aviation industry

The United States has threatened to ground Iranian airlines around the world starting Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera. The move would bar Iranian carriers from operating internationally and marks a sharp escalation in pressure on Tehran's aviation sector. Details on the legal basis and which airlines are targeted remain limited, and Iran's response is not yet known.

The U.S. Senate has approved legislation addressing mental health support for pilots and air traffic controllers. The measure is aimed at making it easier for aviation professionals to seek treatment without automatically jeopardizing their careers, an issue that has drawn growing attention amid concerns over stigma and strict medical certification rules in the aviation industry.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has cleared SpaceX to proceed with the 14th flight of its Starship rocket. The regulator's approval removes the last major hurdle for the next test launch from SpaceX's Texas facilities. Starship is central to NASA's lunar landing plans and Elon Musk's ambitions for deep-space travel, and each flight test draws close attention from space watchers and industry analysts.

The US Senate has approved mental health legislation covering pilots and air traffic controllers. The measure is aimed at making it easier for aviation professionals to seek mental health treatment without automatically jeopardising their medical certification or careers. Coverage from aviation and general news outlets notes the step as a significant change to how the industry handles mental health among safety-critical staff.

Singapore Airlines is reportedly reducing the size of its premium economy cabin, the class often described as making business class an irrational purchase for travellers. The move suggests the airline sees stronger profitability in business seats and is rebalancing its long-haul configurations accordingly, a shift industry watchers say could reduce affordable long-haul options for price-conscious flyers.