NewsSouth African Airlines triples losses on depreciation, competitionSouth African Airways (SAA) recorded a net loss of ZAR5.4 billion ($438 million) for the 2016-17 financial year, which ended March 31. The loss was more than three times greater than 2015-16’s restated figure of ZAR1.48 billion.
LinkHainan Airlines continues to expand international servicesChina’s Hainan Airlines plans to open at least 40 international services from Hainan by the end of 2022 as China implements a new national policy for building Hainan as a free trade port. Earlier in April, Beijing announced a new policy granting a 30-day visa-free visit to Hainan for citizens from 59 countries, effective May 1.
LinkFrontier, Trans States airlines agree to new pilot flow programDenver-based Frontier Airlines has agreed to a flow-through program for Trans States Airlines (TSA) pilots, giving the mainline carrier feed for its aggressive expansion plans, while the regional carrier gets a benefit to help it attract more pilot applicants. The deal paves the way for TSA pilots to flow up to Frontier as first officers in as little as two years.
LinkEASA re-elects Patrick Ky as executive directorThe European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has unanimously re-elected Patrick Ky as executive director for a second term of five years. “The full support of all the Member States and the Commission indicates in Patrick’s re-election that EASA’s heading is the right one,” EASA board chairman Pekka Henttu said.
LinkPrescott city officials pull Boutique Airlines endorsementPrescott, Arizona city officials have told the US Department of Transportation (DOT) they no longer support a bid from Boutique Airlines to provide short-term air service after US regional Great Lakes Airlines abruptly ceased passenger flight operations March 26. The move came after receiving input from the community. In an April 18 letter to DOT, Prescott mayor Greg Mengarelli said the city rejected all three proposals it received for interim essential air service (EAS), citing “new information.” Prescott Municipal Airport director Robin Sobotta, confirmed to ATW’s sister publication Aviation Daily that public pushback against air service with single-engine aircraft led the city to change its stance.
LinkEU regulator investigates Alitalia state loanThe European Commission (EC) has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether Italy’s €900 million ($1.1 billion) bridge loan to flag carrier Alitalia constituted state aid and whether it complied with European Union (EU) rules for aid to companies in difficulty. Alitalia, which is 49% owned by Etihad Airways, filed for bankruptcy in May 2017 after employees rejected a labor agreement that would have unlocked shareholder funding for a turnaround plan.
LinkAir France strikes continue to impact operationsAir France said it expected to operate almost 75% of its flights on April 24 as strikes over pay continue. The carrier said 70% of long-haul flights should go ahead, as well as 65% of medium-haul flights to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle and 80% of short-haul flights.
LinkRyanair firms options on 25 737 Max 8sBudget carrier Ryanair is ordering another 25 Boeing 737 Max 8s, taking its overall commitment to 135 of the re-engined twinjets. Boeing had previously attributed the aircraft to an undisclosed customer.
LinkHybrid geared-fan and piston concept could slash fuel-burnGerman aerospace researchers are showing off a high-efficiency powerplant concept which combines geared-fan architecture with a piston-engine core. While unlikely to enter service before 2050, the concept – described as a composite cycle engine – is potentially capable of halving fuel-burn compared with turbofans from 2000.
LinkBoeing’s HorizonX fund invests in 3D printing startupBoeing’s HorizonX venture fund has invested in Morf3D, a California-based company specializing in the additive manufacturing of aerospace parts. Boeing says that HorizonX co-led the 'Series A' funding round for Morf3D, but did not disclose the amount of investment, or the size of the stake it obtained.
LinkP&WC still working on nacelle for Gulfstream G500Pratt & Whitney Canada is continuing to work on certificating the nacelle for the Gulfstream G500 large cabin business jet, but certification and entry into service are expected later this summer, United Technologies chief executive Greg Hayes says. Gulfstream originally planned to certificate the G500 in 2018 when launching the program more than three years ago, but then accelerated that schedule to the second half of 2017.
LinkAero Vodochody and IAI to collaborate on advanced L-159Czech Republic-based Aero Vodochody and Israel Aerospace Industries are to develop and market an advanced version of the former's L-159 trainer and light attack aircraft. The partners will integrate a new avionics suite and "other solutions" onto the platform, as well as jointly marketing the Honeywell F124-GA-100-powered type.
LinkUSAF sets evaluation criteria for second phase of light attack experimentAfter deciding to forgo a combat demonstration, the US Air Force is moving forward with phase two of its light-attack aircraft experiment, which will examine sustainment requirements, networking with allies’ platforms and flying costs of two propeller-driven aircraft: Textron Aviation's Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine and Sierra Nevada/Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucano.
LinkSeoul gears up for ASW helicopter competitionSeoul plans to issue a request for proposals in May for 12 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters under its Maritime Operations Helicopter (MOH) competition. The country’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has allocated $780 million for the project, and aims for the aircraft to reach the fleet by 2022.
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