On a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, an Airbus A330neo was forced to return to its point of departure due to a "mechanical issue." Shortly after takeoff, a component known as a pylon fairing located behind one of the two engines became detached. These fairings are used for aerodynamic purposes and are not load-bearing; they are attached to the wings for the assembly of the engines. On board the aircraft, which was built in the year 2020, were 260 passengers and 13 crew members. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the aircraft was able to park at the gate on its own.

Delta Air Lines Confirmed the Incident and Emphasized that the Aircraft Returned Safely After a Mechanical Issue was Reported. The Airline Apologized to Passengers for the Resulting Delay in their Travel. Since the Incident on Sunday, the Aircraft Has Not Been in Use, According to Flight Tracking Data from Flightradar24.

This incident is part of a series of similar events involving US airlines, raising questions about the safety of aircraft fleets. At the beginning of the year, an almost new Boeing aircraft from Alaska Airlines lost a part of its fuselage during a flight. Another incident occurred in March, where a Boeing aircraft lost parts of its exterior cladding. In this context, the resignation of Boeing CEO David Calhoun at the end of the year has already been announced.