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PICTURES: Boeing finishes 737 Max update test flights
Boeing has completed the final test fight for the updated software of the Boeing 737 Max, paving the way for a certification effort.
Nonetheless, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg gave no timeframes for certification in a video posted on Twitter. He says that the aircraft manufacturer is “making steady progress towards certification”.
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CFM checking LEAP engine fleet for Southwest MAX engine failure link
CFM International is monitoring its LEAP engine fleet for signs of an issue believed to be tied to the March 26 contained engine failure on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 that was being ferried to storage. The engine maker has targeted a specific subset of LEAP-1A engines that power Airbus A320neos and -1B engines found on 737 MAXs based on operational data and recommended that operators inspect the affected engines.
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French group predicts rise in certification costs after MAX crisis
Officials from French aerospace industry association GIFAS are predicting the ongoing safety crisis around the Boeing 737 MAX will cause certification costs to increase. The current situation, where the FAA is seen as having been careless during the MAX’s certification process, may make it more difficult to obtain an approval for a new product, GIFAS aeronautics and defense equipment committee president Patrick Daher said, adding: “It is likely the FAA and ...
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ACI Europe urges centralization, coordination to ease ATC shortfalls
Fixing Europe’s air traffic control (ATC) problems will be a test not only of the continent’s technical abilities, but its resolve to combat global warming, according to Europe’s airport trade association.
Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) was reacting to the April 15 report by the “wise persons” group on Europe’s ATC shortcomings.
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Honeywell reports sales gains and downplays effect of 737 issues
US aerospace giant Honeywell has reported strong gains in first quarter 2019 aerospace sales, with executives predicting little impact from Boeing’s reduction of 737 Max production.
“Based on our customer’s current production schedules, we do not expect a significant impact in our 2019 results,” Honeywell chief financial officer Greg Lewis says of Boeing on 18 April.
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Civil aircraft feature on EU's US countermeasures list
European regulators have listed large civil aircraft and helicopters among potential targets of trade countermeasures aimed at US exports, following the US government’s plans to introduce tariffs on Airbus jets.
The European Commission has opened a consultation on the measures, publishing an 11-page preliminary list of products which could fall under the new regime, featuring increased customs duties of up to 100%.
LinkAirlines
Hong Kong Airlines hit by boardroom spat
Hong Kong Airlines said it had to hire external security personnel and lawyers because of an unfolding spat between shareholders, but insisted it was business as usual for customers.
In an unusually frank press release, the carrier said: “Hong Kong Airlines has always focused on delivering a safe and smooth operation. However, the recent dispute among the company’s shareholders has seriously disrupted the order and operation of our office.
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NTSB investigates American A321 that rolled on takeoff from JFK
US federal safety officials are investigating an American Airlines Airbus A321 that tipped and struck an object during takeoff from New York JFK airport April 10, cutting the flight short and forcing the plane to taxi back to the gate just 29 min. after its scheduled departure.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on April 17 announced via Twitter the agency was investigating the incident, which it said “experienced a roll during takeoff and hit a runway distance marker with the left wingtip.”
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Air Arabia takes delivery of first A321neoLR
LCC Air Arabia has taken delivery of the first of six Airbus A321neoLRs, the first Middle Eastern airline to operate the extended-range version of the type. Air Arabia’s current fleet comprises 53 A320-family aircraft.
The addition of the long-range variant will allow the carrier to expand its reach to flights of up to eight hours, with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, destined to be the first on an expanded route map.
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Uganda Airlines receives first CRJ900
New African flag carrier Uganda Airlines has taken delivery of the first two of four Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets ordered in July 2018.
The new airline will be first in Africa to have Bombardier’s new Atmosphère cabin. The carrier will operate the aircraft in a dual-class configuration of 76 seats, including 12 in the first-class cabin.
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Op-Ed: United offers the biggest opportunity in new Tokyo routes
Later this year, the US and Japan plan to sign a formal aviation accord to expand access for US airlines flying to Tokyo Haneda airport, the closest airport to downtown Tokyo and a gateway for connection points throughout Japan. At United Airlines, we’re thrilled by the opportunity to strengthen America’s bond with Japan to the benefit of consumers, communities and businesses throughout our country.
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PICTURES: The leased jets backfilling for lost 737 Max capacity
As operators across the world scramble to fill capacity gaps created by the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max, we present this gallery of aircraft that have been drafted into affected fleets
Enter Air has taken two Boeing 737-800s (including OM-GTF from Slovak charter operator Go2Sky, pictured above in 2017) on wet leases since the 737 Max grounding began, Cirium's Fleets Analyzer shows.
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PICTURE: Air Mauritius takes delivery of first A330neo
Air Mauritius has received its first Airbus A330-900 at a ceremony in Toulouse.
The carrier will become both the first in the southern hemisphere to operate the A330neo and the first worldwide to operate it alongside the A350, notes Airbus.
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Qantas to go seasonal to Sapporo
After an absence of 12 years, Qantas will return to Sapporo Chitose, flying thrice-weekly services from Sydney between 16 December and 28 March 2020.
The Oneworld carrier will use Airbus A330s on the route, offering over 10,000 seats during the three month period.
LinkAirports
Design approved for Hangzhou airport’s Phase III expansion
China’s Zhejiang Development Commission has approved the preliminary design for the Phase III expansion for Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.
The cornerstone of the Phase III project is construction of the fourth terminal, which will double the size of the first three terminals combined.
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Washington National set to open first piece of $1bn expansion
American Airlines will begin using the first part of what will become a new regional concourse at Ronald Reagan Washington National airport later this month.
The first section of aircraft apron - the pavement that will one day serve the new concourse's northern side - with up to 12 regional aircraft parking positions is due to open during the week of 22 April, airport operator the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) says.
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Biometric boarding initiative at New York-JFK
New York-JFK’s Terminal One Group is to work with technology firm, Vision-Box, to modernise T1’s passenger processing procedures by rolling out one of the largest facial biometric boarding platforms at a US airport.
It effectively means that passengers will be able to board aircraft without needing to show their passports or boarding passes.
LinkMilitary
PICTURES: HAL HJT-36 IJT flies after three year hiatus
Hindustan Aeronautics has recommenced flight testing of its HJT-36 Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) from its Bengaluru production centre.
“The flight was flawless and its success is an important step towards the IJT programme,” says HAL.
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The worst day of flying still beats the best day of real work.
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General Trivia
1. Upon touchdown, the rudder of a Space Shuttle orbiter splits open and becomes a speed brake. What well-known general aviation airplane incorporated such a feature long before America’s manned space program started?
2. The first air-to-air refueling occurred on 12 NOV 21. How was this accomplished?
3. What was so unusual about the 1931 French-built Makhonine MAK-10 monoplane?
4. What was the name of the famous 1930s airship that was involved in a New Jersey accident and claimed more lives than any other accident in a dirigible?
5. The primary purpose of feathering a propeller following an engine failure is to reduce drag and improve engine-out performance. What are two other important reasons for feathering?
