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Boeing will celebrate centennial at Farnborough Airshow
Boeing will be highlighting its 100 years in business at this year's Farnborough Airshow in the UK. "Having this role as we approach our centennial, you have this sense of humbleness about the significance of the company," said CEO Dennis Muilenburg.
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Unidentified customer orders 10 Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has announced that an unidentified customer has signed a firm purchase agreement for 10 CRJ900 aircraft. The agreement is valued at $472 million at list prices. Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer said, “The modern and fuel efficient CRJ900 aircraft continues to maintain its solid footing and set industry benchmarks with its lower operating costs, outstanding operational flexibility and enhanced cabin amenities.
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ATSB investigates 737 descent below safe altitude incident
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating an incident where a Boeing 737-300 freighter flew below the lowest safe altitude while attempting to land at Launceston on 17 June. The ATSB says the Express Freighters Australia-operated 737 (registration VH-XMO) was conducting a missed approach procedure when it “diverted off the published heading and flew below the lowest safe altitude”.
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Winglet-fitted Superjet in windtunnel test
Russian researchers have performed windtunnel testing on models of a modified Sukhoi Superjet 100 which features winglets. The analysis involved looking at flutter on an amended wing design for the long-range Superjet 100LR variant, says the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI).
LinkAirlines
Air Canada CEO orchestrates massive turnaround for the business
Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu has led the airline through a major business turnaround and the carrier is well on its way to record profits. "We've made significant strides against some long odds ... but we have to keep our eye on the ball," he said.
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Air Canada pursues international expansion
Air Canada introduced 10 new international routes between May 19 and June 17 to destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. "Air Canada has undertaken the most intensive period of international expansion in its history," said Benjamin Smith, president of passenger airlines at Air Canada.
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Alaska Airlines retires "Spirit of Alaska Statehood" aircraft
Alaska Airlines' "Spirit of Alaska Statehood" aircraft took its final flight on June 16. The aircraft and it unique paint job made its debut in 2009 to honor Alaska's 50th anniversary as a state.
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American Airlines aids NASA research
American Airlines is teaming up with NASA, letting the agency inside the cockpit during flights to gather information that will be used to develop better displays and improve flight training. "It gives us a better idea not only about how current technology works, but how designs for future flight deck systems can provide the most impact," said NASA's Steve Young.
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Brussels Airlines adds A330 premium economy class
Brussels Airlines is introducing a third long-haul class, branded as Economy Plus, on its Airbus A330s from July 1. Any passengers traveling in Brussels Airlines economy class will be able to upgrade to Economy Plus for a €120 ($135.27) one-way fee.
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Investigators Examine Damaged Egyptair Recorders
Investigators have begun examining the two severely damaged flight recorders from EgyptAir flight MS804 as they seek to explain why the plane crashed into the sea, killing all 66 people on board. Egypt's Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee said it started the analysis of the devices, with representatives from France and the United States, which are crucial to explaining why the Airbus A320 crashed on May 19 en route from Paris to Cairo.
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Ethiopian Airlines set to receive Africa’s first A350 XWB
Ethiopian Airlines will take delivery of the first of 14 Airbus A350 XWBs on June 28, making it Africa’s first operator of the type. The Ethiopia flag carrier said all seats are fitted with the latest high-definition touchscreen personal monitors and a higher selection of movies, television series and audio channels. Inflight Wi-Fi connection will be made available on this aircraft in the future.
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Wall Street expecting good news from FedEx
Wall Street is expecting FedEx to report improved earnings over last year, pushing the stock higher as of Friday. Credit Suisse has increased its price target for FedEx and kept the company's "outperform" rating.
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Fiji Airways expands US network
Fiji Airways has launched a new San Francisco–Fiji service to complement its existing Fiji-Los Angeles and Honolulu schedules. The 2X-weekly service will fly from Fiji’s Nadi International to San Francisco International using Airbus A330 aircraft.
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Wizz Air names new CCO
Central European low-cost carrier Wizz Air has announced the departure of EVP John Stephenson and the appointment of George Michalopoulos as CCO. Stephenson joined Wizz Air 10 years ago, in 2006. He originally held the role of CCO and was promoted to become EVP in 2009. His resignation was announced June 16, with a planned departure date of Aug. 24.
LinkAirports
$1B renovation to start at Reagan Airport in D.C..
A $1 billion renovation project is set to start this fall at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. The project includes the construction of a concourse for commuters, increased parking and road improvements.
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Bulgaria Puts Sofia Airport Tender On Hold
Bulgaria has put on hold a tender to operate Sofia airport after a consortium that built a runway at one of the terminals made a complaint against the procedure with the country's competition watchdog. "The process has been put on hold as we must observe the law," the transport ministry's spokesman said.
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Military
Armed S-70i breaks cover in Poland
Sikorsky company PZL Mielec used NATO’s multi-national exercise Anakonda to debut an armed version of the S-70i Black Hawk in mid-June. On display in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, the rotorcraft attracted visitors including Polish defence minister Antoni Macierewicz. Four pylons under stub wings can be used to carry Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, seven- or 19-round Hydra 70 rocket pods and GAU-19 gun pods, plus 200USgal crashworthy external fuel system tanks. The aircraft also can be equipped with an electro-optical/infrared sensor turret and door-mounted 12.7mm machine guns or M134 miniguns.
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Aviation Quote
Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.
— Amelia Earhart
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Trivia
General Trivia
1. What was the largest, heaviest and most powerful American Production fighter of WW2?
2. Five American Aircraft Carriers have been converted into floating museums. What are their names and where are they located?
3. Which of the following is not true?
A) The 172 was Cessna's first production airplane to be equipped with a tricycle landing gear.
B) The Hawker Siddeley Trident was the first production airplane with an autoland system.
C) On early models of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, the tail gunner could bail out of the aircraft by jettisoning the entire turret.
D) The pilot of the An-2 Colt, can use an on-board compressor to vary the air pressure in the oleo struts to suit the type of surface on which he/she intends to land.
4. Why does moving the center of gravity forward make an airplane more stable in the pitch and yaw axis?
5. During W2, Germany launched V-1 buzz bombs from northern France towards London. These pilotless aircraft incorporated an autopilot to keep the airplane pointed in the target's direction. Without a navigation system, how did the bomb "know" when they were over the target?
