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US aviation accident investigators have opened a probe into how an American Airlines plane struck a runway sign while taking off from New York JFK April 10, forcing the plane back to the airport where it landed safely. The plane, an Airbus SE A321 headed for Los Angeles carrying 102 passengers and 8 crew members, hit the sign with its left wingtip just as it was preparing to lift off, the NTSB said. The plane had experienced an unusual roll, rotating the left wing downward, at a time when aircraft are usually level, the NTSB said. The pilots reported to air-traffic control that their plane had banked to the left on its own, according to CBS News. The FAA also is investigating the incident, the agency said. The plane landed a short time later and there were no injuries. <br/>

Cathay Pacific intends to deploy Airbus A321neo planes scheduled for delivery starting 2020 on Chinese routes, part of a plan that will help the carrier manage costs while expanding and upgrading its network. Through the use of data technology and more fuel-efficient aircraft, Cathay has managed to increase its revenue per seat mile by about 7%, CE Rupert Hogg said Wednesday. Its cost per seat mile has also been contained, he said. Cathay has stated “we will make ourselves more productive and keep that cost flat,” Hogg said. The carrier has faced immense pressure from Chinese airlines rapidly adding direct international routes, a development that has diminished the city’s importance as a hub and led Cathay in 2016 to record its first full-year net loss in 8 years. <br/>