. The Airport Ambulance Service responded quickly to the situation, and the injured crew member was taken to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham for treatment. The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.
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Now, the MRO industry is going to see a sea change with Lufthansa Technik teaming up with Microsoft to lead from the front in integrating artificial intelligence into aircraft maintenance processes. In this strategic collaboration, the Azure AI Services and cloud platform by Microsoft are being put to work for more than 50 AI-driven use cases, targeting complex challenges and redefining MRO efficiency. The partnership is a cornerstone of Lufthansa Technik’s “Digitize the Core”-a vision to revolutionize its core operations with clearly advanced digital technologies. The initiative aims at enhancing service delivery by smoothing workflows and introducing cutting-edge solutions that set new benchmarks in MRO excellence. Dr. William Willms, the Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa Technik, underlined the transformative power of this deal: “The collaboration enables us to tap the power of AI in solving complex challenges, further improving operations, and bringing additional value to our customers.”. Sample key use cases are optimizing layover planning, where AI is expected to reduce aircraft time on the ground by 5-10%, saving operators much money. Equipping it with LLMs and memory-enabled cognitive architecture will empower Lufthansa Technik to handle immense volumes of data-from technical instructions and images toward extracting actionable insights and automating such complex tasks. This AI-driven approach ensures not only a boost in efficiency but also an improvement in the accuracy and reliability of the processes involved in maintenance. As this partnership develops, it will certainly set new standards for MRO and push faster, cost-effective, innovative solutions in aviation. The collaboration of Lufthansa Technik with Microsoft underlines that AI is going to be the future of MRO and will open doors toward a more digitally advanced aviation ecosystem.
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A flight attendant for Swiss International Air Lines has died a week after the jet was forced to land in Austria over smoke filling the cabin and cockpit. The December 23 flight from Bucharest to Zurich diverted to Graz, where 74 passengers safely evacuated from the Airbus A220-300. One of the two crew members who were hospitalized after the incident died Monday in intensive care, the flight attendant. Swiss confirmed that all passengers who required medical attention have since been discharged.
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Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air, together with its UK subsidiary Wizz Air UK, has reached an agreement with Pratt & Whitney due to engine issues that have caused many of its aircraft to remain grounded. The issues are affecting Wizz Air’s A320neo aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines, with approximately 40 of these aircraft expected to stay grounded throughout 2025, and possibly into 2026. The agreement with Pratt & Whitney includes a support package to facilitate the necessary engine inspections, as well as compensation for the downtime of the aircraft. In a statement, the airline said, “The company continues to take proactive measures to minimize the financial and operational impact of grounded aircraft and will continue working with Pratt & Whitney to ensure the aircraft return to service as quickly as possible.” Wizz Air has removed about 1,000 engines from its Airbus fleet for inspection for microscopic cracks. Despite the ongoing challenges, the airline still plans to add 50 more A320neo family aircraft to its fleet in the next 18 months. The issues have impacted the airline’s financial performance, leading to lower-than-expected growth in 2024. However, the airline expects to return to a growth trajectory by 2026, with a 20% increase in seat capacity during this period.