Industry Analysis

Near Mid-Air Collision at Phoenix Sky Harbor Sparks Safety Concerns

Published

2 years ago

15 January 2025

Introduction

The recent near mid-air collision over Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has reignited concerns about aviation safety. This incident, involving a United Airlines Boeing 737 and a Delta Air Lines Airbus A330, highlights the critical importance of collision avoidance systems and air traffic control protocols. While both aircraft landed safely, the event underscores the need for continuous vigilance in maintaining air safety standards.

Aviation safety is a cornerstone of modern air travel, with millions of passengers relying on stringent regulations and advanced technology to ensure their journeys are secure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a pivotal role in enforcing these standards, and incidents like this prompt thorough investigations to identify potential lapses or areas for improvement. This near-collision serves as a reminder that even with sophisticated systems, human and technological coordination must remain flawless.

Main Section: The Incident and Immediate Response

Details of the Near-Collision

On January 11, 2025, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 and a United Airlines Boeing 737 came dangerously close to each other while attempting to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. At their closest point, the aircraft were within 1,200 feet laterally and 875 feet vertically, according to data from Flightradar24. Both flight crews received onboard alerts prompting evasive actions, and the planes aborted their initial approaches before circling and landing safely.

The Delta flight, originating from Detroit, and the United flight, from San Francisco, were both inbound to Phoenix when the incident occurred. The proximity of the aircraft, less than a quarter of a mile horizontally and 425 feet vertically, was a clear breach of the required separation standards. This incident is part of a troubling series of close calls in recent years, raising questions about the robustness of the U.S. aviation system.

Both airlines emphasized the immediate response of their flight crews. United Airlines highlighted that their pilots acted swiftly upon receiving automated warnings, while Delta underscored the extensive training their crews undergo to handle such scenarios. The FAA is currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the loss of required separation.

“The pilots acted immediately and landed safely. We’re working with the FAA on its investigation,” said a United Airlines spokesperson.

Air Traffic Control and Collision Avoidance Systems

Modern aircraft are equipped with advanced collision avoidance systems, such as the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) or the newer ACAS Xa/Xo. These systems interrogate air traffic control transponders in nearby aircraft and provide aural and visual advisories to flight crews to ensure adequate separation. In this incident, both crews received alerts, prompting corrective actions.

The role of air traffic controllers is equally critical. They provide real-time instructions to pilots, ensuring safe distances between aircraft. In this case, the controllers issued corrective instructions that allowed both planes to abort their approaches and land safely. The FAA’s investigation will likely review the instructions given and the responses of the flight crews to identify any lapses.

This incident highlights the importance of both technological systems and human coordination. While advanced systems provide alerts, the final decision and action lie with the flight crews and air traffic controllers. Ensuring seamless communication and response is vital to preventing such close calls.

Main Section: Broader Implications for Aviation Safety

Recent Trends in Aviation Safety

This near-collision is part of a series of close calls in recent years, raising concerns about the health of the U.S. aviation system. While the overall safety record of aviation remains strong, incidents like this prompt reviews of existing protocols and systems. The FAA’s investigation will likely focus on compliance with separation standards and the effectiveness of current safety measures.

Incidents like this underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and advanced technology in aviation. The use of ACAS and TCAS systems is a global standard aimed at preventing mid-air collisions. However, as technology evolves, so must the training and coordination of human operators to ensure these systems are utilized effectively.

The aviation industry continuously updates its safety measures, incorporating lessons from incidents and advancements in technology. This near-collision may lead to further reviews or updates of safety procedures and regulations, ensuring that the system remains robust in the face of increasing air traffic.

Expert Opinions and Industry Context

Expert opinions emphasize the critical role of training and technology in preventing such incidents. A Delta spokesperson highlighted the extensive training their flight crews undergo to handle uncommon scenarios, ensuring they can respond swiftly and effectively. Similarly, United Airlines emphasized their pilots’ immediate response to automated warnings, showcasing the importance of both technology and human action.

The global aviation industry relies on stringent safety protocols to ensure the safety of millions of passengers daily. Incidents like this serve as reminders that even with advanced systems, continuous vigilance and coordination are essential. The FAA’s investigation will likely lead to further reviews of existing protocols, potentially prompting updates to ensure the system remains robust.

As air traffic continues to grow, the importance of maintaining and enhancing safety measures cannot be overstated. This incident may prompt further advancements in collision avoidance systems and training protocols, ensuring that the aviation industry remains a safe and reliable mode of transportation.

Conclusion

The near mid-air collision over Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serves as a critical reminder of the importance of aviation safety. While both aircraft landed safely, the incident highlights the need for continuous vigilance in maintaining separation standards and ensuring seamless coordination between technology and human operators. The FAA’s investigation will likely lead to further reviews of existing protocols, potentially prompting updates to enhance safety measures.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the importance of stringent safety protocols and advanced technology remains paramount. Incidents like this underscore the need for continuous advancements in collision avoidance systems and training protocols, ensuring that the industry remains a safe and reliable mode of transportation for millions of passengers worldwide.

FAQ

Question: What caused the near-collision over Phoenix?
Answer: The FAA is currently investigating the incident, focusing on the loss of required separation and the responses of the flight crews and air traffic controllers.

Question: How close were the aircraft during the incident?
Answer: The aircraft were within 1,200 feet laterally and 875 feet vertically at their closest point.

Question: What systems are in place to prevent such incidents?
Answer: Modern aircraft are equipped with advanced collision avoidance systems like TCAS and ACAS, which provide alerts to flight crews to ensure adequate separation.

Sources: NPR

Industry Analysis

HALO AirFinance Prices $390M Inaugural Aviation Loan ABS

HALO AirFinance priced its $390.2M inaugural aviation loan ABS 4x oversubscribed, backed by 33 loans across 14 jurisdictions.

Published

2 weeks ago

14 August 2026

AirPro News Team

HALO AirFinance priced its inaugural aviation loan asset-backed securitization (ABS) at $390.2 million, achieving an oversubscription rate of more than four times the offering size. The transaction, named HALO AirFinance 2026-1 (HALOAN 2026-1), secured the tightest spread for an AA-rated senior tranche from a first-time aviation loan issuer.

Announced in a press release on August 12, 2026, the pricing took place on August 6, 2026. HALO AirFinance operates as a joint venture between GA Telesis, LLC and Tokyo Century Corporation. The successful issuance establishes a new capital markets execution platform for the venture to fund its aviation lending activities.

Portfolio composition and tranche structure

The HALOAN 2026-1 notes are backed by a portfolio of 33 aviation loans with an aggregate remaining balance of $427.2 million. The loans feature a weighted average remaining term of 3.6 years.

The underlying assets securing the loans include 14 narrowbody Commercial-Aircraft, two widebody aircraft, two freighter aircraft, and 15 aircraft engines. These assets are utilized by 21 operators across 14 jurisdictions. Excluding the engines, the weighted average age of the aircraft is 15.6 years. The legal final maturity date for the notes is set for August 2041.

The $390.2 million issuance is divided into four tranches, rated by Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA):

Class A Notes: $295.37 million, rated AA
Class B Notes: $35.67 million, rated A
Class C Notes: $28.62 million, rated BBB
Class D Notes: $30.54 million, rated BB-

Market reception and advisory roles

The heavy oversubscription indicates robust investor appetite for aviation-backed debt. Citi acted as the sole structuring agent and lead bookrunner for the transaction, with Mizuho and Citizens serving as joint bookrunners.

“This milestone transaction marks an important step in HALO’s growth Strategy and confirms strong investor confidence in our platform, demonstrated by the considerable oversubscription for the notes, against challenging and volatile market conditions,” said Marc Cho, Co-Head and Managing Director of HALO AirFinance.

Takamasa Marito, Co-Head of HALO AirFinance and Managing Director of Tokyo Century Corporation, noted that the transaction reflects the strength of the platform built by the two parent companies. He added that the joint venture plans to return to the capital markets to provide additional financing solutions for Airlines, lessors, and investors.

Other entities involved in the transaction include Vedder Price as issuer counsel, Milbank as underwriter counsel, Phoenix American Financial Services, Inc. as the managing agent, and UMB Bank, NA serving as the trustee.

AirPro News analysis

The successful pricing of HALOAN 2026-1 demonstrates that institutional investors remain highly receptive to aviation debt, particularly when structured by established industry players. Achieving the tightest spread for an inaugural AA-rated senior tranche in this asset class suggests that the market views the GA Telesis and Tokyo Century joint venture as a mature, lower-risk platform, despite this being its first asset-backed securitization. We expect this strong reception will encourage HALO AirFinance to utilize the ABS market as a primary funding mechanism for future loan portfolio growth.

Sources: GA Telesis

Photo Credit: GA Telesis

Industry Analysis

ORIX Acquires AerFin in $640 Million Aviation Deal

ORIX Corporation acquires UK part-out specialist AerFin for ~$640M, expanding into aviation aftermarket USM services.

Published

4 weeks ago

4 August 2026

AirPro News Team

ORIX Corporation announced on August 3, 2026, that it signed a share transfer agreement to acquire 100 percent of UK-based aircraft part-out specialist AerFin Limited, marking the Japanese financial group’s entry into the aviation aftermarket.

