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Daver Malik Appointed Assistant Aviation Director and Chief Development Officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

June 11, 2025By ePlane AI
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Daver Malik Appointed Assistant Aviation Director and Chief Development Officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor
Airport Leadership
Infrastructure Development

Daver Malik Appointed Assistant Aviation Director and Chief Development Officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Following a comprehensive nationwide search, Daver Malik has been named Assistant Aviation Director and Chief Development Officer for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. Previously serving as Assistant Chief Information Officer, Malik will now oversee the Design & Construction Services, Planning & Environmental, and Technology divisions at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Extensive Experience and Leadership in Aviation Infrastructure

Malik brings over two decades of experience in the aviation sector, spanning major hub airports and the private industry. He is widely recognized for his strategic and growth-oriented leadership in infrastructure and technology. His portfolio includes managing significant capital development projects such as Phoenix’s $1.5 billion Terminal 3 Modernization, which added 25 gates, the eight-gate Terminal 4 S1 concourse, and the PHX Sky Train® Stage 2. His expertise also extends to Atlanta’s $2 billion International Terminal expansion, the consolidated rental car facility (CONRAC), and the Airport Operations Center (AOC).

Aviation Director Chad Makovsky praised Malik’s appointment, emphasizing his ability to foster strong relationships, align diverse stakeholders, and lead with innovation. “Daver’s broad experience and passion for the industry will directly shape the future of our airport system and the community we serve for generations to come,” Makovsky stated.

Strategic Vision Amid Industry Challenges

Malik’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing critical industry initiatives, including the development of digital strategies, the launch of a Passenger Forecast Data Sharing Model, and the implementation of the Biometrics Exit Program to enhance passenger experience. Throughout his career, he has championed a culture of innovation at both the City of Phoenix and Atlanta International Airport.

As he assumes his new role, Malik faces a complex operational and market environment. Phoenix Sky Harbor is preparing for the challenges of future air traffic management, aligned with the 2045 vision for the national air traffic system. The airport is also responding to increased competition prompted by new international routes, such as Starlux Airlines’ inaugural direct connection to Asia from Phoenix. This development may drive existing carriers to enhance their services and infrastructure to maintain market share.

Broader industry dynamics, including investor activities like Carl Icahn’s recent stake in JetBlue, are expected to influence competitive strategies and market conditions. These factors highlight the critical need to integrate technology and data into infrastructure planning to ensure Phoenix Sky Harbor remains efficient, adaptable, and prepared for future demands.

Reflecting on his appointment, Malik expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him during this pivotal period. He emphasized the importance of integrating technology and data into physical infrastructure design to create efficient and future-ready facilities. Malik also underscored the necessity of aligning development efforts with evolving passenger expectations, airline business models, and sustainability goals to secure long-term success.

Malik’s appointment marks a significant step as Phoenix Sky Harbor positions itself for continued growth and innovation within an evolving global aviation landscape.

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Etihad Advises Caution and Orders Inspection of Fuel Control Switches on Boeing 787s

Etihad Advises Caution and Orders Inspection of Fuel Control Switches on Boeing 787s

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NASA's X-59 Jet Aims for Quiet Supersonic Flight at Mach 1.4

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FAA Interim Report Finds No Immediate Safety Issues with Boeing 787-8 in Air India Crash

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FAA Interim Report Finds No Immediate Safety Issues with Boeing 787-8 in Air India Crash The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has communicated to international aviation authorities that its interim review of the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash on June 12 revealed no immediate safety concerns related to the aircraft’s engines or systems. This update, issued on July 11, corroborates preliminary findings from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the ongoing investigation. Details of the Incident and Investigation According to a senior official from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the FAA’s notification acknowledged the AAIB’s interim report, which identified that the fuel supply switches to both engines moved to the ‘CUTOFF’ position just three seconds after takeoff. This action caused a loss of engine thrust and the subsequent shutdown of both engines, ultimately resulting in the crash. The FAA also referenced its December 2018 advisory, which highlighted the potential for the locking mechanism on the fuel supply switches to become disengaged. Despite this, the U.S. regulator did not issue any new safety recommendations, instead reaffirming its previous guidance and committing to ongoing information sharing as the investigation progresses. The fuel switches involved are equipped with protective brackets and a spring-loaded locking mechanism designed to prevent accidental activation. Pilots must perform a deliberate two-step action—lifting the switch over a metal stop before pulling it down—to move it from RUN to CUTOFF. The FAA’s earlier Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) had advised airlines to inspect and, if necessary, replace switches with enhanced locking features. However, this guidance was advisory rather than mandatory. The AAIB report noted that Air India had not implemented the FAA’s 2018 recommendations, explaining that the bulletin was not compulsory. Furthermore, no defects in the fuel control switch had been reported since 2023, when the throttle control module was last replaced on the aircraft involved. Broader Implications and Market Response Globally, 77 airlines operate the Boeing 787, with 171 aircraft registered in the United States and 1,189 worldwide. Despite the crash, both the FAA and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation have found no significant safety concerns with the Boeing 787-8 fleet. Market reaction to the incident has been relatively subdued. Boeing’s stock price has remained stable, with analysts maintaining a new street-high price target. In response to the crash, Boeing has chosen to adopt a lower-profile presence at the upcoming Paris Air Show. Nevertheless, traveler confidence remains fragile. A recent survey by Skift indicates that a majority of Indian travelers have avoided certain airlines or routes due to safety concerns, highlighting the ongoing sensitivity surrounding aviation safety in the region. While the investigation continues, regulators emphasize that current evidence does not indicate an immediate risk associated with the Boeing 787-8, and no new mandatory safety directives have been issued.
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Aviation Expert Sanat Kaul Questions AI 171 Crash Report, Urges Pilot Involvement in Investigation

