Commercial Aviation
American Airlines 737 MAX 8 Found with Bullet Hole After Miami-Medellín Flight
A bullet hole was discovered in an American Airlines 737 MAX 8 wing after flights between Miami and Medellín, prompting investigations by US and Colombian authorities.

An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 was removed from service earlier this week after a bullet hole was discovered in the aircraft’s right wing following a round-trip rotation between Miami and Medellín, Colombia. The incident, which took place between February 22 and February 23, 2026, has prompted investigations by safety authorities in both the United States and Colombia.
According to reporting by CBS News, the damage was identified on a flight control surface, specifically the aileron, consistent with a projectile strike. While the flight landed safely without injury to passengers or crew, the discovery highlights ongoing security concerns regarding flight operations in specific regions of Latin America.
Incident Details and Timeline
The aircraft involved is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as N342SX. It operated Flight AA923 from Miami International Airport (MIA) to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro, serving Medellín, on the night of Sunday, February 22. It was scheduled to return as Flight AA924 on the morning of Monday, February 23.
According to data summarized by aviation tracking outlets, the damage involved a puncture hole in the right wing aileron, a critical flight control surface used to bank the aircraft. The damage reportedly showed clear entry and exit points indicative of a bullet strike.
Conflicting Accounts of Discovery
While the existence of the damage is confirmed, reports differ regarding when the bullet hole was first detected. Two primary narratives have emerged from aviation journalism sources:
- The Medellín Discovery Scenario: Citing a statement attributed to American Airlines, CBS News reports that the damage was identified during a routine inspection while the aircraft was still on the ground in Medellín. In this version of events, temporary repairs were reportedly made overnight, allowing the plane to operate the return flight to Miami safely.
- The Miami Discovery Scenario: Conversely, outlets such as AviationSource and AirLive report that the damage was only discovered after the return flight (AA924) had already landed in Miami on Monday morning. This scenario implies the aircraft may have flown passengers back to the U.S. carrying undetected damage.
Following the conclusion of its passenger service, the aircraft was ferried without passengers from Miami to the airline’s maintenance hub at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) on the night of February 23 for permanent repairs.
Official Statements and Investigation
American Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement provided to media outlets. The carrier emphasized that safety remained the priority throughout the operation.
“The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.”
, American Airlines statement via CBS News
In Colombia, the Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) announced it would launch an investigation to determine the origin of the projectile. According to local reports, Aerocivil is working to establish whether the impact occurred while the aircraft was in Colombian airspace or on the ground. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also aware of the incident and is expected to collaborate on the inquiry.
Regional Security Context
The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security alerts in the Rionegro area, where the Medellín airport is located. Local reporting indicates that a significant shooting and police pursuit occurred in Rionegro on February 18, 2026, just days before the aircraft was struck. Authorities have maintained a high alert status at the airport following recent arrests of international fugitives.
AirPro News Analysis
Operational Risk in Latin America
This event marks another concerning instance of commercial aircraft becoming collateral damage in volatile security environments. In late 2024, aircraft from Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines were struck by gunfire while operating near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, leading to a temporary suspension of flights to that region. While the security situation in Medellín is distinct from Haiti, the vulnerability of aircraft during approach and landing, phases where they are low and slow, remains a critical challenge for airline security teams.
The discrepancy in the timeline of discovery is also significant. If the damage was indeed found in Miami rather than Medellín, it raises questions about the efficacy of turnaround inspections at outstations. Conversely, if it was found and patched in Colombia, it suggests the airline determined the damage was within the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) limits for a safe ferry or revenue flight, a standard but rigorously controlled practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was anyone injured during the incident?
No. There were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew on either the inbound or outbound flights.
What type of plane was involved?
The aircraft was a Boeing 737 MAX 8, a common narrow-body jet used for short- to medium-haul international routes.
Is it safe to fly to Medellín?
Flights continue to operate. However, aviation authorities and airlines constantly monitor security situations. Following similar incidents in other regions, airlines have occasionally adjusted flight paths or schedules, though no suspension of service to Medellín has been announced at this time.
