NewsExcursion damages newly-delivered Starbow ATR 72African regional operator Starbow Airlines' newly-delivered ATR 72-500 has been badly damaged in a departure accident after just a few hours' service with the carrier. The aircraft (9G-SBF) had only been delivered to the carrier on 21 November, under lease from Nordic Aviation Capital, according to Flight Fleets Analyzer.
LinkStarbow suspends operations after ATR accidentAfrican carrier Starbow Airlines has suspended all operations in the aftermath of the accident which damaged a newly-delivered ATR 72-500. The aircraft suffered a runway excursion at Accra's Kotoka airport during take-off on a domestic service to Kumasi.
LinkGE explores turboprop tie-up with Russia's United Engine GE Aviation and Russia's United Engine (UEC) have agreed a tentative partnership to co-operate in the turboprop market for Russian operators. The US manufacturer says the partners have signed a memorandum to "explore turboprop engine business opportunities" and to "identify areas for synergy for growing a turboprop portfolio in the Russian market".
LinkBoeing completes its first 737NG freighter conversionBoeing has completed its first 737NG passenger-to-freighter conversion and is set to deliver the aircraft to Swedish cargo operator West Atlantic early next year. West Atlantic confirms that the 737-800BCF has arrived in the USA for flight tests following conversion by the manufacturer's Chinese maintenance and modification joint venture Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services.
LinkNorway rolls newly delivered AW101 helicopterNorway's effort to replace its aged search and rescue helicopter fleet has suffered a significant setback after its newly delivered Leonardo Helicopters AW101 – the first of an eventual 16 aircraft – overturned during a ground run on 24 October. No injuries were reported to the two crew on board, but images posted on social media show the 15.6t helicopter resting on its right-hand side, minus its main rotor blades.
LinkCAE, L-3 Link continue to lead military simulators marketThe military aircraft simulators market is dominated by five manufacturers, which between them account for more than two thirds of the devices in service worldwide. The clear leaders are CAE and L-3 Link Simulation, each with a 19% share. Boeing and FSI are close behind in third and fourth positions with 11% and 10% respectively, followed by Thales at 8%.
LinkOkay Airways Firms Up Boeing 787 OrderChina’s Okay Airways has firmed up an order with Boeing for five 787-9s, valued at USD$1.4 billion based on list prices. The order was first announced as a memorandum of understanding at the Paris Air Show in June.
LinkLatAm, Caribbean Aircraft Demand to Double - AirbusLatin America and the Caribbean will need 2,677 new passenger and freighter aircraft over the next 20 years, Airbus said in a forecast update. The European airframer said in its Global Market Forecast that demand will grow at an annual rate of 4.4 percent between 2017 and 2036, with aircraft valued at USD$352 billion needed to meet the increase in demand.
LinkAir New Zealand Looking At BlockchainAir New Zealand has announced plans to explore blockchain technology and examine the potential for its businesses. The New Zealand flag carrier said it will partner with Winding Tree, a Swiss travel platform which is developing a travel marketplace based on blockchain to connect suppliers such as airlines and hotels directly to sellers.
LinkThomas Cook Sees Progress Despite Spanish SoftnessThomas Cook Group said it made good financial progress during its fiscal full year, with demand for Greece and long-haul destinations balancing out a more competitive market in Spain. The group reported revenue of a shade over GBP£9 billion (USD$12 billion), up from £7.81 billion, crediting a more customer focussed strategy for the lift.
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