NewsEurocopter defines interim fix for grounded EC225s Eurocopter believes it has come up with an interim solution to the problem afflicting its troubled EC225 helicopter that could see the type return to unrestricted flight by the third quarter at the latest. The EC225 has effectively been grounded in the North Sea region since the October ditching of a CHC Scotia-operated Super Puma. This was the second incident in 2012 involving the twin-engined type in which the its bevel gear vertical shaft catastrophically failed. Lutz Bertling, the airframer's outgoing chief executive, who will leave Eurocopter on 1 May, says it is close to fully resolving the issue. "It is more about working with the regulators, the operators, the oil companies and the passengers to restart flying," he says.
LinkDelta TechOps to add CF34-8 capability Delta TechOps will start offering GE CF34-8 engine overhaul capabilities, says Richard Anderson, chief executive of Delta Air Lines at the MRO Americas conference in Atlanta. "We've made the decision, and we're in the process of bringing it in-house," Anderson said. The Atlanta-based MRO plans to start offering the capability by the first quarter of 2014, says Peter Turner, Delta TechOps' vice-president MRO services on the sidelines of the conference.
LinkFAA Warns Of 3.5 Hour Flight Delays This SummerFlight delays of up to 3-1/2 hours are expected at some busy US airports this summer because of furloughs of air-traffic controllers, FAA administrator Michael Huerta warned on Thursday. The FAA estimate is the first to detail, in minutes and hours, the potential delays from the agency's decision to furlough 10 percent of its staff, starting Sunday, as it struggles to meet budget cuts required under sequestration. Other groups, including the air traffic controller's union, have warned of potentially long delays and reduced capacity to handle planes, which could force airlines to cut flights.
LinkFlights Cancelled As Flooding Hits ChicagoHeavy rains and flooding brought havoc to the Chicago area on Thursday, cancelling flights and delaying other forms of travel. O'Hare Airport reported 500 flight cancellations and delays of more than 90 minutes for incoming and outgoing flights. Midway Airport reported more than 30 cancellations and 30-minute delays.
LinkTurkish Interested In A380s, A350s - ReportTurkish Airlines is interested in buying Airbus A380 superjumbo and A350 wide-body aircraft provided the plane maker comes up with "good opportunities", chairman Hamdi Topcu told Les Echos newspaper. Turkish Airlines recently ordered 117 narrow-body passenger planes from Airbus, including 82 firm orders and options to buy a further 35 aircraft in 2015-2020. Airbus chief executive Fabrice Bregier said on Wednesday during a visit to Turkey that he expected Turkish Airlines to order A380s eventually, while airline CEO Temel Kotil said he did not see a need at present.
LinkFAA reviewing 787 ETOPS certification separately from battery decision US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Michael Huerta confirms that the Boeing 787's extended operations (ETOPS) certificate is being reviewed separately from the battery redesign investigation. Addressing a Senate Commerce committee panel on the three-month anniversary of the Boeing grounding, Huerta's remarks clarified for the first time that Boeing has been answering the FAA's questions on two key fronts. Boeing not only has to prove to the FAA that the 787 battery redesign and new containment system is safe enough. The company also has satisfy the agency that the 787 is reliable enough to fly routes that take the twinjet up to 180min away from an eligible runway.
LinkAD for 737s could cost US operators $10.1 millionUS-based operators of next-generation Boeing 737 aircraft could face costs of up to $10.1 million to comply with a new airworthiness directive (AD) issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration today. The administration is issuing the AD for 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER aircraft after the FAA found that incorrect procedures were used when applying protective coatings for wear and corrosion to the attach pins of the horizontal stabiliser rear spar. The AD will require operators to undergo an inspection on the aircraft to check the part numbers of the pins on the horizontal stabiliser rear spar and to replace certain pins with "new, improved" attach pins.
LinkPinnacle Airlines to become Delta subsidiaryPinnacle Airlines received approval from a bankruptcy court judge to become a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. Pinnacle expects to emerge from bankruptcy by May 1.
LinkBoeing aircraft designer is rememberedKenneth Holtby, a designer of Boeing aircraft, died at age 90 last month. Holtby retired in 1987 after working at Boeing for four decades. During his tenure, he played a key role in the design of the 747, 757 and 767.
LinkNew Orleans plans $650M terminal for airportNew Orleans plans to build a new terminal at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The $650 million terminal is scheduled to open in 2018. Mayor Mitch Landrieu said the city plans to break ground next year.
LinkNew Zealand to obtain eight SH-2G (I) Super Seasprites New Zealand will acquire eight Kaman SH-2G (I) Super Seasprite naval helicopters, with two additional airframes to be purchased as spares. The total package is worth NZ$242 million ($204 million) and includes a full motion simulator, Penguin anti-ship missiles and additional components, the New Zealand government said in a statement. "This package from Kaman Aerospace will provide the Navy with an upgraded variant, the Seasprite SH-2G (I), and increase the fleet from five to eight helicopters," says defence minister Jonathan Coleman. "It will allow helicopters to be embarked on the two ANZAC-class frigates [Te Mana and Te Kaha] as well as the offshore patrol vessels and the multi-role ship HMNZS Canterbury."
LinkConverted BAe 146s cleared for RAF operationsThe Royal Air Force's newly acquired pair of BAe 146-200QC passenger/freighter aircraft have been granted release to service approval from the UK Ministry of Defence, following their delivery by BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. Acquired using the MoD's urgent operational requirement funding model and converted for £15.5 million ($23.8 million) by subcontractor Hawker Beechcraft Services, the re-designated BAe 146 C3s will be used to transport UK personnel and equipment involved in operations in Afghanistan.
LinkKuwait eyeing second C-17, DSCA reveals Kuwait appears poised to increase its planned purchase of the Boeing C-17 strategic transport to a two-aircraft fleet, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has revealed. In a 17 April notification, the US government's international sales body pegs the value of Kuwait's new request at a potential $371 million, including one aircraft, additional equipment and support services. The agency in September 2010 said the Gulf state had asked for a first example, under a procurement valued at up to $693 million.
Link 
