http://www.flightglobal.comen-gbFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368062/ex-im-bank-predicts-golden-age-for-business-jet-finance.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368062/ex-im-bank-predicts-golden-age-for-business-jet-finance.htmlThe Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of the United States spent $250m in financing around 25 business-jet and helicopter purchases last year.Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367980/bristow-helicopters-awarded-uk-search-and-rescue-contract-for-northern-scotland.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367980/bristow-helicopters-awarded-uk-search-and-rescue-contract-for-northern-scotland.htmlBristow Helicopters has secured a contract from the UK government to provide search and rescue (SAR) services in the north of Scotland.Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368039/south-korea-demands-fair-fight-for-israeli-trainer-deal.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368039/south-korea-demands-fair-fight-for-israeli-trainer-deal.htmlSouth Korean officials will use the Singapore air show to argue for a fair contest in Israel's advanced jet trainer battle ... Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:50:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368055/russian-helicopters-denies-china-mi-2-reports.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368055/russian-helicopters-denies-china-mi-2-reports.html Russian Helicopters has denied reports that its Rostvertol unit entered a joint venture in China to produce Mi-2 helicopters. "Russian Helicopters...Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:44:23 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368046/spirit-blames-design-changes-for-latest-g280-charge.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/368046/spirit-blames-design-changes-for-latest-g280-charge.html Gulfstream plans to introduce the G280 mid-size business jet into service by mid-year, but the programme continues to face an unexpected rash of design changes...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367981/airbus-to-decide-on-a330-enhancement-in-second-half-of-2012.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367981/airbus-to-decide-on-a330-enhancement-in-second-half-of-2012.htmlAirbus intends to decide whether to proceed with enhancements to the A330 during the second half of this year, but is still reticent to provide many details.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367951/hawker-beechcraft-appoints-steve-miller-as-ceo.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367951/hawker-beechcraft-appoints-steve-miller-as-ceo.htmlHawker Beechcraft has appointed American International Group (AIG) chairman and self-proclaimed "Turnaround Kid" Robert "Steve" Miller as chief executive of the Wichita-based airframer, keeping former chief executive Bill Boisture on as chairman of subsidiary Hawker Beechcraft Corp.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/368009/china-express-unveiled-as-customer-for-up-to-11-crj900s.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/368009/china-express-unveiled-as-customer-for-up-to-11-crj900s.html Chinese regional carrier China Express Airlines has been unveiled as the previously undisclosed customer for six Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, plus...Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:18:10 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367946/gulfstream-launches-used-aircraft-brokerage-service.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367946/gulfstream-launches-used-aircraft-brokerage-service.htmlGulfstream Aerospace has launched a brokerage service to help owners of existing mid- and large-cabin Gulfstreams to sell their aircraft.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/368002/pakistan-receives-three-f-16s-from-usa.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/368002/pakistan-receives-three-f-16s-from-usa.htmlPakistan has received its last Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 aircraft, plus upgraded examples from the USA and Turkish Aerospace Industries ... Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367953/pictures-microfalcon-uas-clears-extreme-weather-testing.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367953/pictures-microfalcon-uas-clears-extreme-weather-testing.htmlInnocon's MicroFalcon mini unmanned air system (UAS) has completed flight tests under extreme weather conditions, having been operated successfully in a snow storm at -15°C and with a wind velocity of 35kt (65km/h).Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367645/avic-invests-in-u8-unmanned-helicopter.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/09/367645/avic-invests-in-u8-unmanned-helicopter.htmlChinese airframer AVIC is investing yuan 20 million ($3.2 million) in the U8 unmanned helicopter programme for civilian use ... Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367988/dot-lobbies-for-gps-buffer.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367988/dot-lobbies-for-gps-buffer.html US government officials are proposing to develop a buffer around the spectrum allotted to GPS signals, an L-band zone that is highly sought after by the...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367952/turkey-grounds-t-37-fleet-for-safety-checks.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367952/turkey-grounds-t-37-fleet-for-safety-checks.htmlThe Turkish air force has halted flights with its Cessna T-37 jet trainers to perform technical checks on the type following two fatal accidents ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367985/korean-to-weigh-737-max-and-a320neo.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367985/korean-to-weigh-737-max-and-a320neo.html Korean Air is evaluating both the A320neo and 737 Max for it next generation narrowbody fleet. "As soon as they come up with a price, we'll look at...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367960/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367960/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport.htmlThe UK is to order another Boeing C-17 strategic transport, boosting the Royal Air Force's fleet of the type to eight aircraft ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367934/japans-skymark-orders-six-a330-300s.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367934/japans-skymark-orders-six-a330-300s.html Japan's Skymark Airlines has ordered six Airbus A330-300s that it will introduced into service from 2014. The aircraft will allow it to expand its...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:41:16 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367933/raytheon-australia-to-receive-first-australian-navy-bell-429.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367933/raytheon-australia-to-receive-first-australian-navy-bell-429.html Raytheon Australia has commenced acceptance activities for the first of three Bell 429 helicopters that will be used to train Royal Australian Navy (RAN)...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:20:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367932/boeing-says-737-max-to-meet-or-exceed-a320neo-range.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367932/boeing-says-737-max-to-meet-or-exceed-a320neo-range.html Boeing will match or exceed the range of the Airbus A320neo with its 737 Max family, as the company seeks to firm the configuration of its re-engined narrowbody. The...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:15:22 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367930/boeing-says-787-shim-repairs-to-take-days-not-months.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367930/boeing-says-787-shim-repairs-to-take-days-not-months.html Repairs to improperly shimmed Boeing 787s will take "days, not months" per aircraft, said the airframer, as programme sources said the total number of affected...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:06:19 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367927/pictures-upgraded-new-zealand-c-130s-undergo-operational-tests.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367927/pictures-upgraded-new-zealand-c-130s-undergo-operational-tests.html The Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) first pair of upgraded Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft are undergoing an operational test and evaluation...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:54:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367923/qantas-grounds-a380-after-finding-36-cracks-on-wings.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/08/367923/qantas-grounds-a380-after-finding-36-cracks-on-wings.html A Qantas Airways Airbus A380 has been grounded after 36 cracks were found on its wings on 5 February. The aircraft, which bears the registration VH-OQF,...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:15:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367915/boeing-retires-second-787-test-aircraft.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367915/boeing-retires-second-787-test-aircraft.html Boeing will retire and decommission ZA002, the company's second 787 test aircraft, having flown the majority-composite jet to its Palmdale, California facility...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367903/ge-boeing-and-spirit-complete-leap-1b-installation-studies.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367903/ge-boeing-and-spirit-complete-leap-1b-installation-studies.html Boeing, GE and Spirit AeroSystems have completed installation studies for the CFM International Leap-1B engine powering the 737 Max. GE Aviation CEO...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367910/pictures-korean-air-cargo-takes-dual-delivery-of-a-777f-and-747-8f.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367910/pictures-korean-air-cargo-takes-dual-delivery-of-a-777f-and-747-8f.html Korean Air Cargo has taken delivery of a 777F and 747-8F, the first time Boeing has delivered two different commercial cargo models on the same day to a...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367907/korean-encourages-bombardier-to-bolster-marketing-of-the-cseries.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367907/korean-encourages-bombardier-to-bolster-marketing-of-the-cseries.html Korean Air is excited about adding the Bombardier CSeries CS300 to its fleet, but is scolding the Canadian airframer for not doing more to gain a wider acceptance...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367906/bombardier-goes-live-with-upset-training.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367906/bombardier-goes-live-with-upset-training.html Bombardier has begun sending crews of newly purchased Challenger, Learjet and Global Express aircraft to a three-day, in-aircraft upset prevention and recovery...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367896/russia-and-italy-planning-new-130-seat-regional-jet.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367896/russia-and-italy-planning-new-130-seat-regional-jet.html Russia and Italy are jointly working on the development of a new 130-seater regional jet, initially dubbed the Superjet New Generation (SSJ NG130), which...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367864/in-focus-flight-testing-the-sikorsky-s-76d.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367864/in-focus-flight-testing-the-sikorsky-s-76d.htmlSikorsky has brought a host of upgrades to the S-76 via its newest model of the twin - and made take-offs from rooftops a capability http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/07/367854/supply-chain-weakness-threatens-airframer-ramp-up-report.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/07/367854/supply-chain-weakness-threatens-airframer-ramp-up-report.htmlAmbitious plans by Airbus and Boeing to dramatically ramp up their airliner build rates to fill record order backlogs are risk of being derailed by supply chains that are unwilling or unable to invest adequately in production capacity.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/07/367850/taiwan-values-f-16-upgrade-at-nt110-billion.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/07/367850/taiwan-values-f-16-upgrade-at-nt110-billion.html Taiwan has placed the value of its Lockheed Martin F-16 A/B upgrade programme at NT$110 billion ($3.7 billion) and said talks with the US government about...Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:24:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367840/boeing-expects-delamination-issue-to-slow-787-deliveries-in-the-near-term.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367840/boeing-expects-delamination-issue-to-slow-787-deliveries-in-the-near-term.htmlBoeing expects the inspection and repair of 787s affected by composite delamination due to improper longeron shimming to slow near-term deliveries, but is unlikely to change its full year delivery forecast.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367821/dutch-air-force-dc-10-freighter-makes-operational-debut.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367821/dutch-air-force-dc-10-freighter-makes-operational-debut.htmlThe Royal Netherlands Air Force has performed its first operational flight with a newly-fielded DC-10 freighter ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367827/firmed-a320-deals-lift-airbuss-january-orders.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367827/firmed-a320-deals-lift-airbuss-january-orders.htmlDespite expectations of a slower sales year, Airbus nevertheless logged more than 90 orders for January 2012, notably following the firming of tentative...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367822/nato-clears-funding-hurdle-to-buy-five-global-hawks.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367822/nato-clears-funding-hurdle-to-buy-five-global-hawks.htmlNATO officials have cleared a key hurdle in a long-delayed process to buy five Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 unmanned air systems ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367823/usaf-proposes-to-cut-a-10s-defers-questions-on-f-35a-fleet-size.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367823/usaf-proposes-to-cut-a-10s-defers-questions-on-f-35a-fleet-size.htmlFive squadrons of Fairchild A-10s could be eliminated under the US Air Force's new budget proposal, accounting for one-third of all planned fleet reductions...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367673/eads-opens-dedicated-cryogenic-windtunnel-for-anti-icing-studies.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367673/eads-opens-dedicated-cryogenic-windtunnel-for-anti-icing-studies.htmlEADS Innovation Works is centralising its battle against icing with the opening of a compact, cryogenic windtunnel and associated laboratory facilities.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367660/flight-training-adelaide-orders-diamond-da40cs.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367660/flight-training-adelaide-orders-diamond-da40cs.htmlAustralian flight school Flight Training Adelaide could purchase up to 26 Diamond DA40 CS light aircraft, with four aircraft to arrive in mid-2012.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367800/taiwan-grounds-at-3-trainers-after-mid-air-collision.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367800/taiwan-grounds-at-3-trainers-after-mid-air-collision.htmlTaiwan has grounded its Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation AT-3 advanced jet trainers following a mid-air collision that injured two aircrew ... Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:40:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367798/raaf-orions-celebrate-nine-years-in-middle-east.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367798/raaf-orions-celebrate-nine-years-in-middle-east.html Royal Australian Air Force Lockeed Martin AP-3C Orion aircraft have reached nine years of continuous operations in the Middle East. The two-aircraft...Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:05:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367797/qantas-ceo-pushes-back-against-proposed-legislative-changes.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/06/367797/qantas-ceo-pushes-back-against-proposed-legislative-changes.html Qantas Airways may be forced to sell its subsidiary Jetstar, reduce services to Australia's secondary cities and cut jobs if a proposed legislation that...Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:21:39 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/05/367793/delamination-prompts-boeing-to-inspect-787-fleet.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/05/367793/delamination-prompts-boeing-to-inspect-787-fleet.html Boeing again faces a manufacturing quality issue, requiring inspections and repairs of its 787 fleet. Structural stiffeners were found to be improperly...Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367792/capacity-control-could-drive-us-airline-profit-gains-in-2012-raymond-james.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367792/capacity-control-could-drive-us-airline-profit-gains-in-2012-raymond-james.html US legacy carriers could be historically profitable this year due to an ongoing strategic shift in network strategy, a Raymond James analyst said in a new...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367779/us-navy-to-launch-e-2ds-operational-test-and-evaluation.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367779/us-navy-to-launch-e-2ds-operational-test-and-evaluation.htmlThe US Navy is poised to launch the initial operational test and evaluation process for its new Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367744/first-747-8i-for-delivery-completes-maiden-sortie.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367744/first-747-8i-for-delivery-completes-maiden-sortie.html Boeing on 30 January completed the maiden flight of its first 747-8 Intercontinental, which is destined for a private Boeing Business Jet customer. The...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367733/italy-committed-to-f-35-programme-but-may-cut-order.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367733/italy-committed-to-f-35-programme-but-may-cut-order.htmlRome is aiming to slash €1.45 billion from its defence procurement spending in 2012, with its plan to acquire 131 Lockheed Martin F-35s likely to be affected ... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367755/australian-aerospace-announces-air-9000-phase-7-bid.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367755/australian-aerospace-announces-air-9000-phase-7-bid.htmlEurocopter unit Australian Aerospace will bid as a prime contractor in Australia's Air 9000 Phase 7 tender, offering the EC135 helicopter ... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:32:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367752/qantas-q400-lands-after-experiencing-engine-problems.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367752/qantas-q400-lands-after-experiencing-engine-problems.html A Qantas Airways Bombardier Q400 aircraft experienced engine problems shortly after departure and had to land at Canberra airport, less than an hour after...Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:39:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367751/japan-buys-mine-detection-system-for-mch101s.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367751/japan-buys-mine-detection-system-for-mch101s.htmlThe Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force has purchased four laser mine detection systems for use on its AgustaWestland MCH101 helicopters ... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:37:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367749/boeing-confirms-1.78-billion-contract-for-india-c-17s.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/03/367749/boeing-confirms-1.78-billion-contract-for-india-c-17s.html Boeing has finalised a contract to sell 10 C-17 airlifters to the India Air Force, but a key decision looms for the future of the strategic airlifter. The...Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:34:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367674/new-build-a320-to-join-sharklets-test-programme-in-may.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367674/new-build-a320-to-join-sharklets-test-programme-in-may.htmlAirbus is expecting the first new-build aircraft for its A320 sharklets wing-tip programme to join the test regime in May, after promising results from initial flights with an early airframe.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367720/aviation-partners-seeks-dismissal-of-airbus-winglet-lawsuit.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367720/aviation-partners-seeks-dismissal-of-airbus-winglet-lawsuit.htmlSeattle-based Aviation Partners (API), patent-holder of the blended winglet, is seeking the dismissal of an Airbus lawsuit aiming to clarify the intellectual property rights of the European airframer's alleged use of API's winglet on the Airbus A320's sharklets.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367723/easyjet-to-make-fleet-decision-by-year-end.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367723/easyjet-to-make-fleet-decision-by-year-end.html EasyJet will make a decision on its fleet strategy by the end of the year, according to its head of fleet and central procurement Chris Essex. Explaining...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367677/boeing-brings-737-style-assembly-line-to-satellites-business.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367677/boeing-brings-737-style-assembly-line-to-satellites-business.htmlLessons learned from Boeing's 737 pulse-line final assembly system have helped the company speed production at its specialist satellite manufacturing plant in El Segundo, California.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367671/plastic-tubing-system-slashes-weight-of-a350-cargo-drainage-system.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367671/plastic-tubing-system-slashes-weight-of-a350-cargo-drainage-system.htmlOne Airbus supplier has found a novel way of saving weight, by developing a thermoplastic tubing system to replace the traditional metal pipes used to move condensation water away from unheated cargo areas.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367650/quest-to-double-kodiak-production.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367650/quest-to-double-kodiak-production.htmlQuest Aircraft is seeking to almost double the production rate of its $1.75 million Kodiak single-engined unpressurised turboprop -` from 16 in 2011 to 30 this year.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367599/victor-shares-business-jet-booking-platform-with-german-speaking-market.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367599/victor-shares-business-jet-booking-platform-with-german-speaking-market.htmlVictor has expanded its realtime business jet booking platform to the lucrative German-speaking market six months after its official launch in the UK. Expansion to other European and international markets - notably the USA and the Asia Pacific region - is also planned.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367702/australia-receives-two-former-us-army-chinooks.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367702/australia-receives-two-former-us-army-chinooks.html Australia has taken delivery of two additional Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters, bringing its total Chinook fleet to seven. In November 2011, Canberra...Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:34:16 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367646/bae-l-3-win-contract-extension-for-australian-hornet-modifications.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367646/bae-l-3-win-contract-extension-for-australian-hornet-modifications.htmlBAE Systems and L-3 MAS Canada have won a contract extension for 14 additional Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fighters.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:19:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367698/garuda-picks-bombardier-for-regional-jet-order.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/02/367698/garuda-picks-bombardier-for-regional-jet-order.html Garuda Indonesia is set to confirm an order for Bombardier regional jets in the next few weeks, most likely at the Singapore Airshow on 14-19 February. Indonesia's...Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:57:49 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367693/us-congress-seeks-to-mandate-ads-b-in.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367693/us-congress-seeks-to-mandate-ads-b-in.html Legislation nearing completion in the US Congress will require the US Federal Aviation Administration to initiate a rulemaking within one year to mandate...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367687/bell-eurocopter-claim-wins-in-canadian-court-dispute.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367687/bell-eurocopter-claim-wins-in-canadian-court-dispute.html A Canadian federal court has ruled that Eurocopter is entitled to punitive damages from Bell Helicopter over a patent infringement of Eurocopter's trademark...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367681/widebody-deliveries-bode-well-for-cabins-maker-be.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367681/widebody-deliveries-bode-well-for-cabins-maker-be.html B/E Aerospace, the Florida-headquartered interiors maker and fasteners and consumables distributor, posted a 53% rise in full-year pre-tax profit to $323...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367680/ge-flies-second-upgrade-package-for-787-engine.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367680/ge-flies-second-upgrade-package-for-787-engine.html General Electric is progressing through certification of its performance improvement package (PIP) upgrades for the GEnx-1B and -2B engines for the 787 and...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367676/us-proposes-faa-nextgen-czar-post.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367676/us-proposes-faa-nextgen-czar-post.html New legislation in the final throes of approval by the US Congress will create a "Chief NextGen Officer" within the US Federal Aviation Administration to...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367664/iran-aseman-airlines-manages-to-acquire-airbus-a340.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367664/iran-aseman-airlines-manages-to-acquire-airbus-a340.htmlIran Aseman Airlines has managed to acquire an Airbus A340-300 (MSN 002) indirectly from US lessor GMT Global Republic Aviation, two sources close to the matter told Flightglobal.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367534/canada-defends-bell-429-weight-exemption.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367534/canada-defends-bell-429-weight-exemption.htmlTransport Canada officials are defending their recent exemption which allows Bell Helicopter to increase the maximum internal weight of the Bell 429 twin-engined helicopter from 3,175kg (7,000lb) to 3,402kg.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367642/hard-negotiations-lie-ahead-for-dassault-after-rafales-indian-selection.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367642/hard-negotiations-lie-ahead-for-dassault-after-rafales-indian-selection.htmlWith its attainment of "L1 vendor" status in India's medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) contest for 126 fighters, the Dassault Rafale is one step...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367631/raaf-to-examine-c-130j-fuel-usage.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367631/raaf-to-examine-c-130j-fuel-usage.htmlThe Royal Australian Air Force will examine the fuel usage of its C-130J Hercules transports to identify potential savings ... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367600/skyteam-faces-anti-trust-inquiry-over-transatlantic-tie-up.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367600/skyteam-faces-anti-trust-inquiry-over-transatlantic-tie-up.htmlSkyTeam alliance partners Air France-KLM, Alitalia and Delta Air Lines are facing an anti-trust investigation over their transatlantic joint venture.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367587/metrojet-sets-its-sights-on-mainland-china-as-it-prepares-to-open-philippine-base.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367587/metrojet-sets-its-sights-on-mainland-china-as-it-prepares-to-open-philippine-base.htmlHong Kong-based business aviation services provider Metrojet aims to expand into mainland China in an effort to harness the huge demand for business aircraft within the vast country.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:23:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367582/in-focus-singapore-steps-up-deterrent-capabilities.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/01/367582/in-focus-singapore-steps-up-deterrent-capabilities.htmlSingapore is at peace with its neighbours but - guided by history - continues to invest in the deterrent capabilities of southeast Asia's most formidable air force.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:05:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367623/ana-faces-bumpy-start-to-long-haul-787-service.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367623/ana-faces-bumpy-start-to-long-haul-787-service.html All Nippon Airways first long-haul international service with its Boeing 787 has faced a rocky start since 21 January with two of its ten flights operating...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367621/eads-cassidian-responds-to-indias-typhoon-rejection.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367621/eads-cassidian-responds-to-indias-typhoon-rejection.htmlCassidian has voiced its disappointment after the Eurofighter Typhoon's defeat in India's medium multi-role combat aircraft competition ...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367617/faa-seeks-non-halon-fire-extinguisher-designs.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367617/faa-seeks-non-halon-fire-extinguisher-designs.html The US Federal Aviation Administration has launched a market survey for portable handheld fire extinguisher technology that does not use ozone-depleting...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367605/in-focus-indias-mmrca-selection-advances-decade-long-search-for-mig-21-replacement.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367605/in-focus-indias-mmrca-selection-advances-decade-long-search-for-mig-21-replacement.htmlIndia's selection of the Dassault Rafale launches the next stage in its decade-long search for a MiG-21 successor ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367592/citation-mustang-gallops-to-its-fourth-century.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367592/citation-mustang-gallops-to-its-fourth-century.htmlCessna's 400th Citation Mustang has rolled off the production line in Independence, Kansas, about five years after the entry level business jet entered service.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367594/dassault-confirms-selection-for-indian-mmrca-deal.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367594/dassault-confirms-selection-for-indian-mmrca-deal.html The Dassault-led Rafale International team has taken a decisive lead in India's medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) battle, with the French proposal...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367586/activist-investors-call-for-shareholder-representatives-on-pinnacle-board.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367586/activist-investors-call-for-shareholder-representatives-on-pinnacle-board.html A group of activist investors controlling 9.5% of Pinnacle Airlines stock are calling for the carrier's board to consider broad management changes as a bankruptcy...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367548/in-focus-putting-the-hcmc-130j-weapon-system-trainer-to-the-test.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367548/in-focus-putting-the-hcmc-130j-weapon-system-trainer-to-the-test.htmlLockheed Martin's HC/MC-130J weapons system trainer was developed for the US Air Force as part of the Maintenance & Aircrew Training System programmes. But is the full-flight simulator easily handled?Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367569/seoul-kicks-off-f-x-iii-competition.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367569/seoul-kicks-off-f-x-iii-competition.htmlSouth Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has issued a request for proposals for its F-X III fighter requirement, paving the way for the acquisition of around 60 fighters.Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:57:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367568/cebu-pacific-to-start-long-haul-low-cost-services-in-2013.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367568/cebu-pacific-to-start-long-haul-low-cost-services-in-2013.html Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific will launch long-haul services in the third quarter of 2013. The airline will lease up to eight Airbus A330-300s...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:55:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367560/backwards-parachutes-ground-some-f-35s.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367560/backwards-parachutes-ground-some-f-35s.htmlAt least 15 Lockheed Martin F-35s are grounded for about 10 days to repack improperly installed parachutes, according to the programme office. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367244/in-focus-bringing-aviation-training-to-high-schools.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367244/in-focus-bringing-aviation-training-to-high-schools.htmlAdvances in gaming technology are bringing mission training experience to high-school classrooms to spark student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or STEM).Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367243/in-focus-caa-set-out-significant-seven-safety-action-priorities.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/31/367243/in-focus-caa-set-out-significant-seven-safety-action-priorities.html Significant seven When the UK Civil Aviation Authority reviewed its priorities for safety action, it came up with a list it calls "The Significant...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367553/us-faa-mandates-q400-wire-checks.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367553/us-faa-mandates-q400-wire-checks.html A final airworthiness directive (AD) to be issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration on 31 January targets wiring issues that could potentially cause...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367536/amateur-built-aircraft-under-ntsb-microscope.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367536/amateur-built-aircraft-under-ntsb-microscope.htmlThe US National Transportation Safety Board said it will complete a comprehensive study of experimental amateur-built (E-AB) aircraft this spring.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367245/in-focus-completing-the-missing-link-in-uas-crew-training.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367245/in-focus-completing-the-missing-link-in-uas-crew-training.htmlHuge demand is forecast for unmanned air systems and more efficient, effective simulation is required to bridge the gap in training operators http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367291/in-focus-can-pilot-training-keep-pace-with-demand.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367291/in-focus-can-pilot-training-keep-pace-with-demand.htmlAirlines are honing their pilot recruitment strategies to meet short-term demand - but forecasters still predict a shortfall in flightcrew as fleet growth accelerateshttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367220/in-focus-loss-of-control-training-the-wrong-stuff.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367220/in-focus-loss-of-control-training-the-wrong-stuff.htmlLoss of control accounts for a significant proportion of accidents - a reality which has led the UK Civil Aviation Authority to commission research into the most suitable ways for trainee pilots to learn the skills they really need http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367539/hungary-signs-gripen-lease-extension-deal.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367539/hungary-signs-gripen-lease-extension-deal.htmlHungary will continue to operate its leased fleet of Saab Gripen C/D fighters until 2026 under a contract extension signed with Sweden ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367533/northrop-grumman-fights-rq-4-block-30-cancellation-threat.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367533/northrop-grumman-fights-rq-4-block-30-cancellation-threat.htmlNorthrop Grumman has challenged the US military's decision to park existing RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 30s in usable storage and terminate production.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367523/canberra-to-review-f-35-delivery-schedule.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367523/canberra-to-review-f-35-delivery-schedule.htmlAustralia could review the delivery timetable for the 12 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft it is due to receive between 2015 and 2017.Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367527/israeli-heron-tp-crashes-as-test-flight-goes-wrong.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367527/israeli-heron-tp-crashes-as-test-flight-goes-wrong.htmlThe Israeli air force and IAI are investigating what caused a Heron TP unmanned air vehicle to crash during an experimental flight on 29 January ... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367521/usaf-woes-clip-c-27js-wings-in-australia.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367521/usaf-woes-clip-c-27js-wings-in-australia.htmlAny US decision to divest itself of the L-3 Communications C-27J Spartan will change the dynamics of Canberra's Air 8000 Phase 2 requirement for 10 battlefield airliftersMon, 30 Jan 2012 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367518/india-pilatus-trainer-announcement-delayed-by-protests.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/01/30/367518/india-pilatus-trainer-announcement-delayed-by-protests.html India's announcement of a new basic trainer appears to have been delayed by a protest mounted by the South Korean government about the tendering process. An...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:04:59 GMThttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367505/spanair-stops-flying-after-qatar-deal-falls-through.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367505/spanair-stops-flying-after-qatar-deal-falls-through.htmlStar Alliance airline Spanair has announced that it is halting all operations today, with the last flight expected to arrive at its base at 22:00 after talks with Qatar Airways over a stakeholding and capital injections collapsed.http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367504/boeing-disputes-737-max-development-cost-report.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367504/boeing-disputes-737-max-development-cost-report.html Boeing disputes the cost estimates detailed in a recent Bernstein Research note claiming development of the 737 Max will be twice that of the Airbus A320neo,...http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367496/picture-serbian-air-force-receives-multirole-seneca.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367496/picture-serbian-air-force-receives-multirole-seneca.htmlSerbia's defence ministry has taken delivery of a new Piper Seneca V, with the aircraft to be used for multiple tasks ... http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367495/boeing-makes-big-push-with-f-15-silent-eagle-tests-for-south-korea.htmlhttp://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2012/02/10/367495/boeing-makes-big-push-with-f-15-silent-eagle-tests-for-south-korea.htmlBoeing is to launch a new series of ground, windtunnel and flight tests on several key features of the F-15 Silent Eagle being proposed for South Korea ...