AGP Executive Report

Aviation Safety & Security: China’s Chaoyang district says the pilot who crashed a small plane into Beijing’s CITIC Tower (“China Zun”) wrote about “ending his life,” with the incident blamed on “personal reasons,” after he deviated from an approved flight area and lost contact. Humanitarian Response: Jordan will send two aid flights to Venezuela after twin earthquakes, carrying medical supplies, food, and rescue equipment, with a field hospital expected soon. Bilateral Aviation Deals: Cambodia and the U.S. signed their first Open Skies agreement, including all-cargo seventh-freedom rights to boost third-country cargo routes. Airline Network Updates: American Airlines plans to relaunch ORD–Tokyo Narita from March 27, 2027, daily with 787-9s, marking a return after a seven-year gap. Operational Disruption & Passenger Impact: Ryanair warned EU Entry/Exit System (EES) isn’t ready for peak summer, urging earlier airport arrivals as passport queues could worsen. MRO & Fleet Support: Safran opened a Leap engine MRO facility in Mexico (Queretaro) to serve Central America, with test capacity planned to scale through 2030. Connectivity Milestone: Emirates says more than one million connections have been made to Starlink Wi-Fi since rollout began, with over 60 Starlink-equipped flights daily. Industry Governance: Ghana’s parliament ratified bilateral air service agreements with six countries to expand connectivity and tourism.

Airline Supply Chain Pressure: IATA chief Willie Walsh warned airlines are still “firefighting” engine and supply-chain problems, with extra costs topping $11bn in 2025 and turnaround issues likely to linger as OEMs ramp deliveries. Premium Fleet Upgrades: American Airlines’ first retrofitted 777-300ER is nearing service after a Hong Kong cabin overhaul under “Project Olympus,” expanding Business and Premium Economy. Cargo Growth in China-Africa Trade: Ethiopian Airlines says China is its top strategic cargo market, helped by Beijing’s zero-tariff access for African imports. Middle East Route Shifts: Asian carriers’ Europe gains are fading as Gulf airlines normalize and compete harder, though war-era booking effects may last into coming quarters. EU Border Chaos: Airports and airlines urged the EU to suspend Entry/Exit System checks in July-August, citing queues, half-empty planes, and reputational damage. New/Returning Service: United adds Cartagena nonstop links to Washington and Houston from Dec. 17; United also restores Natchez service via Houston. Operations & Safety: UPS crash documents allege it didn’t require enhanced inspections despite Boeing guidance; separate reports cover drone-safety rules for automated traffic management and a laser strike on a Nebraska State Patrol aircraft.

Aviation Safety & Training: Oman’s Ministry of Transport signed an MoC with Oman Aviation Academy to boost aviation incident and accident investigations, including knowledge exchange, specialised training, and emergency exercises. Airline Network Expansion: Oman Air will launch five new routes in July—direct flights to Singapore and Sochi (July 2), Tashkent and a first Dubai–Salalah link (July 3), plus Abu Dhabi (July 9)—taking its network to 49 destinations. EU Border Chaos: European airports and airlines urged the EU to suspend the Entry/Exit System (EES) after reports of multi-hour passport queues and missed flights threatening the summer travel season. Passenger Disruption & Security: FAA is investigating after a passenger tried to open a cabin door on a United-linked Mesa flight, prompting a return to Indianapolis before continuing to Houston. Airline Accountability: Japan Airlines cut CEO pay 30% and imposed further penalties after a crew alcohol breach, while banning alcohol during layovers. Regional Growth: Kazakhstan’s FlyArystan launched Almaty–Xi’an service, its fourth China route, with twice-weekly flights. Aviation Safety Incident: Two people died after a small Cessna crashed during a “short flight experience” near Ongar, Essex. Fuel Relief: India’s Nayara Energy cut petrol and diesel prices, alongside reductions to aviation turbine fuel (ATF), as crude eased. Airline Product: American Airlines plans a JFK “grab-and-go” Provisions by Admirals Club lounge by year-end.

