Flight Buzz
Don’t come to conclusions till final report: Andhra Aviation Minister
VISAKHAPATNAM:Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Saturday said that while the preliminary report on the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad has been released, definitive conclusions can only be drawn after the final report is released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Speaking on the sidelines of Rozgar Mela held in Visakhapatnam, he said, “The preliminary report has come in, but for any concrete conclusions, we must wait for the final report. We will fully assist the AAIB in completing it.”
He commended the AAIB for conducting the investigation in a professional and transparent manner. “It was a highly commendable effort and particularly challenging investigation. This marked the first time that the black box was safely recovered, and its data decoded entirely within India, at the AAIB laboratory in Delhi. This is a significant milestone,” he said.
Noting that all international protocols were strictly adhered to during the investigation, the Union Minister added, “We are closely coordinating with the agency, and will provide any additional support or resources required. The AAIB remains the nodal authority for the investigation.”
Responding to questions about the content of the preliminary report, the Civil Aviation Minister remarked, “I believe i t would be more appropriate to comment once the final report is released. Right now, based on what the report has stated, there are multiple other things that need to be looked into before the final report is out. We want the final report to come in to look at things. So let us wait till then.”
He also acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on the families of the victims. “This is an extremely difficult time for the families who have lost their loved ones. The Civil Aviation Ministry is committed to doing everything within its purview to support them during this period,” Ram Mohan Naidu assured.
It may be recalled that the Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12. The accident resulted in the death of 260 individuals, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 civilians on the ground.
Flight Buzz
United States Delta Airlines Flight Makes Shocking Emergency Return to Los Angeles After Sudden Mid-Air Engine Fire Sparks Major Aviation Safety Response
Saturday, July 19, 2025
A Delta Airlines flight traveling within the United States was forced to make an unexpected emergency landing after a sudden and intense engine fire broke out shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport. The aircraft, bound for Atlanta, experienced the mid-air emergency just minutes into its journey, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and return to LAX. The fire in the left engine triggered a rapid aviation safety response, with airport firefighting units deployed to secure the landing. Thanks to the crew’s swift actions and precise coordination with air traffic control, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were unharmed, averting what could have been a far more serious incident.
Delta Airlines Boeing 767 Returns to LAX After Engine Fire Shortly After Takeoff on July 18, 2025
A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta made an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on July 18, 2025, after its left engine caught fire shortly after departure. The incident, which involved Flight DL446, highlights the critical role of swift crew response and airport emergency services in maintaining aviation safety.
Incident Overview
Flight DL446, operated by Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, departed from Los Angeles at its scheduled time and was en route to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) when the flight crew observed abnormal indications suggesting a fire in the aircraft’s left engine. The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 767-400ER, a wide-body twin-engine jet, registered as N836MH and equipped with two General Electric CF6 engines.
Just minutes after liftoff, as the aircraft climbed over the Pacific Ocean, the pilots declared an emergency due to the engine anomaly and requested a priority return to LAX. According to radar tracking from Flightradar24, the aircraft ascended before circling over the Downey and Paramount areas, maintaining controlled altitude and speed while the crew carried out emergency protocols.
Emergency Response and Safe Landing
As the aircraft prepared to return, air traffic controllers coordinated closely with emergency response teams at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). Fire and rescue units, including ARFF2 and ground vehicles 089 and 0870, were immediately dispatched to meet the arriving plane.
The Boeing 767 landed safely back at LAX, where fire crews were able to confirm that the flames had been extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or the crew. Passengers remained calm during the return, and the captain reportedly made announcements to reassure travelers as fire crews performed post-landing checks.
Upon landing, the aircraft was brought to a controlled stop, and fire personnel conducted a visual inspection to verify that the fire had been completely extinguished. The aircraft was later towed to a designated maintenance area for a more thorough examination.
Eyewitness Coverage and Media Attention
Live coverage from aviation enthusiasts streaming on YouTube via the “LA Flights” channel showed the aircraft’s emergency landing in real time. Viewers could see flames coming from the left engine as the aircraft descended back to LAX. The video also captured partial air traffic control communications, providing additional insight into the coordinated efforts to ensure a safe landing.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved in the incident, N836MH, is a 24.6-year-old Boeing 767-432(ER). This long-range model is commonly used on transcontinental and international routes by Delta Air Lines. The Boeing 767 family has served the airline reliably for decades, and although aging, these aircraft are subject to stringent maintenance and inspection protocols.
Previous Similar Event
This is not the first time Delta has faced a similar situation this year. On January 1, 2025, another Delta flight, DL105, experienced a left engine fire shortly after takeoff from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. That flight, bound for São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) in Brazil, was being operated with an Airbus A330-900neo registered as N408DX.
According to flight tracking data, DL105 had just climbed through approximately 4,725 feet when the crew identified a problem with the left engine. Though the crew did not formally declare an emergency, they promptly notified Atlanta Air Traffic Control and turned back toward ATL. The aircraft landed safely despite a heavy landing due to insufficient time to burn off fuel. Emergency crews were ready on the tarmac and sprayed the aircraft’s brakes to prevent overheating.
Investigation and Safety Protocols
In the case of DL446, federal aviation authorities, along with Delta’s internal safety team, are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the engine fire. All aircraft are designed with robust systems that isolate and extinguish engine fires, and the successful handling of this situation underscores the importance of training and protocol compliance.
Aircraft engine fires, while rare, are taken extremely seriously. The swift action of DL446’s flight crew, who followed standard operating procedures, allowed all passengers to return safely. Incidents like this also emphasize the importance of regular aircraft maintenance, especially for older models still in active service.
A Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta was forced to make an emergency return after a sudden engine fire mid-air triggered a major aviation safety response. Quick action by the crew ensured a safe landing with no injuries reported.
The emergency return of Delta Flight DL446 on July 18, 2025, was a dramatic yet professionally managed event that ensured the safety of everyone on board. From the moment the fire was detected to the safe landing and firefighting response, the coordination between Delta’s crew and Los Angeles airport authorities was swift and effective. As investigations proceed, Delta is expected to review the findings closely to prevent similar events in the future and uphold its commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Looking at the fleets of the United States ‘Big Three’ legacy carriers, one aircraft remains missing: the Airbus A350-1000. However, this won’t be the case for long. Currently, Delta Air Lines, based out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), is the only airline in the United States, and North America for that matter, to operate the Airbus A350 family of aircraft, albeit the A350-900 model.
Both Delta and United Airlines have their sights set on the A350 family, with DL operating the A350-900 already, and United on the European manufacturer’s order book for 45 examples of the type. Delta will also later become the first operator in North America of the A350-1000, with deliveries expected to begin at some stage in 2026.
Key Characteristics Of The A350-1000
The A350-1000 is a stretched version of the A350-900, clocking in at 23 feet (7 meters) longer than the -900. This allows the aircraft to carry (in a standard layout), on average, 40 additional passengers. This extra capacity is a key attraction for many airlines, which look to deploy these game-changing aircraft on high-demand routes, improving yield without compromising on operating frequency.
The A350-1000 is powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which provide more power and thrust than the XWB-84 (Airbus A350-900 engines). The XWB-97 provides up to 97,000 pounds of thrust, which allows the plane to climb efficiently, even when fully loaded. While the A350-900 has a longer range (8,100 nautical miles) than the A350-1000 (7,970 nautical miles), the benefit of the larger aircraft is that it has improved passenger and cargo capacity.
Various global airlines have utilized the capabilities of the A350-1000 to be deployed on popular, high-demand routes, like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways from their respective hubs to other major international destinations. For example, BA flies the type from London to New York, and Qatar Airways uses it on flights from Doha to Miami and San Francisco.
Delta Will Soon Take Flight With The A350-1000
SkyTeammember Delta Air Lines will become the first North American carrier to operate the Airbus A350-1000 next year, as the airline powers towards improved sustainability goals and improved returns on key trunk international routes. The airline announced the move in January last year, with an order of 20 of the fuel-efficient aircraft, with options for 20 more. According to ch-aviation, the American carrier already operates 38 units of the Airbus A350-900, with six more expected.
