NewsAer Lingus revealed as customer for two more A330sAer Lingus has emerged as a customer for two more Airbus A330-300s, analysis of the airframer's latest backlog figures has revealed. Two A330-300s were ordered in December last year but allocated to an undisclosed customer.
LinkEU appeals latest WTO ruling against AirbusEuropean Union representatives have lodged an appeal against the latest findings from a World Trade Organization panel regarding the long-running transatlantic subsidies dispute. The WTO's findings distributed on 2 December stated that the EU side had failed to show that German and UK subsidy to the Airbus A350 had been fully withdrawn.
LinkSAS to switch Tokyo services to HanedaScandinavia's SAS is to axe its service to Tokyo Narita from Copenhagen, in favour of shifting the flight to the Japanese capital's Haneda airport. SAS says the new Haneda route will commence in time for the summer 2020 season.
LinkA340 limit at Bogota averted worse windshear incident Air France restrictions on Airbus A340 take-off runs from Bogota prevented a serious windshear departure incident from potentially becoming even more hazardous, investigators have disclosed. French investigation authority BEA says an A340-300 (F-GLZO), departing Bogota's runway 13R on 18 August 2017, encountered windshear on rotation after a headwind of 11kt rapidly switched to a tailwind of 12kt.
See video belowLinkSydney airport targets new destinations for 2020Sydney airport has outlined plans for new destinations from mid-2020, and key markets include China, India, Nepal, and North and South America. There are key opportunities to target currently underserved markets and new, medium-sized origin and destination markets, Rob Wood, general manager aviation said at a recent investor briefing.
LinkJetstar first LCC to fly Australia-South KoreaJetstar Airways is the first LCC to fly between Australia and South Korea, having launched direct services between Gold Coast airport and Seoul Incheon. The service is operated thrice weekly using a two-class, 335-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in a codeshare partnership with Jeju Air, South Korea's leading LCC.
LinkHong Kong Airlines vows change after spared shutdownHong Kong Airlines (HKA) has vowed to get its finances back in shape and “drive consolidation” within the company, after it escaped further sanction from the territory’s authorities. On 7 December, Hong Kong’s Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) said it was satisfied the beleaguered carrier had met the new licensing requirements for its continued operations.
LinkFAA hits Boeing with $3.9 million fine for slat track issueThe Federal Aviation Administration has proposed fining Boeing $3.9 million for installing slat components that failed quality inspections on 133 737 jets. The issue, which came to light in June with an FAA airworthiness directive, involves "slat tracks", which are located on the leading edge of 737 wings and guide the movement of slats, says an FAA media release.
LinkDirty RAT prompts A380 inspectionsAirbus A380 operators face repetitive inspections of ram air turbines (RATs) to ensure water is not accumulating in the gearbox, where it could freeze and prevent the backup power-generation system from working when needed. EASA issued a proposed airworthiness directive (PAD) Dec. 6 that would mandate the checks. The PAD is based on a Nov. 15 Airbus service bulletin.
LinkAustrian Airlines, Norwegian push carbon offsettingAustrian Airlines and LCC Norwegian Air Shuttle both made carbon offsetting announcements Dec. 5, although they are using passenger-funded schemes, unlike recent airline-funded initiatives at Air France, British Airways (BA) and UK LCC easyJet. Norwegian selected Oslo-based climate-tech company CHOOOSE as its offset partner, enabling passengers to offset their emissions when they book a flight. CHOOOSE is already active in over 70 countries.
LinkLoganair to close Norwich base after route failureUK regional airline Loganair will close its operating base at Norwich Airport in eastern England early next year following the failure of a route to produce anticipated results. Consultations have begun the airline's 44 pilots, cabin crew and engineers in Norwich, with the aim of minimizing layoffs by offering positions in other parts of the company’s network.
LinkRAAF takes final deliveries of PC-21 trainerThe Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken delivery of all 49 Pilatus PC-21 basic trainers ordered under a 2015 deal with a training consortium comprising Lockheed Martin, Pilatus, and Hawker Pacific. The aircraft are based at RAAF East Sale in Victoria and RAAF Peirce in Western Australia, says a defense ministry statement. They were acquired under the A$1.5 billion AIR5428 project to replace the legacy fleet of PC-9/As, which Canberra has operated for three decades.
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