Category: Aviation

A large fire broke out at the cargo section of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangaladesh on Saturday afternoon, October 18. The event forced authorities to suspend all flight operations.

The blaze began around 2:30 pm and engulfed an area used to store imported goods. A thick plume of smoke billowed across the airport premises according to reports.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, the Fire Service and two Air Force firefighting units were working jointly to get the blaze under control. The Navy also later joined the operation to bring the situation under control.

Analogic Corporation, a world leader in imaging and detection solutions for aviation security and healthcare markets, and Analytical AI, a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for security threat detection, today announced they have entered into a strategic agreement to co-develop AI-based enhanced detection capabilities for Analogic’s aviation security products. The collaboration will enable the rapid development of best-in-class solutions that adapt to the changing threat landscape, improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall passenger experience at airports around the world.

Under the terms of the agreement, Analytical AI will work exclusively with Analogic to provide enhanced CT-based software detection algorithms for Analogic’s ConneCT and SeleCT CT systems. The co-developed solutions will focus on explosive detection, prohibited items, and contraband with an eye toward new and emerging challenges.

“The partnership with Analytical AI will accelerate our plans to deliver new, effective and efficient detection solutions to our rapidly growing worldwide customer base,” said Tom Ripp, president and CEO of Analogic Corporation. “Our CT systems already employ successful AI-based detection solutions that leverage Open Architecture and so we expect this partnership will more rapidly deliver improved detection with greatly reduced false alarms.”

The Analogic and Analytical AI detection teams have worked together on previous projects and that familiarity is expected to accelerate the development time of new products.

“Analytical AI has worked with Analogic for a few years, so this agreement was a natural extension to deepen our relationship,” said Mark Froehlich, co-founder and CEO of Analytical AI. “Providing the highest level of security while improving passenger experience with higher checkpoint throughput is the mission. Analytical is excited to partner with Analogic, as our mission is aligned, and we want to provide best-in-class Automated Threat Recognition algorithms to the best-in-class CT machines.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that Russian air defenses were responsible for shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet on Christmas Day 2024, an incident that killed 38 of the 67 people on board.

Putin made the acknowledgment during talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where both leaders were attending a regional summit. Footage from the meeting showed them shaking hands before Putin addressed the December tragedy.

The aircraft was en route from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, when it was mistakenly targeted and later crashed in western Kazakhstan.

According to Azerbaijani officials, Russian air defenses struck the jet, damaging its tail and hydraulic systems. Investigators in Kazakhstan reported punctures in the stabilizers and fragments of “foreign metal objects” lodged in the wreckage.

Although Putin had previously expressed regret over the incident, he had stopped short of accepting full responsibility. On Thursday, he confirmed that Russia would compensate the victims’ families and promised a legal review of the case.

Around 40 companies may be unable to stop the leak of data from millions of their customers. Cloud-based software company Salesforce ruled out negotiating with the hackers. This may lead to the the information being leaked on the dark web. Qantas Airlines is one of the companies caught up in the hacking attack. The airline is said to be aware that it is listed by the hacking group.

Cybercriminal group Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters said it would release the companies’ data unless Salesforce agreed to negotiate a ransom payment. The group claims to have stolen personal and contact information between April 2024 and September 2025 by targeting companies that use Salesforce.

Other companies involved include Toyota, Disney, Ikea, and HBO Max, and were given until Friday, October 9 to begin negotiating a ransom.

“If Salesforce does not engage with us to resolve this, we will completely target each and every individual customer of theirs listed,” the hackers’ group reportedly said. “Failure to comply will result in massive consequences … Don’t be the next headline, make the correct decision and reach out.”

Salesforce said it was aware of “recent extortion attempts by threat actors” that were under investigation by external experts and authorities.

“Ensuring continued vigilance and providing ongoing support for our customers remain our top priorities,” a Qantas spokesperson said in a statement. “We continue to offer a 24/7 support line and specialist identity protection advice to affected customers. We have also put in place additional security measures, increased training across our teams and strengthened system monitoring and detection since the incident occurred.”

SeeTrue announced that its Automated Prohibited Items Detection System (APIDS) for checkpoint CT security scanners has received national approval from the Netherlands’ National Coordinator for Security and Counter-Terrorism (NCTV) for use with the Analogic ConneCT. The certification, which adheres to EU and Dutch regulatory requirements, was granted following testing at the Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).

The certification enables Analogic customers to further automate security screening using a certified APIDS solution. This enhancement brings consistent threat detection, improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and increased passenger throughput.

The solution leverages Open Architecture (OA) principles, allowing seamless system integration with support for both new and existing ConneCT deployments.

“SeeTrue’s vision is providing the best AI technology to the security screening market through collaboration with top-tier technology providers,” said Assaf Frenkel, co-founder and CEO of SeeTrue. “Being the first AI software company to receive this certification is a testament to our technological leadership. Analogic is an outstanding partner, and we’re proud to bring innovative, automated solutions to the market together.”