EU-Backed Airbus Funding: The European Investment Bank approved a record €3bn loan to Airbus to support expansion in commercial space and defense, framed as Europe boosting strategic autonomy. Avelo Network Push: Avelo will launch new nonstop routes from Tampa to Dallas/McKinney and Charlotte in November, and also begins McKinney commercial service this fall with flights to Las Vegas plus four Florida cities. Allegiant Base Shift: Allegiant is moving Punta Gorda Airport base operations to Avflight, saying employees can continue with the partner rather than being terminated. Aviation Safety & Disruption: FAA rules will restrict some US aircraft operations in Canada from July 1 over 5G interference risk to radio altimeters. Jet Fuel Watch: IATA and S&P Global warn jet fuel supply uncertainty may persist even as prices fall. Passenger Rights: EU regulators say unruly passenger incidents spike in summer, and legal experts note airlines may still owe compensation under EU261. Tech & Mobility: Toyota and Joby announced a California joint venture to prepare manufacturing of Joby’s electric air taxis. Drone Incident: JetBlue reported a drone strike on approach to JFK; the FAA is investigating. Airline Expansion: American opened a new “Provisions by Admirals Club” grab-and-go lounge at JFK. Regional Ops: Philippines’ CAAP joined a nationwide earthquake drill to keep airports and offices ready.

Baggage & Costs: SITA says airlines cut mishandled baggage by 23% in 2025, but the industry still faces an estimated $6.3bn bill, pushing more investment in baggage tech. Weather Disruption: Heavy rain in Mumbai is disrupting departures and arrivals, with airlines urging passengers to check flight status and build in extra travel time. Cargo Fleet Upgrade: Emirates becomes the first cargo carrier to deploy the Boeing 777-300ERSF, starting with a Hong Kong–Dubai run carrying 100+ tonnes. Runway Safety Incident: Russia’s S7 Airlines reported no injuries after a 737-800 veered off the runway at Mirny; prosecutors opened an investigation. Airline Performance: LOT Polish Airlines posted record 2025 results—11.7m passengers and PLN 350m net profit—alongside a major Airbus A220 fleet renewal plan. SAF & Compliance Tech: Azzera is integrating Energy Web’s Verified Compute Cloud into its SAF Proof of Delivery platform to make compliance claims more auditable. eVTOL Push: Joby and Toyota announced a new pact and a manufacturing JV for Joby’s S4 air taxi. Demand Outlook: IATA warns higher fares may be unavoidable as Middle East war-related fuel costs bite, while May passenger demand fell 2.2% year-on-year. Airport Policy Pressure: Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias urged Heathrow to rein in its £33bn third-runway plan over affordability. Safety Spotlight: France is investigating a skydiving plane crash near Nancy that killed 11 shortly after takeoff.

Ebola Screening Order: Libya’s Civil Aviation Authority told airlines to tighten Ebola checks at airports, requiring crews to identify and report symptomatic passengers on flights from the DRC, Uganda and other listed risk countries, and to submit manifests to health control teams. PIA Privatization Milestone: Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission completed the first closing of PIA’s divestment, transferring management control to the Arif Habib-led consortium via PIA Equity Ltd, with a second closing due within 12 months and further investment commitments. Drone Safety Crackdown: The FAA opened investigations after a JetBlue Airbus A321 reported a drone strike on approach to JFK; the plane landed normally and was removed for inspection, as the agency also tracks other drone incidents near major airports. Aviation Disruption Reality: A report highlights how airline disruption has become structural post-Covid, with knock-on effects across networks and the need for stronger disruption management. New Airport Gateway: Vietnam’s Long Thanh International Airport is set for commercial operations in December 2026, aiming to ease congestion at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat. Regional Service Push: DuBois Regional Airport in the U.S. recommended Contour Airlines for Essential Air Service, proposing nonstop links to Atlanta and Chicago with a federal subsidy. Aircraft/Industry Watch: Boeing’s next-gen narrowbody timeline is “moving to the right” while Airbus says its A320 replacement launch is on track for 2030. Business Aviation: Dassault’s Falcon 10X completed its first flight, starting the flight-test campaign.