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Aviation Expert Sanat Kaul Questions AI 171 Crash Report, Urges Pilot Involvement in Investigation Concerns Over Preliminary Report and Investigation Transparency Aviation expert Sanat Kaul has expressed serious reservations regarding the preliminary investigation report into the Air India AI 171 crash, which tragically claimed 241 lives. Kaul emphasized the necessity for greater transparency and the inclusion of experienced pilots in the investigative process. The preliminary report, released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, was notably unsigned, a detail Kaul criticized, stating, “It should have been signed. But I don't think the report is ok. We should wait for the final report, and the final report may not align with the preliminary report; there can be several changes.” Kaul highlighted the importance of adhering to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) guidelines, which recommend the involvement of pilots familiar with the aircraft involved—in this case, the Boeing 787. He insisted that if a pilot with Boeing 787 experience is unavailable, at minimum, someone with Boeing 737 expertise should be included. This stance reflects broader concerns raised by the Federation of Indian Pilots and the Airline Pilots' Association of India, both of which have questioned the composition of the investigation team. These associations argue that the absence of qualified and experienced pilots undermines the credibility of the inquiry and have criticized the premature leak of the unsigned preliminary report to the media. They further warned that the investigation appears predisposed to attributing the crash to pilot error without sufficient evidence. Composition of the Investigation Committee and Wider Implications The Ministry of Civil Aviation has defended the investigation, asserting that it is being conducted in strict accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017. The multi-disciplinary committee, chaired by the Union Home Secretary, includes senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Home Ministry, Gujarat’s State Disaster Response Authority, the Indian Air Force, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Despite this broad representation, critics maintain that the absence of active pilots on the panel may hinder a thorough evaluation of operational procedures and human factors critical to understanding the crash. Beyond the investigation itself, the AI 171 crash has had significant repercussions across the aviation sector. Insurance companies and aviation insurers are closely monitoring the situation, while competitors have initiated internal reviews of Boeing’s Dreamliner model and their own safety protocols. Additionally, families of the victims have accused Air India of applying pressure during compensation negotiations, further complicating the aftermath of the tragedy. Kaul and pilot associations continue to advocate for the inclusion of pilots in the investigation, arguing that their expertise is vital for a comprehensive and impartial inquiry. They contend that pilot involvement would provide essential insights into operational and human factors, which could contribute to restoring public confidence and enhancing aviation safety standards.
Will Delta Eventually Order Boeing 787 Dreamliners?

Will Delta Eventually Order Boeing 787 Dreamliners?

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Delta CEO Explains Decision to Dismantle New Aircraft

Delta CEO Explains Decision to Dismantle New Aircraft

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Former AAIB Chief Says It’s Too Early to Assess Pilot’s Role in AI Plane Crash

