Must read – Page 19
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NewsInvoluntary captain’s seat shift preceded LATAM 787 in-flight upset
Chilean investigators have determined that an involuntary forward shift of the captain’s seat preceded the in-flight upset involving a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 last month. The aircraft had been cruising at 41,000ft en route to Auckland from Sydney on 11 March. It experienced a “sudden unintentional” loss of altitude, says ...
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Airline BusinessAlaska and United bemoan strong quarters spoiled by Max 9 grounding
On back-to-back days, executives from two major US airlines described how a major safety scare and the related weeks-long grounding of all Boeing 737 Max 9 jets undermined both companies’ otherwise strong first-quarter performances.
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AnalysisBusiness aviation fights its case as green lobby gets vocal
The business aviation sector is experiencing a dip in demand in Europe after a post-pandemic high – but a bigger existential threat may come from those who despise the whole idea of private flying.
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In depthFrustrations build in Washington over continued halt on F-35 deliveries
The Pentagon is preparing to curtail the latest upgrade package for the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, as lawmakers expressed frustration with an eight-month freeze in new aircraft deliveries related to certifying new control software.
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AnalysisFear of industrial decay drives Japan’s airliner gamble
Concerns that Japan’s aerospace industry is at a critical juncture have prompted Tokyo to start laying the groundwork for a new airliner programme – but its plans face daunting risks.
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NewsBoeing insists wealth of data shows long-term integrity of 787 fuselages
Boeing engineers insist they are confident in the long-term structural integrity of the 787’s composite fuselage, saying extensive testing and examination has shown that the fuselages retain durability far longer than most airlines will ever fly the jets.
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Analysis‘True sense of fear’: US military expands pilot training at virtual test range created for F-35
The US military has significantly expanded its use of the US Navy’s Joint Simulation Environment, using technology initially developed to evaluate F-35 systems and sensors to create robust and realistic training environments for pilots flying F-35s, F-22s, F/A-18s, EA-18Gs and E-2Ds.
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In depthGovernment auditors criticise US Coast Guard plan to consolidate rotary fleet
The US Coast Guard, which performs both law enforcement and military missions, is in the midst of consolidating its multi-platform rotary-wing aviation fleet to a single helicopter type, with an eye toward greater efficiency.
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In depthOne-third of jets with P&W GTF engines sitting idle as recall impact spreads
Analysis of Cirium data shows scale of PW1000G-series grounding, with 637 of almost 2,000 GTF-powered jets out of service as of 1 April.
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Airline BusinessWhy Brazil’s airlines are welcoming ‘great dialogue’ with government
Brazil’s airlines are continuing to navigate tough market conditions, but there are signs that the government is listening to their concerns and may be about to offer at least $1.2 billion in new credit lines amid rising capital costs in the country.
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AnalysisUkraine appears to deploy modified A-22 ultralights as suicide UAVs
Imagery circulating on social media shows what appears to be modified Aeroprakt A-22 ultralight turboprops striking targets inside Russia, including an oil refinery and an unmanned-aircraft production factory.
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NewsUS Air Force recalls mothballed B-1B to service from boneyard
A mothballed Boeing B-1B supersonic bomber is being refurbished for active service with the US Air Force to offset multiple non-combat losses in recent years.
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Airline BusinessChina Eastern frets about geopolitics amid tepid international recovery
China Eastern Airlines was the only operator among China’s ‘Big Three’ – which also includes Air China and China Southern Airlines – to remain loss-making, despite China’s pandemic restrictions having been loosened for a full year.
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Airline BusinessAirlines accelerate hiring of women to top executive roles from low base
The industry has been employing more women in the C-suite for some time now, but new data hints at the pace of change quickening after years of glacial progress, with positive steps continuing into the first few months of 2024
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In depthCongress gives extra $3bn to Pentagon for aircraft procurement
Six months behind schedule, lawmakers in Washington have agreed to a spending plan for the US military that includes new P-8 maritime patrol jets from Boeing, more Combat Rescue Helicopters from Sikorsky and over $2 billion for a sixth-generation fighter programme.
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NewsBoeing management overhaul could spark real change – or bring more of the same
The broad management shake up disclosed on 25 March by Boeing might hold a chance of finally setting the embattled company on a real recovery path. The challenge, however, lies in the tricky fact that many of Boeing’s troubles originate not in its corporate suites, but rather on the floors of its factories.
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NewsBoom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator takes to the skies
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator took off for the first time on 22 March and completed a 12min maiden sortie during which it climbed to 7,120ft and hit 238kt (441km/h).
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Airline BusinessHawaiian’s long-awaited 787s will ‘stretch legs’ across USA and Pacific: CEO
The recent arrival in Honolulu of a GEnx-1B-powered Boeing 787-9 adorned with Hawaiian’s floral livery – the first of 12 now expected through 2027 – is a long-awaited and horizon-expanding addition to the carrier’s long-haul fleet.
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Airline BusinessEurope’s airlines heartened by sharp change in perception of industry
Thanks to its founding mission, Airlines for Europe (A4E) might be naturally inclined towards pointing out things that need improving in the policy and regulatory sphere, but the European airline association also used its annual summit on 20 March to highlight a fundamentally positive development for the region’s carriers.
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Airline BusinessAirlines candid on Boeing concerns
Good weeks have been few and far between at Boeing for some time, but the past few days have proven particularly challenging as the airframer works to move beyond its various issues.