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Chicago Bears fans in costume line up at United Airlines check-in.
Airline

United Lays on More Flights For Chicago Bears Fans

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

United Airlines has launched a first-of-its kind flight schedule to make it easier for Chicago Bears fans to travel to every away game this season.

In an unprecedented move, the airline has tailored its flight schedule to accommodate fans attending away games, demonstrating its commitment to both the team and its supporters.

Tailored Travel for Bears Fans

A major part of this new program is the adjustment of departure times for six key flights. This strategic scheduling allows Bears fans the flexibility to return home on the same night as the away games, a convenience previously unavailable.

United’s customized approach will also include:

– Larger aircraft to be deployed on two popular routes, increasing capacity for fan travel.

– An additional nonstop flight between Chicago O’Hare and London’s Heathrow Airport has been added for the Week 6 Bears vs. Jaguars game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This brings the total nonstop options to four for this international matchup.

These enhancements are a direct response to the remarkable dedication of Bears fans. According to NFL data, more than 76,000 Bears supporters traveled to away games during the 2023-24 season. This saw them ranking among the league’s most committed road warriors.

Chicago Bears fans in costume line up at United Airlines check-in.
Photo Credit: United Airlines

United’s Commitment to Chicago

Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning, emphasized the airline’s dedication to its home city.

“As Chicago’s Hometown Airline® and long-standing sponsor of the Chicago Bears, we take pride in offering this special schedule. Our enhanced options provide unparalleled convenience for fans supporting the Bears during crucial away games.”

United Airlines’ presence in Chicago is substantial, with over 500 daily departures from O’Hare International Airport.

The airline offers nonstop service to 148 cities within the United States and more than 40 international destinations, solidifying its role as Chicago’s primary air travel provider.

A Legacy of Partnership

The relationship between United Airlines and the Chicago Bears spans more than five decades. During this time, United has transported the team to over 350 games and facilitated travel for thousands of fans to support their team on the road.

This partnership extends beyond the football field, with both organizations frequently collaborating on community initiatives in the Chicago area.

A recent example of this community engagement saw Chicago Bears Tight End Cole Kmet working alongside United’s Special Olympics Service Ambassadors.

This joint effort aimed to raise awareness about the travel needs of Special Olympics participants, showcasing the broader impact of the United-Bears partnership.

Alan Wilson , CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bears Leadership Applauds Initiative

Ted Crews, Bears Senior Advisor to the President/CEO & Chief Administrative Officer, commended the expanded collaboration: “We are fortunate to continue building on our progressive and collaborative partnership with United Airlines.”

“Creating these unique opportunities for our loyal and passionate fans is a testament to our shared commitment to the Bears community.”

Karen Murphy, Bears Executive Vice President of Stadium Development & Chief Operating Officer, added her appreciation.

“As Bears fans plan their travel for the upcoming season, United’s gesture of providing optimal travel accommodations through increased flight options is both welcomed and appreciated. This initiative will help our fans return to Chicago, and wherever they call home, safely and efficiently.”

The CEO of Boeing Dave Calhoun faced significant heat from the U.S Senate this week, with United Airlines also signalling a lack of trust after the session.

Detailed Schedule Changes

United’s tailored schedule includes re-timed return flights to Chicago for seven games, offering same-night or early morning options:

– Houston (IAH), Sept. 15 – 11:59 p.m. departure

– Indianapolis (IND), Sept. 22 – 7:19 p.m. departure

– Phoenix (PHX), Nov. 3 – 8:45 p.m. departure

– Detroit (DTW), Nov. 28 – 5:30 p.m. departure

– San Jose (SJC), Dec. 8 – 7:00 p.m. departure

– Minneapolis (MSP), Dec. 17 – 7:20 a.m. departure (next morning)

– Green Bay (GRB), Jan. 5 – 7:41 p.m. departure

Larger aircraft deployed between Chicago O’Hare and Reagan National Airport on Oct. 27, as well as to Green Bay when the game date is announced.

Additional flights between Chicago O’Hare and London Heathrow on Oct. 9-10, with return options on Oct. 14-15.

