Latest news with #CabinCrew
New York Times
23-07-2025
- New York Times
Power Bank Suspected as Cause of Fire on Virgin Australia Flight
A Virgin Australia flight was plunged into chaos this week after a passenger's bag caught fire inside an overhead bin just as the plane was descending into the city of Hobart, Australia, the airline said on Wednesday. The fire, which started around 9 a.m. on Monday on flight VA1528 from Sydney, is believed to have been ignited by a portable battery inside the bag, although the cause remains under investigation, the airline said. Members of the cabin crew extinguished the flames before the plane landed, the airline said. No passengers or crew members were injured. Power banks are typically powered by lithium-ion batteries, which have also been used for decades to power smartphones and laptops, and are commonly used in portable power banks. But batteries that are damaged, overcharged, overheated or otherwise defective can catch fire. In recent years, the number of these episodes onboard planes has increased, prompting some of the world's biggest airlines to change their regulations regarding the devices. Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration recorded 39 episodes involving lithium batteries on passenger flights, many of them involving power banks. Australian officials have noted a rise in fires and other problems caused by the batteries in recent years. According to the country's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, most passengers travel with at least four lithium-powered devices but are largely unaware of the risks. In response to the episodes, a number of airlines, including Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines banned the use of power banks during flights. Hong Kong's aviation regulator imposed similar restrictions on all of the territory's airlines, which include Cathay Pacific. In May, Southwest Airlines became the first of the four biggest U.S. carriers to tighten its rules. Its passengers are no longer allowed to charge devices using portable batteries while they are stowed in overhead bins. Virgin Australia said that it was reviewing its policy, which allows passengers to take power banks onboard, in light of the fire on Monday. It also said it had asked customers to keep the devices in sight and refrain from using them while flying. In footage shared by local news media, a member of the cabin crew is holding a fire extinguisher and appears to be dousing a fire that is causing smoke to billow from an overheard storage bin. One passenger can be heard shouting while others offer up their water bottles. David Wroth, the senior director of technology and operations at UL Standards & Engagement, a global safety organization that tracks lithium-ion battery episodes, said passengers should always keep rechargeable devices within reach during flights so they can act or inform the flight crew if they suspect something is wrong. 'A fire in the confines of an aircraft cabin can have serious consequences,' he said.
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad airways gives flight to ambition with Employee Cadet Pilot scholarship programme
Seven of the 10 cadet pilot scholarship places have been awarded to women Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways has announced 10 new Cadet Pilot scholarship places for internal candidates of all nationalities, in its newly established Employee Cadet Pilot programme. The new programme builds on the extraordinary success of the UAE National Cadet Programme launched last year which received more than 2000 applications. Honouring the 145 nationalities within Etihad, the airline has rewarded 10 current staff members with the unique opportunity to make lateral career moves and embark on a full scholarship with Etihad's two-year Employee Cadet Pilot programme. Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "Our growth strategy is driven by the increasing demand for skilled pilots. The Employee Cadet Pilot Programme plays a pivotal role in ensuring the next generation is equipped with the world-class skills and expertise needed to excel in the ever-evolving aviation industry. 'As an employer of choice in the UAE, we wanted to give opportunity to our employees to make lateral career moves within Etihad with fully paid scholarships.' The ten members of staff are currently serving in different roles across the organisation including Cabin Crew and Flight Dispatch and will begin cadet pilot training once formalities have been completed. Etihad's diverse workforce is represented in the eight different nationalities that make up the 10 candidates chosen. Of the successful candidates, Etihad has selected seven females to join the scholarship programme, competing with nearly 600 applicants from within Etihad for one of the highly coveted places. Dr Nadia added: 'As the world comes together in support of International Women's Day, it is fitting that we celebrate the diversity of our cadet pilot intake, with seven of the ten successful candidates being women. At Etihad, we're proud to give flight to ambition with this incredible opportunity for internal candidates who have the determination to take their careers to new heights.' All Cadets took part in a two-month rigorous application process with tests in English, mathematics, physics, and a Pilot Aptitude test, as well as psychometric evaluations and medical assessments. The successful internal candidates were revealed on stage at Etihad's annual employee engagement forum in front of 2,500 employees. On receiving the scholarship news, one of the selected women spoke of her pride to join the programme, 'I am thrilled to be selected as one of the candidates because I can show my son that dreams really can come true.' Captain Fahad Alseiari, Head of the Cadet Pilot Programme at Etihad Airways, said: "The primary objective of the Cadet Pilot Programme is to develop world-class pilots who align with Etihad Airways' operational and safety standards. The programme sets the standard for pilot training, blending comprehensive theoretical education with practical flying experience. By using the latest aircraft models and technologies, we ensure our cadets are well-prepared for the demands of modern aviation." "The two-year programme spans training in both the UAE and Spain, combining classroom-based learning with full flight simulator sessions. This ensures our graduates acquire the skills needed to meet Etihad's high operational standards and contribute to our global success." This is the first time Etihad has launched an employee-only Cadet Pilot programme offering staff members a unique opportunity to change careers and pursue their ambition of becoming a pilot. The Employee Cadet Pilot programme will continue to play a vital role in developing a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent to support Etihad's growth and help maintain its position as a world-leading airline. Meet some of Etihad's new cadet pilots here: -Ends- For further details: Duty Media Officer Etihad Airways Email: dutymediaofficer@ About Etihad Airways Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world's leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit
