A domestic flight operated by Japan’s largest carrier, All Nippon Airways (ANA), was forced to return to its originating airport following a crack in the airplane window. Flight NH1182 was enroute from Sapporo in Hokkaido to Toyama on Japan’s main island of Honshu when the crack was spotted over Hakodate, according to a spokesperson for ANA. The cause of the crack remains unknown, but possibilities include bird strike or hailstorm, said aviation expert John Strickland, adding that sometimes pressure or wear and tear can also lead to such incidents. Strickland asserted that the entire airplane window would likely need to be replaced to ensure safety. The aircraft, carrying 59 passengers and six crew members, managed a safe landing and passengers were given alternative flights. Importantly, this event represents the second incident involving a Boeing 737 aircraft within weeks. However, the ANA plane was an older model of Boeing 737, not the recent 737 MAX 9 which was grounded by the FAA following a serious incident involving Alaska Airlines.
The EURUSD currency pair remains in a tight range above the 1.0900 support level on Monday as it struggles for direction. Investors seek fresh cues at the start of a busy data week, which may indicate how much the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in September.
