NewsFire brought down Asiana 747F in just 18minKorean investigators have revealed only 18min elapsed between detection of fire on board an Asiana Airlines Boeing 747-400F, and the fatal loss of the aircraft in the sea. But while the inquiry has disclosed more details of the dangerous cargo on board the aircraft, it has yet to reach conclusions over the origin of the fire. The cargo jet, operating Seoul-Shanghai on 28 July 2011, crashed about 130km (70nm) west of Jeju while attempting to divert to the island. Preliminary findings by Korea's Aircraft and Railway Accident Investigation Board show the aircraft was 50min into its flight and had just been transferred to Shanghai area control centre when it made the emergency call.
LinkIs the weakness in the cargo market a temporary dip or a long-term trend? Air cargo is often seen as something of a lead indicator for the global economy, but those looking for encouragement from recent air cargo figures would have been disappointed. Year-on-year figures for June and July remain stubbornly negative, and in late August, carriers were reporting no sign of the normal autumn peak season being about to start.
LinkJP Morgan downgrades Embraer on backlog concerns, business jet outlook JP Morgan has downgraded Embraer to neutral from overweight and warned investors that the Brazilian airframer's backlog for commercial jets could erode faster than expected. The research note sent to investors on 24 September also cites Embraer's defence business as a "bright spot", while business jet sales might not return to a "healthy" outlook until 2014.
LinkGE details plans for new turboprop engineGE Aviation is working on a new turboprop engine, dubbed the CPX38, to fly on the next generation of 70- to 90-seat turboprops. The CPX38 will be based on an existing core and could enter the market by the end of the decade—or within three years at the earliest.
LinkEurope calls for consultations in Airbus-Boeing WTO disputeEurope has called for further consultations through the World Trade Organization (WTO), insisting that Boeing is still benefiting from illegal subsidies. For years, the large civil aircraft dispute has swung back and forth, with the European Union (EU) alleging that Boeing benefits from illegal state subsidies and the US lodging similar claims against Airbus.
LinkTAP Portugal moving toward privatization by year endTAP Portugal is moving toward an expected full privatization by year end following president Cavaco Silva’s approval placing the carrier and its subsidiaries up for sale. TAP's expected privatization is part of Portugal’s €78 billion ($100.9 billion) international bailout agreement by the EU and the International Monetary Fund in 2010.
LinkANA Has 40,000 Cancellations On China FlightsAll Nippon Airways said on Wednesday that 40,000 seat reservations were cancelled on flights between Japan and China from September to November, underlining the impact of a territorial spat between the two countries that flared up earlier this month.
LinkEADS CEO Against Big State Role In Merged Co.Firms like the one that would be created in a planned merger of EADS and BAE Systems should "not necessarily" be subject to state involvement, EADS chief executive Tom Enders said on Wednesday.
LinkBAE 'Very Exposed' If EADS Deal FailsBAE Systems needs its proposed merger with Airbus parent EADS to succeed if it is to avoid being cast adrift as a company without a clear strategy in a shrinking industry or a takeover target for predatory US rivals.
LinkHK Court Rules Against Cathay PacificHong Kong's Court of Final Appeal ruled against Cathay Pacific Airways in two cases regarding its aircrew on Wednesday that could end up costing the airline hundreds of millions of dollars.
LinkAirlines post $1B in losses in first half of 2012Airlines continue to grapple with a weak economy and high fuel prices. Fuel costs have grown from constituting 10% of airlines' expenses in 2000 to 35% last year. Airlines have continued offering ancillary services to boost revenue and were able to increase some fares, which helped to offset the increased expenses. The 10 largest U.S. airlines showed a profit of $2.3 billion in the second quarter of 2012, but that doesn't make up for the previous three months period of losses, industry leaders say. For the first half of 2012, the nine largest airlines posted $1 billion in losses, with a profit margin of minus 1.5%, said an Airlines for America spokeswoman.
LinkEU revisits plan to allow cross-border consolidationThe European Commission said it would revisit the plan to reduce restrictions on airline mergers and acquisitions, with an eye on consolidations between European and the U.S. carriers. "Current ownership and control restrictions, applied by most countries, deny carriers access to important sources of new capital," the commission said in a statement. "It is now time to address this issue more vigorously and to take the additional steps envisaged in the EU-U.S. air transport agreement."
LinkCourt orders TSA to hold hearings on body scannersThe Transportation Security Administration has until the end of March to conduct public hearings and accept comments on nude body scanners. In July 2011, the court set aside a constitutional challenge from the Electronic Privacy Information Center, ordering the TSA to act promptly to hold hearings and develop rules for the scanners. Last month, the court ordered TSA to explain why it had not complied with the order. The TSA has said a public comment period would block the government from responding to security threats.
LinkAlaska Airlines contest seeks students' artwork for planeAlaska Airlines has partnered with Hawaii's Department of Education to allow students to design artwork that will be painted on one of the airline's planes. The competition is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade in public, private and home schools. The entries should somehow reflect Hawaiian culture, and the winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a trip for four on any Alaska Airlines route.
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