US Navy completes first captive carry flight test of AARGM-ER on F/A-18 Super Hornet

The US Navy (USN) completed the first captive carry flight test of an Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missile on a Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet on 1 June.

American to operate 55% of its 2019 domestic network this summer

American Airlines’ domestic schedule will soon exceed 50% of its prior-year level for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic hammered travel demand.

US Air Force begins search to replace General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper in 2030

The MQ-9 was given initial operating capability in 2007 and has been used extensively against insurgents and terrorists in the Middle East. However, it is vulnerable to surface-to-air missiles fielded by advanced adversaries such as China and Russia.

North American carriers hunker down through crisis

While hard hit North American carriers may have found some comfort from state support packages and the size of its home markets, they have taken action swift action to limit cash burn to protect their businesses while waiting for passenger demand to return

Air Canada looking to quit Transat deal: reports

French-language media in Canada report that legacy carrier Air Canada is looking to exit its planned takeover of Transat AT, the parent company of Air Transat, as Canada’s biggest airline attempts to manage through the coronavirus crisis while preserving its liquidity.

US Army buys $3.4bn worth of Hydra-70 rockets

The Hydra-70 is an unguided 70mm (2.75in) rocket. When the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II upgrade kit is added it becomes a precision weapon, however.

USAF ponders radical air-to-air missile designs

The US Air Force is asking aerospace manufacturers for experimental ideas to use in its future long-range air-to-air missiles.

Final US Navy active duty patrol squadron transitions from P-3C Orion to P-8A Poseidon

All of the US Navy’s active duty patrol squadrons have transitioned from the Lockheed P-3C Orion to the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Bankruptcy is not a financial tool: American chief

American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker expects all the major US airlines to survive the current zero-revenue environment created by coronavirus pandemic, including the one he leads.

United reshuffles management to prepare for post-coronavirus world

United Airlines says that it is reshuffling top management roles to better prepare itself for a post-coronavirus transformation.

American sees signs of travel rebound

American Airlines says it sees promising signs of a rebound in air travel after the coronavirus pandemic decimated the industry earlier this year, but warns that the bounce in demand is tenuous, and from a vanishingly low level. 

Nearly 7,000 workers to lose jobs in Boeing’s first wave of job cuts

Boeing will notify nearly 7,000 employees this week that their jobs will be eliminated as part of a 10% companywide staff reduction that targets the aerospace giant’s commercial aircraft business.

Air Canada tests demand with international summer flights

Air Canada will launch an “abridged” schedule this summer with 97 destinations down from 220 last year, betting that coronavirus cases will decline and governments will ease restrictions to enable more international travel.

‘Anomaly’ scuppers Virgin Orbit maiden rocket launch

Virgin Orbit failed in its first attempt at launching a rocket into orbit from the wing of a modified Boeing 747-400 owing to an “anomaly”, but the company says it is pressing ahead with further tests.

Air Canada-Transat tie-up faces European competition scrutiny

Air Canada’s proposed acquisition of Transat AT, the parent of leisure carrier Air Transat, is to face scrutiny from European competition regulators.

Mini torpedo could be air-launched from US Navy aircraft: Northrop Grumman

The company recently manufactured and tested its first prototype of the Very Lightweight Torpedo for the US Navy.

Mystery as 737-800 arrives missing vertical fin parts

Clarity has yet to emerge over the circumstances in which a Boeing 737-800 arrived at San Diego missing a number of structural parts from its vertical fin.

Lockheed Martin wins $485m multi-country airborne sensor contract

Lockheed Martin won a contract to sell its Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) and two other sensors to two dozen countries and US military services – a deal worth up to $485 million.

United plans to remove seats from regional jets, CEO seeks union concessions

United Airlines says it is working on drawing up plans to remove middle seats on some regional aircraft if it is forced to furlough pilots due to the slow recovery following the global coronavirus pandemic. 

Lockheed Martin F-35 to miss 2020 production target due to coronavirus-caused parts shortage

The company’s suppliers are not able to deliver parts on time, a disruption caused by the coronavirus. As a result, the number of F-35s produced this year could fall by 18 to 24 units below the 141 aircraft goal.

KKR to buy six Delta A321s in sale-leaseback deal

Investment company KKR has signed an agreement to buy six Airbus A321s from Delta Air Lines, which it will lease back to the Atlanta-based carrier.

​Delta aims to reduce cash burn to zero by year-end

Delta Air Lines says it aims to reduce its daily cash burn to zero by the end of the year as it begins to ramp up its schedule to accommodate a small uptick in demand after the global coronavirus pandemic decimated air travel several weeks ago.

US Air Force launches Skyborg competition, artificial intelligence for loyal wingman UAV

The US Air Force has launched a competition to design the artificially intelligent software that would control its planned fleet of loyal wingman unmanned air vehicles.

​Snowbirds CT-114 crashes during display in Canada

A Canadair CT-114 Tutor trainer operated by the Canadian air force’s Snowbirds team has crashed during a demonstration routine.

Boeing to model potential spread of pathogens inside aircraft cabins

Boeing intends to model the potential spread of coronavirus on aircraft as part of an effort to address onboard coronavirus contagion risks and reassure pandemic-weary passengers that air travel is safe.

