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Grupo Aeromexico SAB is investigating whether a drone slammed into a Boeing Co. 737 jetliner as the aircraft approached its destination in Tijuana, Mexico, on the US border. Images on local media showed considerable damage to the nose of the 737-800, which was operating Wednesday as Flight 773 from Guadalajara. In a cabin recording, crew members can be heard saying they heard a “pretty loud bang” and asking the control tower to check if the nose was damaged. The collision happened shortly before landing. “The exact cause is still being investigated,” Aeromexico said. “The aircraft landed normally and the passengers’ safety was never compromised.” The potential drone strike stoked fears that the rising use of uncrewed aircraft will endanger planes filled with passengers. While most nations prohibit drones from flying in pathways reserved for airliners, the millions of small consumer devices that have been purchased around the world can’t be tracked on radar, making it difficult for authorities to enforce the rules. In addition, many users don’t know the rules or don’t follow them.<br/>

Middle East Airlines (MEA) has announced plans to purchase four Airbus A330-900neos, with options on a further two. “As part of its widebody fleet renewal, the Lebanese carrier Middle East Airlines—Air Liban (MEA) has decided to purchase four new and two option Airbus A330-900neo powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines due to deliver in 2021,” the airline said. The announcement was made in London as MEA also signed a TotalCare engine maintenance agreement with UK-based Rolls-Royce, covering the A330-900neos’ Trent 7000 engines. “The contract covers long-term engine maintenance services, throughout the operation of the engine with MEA, the purchase of spare engines and supply of parts,” MEA said. MEA operates five Trent 700-powered Airbus A330s, which will be progressively replaced by the A330-900neos. The airline also has 13 A320s, with 11 A321-200neos on order.<br/>