NewsSouthwest controls costs, rewards shareholdersSouthwest Airlines is keeping unit cost growth down in 2017 and has provided shareholders with $673 million in dividends and stock buybacks this year. The airline's costs look to remain in check throughout 2017.
LinkOregon airports prepare for influx of solar eclipse watchersOregon's commercial and noncommercial airports are bracing for travelers expected to fly in and out of their facilities to see the total solar eclipse expected on Aug. 21.
LinkHigh-speed connectivity coming to Air Canada RougeAir Canada has announced plans to introduce high-speed internet access aboard Air Canada Rouge flights. "High-speed internet is another great onboard entertainment option for our customers and strengthens Air Canada Rouge's promise to provide a wonderful beginning and ending to any vacation," said Air Canada's Benjamin Smith.
LinkReview: Hawaiian Airlines' business class offers roomy comfortA Trip report on flying Hawaiian to Auckland
LinkAmerican Airlines helps reduce congestion in CLTravelers using one North Carolina airport will no longer have to look back for an electric cart rolling through the terminal. The Charlotte Observer reports American Airlines confirmed on Wednesday that it has stopped relying on electric carts to carry passengers around Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airline said it made the change in early April and instead is using wheelchairs for customers requiring special assistance.
LinkArkia revamps livery ahead of fleet renewalIsraeli leisure carrier Arkia Airlines has unveiled a vibrant new livery as it prepares to modernise its fleet. The Tel Aviv-based airline has ditched the simple pale blue and orange scheme for one based on multi-coloured stripes on the aft fuselage and winglets.
LinkAirAsia signs MoU to set up airline in ChinaAirAsia has signed a memorandum of understanding with two Chinese partners to set up a low-cost carrier in Zhengzhou, China. The two partners are China Everbright Group - a financial services conglomerate that is a major shareholder in China Aircraft Leasing - and the Henan Government Working Group.
LinkMC-21 undergoes taxiing and ground testsIrkut's initial MC-21-300 has been undergoing taxiing tests ahead of the twinjet's maiden flight, a date for which has yet to be fixed. The aircraft – fitted with Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines – has emerged for ground testing of systems including its auxiliary power unit, says the airframer.
LinkBoeing resumes 737 Max 8 test flightsBoeing has resumed flying the 737 Max 8 on 12 May, two days after it revealed it had grounded the fleet to inspect the engines for a possible manufacturing flaw. A 737 Max 8 test aircraft was tracked taking off from Boeing’s flight test centre in Seattle at 12:14pm, according to FlightAware.
LinkBAE shows first Typhoon for OmanOman will take delivery of its first Eurofighter Typhoon later this year, with BAE Systems having rolled out a lead example for the customer at its Warton final assembly site in Lancashire, the UK.
LinkSweden extends jet trainer use to consider T-X outcomeSweden is to further extend the operational use of its Saab 105 (SK60) jet trainers until the middle of the next decade, to enable it to consider the Boeing/Saab T-X platform as a potential replacement.
LinkBoeing to remanufacture 38 Apaches for UKThe UK's project to field Boeing AH-64E attack helicopters has been advanced, under a contract modification detailed by the US Department of Defense on 11 May. At the Farnborough air show last July, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that 50 new-build examples of the Apache would be acquired under a foreign military sales deal agreed with Washington. These would replace an in-service inventory of Boeing/AgustaWestland-built Apache AH1s flown by the British Army.
LinkUK pilot union speaks out on laptop ban riskThe British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), which represents UK flight crew, has warned that banning laptops in the cabin creates “catastrophic fire” potential. In a statement issued May 14, BALPA said increasing restrictions on laptops and tablets may have a dangerous knock-on effect, compromising safety.
LinkStar Alliance focuses on digital transformationThe Star Alliance, which marked its 20th anniversary in ceremonies in Frankfurt this weekend, is focused on initiatives that will better serve the almost 690 million passengers who fly each year on one or more of its carriers. Pedro Heilbron, CEO at Copa Airlines and Star Alliance chairman, said during media briefings in Frankfurt May 14 that while a few white spots remain in the alliance’s network, most notably in Australia and Russia, adding new member airlines was no longer a priority.
LinkAirbus A350-1000 performs early long flightThe Airbus A350-1000 has completed its so-called “early long flight,” testing the new twinjet’s cabin comfort, processes and systems during a 12-hour flight under airline operating conditions. Airbus performed the circular test flight from Toulouse on May 11, using MSN065. The aircraft had 310 passengers on board, including Airbus employees, 10 Airbus flight test crew and 13 cabin staff from A350-1000 customer Virgin Atlantic.
LinkChina Airlines launches first A350 XWB flights to the USTaipei-based China Airlines launched its first Airbus A350 XWB route to the US May 14, from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to San Francisco, California. The 2X-weekly service will be increased to 4X-weekly from June 28, supplementing the existing daily Taipei-San Francisco flights to 11X-weekly services.
LinkDelta tests first biometric-based self-service bag drop Delta Air Lines is introducing four self-service bag drop machines at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this summer. Delta said the $600,000 investment allows customers to “quickly, securely and easily” check their own bags.
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