Boom mates supersonic XB-1’s wings with fuselage

Boom Supersonic has mated the wings and fuselage of XB-1, a supersonic demonstrator aircraft the company has said it will unveil this summer.

Delta to retire 777s, completing shift to A350s

Delta Air Lines says it will be retiring its Boeing 777 fleet by the end of 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt global travel, creating openings for airlines to permanently streamline their fleets and save money by shifting to more efficient aircraft.

US DOT relaxes CARES Act route commitments

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) will allow airlines to suspend service to at least five additional locations on their networks in an ongoing process to minimize the costs of operating flights amid coronavirus while keeping the USA connected.

US Air Force works towards in-flight updates of F-16 software

The service believes updating software on the fly will reduce fielding time to its fleet by 50%.

US regional Mesa reports $14 million profit

Mesa Air Group generated a $14 million operating profit for its fiscal second quarter, a 41% drop year-over-year, even as the coronavirus crisis has caused a significant drop air travel demand in the USA.

Boeing’s jet deliveries trickle in April, down 116 aircraft in four-month period

Boeing delivered six aircraft in April, bringing its deliveries in the first four months of the year to 56, a 67% slide from the January-April period last year.

USAF abandons 80% mission capability goal after three fighters miss target

The mission capability rate is defined as the percentage of a fleet of an aircraft that are able to perform at least one assigned mission over a period of time.

Gulfstream beefs up G700 test fleet

Gulfstream has commenced flights with its second and third G700 test aircraft.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works demos autonomous reconnaissance pod

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs, also known as Skunk Works, has demonstrated an artificial intelligence-powered intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance pod autonomously searching out and confirming a target in a demonstration.

Circumstances of fatal Austin runway incident remain obscure

Circumstances of the fatal runway incident at Austin-Bergstrom airport which involved an arriving Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 have yet to become clear, with air-ground communications providing little further detail on the sequence of events.

Man killed in Austin runway incident involving Southwest 737

A man has died in an incident involving a Southwest Airlines aircraft landing at Austin-Bergstrom international airport.

BA and American offer London slots to ease transatlantic pact concerns

Oneworld alliance carriers British Airways and American Airlines have offered slots at London Heathrow or Gatwick to address competition concerns on transatlantic services arising from their joint business arrangement.

Dynetics plans operational hypersonic missile factory by autumn 2020

The weapons technology company is leading a team of subcontractors, including General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies to build the USA’s first production example of a hypersonic weapon, the Common Hypersonic Glide Body

Aerospace manufacturers and airports seek more US government cash

US aerospace manufacturers and airports asked lawmakers for more financial aid during a 6 May hearing, while the nation’s top airline lobbyist warned of his sector’s precarious position.

7 technical challenges that need to be overcome by hypersonic missile builders

There remain great challenges to designing, building and fielding a reliable hypersonic weapon. Overcoming these seven technical problems is essential to advancing hypersonic missile technology to an operational state, according to leading experts at Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Technologies.

Generation Orbit starts building X-60A hypersonic test vehicle

The X-60A rocket, designed to test components of hypersonic missiles, is approaching flight readiness and safety reviews by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Those milestones come ahead of initial flight tests, which are expected to begin later this year and continue into 2021.

First CH-53K King Stallion simulator delivered to US Marine Corps

The first Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion simulator was delivered to US Marine Corps (USMC) Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Bronco II light attack aircraft returns with Leidos bid for US Special Ops Armed Overwatch

Leidos is leading a team that is putting forward the Bronco II light attack aircraft as an option for the US Special Operation Command’s Armed Overwatch programme.

De Havilland Canada resumes some operations following coronavirus shutdown

Some employees of De Havilland Canada have returned to work, marking a resumption of operations six weeks after the company shuttered facilities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Air Canada expects recovery to take three years

Air Canada incurred a C$1.05 billion ($744 million) net loss in the first quarter of 2020, compared with a C$285 million net profit a year ago, and is warning that it will take “at least three years” for revenue and capacity levels to return to those seen in 2019.

Boeing clinches $25 billion in milestone capital raise

Boeing is raising $25 billion in a multi-tranche bond offering, as it buffers liquidity amid an air travel downturn that could take years from which to recover.

Delta upsizes secured private placement to $3.5bn

Delta Air Lines has priced $3.5 billion of five-year notes at 7% as it boosts its liquidity position to manage through the coronavirus pandemic.

Textron Aviation squeaks out Q1 profit as aircraft deliveries tumble

Textron Aviation’s first-quarter profit tumbled 97% year-on-year to $3 million due largely to an idle factory floor and sagging aircraft sales amid the coronavirus pandemic.

GE Aviation’s profits slide in Q1 as engine sales tumble

GE Aviation’s commercial engine sales and orders tumbled in the first quarter of 2030, as did revenue and profit, as the coronavirus took a bite from the Ohio company’s business.

US Air Force launches study of another hypersonic cruise missile

The US Air Force is conducting market research in search of companies capable of helping to build an air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile.

Boeing CEO dismisses major new commercial product launches amid pandemic uncertainty

Boeing will not unveil a major new aircraft programme anytime soon, but will continue investing funds into updates to existing products and efforts to develop next-generation manufacturing and design processes.

