Airlines

A near-collision between 2 planes in Austin prompts an FAA investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Southwest Airlines plane was given the go-ahead to depart from the same runway at an airport in Austin, Texas, forcing a FedEx cargo plane to alter its course during an attempted landing.

On Saturday morning, the FedEx plane was given the go-ahead to land while still a distance away from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the FAA reported. The Southwest flight was given the all clear to depart by an air traffic controller just before the FedEx plane was scheduled to land.

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The incident happened when Austin-Bergstrom International Airport air traffic controllers authorised a FedEx cargo plane to land on the same runway that a Southwest passenger plane was authorised to take off on. Once the error was discovered, the FedEx jet aborted its landing and climbed back to its original height.

According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration, “the pilot of the FedEx jet abandoned the landing and commenced a climb out.” A FedEx spokeswoman later told the reporters that their plane also made a safe landing after the incident, and the Southwest plane was able to take off without problem.

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The incident was described as a “potential runway incursion and overflight” in a tweet by the National Transportation Safety Board. Flightradar24’s flight data reveals the two aircraft approaching one another on the runway.

The NTSB is investigating an incident involving a Southwest 737 and FedEx 767 that occurred today in Austin. Initial ADS-B data show the landing 767 overflying the departing 737. We are processing granular data now. https://t.co/twHCydm5ix https://t.co/wZ3Z0xKJem pic.twitter.com/nkKVjshXmf

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 5, 2023

In a statement, FedEx claimed that their cargo plane from Memphis safely touched down at the airport “after encountering an occurrence.” According to FlightAware data, the Southwest Airlines flight departed Austin 15 minutes later than expected but made an early arrival in Cancun, Mexico.

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Related Topics:FedEx Plane southwest airlines

Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.