This article is based on an official press release from NBAA.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to shut down its legacy US NOTAM System (USNS) and transition to the modernized NOTAM Management Service (NMS) on Saturday, April 18. The cutover marks a significant milestone in the agency’s ongoing efforts to overhaul the critical safety alert infrastructure used by pilots and air traffic controllers.

Scheduled to take place between midnight and 4 a.m. EDT, the transition is designed to be seamless for the aviation community. According to an official press release from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the FAA has structured the maintenance window to ensure continuous access to vital flight information.

The upgrade follows years of development, which were heavily accelerated after a major system failure in early 2023 highlighted the fragility of the aging USNS architecture.

The April 18 Cutover Process

Maintaining Access During the Transition

During the four-hour maintenance window on April 18, any NOTAMs that were active prior to the shutdown will remain accessible through all normal distribution channels. To ensure operators receive the most accurate and timely information, the FAA recommends utilizing the FNS NOTAM search tool during this period.

Once the clock strikes 4 a.m. EDT, the new system will officially take over. From that point forward, NOTAMs obtained through the FNS page and third-party providers will be routed directly through the NMS. Despite the backend overhaul, the NBAA notes that operators should not notice any immediate differences in how they receive data.

“The cutover and transition are expected to be completely transparent to operators. We don’t anticipate hiccups.”

Addressing Past Vulnerabilities

The 2023 Outage Catalyst

While the FAA has been working to upgrade the NOTAM system for several years, the urgency of the project increased dramatically following a severe system outage in January 2023. That incident grounded morning departures for 90 minutes across the entire National Airspace System, exposing critical vulnerabilities in the legacy framework.

Launched in early 2025, the development of the NMS focused on performance-based solutions rather than just a broad technical overhaul. The FAA actively solicited user feedback to identify and resolve specific pain points within the system.

Future Capabilities and Formatting

Although NOTAMs will continue to be presented in their current, traditional format immediately following the NMS cutover, the new infrastructure lays the groundwork for future improvements. According to the NBAA, the upgraded system offers the capability to eventually present NOTAMs in a more accessible, easier-to-understand layout.

“Ultimately, these changes are for the good of the system, because we need redundancy and resiliency. That is what the NMS provides above all else.”

AirPro News analysis

The transition to the NOTAM Management Service represents a critical shift from reactive patching to proactive infrastructure management for the FAA. The January 2023 ground stop served as a wake-up call for the aviation industry, demonstrating the catastrophic potential of a single point of failure in legacy systems. By prioritizing redundancy and resiliency, the NMS should provide a much-needed safety net. Furthermore, while pilots have long complained about the cryptic and outdated formatting of NOTAMs, establishing a robust backend is the necessary first step before the FAA can roll out the modernized, plain-language layouts that the industry has been requesting for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the FAA switch to the new NOTAM system?

The transition from the USNS to the new NMS will occur on Saturday, April 18, between midnight and 4 a.m. EDT.

Will pilots lose access to NOTAMs during the transition?

No. According to the FAA, NOTAMs active prior to the maintenance window will remain available via normal distribution channels, and the agency recommends using the FNS NOTAM search tool during the cutover.

Will the format of NOTAMs change on April 18?

Not immediately. NOTAMs will continue to be presented in their current format, but the new NMS infrastructure will allow for easier-to-understand layouts in the future.

Sources

• NBAA

This article is based on an official press release from ICAO GISS 2026.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is set to convene the global aviation community in Marrakech, Morocco, for the Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2026. Scheduled to take place from April 14 to 16, 2026, at The Palmeraie Conference Centre, the event marks a significant milestone as Morocco becomes the first African nation to host the symposium.

According to the official event website, GISS 2026 will serve as a critical platform for fostering collaboration, driving progress, and shaping the future of international flight. The symposium aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government ministries, civil aviation authorities, industry leaders, and financial institutions, to strengthen aviation systems worldwide.

Advancing the “No Country Left Behind” Initiative

Focus on Sustainable Aviation

A central theme of the upcoming symposium is the promotion of Sustainable Aviation, directly aligning with ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative. This global effort seeks to ensure that all 193 member states have the support needed to implement ICAO’s safety, security, and environmental standards, regardless of their current level of economic development.

The official press release highlights that the event will provide opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and explore actionable ways to strengthen aviation implementation efforts. By reducing implementation gaps between developed and developing nations, ICAO aims to build a more resilient and efficient global air transport network.

Morocco’s Strategic Role as Host

Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity

Morocco’s selection as the host for GISS 2026 underscores its growing prominence as a regional and international aviation hub. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, the country offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and dynamic growth.

