American Airlines Boeing 737-800 Catches Fire in Denver, and More

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American Airlines Boeing 737-800 Engine Erupts in Flames After Emergency Landing in Denver

American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth, experienced an engine fire after landing at Denver International Airport on Thursday evening, March 13, 2025.

The aircraft, carrying 172 passengers and 6 crew members, had been diverted to Denver after the crew reported engine vibrations during flight, and the fire erupted while the plane was taxiing to gate C38, forcing an emergency evacuation.

Key Points

• 12 passengers were transported to hospitals with minor injuries

• Passengers evacuated using emergency slides, overwing exits, and some via the jet bridge

• Social media videos captured dramatic scenes of passengers standing on the wing amid billowing smoke

• The pilot initially reported "high engine" issues but did not declare an emergency before landing

• After landing safely, the situation rapidly escalated with urgent "engine fire" calls over radio

• The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, likely focusing on when and where the fire started

What It Means

This incident adds to mounting concerns about aviation safety following several recent accidents, including a January mid-air collision that resulted in 67 fatalities.

The event will likely trigger increased scrutiny of maintenance procedures and engine reliability.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Vietnam Opens Door to Chinese COMAC C909 Aircraft Certification

Vietnam's aviation regulator has proposed recognizing China's aircraft certifications as equivalent to U.S. standards, potentially allowing COMAC jets to operate in the country.

This regulatory change, which could take effect April 30, would diversify Vietnam's aviation options beyond Boeing and Airbus while advancing China's ambitions to expand its home-grown jets internationally.

The move comes amid strengthening Vietnam-China economic ties.

3. Boeing Adds Donaldson Rotorcraft Filtration Products to Global Catalog

Boeing and Donaldson Aerospace & Defense have expanded their partnership, adding rotorcraft filtration products to Boeing's distribution catalog.

Announced at the 2025 Verticon convention, the agreement allows Boeing's rotorcraft customers to access high-quality air, fuel and hydraulic filtration solutions through Boeing's global distribution network.

The new products will be available on shop.boeing.com starting July 2025.

This expansion builds on their existing partnership for commercial and business aviation customers, offering engine protection, improved performance, and cost savings to operators worldwide.

4. Breeze Airways Implements Proactive Measures for A220 Corrosion Issue

Breeze Airways, along with Delta, JetBlue, and international carriers, is proactively inspecting its fleet of 34 A220s.

Both Airbus and airlines confirm the issue poses no immediate safety risk and won't disrupt flight schedules.

The FAA is monitoring the situation, ensuring airlines address the corrosion through regular maintenance checks and appropriate corrective actions.

5. General Atomics and Radian Join Forces on Spaceplane Technology Development

General Atomics and Radian Aerospace signed an MOU to jointly develop advanced aerospace technologies.

The partnership will integrate avionics, electrification, and actuation systems into Radian's single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane. A key focus is developing electromechanical braking systems that reduce weight and enhance efficiency.

The collaboration also includes UAE localization opportunities through manufacturing, technology transfer, and workforce development.

Both companies will evaluate partnerships with suppliers to develop integrated landing gear systems while advancing aerospace innovation globally.

6. Kazakhstan's Second-Largest Carrier Expands European and Asian Connections

Kazakhstan's SCAT Airlines is expanding operations. The airline is adding 32 additional flights for the Nauryz holiday period (March 16-30) and launching three new international routes in May 2025: Shymkent-Cairo (May 29), Shymkent-Xi'an (May 28), and Shymkent-Budapest (May 27).

Each new route will operate twice weekly.

This expansion is part of Kazakhstan's broader aviation growth, with multiple carriers increasing domestic and international connectivity ahead of spring and summer travel seasons.

7. Eve and UI Helicopter Join Forces to Target Urban and Rural AAM Solutions in South Korea

Eve Air Mobility and UI Helicopter signed an MOU to develop Advanced Air Mobility in South Korea.

The partnership will introduce eVTOL technical requirements to local authorities and create sustainable infrastructure for urban air mobility.

Eve will provide technical expertise while UI Helicopter leverages its local knowledge and government relationships.

The collaboration starts with Eve's UAM market survey and aims to enhance connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

South Korea has already made progress through initiatives like the K-UAM Grand Challenge.

8. Doroni Finalizes $30M Saudi Investment for Personal eVTOL Development

Florida-based Doroni Aerospace has secured agreements worth up to $180 million to advance its H1-X personal eVTOL aircraft.

The company finalized a $30 million investment from Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Aero Industries, which was previously an MOU. A second MOU could provide an additional $150 million to build a production facility in Saudi Arabia.

The partnerships aim to manufacture FAA-certified prototypes by late 2026, with Kingdom Aero eventually holding a 40% stake in Doroni.

The H1-X is designed as an intuitive personal aircraft controlled via joystick.

9. AEGEAN Airlines Expands Fleet with Eight New A321neo Jets

AEGEAN Airlines announced today an order for eight additional Airbus A321neo aircraft, expanding its total A320neo Family commitment to 58 aircraft.

This marks the third expansion of their original 2018 agreement with Airbus.

Of these aircraft, 37 will be the larger A321neo variant, including four A321neo LR models with extended range capabilities for flights up to 7.5 hours.

The airline has already received 34 aircraft, with 24 more scheduled for delivery.

10. Boeing Distribution Services Now Authorized for SKF Aerospace Bearings

Boeing and SKF Aerospace have expanded their partnership, with Boeing Distribution Services becoming an authorized distributor for SKF Aerospace bearings.

The agreement allows Boeing to be listed in D1-4426 as an approved distributor of SKF's bearings. This partnership enhances Boeing's position as a leading aerospace bearings distributor while simplifying customers' supply chains.

SKF Aerospace, a market leader in bearing and composite structure technology, will leverage Boeing's extensive global distribution network to better serve aerospace industry customers with high-quality bearings.