NewsDelta CEO says don’t overbuild “797”; skeptical on hypersonic airlinerDelta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian reaffirmed his interest in the Boeing new mid-market aircraft (NMA), which he dubbed the 797, but is far less certain of the need for another potential new airliner that Boeing unveiled this week, a Mach 5 hypersonic aircraft. During a fireside chat at the National Press Club in Washington DC June 27, Bastian was asked about both aircraft. On NMA, Bastian repeated what he has said at investor conferences, saying Delta has had discussions with Boeing about potentially being a launch customer.
LinkAfrican LCC Fastjet in equity fundraising talks; survival threatened African LCC Fastjet warned it may not be able to survive without equity fundraising and said it was talking to its major shareholders about such an operation.
LinkGoyder to replace Clifford as Qantas chairmanLong-serving Qantas Airways chairman Leigh Clifford is planning to step down in October and will be replaced by Richard Goyder. Clifford has been chairman for 11 years, and during that time he has overseen a transformation program at the airline and its subsequent financial recovery. His current three-year term will conclude at the company’s annual general meeting on Oct. 26.
LinkFrench minister wants new Air France-KLM CEO named soonFrance’s transport minister is urging Air France-KLM to name a Group CEO in July and for that person to be someone with airline industry expertise. Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac stepped down May 15 departure after confronting Air France unions over a long-running and costly dispute that has still not been resolved. A temporary management team is leading the group.
LinkPAL secures A321neos through GECAS, NovusPhilippine Airlines (PAL) has made a financing agreement with lessors GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and Novus Aviation Capitol to cover the acquisition of four Airbus A321neos. GECAS announced the arrangement June 28, saying it is providing senior debt for the A321s, while Dubai-based Novus will extend a mezzanine loan for each aircraft.
LinkSeoul to hold hearing to decide on future of Jin Air licenceSouth Korea’s transport ministry will wait on the outcome of a formal hearing before deciding whether to cancel Jin Air’s business licence, after a former board member was found to hold foreign citizenship. The issue stems from the appointment of Cho Hyun-min to the board of the airline between 2010 and 2016. The daughter of former Jin Air co-chief executive and Hanjin Group chairman Cho Yang-Ho was found to be a US citizen, and thus ineligible under Korean law to hold the board position.
LinkNew Delhi defends Air India sale conditionsNew Delhi has defended the conditions of its failed bid to sell a 76% stake in Air India. In a televised interview, minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha says that the conditions "were balanced" but that "market conditions and industry dynamics were such that people were not enthused by what was on sale".
LinkBelugaXL emerges with 'white whale' liveryAirbus has painted its first BelugaXL freighter in the distinctive 'beluga' livery chosen by its employees. The initial aircraft – formally designated the A330-700L – is carrying the registration F-WBXL.
LinkUSAF suspends light attack experiment and looks to end contest earlyThe US Air Force suspended its light attack experiment at Hollomon AFB in New Mexico after the fatal crash of a Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano on June 22. The USAF is examining the data collected thus far in the about a month-long second phase of the experiment to determine if it has enough information to end the contest early.
LinkPhilippines receives two NC212i transports from IndonesiaThe Philippines air force has taken delivery of two Indonesian Aerospace produced NC212i tactical transports. The two aircraft were delivered to Clark Air Base outside of Manila, says Indonesia’s defence ministry.
LinkIndia gives Do-288 to Seychelles air forceNew Delhi has given a Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) built Do-228 aircraft to the Seychelles, where it will serve in the maritime surveillance mission. The aircraft is equipped with surveillance radar, a forward looking infrared system, satellite communications, and other systems, says HAL. The Indian airframer will also provide training and support.
LinkIAG to create Level-branded new carrier with ex-Air Berlin A321sIAG is to establish a new Austrian-based low-cost carrier under its Level brand this summer, using four Airbus A321 narrowbodies sourced from now-defunct Air Berlin. The European airline group says its new short-haul subsidiary will have Austrian air operator's certificate (AOC) and be based at Vienna airport. The four ex-Air Berlin A321s will be configured with 210 economy seats.
Link 