Boeing anticipates Q3 return of 737 Max

Boeing believes it will resume 737 Max deliveries in the third quarter of 2020, with chief executive David Calhoun saying the company is progressing well through certification work despite challenges posed by coronavirus.

March figures reveal scale of initial coronavirus hit on airline traffic

Figures from IATA for March show global airline passenger traffic already down by more than 50% and collective load factors down more than 20 percentage points in a further illustration of how sharply the coronavirus crisis has hit the sector.

Boeing to cut commercial aircraft staff by 15% and slash production as losses mount

Boeing is slashing its commercial aircraft workforce by more than 15% and cutting production rates in response to the coronavirus pandemic and ensuing cash crunch.

Southwest plans for recession after $900 million cash burn

Southwest Airlines paired its 28 April disclosure of a first-quarter net loss of $94 million and a cash burn of $900 million in April with the announcement of additional liquidity enhancements, as it looks ahead to a near-term environment virtually devoid of travel demand. 

Southwest delays deliveries of 59 737 Max to post-2021

Southwest Airlines, among the world’s top Boeing 737 Max customers, has pushed back deliveries of 59 Max aircraft in response to the travel downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Southwest to boost liquidity with concurrent deals

Southwest Airlines will enhance its liquidity position through a common stock offering and a $1 billion convertible bond, both announced 28 April.

US Air Force issues draft request for proposal to replace B-52 engines

The US Air Force (USAF) released a draft request for proposal to replace the engines of the aging Boeing B-52H Stratofortress.

Embraer starts Boeing split proceedings but stays vague on future plans

Embraer has formally commenced arbitration proceedings following the decision by Boeing to terminate the companies’ $4.2 billion merger.

Boeing-Embraer joint venture collapse throws cold water on C-390

Collapse of a joint venture agreement between Boeing and Embraer to promote the Embraer C-390 Millennium will likely make it more difficult to sell the medium-lift transport outside of Brazil, seriously hurting the overall sales of the aircraft programme.

Boeing walks away from Embraer tie-up

Boeing has abandoned its plans for a tie-up with Embraer, exercising its right to terminate the agreement for joint commercial and military aviation ventures.

Airline pilots deal with coronavirus reality

While airline executives are struggling to figure out how to manage their fleets, pay staff and protect their businesses for a time after the coronavirus, employees on the front lines have been dealing with a very different reality.

Why leasing market is shedding 737 Max orders

Recent cancellations of Boeing 737 Max orders likely reflect unique pricing pressures faced by aircraft lessors and could foretell additional Max cancellations.

AeroVironment launches Quantix Recon, a military variant of its farm surveying drone

AeroVironment has launched its Quantix Recon unmanned air vehicle (UAV), a military variant of its farm surveying drone, on the market.

US Army UH-60V upgrade, including digital cockpit, finishes initial operational test and evaluation

The US Army’s UH-60V upgrade package, which enhances the “L” variant of the Sikorsky Black Hawk, has completed initial operational test and evaluation.

Grounded commercial aircraft around the world – in pictures

Parked aircraft have become commonplace at airports in all regions as the coronavirus outbreak prompts border restrictions and plummeting demand for air travel

Boeing to restructure, simplify corporate functions amid changing industry

Boeing is overhauling some of its management structure in an effort to streamline and integrate functions, improve cost efficiency and better prepare the company to succeed after the coronavirus pandemic.

Lockheed Martin projects fewer F-35 deliveries due to coronavirus impact

Lockheed Martin is projecting fewer F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter deliveries in 2020 due to impacts on its global supply chain caused by disruptions related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Army’s aviation modernisation plan

The US Army’s aviation modernisation plan.

General Atomics plans air launched effect test from MQ-1C Gray Eagle this summer

To keep the MQ-1C out of the reach of adversaries’ missiles, General Atomics is experimenting with using long-range sensors and air launched effects on the UAV.

USA, Norway to continue THOR-ER hypersonic work

The USA and Norway will continue research work into solid fuel ramjet technologies, with an eye to developing affordable full-sized prototypes with high-speeds and long ranges.

US Air Force ends Long-Range Standoff Weapon competition early, choosing Raytheon’s design

The US Air Force (USAF) has ended its Long-Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO) development competition early, issuing a sole-source contract to Raytheon.

First Nigerian Super Tucano conducts maiden sortie

The first A-29 Super Tucano due for delivery to the Nigerian air force has conducted its maiden flight from Jacksonville, Florida.

United sells 22 jets for leaseback including 787s

United Airlines is selling six Boeing 787-9s and 16 737 Max jets in a leaseback deal with the US division of Singaporean lessor BOC Aviation.

Porter takes wage subsidies as operations remain halted

Porter Airlines will receive funds from Canada’s wage subsidy programme, allowing the carrier to pay many of the hundreds of workers it furloughed in March after grounding its fleet and suspending all operations until June.

ALPA accuses FAA of cowing to airlines, pleas for health oversight

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) continues sparring with the Federal Aviation Administration over the FAA’s decision not to require airlines to follow health and sanitation guidelines aimed at protecting workers from catching coronavirus.

