Strike action planned by one of France's largest ATC unions later this month is set to cause significant disruption across Europe. The SNCTA union has called a two-day walkout beginning on 18 September, escalating its demand for improved pay to reflect higher-than-expected inflation since 2023. The union argues that its members' services are being "devalued year after year" under inadequate wage agreements. In a strongly worded statement, SNCTA accuses France's civil aviation authority, the DGAC, of fostering an atmosphere of “mistrust, punitive practices, and degrading managerial methods". SNCTA's planned action follows strikes by other French ATC unions on 3-4 July. These caused widespread disruption across the continent. According to Eurocontrol, more than 1 million passengers were affected, including 200,000 unable to fly as a result of cancellations. Over the two days, 4.7% of total flights across the network were cancelled and 10.7% delayed, resulting in an estimated €120 million ($140 million) in costs to the European aviation industry. Ryanair, which cancelled over 400 flights amid the July strikes, has called on the European Commission to intervene and protect overflights from ATC-related disruption. The carrier described the July action as "recreational" strikes by French air traffic controllers. The September walkout could prove even more disruptive, given SNCTA's status as one of the largest union representing French ATC workers. It remains unclear whether other unions will join the action. Data shows that around 8,000 flights are scheduled to depart or arrive in France over the two-day strike period, representing around 1.4 million seats.

Brussels Airlines has selected HAECO to provide exclusive base maintenance services on its Airbus A330-300 fleet for a three-year period. The agreement, which took effect in September, will see HAECO provide support including C-checks on Brussels Airlines' long-haul fleet at the MRO provider's facility at Hong Kong International airport. "HAECO has established itself as a renowned MRO services provider with extensive maintenance experience across a variety of aircraft types, including A330s," states Brussels Airlines head of technical fleet management Christian Fontius. "We are confident that HAECO's services will optimise the performance of our widebody fleet." Fleets data shows that the Lufthansa Group carrier has 11 A330-300s and 35 A320-family jets. It plans to add further single-aisles and two A330s.

UAE-based airlines are now eligible for a discount on export-credit financing associated with adherence to the Cape Town Convention. Carriers domiciled in the Middle Eastern country can now unlock "significant financial benefits" following a "landmark legislative change in the UAE federal civil aviation law", Emirates deputy general counsel Mona Al Sayegh states in a LinkedIn post. "This win for aviation finance in the UAE is the culmination of 16 years of advocacy, collaboration and persistence. I've had the privilege of working alongside fellow UAE airlines, local and federal entities and international stakeholders to push for this change," she adds. The Aviation Working Group website states that airlines of states that adopt the Cape Town Convention and protocol can receive a 10% discount on export-credit premiums under the OECD Aircraft Sector Understanding. The UAE is listed on the AWG website as having achieved a "very high" Cape Town Convention compliance rating of 88, and the nation "is and should remain eligible for the OECD discount", in the AWG's view.