Dear readers,
The world of aviation has once again made headlines this past week with developments that took place in the skies. Some are technical, others political; yet they all share a common ground: a balance shaken within the triangle of safety, trust, and capacity.
The US aviation giant Boeing has long been grappling with production and quality issues. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently approved Boeing’s application to increase its 737 MAX production capacity — seemingly good news on the surface, yet raising deeper questions underneath. How can production be accelerated without compromising quality? The accidents Boeing faced in the past are still fresh in memory. Speed or safety? This remains aviation’s never-ending dilemma.
Meanwhile, two major developments in India have drawn attention. The first involves the inspection of the emergency power systems in Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Known as the RAT system, it activates when an aircraft’s main power sources fail. Unexpected activation could also indicate a potential safety weakness. The second incident occurred in Middle Eastern airspace, where an Air India aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Dubai after GPS spoofing caused it to lose its bearings. The new threat of the digital age is no longer just cyberattacks — it’s direct interference with navigation. In short, global aviation is giving new meaning to the equation “cybersecurity = flight safety.”
On another front, across the Atlantic, the US government shutdown has also affected the skies. Air traffic controllers working without pay once again revealed the fragility of the system. Increasing delays and disrupted operations at airports showed that this shutdown has created not only a political crisis but also an operational one. Planes are flying, but the system is sounding the alarm.
All these developments remind us of one simple truth: aviation is not just about aircraft — it’s about the coordination of systems and people. A weakness in one link endangers the entire chain. The skies are now filled not only with aircraft but also with political and security risks.
In the end, the question is simple, yet the answer is complex:
In a world that demands more aircraft, more flights, and faster growth, how can we preserve safety, sustainability, and human balance?
Perhaps the most important agenda in aviation should no longer be new routes, but safe routes.
The Storm in the Sky Begins on the Ground
As you know, the aviation sector is an extremely fragile structure. Any enterprise built on a weak foundation will eventually bend or collapse. Especially in a field where “rules are written in blood,” this sensitivity takes on an even deeper meaning.
Billion-dollar deals are made, targets are set, airports expand, and new runways open… Amid all this, occupational safety must be felt even more strongly by the workers. Think about it — the technicians who maintain aircraft worth millions of dollars deserve to be valued and respected. Because experience, knowledge, and responsibility lie with these colleagues.
Likewise, trade unions must stand firmly behind every right of their members. Otherwise, the dues collected become a bite missing from the worker’s table whose rights remain undefended. Looking at examples in Europe, unions there fight for even the smallest rights of their employees. Such struggle does not always mean “strike”; rights can also be protected through dialogue and solidarity.
Remember, months ago, air traffic controllers waged a major struggle to receive their deserved payments. Eventually, a partial adjustment was made.
The late Sefa Abi’s most valued principle was “protecting the rights of workers.” In every article, he didn’t look at who was wronged, but where the right lay. With the same awareness, we strive to carry the torch we inherited even further.
It is your natural right as workers to voice your concerns and desire a better working environment.
Remember, every voice that reaches us is valuable — and it is our duty to convey it.
Here are some of the issues that have been causing concern among employees…
Recently, many colleagues have reported difficulties when trying to move to other airlines. As the industry tightens, invisible walls appear before people. Yet everyone should have the right to make use of their labour where they wish.
Another important issue is the role of unions. On paper, they are supposed to represent us, but unfortunately, they are failing to adequately address workers’ problems. During the summer, even some basic needs such as protective shoes were lacking.
Then there’s the matter of the altime score. The system’s growing influence on seniority promotion is being felt as a pressure mechanism in some departments. However, scoring systems should encourage development, not damage motivation.
The recently introduced “cap requirement” is another subject of debate. Of course, occupational safety is important, but policies must align with realities in the field. While obtaining proper work shoes remains a challenge, the strictness shown about “caps” seems ironic to many workers. This is just one of those small details that might seem minor but lead to a loss of morale.
Returning to the issue of unions… Many technicians now want unions to become a real bridge between employer and employee. Dues are paid regularly, but there is no clear picture of the services received in return.
As one employee says:
“There are two partner companies under the same workplace: one is TSS, the other Technical Inc. We work under the same roof, yet our conditions differ. This alone creates a sense of inequality.”
The declining number of unionised workers in Türkiye every year shows that this feeling isn’t unique to us. Strikes are banned in aviation, and many companies have no unions at all. This makes it even harder for workers’ voices to be heard.
Finally, let’s end with the words of a technician with ten years of experience:
“Our seniors should start paving the way for the younger generation. When young people are empowered and take responsibility, this company will truly breathe.”
We technicians love to look up at the sky, but we find true hope by keeping our feet firmly on the ground. Because behind every flight lies the quiet, tireless story of thousands of workers.
To all aviation professionals — from pilots to ground crews — I wish a safe and peaceful week.
Aero Haber X-Twitter you can follow his account. Follow