As the NFL season approaches, Chicago Bears supporters can look forward to an unprecedented level of convenience and flexibility in their away game travel plans.

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Incident

Southwest Flight Chicago-Miami: Cell Phone Battery Emits Smoke

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

A Southwest Airlines flight operating between Chicago, IL and Miami, FL reported an issue with a cell phone battery emitting smoke on 4 August 2024.

Southwest Airlines flight WN3204 was conducting its descent for an approach to the destination Miami International Airport (MIA). During the initial descent procedure, flight crew observed smoke emitting from a cell phone in the flight deck.

Southwest WN3204 Chicago-Miami

As a result, the operating crew made a decision to divert to nearby Palm Beach International airport (PBI) as a precautionary measure.

The flight subsequently landed at the diversion airport without incident.

A subsequent report by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the safe landing of the flight at Palm Beach International Airport at approximately 1800 local time.

The diversion incident arose from smoke which was emitted by the cell phone battery. The incident will now be the subject of an FAA investigation.

Flight Details

Flight data shows that flight WN3204 made an on-time departure out of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) at 1424 local time.

The flight had proceeded normally, climbing to flight level FL360 (36,000 feet) for the southerly regional service to Florida.

The diversion to Palm Beach International Airport was then made whilst the aircraft was in the early stages of its descent for the intended destination.

The aircraft conducting the WN3204 service from Chicago was a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered N8889Q.

A Southwest Airlines 737 on approach to land.
Tomás Del Coro, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This is a 0.9 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier Southwest Airlines. It has been an operational service with the airline since its initial delivery in December 2023.

A smoking cell phone battery is a serious issue that could create a dangerous situation in-flight.

Battery-related issues:

Internal short circuit: This can occur due to manufacturing defects, physical damage, or internal wear and tear.

Overheating: Excessive heat can cause the battery to swell, leading to internal damage and potential combustion.  

Overcharging: Prolonged charging or using incompatible chargers can cause the battery to overheat and fail.

Physical damage: Dropping, puncturing, or crushing the battery can compromise its integrity and lead to smoke or fire.

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Incident

United Airlines Flight UA119 Edinburgh-Chicago Diverts to Dublin

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

A United Airlines flight operating between Edinburgh and Chicago is currently on diversion to Dublin.

United Airlines flight UA119, a Boeing 757-200 operating from Edinburgh to Chicago initiated the diversion south to Dublin whilst on the overwater transit leg.

According to the online source Shaun’s Aviation, the flight initiated the diversion due to hydraulic issues. The flight has not transmitted transponder code 7700 and is currently operating under a normal squawk code.

United Airlines UA119 Edinburgh-Chicago

United flight UA119 has continued its diversion to Dublin Airport and is currently under vectoring for an approach to RWY28. Weather is VFR for the flight’s arrival with visibility 10 kilometres or more.

The aircraft is now in the final stages of the approach passing through 3,000 feet.

Update 14:25 UTC

United flight UA119 is now established on final approach for RWY28L Dublin (DUB). The flight has maintained a normal transponder code throughout the diversion and approach.

Landed Dublin (DUB)

United flight UA119, a Boeing 757-200 originally bound for Chicago from Edinburgh, has now landed and cleared the runway at the diversion airport, Dublin Airport (DUB).

The aircraft conducting this afternoon’s UA119 to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a Boeing 757-200, registered N19136. This is a 25.4 year old wide body aircraft belonging to the carrier United Airlines.

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Closeup of a United Airlines aircraft with SAF logo.
Airline

United Airlines Leads SAF Procurement for Chicago O’Hare

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

United Airlines has become the first carrier to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Governor JB Pritzker joined United’s leadership at ORD to showcase how Illinois’ SAF tax credits have brought this eco-friendly fuel to one of America’s busiest airports.

In 2024, SAF producer Neste will supply United with up to 1 million gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ at ORD, starting in August.

This move aligns with United’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will be achieved without relying on voluntary carbon offsets.

United Airlines and SAF Purchasing

United continues to lead the U.S. airline industry in SAF purchase and use. In 2023, the airline bought more sustainable fuel than any other U.S. carrier.