Middle East Connectivity: Philippine Airlines will restart nonstop Manila–Dubai flights from Oct. 2, initially four days a week, with plans to scale up as conditions ease for overseas Filipinos and cargo. Route Expansion: EVA Air launched its first nonstop Washington D.C.–Taipei service, marking a major U.S. East Coast gateway milestone for Taiwan travel. Airline Network Moves: British Airways is adding a Porter Airlines codeshare across 17 Canadian destinations, boosting one-ticket access via Toronto and Montreal. Fleet & Product: British Airways is ending Airbus A380 service on seven routes and retrofitting its A380s to a more premium-heavy cabin mix. Passenger Protection: Ghana’s aviation regulator opened an investigation into alleged mistreatment of KLM passengers after an Amsterdam–Accra delay. Safety & Investigations: France is probing a deadly skydiving plane crash near Nancy/Tomblaine that killed 11 shortly after takeoff, with families reportedly witnessing the fall. Aviation Policy/Tech: IATA warned the aviation supply chain crisis is still hurting airlines, citing delays, engine issues, and spare parts shortages. Industry Data: SITA says global mishandled baggage fell 23% in 2025, but Africa still lags on international routes.

Aviation Tragedy in France: A Pilatus PC-6 skydiving aircraft crashed near Nancy-Essey in Tomblaine, killing all 11 aboard (pilot, five instructors, five trainees). Officials say the plane went down shortly after takeoff, narrowly missing nearby homes and roads, and a technical investigation is underway. Aviation Security & Enforcement: Australia charged an airline worker at Melbourne Airport after about 1kg of heroin (estimated $500,000 street value) was found hidden in tote-bag linings during screening, with authorities warning “trusted insiders” will be targeted. New Routes in the Pacific: Solomon Airlines begins a new Port Moresby–Honiara link on July 7, its first direct service between the capitals, after a one-week postponement for preparations. Cargo Fleet Push: China Southern ordered seven Boeing freighters—two 777Fs and five 777-8Fs—with options for three more, supporting expanded cross-border e-commerce and cargo capacity. Regulatory Reform in Nepal: Nepal is moving to tighten domestic airline liability and insurance, proposing compensation up to $100,000 for serious injury, disability, or death. African Industry Boost: United Nigeria Airlines was admitted as a full AFRAA member, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s role in continental aviation. Air Taxi Progress (US): The FAA broke ground on a vertical flight testing facility in Oklahoma City to help integrate air taxis safely into national airspace. Middle East Connectivity (India): Air India Express launches direct Guwahati–Dubai (Aug 4) and Guwahati–Abu Dhabi (Aug 7), expanding West Asia access for Northeast India. Family Travel Promo (Malaysia): MHholidays (Malaysia Airlines) revives “Kids Fly & Stay Free” for eligible domestic packages through Dec 31, 2026.

Aviation Tragedy (France): A small skydiving aircraft crashed near Nancy in Tomblaine, killing all 11 people aboard—five instructors, five students, and the pilot—shortly after takeoff; officials say the plane appeared to suffer damage and fell almost vertically near a built-up area, with police urging the public to avoid the crash zone as a technical investigation gets underway. Aviation Safety Probe (India): India’s DGCA opened an investigation after a trainee pilot was injured when struck by a running propeller during night training at Kanpur’s Chakeri Airport involving Garg Aviation’s Tecnam P2006T. Business Aviation (UAE): DC Aviation Al-Futtaim added a fully managed Airbus ACJ318 Elite+ to its charter fleet, based at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South. Airport Ops (US): United Airlines reported a near-collision with a drone during landing at Newark, with the FAA investigating after the pilot said the drone was about 100 feet below. Airline Deals (UK): easyJet’s board rejected a £4.9bn Castlelake bid but granted limited access to books, with a potential £1bn+ brand-name licensing cost looming for any suitor. Public Health Travel (India): India launched Air Suvidha 2.0 for international arrivals, requiring contactless self-health declarations ahead of travel amid Ebola surveillance. Route Expansion (Caribbean): Contour Airlines said it’s evaluating new Caribbean routes using Puerto Rico as a gateway to the US. In-Flight Luxury (Emirates): Emirates rolled out refreshed Bulgari amenity kits for First and Business Class passengers on long-haul flights.

Major Near-Miss: United Airlines Flight 1513 reported a drone sighting about 100 feet below during approach into Newark; the FAA is investigating after the jet landed safely. Catastrophic Crash in China: Beijing authorities confirmed a small light aircraft crashed into CITIC Tower (“China Zun”), killing the pilot and injuring 13; officials say the cause is under investigation amid reports of rapid online deletions. Runway Safety Incident: American Airlines aborted takeoff in Miami after a business jet entered the same runway; the flight later departed for Bermuda. Turbulence Lawsuit: Delta faces a Utah lawsuit from passengers alleging it ignored weather warnings before a violent midair turbulence event, seeking damages under the Montreal Convention. Route Growth: Japan Airlines will add daily San Diego–Tokyo Narita service from Aug. 1 as demand between California and Japan rises. Industry Outlook: ICRA cut India’s FY27 airline loss forecast to ₹36,000–38,000 crore, citing higher costs, weaker demand, and West Asia-related pressures. Tech Upgrade: Alaska and Hawaiian expand Starlink-enabled free inflight Wi-Fi for members, with United and American also scaling Starlink fleets.