The transaction is expected to close later in 2026 subject to regulatory approvals. The acquisition allows ORIX to expand its asset management services across the entire aircraft lifecycle, from new aircraft leasing to end-of-life disassembly. While ORIX did not officially disclose the financial terms in its press release, Bloomberg reported the deal is valued at approximately 100 billion yen ($640 million), citing people familiar with the matter.

Strategic expansion into the aftermarket

ORIX Aviation Systems Limited, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, currently owns and manages approximately 230 aircraft. The acquisition of AerFin, based in Wales, United Kingdom, adds end-of-life part-out and engine reuse capabilities to the lessor’s portfolio.

AerFin was established in 2010 and specializes in supplying Used Serviceable Material (USM). The two companies have a pre-existing business relationship. In November 2025, ORIX Aviation served as a transaction advisor for an asset-backed financing deal involving AerFin and Turning Rock Partners for Airbus A320neo airframes.

Supply chain pressures drive aftermarket consolidation

The acquisition aligns with broader industry trends elevating the strategic importance of the aviation aftermarket. Ongoing Supply-Chain constraints, labor shortages, and production delays from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have forced Airlines to operate older aircraft for longer periods.

This prolonged operation of legacy fleets has driven up demand for replacement parts and engine components. By acquiring an established USM provider, ORIX positions itself to capitalize on this sustained demand while offering a broader suite of services to its leasing customers.

AirPro News analysis

We view ORIX’s acquisition of AerFin as a logical vertical integration step that mirrors moves by other major lessors. Controlling the end-of-life phase of an aircraft provides a natural hedge against residual value risk. When an aircraft reaches the end of its economic life, having an in-house part-out capability ensures the lessor can extract maximum value from the airframe and engines rather than splitting margins with third-party teardown specialists. The $640 million valuation reported by Bloomberg underscores the premium currently placed on established USM platforms in a market starved for spare parts.

Sources: ORIX Corporation

Photo Credit: ORIX Corporation

Industry Analysis

ACC Aviation Becomes Employee Ownership Trust in 2026 Rebrand

ACC Aviation transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust on June 17, 2026, unifying its consultancy, ACMI, and charter services.

Published

2 months ago

28 June 2026

AirPro News Team

ACC Aviation formally transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and launched a consolidated global brand identity on June 17, 2026. The restructuring integrates the company’s aviation consultancy, Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) leasing, and charter services under a unified service model.

Announced via a company press release, the repositioning is designed to align employee incentives directly with long-term client outcomes across the lifecycle of aviation assets. The firm operates globally with core teams based in London, Dubai, and Fort Lauderdale.

Transition to employee ownership

The shift to an EOT marks a structural departure for the aviation services provider. ACC Aviation Chief Executive Officer Philip Mathews detailed the evolution of the company’s corporate structure in the official announcement.

“We’ve been through private ownership, then private equity ownership, but now, as an Employee Ownership Trust, the people responsible for delivering results have a direct stake in the company’s long-term success,” Mathews stated. “That creates stronger alignment, greater accountability and a sharper focus on client outcomes.”

The EOT model transfers ownership to a trust held on behalf of the employees. This structure is intended to foster stability and continuity in client relationships by directly linking workforce compensation to the firm’s overall performance.

Integrated service delivery and market positioning

Alongside the ownership change, ACC Aviation launched a unified global website to streamline access to its distinct business units. The company aims to capture clients requiring end-to-end asset management rather than isolated transactions.

Mathews emphasized the need for speed and confidence in the current market. He described a service model where the firm might assist a client in acquiring an asset, deploy that same aircraft into the ACMI or charter market, and eventually remarket the airframe at the end of its lifecycle.

The rebranding arrives as ACC Aviation navigates shifting dynamics in its core markets. In its Q1 2026 market analysis, the company reported a 10.1% year-over-year decline in narrowbody ACMI demand, attributing the drop to the resolution of Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues. Conversely, the firm tracked a 30.1% growth in widebody ACMI demand, driven primarily by Middle Eastern carriers and cargo requirements.

The company’s 2026 Charter Trends Report also highlighted emerging cost drivers for European operators, specifically pointing to new taxation measures like France’s solidarity tax, the United Kingdom’s increased Air Passenger Duty, and the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandates.

AirPro News analysis

We view ACC Aviation’s transition to an Employee Ownership Trust as a strategic retention and alignment tool in a highly competitive aviation services sector. By giving consultants and brokers a direct stake in the firm, the company is positioning itself to reduce turnover among high-performing staff who manage lucrative, long-term client relationships. The decision to market a fully integrated lifecycle service directly addresses the complexities highlighted in their recent market reports. As operators face volatile ACMI demand and rising regulatory costs, a single-source advisory model may prove attractive to airlines and asset owners looking to streamline their vendor networks.

Sources: ACC Aviation Press Release

Photo Credit: ACC Aviation