The agreement with Neste makes O’Hare the fifth airport where United has secured SAF for operational use. This broad uptake surpasses most other U.S. airlines.

Governor Pritzker emphasized Illinois’ commitment to sustainability and clean energy, highlighting the state’s nation-leading SAF tax credit.

He noted that Illinois’ position as an innovation hub with well-connected airports aligns perfectly with United’s efforts to build a more sustainable future for travel.

SAF offers a promising solution for reducing aviation’s environmental impact. Made from renewable materials, it can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional jet fuel, considering the entire lifecycle from production to use.

Importantly, SAF can be used immediately with existing infrastructure, requiring no changes to fuel systems or aircraft engines.

Last weekend, United Airlines flight UA848 bound for Guam had to return to Tokyo Haneda due to a problem in the cockpit.

Leadership Comments

United’s President Brett Hart, present at ORD with the Governor, praised the collaboration between innovation, leadership, and policy.

He emphasized the opportunity for airlines and policymakers to support SAF’s continued growth. Hart acknowledged that while the market is still developing, initiatives like the Illinois tax incentives are making SAF adoption possible.

With this latest move, United has now purchased SAF for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London, and Amsterdam.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) commended United’s significant step forward. She stressed the importance of increasing SAF supply to make American aviation more sustainable.

Senator Duckworth highlighted her efforts at the federal level to promote SAF use. She pledged continuing support for American-grown, American-made SAF as a win-win solution for domestic farmers, blenders, and the environment.

United SAF Policy

United is a chief advocate for legislation to grow the SAF market, and helped push for the successful adoption of a federal SAF Blender’s Tax Credit, DOT grants to promote SAF usage, and incentives for hydrogen production and carbon capture.

At the state level, the airline has helped secure the passage of SAF tax credits in Illinois, Colorado, California and Washington that encourage the purchase of SAF for local airports.

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Emergency

United Airlines Flight UA403 Newark-Chicago Declares Emergency

by James Field
written by James Field

In the last few moments, United Airlines flight UA403 bound for Chicago declared an emergency not long after departure from Newark.

Information is limited surrounding the incident, but below is what we know on this so far.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…


Emergency!: United Airlines Flight UA403 Newark-Chicago…

In the last few moments, United Airlines flight UA403 bound for Chicago declared an emergency not long after departure from Newark.
Data provided by RadarBox.com.
In the last few moments, United Airlines flight UA403 bound for Chicago declared an emergency not long after departure from Newark.
Craig Sunter from Manchester, UK, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

United Airlines flight UA403, which declared an emergency, is a routine scheduled flight between Newark and Chicago.

Furthermore, it is understood the aircraft involved in the incident was N18112.

As per data from Planespotters.net, N18112 is a 29.6 year old Boeing 757-200 that was delivered to Continental Airlines in February 1995.

Following the merger with United Airlines in October 2010, the aircraft was then handed over to that registry in the same month.

Of the 757-200 variant, UA has 40 of them in their fleet.

Moreover, of that 40, all but four are in active service, with an average fleet age of 27.5 years.

As well as the 757-200, United Airlines has the following other aircraft in their mainline fleet:

  • 81 Airbus A319s.
  • 84 Airbus A320s.
  • 14 Airbus A321neos.
  • 507 Boeing 737 Family aircraft.
  • 21 Boeing 757-300 aircraft.
  • 53 Boeing 767s.
  • 96 Boeing 777s.
  • 71 Boeing 787s.

United Airlines flight UA403, which declared an emergency, departed Newark at 1700 local time and initially climbed out to Chicago.


Not long into the climb, the crew stopped this process and proceeded to enter a series of holds.

During the approach phase back into the departure field, the aircraft declared an emergency via the 7700 squawk code.

UA402 landed not too long after that without further incident.

Reason Is Unclear: Aircraft Landed in Last Few Minutes…

Craig Sunter from Manchester, UK, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At this stage, the reason for the emergency onboard United Airlines flight UA403 Newark-Chicago is unclear.

With this incident happening in the last few minutes at the time of writing (2300 UK time 27/7/24), the information is still fluid.