Beijing Airspace Breach: A small light sport plane crashed into CITIC Tower (China Zun) in Beijing, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people on the ground; Chinese authorities confirmed the toll and said an investigation is underway, with strict low-altitude airspace controls and rapid social media removals adding to security questions. UK Weather Disruption: Thunderstorms hit Heathrow and Gatwick, delaying 600+ flights and cancelling dozens as Nats reduced capacity due to reduced airspace availability. UK Sea Ditching Rescue: A microlight with two people onboard ditched into Cardigan Bay off Wales; both were pulled from the wing and treated for cold-water exposure. Greek Summer Strain: Summer demand is driving major delays at Greek airports, blamed on controller shortages, outdated equipment, radar issues, and airspace management limits. Airline Ops & Tech: United’s first “elevated” 787-9 has been sent back to Boeing after ongoing problems, while Southwest launched Starlink-equipped aircraft for faster inflight Wi‑Fi. Safety Messaging: The UK CAA warned passengers to keep batteries in cabin luggage and not charge power banks on flights ahead of peak travel. Market Outlook (India): ICRA expects Indian airlines’ FY27 losses to nearly triple to ₹36,000–38,000 crore amid West Asia conflict, higher ATF costs, and weaker demand forecasts.

Aviation Safety Incident (Alaska): A Cessna crash-landed in remote northwest Alaska after engine trouble shortly after takeoff; video shows the emergency descent, the pilot reported minor injuries, and the NTSB is investigating. Passenger Injury Lawsuit (Delta): Delta faces a Salt Lake City–to-Amsterdam lawsuit after passengers claim crews flew into warned convective weather, alleging injuries and that the seatbelt sign wasn’t illuminated; Delta says it can’t comment while the NTSB probe is ongoing. Major Crash (Beijing): A small plane reportedly hit CITIC Tower (China Zun), triggering evacuations and a heavy police response as debris fell and a hole was seen in the skyscraper; authorities haven’t confirmed details on board or causes. Fleet Expansion (China Eastern): China Eastern agreed to buy 25 Airbus A330neos (Trent 7000) for delivery in batches from 2029–2033, aiming to replace older A330s and cut unit costs. Aircraft Launch Plans (Airbus): Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury says the A320 family successor program is being prepared for a 2030 launch, with entry into service targeted for the second half of the decade. Route Changes (Frontier): Frontier is ending nonstop service between Corpus Christi and Denver, with the last flight set for Aug. 17. eVTOL/Research: The FAA broke ground on a powered-lift research facility in Oklahoma City to support electric and hybrid-electric aircraft integration.

Aviation Safety & Incidents: A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s CITIC Tower (China Zun), smashing two windows and triggering an evacuation; authorities say the pilot was reportedly flying solo and the cause is under investigation. UK Crash Response: In Devon, a light aircraft crash near Dunkeswell Aerodrome killed a woman in her 40s; emergency services and the Air Accident Investigation Branch are probing. US GA Tragedy: A pilot died after an ultralight crash at Winona Municipal Airport; the FAA and NTSB are investigating. Airline Conduct & Culture: Delta faces allegations from four former flight attendants of sexual harassment by an instructor and difficulties reporting; Delta says claims were unsubstantiated. Cabin Safety Rules: UK airlines are banning power banks and vapes from hold luggage ahead of peak summer travel due to lithium-battery fire risk. Network & Policy Moves: India launched its first “Easy Connect” hub-and-spoke flight from Varanasi via Delhi to simplify international connections for non-metro travelers. Fleet & Deals: China Eastern ordered 25 Airbus A330neo widebodies (with a stated substantial discount) for deliveries from 2029–2033; Azerbaijan Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo. Airport/Infrastructure: Nigeria handed over Enugu’s Akanu Ibiam International Airport under a 20-year PPP to Aero Alliance for upgrades and international-standard operations. Route Expansion: Japan Airlines will add daily, year-round San Diego–Tokyo Narita service from Aug. 1. Airline Operations: Southwest adds winter nonstop service from Palm Beach to Buffalo (Jan. 9, 2027) and Indianapolis (Feb. 13).

