Airlines

“Boeing’s Comprehensive Nacelle Redesign: Strengthening Aircraft Safety

The 737 Next Generation (737NG) nacelle design has undergone a thorough modification by Boeing, with the goal of improving the aircraft’s resistance to broken fan blades. To address human-caused failures, including accidentally unlatched doors, the aerospace giant has indicated a need for prolonged deadlines, according to a report.

In a recent regulatory filing dated July 19, Boeing reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the FAA’s upcoming July deadline for introducing design changes. This action was motivated by two safety incidents involving Southwest Airlines 737-700s in which detachable nacelle pieces caused unexpected aircraft damage.

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The NTSB suggested that the FAA mandate redesigns of the 737NG-family nacelle that take into account analytical modelling established since the aircraft was certified in the 1990s, and then see to it that the improvements are retrofitted on the 737NG fleet. This recommendation was made in 2019. The FAA and Boeing have been cooperating for almost four years.

Boeing stated in its most recent filing that by July 31, 2023, it would have submitted all design modifications to the FAA and would have issued service bulletins to provide inlet, fan cowl, fan cowl support beam, and exhaust structure modifications for retrofit of these modifications.

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Boeing has determined that an extra 17 months will be required to develop a corrective strategy for these maintenance problems. The company is satisfied that its nacelle modifications adhere to the relevant Part 25 requirements.

As a result of the two FBO accidents, one of which had fatal repercussions and resulted in a passenger losing their life, engine manufacturer CFM modified inspection standards and blade life restrictions. These new procedures are a complement to those changes. Boeing has explained its plan to the FAA, highlighting the fact that their combined efforts are intended to reduce the possibility and effects of future FBO accidents.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.