Airlines

US man tries to open emergency door during flight, attacks crew member

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts reports that a passenger on United Airlines was detained after he allegedly attempted to open the emergency exit door of the aircraft and subsequently stabbed a flight attendant.

On a Sunday flight from Los Angeles to Boston, the incident happened. Federal authorities claim that Francisco Severo Torres, 33, attempted to stab a flight attendant in the neck with a broken metal spoon after being confronted about tampering with the door. According to the prosecution, other passengers tackled him and the flight crew assisted in restraining him.

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The flight crew was informed that a side door had been deactivated less than an hour before the aircraft was scheduled to touch down at Boston Logan International Airport. When a flight attendant examined the door, she discovered that the emergency sliding lever had been deactivated and that the locking handle had been moved from its fully secured position. The crew then shut the hatch and fastened the slide.

The 33-year-old passenger had been observed standing close to the door for a while, so the flight crew assumed he was trying to tamper with it. The passenger “pose a threat to the aircraft,” according to the crew, who informed the captain.

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Torres is accused on one count of attempting to use a lethal weapon to interfere with members of the flight crew. He was detained in advance of a hearing on March 9 after appearing in court on Monday.

United Airlines confirmed the passenger is banned from all its flights pending an investigation and said it is cooperating with law enforcement in their probe. The airliner also said no one was injured. The airline declared in a statement that it would not tolerate any form of violence on its flights.

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Airlines

Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns

Tensions at Qantas reached new heights as base maintenance workers in Brisbane walked out of a hangar meeting hosted by the airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson.

The walkout was a clear display of displeasure and aimed to send a strong message to the company’s management about the growing frustrations within the workforce. The workers, represented by the Qantas Engineers Alliance, have been pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.

In an open display of displeasure, Qantas Base maintenance workers walked out of a hangar meet hosted by the CEO Vanessa Hudson in Brisbane, also aimed to send a message to the management.

Qantas Engineers Alliance members have been demanding decent wage increases to match with… pic.twitter.com/y9EVjc46VM— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 14, 2024

Despite ongoing discussions, the employees feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to this public show of dissent. The hangar meeting, meant to foster dialogue and address employee concerns, instead became the stage for a visible demonstration of dissatisfaction as the workers exited in unison.

For some time, the engineers and maintenance staff have expressed frustration over wage stagnation amid increasing inflation and living costs. Their demand is simple: a decent and fair wage adjustment that keeps pace with economic realities. The walkout underscores the workers’ determination to stand firm on their request for better pay and fair treatment.

As Qantas navigates its recovery post-pandemic, this incident highlights the growing internal challenges the airline faces, especially concerning its workforce. The maintenance staff’s actions have put additional pressure on the company’s leadership to address the wage concerns and avoid further escalation.