With about 60% of mandatory inspections done, nothing pointing to a pressing CFM56-7B fleet-safety issue linked to fan-blade failure has turned up, the engine manufacturer reports.

Southwest Airlines executives said they do not believe it is yet appropriate to resume television advertising in the aftermath of the April 17 Boeing 737-700 engine failure that resulted in a passenger fatality, conceding this may slow the carrier’s business recovery from a noticeable softening in bookings following the incident.

Air France pilot unions have announced a further four days of strike action on May 3, 4, 7 and 8, adding to delays and disruption as workers and management are locked in conflict over pay.

US House Transportation Committee chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) has submitted an amendment to proposed FAA reauthorization legislation that would require a “call to action” review of airline engine safety in the wake of the Southwest Airlines flight 1380 engine failure.

Denver-based Frontier Airlines has agreed to a flow-through program for Trans States Airlines (TSA) pilots, giving the mainline carrier feed for its aggressive expansion plans, while the regional carrier gets a benefit to help it attract more pilot applicants.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has unanimously re-elected Patrick Ky as executive director for a second term of five years.

The European Commission (EC) has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether Italy’s €900 million ($1.1 billion) bridge loan to flag carrier Alitalia constituted state aid and whether it complied with European Union (EU) rules for aid to companies in difficulty.

Air France said it expected to operate almost 75% of its flights on April 24 as strikes over pay continue.