NewsBA A319 inquiry confirms fan cowl doors left unlatched UK investigators have confirmed that fan cowl doors were left unlatched after maintenance before a British Airways Airbus A319 suffered loss of the cowls on take-off from London Heathrow on 24 May. Loss of the doors from both International Aero Engines V2500s during lift-off from runway 27L punctured a fuel pipe in the right-hand engine, the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch states. The airframe and some aircraft systems also sustained damage. After the pilots elected to return to Heathrow an external fire developed on the right-hand engine during approach. The crew shut down this engine. But the left-hand engine continued to perform "normally" throughout the flight, the AAIB says in an update to the inquiry.
LinkBoeing launches final assembly of 787-9 Boeing workers started a months-long process of joining the wings, fuselage sections and systems of the first stretched 787-9 on 30 May in Everett, Washington, the company announced today. The 290-seat widebody also remains on track for first flight in the second half in 2013, Boeing says. Delivery to launch customer Air New Zealand is scheduled in early 2014, a delay of roughly four years from the original plan. So far, 20 customers have bought a total of 355 787-9s, representing 40% of the 787 program's backlog, although that percentage will likely be adjusted with the forthcoming launch of the double-stretch, 320-seat 787-10X.
LinkAirbus powers up flight-test A350 Airbus has powered up the prototype A350-900's engines for the first time, after starting the auxiliary power unit. The aircraft is fitted with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB powerplants. It follows transfer of the A350-900, MSN1, to the flight-test operation in preparation for the aircraft's maiden flight.
LinkA350 prototype transfers to flight-test team Airbus's first flying prototype A350 has been transferred to the airframer's flight-test team, although a date for a maiden sortie has yet to be established. The airframer declines to confirm the move, or comment on the status of the aircraft's progress since its roll-out on 13 May. It refers to EADS chief Tom Enders' recent indications that the first flight could happen in "weeks" rather than simply during the summer. But a source familiar with the A350's test program says that the transfer of MSN1 to the flight-test team has taken place.
LinkAeromexico, Union Avert Strike, Delay Key DecisionMexico's biggest airline, Aeromexico, and its union workers forged a last-minute accord early on Saturday to avoid a strike that could have grounded 300 flights and cost MXP150 million pesos a day, but delayed a decision on a crucial sticking point. The ASSA union, which represents about 1,300 Aeromexico flight attendants, had threatened a midnight strike if it did not get the 5 percent salary increase and 3 percent boost in benefits it sought. ASSA had rejected an early proposal by the airline that combined a slightly smaller pay raise with "new competitive conditions" for future hires that the union said would unfairly reduce their pay.
LinkANA Says A350 'Good Candidate' To Replace 777sJapan's All Nippon Airways considers the Airbus A350 a "good candidate" to replace some Boeing 777s, its chief executive said on Sunday, in a sign that the airline could place its first order for Airbus big jets. "The A350-1000 can be a good candidate for us," Osamu Shinobe told Reuters on the sidelines of the IATA conference in Cape Town. "It is realistic to consider this as a replacement for the 777. In the near future, when we look at the replacement candidates, this can be a very good and strong candidate."
LinkBombardier CSeries On Track For End-June DebutBombardier said on Sunday its new CSeries passenger jet was in good shape to make its crucial first flight by the end of June as it prepares to unveil orders for the more fuel efficient jet at the Paris air show. The first aircraft, which rolled out of the factory in green primer paint and is now under the control of the flight test crew, is "looking great" for a test sortie this month, Chet Fuller, senior commercial vice president, told reporters. The countdown coincides with preparations for the first flight of the larger Airbus A350, which could fly before the June 17-23 air show. The CSeries and A350 are both examples of a new generation of carbon-composite passenger jets designed to save weight and allow airlines to burn less fuel, a manufacturing technique first introduced on such a scale by Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.
LinkEmissions Row Dims IATA's Brighter MoodGlobal airlines are gathering for an industry summit boosted by weaker fuel prices, but facing a tough debate over how to share the cost of tackling emissions involved in a trade row. The International Air Transport Association, which represents 240 carriers, is holding its annual meeting against a backdrop of higher traffic and cheaper energy that could lift airline profits and underpin hopes of economic recovery. Tony Tyler, IATA's director general, said ahead of the June 2-4 talks that airlines felt "modest signs of improvement" as traffic grows sharply in emerging markets, offsetting Europe's debt crisis and a hesitant pick-up in North America.
LinkSouthwest Airlines to pay quarterly dividendSouthwest Airlines plans to pay a quarterly dividend of 4 cents to shareholders on June 26. The dividend equals around 0.28% of the recent stock price of $14.27 per share.
LinkJetBlue launches program to compost food wasteJetBlue Airways announced plans to compost nearly 300 pounds of food waste per day from restaurants at its terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The carrier is partnering with Air Ventures and Royal Waste Services. The compost from the leftover food will be turned into fertilizer and soil for farms.
LinkU.S. airlines compete for premium-class fliersCarriers in the U.S. are vying for business-class fliers by offering upscale amenities because premium-class fliers bring in a large portion of carriers' revenue. Michael Boyd, chairman of consultant Boyd Group International, said that premium fliers make up about 75% of revenue on flights across the country.
LinkAirbus raises forecast for 2013 to more than 800 aircraftEADS CEO Tom Enders said Airbus is boosting its outlook for 2013 orders from a previous estimate. New Airbus orders already have reached 500 this year, and Enders said he is "comfortably forecasting that we should be well above 800 aircraft in 2013."
Link737 MAX will be more fuel-efficient than 737, Boeing saysBoeing said its updated 737 MAX will burn 13% less fuel than the current 737 model. The aircraft manufacturer plans to start production of the 737 MAX in 2015, with the first delivery slated for 2017. Boeing has received 1,376 firm orders for the 737 MAX.
LinkFrance confirms order for 34 NH90 troop transports The French defence ministry has confirmed an order for 34 NH Industries NH90 troop transport helicopters for the nation's army. A deal had been expected earlier this year, but was delayed until the publication of the French government's defence review in April. Further details of the contract are expected to be revealed at the Paris air show in mid-June.
LinkSikorsky awarded $435 million contract for four CH-53K test aircraft The US Navy is awarding Sikorsky a $435 million contract modification to build four more CH-53K prototype helicopters for operational evaluation purposes. Instead of awarding a separate contract for the four system demonstration test articles, the Naval Air Systems Command has decided to add the machines to an existing $3.5 billion system development and demonstration contract that was awarded in April 2006.
LinkPentagon reveals dates for F-35 initial operational capability The US Air Force plans to declare initial operational capability (IOC) for its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35As in 2016, according to a new report issued by the Department of Defense on 31 May. In its report to Congress, the Pentagon states that if its current plan holds firm, IOC for the largest Joint Strike Fighter customer could be achieved between August and December that year. The USAF's criteria for IOC consists of being able to stand up the first operational F-35A squadron equipped with 12 to 24 aircraft and with enough trained personnel "to conduct basic close air support, interdiction, and limited suppression and destruction of enemy air defence operations in a contested environment".
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