In a statement regarding the event published by Uniting Aviation, Abdessamad Kayouh, Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, emphasized the country’s commitment to global civil aviation. The symposium aligns with Morocco’s strategic vision to enhance air connectivity, promote sustainability, and deepen international cooperation. Furthermore, according to reporting by Morocco World News, Morocco is actively expanding its Airports capacity, targeting an increase from 40 million to 80 million passengers by 2030.

“We warmly welcome all participants to the Symposium. We are honoured to bring together such a diverse group of experts and leaders,” stated the official welcome remarks from ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and Minister Kayouh.

AirPro News analysis

We view the decision to host GISS 2026 in Marrakech as a strong signal of Africa’s rising importance in the global aviation sector. As the continent experiences rapid growth in air traffic demand, ensuring that African nations can meet and maintain ICAO standards is crucial for global safety and connectivity. Morocco’s proactive Investments in airport infrastructure and high-speed rail networks position it as a model for regional development. This symposium will likely catalyze further investments and Partnerships aimed at modernizing air transport systems across the African continent and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is ICAO GISS 2026 taking place?

The symposium will be held from April 14 to 16, 2026, at The Palmeraie Conference Centre in Marrakech, Morocco.

Who is attending the symposium?

According to the event organizers, the symposium is open to government ministries, civil aviation authorities, international organizations, aviation industry representatives, service providers, and financial institutions.

What is the main goal of the event?

The primary objective is to promote sustainable aviation and strengthen global implementation efforts in line with ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative.

Sources

• ICAO GISS 2026 Official Website

This article summarizes reporting by Manchester Evening News and Paul Britton.

A severe incident at Manchester Airport on Saturday morning left an aviation contractor with serious injuries after falling from a Jet2 aircraft. Emergency responders were dispatched to the tarmac following the fall, which occurred near the rear of the plane.

According to reporting by the Manchester Evening News, the injured individual is believed to be an aircraft engineer employed by a third-party provider. The worker sustained multiple severe injuries, including fractures to the arm and leg, and was transported to a local hospital for ongoing treatment.

The aircraft involved was reportedly preparing for a scheduled departure to Tenerife when the fall occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time. Jet2 has since confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the workplace accident is underway.

Emergency Response on the Tarmac

Immediate Medical Attention

Following the fall, paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service were immediately scrambled to the scene to provide critical care. Witnesses cited by the Manchester Evening News noted that emergency personnel erected medical screens around the injured contractor while administering first aid on the tarmac.

The prompt response highlights the severe nature of the injuries sustained. The worker, whose identity has not been publicly released, remains hospitalized as medical teams address the significant bone fractures resulting from the drop.

Aircraft and Equipment Positioning

Photographs and witness accounts from the scene indicate that the Jet2 aircraft had a rear door open near the tail section at the time of the accident. Mobile passenger stairs were also observed in close proximity to the aircraft.

While the exact sequence of events leading to the fall remains unconfirmed, the positioning of the open door and the mobile stairs will likely be a focal point for safety investigators examining how the contractor fell from the elevated threshold.

Jet2 Launches Full Investigation

Airline Acknowledges Third-Party Involvement

In the wake of the accident, Jet2 issued a public statement acknowledging the event and clarifying the worker’s employment status. The airline noted that the individual was not a direct employee but worked for an external service provider contracted at the airport.

In a statement provided to the press, a Jet2 spokesperson confirmed the ongoing inquiry:

“We are unable to confirm further details at present, however, can confirm that a full investigation has been launched.”

The airline also emphasized that they are working to provide necessary support to those affected by the morning’s events.

AirPro News analysis

Ground handling and aircraft maintenance are inherently high-risk environments, particularly when personnel are operating near open cabin doors or elevated service platforms. Standard operating procedures typically dictate strict protocols for the placement and removal of mobile stairs, as well as the securing of aircraft doors when ground equipment is not flush against the fuselage.

When a worker falls from an aircraft door, investigators usually examine whether safety harnesses were required, if the mobile stairs were prematurely moved, or if there was a miscommunication between the ground crew and the personnel inside the cabin. The involvement of a third-party contractor also means that the investigation will likely scrutinize the coordination and safety oversight between Jet2 and its service providers at Manchester Airport.

The aviation industry maintains rigorous safety management systems to mitigate the risks associated with tarmac operations. Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of occupational injuries in aviation maintenance and ground handling. Regulatory bodies frequently collaborate on investigations of this nature to determine if workplace safety regulations were breached. The findings from Jet2’s internal investigation will likely be utilized to prevent future occurrences and ensure that third-party contractors adhere to stringent safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where did the incident occur?

The fall took place at Manchester Airport at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Who was injured in the fall?

An unnamed male contractor, believed to be an aircraft engineer working for a third-party provider, sustained serious injuries including arm and leg fractures.

What airline was involved?

The incident involved a Jet2 aircraft that was scheduled to depart for Tenerife.

Sources

• Manchester Evening News