Sources
Photo Credit: Reuters – Shannon Stepleton
Commercial Aviation
Aerolíneas Argentinas Leases Six Boeing 737-10s from ACG
Aerolíneas Argentinas signs leases for six Boeing 737-10s with ACG at Farnborough, part of a 20-aircraft fleet renewal plan.

Aerolíneas Argentinas has secured lease agreements with Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for six Boeing 737-10 aircraft, marking a critical step in the carrier’s largest fleet modernization effort in a decade.
Announced on July 23, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the transaction is part of a broader 20-aircraft renewal program scheduled for the 2027-2031 timeframe. According to a press release from ACG, deliveries of the Boeing 737-10s from the lessor’s orderbook will commence in 2028, providing the Argentine flag carrier with increased capacity for high-demand domestic and regional routes across South America.
Comprehensive Fleet Modernization Strategy
The ACG agreement fits into a larger procurement strategy formalized at the Farnborough event. According to reporting by Infobae and La Nación, the airline’s 2027-2031 plan encompasses 20 new aircraft, representing a renewal of 25 percent of its total fleet and 60 percent of its long-haul fleet.
The overall 20-aircraft plan includes six Airbus A330neos, eight Boeing 737-10s, and six Boeing 737-8s. During the airshow, Aerolíneas Argentinas formalized lease agreements for 14 of these aircraft with lessors ACG and Avolon.
Fabián Lombardo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aerolíneas Argentinas, stated that the agreement reflects a commitment to building a more modern, efficient, and sustainable fleet.
We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with ACG through this agreement for six Boeing 737-10 aircraft. These aircraft are a key part of our 2027-2031 fleet plan and will allow us to add capacity on high-demand domestic and regional routes, improve operating efficiency and continue offering a more competitive product to our passengers.
Financial Restructuring and Self-Financing
The airline’s leadership emphasized that the fleet renewal is entirely self-financed, a notable shift following its recent financial restructuring.
La Nación reported that Aerolíneas Argentinas achieved positive operating results of $56.6 million in 2024 and $120.7 million in 2025, as audited by KPMG. These figures have allowed the carrier to pursue this capital-intensive modernization without relying on state subsidies.
Capacity Expansion with the Boeing 737-10
The Boeing 737-10, the largest variant of the MAX family, will be deployed from the carrier’s primary hubs at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires.
Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President of ACG, highlighted the operational benefits of the aircraft for the South American market.
We are delighted to expand our partnership with Aerolíneas Argentinas as it continues to strengthen its domestic and regional network. The 737-10 offers airlines vital additional capacity, improved fuel efficiency and enhanced profitability, making it well suited to high-demand routes.
AirPro News analysis
We view Aerolíneas Argentinas’ ability to self-finance a 20-aircraft renewal program as a strong indicator of the carrier’s stabilized financial footing following years of restructuring. By securing leases through established lessors like ACG and Avolon rather than direct manufacturer purchases, the airline mitigates upfront capital expenditure while securing near-term delivery slots starting in 2028. The selection of the Boeing 737-10 specifically addresses capacity constraints at slot-restricted airports like Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, allowing the airline to maximize passenger throughput on its most lucrative regional routes without increasing flight frequencies.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
Commercial Aviation
Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt 2026 Agenda and Speakers
Aviovis Group hosts the Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt on Sept 29-30, 2026, covering SAF, MRO, and fleet financing.

Aviovis Group will host the Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt on September 29 and 30, 2026, gathering industry executives to address decarbonization, supply chain constraints, and technological integration.
The two-day event, held at the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel in Germany, aims to connect stakeholders across the aviation value chain, including airlines, lessors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). According to the official event announcement, the conference will feature 11 panel discussions focused on the sector’s most pressing operational and strategic challenges.
Conference themes and panel discussions
The agenda includes a focus on sustainability, specifically the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and regulatory mandates for decarbonization. Digitalization is another core theme, with panels exploring the transition from foundational data systems to artificial intelligence applications that yield measurable return on investment in airline operations.
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) pressures will also be examined. Discussions will cover ongoing supply chain bottlenecks, component availability, and fleet reliability. Additionally, the program addresses workforce management, prioritizing crew welfare, recruitment strategies, and human factors in modern flight operations. Long-term industry forecasts projecting out to 2040 will guide conversations on fleet financing and leasing strategies.