‘Air Force One’ is set to finish critical design review

The US Air Force Boeing VC-25B executive transport has completed almost all of its critical design review with just a few outstanding issues to be resolved.

US carriers tap relief funding as crisis deepens

North American airline traffic is expected be down more than a third compared with the 2019 level, IATA’s projections for the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the sector show.

FAA extends slot relief at US airports until October

The FAA says it will extend slot relief at seven major US airports through the summer travel season so that airlines will not be penalized as a result of reduced flying schedules caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

United secures $5 billion in payroll support

United Airlines says it will receive $5 billion in payroll support from the CARES act, designed to assist airlines in managing through the coronavirus pandemic.

Industry downturn raises new doubts about Boeing’s NMA: analysts

The aerospace industry downturn and Boeing’s financial position has raised fresh questions about its likelihood of developing the long-stalled New Mid-market Airplane (NMA), says two aerospace analysts

Spirit warns of $160 million Q1 loss, secures $1.2b in financing

Airframe maker Spirit AeroSystems expects to post a $160 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020, a reversal from a $163 million profit one year earlier.

Boeing military aircraft deliveries lower in first quarter of 2020

Boeing delivered 35% fewer military aircraft year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020.

Boeing cuts backlog by 313 aircraft in March as more airlines cancel Max orders

Boeing removed 313 aircraft from its backlog in March due the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, accounting adjustments and 150 737 Max cancellations, including newly disclosed terminations by Brazil’s Gol and Czech carrier Smartwings.

U-2 to get avionics, mission computer update

Lockheed Martin recently secured a $50 million US Air Force contract to update the venerable U-2 spy plane.

CH-53K King Stallion demonstrates first air-to-air refuelling

The heavy lift helicopter, in development for the US Marine Corps (USMC), completed the 4.5h test over Chesapeake Bay with a KC-130J in-flight refuelling tanker last week.

Boeing will resume some Washington state work as soon as 13 April

 Boeing will restart some of its Washington state operations, including defence work, as soon as 13 April, signaling a partial end to a shutdown that took effect on 25 March.

JetBlue and Spirit apply for emergency exemptions to ‘minimum service’ order

JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines are the first two US carriers to apply for immediate exemptions under the Department of Transportation’s service requirements, striking 19 and 26 destinations in their respective networks.

Air Canada to apply for federal wage subsidies

Air Canada is seeking newly available federal wage subsidies for 36,000 domestic employees, including roughly 16,500 workers who have already lost their jobs.

DOT final order takes ULCC, airport concerns into account

The US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) final order on requirements air carriers must meet if they take advantage of government aid during the coronavirus pandemic gives additional flexibility to carriers on managing seasonal networks and relieves secondary airports which subsidised unprofitable routes.

FAA proposes noise standards for new class of supersonic civilian jets

The US Federal Aviation Administration is moving forward with an effort to establish noise certification standards for supersonic aircraft, a development intended to set the US government on a path to permitting a new class of ultra-fast jets.

Boeing demonstrates S-100 Camcopter UAV resupplying US Army soldiers

Boeing recently demonstrated the S-100 Camcopter unmanned air vehicle resupplying soldiers with small cargo packages in an unnamed US Army exercise.

Hexcel and Woodward cancel merger due to coronavirus downturn

Downturn and broader economic fallout caused by coronavirus prompts Woodward and Hexcel to terminate planned merger

Ravn Air Group suspends most flights in Alaska

Alaska-based Ravn Air Group will park nearly all its fleet and operate only three De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft in response to the lack of air travel demand, leaving rural and isolated communities in the state few options for air freight deliveries and passenger flights.

Boeing extends Puget Sound factory closures

Boeing has extended he closure of its production facilities in the Puget Sound region of Washington, which includes the Seattle area and Moses Lake, “until further notice”.

Secondary airports protest DOT’s ‘minumum service’ rule for differing reasons

Secondary airports across the United States have objected to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) show cause order which would require carriers who plan to take government relief as a result of the coronavirus pandemic maintain minimum service to certain points across the country.

US Air Force Reserve receives first HC-130J Combat King II

The US Air Force Reserve has received its first Lockheed Martin HC-130J Combat King II.

File coronavirus grant applications by end of day 3 April: US government

The US Department of the Treasury is asking airlines and air transport businesses to submit applications for government payroll grants via an online portal before the close of the 3 April business day.

United Technologies-Raytheon merger to close today

The merger of United Technology’s aerospace divisions and Raytheon is now expected to close the morning of 3 April after UTC’s spin off of its non-aviation businesses Carrier and Otis.

American Airlines cuts summer schedule

American Airlines says its summer 2020 schedule will reflect the realities of the decline in demand after the global coronavirus pandemic.

Simulator tests demonstrate 737 Max manual trim difficulties

Simulator tests conducted last year provide insight into flight scenarios that can leave Boeing 737 Max pilots struggling or unable to manually trim the aircraft back to level flight.

Passenger traffic may only recover end-2021: ACI World

Worldwide passenger traffic may not recover to pre-coronavirus levels until the end of 2021, according to an economic analysis by Airports Council International (ACI) World.