“Analogic is pleased to see our collaboration with SeeTrue on APIDS detection algorithms reach the important milestone of national certification in the Netherlands. It is an example of our commitment to collaborative relationships and our focus on expanding the range of capabilities available to our customers with the ConneCT,” said Tom Ripp, CEO of Analogic.
About Analogic:

Analogic Corporation, headquartered in Peabody, MA, is a global leader in design, development, manufacturing and support of technically advanced and cost-effective imaging & detection and power technology solutions for aviation security, healthcare, and other high-end industrial markets. For more information, please visit http://www.analogic.com.

As many as 24 people were killed and 47 wounded during a protest against Myanmar’s military government. An army motorized paraglider dropped two bombs on the crowd, a spokesperson for the government-in-exile said a Burmese news outlet.

The military attacked on Monday evening October 6, as about 100 people gathered in Chaung U township in central Myanmar for a national holiday.

Accelya, a leading global software provider to the airline industry, today announced a five-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) aimed at strengthening airline adoption of modular, scalable, and future-proof retailing solutions. 

Through this agreement, Accelya and AWS will collaborate to develop and grow the FLX ONE platform, bringing airlines secure, reliable, and modular technology solutions that can integrate with existing technology stacks. This will enable airlines to accelerate modern retailing use cases, unlock faster innovation, and ultimately deliver enhanced customer experiences and ROI. 

“The airline industry is actively adopting modern retailing, and Accelya is bringing a genuine alternative to legacy systems that lock in airlines and stifle innovation,” said Sam Gilliland, CEO of Accelya. “Together, we are delivering a platform for scalable and open modern retailing that puts airlines in control. Built on modular technology enabled by Accelya’s AIViator AI capabilities, the FLX ONE platform allows airlines to transition to modern retailing at their own pace and unlock new levels of innovation, customer experience, and growth.” 

Under the SCA AWS will provide technical expertise to support Accelya’s development of cloud-native, AI-ready, and modular solutions that help airlines transform their retailing models at speed. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Accelya and AWS to drive innovation and interoperability in airline retailing. 

Accelya’s FLX ONE platform powers over 50 percent of global NDC volumes and generates more than 30 billion unique offers per day — scale that this agreement will further accelerate. 

Passengers are living digital-first lives. They manage their finances, health, and mobility from their phones. But when it’s time to fly, they’re still asked to queue, print, and repeat. This year’s Travelers’ Voice, SITA Passenger IT Insights 2025 reveals a clear disconnect: travelers are ready for easy, smart journeys. And they’re asking the aviation industry to accelerate its transformation.

The report channels the voices of more than 7,500 real passengers, surveyed at airports in 25 countries around the world, just before takeoff and right after landing. These are authentic, in-the-moment insights from people living the journey. And they’re speaking up: they want air travel to match the pace of their lives.

Passengers’ demands are clear: they want journeys that are simple, trusted, and sustainable. Simplicity means shorter waits, seamless intermodal trips, and real-time updates they can manage from their phones. Nearly two in three say they want faster airport processing, while 42% want a single ticket covering air, rail, and road. Mobile is already the hub, with usage up 20 points since 2020. And digital-first generations, now the main driver of growth, are setting the baseline for what travel must deliver next.

“Passengers aren’t resisting change. They’ve already changed,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. “They’ve gone digital. Now it’s our turn. The future of travel isn’t just about adding tech. It’s about removing friction.”

Biometrics and digital IDs used to feel futuristic. Now? They’re expected. Most passengers today prefer biometric gates over staffed counters. Nearly 80% are ready to store their passport on their phone. Two-thirds would pay for that convenience. And globally, digital identity adoption is set to surge from 155 million users today to 1.27 billion by 2029.

And it’s not just about convenience. Sustainability is no longer a side note. Nearly 90% of passengers would pay more to reduce emissions. Many would fly slower or pack lighter to cut their footprint. They also want the industry to match that commitment with real tangible action.

Trust is now a measurable factor in travel choices. Even baggage, once the biggest pain point, is evolving. Mishandling rates are at historic lows, yet 78% of passengers would still pay for end-to-end baggage services. Why? Because trust matters. And they want that trust to extend across modes, with 70% planning at least one intermodal trip this year.

“We’re asking passengers to adapt to travel,” Lavorel added. “But they’re asking travel to adapt to them. The tools are here, biometrics, digital IDs, real-time data, and smarter baggage. The only thing missing is urgency.”

Travelers’ Voice, SITA Passenger IT Insights 2025 is part of SITA’s IT Insights series, alongside the Air Transport and Baggage reports. With over a decade of data, these reports are the global benchmark for tracking how passenger expectations are shifting and what the industry must do to keep pace. Together, they show a clear picture: passengers aren’t waiting for travel to catch up. They are already living digital-first lives, and they expect aviation to deliver the same seamless, trusted, and sustainable experiences.