The arrival of the A350-1000 for Delta will see the type become the largest aircraft within the airline’s extensive list of Airbus family jets. The carrier already operates the Airbus A220-100, A220-300, A319-100, A320-200, A321-200, A321neo, A330-200, A330-300, A330-900, and Airbus A350-900. Delta also operates two widebody Boeing types, namely the 767-300ER and 767-400ER, although the 767-300ER aircraft are expected to be retired by the end of this decade.
Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer, says that the introduction of the A350-1000 is an “important step forward for our international expansion”, allowing the airline to offer more premium seats, improved onboard amenities, and expanded cargo opportunities. These aircraft are expected to be deployed on the carrier’s long-haul routes, from its main international hubs. These jets will replace other aging planes in the airline’s fleet of nearly 1,000 aircraft.
Related
Where Should Delta Fly Its A350-1000s?
The big A350 news at Delta is that the first aircraft from its order for 20 A350-1000s (+ 20 options) is set to be delivered next year, and it is expected that more than half the aircraft will be given over to premium seating.
The Airbus A350-1000 Is Absent From American Or United Airlines
Notably, the Airbus A350-1000 remains absent from either the American or United Airlines fleet or order books. For Fort Worth-based American Airlines, the oneworld carrier remains committed to operating an all-Boeing widebody fleet (for now), with four differing widebody aircraft types in operation. Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 47 Boeing 777-200ER, 20 777-300ER, 37 787-8 and 26 787-9 jets.
One of the world’s largest and most recognisable airlines is expected to continue deliveries of the 787-9 throughout 2025 and beyond, and remains the world’s largest operator of the 787-8. Not all love is lost between American and Airbus, with the carrier being the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A319-100 and A321-200, and having an existing order for 96 additional Airbus A321neo and 50 Airbus A321XLRaircraft.
Currently, for United Airlines, the carrier’s widebody fleet is made up of all Boeing aircraft, with a mix of the Boeing 767-300, 767-400ER (both expected to be replaced with the 787), 777-200ER, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 jets. The airline’s aging 777-200ER jets are expected to be replaced by both the A350-900 (international configuration), and 787 (domestic configuration).
United’s deliveries have been pushed back for the arrival of the A350-900 until 2030. Other aircraft remaining on order for the Chicago-based carrier include over 250 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (from the larger 9 and 10 variants) and 143 787 Dreamliners.
Airlines In General Are More Interested In The A350-900
Airlines are flocking to the A350-900 due to its improved range and suitability for route demands. While the A350-1000 is perfect on routes needing higher capacity, the capabilities of the A350-900 provide a wider range of versatility for airlines around the globe. The A350-900 is a long-haul workhorse, and perfect for thin routes to ultra-long-haul destinations. This makes it suitable for many airline needs, and is generally more economical to lease / purchase and subsequently operate.
Both the A350-900 and -1000 have a common pilot type rating, making it easier for airlines to operate both types of aircraft, and both jets have a similar maintenance program, which simplifies operations for airlines. The -900 has quickly captured a higher percentage of the A350 market, with its capabilities aligning perfectly with many airline requirements. January 2015 saw the introduction of the first A350 into service, with Qatar Airways being both the launch customer for the -900 and -1000 variants.
The A350 has surpassed more than 1,000 orders across the family as a whole, and Turkish Airlines is the largest on the books with more than 110 on order. Delta already operates the A350, and continues to be the sole operator of the type in North America, with United Airlines being the only other North American carrier ordering the A350.
Other North American widebody operators, such as Aeromexico and WestJet, solely operate Boeing widebody aircraft, and Canadian flag carrier Air Canada operates the Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787. Meanwhile, Montreal-based Air Transat only flies A330 airplanes as far as its widebody operations are concerned.
Related
Airbus A350-900 Vs A350-1000: Features Compared
Comparing and contrasting the modern widebody variants.
Other Notable Operators Of The Airbus A350
According to ch-aviation, 643 A350 aircraft are currently flying, with these jets serving more than 40 operators around the world. The largest operators are Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Air China, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.