‘Low-cost is the technology’: Kratos buys jet turbine maker behind AFRL Gray Wolf cruise missile

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions purchased small jet turbine manufacturer Technical Directions for an undisclosed amount on 24 February.

US carriers race to shrink fleets as nearly 400 near-term aircraft deliveries loom

The speed at which a handful of US passenger airlines bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic will to a large degree determine how significantly the virus downturn wallops airframers Airbus and Boeing.

Production-representative MQ-9B starts flight tests

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has conducted the first flight of a production-representative MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned air vehicle.

Minimum number of flights required for airlines taking bailout money: US DOT

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has published rules that US carriers must follow if they decide to accept government aid as a result of financial difficulties resulting from the global coronavirus crisis.

Engine thrust incidents spur safety alert over biocides

European and US safety regulators are cautioning operators over the potential effects of misapplying biocides to aircraft fuel, including multi-engine loss of thrust control.

Fuel is leaking from the Boeing KC-46A in-flight refuelling tanker

The problem, which was first discovered in July 2019, was recently upgraded to a category 1 deficiency.

Canada approves first UAV beyond-visual-line-of-sight flight with only detect-and-avoid

The regulatory agency granted the Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) Special Flight Operations Certificate to drone operator MVT Geo-solutions of Quebec, which offers aerial lidar, photogrammetry and thermography land mapping services.

FAA eases some flight crew requirements in response to pandemic

The Federal Aviation Administration has eased some flight crew training and medical requirements in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Canada has ‘concerns’ about Air Canada-Transat merger

The Competition Bureau of the government of Canada says it has “competition concerns” about the planned takeover of Transat by Air Canada.

Boeing pushes away new capabilities for MQ-25A to focus on basics

By keeping its eye on two goals - refuelling fighters and operating from a carrier - the MQ-25A Stingray development team expects its unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) by 2024; other functions can come later

Why the US Navy is thinking hard about smaller aircraft carriers

The supercarrier – the long arm of the USA’s military power – is getting its biggest rethink since the end of the Cold War

Harbour Air suspends scheduled flights

Canadian commuter airline Harbour Air has suspended its scheduled passenger operations due to the coronavirus pandemic, and says it expects to spend the entire month of April grounded.

USS Gerald R. Ford conducts first vertical replenishment exercise

​ICAO welcomes government support for aviation sector

UN aviation body ICAO welcomed a statement from G20 countries to aid in the global recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting that aviation is one of the worst-hit sectors.

US government aid to aerospace could mean oversupply in future, but avert ‘catastrophe’ now: analyst

While government support would provide vital relief to US aerospace manufacturing at a time of impending crisis, such aid could create a “synthetic” aircraft market to the detriment of the industry in future years.

Spirit AeroSystems targets year-end opening of Scotland wing development site

Spirit AeroSystems expects by year-end to open a new facility in Prestwick, Scotland where it will research and develop manufacturing and production technologies aimed at helping the company land contracts to supply Airbus’ next single-aisle aircraft programme.

HAECO acquires Dallas-based commercial engine shop

HAECO has announced the acquisition of US-based engine MRO firm Jet Engine Solutions (JES).

US Army selects Bell and Sikorsky to build FARA prototypes

The US Army has selected Bell and Sikorsky to design and test Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Competitive Prototypes.

Airline Business podcast: Latest IATA impact assessment plus Asia-Pacific focus

Graham and Lewis talk through the latest figures and thoughts from IATA as airlines across the world ground their fleets in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Americas 24 March in review: Congress negotiates aid; Manufacturers and airlines make deep cuts

Politicians from both houses of the US Congress continued negotiating a bill that would offer the air transport industry financial support in order to secure jobs and keep airlines afloat as the coronavirus crisis ravages the industry.

Boeing’s Calhoun defends Boeing’s financial health, pushes back against equity-for-aid government support

Boeing chief executive David Calhoun insists government aid to the struggling airline and aerospace sectors should not be contingent upon the government taking equity in US companies.

US House aid bill sets strict labour, consumer, environmental protections

The US House of Representatives says it is willing to support the transportation industry as it works through its losses due to the coronavirus, including offering infrastructure grants to airports and tangible relief for aviation workers. However, it wants airlines to protect their employees and consumers before protecting their own bottom lines.

Americas 23 March in review: Boeing shuts Seattle factories; Airlines repatriate citizens

US aerospace companies continue to take radical measures to try to reduce the impact of the coronavirus as politicians negotiate a federal aid package designed to assist the companies through the crisis. 

Air Canada to reinstate some international routes to repatriate citizens

Air Canada will reinstate some international connections in an effort to repatriate citizens who have become stranded overseas as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Transat to lay off 70% of Canadian staff as it halts flights in April

Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat will suspend all flights on 1 April, while its parent Transat AT is laying off some 3,600 Canadian employees due to the coronavirus crisis.

A321 uncontained failure spurs urgent V2500 disk measures

Operators of Airbus A320-family jets are being ordered to remove disks from certain International Aero Engines V2500 powerplants after an uncontained failure resulted in an aborted A321 take-off.

Week of 16 March in review: North American carriers reel from coronavirus fallout

The aviation and aerospace industry in North America experienced the most dramatic week since the days and weeks following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.

