NewsBoeing keeps 787-9 on schedule, still working double-stretched variant 
Boeing executives say the 787-9 is still on schedule and under-weight, but the 787-10 needs a "little more work" before the company is authorized to offer the aircraft to customers. Pat Shanahan, senior vice president of airplane programmes, and Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the 787, reassured investors in a teleconference that confidence is growing in the maturity of the supply chain even as the production rate doubles twice within two years and new variants are proposed. Shanahan pointed to the progress on the development and production of the 787-9, which is due to enter flight test in 2013 and enter service in early 2014.
LinkAirbus renews efforts to place A330s with El Al
Airbus is again tabling an A330 lease-deal to Israeli flag-carrier El Al as stop-gap until the new-generation A350 becomes available. El AL recently decided to refurbish the passenger cabins of its ageing Boeing 767 fleet, but nevertheless continues to evaluate potential replacements. The airline had options to purchase up to 10 Boeing 787s, but allowed these to lapse three years ago due to its deteriorating financial situation. The decision provided renewed impetus to efforts by Airbus to break Boeing's long-standing monopoly at El Al.
LinkNordic states insist SAS rescue package is not illegal aid 
SAS Group's three government owner states believe their proposed participation in the company's restructuring is based on market terms, and that their assistance will help lead to the sale of national shareholdings in the airline company. The governments have submitted these views to their respective parliaments as part of a formal request for approval to support a new credit facility. Both Norway and Denmark, as 14.3% owners of SAS, intend to contribute the equivalent of SKr500 million ($75 million) to the SKr3.5 billion credit facility while Sweden, with a 21.4% share, will provide SKr749 million. While the European Commission has not given a formal prior assessment of the funding, it has been briefed on the plan through informal contact.
LinkRussian Helicopters delivers first civilian Mi-171 to Indonesia
Russian Helicopters has delivered the first Mil Mi-171 utility helicopter for a civilian customer in Indonesia. In an email statement, Russian Helicopters says the client is "one of the largest mining companies" in Indonesia. The company declined to specify the customer's identity.
LinkChina launches likely reconnaissance satellite constellation China has launched what is likely a new constellation of reconnaissance satellites for the Ministry of Defense. The launch of the Long March 4C vehicle took place on 25 November from the Jiuquan launch facility in north-central China. The three payloads, Yaogan 16A, -B and -C, officially consist of one large and two small earth imaging satellites. Western experts believe that the three are actually reconnaissance satellites - the large one an electronic intelligence (ELINT) satellite, and two smaller radar and optical satellites.
LinkIndian Carriers Lining Up Foreign Investment
Jet Airways and SpiceJet, battling hot competition and high operating costs, are in talks to sell minority stakes to foreign investors, said a senior Indian government official with knowledge of the discussions.
LinkAirAsia Says No Plans For SpiceJet Bid
Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has dismissed speculation that it is bidding for struggling Indian airline SpiceJet.
LinkOman Air Sees 30 Percent Revenue Growth
Oman Air, the sultanate's national carrier, expects its revenue to grow 30 percent in 2012 because of expanded operations, its chief executive said on Monday.
LinkRussia’s Yakutia commits to 12 737NGs Russia’s Yakutia Airline (R3) has confirmed its commitment to purchase 12 Boeing 737NGs, comprising three 737-700s and nine 737-800s. Delivery is scheduled between 2016 and 2018. R3 representatives said the firm order can be signed in three to four months. R3's current Boeing fleet consists of three 737-800s, four -700s and five 757-200s. R3 CEO Ivan Prostit said the airline could place more Boeing aircraft orders although he did not disclose the exact number.
LinkFastjet set for Nov. 29 launch Africa’s new low-cost carrier Fastjet is set to launch commercial operations Nov. 29. Fastjet’s first Airbus A319 aircraft is stationed at the airline’s inaugural base at Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania, and has received operating approval from the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Two more aircraft are due to arrive in time for the launch of the airline’s first scheduled flights. The first two destinations to be served from DAR are Kilimanjaro and Mwanza.
LinkFitch: New ownership structure unlikely to dispel EADS’ state-controlled image Reported plans to streamline the ownership structure of EADS are unlikely to “materially improve corporate governance issues at the aerospace company,” according to Fitch Ratings. “The changes will not alter the perception that EADS is a state-controlled corporation, which restricts its chances of winning large export defense contracts, but they would bolster the finances of major shareholder Daimler,” the ratings agency said. It argued that the complex arrangement of state control at EADS, through both direct and indirect shareholdings, was “a key factor in the collapse of EADS’ attempted merger with BAE Systems in September.” This was also a major barrier to EADS winning defense contracts as a prime contractor in the US, Fitch said.
LinkAnalysis: American Airlines has "done a masterful job," consultant saysAmerican Airlines began bankruptcy proceedings a year ago this week, and one expert says the airline has "done a masterful job" with making necessary changes. This analysis details how American Airlines has improved as it nears the end of its bankruptcy case.
LinkTexas lawmaker reintroduces bill that would ban TSA pat-downsTexas state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, is reintroducing a bill that would prevent government workers, including security screeners for the Transportation Security Administration, from performing potentially intrusive pat-downs in Texas airports without probable cause. The legislation failed to pass the state Senate last year.
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