September 15, 2023

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Sofema Aviation Services shares the latest events in the Aviation business from around the world in our Aviation Weekly News Roundup:

> French air traffic controllers call off Friday strike
The French air traffic controllers’ union Syndicat majoritaire des contrôleurs aériens (SNCTA) has cancelled a strike that was planned for Friday, September 15, 2023. The strike action would have coincided with the start of the Rugby World Cup, which takes place in France from September 8 to October 28, 2023. Read more

> Vietnam Airlines signs up for 50 Boeing 737 Max jets
Asian carrier Vietnam Airlines has signed a deal with Boeing to purchase 50 Boeing 737 Max jets as it seeks to grow its fleet. The carrier has selected the versatile 737 Max 8 variant which offers a significant increase in fuel efficiency compared to the older -800 models. Read more

> European aviation industry to adopt ReFuelEU regulation
Five leading European aviation associations welcomed the adoption of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation on 13 September 2023. The five leading European aviation associations representing Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers, which are close partners through the DESTINATION 2050 alliance – A4E, ACI Europe, ASD, CANSO Europe, and ERA – welcomed the adoption of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation on 13 September 2023. They look forward to further SAF deployment globally. Read more 

> Pratt & Whitney engine issues impact multiple airlines
Wizz Air Holdings is one of several airline groups grappling with significant numbers of A320neo Family-type aircraft going out of service for an extended period after RTX Corporation, owner of Pratt & Whitney, told customer airlines earlier this week that approximately 3,000 geared turbofan (GTF) engines fitted to in-service aircraft will need to be inspected. Read more 

> Congo Airways suspends flight operations
Congo Airways (8Z, Kinshasa N’Djili) has grounded its fleet days after President Félix Tshisekedi instructed the government to make urgent funds available for the struggling national carrier. Officially, the airline announced it suspended operations on September 11 to “reorganise its equipment”. In a statement, it promised to resume service “in a very short time” and thanked Tshisekedi for intervening regarding an urgent provision of funds. Read more

> Singapore Airlines Under Fire After Passengers Waited 8 Hours On An Airbus A380 In Shanghai
No airline is ever safe from criticism, as Singapore Airlines is beginning to find out after coming under fire for its poor handling of a technical issue on a recent flight departing from Shanghai. Due to a fault with the aircraft, passengers were locked in for nearly eight hours – certainly not the most fun for anyone. Read more

> FAA restores Mexico aviation to highest safety rating
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The United States Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday returned Mexico’s aviation safety rating to the highest level two years after downgrading it. The change will allow Mexican airlines to add new routes to the United States, and U.S. airlines will once again be able to sell tickets on Mexican airline-operated flights. Read more

> Sofema Online provides a new package suitable for Technical Records Specialists to help them understand their responsibilities during aircraft lease returns
A brand new training package for Technical Records Specialists: EASA Technical Records Accelerator Package consisting of 6 online courses is now available at Sofema Online. Read more

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accelerator training package, Aircraft engine, Aircraft Lease, Aircraft Technical Records, Airlines, Airports, aviation, Aviation News, Aviation Weekly News Roundup, Congo Airways, EASA, FAA, Pratt & Whitney, Singapore Airlines, Sofema Online (SOL), SOL Training, Vietnam Airlines, Wizz Air