✈️ [2026-10-12] SKYTICAL Evening Aviation BriefingBETA
🚨 Safety events & emergencies
Passengers battle overhead-bin power bank fire aboard Indian A321neo as flight diverts:Passengers aboard an Indian A321neo battled a power bank fire in an overhead bin and tried to stop the flames from spreading; the aircraft was forced to divert. The available information does not identify the airline or occurrence date. A321neo power bank fire
File photo · Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net ). · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lufthansa 747-8 avoids tail strike at LAX as pilots abort landing and aircraft lands just under half an hour late:Pilots of a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 aborted the landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and the aircraft narrowly avoided a tail strike. It eventually touched down just under half an hour behind schedule. Lufthansa 747-8 tail strike
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🇹🇼 Taiwan aviation (civil + military)
China Airlines Taoyuan–Hong Kong flights move to Terminal 2 from October 25, with passenger procedures relocated:From October 25, 2026, China Airlines flights between Taoyuan and Hong Kong will operate from Terminal 2 at Taoyuan Airport. Check-in, immigration procedures and baggage claim will also move there; passengers should check the terminal for their flight. China Airlines Hong Kong T2
File photo · 4300streetcar · CC BY 4.0
Starlux September revenue rises 69% year on year as passenger and cargo revenue grow:Starlux Airlines reported September revenue of NT$4.975 billion, up 69% year on year. Passenger revenue rose 70% and cargo revenue rose 59% year on year. The airline said air-cargo demand was strengthening and expressed optimism about the market. Starlux September revenue
🌐 International aviation industry news
Alaska Airlines to retire 737-700 passenger fleet in 2027 and replace it with 737-800s:Alaska Airlines plans to retire its Boeing 737-700 passenger fleet in 2027 and replace the aircraft with larger 737-800s in Alaska. The intended benefits include more seats and cargo space. Alaska Airlines 737-700
File photo · Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland · CC BY-SA 2.0
Avolon announces orders for 250 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, pending shareholder approval:Aircraft lessor Avolon announced orders for 250 new aircraft: 140 Boeing 737 MAX jets and 110 Airbus aircraft, comprising 75 A320neo-family and 35 A330neo-family aircraft. The orders remain subject to approval by Bohai Leasing, which owns 70% of Avolon. A separate option covers 100 additional Airbus aircraft and is not a firm order. Avolon 250 aircraft orders
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Spanish helicopter operator Eliance files for preliminary creditor protection as its future depends on talks:Spanish helicopter operator Eliance has filed for preliminary creditor protection. Its fiscal 2025 net loss doubled from €12 million to €24 million, while revenue was approximately €54 million. The company intends to continue operating, but its future depends on negotiations with creditors. Eliance creditor protection
Heathrow says more than 40 airlines seek slots as calls for expansion and a third runway intensify:Heathrow says more than 40 airlines are seeking airport slots, with demand continuing to exceed available capacity. Airport management says this is forcing airlines to choose competing overseas hubs. The airport argues that expansion could make room for new airlines and routes and increase competition. Heathrow slot demand
File photo · Oleg Yunakov · CC BY-SA 4.0
Airbus U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft completes first European flight and meets test objectives:The Airbus U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft completed its first European flight at a Northern European test facility. Airbus said it met the objectives, including a rocket-assisted takeoff, maneuvers at different altitudes and speeds of up to Mach 0.8. The flight paves the way for further tests with the MARS mission system. U740 Valkyrie first European flight