Let’s look at latest hitting the aviation headlines….

Secondary Barriers – it’s been almost 25 years since 9/11. We all know that aircraft manufacturers and airlines were quick to offer protection to pilots by reinforcing the flightdeck door. In 2018, Congress mandated that all new airliners would have secondary barriers. Now, after years of delays, they are now being fitted.

So, what will replace the strategically placed drinks cart? It’s a retractable folding door that blocks off the front galley and flightdeck. Southwest Airlines recently gave media an early look at the secondary barrier fitted to its latest B737MAX, at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. They also stated that they will have 26 jets fitted with these barriers by end 2025. Further barriers will be retro fitted to existing aircraft when they are certified. The FAA seems to be holding up progress. United and American Airlines have confirmed delivery of at least 1 aircraft. Alaska Airlines is expecting its first delivery in November. Delta declined to comment whether it had any aircraft with secondary barriers, instead their press statement focused on how it continually employs seen and unseen security measures to safeguard their global operations, customers and employees.

From the union perspective, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has welcomed the slow progress, endorsing the need for the additional protection.

Airbus has also been delivering jets with secondary barriers fitted. Manufactured by Schroth, the secondary barrier prevents unauthorised access to the flightdeck area during flight. Designed to meet the future needs stipulated by US Congress, it has a foldable and ultra lightweight design, requiring minimal installation space. The strong textile mesh has been extensively tested. The locking mechanism is easy to operate. Schroth has also confirmed that its secondary barrier is being line fitted to every A220, A320, A330 and A350 aircraft heading to the US airlines.

As yet, the CAA has only published documents regarding safety measures so there’s nothing to report yet from UK airlines.

In other news –

Airbus – recently reported their August order book. Delivering 61 aircraft to 39 customers. They also reached 100 A350-1000 deliveries. Adding 99 aircraft orders, 15 A330neeo and 75 A321neo to leasing company Avolon Aero.

Air Cote d’Ivoire – recently took delivery of its first A330-900. Its first widebody aircraft, featuring 4 class cabin layout. The airline is the leading carrier in West and Central Africa. The A330-900 will play a key role in their expansion plans to Europe, Middle East and North America. The delivery flight from TLS transported 5 tonnes of humanitarian goods.

And finally –

GOH – international security was suspended in August due to insufficient training of staff. Flights were either cancelled or diverted, including a United one that returned to the US. Certified staff arrived from Denmark after the Danish Transport Authority identified in adequate security measures. International flights resumed after a short break once the procedural gaps had been closed.

Although recent events, such as the reported staff absences for deer hunting, may have prompted this scrutiny, no one will confirm a direct link.

Information courtesy of CBS News, Runway Girl, Airbus, Aviation A2Z

Images courtesy of ALPA, Air Data News

©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers