CAAC Okays Changes, But Service May Only Resume With New Training, Procedures

China's aviation regulatory body took the first step towards allowing the operation of Boeing's 737 MAX, breaking a three-year-long grounding streak. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has approved the changes made to address perceived shortcomings on the MAX, and said that commercial operations of existing 737 MAX aircraft would be allowed sometime in the coming months. The spokesman hinted at the possibility that domestic airlines may also be allowed to resume their purchases of the aircraft, great news for Boeing's books. 

Flight Attendant Disrespected Religious Beliefs, Says Suit, and Expelled Them for Non-Compliance

A Brooklyn, New York couple has filed suit with the airline over their reported expulsion from the plane, when the couple refused to place a bag containing their prayer shawl underseat or in the bin, according to the details on file. Roberto and Elana Birman were heading home from Miami last August, when the elderly Jewish Orthodox couple had a run-in with the American Airlines flight attendant responsible for their seating section. The flight attendant, for unspecified reasons, removed their clear plastic Tallit bag from the overhead compartment and told the couple it could only be appropriately placed underseat as a small carry-on item.

American Airlines Chooses Flight Animation Software for Re-playable Debriefing

French software company CEFA Aviation saw its first large airline customer to adopt their electronic flight bag application, CEFA FAS, allowing American Airlines pilots to virtually review flight data on their tablet after landing. The addition of the app to the company's approved EFB ecosystem follows the move last summer to roll out issued devices to personnel throughout the company, expanding the program to ground crew, support, and passenger facing  personnel in a bid to streamline interconnectivity.

Firm Makes 4th Order of the Year, Doubling Fleet of MAX Aircraft

Boeing inked a deal with Miami investment firm 777 Partners today that will see the outfit's fleet of 737s nearly double. The order for 30 of Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft will bring their total portfolio to 68 of the aircraft type in the 4th order it has placed this year. At list price, the deal is valued at $3.7 billion, and the single aisle jets will see service with the company's affiliated low-cost, affordable carriers around the world. The 737 Max has seen a return to grace this year, following returns to service and accepted revisions after its 2019 grounding fiasco. The order books have bounced back, by most accounts, with the affordable, reliable 737 none the worse for wear in customer's eyes around the globe. The Max reduces fuel burn and carbon emissions by 14% over the previous 737 NG, lowering the ecological footprint in a time of increased ESG importance.

AD 2021-23-21 Requires Repetitive Inspections For Cracking Of Certain Areas Of The Aft Wheel Well Bulkhead

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that shimming requirements were not met during the assembly of certain structural joints, which can result in reduced fatigue thresholds and cracking of the affected structural joints. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of certain areas of the aft wheel well bulkhead (AWWB) body chord and AWWB side fitting and failsafe straps, and repair of any cracking found. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 10, 2022.

ICAO Is The United Nations’ Air Safety Organization

The US Senate has confirmed the nomination of C. B. “Sully” Sullenberger III to be the U.S. representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who along with fellow “Miracle on the Hudson” pilot Jeff Skiles, became instantly known on January 15, 2009, when they successfully landed an airliner on the Hudson River following a complete loss of engine power after the aircraft struck a flock of geese. All 155 people on board were safely rescued from the river in an incident that quickly became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The ICAO is the United Nations’ air safety organization with a mission to serve as a global forum for international civil aviation.

ITA Airways Begins Building Fleet to Succeed Alitalia 

Italy's newest addition to its airline landscape, ITA Airways, has signed an order with Airbus for 28 aircraft fulfilling the memorandum of understanding from September 2021. The airline will also pursue a lease arrangement with the manufacturer to bolster its owned fleet with additional A350s. The order placed includes a spread of Airbus offerings, with 7 A220s, 11 A320neos, and 10 of the newest iteration of the A330 widebody airliner, the A330neo. The addition to the ITA Airways fleet will add some much-needed efficiency and modernization to a competitive market.