NewsCanada's transport chief confirms aircraft-drone collision Canada's Transport minister has confirmed that a small passenger aircraft struck a drone while on approach to Quebec City on 12 October. Though investigators have released few details, the incident could be among the first confirmed instances of a passenger aircraft actually striking a drone in flight.
LinkAirAsia Japan to launch operations on 29 OctoberThe reborn AirAsia Japan will commence services on 29 October with a service from its Nagoya hub to Sapporo, two years after receiving its air operator's certificate. The carrier says in a statement that it will operate twice-daily on the route, which FlightGlobal schedules data shows it will compete against five other carriers, including Jetstar Japan, All Nippon Airways and Skymark Airlines.
LinkASEAN moves to boost air connectivityThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has taken steps to further integrate its skies and facilitate passenger flow among member countries. At the 23rd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting, which closed in Singapore last week, the association adopted the ASEAN Air Traffic Management master plan to support the establishment of a seamless singlesky. When fully realised, the initiative will bring an increase in airspace capacity, reducing delays and operational costs for airlines while enhancing safety.
LinkRussia eyes new military variants of Mi-38 helicopterRussia may develop medevac and electronic warfare (EW) variants of the Mil Mi-38 helicopter, but has so far ruled out an armed model. In an interview contained in the latest issue of Russian Helicopters' bi-annual magazine, Yuriy Borisov, Moscow's deputy defence minister, says it has so far committed to take 15 examples of the new 15.6t rotorcraft.
LinkKF-X advances, as detailed design beckonsThe final design of the Korea Aerospace Industries KF-X fighter is expected in June 2018, at which point detailed design will commence. The detailed design phase for the twin-engined type will run until late 2019, at which point the production of prototypes will commence, says an official familiar with the program
LinkSetouchi launches Japan's first members-only business aircraft program Setouchi Holdings, which owns Quest Aircraft, the developer of the Kodiak single-engined turboprop, has launched Japan’s first members-only business aircraft operation using the all-metal, high-wing type. Sky Trek began services in August and has taken delivery of four Kodiaks from a 2016 order for 20 aircraft – the largest commitment for the type to date. The Tokyo-headquartered company plans to receive another six examples before year-end.
Link'Serious' new problem with Silvercrest rattles DassaultA “serious” new problem discovered five years into testing the Safran Silvercrest engine has shaken Dassault Aviation’s confidence and raised questions about the future of France’s only hope to remain one of the world’s few designers of turbofan propulsion systems. A clearly displeased Dassault chairman and chief executive, Eric Trappier, declined to offer an explicit commitment to remaining with the Silvercrest for the large cabin Falcon 5X when asked during a 9 October news conference if he would start considering other engine suppliers.
LinkLufthansa confirms interest in ‘new Alitalia’ The Lufthansa Group has submitted an offer letter expressing interest in establishing a “new Alitalia,” only days after the German flag carrier signed a €210 million ($249 million) deal to take over a large part of bankrupt airberlin’s assets, including NIKI and regional carrier LGW. Alitalia entered the Italian equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in May after staff blocked a deal that would have allowed a fresh injection of funds from shareholders.
LinkOman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch resignsOman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch has resigned, the airline announced Oct.16. The company gave no reason for his departure. Gregorowitsch, a former CCO of airberlin, took up his role in summer 2014. He has presided over a period of rapid expansion at the state-owned carrier, which has been persistently loss-making and has been facing a rapid reduction in the amount of financial support it receives from the Omani government.
LinkAustrian Airlines to hire 100 airberlin pilotsAustrian Airlines is looking for about 100 new pilots and is making a special offer to the insolvent airberlin pilots to work at the Lufthansa subsidiary’s hub in Vienna. The offer targets pilots who have been actively employed with airberlin over the last six months and have undergone revalidation of their licenses within the last 12 months.
LinkNew Chinese cargo carriers launch as market reboundsTianjin Cargo Airlines has received launch approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) as China’s air cargo market rebounds.
LinkAirbus forecasts doubling of Middle East fleet by 2036Middle East airlines will require 2,590 new commercial aircraft over the next 20 years, according to Airbus’s 2017 Global Market Forecast, representing a market value of $600 billion for the region’s future fleet. The Middle East fleet is expected to more than double from 1,250 to 3,320 by 2036. The new aircraft will cover replacement of 520 retiring aircraft, with the remaining 2,070 as new additions to the fleet. Airbus forecasts 730 aircraft are expected to remain in service through 2036.
LinkAllegiant launches Florida-Milwaukee servicesLas Vegas-based LCC Allegiant Air launched two new flights between Florida and Milwaukee Oct. 13, adding competition on routes through the use of secondary airports in the southern state.
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