NewsBombardier confirms pre-flight tests for CSeries almost completeBombardier has confirmed that the CSeries flight test vehicle still must complete two series of runway tests before attempting a first flight. The flying debut of the FTV-1 model of the CS100-sized test aircraft appeared to make substantial progress in high-speed taxi tests early on 9 September. The aircraft reached a top speed of 124kt (230km/h), which is at or near rotation speed, during the tests. A video released by Bombardier also indicates the flight crew was able to lift the nose wheel and rock the wings briefly to check roll response during the high-speed test. Despite the progress, however, the FTV-1 aircraft has not yet completed high-speed taxi runs at the Mirabel airport at Bombardier's final assembly centre for commercial aircraft outside Montreal, the company says.
LinkWide Gap In US Airline Fuel EfficiencyUS airlines operating in the domestic market showed a wide gap in fuel efficiency, with Alaska Airlines taking the top ranking, according to a study. The International Council on Clear Transportation (ICCT) measured fuel efficiency of 15 US airlines in 2010 and found a 26 percent difference between the most fuel-efficient and the least fuel-efficient airlines.
LinkS. African Airline Workers Return To WorkStriking South African airline workers returned to work this week and promised to pursue wage talks in a further sign of waning union militancy amid job fears that have eased the strike threat to Africa's biggest economy. With the unemployment rate stuck at about 25 percent for years and poverty gripping millions, many South Africans have said they are more concerned with securing a paycheck for themselves than heeding the strike calls of union bosses.
LinkEADS Taking Time On M&A, A350 On TrackEADS plans to adjust its portfolio as it reorganizes defense and space activities into a single division, but is in no hurry to embark on fresh deals. "There could be disposals and acquisitions as part of the move to a single defense-space division... but we have to give it time and let the new team establish itself," Marwan Lahoud, chief strategy and marketing officer, told reporters. "After that we will announce a few things." EADS announced in July it would combine its defense and space subsidiaries and rename the group Airbus, starting from January 1.
LinkUK Airline Shares Rise On Easing Syria ConcernsEuropean airline shares rose on Tuesday as equities globally were lifted by signs that a US strike on Syria, with its possible ramifications in the oil-rich Middle East, may be avoided. Syria accepted a Russian proposal on Tuesday to give up chemical weapons and win a reprieve from US strikes, easing market nerves about a possible escalation of violence in the region.
LinkWrongly-fitted washer led A300 to veer off runway Incorrect installation of a washer in the nose-gear torque link axle of an Airbus A300B4 freighter caused a chain reaction that ended with the aircraft’s veering off the runway at Bratislava. The Air Contractors twinjet had landed on runway 22 following a service from Leipzig on 16 November last year. About 6s after the aircraft touched down with its nose-gear the crew felt an increasingly strong vibration. As it decelerated to 85kt, and the thrust reversers were stowed, the aircraft veered left. Attempts to counter the yaw with the rudder and nose-wheel steering were unsuccessful and the aircraft left the runway. Its nose-gear hit a manhole and collapsed. None of the three crew members was injured.
LinkBell teams with Lockheed for V-280 tiltrotorBell and Lockheed Martin are teaming up on the V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft which the helicopter manufacturer is pitching for the US Army's Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program. Bell says additional partners will be announced in the coming months. "We are very excited about teaming with Lockheed Martin on the V-280," says John Garrison, president and chief executive officer of Bell Helicopter.
LinkUK airports team up for UAS development opportunityTwo regional UK airports have formalised a plan to offer development, test and evaluation and training facilities for the unmanned air system sector, with the National Aeronautical Centre (NAC) now seeking to attract additional customers. Advanced following a first discussion held at the Farnborough air show last year, the NAC initiative involves West Wales airport at Aberporth (below) and Newquay Cornwall airport. Already the home for flight testing of the British Army's Thales UK/Elbit Systems Watcheeper UAS, the former has also hosted trials of the Selex ES Falco, along with smaller types from additional companies.
LinkUSAF seeks information on “Air Force One” replacementThe US Air Force has released a sources sought synopsis for a new presidential aircraft to replace the Boeing 747-based VC-25A. The USAF hopes to replace the long-serving jets with a new "Air Force One" by 2021. The USAF "is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities and experience to deliver the required capabilities to recapitalise the VC-25A presidential fleet", the document reads. "Responses to this survey will be used to influence the programme's acquisition strategy," it states. The current two-aircraft VC-25 fleet will reach the end of its 30-year service life in 2017, according to the USAF. But the 747-200-based aircraft have become much more difficult to maintain as its civilian counterpart has become less common in airline operations.
LinkJapan space agency sets new Epsilon launch dateJapanese space agency JAXA has rescheduled the first launch of the Epsilon launch vehicle for 14 September, following a last-minute abort during a previous launch attempt. The 27 August attempt was automatically scrubbed only seconds before launch due to a .07s mis-match in signal timing between the onboard flight computer and the controller's ground computer. A full-scale rehearsal has been held at the Uchinoura launch complex, simulating a launch up until right before ignition, and the computers were found to be in sync.
LinkUnited, AMR Airlines see revenue growth in AugustUnited Airlines and AMR Corp. both reported an increase in revenues for the month of August. AMR's passenger revenue per available seat mile grew 3% to 13.77 cents, a record high for the month. United's passenger revenue per available seat mile also grew by up to 4.5% for August.
LinkDelta announces raises for employees next yearDelta Air Lines announced a plan to give raises to most of its around 80,000 employees in 2014, after posting record quarterly profits this year. Delta also plans to restore benefits, such as an additional week of vacation, to select employees.
LinkAir Canada transfers Embraer jets to Sky RegionalAir Canada is transferring its Embraer 175 jets to regional partner Sky Regional. "It allows Air Canada to reduce the cost of its regional lift and thereby to better compete in the rapidly evolving North American regional markets as low cost operators continue to grow, both in Canada and the United States," said Calin Rovinescu, president and CEO of Air Canada.
LinkBoeing to deliver more aircraft to China in 2013Boeing will deliver more than 120 aircraft to Chinese carriers this year, compared to 80 aircraft delivered last year. "We've seen strong domestic demand in China," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing. "The fundamentals are strong."
LinkColumn: Las Vegas airport can accommodate mergerMcCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is prepared for a merger between US Airways and American Airlines, writes columnist Richard N. Velotta. "It’s likely American would fly under US Airways management and serve nine cities with about 45 daily flights to and from McCarran," he writes.
LinkOSHA rules for cabin crew go into effect at end of monthOccupational Safety and Health Administration rules for aircraft cabin crew will go into effect on Sept. 26. The OSHA regulations apply to aircraft that require a cabin crew member.
LinkTSA to expand faster security screening for passengersThe Transportation Security Administration announced plans for expedited screening of passengers by conducting background checks. The travelers do not have to enroll in the PreCheck program to receive faster screening.
LinkAirport technology moves toward self-taggingTravelers at McCarran international Airport in Las Vegas can self-tag luggage for speedier processing. However, airline agents often have to help the passengers with the process, illustrating the trend that people often adapt more slowly than technology.
LinkTravelers discuss frequent-flier programs A number of business travelers say they're becoming fed up with recent changes in airline and hotel rewards programs that they see as disadvantageous to them. Frequent business traveler Joyce Gioia, for example, calls changes in Hilton Worldwide's HHonors program "the worst travesty perpetrated on loyal guests" by any frequent-guest program. Some rooms that last year required 15,000 or 20,000 points for a free stay now require 40,000, says the management consultant in Austin. "We have seen a lot of airline frequent-flier program changes in recent months, including higher mileage requirements for certain awards, and hotel points programs have undergone huge changes in the past year," says Brian Kelly, founder of ThePointsGuy.com.
Link 
