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FAA: Seats on Boeing 737 MAX jets could need to be inspected
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration announced on Monday that the seats of 'hundreds' of Boeing 737 MAX - registered aircraft in the U.S. - may need to be inspected in case they are incorrectly installed. The agency stated that if the seats are not fixed, they could cause injury to passengers or crew during an emergency landing, or even block the aisle, slowing an evacuation. The FAA proposed airworthiness directive released on Monday would "apply to" 453 jets registered within the United States. The FAA only has jurisdiction for U.S. airlines, but other regulators usually follow FAA directives when applicable. According to IBA, there are 823 737 MAX aircraft in service in the U.S. and nearly 2,300 in other countries. Boeing is working to boost production and improve quality under CEO Kelly Ortberg. In early 2024, production quality?problems?were revealed when a door panel blew off of a brand new Alaska Air 737 MAX while in flight. In the proposed airworthiness directive, the FAA stated that they received a report stating that certain passenger seat assemblies had not been installed correctly in the seat tracks. The FAA stated that the assemblies could be disengaged from the tracks in the event of an increased load, turbulence, or an emergency landing. The FAA stated that there could be up to 69 track mounted passenger seat assemblies per 737 MAX aircraft. It would take approximately one hour to inspect each assembly, and another hour to repair it. The FAA said that airlines could 'have multiple employees inspecting the seats at once, greatly reducing total time per aircraft. The report did not specify how soon 'airlines' would have to fix the problem. Boeing's spokesperson confirmed that the company issued guidance on the subject to operators in December 2025. The spokesperson stated in an email that "we support the FAA making this guidance mandatory." (Reporting and editing by Christian Schmollinger, Jamie Freed and Dan Catchpole)
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FAA claims that seats on Boeing 737 MAX jets have been incorrectly installed
The U.S. 'Federal Aviation Administration' announced on Monday that seats?on a large number of?Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the U.S. had been installed incorrectly and needed to be repaired. The seats should be able to support passengers in an emergency landing. The FAA proposed airworthiness directive issued on Monday would be applicable to 453 jets registered in the U.S. The FAA did not specify whether international operators would also be affected. However, they typically follow FAA directives if applicable. In the proposal for an airworthiness directive, the agency stated that "certain passenger seat assemblies were not properly installed in?the seat tracks." The FAA stated that each 737MAX could have up to 69 track mounted passenger'seat assemblies'. Each assembly would require an estimated hour of work to repair. The report did not specify how soon airlines would have to fix the problem. Boeing?did not immediately respond? to a comment request. (Reporting and editing by Christian Schmollinger, Jamie Freed, and Dan Catchpole from Seattle)
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FAA delays flights at New York and Philadelphia airports
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?said Monday that it would slow flights into three airports in the New York City region and Philadelphia International Airport because of?severe weather and a?staffing shortage for air traffic. Staffing problems at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center affect flights at John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia International and Newark Liberty International Airports. FlightAware reported that between 20 and 30 percent of flights at these four airports were cancelled. The FAA reported that ground delays range between 71 and 149 minutes. The FAA continues to try and address the persistent shortage of air traffic control personnel. The FAA increased flight limits last month at three of the major airports in the New York area. New York Area Terminal Radar approach Control has only 57% of the target number of air traffic controllers. The shortage of fuel has caused delays in flights, and many facilities have been forced to work six-day weekends and mandatory overtime. The FAA has extended the limit at Newark Airport until the summer of 2027, and at JFK Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York through the end of October 2028. The FAA has also extended relief from the minimum flight requirements for JFK, LaGuardia, and Reagan Washington National Airport until?late 2027. The FAA implemented significant flight reductions in Newark, New Jersey on May 20, 2025. This was after a series major disruptions that caused hundreds of flights to be delayed and raised alarm over the 'aging U.S. Air Traffic Control System. The FAA has extended those flight cuts until October 2027. The FAA stated that the air traffic control staffing shortages at Newark will not "significantly improve" until October 2027. Airlines can lose their landing and takeoff slots at congested airfields if they don't use them 80% or more of the time. With the FAA's newest?waiver, airlines can fly 10% less flights. The FAA issued several waivers in the past to address staffing problems at JFK Airport and LaGuardia.
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EPA: Power for data centers can bypass pollution laws
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?on Monday said that power sources supplying electricity to data centers and not to the public grid might?not be governed by federal pollution laws. The EPA'said that if a power plant is not supplying electricity into the grid, it would not be covered by the federal Clean Air Act Acid Rain Program. This program has played a key role in the reduction of smog and soot from industrial facilities. The EPA's Assistant Administrator Aaron Szabo stated in a letter dated July 16, "The EPA is of the opinion that the Acid Rain Program doesn't apply to power generation facilities which are not connected to the larger electric grid in any way." The?agency stated that its interpretation of?federal pollution laws?would speed up the development?of artificial intelligence infrastructure?while reducing the strain on regional electrical grids? The EPA clarified in its guidance that the Acid-Rain Program does not cover so-called "island" power generation plants that operate'separately' from the broader network. The agency stated that the interpretation will give developers more flexibility to build data centers in the United States. The agency stated that its action supports President Donald Trump's Ratepayer Protect Pledge which was expanded last Thursday and requires participating companies build, procure, or pay for all the energy required to power their facilities and associated infrastructure. Developers, utilities and state regulators will be expected to pay for new projects under the non-binding pledge rather than pass them on to customers. (Reporting by Tim McLaughlin, editing by David Gaffen.)