Participating organizations and event features
The conference has drawn commitments from major global carriers and aerospace companies. Participating organizations include Lufthansa Group (LH), ITA Airways (AZ), Qatar Airways (QR), United Airlines (UA), Delta Air Lines (DL), Cyprus Airways (CY), and Saudia (SV). Representatives from Munich Airport (MUC), Lufthansa Technik, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Avolon are also scheduled to attend.
Beyond the main stage presentations, the event includes an exhibition floor and a dedicated networking environment facilitated by a business-to-business matchmaking application. The conference will conclude with the Global Aviation Awards, which recognize achievements in artificial intelligence innovation, airport modernization, sustainability, and passenger experience.
AirPro News analysis
The agenda for the Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt accurately reflects the dual pressures currently facing the commercial aviation sector: the immediate need to resolve aftermarket supply chain bottlenecks and the long-term imperative to secure SAF for decarbonization mandates. By bringing together OEMs like Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce with major operators and lessors, the event provides a necessary venue for aligning production realities with fleet planning forecasts through 2040. We view the inclusion of workforce mental health and crew welfare as a timely acknowledgment of the human capital challenges that have constrained operational growth in recent years.
Sources: Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt
Photo Credit: Global Aviation Conference
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BermudAir Orders 10 Airbus A220-300s at Farnborough 2026
BermudAir orders 10 Airbus A220-300s at Farnborough 2026, with deliveries from Q4 2027 and fleet expansion to 20 aircraft by 2030.

BermudAir has placed a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking the carrier’s transition from regional jets to mainline single-aisle operations.
Announced on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement represents the Bermuda-based airline’s first direct purchase from the European manufacturer. The order was initially logged in March 2026 under an undisclosed customer through BermudAir’s affiliated company, Odyssey.
Fleet transition and capacity growth
BermudAir currently operates a fleet of Embraer 175 and Embraer 190 aircraft. The introduction of the Airbus A220-300 will provide a significant capacity increase for the three-year-old airline. According to Airways Magazine, the A220-300 will be configured with 135 seats in a three-class layout, adding 39 seats compared to the airline’s current 96-seat Embraer 190s.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, as reported by Aviation Week. Reuters notes that BermudAir plans to operate up to 20 Airbus A220 aircraft by 2030, eventually replacing its Embraer fleet entirely.
BermudAir Founder and Chief Executive Officer Adam Scott detailed the economic rationale for the upgauge in an interview with Airways Magazine, noting that the airline was previously leaving passengers and revenue behind on maturing routes.
“We’ve evolved from the E175 to the E190, from 76 seats to 96 seats. The A220 essentially has the same operating cost as the 190, but you get this extra capacity,” Scott said.
Network expansion across the Americas
The 3,600-nautical-mile range of the A220-300 will enable BermudAir to expand its footprint beyond its current North American gateways. The airline is actively growing its network to include destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, such as Belize, Turks and Caicos, Guatemala City, and Anguilla. Reuters reports the carrier plans to more than double its current 11 routes by the end of 2026.
In a press release issued by Airbus, Scott stated that the aircraft’s range, operating economics, and performance at constrained airports will allow the carrier to connect more communities with direct service. The new fleet will also feature XL overhead bins, which Airways Magazine reports will provide a 20 percent increase in carry-on volume.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added that the agreement introduces the A220 to a distinct operational environment in the Atlantic and Caribbean, validating the aircraft’s role in targeted regional development.
AirPro News analysis
BermudAir’s shift to the Airbus A220-300 highlights a broader industry trend of regional carriers upgauging to small narrowbody aircraft to maximize slot utility and route profitability. By selecting the A220, BermudAir secures a platform that offers mainline passenger experience metrics while maintaining trip costs comparable to large regional jets. We view this order as a critical step in BermudAir’s strategy to establish a dominant hub-and-spoke model in the Atlantic, leveraging Bermuda’s geographic position to capture premium leisure traffic between North America and the Caribbean.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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