NewsAccidents/Incidents
Prosecutors warn of rampant corruption in South African Airways
In an ongoing investigation by South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the prosecutors presented their preliminary findings in front of the South African Parliament, describing rampant corruption at the airline.
LinkCommercial
Why Airbus Is Confident About India
Airbus has struck an optimistic tone for aviation growth in India, highlighting that the Indian market is more resilient than the rest of the world. The aviation manufacturer wants to continue playing a dominant role in India, helping airlines expand their fleets and potentially setting up more manufacturing jobs.
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US To Drop UK Tariffs In Boeing-Airbus Dispute
The US has suspended all retaliatory tariffs on imported UK goods that were levied as part of the long-running Boeing-Airbus dispute. The suspension of tariffs will last four months and come into force on March 8th, backdated to March 4th. The two countries will now look to resolve the dispute amicably through the World Trade Organization (WTO).
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Stunning: Inside An Airbus A330neo Private Jet Concept
What could be better than a VIP configured Airbus A220 for private use? Why, an A330neo private jet, of course! With widebody comfort, a range that could take you around the world and more floor space to adapt the interior, if you’re in the market for a stunning VIP aircraft, the A330neo has it all.
LinkAirlines
Air Astana Sees Best January & February For Years
Air Astana is bouncing back strongly after a tough start to 2020. The Kazakhstan-based airline expects business over January and February to be the best since 2017. It’s a fast turn-around for an airline that lost US$94 million in 2020 and saw its revenues and capacity drop by about half.
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The Pandemic Has Not Restricted Spirit's Growth Opportunities
Spirit Airlines does not believe the pandemic has restricted its growth opportunities. The airline’s CEO is still bullish on the opportunities ahead for the carrier, and it is eagerly anticipating an increase in demand for leisure travel closer to home, which will clearly benefit the airline.
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Crisis-hit Etihad reports $1.7 billion loss for 2020
Severely hit by lower demand amid the pandemic, Etihad Airways reported an operating loss of $1.7 billion for 2020, compared to a loss of $800 million in 2019.
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Lufthansa suffers massive loss; confirms A380 and 747 exit
While cargo for many airlines has become a bright spot during a dark period, more often than not, the booming freight business was not enough to cover other operational losses. Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) was no exception. So, the group will get rid of older and more inefficient aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747-400.
Link
Malaysia Airlines Selling Infight Amenity Kits Online From $24
In a bid to generate additional cash-flow and stay connected to its passengers, Malaysian Airlines is now selling premium cabin items via its e-retail store. Involuntarily homebound customers can now snuggle up in in-flight pajama sets wrapped in a business class duvet and enjoy the airline’s Business Suite Amenity Kit for between $20 and $30 apiece.
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SpiceJet Wants Its Planes To Push Themselves Back At The Gate
SpiceJet is partnering with electric taxi system maker WheelTug to eliminate the need for external tugs or powering up engines during pushback. The system will allow planes to pushback using electric motors located in the aircraft’s wheels. Let’s find out more.
LinkAirports
FAA to test anti-drone solutions in five US airports
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on March 2, 2021, it would deploy new technologies in five airports to test solutions that mitigate the risk posed by unmanned aircraft.
Link
Inside Cotswold Airport: Where 8 British Airways 747s Are Currently Stored
After being introduced over five decades ago, the Boeing 747 went on to revolutionize airline operations forever. Its famous hump is always a welcome sight at airports across the globe. Sadly, the first commercial widebody is being retired at a rapid rate, making it a unique experience to spot a passenger unit these days.
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Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport debuts remodelled public areas
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito now boasts a renewed image in its public areas thanks to a comprehensive remodelling of the departure and arrival halls of the passenger terminal, a work undertaken by Corporación Quiport as part of its improvement plan.
LinkMilitary/Space
SpaceX Starship rocket lands successfully before exploding
The third time is a charm… almost. For its third altitude test flight, SpaceX’s Starship rocket successfully landed. The first two flights, which took place respectively on December 9, 2020, and February 2, 2021, ended with a missed landing and the explosion of the rocket on the ground.
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Japan reduces Chinese interceptions as it deploys F-35s
Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) changed its air defense strategy in order to lower the number of interceptions. Fighter jets should now only be scrambled when foreign aircraft threaten the country’s airspace.
Link
Aviation Quote
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.
- Prime Minster Winston Churchill, House of Commons, 20 August 1940. The Royal Air Force has been known as 'the few' ever since. M. Hastings (2009) Winston's War states that Churchill came up with the phrase a few days earlier on 16 August, after visiting Fighter Command's 11 Group operation room. His chief of staff 'Pug' Ismay made some remark in the car riding back to Chequers, and Churchill said, "Don't speak to me. I have never been so moved." After a few minutes he spoke the classic line.
This quote is often changed by writers and speakers, giving us material such as 'Never . . . was so much owed by so few to so many,' seen after the Falklands War. Other folks have wondered if Churchill was referring to the RAF's bar tab.
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