A320’s Sudden Descent Linked to Faulty Computer

New report cites uncommanded pitch-down event in cruise flight.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 05:29 PM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A JetBlue Airbus A320. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The JetBlue Airbus A320 that experienced a “flight control issue” last week was found to have suffered a computer malfunction, according to a recently filed service disruption report seen by AirlineGeeks.

The Oct. 30 incident occurred while the aircraft was in cruise from Cancun to Newark, New Jersey, when it unexpectedly pitched downward without pilot input. The flight crew operating Flight 1230 initiated a precautionary descent and diverted to Tampa, Florida, where the jet landed safely.

At the time of the incident, JetBlue confirmed the aircraft experienced a “drop in altitude.” At least 15 individuals were taken to local hospitals.

The FAA classified the event as a “warning indication” discovered during the cruise phase of flight.

According to the report, the autopilot remained engaged throughout the event. Maintenance technicians later determined that one of the aircraft’s elevator/aileron computers — known as ELAC 2 — had malfunctioned, causing the uncommanded pitch movement.

The faulty unit, manufactured by Thales, was replaced following data analysis and troubleshooting procedures outlined in the Airbus maintenance manual. Post-replacement tests were successful, and the system was cleared for continued service.

ELAC System

On Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft such as the A320 family, the Elevator Aileron Computers (ELACs) are critical to the aircraft’s primary flight control system. Each A320 is equipped with two ELACs that manage the elevators, stabilizer trim, and ailerons by interpreting pilot stick inputs and sensor data. The ELACs also monitor flight envelope parameters, applying built-in protections that prevent excessive pitch attitudes or aerodynamic loads.

A JetBlue A320 (Photo: Shutterstock | CarterAerial)

The ELACs operate in conjunction with three additional computers known as SECs (Spoiler Elevator Computers) and two FACs (Flight Augmentation Computers). In normal operations, ELAC 1 is the master unit for elevator and aileron control, while ELAC 2 serves as a backup or takes over specific control channels depending on system configuration. If one computer fails, the system automatically reconfigures to maintain control authority through alternate or direct control laws.

The affected A320, registered as N605JB, had accumulated roughly 76,785 flight hours and 27,805 cycles at the time of the event. It returned to revenue service on Wednesday, nearly a week after the incident.

Both the FAA and JetBlue are investigating the incident.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Condor Retires Boeing 757

The type made one final round trip between Frankfurt and Vienna.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 04:18 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Condor Boeing 757 (Photo: Shutterstpck | Pavel1964)

German airline Condor on Wednesday officially retired the Boeing 757 from its fleet.

The type made one final journey for Condor, flying from Frankfurt to Vienna and back. On board were airline employees, reporters, and a group of aviation enthusiasts who won seats on the flights through an auction.

According to Aerospace Global News, the service back to Frankfurt took a looping, indirect route that, when viewed from above, roughly spelled out “7-5-7” over eastern Germany.

Condor has operated 34 757s over the years and was one of the last commercial airlines in Europe to still fly the type. Most recently, the aircraft was used to connect Frankfurt and Düsseldorf with vacation destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Hurghada, Egypt, and Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.

A Condor Boeing 757-300 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fabian Behr)

Condor’s last scheduled 757 services took place on Oct. 29 between Düsseldorf and Mallorca and on Nov. 2 between Frankfurt and Hurghada.

The airline exclusively operated the larger 757-300 variant, of which only 40 are in service around the world, per Cirium Fleet Analyzer Data.

The phaseout leaves Condor with an all-Airbus fleet. The 757s are expected to be replaced by A320neo- and A321neo-family aircraft.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

FAA Flags Stabilizer Bolt Risk on CRJs

Nearly 600 aircraft are affected by the directive, which follows reports of missing hardware on key control surfaces.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 02:49 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

PSA aircraft in Charlotte. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) addressing potential hardware failures in the horizontal stabilizer assembly of the CRJ family of regional jets.

The rule, published Wednesday, stems from reports of missing bolts and loose fittings that could jeopardize flight control integrity.

The order covers CRJ-550, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, and CRJ-1000 types. Investigations by Transport Canada found that bolts securing the horizontal stabilizer’s anti-yaw steady fitting block had worked loose during maintenance.

According to the FAA, the issue involves the anti-yaw steady fitting block bolts on the horizontal stabilizer.

In its notice, the agency wrote that “loose or missing bolts on the anti-yaw steady fitting block, which, when combined with a bird strike or gust loading, may result in loss of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the airplane.”

