Flight Safety Information - November 17, 2025 No. 229 In This Issue : Incident: Swiss A333 at Newark on Nov 15th 2025, lightning strike : Incident: ASL UK AT72 at East Midlands on Nov 14th 2025, tyre and runway damage on landing : Incident: TAP A20N at Lisbon on Nov 14th 2025, lightning strike : Incident: JAL B763 at Kagoshima on Nov 14th 2025, bird strike : Incident: Jet2 B738 at Bristol on Nov 11th 2025, wing tip strike on go around : FAA grounds additional planes in aftermath of UPS cargo jet crash : Flight diverted to Lambert due to bomb threat : Fokker introduces anti-jamming and spoofing solution : Emirates announces an order of 65 Boeing 777-9s with list price of $38 billion at Dubai Air Show : Ethiopian Airlines Commits to Order 11 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes : FAA Proposes Boeing 777, 787 Safety Fixes : PhD GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY REQUEST : Calendar of Event Incident: Swiss A333 at Newark on Nov 15th 2025, lightning strike A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration HB-JHA performing flight LX-18 from Zurich (Switzerland) to Newark,NJ (USA) with 120 people on board, was descending through about 11000 feet towards Newark when the aircraft received a lightning strike prompting the crew to request priority. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Newark's runway 22L about 15 minutes later. The airline confirmed a lightning strike, as a precaution the crew requested a priority landing. Maintenance detected traces of a lightning strike, the return flight was cancelled and the passengers rebooked onto other flights. Passengers reported cabin crew were just performing the final checks for landing when a loud bang and bright flash occurred, a burning smell on board developed and disappeared again. The flight crew announced they had just received a lightning strike, all systems were working normally. The aircraft was received and checked by emergency services after landing. The aircraft is still on the ground in Newark about 32 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52fcf720&opt=0 Incident: ASL UK AT72 at East Midlands on Nov 14th 2025, tyre and runway damage on landing An ASL Airlines UK Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A freighter, registration G-OASB performing flight ABV-108 from Guernsey,CI to East Midlands,EN (UK), landed on East Midland's runway 09 at 20:55L (20:55Z), vacated the runway and became disabled on the turn off just after crossing the hold short line. Emergency services responded, the runway and aerodrome needed to be closed until about 02:00L (02:00Z) due to damage to the runway caused by damaged tyres/wheel rims of G-OASB. Several arrivals needed to divert as result of the aerodrome closure. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in East Midlands about 38 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52fc6967&opt=0 Incident: TAP A20N at Lisbon on Nov 14th 2025, lightning strike A TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320-200N, registration CS-TVP performing flight TP-862 from Lisbon (Portugal) to Venice (Italy), was climbing out of Lisbon's runway 20 when the aircraft was struck by lightning. The crew stopped the climb at FL240 and subsequently decided to return to Lisbon. The aircraft landed safely on runway 20 about 50 minutes after departure. A replacement A320-200N registration CS-TVJ reached Venice with a delay of about 5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Lisbon about 30 hours after landing back. Portuguese Media also report, that the crew received indications of a temporary power loss on one of the engines (Leap) as result of the lightning strike. The airline confirmed a lightning strike on departure from Lisbon. https://avherald.com/h?article=52fbff06&opt=0 Incident: JAL B763 at Kagoshima on Nov 14th 2025, bird strike A JAL Japan Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration JA612J performing flight JL-646 from Kagoshima to Tokyo Haneda (Japan) with 258 people on board, was climbing out of Kagoshima's runway 34 when the right hand engine (CF6) ingested a number of birds prompting the crew to stop the climb at 6000 feet, enter a hold and return to Kagoshima for a safe landing on runway 34 about 50 minutes after departure. A number of fan blades of the right hand engine were damaged. The flight was cancelled, the passenger rebooked onto the next flights. The aircraft is still on the ground in Kagoshima about 29 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=52fbbc5f&opt=0 Incident: Jet2 B738 at Bristol on Nov 11th 2025, wing tip strike on go around A Jet2.com Boeing 737-800, registration G-JZBK performing flight LS-1884 from Tenerife South,CI (Spain) to Bristol,EN (UK), was on final approach to Bristol's runway 27 in gusting winds, when the crew initiated a go around at low height after the approach became unstable with the aircraft rolling left and then right. The aircraft climbed to 5000 feet, positioned for another approach to runway 27 and landed without further incident about 15 minutes later. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustaiend damage to the right hand lower part of Scimitar Winglet. The airline reported the crew performed a go around due to high winds. The aircraft returned to service about 41 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52fb17dd&opt=0 FAA grounds additional planes in aftermath of UPS cargo jet crash LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive to ground more models of planes in the aftermath of the deadly crash of UPS 2976. The UPS cargo jet crashed on Nov. 4 after the MD-11’s left engine and pylon detached during take off, according to investigators. A total of 14 people were killed. The cause of the detachment is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A former NTSB investigator said the final report on the crash could take two years. A WAVE Troubleshooter investigation found the plane had undergone repairs for corrosion and a crack in September and October. Prior to that, FAA records show maintenance workers repaired a crack on the crashed UPS plane’s left engine pylon in 2019. On Nov. 8, the FAA issued an order, grounding all MD-11s and MD-11Fs until the airplanes could be inspected and ‘all applicable corrective actions’ were performed. On Nov. 14, the FAA said they determined