Singapore Airlines, which operates 65 A350-900 aircraft, includes seven specially designed A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range) aircraft, which are specifically capable of flying the airline’s direct Singapore to New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) flights.
With 20 A350-1000 jets destined for Delta, other notable international carriers that already operate the extended type include Qatar Airways (with 24 in operation, being the current largest operator), British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Japan Airlines, Etihad Airways, Air Caraibes Atlantique, Ethiopian Airlines, and French bee.
Airlines still awaiting delivery for the A350-1000 include Korean Air, Air India, Riyadh Air, Qantas, Delta, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, Turkish Airlines, KLM, China Airlines, Lufthansa, and Philippine Airlines. Starlux has just ordered ten additional aircraft to add to its current order of 30 A350F and A350-1000. The Taiwanese carrier plans to use these aircraft to continue its expansion across key international markets to which it already flies.
What’s Next For The Airbus A350-1000?
Airbus has responded to increased demand for premium travel experiences, with the planemaker revealing new concepts for an improved first class cabin for the A350-1000. A master suite, which has been conceived by the Airbus design team, has been suggested as a suite located between two aisles that can accommodate two passengers with a dedicated toilet, bar, double bed, and changing area. This design would be in a 1-1-1 layout.
Other horizons for the A350-1000 include Qantas’ long-awaited ‘Project Sunrise’. This will see the carrier aim to fly non-stop from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to New York and London. Both Boeing and Airbus submitted proposals to the carrier back in 2019, with Qantas formally placing an order for 12 A350-1000 on May 22, 2022. The airline had initially hoped to commence these direct flights by late 2025, but now, however, it is now expected to launch these iconic flights near the end of 2026.
The up and coming Riyadh Air, which will become the second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, will welcome up to 25 A350-1000 aircraft to become part of the airline’s new long-haul fleet. Alongside the A321neo and 787-9, the carrier will operate from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh to serve over 100 destinations across six continents.
- Length
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242 ft 1 in (73.8 m)
- Wingspan
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212 ft 5 in (64.7 m)
- Height
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56 ft 0 in (17.1 m)
Flight Buzz
Punjab Governor Meets Union Civil Aviation Minister To Discuss Enhanced Connectivity At Chandigarh Airport | Auto News
Last Updated:
Kataria emphasised that enhanced connectivity, particularly direct international flights, would significantly boost tourism and support the economic aspirations.
Representational image. (File photo)
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and urged him to further strengthen the connectivity from Chandigarh airport.
According to an official release, during the meeting, the Governor discussed the need to strengthen both domestic and international air connectivity from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh, given the growing demand from residents of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and the UT of Chandigarh.
He highlighted that Chandigarh Airport serves as a crucial gateway for the entire northern region, especially for the people of Punjab and the adjoining areas.
Kataria emphasised that enhanced connectivity, particularly direct international flights, would significantly boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and support the economic aspirations of the region.
The Union Minister assured that the Ministry would actively explore possibilities and work with all stakeholders, including airlines and airport operators, to improve connectivity and upgrade passenger facilities at the airport.
The meeting marked a constructive step towards strengthening the aviation infrastructure and expanding Chandigarh’s global and domestic reach.
Earlier on Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann sought the intervention of Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi for the release of the state’s pending share of over Rs 9,000 crore related to the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Fees.
According to a Punjab government release, during a meeting at the Minister’s residence, the Chief Minister raised the issue of non-allowance of RDF since KMS 2021-22 and insufficient allowance of Market Fees since RMS 2022-23.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the purpose of RDF is to promote agriculture and rural infrastructure, including the development of rural roads, marketing infrastructure, storage facilities in mandis, and automation and mechanisation of mandis.
He said that despite amending the Punjab Rural Development Act, 1987, in accordance with the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) guidelines, the RDF has not been released since KMS 2021-22.
Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that Rs 7,737.27 crore under RDF and Rs 1,836.62 crore under Market Fees are still pending from the Union Government.
Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know …Read More
Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know … Read More
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