Crisis Mode

The FAA downgraded Malaysia to a Category 2 nation which effectively bans its carriers from introducing any new flights to the US. The downgrade also highlighted deficiencies in record keeping and technical expertise within the nation’s regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.

Malaysia joins Asian nations Bangladesh and Thailand, highlighting the challenge faced by regulators in maintaining appropriate safety oversight in line with the rapid increase in demand for flights in the region.

THAI Airways is in deep financial trouble, and Cathay Pacific Airways is struggling to overcome the effects of the political turmoil in Hong Kong on its management and operations.

Across the board, from cargo to passengers, yields are under pressure as the global economy continues to muddle through uncharted territory.

The 737 MAX saga drags on with further dubious behaviours highlighted in text exchanges between test pilots and further doubt about its return to service. Cracks in the pickle fork structure, connecting wings to fuselage in the B737NG variant, has put further pressure on aging narrowbody fleets, particularly for those airlines awaiting the return or delivery of their MAX aircraft.

We bid farewell to our Managing Editor Steve Gibbons, who presided over a substantial expansion from a locally focused print magazine, to a locally focused print and digital content production company with an eye to influencing the global aviation market with our sister publication the World of Aviation.

When we look at the World of Aviation it’s humbling to think of our small family business bringing 43 years of history and expertise into a new, rapidly changing and challenging digitally enabled world, where information is omnipresent.

Our goal is to seek out the best of aviation, from its rich past, to its exciting future, or the blending of both with our feature on a re-engined B767X.

Our guest Editor this month is Keith Tonkin, a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy, former F-111 pilot and Qantas First Officer, and now Managing Director of Aviation Projects. Keith’s wide-ranging expertise and life-long passion for aviation brings another fresh set of eyes to Australian Aviation.

What does it all mean? We continue to forge on into the unknown, into a highly disruptive digital world where facts and a good story are not always a given. Our large stable of outstanding contributors consistently seek unique insights into the industry and I hope you enjoy our latest edition of AA, bringing our unique mix and style of journalism to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

‘Across the industry we’re seeing a great deal of turbulence’