Trump suggests airline aid package could restrict stock buybacks

President Donald Trump supports imposing stock buyback restrictions on companies that receive financial aid as part of the federal government’s coronavirus recovery package.

Air Canada temporarily lays off 5,100 cabin crew: union

Air Canada is reportedly temporarily laying off 5,100 cabin crew as the coronavirus hits its business, forcing it to ground aircraft and take significant capacity out of its network.

Hawaiian to cut flights by 40% during April

Hawaiian Airlines plans to cut 40% of its flights in April, including international routes and those to the continental USA, as the carrier prepares for a prolonged lack of demand and additional government travel restrictions in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Senate bill would make $150b available to struggling sectors, including aerospace manufacturing

The US Senate’s proposed financial aid package to businesses affected by the coronavirus would make $150 billion in loans available to “distressed” US companies, including those in the aerospace manufacturing sector.

Senate aims to provide $58b in aid to airlines

The US government has offered its airline industry a package worth $58 billion to assist in supporting the sector as it manages through the coronavirus pandemic that has forced many to reduce schedules, ground aircraft and furlough staff.

US Air Force looks to rent T-X contest losers to prepare for Boeing T-7A

The US Air Force is looking to rent four to eight jet trainers to perfect its training regime and further refine capabilities needed on the winner of the T-X trainer contest, the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk.

Canada’s Sunwing to suspend flights and layoff pilots: union

Canadian leisure carrier Sunwing Airlines will suspend operations on 24 March and layoff all its roughly 470 pilots on 8 April, according the union representing Sunwing’s pilots.

Las Vegas air traffic control tower closed

The air traffic control tower at Las Vegas McCarran International airport has been closed for a deep cleaning after one controller has “presumptively tested positive” for the coronavirus.

Air Canada 777-300ER rejects take-off behind aborting E190

Canadian investigators have detailed an incident in which an Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER aborted take-off at 110kt after its crew saw that a preceding Embraer 190 had aborted its own take-off roll on the same runway.

Spirit reduces April and May capacity by 20%

Spirit Airlines will cut its April capacity by 20% and its May capacity by 25% and reduce executive salaries as the ultra-low-cost carrier seeks to reduce costs in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

US Air Force C-17 moves 500,000 swabs from Italy to USA, and activates ‘24/7 Crisis Battle Staff’

As part of a growing effort to support the US government’s response to coronavirus, the US Air Force moved 500,000 swabs aboard a C-17 Globemaster III from an airbase in Italy to the USA.

Canada’s Porter shutters until June

Canadian regional carrier Porter Airlines says it is ceasing all operations until June, according to a notice on the airline’s website.

Earthquake shuts Salt Lake City airport

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake rattled Salt Lake City, shutting the airport temporarily.

Satellite airport images show coronavirus impact

Boeing seeks $60bn in aid for aerospace manufacturing

Boeing is requesting at least $60 billion in government aid to support US aerospace manufacturing – funds the company says will help the industry weather the coronavirus downturn and protect 2.5 million jobs.

Trans States Airlines to fold in April

Trans States Airlines, which announced last month that it would be shuttering at the end of the year due to consolidation and a pilot shortage, has told its employees that it will go out of business nine months earlier, on 1 April. It could be the first US airline to fall victim to the coronavirus that has decimated the industry.

President Trump: US will ‘protect’ Boeing from coronavirus fallout

President Donald Trump says the US government will “protect” Boeing from the adverse effects of the coronavirus downturn, suggesting financial aid to Boeing and other aerospace companies may be part of a pending economic relief plan.

Trump administration proposing aid package that would leave US carriers ‘in good shape’

The US government is working with Congress to pass legislation that would provide financial support a broad swath of US industry, including to the country’s airlines, which have been hammered in recent days by a collapse in demand.

Honeywell pushes Forge into business aviation

Analytics platform integrates company’s existing tools with third-party services on single dashboard

US Air Force adds two AT-6 light attack aircraft to continued experiment

The US Air Force (USAF) has purchased for $70.2 million two Textron Aviation Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine aircraft for its continued light attack experiment.

IATA: ‘urgent measures’ needed to support air cargo

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appealed to governments to take “urgent measures” to support cargo operations, which is instrumental to transport essential medical supplies and keep the economy functioning as airlines cut passenger service up to 75%.

US airlines ask for $50 billion in government aid

US airlines are seeking at least $50 billion in aid to support them as they manage through the coronavirus crisis that has caused a sharp drop in demand, leading to mounting losses for an industry accustomed to years of progressive profit growth.

Air Canada to request government help

Air Canada says it is retracting its financial guidance and cutting its operations as the global coronavirus pandemic hits the airlines, while asking the Canadian government to help with the financial losses it expects to suffer in the coming months.

AC-130W demonstrates maritime attack role

The US military has demonstrated the use of a Lockheed Martin AC-130W Stinger II gunship in a new naval support role.

United grounds half its total capacity in response to coronavirus

United Airlines will reduce capacity by half in April and May and has cut executive officers’ salaries 50% in response to a pandemic United’s executives say makes operating an airline “nearly impossible”.

American slashes 75% of its international capacity

American Airlines has slashed 75% of its international capacity in response to the drop-off in demand as the global coronavirus crisis continues.

United scales back London and Dublin flights as US travel ban widens

United Airlines has nixed some flights to London and Dublin following the US government’s expansion of its travel ban to include passengers arriving from the UK and Ireland.

Business jet industry faces uncertain future after several days of booming demand

The business aviation industry might be more insulated from coronavirus fallout than the commercial sector but likewise faces an unknown future as corporations globally restrict or outright prohibit business travel

CH-47 Chinook production be stretched to 2025 using foreign sales

The US Army believes a combination of domestic and foreign sales will give the Boeing CH-47 production line in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the minimum demand needed to remain open until at least 2025.

Delta to ground 300 aircraft and cut all flights to mainland Europe

Delta Air Lines has told employees that it is grounding 300 aircraft, representing 30% of its total aircraft fleet, and cutting all flights to mainland Europe as the coronavirus cripples travel and grips the world.

Coronavirus prompts American to retire 767s and 757s early

American Airlines has accelerated the retirement of its 767s and 757s. It now plans to ground 767s in May and 757s by the second half of 2021.

American cuts international capacity by 34%

American Airlines has further slashed international capacity following increased US travel restrictions for foreign nationals, as the US government attempts to slow the spread of the coronavirus within the country.

After years of industry pushback, US Marine Corps concedes MUX too complex

The US Marine Corps’ ambitious plan to create a vertical-take-off-and-landing unmanned air vehicle that could carry out a long list of missions has been halted after years of warnings from US aerospace manufacturers that the envisioned aircraft would be expensive and require a lengthy development period.

Canada’s Transat evaluates its options as it weathers coronavirus

Canada’s Transat AT, the parent company of leisure carrier Air Transat says it is evaluating all options as it grapples with the effects of the coronavirus on its business.

Viking Air’s updated CL-415EAF makes flight debut

Viking Air’s first CL-415EAF enhanced aerial firefighter has completed its debut flight following modification from the earlier CL-215 water-bomber standard.

US travel ban from Europe leaves airlines and passengers scrambling

After President Donald Trump announced a travel ban from Europe to the United States from the end of this week, there was some confusion as to what exactly the measure would mean for US carriers and their guests.

Los Angeles teacher sues Delta for fuel dump

A teacher at a Los Angeles area high school has sued Delta Air Lines following a fuel dump from a Delta jet experiencing engine troubles after departing Los Angeles International airport.

Air Canada cancels 11 737 Max orders

Air Canada says it has cancelled orders for 11 Boeing 737 Max aircraft as it reassess its needs in the wake of the troubled aircraft’s year-long grounding.

Two more Boeing staffers at Everett test positive for coronavirus

Another two Boeing employees who work at the company’s Everett site have tested positive for the disease caused by coronavirus, bringing to three the number of employees who have tested positive.

American suspends numerous flights to Europe and Latin America

American Airlines has extended the suspension and cancellation of numerous international flights, including to regions that have not yet been severely impacted by the coronavirus, such as Latin America.

United Airlines paints dire coronavirus scenario for 2020

United Airlines is preparing for a dark scenario for the aviation industry in the coming months as the coronavirus decimates demand and customers stay away from travel in order to protect themselves from becoming infected with the fast-moving flu-like disease.

Delta plans to cut flights, ground aircraft and hoard cash as virus hammers demand

Delta Air Lines has cut near-term capacity at least 15% and has started hoarding cash in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has pushed Delta’s bookings down as much as 30%.

Boeing Everett worker tests positive for coronavirus

Boeing confirms an employee at its facility in Everett, Washington, home to its widebody production plant, has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

US Air Force buys two A-29 light attack aircraft for continued experiment

Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded a $129 million contract to supply two Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 light attack aircraft to the US Air Force.

Hawaiian suspends flights to Tokyo Haneda

After suspending its flights to South Korea in late February, Hawaiian Airlines now has halted flights from Hawaii to Tokyo’s Haneda International airport following declining demand for capacity to Asia amid the spiraling coronavirus scare.

Congress slams Boeing and FAA for alleged 737 Max failures

A US congressional committee investigating the Boeing 737 Max has issue a preliminary report highlighted alleged failures by Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration.

​Northrop turns to Canberra to shore up Triton production

Northrop Grumman says Australia should consider advancing its acquisition of the US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton UAV following the Trump administration’s proposal to pause production for the programme in FY2021 and FY2022.

​GE Aviation plans hiring freeze and preps for up to $300m Q1 virus hit

GE Aviation will implement a hiring freeze and reduce 2020 spending in response to a new 737 Max agreement with Boeing, while contending with an expected $200-$300 million first-quarter hit from the coronavirus outbreak.

Bombardier introduces Gogo’s Avance L5 retrofit for older Learjets

Bombardier has introduced the Gogo Avance L5 in-flight connectivity system as a retrofit for North America-based operators of its older Learjet aircraft

US airlines ask President Trump to reassure virus-weary travellers

US airline chief executives met with President Donald Trump and other officials in Washington, DC on 4 March to discuss their industry’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. They also urged Trump to assure the American public that air travel remains safe – a request coming as the industry reels from sagging demand and virus-spooked travellers.

