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Boeing Deliveries Slow to a Crawl in April
Boeing delivered just six airplanes during the month of April, as monthly figures reported by the company on Tuesday for the first time reflected the full effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A total of 108 order cancellations during the month included those already announced from GE Capital Aviation Services covering sixty-nine 737 Max jets and 29 from CDB Financial Leasing, along with another 10 from unidentified customers.
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De Havilland Launches Additional Dash 8 Freighter Conversions
De Havilland Canada has launched new Dash 8 freighter conversion programs. Announced on May 12th, the program has received approval from Transport Canada for Dash 8-100/200 and Dash 8-300 aircraft. One Dash 8-100 operator, 748 Air Services, has ordered the conversion kit for four Dash 8-100 aircraft due to the increased freight demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
LinkAirlines
Brazil’s Gol To Get $412 Million In 737 Max Compensation
The scale of Boeing's liability to airlines for the 737 Max debacle became a little clearer Wednesday when Brazilian airline Gol said it has received 500 million reais ($86 million) out of a promised 2.4 billion reais ($412 million) in compensation related to the grounding of the jet and subsequent order-book restructuring.
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IATA Condemns UK, Spanish Quarantine Proposals
The International Air Transport Association has expressed firm opposition to proposed requirements by the UK and Spain for a 14-day quarantine period for travelers entering their countries, arguing that such restrictions would sabotage any effort to restart international traffic after this year’s second quarter.
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JetBlue Still Planning To Launch London A321LR Flights Next Year
Despite the incredibly difficult times being experienced by airlines right now, JetBlue remains committed to its eagerly anticipated London launch. Contrary to speculation that the routes could be delayed by quite some time, the airline has today confirmed that it is still targeting 2021 for the start of these game-changing services.
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Air Belgium Looks Towards Late June Service Resumption
As some European countries begin to lift their strict lockdowns, airlines are looking at resuming grounded services. The latest announcement from Air Belgium, released today, is that it hopes to re-start services on June 24th, after the government lifts a travel ban.
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Qatar Airways Ready To Inject Cash In Cathay Pacific If Asked
Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific has been offered a financial lifeline today by its third-largest shareholder, Qatar Airways. Although Qatar is also struggling due to the impact of coronavirus, its CEO Akbar al-Baker has said today that cargo operations will sustain the airline enough for it to support struggling Cathay Pacific.
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Lufthansa’s First Boeing 777X Spotted Outside In Seattle
While most aviation news has been cause for concern of late, one source of excitement is the progression of Boeing’s new widebody program. On Wednesday, launch customer Lufthansa’s first 777X aircraft was spotted outside the factory walls for the very first time.
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TUI Looks To Cut Around 8,000 Jobs
Leisure travel operator TUI intends to “reinvent the holiday” in the coming months as it gears up to resume travel activities. However, as it strives to reduce costs by 30% the company announced Wednesday that it would cut or avoid recruiting around 8,000 staff.
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Qatar Airways To Postpone New Airbus & Boeing Deliveries
Qatar Airways is in talks with Boeing and Airbus to delay delivery of any new aircraft. CEO Akbar al-Baker has said today that new airplanes will likely be “deferred for several years.” This comes as the airline is working to right-size its fleet for the future amid a travel downturn al-Baker predicts to last many years.
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A Flight Tracked by 4 Million People: Turkish Airlines Making History
Turkish Airlines has made history with its unique celebratory flightpath. The flight, which took place on April 23rd, saw a Boeing 777 drawing the shape of the Turkish flag in the skies above the nation. The flight has become one of the most tracked flights of all time on FlightRadar24.com, drawing more than four million users to watch the special event.
LinkAirports
Iceland To Implement Coronavirus Tests For All Arriving Visitors
Iceland announced yesterday that it plans to implement coronavirus testing for all arriving air passengers at the country’s only international airport by June 15 at the latest. The tests will be carried out at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and will determine whether or not visitors to the North Atlantic Island will need to self-quarantine for 14 days.
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Singapore Airport Closes Another Terminal As Demand Remains Low
Singapore’s Changi Airport has decided to temporarily shut terminal four from the 16 May, as the demand for travel dries up flights. The airport had already closed terminal two and will be saving on labor and facility costs.
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Manila’s Airport Allows Resumption Of International Flights
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport has begun to unwind a temporary ban on international arrivals. The relaxation of the ban has seen both commercial and charter flights allowed to touch down since Monday. But for folks used to crowds and chaos at Manila’s notoriously bad airport, it won’t be business as usual. Instead, it’s just a gentle ramp-up in services throughout May.
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Frankfurt Airport prepares for the resumption of flights with safety measures
As Frankfurt Airport prepares for more passenger flights, Fraport is taking comprehensive steps to prevent contagion in the currently used areas of Terminal 1 and comply with the requirements imposed by the health authorities.
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Aviation Quote
No guts, no glory. If you are going to shoot him down, you have to get in there and mix it up with him.
- General Frederick C. 'Boots' Blesse, USAF.
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Trivia
General Trivia
1. A pilot is practicing an on-pylon. He notices during the turn that the pylon is slipping ahead of the wingtip. He should
a. climb and reduce airspeed.
b. climb and increase airspeed.
c. descend and reduce airspeed.
d. descend and increase airspeed.
2. A pilot is practicing an around-pylon in a counterclockwise direction while under the influence of an easterly wind. On which of the following headings will rate of turn be greatest?
a. 090 degrees
b. 180 degrees
c. 270 degrees
d. 360 degrees
3. There are three types of airmets. A phonetic letter names each type. _____ refers to IFR conditions and/or extensive mountain obscurations; _____ is issued for turbulence, high winds, and low-level wind shear; and _____ advises of icing and freezing levels.
a. Airmet Sierra, airmet Tango, airmet Zulu
b. Airmet Tango, airmet Sierra, airmet Uniform
c. Airmet Uniform, airmet Zulu, airmet Sierra
d. Airmet Zulu, airmet Tango, airmet Sierra
4
. A U.S. military fighter pilot broadcasts the word Winchester. What is the significance of this transmission?
5. What was the first type of jet aircraft to fly nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean?
6. In the jargon of flight attendants, what is a thumper?
