NewsSuper Hornets see boost in new US budget requestPresident Donald Trump’s proposed budget would add funding to buy up to 74 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets through 2022, or 60 more than planned in previous budget forecasts.
LinkChina Southern to take 28 aircraft from leasing armChina Southern Airlines and its subsidiaries will take the 28 aircraft that it is scheduled to receive from 1 July to 31 December, from its leasing arm CSA International. Under the deal, China Southern will take the 28 Airbus and Boeing jets from CSA International through sale-and-leaseback agreements.
LinkRussian ministry outlines demand forecast for MC-21Russia's government is estimating demand Irkut MC-21s over the next 20 years will reach four figures, following the maiden flight of the type. Trade and industry minister Denis Manturov says that, given the twinjet's economic performance, favourable financing, and the development of effective aftersales support and logistics, the airframer could supply over 1,000 MC-21s to 2037.
LinkSWISS takes delivery of its first Bombardier CS300Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has taken delivery of the first of 20 Bombardier CS300 aircraft it has on order. SWISS, the launch operator for the smaller CS100, will become the first airline to operate both variants of the CSeries when the CS300 enters service on the Geneva-London Heathrow route June 1.
LinkBOC Aviation orders six A320neo family aircraft, two A330-900sSingapore-based lessor BOC Aviation has ordered four Airbus A320neo family aircraft (including A320 and A321 variants), plus two A330-900 widebodies. All six aircraft have been committed for lease to Portugal’s flag carrier, TAP Portugal. The aircraft will be delivered from 2018-2020.
LinkUAC completes PD-14 second-stage flight testing for MC-21Russia’s United Engine Corp. (UAC), a part of state-owned Rostec Corp., has completed the second stage of flight tests for the PD-14 engine that will power the Irkut MC-21. “The major aim of the trials was to confirm the working efficiency of the engine within different altitude and speed conditions, in which it will be operated on MC-21 airliner, and to assess the level of its operational performance,” Rostec said in a May 25 statement.
LinkUS Navy previews MQ-25 solicitationsThe US Navy is taking one of the final steps before sending out a request for proposals for its unmanned carrier-based tanker programme, with the release of a notice informing the industry that the competition for the MQ-25 development contract will be limited to four companies.
LinkVietJet again hints at overseas listingLow-cost carrier VietJet Air is still interested in an overseas listing, with three options on the table. Stock exchanges in London, Hong Kong, and Singapore have all expressed interest in a secondary VietJet listing, says Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao in a television interview.
LinkEl Al widens losses in 1Q El Al Israel Airlines made a first-quarter net loss of $30 million, widened from a net loss of $21 million for the year-ago quarter. The Israeli flag carrier said the deficit increase was mainly because of a rise in payroll costs—resulting mostly from the timing of one-time bonuses for 2016 and the shekel appreciation—together with the rising cost of fuel.
LinkSITA showcases multi-merchant payment platform, mixed reality Global air transport IT specialist SITA has launched a secure payment solution using common-use platforms that will enable airlines and airports to maximize ancillary sales at every part of the airport journey. Unveiled at SITA’s 2017 Air Transport IT Summit in Brussels this week, the system makes it possible for airlines to accept payments securely at multiple airports when using a shared IT infrastructure, and can be used with any departure control system
LinkAlitalia, Aerolíneas Argentinas step up cooperation Italy’s national carrier Alitalia and Argentina’s flag carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas (AA) are expanding their existing commercial agreement with a codeshare arrangement. Effective immediately, the new cooperation will see Alitalia placing its AZ code on AA’s daily Rome-Buenos Aires service and on to more than 40 destinations in South America that AA serves.
LinkVistara receives first A320neoAirbus has delivered the first A320neo to Vistara, a Delhi based full service airline and joint venture between Tata Sons Ltd. and Singapore Airlines (SIA). The delivery is the first of seven aircraft to be leased from BOC Aviation.
LinkSeoul picks Elta radar for KF-X fighterElta Systems will develop an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for South Korea's KF-X fighter, under a contract signed with the state-run Agency for Defense Development. South Korean sources value the agreement at over $35 million, with the Israel Aerospace Industries subsidiary to co-operate with a local partner in the country.
LinkMonarch Airlines acquires 737 ‘trainer’UK low-cost carrier (LCC) Monarch Airlines has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-800 as it starts to prepare for the arrival of its 737 MAX 8s next year.
LinkFirst A350 XWB for Air Mauritius takes shape in FALAirbus has completed the wing-fuselage junction and has installed the tailplane and tailcone on Air Mauritius’ first A350-900, which is on schedule to deliver in the fourth quarter.
LinkUPS, SF Holdings announce joint venture plansUPS and SF Holdings are planning to form a joint venture to facilitate shipping from China to the US, with an eye toward future worldwide expansion.
LinkVirgin Australia, Air Canada start codeshareVirgin Australia has launched its codeshare with Air Canada, now using its code on flights from Los Angeles to Calgary, Alberta; Montreal and Toronto. Air Canada added its code on Virgin domestic flights from Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, to 10 locations across Australia and New Zealand.
LinkEnvoy Air to reopen Miami pilot facilityIn a striking indication of changing economics for regional airlines and their pilots, American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air says it will re-open a Miami pilot crew base in September after closing it a year and a half earlier. The re-opening is being cheered by both American and by the Envoy chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association.
LinkJFK airport adds American Airlines' Flagship LoungeAmerican Airlines has expanded its Flagship Lounge for international business class travelers to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Lounges are also located in Miami, Dallas/Forth Worth and Philadelphia, and are under construction at London Heathrow, Los Angeles and Chicago O'Hare.
LinkSouthwest surprises frequent flyers with special art piecesSouthwest Airlines is sending customized works of art to its most frequent flyers via email through its Heart of Travel initiative. The airline worked with artist Joshua Davis to create these special surprise works of art, based on the individual customer's travel history.
LinkCalif. airport adds flights, plans for expansionWith new service expected by American Airlines and United Airlines coming this summer, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in California is outlining plans to expand its terminal to accommodate the increase in passengers. Alaska Airlines restarted service at the airport 10 years ago and has tripled its passenger levels since then.
LinkMo. airport beefs up security, facilitiesWith the Aug. 1 launch of round-trip United Airlines flights to Chicago and Denver, Columbia Regional Airport in Missouri is upgrading its security and facilities to better handle the increase in passengers. Additions will include possibly eight Transportation Security Administration officers, 40 seats in the upstairs terminal and 172 spaces in two parking lots.
LinkAir Canada celebrates country's 150 yearsAir Canada has launched its "See: Canada" campaign with a social media video across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, highlighting a nation it serves from coast to coast.
Link 
