A quick-thinking pilot prevented a near-collision between four aeroplanes, including his own, at one of the world’s busiest airports. Audio of the incident at JFK International Airport reveals air traffic control cleared a Swiss Air flight for takeoff. The pilot, realising he would collide with several other planes, then quickly aborted. The near-miss on 17 April is now being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Audio of the incident was captured by LiveATC, a public archive of air traffic control audio. “Swiss 17K heavy rejecting takeoff,” the Swiss Air pilot told air traffic control, realising collision was imminent. “Traffic on the runway.” “Exit out,” an air traffic controller urged the pilot. The FAA later confirmed the flight aborted its takeoff because four aircraft were crossing the same takeoff runway at the New York City airport. The federal regulator did not provide details on the other airlines involved when contacted by The Independent. <br/>
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Singapore Airlines has recommenced flying to Brussels from its hub, Changi Airport, 20 years or so after the carrier stopped the service, in large part due to the SARS outbreak. It now operates four weekly flights to Brussels on Airbus A350-900s, which feature 253 seats including 42 in business class, 24 in premium economy and 187 in economy. SQ304 departs Singapore for Brussels on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11.55pm, with the return, SQ303, departing Brussels for Singapore on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12.10pm. The capital of Belgium is also the home country of the European Union (EU) and NATO. For Australians, the 13-or-so-hour flight represents a convenient way to access Belgium, including its World War I pilgrimage sites and the Western Front Way. It’s also an alternative entry point into north-western Europe to the busier, bigger Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands) and Charles de Gaulle (Paris). With the latter expecting an influx of visitors for the Olympic Games commencing July 26, Brussels tourism is anticipating an overflow effect – the charming capital is less than 90 minutes from its French counterpart via high-speed Eurostar train. Many other places are easily reached by rail from Brussels. (Qantas flies to Brussels but on a codeshare such as with British Airways via Singapore and London Heathrow.)<br/>