Under the FAA’s directive, operators must conduct detailed torque checks on the affected bolts and replace any missing or loose components before further flight. Repetitive inspections are required at intervals not exceeding 2,200 flight hours.

The FAA estimates that 597 U.S.-registered aircraft are subject to the rule, with compliance costs of about $510 per airplane.

The directive takes effect on Nov. 20.

Ryan Ewing

Mesa-Republic Merger Draws Closer

The two airlines expect the deal to close later this month.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 12:47 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Mesa Airlines CRJ-900 in Phoenix. (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)

Mesa Airlines shareholders will vote later this month on the carrier’s proposed merger with Republic Airways.

In a statement released last week, Mesa set the vote for Nov. 17. If the deal is approved as expected, it will close two days later, on Nov. 19.

Republic’s shareholders have already approved the merger.

Republic and Mesa first announced plans to merge in April.

According to a recent prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mesa will be the surviving corporate entity, though it will take the Republic Airways name. Pre-merger Republic shareholders will own 88% of outstanding shares, while pre-merger Mesa shareholders will hold 6% of the outstanding shares. The remaining 6% of shares will be held in an escrow account for delivery to Mesa investors.

Embraer E175 aircraft — A Republic Airways E175 aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock | Austin Deppe)

The carriers will continue operating flights for their current partners. Republic has service agreements with United, Delta, and American, while Mesa works only with United, flying as United Express.

Based on the two carriers’ most recent earnings reports, the combined company would have 12-month run-rate annual revenue between $1.8 billion and $2 billion, according to Mesa officials.

Zach Vasile

Two Senior Executives Leave Spirit

The carrier cut about 150 positions this week as it continues restructuring.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 11:08 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Spirit Airbus A321neo aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Kevin Hackert)

Two members of Spirit’s executive team are leaving the company.

According to a memo from Spirit President and CEO Dave Davis shared with employees on Tuesday, senior vice presidents Linde Grindle, who serves as chief human resources officer, and Rocky Wiggins, the budget carrier’s chief information officer, will both step down from their positions.

The document was first shared by JonNYC on X.

Suzanne Solon has been named vice president in charge of human resources, the memo stated, while Sapana Patel will take over information technology operations.

Davis thanked the departing executives for their work and contributions to the airline, singling out Grindle’s “steady” leadership during a challenging time and Wiggins’ efforts to modernize IT systems and improve the customer experience.

Spirit is undergoing its second bankruptcy restructuring in less than a year. In a bid to reduce its debt and operating expenses, the carrier has rejected aircraft leases, slashed routes, and furloughed hundreds of pilots and flight attendants. Executives have also made cuts to Spirit’s corporate division; this week alone, about 150 salaried corporate and operations positions were eliminated.

“I know this has been a hard stretch, but we’re on the right path to build a stronger foundation,” Davis wrote.

The carrier confirmed Tuesday that it will discontinue service to and from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Phoenix; Rochester, New York; St. Louis; and Bucaramanga, Colombia, next year.

Zach Vasile

Virgin Atlantic Heads to Thailand

Service will start in October 2026.

Lorne Philipot

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 06:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Virgin Atlantic 787-9 departing London Heathrow. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Virgin Atlantic will offer a new seasonal service between London and Phuket, Thailand.

The connection – which will be the only nonstop flight between London Heathrow and Phuket – is scheduled to launch Oct. 18, 2026. The seaside destination is a popular winter escape for Europeans.

The route will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The service will run three times a week.

These new flights boost Virgin Atlantic’s winter sun portfolio, complementing the airline’s seasonal services to Cancun (launched on Oct. 19) as well as to Dubai, Cape Town, and the Maldives.

Currently, Thai International Airlines and Eva Air operate scheduled service between Bangkok and Heathrow, while British Airways and Norse Atlantic Airways offer service between London Gatwick and Bangkok. Norse Atlantic’s service is a seasonal one.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

Updated: MD-11 Crashes in Kentucky

Three crew members were on the aircraft, UPS said.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, November 04, 2025 at 06:05 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A UPS MD-11 aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)

A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11F has crashed near Louisville, Kentucky, the Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday evening.

The aircraft — registered as N259UP — was operating flight 2976 to Honolulu.

Social media reports show plumes of black smoke near the airport.

Video of the Louisville plane crash. pic.twitter.com/KVJYl8afRh
— Mark Blankenbaker (@UofLSheriff50) November 4, 2025

During a press conference, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said at least nine people were killed, with that number expected to rise.

He says the count is preliminary, and some of the injured have “very significant” injuries.

“At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties,” UPS said in an initial statement.