additional airplane models should be grounded due to their similarity in design of the engine-pylon structure to that of the MD-11 and MD-11F. Those models include: MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F. https://www.wave3.com/2025/11/15/faa-grounds-additional-planes-aftermath-ups-cargo-jet-crash/ Flight diverted to Lambert due to bomb threat The plane continued on its way after authorities searched, and no bomb was found. ST. LOUIS — A bomb threat caused a commercial aircraft to divert early Sunday to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Lambert officials confirm that United Airlines flight 380 arrived in St. Louis around 8:39 a.m. due to the threat. K-9 units searched the airplane, and nothing was found. Passengers were reboarded on the airplane. It landed at Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 2:50 p.m. The plane left Dallas Fort Worth International at 6:57 a.m. Sunday and was originally expected to land in Chicago at about 9:30 a.m. Airport officials said they could not comment about any possible criminal investigation. https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/flight-diverted-to-lambert-due-to-bomb-threat/63-29a948f7-117f-4b12-a764-ee9b8dd8c298 Fokker introduces anti-jamming and spoofing solution Fokker Services Group (FSG) has introduced its GPS anti-jamming and anti-spoofing solution for civil aircraft at the Dubai Airshow amid growing global concern over GPS jamming and spoofing incidents. FSG’s solution goes beyond detection, actively countering GPS jamming and spoofing attempts. Unlike current offerings that only identify interference, FSG said its system provides full-spectrum defence, ensuring uninterrupted navigation and enhanced situational awareness for pilots. “Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Menzo van der Beek, CEO of FSG. “We assembled a team of experts to develop a solution that directly addresses the hazards posed by GPS disruptions. With very positive test results and expected entry into service scheduled for January 2026 with undisclosed launching operators, we’re confident this solution will bring peace of mind to pilots, crews and airlines.” Key features of the solution include: active countermeasures against GPS jamming and spoofing, no additional pilot training required, delivered as a complete modification kit, including all parts and engineering bulletins and seamless integration with existing avionics and flight deck procedures. This solution is especially relevant for aircraft operating in regions where GPS interference is increasingly reported, such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe, said FSG. https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/fokker-introduces-anti-jamming-and-spoofing-solution/ Emirates announces an order of 65 Boeing 777-9s with list price of $38 billion at Dubai Air Show DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The biennial Dubai Air Show opened on Monday with hometown airline Emirates ordering 65 of Boeing's upcoming 777-9 aircraft, as the carrier looks to increase its fleets off record earnings and unending demand for flights through this East-West travel hub. Emirates valued the deal with Boeing and GE Engines at $38 billion at list prices, although airlines often negotiate lower prices in major orders. Emirates is betting big on Boeing's next plane The announcement brings the total of Boeing 777-9s on order for Emirates to 270, making it Boeing's largest customer for the aircraft, even as the plane has suffered repeated delays in entering service. Emirates relies heavily on the double-decker Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777, and has also started flying the Airbus A350. “It’s a long-term commitment that supports hundreds of thousands of high-value factory jobs, and it reinforces our 40-year partnership with Boeing and GE,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman and chief executive of Emirates. “Emirates is already the world’s largest operator of the 777 — all powered by the GE engines — and after today's order, I expect to remain the biggest 777 operator for the years to come.” Sheikh Ahmed added that Emirates continued to encourage manufacturers to build larger aircraft with more capacity as air travel is only expected to grow. However, he smiled and looked at Boeing when putting forward his hoped-for timeline for putting the 777-9 in service for Emirates. “We look forward to receiving delivery of our first 777-9s starting from the second quarter of 2027,” he said. Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, offered no timeline for the plane's entry to service in her brief remarks. “The 777-9 will further support Emirates mission to connect people and places around the globe like never before,” she said. Meanwhile, Boeing announced a firm order of 11 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft by Ethiopian Airlines and Air Côte d’Ivoir made a firm order of four Embraer E175 aircraft. The air show will also see renewed interest in flying taxis, something the sheikhdom long has promised and now hopes to deliver on next year. Military sales as well remain a focus, with Russia again taking part despite facing Western sanctions over its grinding, yearslong war on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israeli firms won't be attending over lingering anger from the devastating Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Emirates, the state-owned flagship airline of Dubai, earned annual profits of $5.2 billion in the last fiscal year and passenger numbers remain record-breaking at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel. The airline made a $52 billion purchase of Boeing Co. aircraft at the 2023 edition of the air show, which takes place at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. FlyDubai, the lower-cost sister to Emirates, also has seen record-breaking earnings, and likely wants to expand its fleet of single-aisle aircraft. The airline currently flies 95 Boeing 737 variants, with Airbus wanting to break into the carrier's fleet. FlyDubai ordered $11 billion worth of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at the last air show, which when delivered will be the airline's first wide-body aircraft. Al Maktoum airport itself is on the agenda for Dubai's government. It plans a $35 billion project to expand to five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, to be completed within the next decade. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport. Those additional slots coming online will help Emirates and FlyDubai grow their network, and require more aircraft to fly those routes. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/dubai-air-show-opens-local-055654210.html Ethiopian Airlines Commits to Order 11 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes New 737 MAX agreement to expand African carrier's regional and international route networks Ethiopian Airlines has the largest backlog of Boeing airplanes in Africa DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines announced today Africa's largest carrier has committed to purchase 11 additional 737 MAX jets. The agreement for 11 737-8, signed at the Dubai Airshow, will enable Ethiopian Airlines to grow its regional and international networks and expand its Addis Ababa hub. "We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow," said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. "The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort." The carrier leverages the reliability, efficiency and range of its 737 MAX fleet on routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, where quick turnarounds and frequency are essential to meet passenger demand. "Ethiopian Airlines' commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and region," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We are proud that our efficient and versatile airplanes will continue to play a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines' growth as they further connect the African continent and the world." Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing airplane fleet in Africa and has the largest backlog of 737 MAXs, 777X and 787 Dreamliner airplanes on the continent. A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ethiopian-airlines-commits-to-order-11-boeing-737-max-airplanes-302617001.html FAA Proposes Boeing 777, 787 Safety Fixes FAA issues safety directives for 165 Boeing 787 and 340 Boeing 777 jets in the U.S., targeting MCP and landing gear pump issues. WASHINGTON- Airlines operating Boeing 787 jets from the US Hubs are being asked to replace mode control panels (MCP) following reports of uncommanded altitude changes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed critical safety directives affecting Boeing 787 aircraft operating in the United States. The directive is aimed at preventing potential controlled flight incidents. FAA Proposes 787 Safety Fixes Boeing 787s that are being operated from hubs such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) are one aircraft types to have received the directives. The FAA’s proposed airworthiness directive for the Boeing 787 covers all U.S.-registered variants, including -8, -9, and -10 models, totaling 165 aircraft, reported Flight Global. Reports indicate the MCP, manufactured by Honeywell, can cause uncommanded changes to the selected altitude due to software malfunctions and electrical power irregularities. Operators are required to follow Boeing’s April service bulletin to replace the faulty panels. Failure to comply could result in controlled flight into terrain or traffic conflicts. The FAA estimates the replacement cost at $405,000 per aircraft, although Honeywell may cover part of this expense under warranty. Public feedback on the proposal is open for 45 days following 17 November. 777 Landing Gear Recall Similarly, Boeing 777 operators must replace main landing gear pumps after a wheel well fire raised safety concerns. The Boeing 777 fleet, comprising 340 U.S.-registered jets, faces a separate FAA directive after a wheel well fire caused by an overheating alternating current motor pump (ACMP). Investigations revealed a missing lock washer and nut in the electrical load control unit, which allowed two-phase power to reach the pump, leading to overheating and hydraulic fluid leakage. Boeing issued a service bulletin on 11 September recommending operators inspect records and replace ACMPs with modified pumps that include fusible links to prevent future overheating. The FAA requires airlines to follow these procedures to ensure flight safety. Comments on this proposed rule are also being accepted from the public. Industry Impact These directives reflect growing attention to both electronic and mechanical safety systems in commercial aviation. Airlines must act swiftly to implement repairs to avoid potential incidents and comply with regulatory requirements. While costs are significant, the directives aim to protect passengers, crews, and the broader aviation network from preventable hazards. The FAA’s twin directives targeting the Boeing 787 and 777 fleets highlight the importance of proactive maintenance and regulatory oversight. By replacing faulty MCPs and ACMPs, operators reduce risks of altitude errors and wheel well fires, enhancing overall flight safety. Both directives remain open for public comment, giving industry stakeholders a chance to provide input before final rules are enacted. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/11/16/faa-proposes-boeing-777-787-safety-fixes/ PhD GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY REQUEST My name is Nathan Schultz, and I am a doctoral candidate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Ph.D. in Aviation program. I am conducting my dissertation research under the guidance of Dr. Scott Winter. We are interested in understanding pilot perspectives on operating at airports under various weather conditions. I am seeking participants to complete a brief online survey (5-7 minutes). Eligibility Requirements: -Must be 18 years of age or older -Must hold an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certification -Must be a current or former pilot of crewed aircraft (UAS-only pilots are not eligible) Additional Information: -Participation is entirely voluntary and anonymous -There will be no compensation for participation -The study has been approved by the Embry-Riddle Institutional Review Board (IRB) Please use the following electronic questionnaire link: https://forms.gle/x6rbqNRGiRYm96ADA Best regards, Nathan Schultz PhD in Aviation, Candidate Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis