Flight International, October 2023

This issue, we look at the progress being made on the Global Combat Air Programme by Italy, Japan and the UK, as the nations jointly develop a so-called sixth-generation fighter for use from 2035. Can they stay in formation as workshare discussions advance?

Further disruption caused by a blade manufacturing flaw continues to impact Airbus A320neo operators using Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G geared turbofan engines – our update assesses how airlines are being affected.

Our pre-NBAA-BACE review of business aviation looks at its steady performance in the post-pandemic era, and reviews the main manufacturers’ current products and development activities. Plus, how the market is working to reduce carbon emissions, and deliver a positive message in the face of increasingly vocal protests.

Also this issue: why the UK Royal Navy is putting its weight behind cargo drone operations; EasyJet’s hydrogen fuel ambitions; and Bermudair’s all-premium service offering. And how Rainbow Helicopters founder Nicole Battjes used the Hawaiian tour company’s aircraft to deploy vital relief supplies to fire-ravaged Lahaina.

Use the links below to access our latest issue’s content in web-optimised format, and subscribers can view our “page-turner” digital replica of the magazine and download a pdf version at the foot of the page. Subscribers can also access our archived issues by clicking on the filing cabinet drawer symbol next to the search icon.

FINT Oct 23 cover

Cover story

GCAP pair clouds

How partners will stay in formation as GCAP workshare discussions advance

By

Nine months into their Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) venture, defence ministry and industry leaders from partners Italy, Japan and the UK say they remain in close formation as formal requirements and workshare arrangements continue to take shape.

Analysis

A320neo with PW1100G

P&W geared turbofan issue will ground hundreds of A320neos through 2026

By

Airlines will need to remove hundreds of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engines from the wings of Airbus A320neo-family jets by the end of 2024 to inspect for defective high-pressure turbine and compressor discs.

HCMC on deck of Prince of Wales

Cargo drone makes first landing aboard UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales

By

An unmanned cargo aircraft has made a first landing aboard the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, as the service eyes the future operational use of such equipment.

Nordwind A321 simulation title-c-Interstate Aviation Committee

Nordwind A321 executed go-around with over 100 system failures after hard landing

By David Kaminski-Morrow

Russian investigators have detailed the serious damage inflicted on a Nordwind Airbus A321 by a hard landing at Antalya, after which the crew executed a go-around despite the aircraft’s being crippled.

AW169-c-High Level_Shutterstock

Regulatory loopholes laid ground for Leicester City AW169 crash: UK investigators

By

UK investigators have determined that certification and testing loopholes contributed to the fatal crash of a Leonardo Helicopters AW169 after its tail rotor failed shortly after take-off, an accident in which Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the then-owner of Leicester City Football Club, was killed.

Airbus hydrogen-powered zero-emissions engine

UK aviation alliance plots course for hydrogen-fuelled future

By

A newly established lobby group promoting hydrogen aviation in the UK will by year-end publish an initial roadmap setting out the steps policymakers must take if the sector is to flourish.

Aisle Class 1

New business-class carrier Bermudair ‘akin to a private jet’ service: CEO

By , Sacramento

Bermudair is betting that Bermuda’s sizeable business community will sustain its planned flight frequencies and allow for potential network and fleet expansions. 

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Business aviation

EBACE protestors

Why business aviation leaders are highlighting sector’s environmental gains

By Mark Pilling

With climate activists targeting business aviation, what progress is the sector making towards achieving its sustainability targets?

Environment

Alice for Cape Air

Why green assets are attracting investment from air finance sector

By Mark Pilling

As alternative propulsion technologies with improved sustainability credentials to power regional aircraft advance, specialist players in the air finance world have started placing orders.

Beta Technologies' CX300 prototype electric aircraft

US aviation groups flag concerns about air taxi revolution

By

Some US aviation groups are concerned about the safety of electric air taxis and other in-development novel aircraft, while warning about strained electricity grids and other practical challenges.

Women in aviation

Nicole Battjes with Rainbow Helicopters fleet

Interview

How ambition drove Nicole Battjes to form Rainbow Helicopters

By

Honolulu-based Nicole Battjes built her helicopter tour company from scratch, starting with just $5,000 and a dream. Its assets recently delivered relief supplies after a devastating fire in Lahaina.