Former AAIB Chief Says It’s Too Early to Assess Pilot’s Role in AI Plane Crash

Former AAIB Chief Urges Caution in Assessing Pilot’s Role in Air India Crash New Delhi, July 13 — It remains premature to draw definitive conclusions regarding the pilots’ involvement in last month’s tragic Air India flight 171 crash, according to Aurobindo Handa, former chief of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The fatal accident, which claimed 260 lives, is still under thorough investigation, and Handa stressed that only the final report will establish the most probable cause. Having led investigations into over 100 aircraft accidents, including the 2020 Air India Express crash in Kozhikode, Handa called for patience and restraint following the release of the AAIB’s preliminary findings. Speaking a day after the bureau published its initial report, he urged that the investigation be allowed to proceed in a fair, unbiased, and transparent manner. Preliminary Findings and Pilot Details The preliminary report disclosed that the fuel switches on the Boeing 787-8 involved in the crash were turned off within a second of each other and subsequently reactivated. Cockpit voice recordings captured an exchange between the two pilots, with one questioning the other about the fuel switch being cut off, and the second denying responsibility. The report did not clarify which pilot made each statement. On the ill-fated flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, First Officer Clive Kundar, aged 32, was the Pilot Flying (PF), while Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, served as Pilot In Command (PIC) and Pilot Monitoring (PM). Sabharwal had accumulated over 8,596 hours on the 787, including 8,260 hours as PIC, whereas Kundar had logged 1,128 hours on the aircraft. Both pilots reportedly had adequate rest prior to the flight. Handa cautioned against speculation, particularly in some foreign media outlets that have suggested pilot error. He appealed to experienced aviators and commentators to refrain from conjecture until the investigation is complete. Ongoing Investigation and Industry Implications The crash occurred shortly after takeoff when the aircraft struck a building, resulting in only one survivor among 242 occupants. The investigation is now focused on understanding why the fuel switches were manipulated and whether mechanical or electrical failures played a role. Handa emphasized that the forthcoming stages of the AAIB inquiry will be critical in elucidating these technical factors. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of airline safety standards, especially amid recent incidents such as a technical malfunction on a Thai Lion Air flight, which have heightened concerns about operational reliability. The aviation industry faces mounting pressure to reinforce safety protocols and maintain public confidence. Airlines are expected to enhance communication and transparency in response to such events. Market reactions have mirrored investor apprehensions regarding safety, while competitors may seek to highlight their own safety measures to reassure passengers. As the investigation progresses, both industry stakeholders and the public await comprehensive findings to fully understand the causes behind the Air India crash.
India Commercial Pilots’ Association Rejects Suicide Theory in AI 171 Crash Report

India Commercial Pilots’ Association Rejects Suicide Theory in AI 171 Crash Report

India Commercial Pilots’ Association Rejects Suicide Theory in AI 171 Crash Report Rejection of Pilot Suicide Speculation The India Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) has issued a strong condemnation of the speculation suggesting pilot suicide as a cause of the Air India AI 171 crash. This statement followed the release of the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of all passengers and crew except one. The AAIB’s initial findings revealed that three seconds after takeoff, the fuel supply to both engines of the London-bound Air India Boeing 787 was abruptly cut off. The report indicated that the fuel cutoff switches for both engines were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position in rapid succession. However, the report did not include the full cockpit voice recorder transcript, providing only a brief exchange in which one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cutoff, and the latter denied having done so. ICPA’s Response and Call for Responsible Reporting In a statement released on Sunday, the ICPA, which represents pilots from the former Indian Airlines, expressed deep concern over what it described as “reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide.” The association emphasized that there is no basis for such a claim at this stage and criticized the premature invocation of such a serious allegation based on incomplete or preliminary information. The ICPA highlighted that such speculation is not only irresponsible but also deeply insensitive to the victims and their families. The association reaffirmed its unwavering support for the flight crew of Air India flight AI 171, underscoring that pilots undergo rigorous psychological and professional screening, recurrent training, and operate under stringent safety and mental fitness standards. The ICPA’s statement stressed that casually suggesting pilot suicide without verified evidence constitutes a gross violation of ethical reporting and undermines the dignity of the profession. The ICPA further urged respect for the ongoing investigative process, asserting that any speculation of this nature is unacceptable and must be condemned. The association maintained that the crew acted in accordance with their training and responsibilities under challenging circumstances and deserve support rather than vilification. Broader Impact and Ongoing Investigation The controversy surrounding the crash has had wider repercussions. Market reactions have been mixed, with some investors expressing concerns about Air India’s safety record, while others remain optimistic about the airline’s prospects. Competitors have responded by intensifying scrutiny of Air India’s operational practices and safety protocols, while simultaneously emphasizing their own safety measures to reassure passengers. Meanwhile, families of the victims have raised allegations against Air India, accusing the airline of exerting pressure during compensation negotiations. Several family members claimed that the airline threatened to withhold compensation if they did not complete a required questionnaire, adding complexity to the aftermath of the tragedy. As the official investigation continues, the ICPA and other stakeholders have called for restraint and objectivity, emphasizing the necessity of a thorough and unbiased inquiry before any conclusions are drawn regarding the cause of the crash.
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