NewsFAA chief urges increased cooperation with UK ahead of Brexit FAA acting administrator Dan Elwell has called on the UK and world governments to accelerate the pace of bilateral aviation negotiations ahead of Brexit, when the UK leaves the European Union (EU), in March 2019. “Brexit and its March 2019 deadline is obviously on all of our minds,” Elwell said during a June 19 speech at the EASA-FAA Aviation Safety Conference in Washington DC. “As the clock runs down, removing uncertainty about the UK and its aviation agreements with the rest of the world only becomes more important.”
LinkDelta’s 20-strong Bombardier CRJ900 order to have new Atmosphère cabin Delta Air Lines has ordered 20 Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets, becoming the launch customer for the Canadian manufacturer’s new Atmosphère cabin for the CRJ.
LinkNorwegian CEO: Size is critical for success Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos believes his LCC is reaching the critical mass it needs to succeed, as several European heavyweights voice their potential interest in the business.
LinkKenya Airways, Nairobi airport to mergeState-run national flag carrier Kenya Airways plans to merge with Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to compete with other state-owned carriers in Africa and the Middle East, such as Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates Airline. “The deal should be completed by the end of the year, which is gaining an instrument against competition,” Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz told ATW.
LinkAbu Dhabi opens short-stay hotel for transit passengersAbu Dhabi Airports has opened a new sleeping facility for transit passengers at the emirate’s main international airport, its operating authority said June 20. The new facility, run by Aerotel, is situated in the airport’s Terminal 3 and has 38 rooms, in three categories: solo, double plus and double squared, for varying numbers of passengers.
LinkChina’s Sichuan Airlines applies for Boston serviceChina’s Sichuan Airlines is seeking approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to open service to Boston, Massachusetts, accelerating its international expansion. The Chengdu-based carrier plans to launch the service Dec. 17 with twice-weekly flights operated by an A350-900, which is slated to be delivered soon. Sichuan is expected to introduce four A350-900 aircraft, configured with 28 business- and 303 economy-class seats, in 2019. The airline secured clearance from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the new service Dec. 25, 2017.
LinkAvianca revives plan for regional airlineAvianca has revived plans to launch a regional carrier with its fleet of ATR 72 turboprops, and will base the airline in Bogota. The Star Alliance carrier says in a securities filing that it has incorporated Regional Express Americas, a new company that will provide transportation and other services.
LinkMalaysia Airlines drops high-density plan for A380sMalaysia Airlines has dropped plans to retrofit its six Airbus A380s to a high-density seat configuration for pilgrimage flights. In an email to FlightGlobal, the Oneworld carrier says the decision to stick to the current configuration comes as it believes that it represents "a product that is superior to other Umrah and Hajj operators".
LinkAirAsia again refutes India corruption allegationsThe AirAsia Group has again refuted any wrongdoing in its dealings with the Indian government over its AirAsia India unit, following allegations of corruption filed in a first information report (FIR) with the Indian police. In a statement on Bursa Malaysia, AirAsia says it has conducted an internal review and found that there had been no wrongdoing by group chief executive Tony Fernandes and deputy group chief executive Bo Lingam - the two parties at the centre of the allegations.
LinkBoeing set to deliver first KC-46 aerial tanker to USAF in OctoberBoeing has reached an agreement with the US Air Force to deliver its first KC-46 Pegasus tanker in October 2018. The Chicago-based aerospace manufacturer was contracted to deliver the first batch of 18 KC-46s by August 2017 but missed that deadline after having production issues. The USAF said it now expects that the first 18 aircraft will be delivered by April 2019.
LinkBidders line up for Tokyo's AH-X contestAirbus Helicopters and Bell have both expressed interest in bidding for Japan's emerging AH-X attack helicopter contest. Tokyo in mid-May issued a request for information as it begins the process of replacing the fleet of Bell AH-1S Cobras operated by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
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