NewsBombardier applies for CSeries flight test permitBombardier has submitted an application for the CSeries flight test permit to Transport Canada, as it moves a step closer to the aircraft's first flight. The Canadian regulator confirms today that it has received the airframer's application and says that it is "reviewing the information and documentation." The flight test permit is the final requirement before flight testing can begin, something that Bombardier has said would begin in the "coming weeks" since July.
LinkSafety group lifts Super Puma flight banOperating restrictions that have grounded operations using Eurocopter Super Puma models in the UK have been lifted following a two-day meeting of the pan-industry Helicopter Safety Steering Group. The withdrawal of the AS332L/L1, L2 and EC225s from service followed a fatal accident involving an L2 near Sumburgh, Shetland Isles on 23 August. However, announcing its decision on 29 August, the HSSG said it felt it was right to the return the aircraft to service following the "time out for safety." It says consultations with the helicopter operators suggest they are "satisfied that there is no reason to believe there is an inherent mechanical problem with any of the AS332L/L1, AS332L2 or EC225 helicopter types."
LinkAMR Bankruptcy Judge Edges Towards ApprovalA US bankruptcy judge on Thursday hinted he would approve AMR's bankruptcy exit plan despite the government's challenge to its main component: AMR's planned merger with US Airways. At a hearing in US Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan, Judge Sean Lane held off on confirming the plan for American Airlines' bankrupt parent, but said he found "arguments in favor of confirmation to be fairly persuasive." "I'd like some time to reflect on them," Lane said. In a lawsuit filed on August 13, the US Department of Justice sought to block the merger on antitrust grounds, alleging it would create too much consolidation and lead to higher fares for consumers.
LinkAmerican regional aircraft order delayed by DOJ challenge A planned order by American Airlines for new Bombardier or Embraer regional jets has been delayed, as it fights a US Department of Justice (DOJ) challenge to its proposed merger with US Airways. The postponing of the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier's exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a result of the challenge is cited as the official cause of the delay, in a US District Court for the District of Columbia filing on 28 August. "American intended to finance the purchases of these new aircraft with favourable export credit financing," American says. "However, this type of financing will only be available to American after it emerges from bankruptcy."
LinkEthiopian Confident in 787 As Profits RiseEthiopian Airlines, one of whose Boeing 787 Dreamliners caught fire at London Heathrow airport last month, said it had full confidence in the aircraft and is pressing ahead with its order for eight more. "The airplane is undergoing a challenging time to mature, but it's improving," said chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam. "I have strong confidence in this airplane. It is the future in aviation," he told a news conference after the airline announced a near tripling of net profit. The incident at Heathrow and a separate technical problem on a second 787 operated by Britain's Thomson Airways raised new questions about an aircraft seen as crucial to Boeing's future.
LinkQantas Profit Up As International Losses ShrinkAustralia's Qantas Airways doubled its underlying annual profit as shrinking losses on its international arm offset tougher competition on its lucrative domestic routes. Qantas, which formed an alliance with Emirates this year in an effort to trim losses on international routes, has been trying to keep its domestic yields up as investment in the once-booming resources sector slows and the government forecasts limp economic growth into 2014. The slowdown has coincided with a ramping up in competition from rival Virgin Australia.
LinkCompetition Regulator Opens Probe Into Turkish AirTurkey's competition board has launched an investigation into Turkish Airlines after its rival Pegasus complained it had abused its dominant position in the market. Low-cost airline Pegasus first filed a complaint against the national flag carrier in 2011, accusing it of using its dominance to prevent rivals from entering new markets. The complaint was initially rejected by the competition board but Pegasus went to court and won an appeal ordering it to investigate, the regulator said in a statement on its website.
LinkRussian company reveals Atlant hybrid airship project A Russian company is seeking to develop and fly a hybrid airship within about four years to carry passengers and cargo, especially in Russia's remote Arctic regions. RosAeroSystems, which displayed a model of the Atlant airship at the MAKS air show, is seeking to overcome the ground handling and buoyancy issues that have limited the application of commercial airships.
