American Airlines flight AA-263 made an emergency landing at Calgary International Airport in Alberta, Canada, on October 11th.
The plane heading from Dallas, Texas, to Beijing, China, was initially diverted to Edmonton International Airport, Alberta, Canada, after a passenger suffered a medical emergency. However, the crew subsequently reported a mechanical issue and decided to divert to Calgary.
The plane landed safely.
Hainan Airlines flight HU-7244 had to return and make an emergency landing at Hefei Xinqiao International Airport, China on the morning of July 8.
The Boeing 737-800, heading to Guangzhou, had to be turned back after the crew received indication of smoke in the cargo hold.
The plane landed safely and was evacuated through emergency slides.
There were 162 passengers and 9 crew members aboard the plane; authorities said 8 of them sustained injuries during evacuation and were taken to hospitals.
Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) were investigating.
United Airlines flight UA-698 made an emergency landing at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, on January 1st.
The Boeing 757-300 plane flying from San Francisco, California, was on approach to Chicago when the crew reported a hydraulic issue and requested a low approach for gear inspection.
The crew performed a low approach and subsequently landed safely.
The plane stopped on the runway. No injuries were reported.
Air Transportation Agreement
One of Canada’s top-20 international air travel markets, Switzerland is an important aviation partner for Canada. In this context, Canada and Switzerland have successfully concluded negotiations toward an Open Skies-type air transportation agreement, which modernizes the 1975 agreement (last amended in 2002) to better reflect today’s market realities.
The agreement now contains expanded operating rights for airlines from Canada and Switzerland to operate air transportation between each other’s territory and third countries, in conjunction with scheduled passenger and/or all-cargo air services between the two countries. It also enables airlines to adjust their prices with greater flexibility to meet current market conditions.
Overall, the agreement provides more flexibility for airlines and airports to consider commercial opportunities, facilitates greater economic activity, strengthens ties with Switzerland and ultimately benefits passengers and shippers by allowing more flight options and routings (routes?).
Protocol Amending the Canada-Switzerland Double Taxation Convention
The double taxation convention currently in force between Canada and Switzerland was signed on May 5, 1997.
New Protocol provisions related to the elimination of double taxation, such as exemption from the withholding of tax on dividends paid to pension plans and interest payments between unrelated parties, are expected to further strengthen trade and economic links between the two countries.
The Protocol also implements the latest internationally agreed standard for the exchange of tax information, as developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in order to enable Canadian tax authorities to obtain information relevant for the enforcement and administration of Canadian taxation laws and to assist them in preventing international tax evasion. This supports Canada’s commitment as a G-20 member to promote the effective exchange of tax information and to protect its public finances and financial systems.
The Protocol will enter into force once both countries have completed their respective domestic implementation procedures and will apply, generally, for taxation years that begin on or after January 1 of the year following the Protocol’s entry into force.
Spirit Airlines flight NK-711 had to return and make an emergency landing in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 4th.
The Airbus A320-200N plane took off for Oakland, California, but had to turn back after the crew noticed engine vibrations.
The plane landed back safely. Everyone aboard remained unharmed.
American Airlines flight AA-60 encountered turbulence on the way to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, on June 10th.
The Boeing 777-200 plane flying from Narita International Airport, Japan, was on approach to DFW airport when it hit turbulence.
The plane continued for a safe landing.
According to the FAA, several people were injured in the incident.
United Airlines flight UA-837 had to return and make an emergency landing in San Francisco, California, on November 28th.
According to the airline, the plane took off for Tokyo Narita Airport, Japan, but had to return shortly afterwards due to a mechanical issue with one of the engines.
The plane landed safely. There were 202 passengers and 15 crew members aboard at the time; all of them remained safe.