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NTSB Chair urges Congress to pass aviation legislation
The head of the National Transportation Safety Board urged Congress on Monday to end a long-running standoff over competing safety measures in aviation and approve major reforms. Jennifer Homendy, the NTSB's Chairperson, said that "the board" had "provided a roadmap for improving aviation safety and reducing the risk of another mid-air collision." It's now time to take the action promised months ago." The U.S. House of Representatives voted in April 396-10 for a sweeping aviation reform bill that would address dozens of recommendations made after a collision between an American Airlines regional plane and a U.S. Army chopper in January 2025, which killed 67 people. Meanwhile, a rival bill called the ROTOR act passed the U.S. Senate in December unanimously but required a two-thirds vote in the House under fast-track regulations and fell one vote short. The NTSB stated that ADS-B could have prevented the collision of 2025 in the crowded airspace near the nation’s capital. The NTSB reported in January that systemic failures of the FAA were responsible for the accident, which was the worst U.S. airline disaster since 2001. The House legislation mandates the installation of collision-prevention technology on all military aircraft, except for fighters, Bombers, and Drones. It also establishes requirements to equip collision-mitigation technologies for civilian planes and helicopters. The House and Senate are currently in talks to resolve their differences. Bryan Bedford, the head of Federal Aviation Administration, said earlier this month that he provided technical assistance to Congress regarding?the bills. Bedford stated that the FAA would rather have lawmakers direct the FAA on ADS-B than wait for a perfect solution which could take six or seven years. The NTSB found that the accident in 2025 was caused by the FAA's decision of allowing?helicopters close to airports?without safeguards to separate aircraft from helicopters, and their failure to review and act on recommendations for moving helicopter traffic away. Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Chris Reese & Aurora Ellis
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US appeals court upholds Colorado congestion fee on rental cars
?The 10th U.S. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that Colorado's congestion impact fee of $3 per day for rental cars is valid. Colorado will charge a fee on all rentals less than 30 days in 2024 to reduce the impact rental cars have on the public road system. The state said the funding would be used to support investments in rail and transit services, which will reduce?traffic. The fee is adjusted annually for inflation. It applies to car-sharing programs as well as larger vehicles such moving trucks. The American Car Rental Association that brought the legal challenge?didn't immediately respond to an?invitation for comment. The appeals court upheld the ruling of a lower court that had previously found this fee to be legal. The issue is laws passed by Congress in 1972 which expanded the prohibitions of local taxes on air travelers and air commerce to include businesses at commercial service airports. In 2018, a law was passed that said airport businesses could not be taxed unless they were used exclusively for aeronautical or airport purposes. The?court, in a 2-1 decision, found that the fee is?valid because?the payers of the fee are people who rent cars and not car rental companies. It also added that the fee will benefit 'travelers who use the services provided by the surface transportation infrastructure funded by the fee. A U.S. judge in New York ruled that the U.S. Transportation Department’s efforts to end Manhattan’s congestion pricing program were illegal. This was a blow for President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove this charge. (Reporting and Editing by Bill Berkrot.)
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JetBlue changes its fare structure to reflect the benefits of segmented pricing
JetBlue Airways announced on Monday that it will be overhauling its fare options to give customers more flexibility in choosing seats as well as?change and refundability options. Airlines are increasingly relying on segmented prices to 'boost revenue' and offset higher costs. The New York-based carrier said that the update would be released in the next few days. It is expected to announce its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday before the bell. The segmentation of fares and customer choice have become crucial for revenue performance, even though fuel price volatility will remain a risk. Customers will be able book the fare that is right for them. "First, they will be able to choose the best fare based on their preference for seat selection, refundability, and the onboard experience," said JetBlue President Marty St. George in a press release. Investors are watching to see how JetBlue did in recapturing fuel costs through higher ticket prices during the second quarter. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines are among the peers who reported higher revenue through fare increases. Now that we've heard a few carriers talk about it, now all the airlines must reflect that. Peter Trombetta is the vice president of corporate financing at Moody's Ratings. The revenue side is crucial. "We know that costs will be higher." The airlines raised their fares in the spring to compensate for the increase in jet fuel prices linked to the Iran War. However, these increases -- which averaged around 20% -- did not fully cover the cost. As of July 24, the U.S. spot price for jet fuel had risen to $3.67 per gallon. Prices are still well below the peak in early April of about $4.88 per gallon. Airlines are using consumer choice and flexibility as levers to "drive" stronger revenue performance. Southwest Airlines reported that the expansion of its basic economy product resulted in more base-fare purchases and a greater rate of customers upgrading?when given the choice. Delta announced last month that they would 'offer basic fares in all premium cabins so travelers can access premium products for a cheaper price. JetBlue said that while it has offered tiered fares in the past, its revamp will prepare travelers for BlueFirst, JetBlue's new first-class domestic experience. St. George stated, "We want customers to know JetBlue has the experiences that they're looking for."
