Airbus is facing a new batch of technical problems with some of its new A320neo medium-haul jets on top of previously reported engine glitches that caused delivery delays, industry sources said Monday. The problems are related to the hydraulic systems and particularly an increased noise when taxiing, they said, adding that some jets are also displaying excess hydraulic temperatures, which can be a nuisance in hot climates. Airbus reiterated that any glitches would be resolved by July. Regular flyers are familiar with the distinctive "dog bark" sound heard below the cabin in some Airbus jets before take-off. The sound is produced by a pump designed to maintain equal pressure in separate hydraulic systems, even when one of the engines supporting them is shut down. <br/>
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The head of IATA lambasted passenger pre-screening introduced at Brussels airport after last month’s terrorist attacks, saying the practice not only annoys travellers but also endangers them. “It’s created large and dense crowds that could be targeted, not to mention the huge inconvenience to people who want to travel,” IATA DG Tony Tyler said Tuesday. “Extending the security perimeter is not the solution.” Belgium is still struggling to restore normal air- and ground-transport operations in the capital after the March 22 suicide bombings. At the airport, temporary structures have been erected outside the departures hall to pre-screen passengers. Brussels Airlines has advised its customers flying out of the city to check in their baggage the day before their flights in order to “avoid stress” on the day of departure. <br/>
Passenger traffic through major Thai airports soared 13.73% in Q1 to reach a record of 32.32m people. Robust tourism coupled with the popularity of budget airlines contributed to growth in the January-March period. LCCs increased their passenger volume by 20.06% during the period to 13.49m, representing 41.73% of overall passenger traffic through the six airports operated by Airports of Thailand (AoT). The surge in combined passenger throughput was accompanied by a 9.47% increase in aircraft movements (take-offs and landings), which numbered 197,913. LCCs accounted for 82,972 of that sum, up 8.14% over the same period last year. Four of the 6 AoT-run airports recorded double-digit growth in combined passenger traffic. Bangkok's Don Mueang showed the highest growth rate in Q1. <br/>