Challenges faced by charter operators in deportation flights, the NTSB's new online accident reporting portal, rising military aviation accident rates, the uncertain future of Air Wisconsin, and the merger of regional carriers Republic and Mesa. Also, findings from the NTSB regarding Boeing evacuation slides, the impact of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) on businesses, innovations in helicopter technology, and the legacy of women in aviation, particularly the WASPs during World War II.
Aviation News
Inside ICE Air: Flight Attendants on Deportation Planes Say Disaster Is “Only a Matter of Time”
Miami-based Global Crossing Airlines (operating as GlobalX) is a Part 121 operator and the primary contractor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights. (Known as “ICE Air”). Seven current and former GlobalX flight attendants spoke with ProPublica and expressed concerns about the safety of the deportation flights.
Courtesy GlobalX.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics
In fiscal year 2024, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) reported conducting over 1,000 charter deportation flights.
Avelo ripped for plan to fly ICE deportation charters as Tong suggests pulling state support: 'Deeply disappointing'
Avelo Airlines plans to begin flying deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security out of Arizona. Connecticut local and state officials are expressing displeasure with the airline. The mayor of New Haven suggested that the state consider pulling its "support" for Avelo.
NTSB introduces new online portal for accident reports
The new online Form 6120.1 supplements the paper version. The overall process for reporting an accident remains the same:
Step 1: Preserve the scene.
Step 2: Provide an Initial Report to the NTSB 24-hour Response Operations Center (ROC).
Step 3: NTSB determines if they will investigate the accident.
Step 4: Complete 6120.1 form after the NTSB Investigator contacts you.
See: Report an Aircraft Accident to the NTSB
You can complete the form by either downloading the PDF version or using the interactive digital form, which you can access through a unique link that the investigator will email to you. If you witnessed an aircraft accident and would like to provide the NTSB with a statement of your observations, prepare a statement and email it to witness@ntsb.gov.
U.S. Military Records Highest Aviation Accidents In A Decade; What Is The Major Cause Of Rising Incidents?
The EurAsian Times says, “FY2024 was one of the worst aviation safety years for the US Army in a decade.” They cite statistics from the Aviation Division of the Directorate of Analysis and Prevention at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center showing a “steady decline in mishap rates per 100,000 hours beginning in 2006.” FY2022 saw a record low of 0.50 Class A mishaps per 100,000 hours, but that rate doubled in 2023 and the FY2024 Class A mishap rate (1.90) was almost four times greater than FY2022.
Air Wisconsin Halts Scheduled Flights, Future Uncertain
American Airlines’ 5-year contract with Air Wisconsin for regional capacity has ended. The April 3, 2025 breakup was announced last January, when Air Wisconsin President and CEO Robert Binns noted that the airline is making a “strategic shift” to focus on government-subsidized Essential Air Service flying and charter operations. To date, the airline has been unsuccessful in winning any EAS contracts.
Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group to Combine, Creating America's Regional Airline of Choice
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and Mesa Air Group, Inc. announced that they have a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. If the merger succeeds, the combined company would be renamed Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Bryan Bedford, Republic's President and Chief Executive Officer, said "We're thrilled to combine the Republic and Mesa teams to create one of the wo...