Both the NTSB and FAA are investigating.

The last deadly accident involving a UPS aircraft was in 2013, according to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data.

This is a developing story last updated on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2025, at 9:23 a.m. ET.

Ryan Ewing

Southwest Signs Interline Agreement With Philippine Airlines

Passengers will be able to book connecting flights through four U.S. gateways.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, November 04, 2025 at 05:34 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Philippine Airlines Boeing 777-300ER. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Southwest is partnering with Philippine Airlines in a bid to enhance connectivity across both carriers’ networks.

In a statement, the new partners said customers will be able to book connecting flights on a single ticket through four U.S. gateways: Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Honolulu.

“Each airline partnership brings unique and incremental reach to places around the globe for both carriers and gives more consumers an opportunity to begin or end their journey with Southwest,” COO Andrew Watterson said in a news release. “With nearly 90 flights a day in our schedule that touch the Hawaiian Islands and as California’s largest air carrier, Southwest is positioned like no other airline in serving Philippine Airlines’ passengers arriving or departing the United States.”

A Southwest 737 MAX 8 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Officials with Philippine Airlines said the deal will help grow their commercial presence in North America. Aside from the four listed gateway locations, the carrier also flies nonstop to New York-JFK, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Philippine Airlines, which serves as the flag carrier of the Philippines, is Southwest’s fourth international partner, behind EVA Air, China Airlines, and Icelandair.

Zach Vasile

Breeze Adds Seven Routes, New Airport

The carrier’s network growth includes new service across the West and Florida.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, November 04, 2025 at 03:39 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Breeze A220 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Breeze is preparing another round of network expansion for 2026.

The airline will launch service from Twin Falls, Idaho, next spring, marking its first entry into the Magic Valley region. Flights will begin March 6, 2026, with twice-weekly service to Las Vegas and one-stop, no-change-of-aircraft “BreezeThru” service to Orange County, California.

“We’re excited to introduce Magic Valley travelers to Breeze and are confident they’ll enjoy our unique blend of convenience, comfort, and affordability on these new routes,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO, in a news release. “The growing community in Twin Falls makes it a natural fit for our service as we continue to grow our footprint in the Western U.S.”

More Service

Breeze’s latest expansion also includes several new and returning routes across its network. On March 1, the airline will begin twice-weekly flights between Orlando and Pensacola in Florida, operating on Thursdays and Sundays.

From Las Vegas, Breeze will launch daily nonstop service to Orange County on March 6. Service between Las Vegas and Arcata/Eureka will begin on March 11, with departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Lincoln, Nebraska, joins the expansion in April. Beginning April 8, Breeze will launch Las Vegas–Lincoln with twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and will also introduce BreezeThru service between Lincoln and Orange County on the same days.

Ryan Ewing

Another Alaskan Airline Halts Operations

The airline’s owner blamed debt stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, November 04, 2025 at 03:20 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Kenai Aviation aircraft. (Photo: Kenai Aviation)

Alaska-based regional carrier Kenai Aviation ceased operations Monday as its owner declared the business “financially insolvent.”

In a lengthy message posted on Kenai’s website and Facebook page, owner Joel Caldwell said the COVID-19 pandemic saddled the airline with a debt load “that we haven’t been able to get back on top of.”

“Today, the bank is calling that debt,” he wrote. “We have to cease all operations immediately. I am devastated.”

According to the Anchorage Daily News, Kenai had to ground an aircraft for maintenance over the summer, which exacerbated the carrier’s financial difficulties.

Kenai Aviation was formed in 1959 to serve the energy industry in the Cook Inlet. Caldwell purchased the company in 2018.

According to its website, Kenai served Anchorage, Seward, the city of Kenai, and Unalakleet. With the airline’s collapse, Unalakleet will have no regularly scheduled air service, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

Caldwell said he will fight to revive the airline but needs outside support.

“I believe we provide something of value to Alaska,” he wrote. “Something that matters. Something that is worth saving.”

“I refuse to give up,” he added. “I don’t know how. I can’t make promises… We need capital, we need partners, we need a lifeline. That investor is out there, we just need to find them. One promise that you can hold me to is that, if at all possible, I will find that life line.”

Regional carriers in Alaska have struggled with the lingering financial effects of the COVID-19 shutdown and higher costs in the years since. In August, Ravn Alaska, at one time the state’s largest rural airline, went out of business and canceled its one remaining route between Anchorage and Valdez.

The collapse of regional service is felt acutely in Alaska’s far-flung and relatively isolated rural communities, since many cannot be reached easily or at all by land.

Zach Vasile