Furthermore, as soon as we have more information on this emergency, then we will update you accordingly.

For now, this remains a developing story pending any additional updates that will come through.



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An Amazon Prime Air 767-300F freighter operating from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Houston has declared an emergency whilst en route.
Emergency

Prime Air 767 Freighter Chicago-Houston Declares Emergency

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

An Amazon Prime Air 767-300F freighter operating from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Houston has declared an emergency whilst en route.

Prime Air flight 8C3347 declared an emergency with squawk code 7700 and is currently diverting.

Updates to follow.

Prime Air 8C3347 Chicago-Houston

An Amazon Prime Air 767-300F freighter operating from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Houston has declared an emergency whilst en route.

Update 15:15 UTC

Having declared an emergency with transponder code 7700 earlier today, Prime Air flight 8C3347 has returned to a normal squawk.

The flight is currently in a holding pattern at 10,000 feet. The nature of the earlier emergency declaration is not yet known.

We will continue to monitor the flight’s progress and provide updates.

An Amazon Prime Air 767-300F freighter operating from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Houston has declared an emergency whilst en route.

Update 15:25 UTC

Prime Air flight 8C3347, a Boeing 767-300F freighter bound for George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) departed Chicago Rockford at 09:21 local time today.

The flight declared an emergency with squawk code 7700 whilst outbound in the cruise over Missouri.

The aircraft then descended to 10,000 feet and is currently holding at the reduced altitude, possibly to dump fuel.

Although the flight has returned to a normal squawk, the intention appears to be a return to Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD).

About N457AZ – The Prime Air Boeing 767 Involved in the Emergency on 8C3347 Chicago-Houston…

N457AZ is the aircraft involved in the earlier emergency declaration.

As per Planespotters, the aircraft is a 31.4 year old Boeing 767-300 that originally started out life with American Airlines in March 1993.

It remained with the airline until July 2019, when the aircraft was handed over to Cargo Aircraft Management to be converted into a freighter.

By July 2020, the aircraft was handed over to Air Transport International, which operates the aircraft for Amazon Prime Air.

Crawling Back to Rockford at 10,000 Feet…

An Amazon Prime Air 767-300F freighter operating from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Houston has declared an emergency whilst en route.

8C3347 is crawling back to Rockford at 10,000 feet. What could be the possible causes?

It could be a range of issues with the 31 year old airliner, such as loss of pressurisation, as well as a potential engine out.

Furthermore, whatever it is, it’s clearly under control, given the change in squawk from 7700 to 3545.

Getting Closer…

An Amazon Prime Air 767-300F freighter operating from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Houston has declared an emergency whilst en route.

8C3347 is getting closer to Rockford as the path to return to the departure airport continues.

Descent Commenced…

8C3347 has commenced it’s descent back into Chicago Rockford.

On Final…

8C3347 is now on final approach into Rockford, landing expected imminently.

TOUCHDOWN!

TOUCHDOWN! Prime Air flight 8C3347, originally bound for Houston, has touched down back into Chicago Rockford following the emergency call it made not long after departure.

As soon as we have the official cause of the incident, then we will update you accordingly.

For now, this remains a developing story pending additional updates.

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An Avianca A320neo on the taxiway.
Airline

Avianca Adds Chicago-Bogotá Service to North American Network

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

Avianca Airlines is set to relaunch its Bogotá-Chicago route on October 27. This revival comes after a five-year pause since the route’s previous operation from 2018 to 2019.

The airline will offer daily flights between El Dorado and O’Hare International Airports using Airbus A320 aircraft. The narrowbody aircraft, with a capacity of 180 passengers each, will provide over 2,500 weekly seats on this route.

A Return to the Windy City

Avianca, Colombia’s flagship carrier, is set to make a triumphant return to the Windy City this fall. Reconnecting Bogotá with Chicago, this revival comes after a five-year hiatus, rekindling a service that previously operated from 2018 to 2019.

The resumption of this strategic route marks a further stage in Avianca’s expansion strategy across the Americas.

The airline plans to operate seven weekly flights on this route, utilizing its fleet of A320 aircraft.

