Aviation Safety & Accountability: Australia’s Airservices Australia is defending why a Sydney runway incursion involving a Virgin takeoff abort didn’t meet mandatory reporting thresholds, as the ATSB investigates multiple near-misses and the transport minister faces mounting pressure over staffing shortages. Airworthiness Watch: The FAA issued a new directive tightening inspection timing for Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210-series turboshaft engines after analysis found certain turbine exhaust frame materials can crack earlier. Airport Operations: LAX contractor LAZ Parking plans to lay off 247 workers after parking closures, with many jobs potentially rehired as the airport’s People Mover “SkyLink” train project ramps toward an October opening. Infrastructure Planning: Wellington’s SH1 Wellington Improvements fast-track process has started for a second Mt Victoria and Terrace Tunnel, but critics say major construction funding and a start date are still missing. Disaster & Mobility Disruption: Record rainfall in Japan has killed people and stranded thousands, including reports of about 7,000 at Narita, as road and rail networks buckle. Defense & Logistics: The U.S. Army identified two Fort Hood Apache pilots killed in a Texas crash during a maintenance test flight. Geopolitics & Shipping: Trump renewed pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, saying “no ships get through unless we want them to,” amid ongoing disruption to a key oil and shipping lane. Aviation Industry: Russia delivered the first serial PD-8 turbofan engines for the Yakovlev SJ-100 program, signaling progress on domestic engine control systems despite sanctions.