Reuters
• David Shepardson
The U.S. Senate approved bipartisan legislation that would update mental-health guidance for pilots and air traffic controllers, with the aim of encouraging earlier disclosure and treatment. The measure addresses regulatory barriers that can discourage aviation professionals from seeking care while preserving focus on operational safety.
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Transport Canada guidance outlines standard operating procedures for international single-pilot operations, including firm weather-based triggers and no-fault turnaround provisions. The measures establish clearer decision-making requirements for pilots operating alone when conditions deteriorate or flights cannot safely continue.
The FAA has withdrawn a proposed $15.7 million civil penalty against Aery Aviation after the company fought the enforcement action and elected not to settle. The withdrawal removes the agency’s proposed financial sanction, though the available reporting does not provide further details on the underlying allegations or rationale.
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The U.S. Senate approved bipartisan legislation that would update mental-health guidance for pilots and air traffic controllers, with the aim of encouraging earlier disclosure and treatment. The measure addresses regulatory barriers that can discourage aviation professionals from seeking care while preserving focus on operational safety.
High activity
The UK Civil Aviation Authority will deliver an initial report to the government by the end of January on the recent NATS air traffic management outage. The investigation will examine the resilience of NATS’ systems, its modernization plans and lessons for preventing future operational disruption.
Germany, Austria and Luxembourg have agreed to provide €2.1 billion in joint subsidies for electricity-based sustainable aviation fuel, targeting the cost gap that limits production. The mechanism is intended to accelerate European eSAF output and support the development of a regional supply base.
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Airlines for America said U.S. carriers oppose adding more direct flights between the United States and China, pushing back after Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the prospect of increased service. The position highlights continued tension over the scale of bilateral air connectivity.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster criticized growing mandates for sustainable aviation fuel, arguing that customers should not be asked to pay more while SAF supply remains constrained and the promised environmental benefits are not being delivered. His comments highlight the tension between policy targets, fuel availability and airline cost pressures.
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New U.S. sanctions targeting companies that service Iranian carriers have disrupted Iran’s international flight operations, including access to the UAE and Oman. Despite the measures, Iranian airlines continued flying to destinations including Istanbul, China and Bangkok, while Iran warned the policy could heighten regional tensions.
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