Airbus and Ericsson have successfully deployed a private 5G solution at the Airbus production site in Hamburg, with another deployment underway in Toulouse. This initiative forms part of Airbus’ ambitious digitalization strategy, aimed at strengthening manufacturing automation, traceability, and operational efficiency, while meeting the sector’s strictest safety and security standards. 

The partnership between Ericsson and Airbus leverages Ericsson Private 5G, recognized for its reliability, security, and high performance. The solution’s built-in infrastructure automation enabled rapid deployment across Airbus’ operations, significantly shortening implementation timelines compared to traditional setups. This automation allowed Airbus to scale connectivity quickly and securely across multiple sites. Close collaboration with the Ericsson product team ensured seamless integration, with the solution tailored to Airbus’ IT-tooling and cybersecurity requirements. The design’s modular architecture and API-driven interfaces simplified onboarding into Airbus’ existing systems, accelerating time-to-value and reinforcing robust security controls.  

With a fully operational private 5G network now live in Hamburg and deployment at Toulouse underway (to be completed by 2026), this rollout is part of a broader roadmap to extend private 5G across Airbus’ strategic sites in Europe — including further locations in Spain, the United Kingdom, and internationally, with projects in the United States and Canada pending.  

This effort reflects Airbus’ commitment to standardizing digital operations and scaling innovation across its global footprint. 

Hakim Achouri, 5G expert at Airbus, says: “Our objective is to migrate all our industrial networks towards 5G to ensure unified, ultra-reliable connectivity from the operator’s workstation to the aircraft cabin. This deployment accelerates projects involving 3D simulation, augmented reality, improved traceability for parts, and predictive maintenance for our assets. The standardization and scalability made possible by this architecture allow us to replicate the solution easily across further sites in Europe and worldwide.” 

Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Ericsson, says: “Our collaboration with Airbus embodies the alliance between technological innovation and  industrial excellence. Ericsson is proud to support Airbus’ digitalization ambitions through Ericsson Private 5G, offering best-in-class, secure connectivity at scale.” 

Ericsson Private 5G forms the backbone of Airbus’ strategic transformation projects, enabling high-value industrial use cases such as Internet of Things (IoT) integration, intelligent management of critical equipment, real-time quality control, and collaborative robotics. With seamless, full-site coverage with private 5G, machines and operators on the production floor gain true mobility, boosting productivity, process agility, and end-to-end industrial control, all of which are key to realizing the full potential of Industry 4.0.  

This new phase underscores Airbus and Ericsson’s commitment to the future of industrial connectivity, featuring advanced 5G Standalone (SA) technology and next-generation deployment models, which are also poised to accelerate 5G usage in office environments. Additionally, joint R&D efforts focus on connected cabins, 6G, and nonterrestrial networks (NTN), enhancing the connectivity ecosystem for aerospace and smart manufacturing applications. Through this strategic partnership, Airbus and Ericsson are accelerating the digital transformation of the aerospace industry, laying the foundation for the next generation of smart factories — fully connected, scalable, and sharply focused on innovation across Europe and the world. 

Grupo EULEN USA announced two strategic leadership appointments designed to further strengthen its team, enhance operational excellence, and deliver exceptional value to its clients.

Marixa Franco has been named chief operating officer for aviation at Grupo EULEN USA, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in the airline industry. Franco most recently served as regional director for G2 secure staff, overseeing Florida operations and previously held senior executive roles at American Airlines, managing 27 stations across the U.S. and Canada.

“Marixa’s proven leadership, operational expertise, and strong relationships across the aviation community will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and grow our aviation services,” said María Fernández de Córdoba, CEO of Grupo EULEN.

“I am honored to join EULEN Aviation at such an exciting time,” said Marixa Franco. “With its strong reputation for service and innovation, the company is well positioned to continue expanding in the aviation sector, and I look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Amy Olson joins as vice president of sales for Grupo EULEN USA, adding more than 20 years of experience in sales, business development, and facility services. Olson has successfully led territory expansions, secured multimillion-dollar contracts, and driven top-ranked results in both new business and client retention. She is known for building strong client relationships, delivering strategic solutions, and playing key roles in successful market launches and acquisitions. Olson is also actively involved in industry organizations including IFMA, BOMA, IREM, and the Florida Facilities Summit, where she has served on multiple boards of directors and executive leadership roles.

“I’m so excited to be part of this team. From day one, I’ve felt the energy and passion here, and I look forward to working alongside everyone to drive growth and reach new milestones together,” said Olson.

“These appointments reflect Grupo EULEN USA’s ongoing commitment to bringing top-tier talent to our leadership team,” added Fernández de Córdoba Martos. EULEN’s leadership strategy is centered on attracting experienced professionals who can drive innovation, strengthen our operations, and support our mission to provide clients with the best-in-class service. The company says Franco’s and Olsen’s expertise complements its vision of sustainable growth and reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner across the aviation and facility services sectors.