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Avincis, an aerial firefighting company, says that Europe's massive wildfires are straining waterbomber capacities.
Avincis, Europe's leading aerial emergency services company, warns that Europe is not prepared for longer and more severe wildfire seasons. The chief executive of the firm told? Avincis' chief executive told?treffenificaresprache?nemzeug vo Ihre ore the company's CEO John Boag stated that bureaucratic barriers and longer European wildfire seasons have caused regional shortages in both aircraft and experienced pilots. Boag, a helicopter pilot who began his career in Australia's outback herding?cattle in a Bell 47 chopper in 1985, said that "globally, fire seasons have been getting longer. Aircraft are not moving from area to area and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find pilots." Boag's comments, made as a helicopter pilot, who started his career in Australia in 1985 herding cattle in the outback of Australia in a Bell 47, coincide with France and Spain battling historic wildfires following weeks of drought that turned?forests in to major fire hazards. Avincis of Lisbon says that Europe is under pressure in part because extra months spent fighting fires narrows the window to move capacity between hemispheres and leaves gaps in capacity. Boag stated that aircraft are now available from March and April, all the way through October. The problem is made worse by the wet winters, which encourage the growth of tinder-like vegetation. The spread of fire risks further north is also a cause for concern. Boag explained that commercial companies cannot go to the South and make more money during the off-season. PILOT RECRUITMENT HUDLES Avincis operates a fleet of 180 helicopters and 40 fixed-wing aircraft worldwide, including 22 Canadair Waterbombers. Avincis, which uses 47 aircraft in Spain and Portugal to fight fires, has already flown over 5,000 hours this year. This is more than twice the amount of time it flew in 2025. De Havilland Canada, based in Toronto, has sold 22 rugged water-scooping Canadairs to Europe. A new model will be released after a decade of production halt. However, it won't reach its first customer in Greece until 2028. Alternatives are few. Airbus A400M, a military aircraft that dropped 20 tonnes of fire retardant in France to fight the fires. Other companies, such as China's Comac, showcased possible plane variants during the Farnborough 'Airshow' last week. A French startup called HYNAERO is currently in the design phase for an amphibious aircraft that will be ready by 2032. The firefighting process is difficult, as it requires precision low-level flying to combat unpredictable air currents. There is a shortage in experienced pilots and technicians, according to experts. Boag criticized European rules that force?pilots who come from abroad or the military to retake civil aviation exams. Boag stated, "We need to have a way to quickly get people to Europe without bureaucracy." The aerodynamics of a helicopter is the same for the military as it is for the civilian world. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency did not immediately comment on its pilot license rules. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Tim Hepher, Reporting)
Safran, a jet engine manufacturer, raises its targets after a record-breaking first-half profit
French jet engine maker Safran joined its partner ?GE Aerospace in raising financial targets after ?posting stronger-than-expected first-half profits on Tuesday.
The French company said that strong demand for spares contributed to a first-half operating profit margin record of 18.4%.
CFM, which is the largest jet engine manufacturer in the world by?numbers of units sold?, reaps maintenance profits on its CFM56 engines. These engines continue to power thousands planes, even though they have been replaced by the more recent LEAP jet engine for current narrow body deliveries.
Safran's mid-year operating profit increased 29% to EUR3.24 billion ($3.68 billion), and revenue grew 19% to EUR17.57 milliards. Widely watched sales of'spare parts for Civil Engines rose 27.9% in dollars.
Analysts expected an average operating profit of EUR3,06 billion on revenues of EUR17.47billion.
Safran's core Propulsion Division, which accounts for just over half of the company's revenue, saw its earnings rise by 28% to EUR2.25billion, while Equipment & Defense grew 29% to EUR907m.
Aircraft Interiors has continued its gradual turnaround, with a profit of EUR54million up from EUR27million.
Safran has raised its "percentage target" for full-year revenue to "mid-teens", up from "low-to mid-teens".
Safran also forecast a full-year operating loss of EUR6.4 billion?to EUR6.5billion, up from an earlier goal?of EUR6.1billion to EUR6.2billion. It also raised its projection for growth in LEAP engines deliveries from a prior?target?of 15% to the "high 'teens".
GE Aerospace raised its revenue and profit estimates for 2026 last week, driven by the demand for engine equipment and services.
(source: Reuters)