Each plane boasts a capacity of 180 passengers, translating to a respectable offering of more than 2,500 seats per week.

This substantial capacity firstly caters to the resurgent demand for travel between these two vibrant cities.

It also facilitates smoother connections for passengers traveling from other parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean to reach the heart of the American Midwest.

From dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, avianca has come out the other side strongly.
Photo Credit: avianca.

Route Restoration and Broader Strategy

Rolando Damas, Avianca Airlines Sales Director for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, expressed enthusiasm about the revitalized route.

“At Avianca, we continue to focus on providing more connectivity and access to new destinations around the world,” Damas stated.

He highlighted the airline’s recent successful launches in Montreal and Paris, emphasizing that the addition of the Bogotá-Chicago route further strengthens Avianca’s network. This now includes over 10 destinations across North America.

Damas also underscored Avianca’s commitment to delivering an enhanced travel experience. “We are committed to delivering a refreshed travel experience that prioritizes safety, punctuality, and reliable luggage handling,” he affirmed.

This focus on customer satisfaction aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading carrier in the region.

A Welcome From Chicago

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from officials on both sides of the route. Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, welcomed the new service on behalf of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Rhee highlighted the potential benefits of the route, stating, “This new route not only strengthens our connectivity with Latin America. It also opens up exciting opportunities for business and tourism.”

The sentiment was echoed by Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country’s promotion agency.

Caballero emphasized the route’s significance in boosting Colombian tourism and strengthening air connectivity with the United States, Colombia’s top source of international visitors.

“As the leading South American destination for US visitors, Colombia continues to offer meaningful experiences and stunning beauty,” Caballero noted.

She added that the new route “solidifies our position as a key player in the hemisphere’s travel network.”

View of new interior of Avianca Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft.
Photo Credit: Avianca Airlines

Summary

For Avianca, Chicago becomes the 13th city in its North American network, joining a roster that includes major hubs such as Boston, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

This expansion is part of Avianca’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the North American market and offer more comprehensive travel options to its customers.

The relaunch of the Bogotá-Chicago route is more than just an addition to Avianca’s flight schedule; it represents a bridge between cultures, economies, and continents.

It opens up new possibilities for business travelers, tourists, and those visiting friends and family, fostering closer ties between Colombia and the United States.

Avianca continues to expand its network, which currently encompasses 150 routes connecting 75 destinations in 25 countries across the Americas and Europe.

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Earlier this week, an American Airlines Boeing 787 bound for London had to make an emergency landing in Chicago.
Emergency

American Airlines Boeing 787 Makes Emergency Landing in Chicago

by James Field
written by James Field

Earlier this week, an American Airlines Boeing 787 bound for London had to make an emergency landing in Chicago.

Information has been released pertinent to this incident, which we will get into in this article.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

American Airlines Flight AA90 – Chicago to London…

Earlier this week, an American Airlines Boeing 787 bound for London had to make an emergency landing in Chicago.
Data provided by RadarBox.com.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

American Airlines flight AA90, which had to make the emergency landing, is a routine scheduled flight between Chicago and London.

Also, the aircraft involved in the incident was N836AA.

As per data from Planespotters.net, N836AA is a 6.0 year old Boeing 787-9 which was delivered to the airline in July 2018.

Of the 787-9 variant, American Airlines has 22 of them in their fleet.

Furthermore, of the 22, all of them are in active service and not parked, with an average fleet age of 6.8 years.

Moreover, as well as the 787-9, AA has the following aircraft in their mainline fleet:

  • 133 Airbus A319s.
  • 48 Airbus A320s.
  • 298 Airbus A321 Family aircraft.
  • 365 Boeing 737 Family aircraft.
  • 67 Boeing 777 Family aircraft.
  • 37 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

American Airlines flight AA90, which made the emergency landing, initially departed Chicago at 0934 local time on July 8.

ADS-B data shows that the aircraft made it as high as FL280 before a return back to O’Hare was needed.

The aircraft landed safely without further incident at 1018 local time.

Furthermore, The Aviation Herald reports that the cause of the return back to Chicago and the subsequent emergency landing was due to the right hand engine failing during the climb out towards London on the American Airlines Boeing 787.

