NewsCommercial
MAX return to service poses logistical challenges
Boeing 737 MAX operators still do not know when they will be cleared to put their aircraft back in service, but one thing is certain: Getting the 370-aircraft fleet flying presents a significant logistical undertaking for the airlines, suppliers and the manufacturer. Data compiled by ATW shows that the 53 operators flying MAXs when regulators grounded them in mid-March have their aircraft parked at 94 locations around the globe.
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European pilots call for overhaul of MAX certification process
European pilots are asking for clarity and an overhaul of a certification process they described as flawed, as regulators meet in the US to discuss a possible return to service for the grounded Boeing 737 MAX. “For European pilots, having closely followed the developments and revelations in the past months, it is deeply disturbing that both the FAA and Boeing are considering a return to service, but failing to discuss the many challenging questions [raised] by the MAX design ...
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FAA issues special conditions for Boeing 777-9 fuel tanks
FAA, leveraging similar requirements issued more than a decade ago for the Boeing 787, has issued special conditions Boeing must follow to demonstrate the 777-9’s composite fuel tanks can withstand tire debris impact.
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Chinese manufacturer to equip drones with ADS-B receivers from 2020
Leading small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer DJI has committed to installing surveillance receivers on new models weighing more than 250 grams by 2020, a safety measure intended to make drone pilots aware of nearby manned aircraft transmitting their position. DJI announced the commitment May 22 as part of a 10-point “Elevating Safety” plan the company released, which contains steps that DJI plans to take, as well as recommendations for other drone companies and ...
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Faury defends Airbus forecasting after A380 disappointment
Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury has defended the airframer’s forecast methodology, in the aftermath of the decision to terminate production of the A380.
The airframer had conservatively estimated 20-year demand for nearly 1,300 high-capacity passenger aircraft in 2007, the year the A380 entered service, and was still putting the outlook for 450-seat jets at nearly 1,200 a decade later, despite poor A380 sales.
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PICTURES: Albatross inspires Airbus flexible-tip demonstrator
Airbus has commenced testing of a scale model demonstrator intended to explore the benefits of hinged wing-tips to alleviate gust loads and consequently reduce aircraft structural weight.
While locking hinged wing-tips – such as those on the new Boeing 777X – are designed to reconcile high aspect ratio wings with the constraints of airport gates, the AlbatrossOne demonstrator is designed to examine the advantages of allowing them to continue moving during flight.
LinkAirlines
Investor group to consider Jet Airways rescue plan
India’s airline market remains in a state of flux as a group of potential investors considers what could be the last practical alternative for a revival of Jet Airways.
The investors are reportedly preparing to hold meetings with a coalition of Jet creditors to discuss the viability of recapitalizing the grounded airline. Some of the investors have been previously linked to efforts to bailout the airline, but their plans have become more credible as they have joined forces.
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Airlines must comply with EASA pilot mental fitness rules in 2020
European airlines have until the third quarter of 2020 to comply with EASA’s aircrew mental fitness regulations, which were introduced in the wake of the 2015 Germanwings pilot-suicide crash.
Germanwings copilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately flew an Airbus A320 into the French Alps in March 2015, killing 149 people along with himself.
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Spain’s Volotea grows 2018 profits on fine-tuning network, fleet
Spanish LCC Volotea said it achieved a record operating profit in 2018 as it continues to expand in its niche sector.
Barcelona-based Volotea connects second- and third-tier European cities, cutting out major hubs and specializing in routes that are generally too thin to attract the major LCCs.
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EVA Air seeks China overflight permits on European routes
EVA Air—which remains banned from flying over Mainland China—continues to wait for overflight permits for direct service from Taipei to Europe via China. As a result, the Taiwan-based carrier is forced to operate longer routes between Taiwan and Europe via Russian airspace or Southern Asian routes.
“So far, we do not have all overfly permits for direct service from Taipei to Europe via China. [If] that is granted, that could possibly save 1-2 hrs. of flight time,” EVA Air told ATW.
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KLM moves to replace Jet on Amsterdam-Bengaluru route
KLM will start a new route from Amsterdam Schiphol to Bengaluru this winter, following the suspension of Jet Airways own service on the route.
The Dutch flag carrier says it will begin thrice weekly services to the Indian city from 28 October, operated with a Boeing 787-9. The aircraft will be configured to offer 30 seats in business class, 45 seats in the economy comfort class and 219 seats in economy.
LinkAirports
YYC launches new border technology to ease customs pressure point
Calgary International Airport to launch primary inspection kiosks (PIK) in place of paper declaration cards to create a more seamless border experience.
The Calgary Airport Authority has announced, in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), that international and U.S. passengers will use primary inspection kiosks (PIK) as they enter Canada at YYC Calgary International Airport.
LinkMilitary
US Navy awards Raytheon $235m for 23 JPALS units
The US Navy (USN) awarded Raytheon a $235 million contract for 23 units of the company’s Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS).
The fixed-price-incentive contract was anticipated for several months now. It will pay for launch of serial production, as well as installation of JPALS on the USN’s 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and eight amphibious assault ships.
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Aviation Quote
Hey - what's happening here?
- Captain Robert Loft, Eastern Air Lines flight 401, 29 December 1972, last recorded words before crashing into the Florida everglades.
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