LinkWestJet intends to order 65 737 Max aircraft Canadian carrier WestJet is intending to order 65 Boeing 737 Max twinjets for delivery from September 2017. The airline says it has agreed, through a letter of intent, to take 40 Max 8 and 25 Max 7 variants. All the aircraft will be fitted, as standard, with CFM International Leap-1B engines.
LinkBoeing looks abroad for CH-47 sales Boeing is looking to international customers to sell the CH-47F Chinook, including remanufacturing existing D models. The company, speaking with reporters on 28 August, listed several nations as interested parties, mainly in the Middle East region. An important factor for many international customers is commonality with the US Army, which by far has the largest CH-47 fleet and is generally a major ally to existing customers. The USA currently operates more than 250 F-models and recently signed a contract for 155 more, in addition to options. Boeing's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based production line has production booked through 2019. The company also has enough sales campaigns that, if brought to fruition, would allow for production through 2023. As the USA is expected to operate the aircraft through 2050, it is likely that more work is pending for the future.
LinkNew lease of life for latest Mi-8/17 variant Russian Helicopters has shown the first prototype of the Mil Mi-171A2 at the MAKS air show in Moscow - the latest variant of the ubiquitous Soviet-era Mi-8/17 medium-twin helicopter, which traces its lineage back to the 1960s.
Certification trials are under way for the multi-role type, with a second flight test aircraft due to join the programme by December. Approval is targeted for the end of 2014, with service entry following in early 2015. Updates include new FADEC-equipped Klimov VK-2500PS-03 turboshaft engines, improved main rotor blades and a redesigned tail rotor. Maximum take-off weight has increased by 1,000kg to 13,000kg (29,000lb), while cruise speed also grows by 21kt to 140kt (259km/h), with maximum speed rising to 151kt.
LinkBeriev restarts Be-200 production Russian manufacturer Beriev has restarted manufacturing of its Be-200 amphibian twinjet, with the initial example set to roll off the production line in 2013. "Serial production of the Be-200 has been re-established," says Victor Kobzev, Beriev general manager. "We are set to complete the first aircraft of the new batch by the end of this year." Kobzev says Beriev has 12 firm orders for the Be-200. Six are destined for Russia's emergencies ministry, which already operates the type, with its defence ministry due to take the remainder. "Contracts from these two customers have allowed us to establish a smooth manufacturing [system] at the new location in Taganrog," he says.
LinkCarriers, DOJ open to a settlement for AA-US AirwaysAmerican Airlines, US Airways and the Justice Department all appear open to the idea of a settlement on the proposed merger. In a joint court filing, the carriers said they had tried to settle the case before the complaint was filed "and continue to believe there ought to be a realistic possibility of settlement."
LinkMarch trial would jeopardize AA-US Airways merger, carriers sayAmerican Airlines and US Airways said the Justice Department's proposal to delay the trial to March would jeopardize their proposed merger. "The delay proposed by [the government] inherently puts the transaction at risk because two independent companies can be asked to stay in limbo for only so long before they need to make independent plans," the airlines said.
LinkAirbus makes progress on building Ala. factoryAirbus is making progress on building its $600 million facility to assemble A320s in Mobile, Ala. The Brookley Aeroplex is scheduled to open in 2015 as the European manufacturer's first factory in the U.S. Airbus is expected to hire 1,000 skilled workers for the facility.
LinkBlog: Embry-Riddle students win FAA competitionEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University students won a competition sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration aimed at reducing accidents. The students proposed a laser-based technology that displays a colored line for the landing path that pilots can follow.
LinkBoeing predicts rebound in cargo jet marketBoeing has sold 13 cargo freighters through July this year, due to a decrease in overnight shipments since the 2009 recession. However, Boeing predicts demand for 850 freighters over the next 20 years. "It’s our belief and our analysis that once trade turns around, we’ll see growth again in the cargo market," said Randy Tinseth, vice president for marketing.
LinkAirlines tweak boarding procedures for a faster processAirlines are experimenting with methods to speed up the boarding process. Alaska Airlines is boarding passengers through the front and rear doors of the plane, while American Airlines is letting passengers without carry-on luggage board first.
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