NewsBmibaby ceases operations
UK low-cost carrier bmibaby (WW) suspended operations Sunday after International Airlines Group (IAG) failed to find a viable buyer for the company. In May, bmi interim managing director Peter Simpson warned the carrier’s future was threatened and would close down if a suitable candidate did not emerge.
LinkLufthansa Union Rules Out Strikes For Six Weeks
Lufthansa's cabin crew will not strike for the next six weeks while union representatives and company executives engage in a mediation process, union representative Nicoley Baublies told reporters.
LinkAir Nigeria Closes In Latest Aviation SetbackInternational carrier Air Nigeria said it would terminate operations on Monday due to "staff disloyalty and environmental challenges", the latest setback for the country's aviation industry after a rival's plane crash in June killed 163 people.
LinkJury Could Decide Sept 11 Airlines LawsuitMost of the lawsuits arising from the hijacked plane attacks on the World Trade Center 11 years ago have been settled, but one demanding that United Airlines and American Airlines be held liable for loss of property and business could go to trial.
LinkAirbus CEO Warns A380 Sales Target Tough
Airbus's chief executive said a sales target for the European plane maker's A380 superjumbo will be tough to reach after wing component cracks put off prospective customers.
LinkVirgin Atlantic CEO Ridgeway To Step Down
The chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, the airline founded by entrepreneur Richard Branson, is to leave next year, the company said.
LinkAirbus sharklet testing turns to A321 Airbus will start test-flying the first A321 with sharklet wing-tips this autumn, as it wraps up testing A320s with the fuel-saving modification. The airframer will conduct its first display routine with a sharklet-equipped A320 when MSN5098 carries out a demonstration at the ILA show, rehearsals for which were performed yesterday.
LinkLatvian government seeks investor for Air Baltic 
Latvia's transport ministry has formally put the national carrier, Air Baltic, on the market by inviting expressions of interest from potential investors. The government holds a 99.8% stake in the flag-carrier and intends to offer 50%, minus a single share, to a buyer. But the transport ministry says that it would consider "other transition structures", if this suited both sides' interests.
LinkGE engines gain type approval to operate in Russia and CIS The Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) has awarded type approval for GE Aviation’s engines, CF34-8 and CF34-10Е, to operate on aircraft in Russia and the CIS. Different CF34-8 modifications are installed on the Bombardier CRJ700/900/1000 and Embraer E-170/175 aircraft. The CF34-10E engine powers the Embraer E-190/195.
LinkMorphing leading edge undergoes windtunnel testingWindtunnel tests on a newly developed high-lift concept, which uses a morphing leading edge to reduce drag and noise, have produced promising results. While conventional slats comprise a separate structure which extends from the leading edge when deployed, the morphing edge curves to reshape the front of the wing. German aerospace centre DLR emphasises that the leading-edge skin is not stretched - which would stress the material - but uses individual layers to create a "customised rigidity distribution".
LinkMiG-29 production takes off, as Indian carrier trials near end RAC MiG is boosting production activities to meet increased demand for its MiG-29 series of combat aircraft, with the design bureau also close to completing a series of aircraft carrier-based trials for India. Following its receipt of major orders to supply the Indian and Russian navies with its MiG-29K deck fighter and MiG-29KUB trainer, MiG's production partners will complete 24 aircraft in 2012, up from 11 last year. A further dramatic increase is expected, however, with chief executive Sergey Korotkov having indicated that the annual rate may have to grow to 36 units to keep up with demand.
LinkEmbraer completes preliminary design review for KC-390 The Brazilian air force and Embraer completed a preliminary design review of the KC-390 tanker in August, the company says. "We checked all the main aspects of the aircraft's project and the KC-390 meets the Brazilian air force's expectations," says Col Sergio Carneiro, the Brazilian air force's KC-390 programme manager.
LinkAMR's future may be set by the end of the yearAMR bankruptcy committee anticipates making a decision regarding the future of American Airlines by the end of the calendar year, according to a note in a document filed in court Friday. In the filing, the committee supported new labor agreements the airline has made with its flight attendants and mechanics. A tentative hearing date has been set for Oct. 23. Separately AMR CEO Tom Horton thanked staff for their work. "While the changes are necessary to our ability to operate a lean, responsive and customer-focused company, the pace and depth of those changes asked a lot of us all."
LinkAmerican's Latin America routes may be most valuable for US AirwaysAs speculation over an American Airlines merger with US Airways continues, American's routes to Latin America are receiving greater attention. These routes, dominated by American, could become an area of strength for US Airways if the merger occurs. Growth in the Latin American markets is expected to increase in the coming years, making this region a key component of the potential merger, this feature says.
LinkFlight attendants approve tentative contract with American EagleFlight attendants for American Eagle have voted to approve a tentative agreement with the carrier. "We understand this was not an easy decision, but it was an important one in helping to increase productivity and achieve our targeted cost savings, while addressing many of the union's interests," said a spokesman for American Eagle, Bruce Hicks. AMR, the parent company of American Eagle, filed for bankruptcy in November.
LinkAirbus to test fuel cell for A320Airbus is developing a new fuel cell to replace the auxiliary power unit on its A320. The fuel cell, which will function much like a battery, could reduce the aircraft's total fuel usage by 15%. Testing is expected to begin in 2015.
LinkMore ancillary airline services will emerge, expert saysThe future of the airline industry will see new paid services that enhance the passenger experience, IdeaWorks CEO Jay Sorensen says. "There is always that passenger who will happily spend more money to be treated differently," Sorensen said. "Hassle-free check-in," early boarding and meal upgrades are just some of the services that could see widespread use on carriers.
LinkAirplane fans are vying for seats on first 787 U.S. domestic flightAirline enthusiasts are rushing to book seats on the United Airlines flight from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Chicago on 4 Nov. that will begin domestic service of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner. United plans to ease the 787 into service on domestic routes before transitioning to long-haul service.
LinkMore than one-third of travelers use tablets, survey saysAn online survey by FlightView has found that 37% of travelers use tablets, compared to 38% of travelers who use laptops. "The explosion of new devices has fueled a fundamental change in the way people travel," FlightView said. For frequent travelers, the percentage using tablets was even higher, at almost 43%.
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