Aircraft Is Still Grounded Currently…

Radomianin, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At the time of writing, N836AA remains grounded following the incident at O’Hare.

It is unclear how long it will take for the aircraft to re-enter commercial service.

This is due to maintenance crews needing to check the engine over and repair any damage where necessary.

For now, all eyes will be on when the American Airlines Boeing 787 will return to service in Chicago.

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A United Airlines 737-900ER taking off.
Incident

United Airlines 737-900 Returns to Chicago With Pressurization Problem

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

A United Airlines Boeing 737-900 operating from Chicago to San Francisco made a precautionary return to Chicago after experiencing a cabin pressurization issue on 3 July 2024.

United Airlines flight UA343, a Boeing 737-900 out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) reported a cabin pressurisation problem whilst still in the climb after departing from Chicago.

United Airlines UA343 Chicago-San Francisco

The climb was terminated and the descent made to 10,000 feet. Flight crew then negotiated a direct return to Chicago O’Hare.

The flight subsequently landed without further incident approximately one hour after its initial departure.

The FAA subsequently confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft returned to Chicago O’Hare International Airport where it landed around noon local time on Wednesday, July 3.

The aviation regulator confirmed that it would now investigate the reported pressurization issue resulting in the division at reduced altitude.

Flight Details

Flight data shows that United flight UA343 had departed Chicago at 11:01 local time, bound for San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

The flight had set course normally and climbed to flight level FL280 (28,000 feet), before flight crew discontinued the climb.

The aircraft was transiting Illinois airspace near Moline when the return course for Chicago was initiated.

Having descended to 10,000 feet due to the pressurization problem, the flight then continued at reduced altitude to Chicago O’Hare.

A replacement aircraft was mustered to carry out the onwards service to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

A United Airlines 737-900ER taking off.
BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

All the aircraft conducting the UA343 service to San Francisco was a Boeing 737-900ER, registered N69830. This is a 10.1 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the US carrier United Airlines.

It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery in June 2014.

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A Southwest Airlines 737-800 approaches to land.
Incident

Southwest Airlines Flight Returns to Chicago With Engine Problem

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 operating the flight from Chicago Midway to Montego Bay, Jamaica made a precautionary return following an engine problem on 25 June 2024.

Southwest Airlines flight WN1042 had departed Chicago Midway International airport (MDW) when it experienced an engine problem shortly after takeoff.

Southwest Airlines WN1042 Chicago Midway-Montego Bay

Flight track of Southwest Airlines flight WN1042 from Chicago Midway, showing diversion to Chicago O'Hare.

According to the online source the Aviation Herald, the flight crew had noted an engine over temperature indication on one engine.

As a result, flight crew terminated the climb procedure at 4000 feet and remains in the vicinity of the airport in order to conduct troubleshooting.

The crew subsequently made the decision to divert to Chicago O’Hare International Airport for a precautionary landing.

Flight track of Southwest Airlines flight WN1042 from Chicago Midway, showing diversion to Chicago O'Hare.

The aircraft then landed at Chicago O’Hare just over 30 minutes after the departure from Chicago Midway.

The landing was uneventful and was conducted under normal operating procedures. A formal emergency was not declared by the flight crew in this instance.

A replacement aircraft was mustered to complete the onwards service to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The nature and extent of the engine problem has not been confirmed.

Flight Details

Flight data shows that flight WN1042 made its departure out of Chicago Midway (MDW) at 1009 local time.

The climb was then terminated 4000 feet just after initial departure. Flight crew then maintained the aircraft in a series of holding manoeuvres close to the airport in order to troubleshoot the problem.

A diversion and return to Chicago O’Hare International Airport was then negotiated.

A Southwest Airlines 737-800 approaches to land.
Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The aircraft conducting the WN1042 rotation to Montego Bay Sangster International airport (MBJ) was a Boeing 737-800, registered N8623F.

This is a 10.6 year old CFM engine equipped narrowbody aircraft belonging to the US carrier Southwest Airlines.

It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in December 2013.

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