Wildfire Aviation Tragedy (Canada): A Buffalo Airways Turbo Commander 690 “bird dog” aircraft crashed about 50 km from Fort Simpson, killing all three onboard as it supported wildfire suppression; RCMP and the Transportation Safety Board are investigating. Airport Safety Upgrade (U.S.): The FAA installed Surface Movement Radar at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport to help prevent runway/taxiway collisions with vehicles and alert controllers to hazards—one of the first such upgrades after Houston and San Diego. New Routes (U.S./UAE): Air India Express will launch direct Guwahati–Dubai (Aug 4) and Guwahati–Abu Dhabi (Aug 7), extending Northeast India’s nonstop links to West Asia. Network Expansion (U.S.): Breeze Airways adds multiple new markets, including Baltimore service starting Oct 1, plus Dayton and Trenton routes. Fleet/Tech & Business Aviation: Alaska Airlines completed free Starlink WiFi rollout across its regional fleet, while Dassault flew its Falcon 10X on its maiden flight. Infrastructure & Community (U.S.): Wexford County Airport opened a $1 million Community Center Pavilion to support aviation, education, and local economic development.

New Routes in Asia-Pacific: Malaysia’s MAHB says Hainan Airlines, China Eastern, Wings Air and AirAsia have launched four new international services, including Kuala Lumpur–Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur–Dalian (via Nanjing), plus Melaka–Pekanbaru and Kota Bharu–Jakarta. GCC Connectivity: Oman Air will start daily Muscat–Abu Dhabi flights from July 9, adding Abu Dhabi as its 49th destination. Middle East Network Moves: Brussels Airlines will resume Brussels–Tel Aviv service from August 1 with one weekly flight, while El Al suspends Tel Aviv–Moscow flights amid Russia-Ukraine-related disruptions. Health Screening Upgrade: India launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration portal for Ebola-related screening at international entry points. Aviation Supply Chain Pressure: IATA warned that the aircraft order backlog is over 18,000 and supply chain failures cost airlines at least $11bn in 2025, urging action to improve visibility, aftermarket access, data/AI use and workforce capacity. Security Tech: Boeing and CYVIATION partnered to deliver the SkyGuard cybersecurity service using tail-specific digital twins for continuous compliance and risk assessment. Passenger Policy Change: Ryanair dropped its paid family-seat requirement after a CMA probe, moving seat allocation for families to check-in and potentially placing them toward the rear. Disruption & Safety: Japan airlines cancelled about 100 domestic flights as Tropical Storm Mekkhala approaches Okinawa; in the US, FAA warned Reagan National delays from military flyovers tied to the Great American State Fair. Incident Watch: A JetBlue flight diverted after a lightning strike fried weather radar; N.W.T. Fire reported a “serious incident” involving a firefighting bird-dog aircraft near Fort Simpson.

Air Canada Diversion: A Newark–Halifax flight (AC7664) was diverted to Boston after the captain suffered a medical issue; the first officer landed safely with 61 passengers aboard. Regulatory Crackdown: Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority shut additional non-compliant travel and air cargo agencies, bringing closures to 17 since inspections began. Fuel Surcharge Shift: With oil easing after the US-Iran deal, WestJet cut its fuel surcharge on companion vouchers from $60 to $40, while other carriers are selectively trimming surcharges. Delta Expansion: Delta CEO Ed Bastian says the airline plans a major international push as it moves into its second century. Cabin Upgrades: American Airlines is stripping seatback screens from retrofitted A319s and A320s as it completes a broader premium-seat overhaul. New Routes: Breeze Airways will launch nonstop service from BWI to Vero Beach and Burlington starting in October. Safety & Incidents: FAA is investigating a second near-miss at Boston Logan in two days after go-arounds to avoid runway conflicts. Asia Network Boost: Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines expand their joint network, adding more capacity and new Christchurch services. Aviation Policy: A US House hearing focused on how competition and regulation shape airline outcomes. TSA Update: TSA PreCheck touchless ID support is rolling out via Google Wallet at about 65 airports.