FAA approves Erickson S-64E Skycrane’s new composite main rotor blade

“Benefits are expected to include higher lift capacity in almost all flight conditions, including a greater than 1,350kg (3,000lb) lift increase at hot and high conditions, a 33% lower manufacturing cost, 75% lower maintenance costs and 3% lower fuel consumption,” the company said in 2017.

Lockheed delivers 500th F-35

Lockheed Martin has delivered the 500th F-35 fighter, with the fleet also surpassing the 250,000 flight hour mark.

Boeing’s new leaders may have what it takes to lead turnaround: analysts

In the year since the second 737 Max crash, Boeing has overhauled much of its top leadership, including naming of David Calhoun as new chief executive and Stan Deal as chief of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Those changes have largely been viewed positively by aerospace analysts. They are optimistic Boeing’s new leaders have skills needed to move the company toward recovery.

5 technologies needed to make attritable UAVs work

Aircraft developers believe these five pieces of technology need to be improved to make attritable aircraft work.

Why the US Air Force might use ‘deception’ and UAVs hidden in shipping containers to fight China

The US Air Force is rethinking the way it plans for war in the Pacific Ocean. It is eyeing a new class of unmanned air vehicle that could be hidden inside shipping containers and spread across small islands in the western Pacific. Should war ever come, the UAVs could be rocket launched within a matter of hours in massive volleys from dozens or even thousands of secret sites.

Saab announces team for Canada Gripen E campaign

Saab has announced a slate of partners who will participate in its Gripen E campaign for Ottowa’s requirement for 88 new fighters.

Charter provider Wheels Up buys business aircraft operator Gama Aviation Signature

US business aircraft charter company Wheels Up has acquired aircraft operator Gama Aviation Signature, a move that continues fast-growing Wheels Up’s expansion following a recent equity sale to Delta Air Lines.

United’s capacity reduction in Asia extends beyond China

United Airlines has suspended some of its flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore and Seoul and extended its flight cancellations to mainland China and Hong Kong through 30 April.

Boston to Nantucket: Cape Air’s new P2012 Traveller

The pilot goosed the throttles, the Lycoming TEO-540-C1A engines whined and the Cape Air Tecnam P2012 Traveller accelerated briskly along Boston Logan International airport’s Runway 22R.

Why the US Air Force chose hypersonic ARRW over HCSW

The US Air Force’s decision to cancel the Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW) and proceed with Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) came down to size and shape of the missile, in addition to budgetary pressures and a desire to move toward production faster.

Spirit AeroSystems 2019 profits slip, Max production to restart in March

Aircraft component maker Spirit AeroSystems’ net income slipped 14% year-on-year in 2019 to $530 million, reflecting Boeing 737 Max issues, booked losses related to a 787 production rate cut and a decline in margins from Airbus A350 components.

UAVs could start replacing manned fighters in mid-2020s: USAF

As older Lockheed Martin F-16s approach the end of their service life five to eight years from now, the US Air Force (USAF) may consider replacing the manned fighters with attritable unmanned air vehicles (UAV).

US airlines could experience short-term hit from coronavirus

While Asian airlines have borne the brunt of the coronavirus crisis so far, US carriers are closely monitoring the situation, and will likely take a short-term loss as the US government sends mixed messages and bookings begin to decline.

Lockheed Martin’s hypersonic ARRW passes critical design review

ARRW is to officially pass the milestone on 27 February and the US Air Force is pleased with the missile’s development progress, says Lockheed Martin.

Silver Airways adds Florida-Charleston routes

Regional carrier Silver Airways says it is introducing new routes between its three Florida hubs and Charleston, South Carolina.

Cape Air puts P2012 Travellers to work as revenue flights commence

Cape Air has become the first operator to begin revenue flights of the Tecnam P2012 Traveller, having dispatched the type on an inaugural commercial flight from its Hyannis base to Nantucket island on 22 February.

Kratos begins XQ-58A Valkyrie production, despite funding delay caused by mishap

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions has started building production examples of its XQ-58A Valkyrie attritable unmanned air vehicle, despite an investigation into an October 2019 mishap which delayed an expected contract from the US Air Force.

FAA requires lightning protection inspections of 737 Max prior to flight

The Federal Aviation Administration intends to prohibit 737 Max flights until each aircraft undergoes inspections related to risks posed by lightning strikes.

Jazz Dash 8 landing gear incident prompts Canadian investigation

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is investigating a reported landing gear fire involving a Jazz Aviation turboprop in Montreal on 25 February.

Mentoring for captains among FAA revisions to reduce poor airmanship

US regulators have adopted new measures intended to improve pilot skills by providing leadership and mentoring training for captains, as well as opportunities for new-hire pilots to observe flight operations before becoming a crew member.

The Pentagon’s five principles for stopping artificial intelligence from running amok

The DoD believes it must pursue AI or it will be leapfrogged by adversaries such as China and Russia who could use the technology to prevail on a future battlefield, for example, by using software to obverse and react to the USA faster. It also thinks restrictions on AI must be set up.

Trans States Airlines to shutter operations as ExpressJet takes more United flying

United Express is consolidating its Embraer ERJ145 operations under ExpressJet as Trans States Airlines tells employees it is shutting down.

Sikorsky wins contract to build six more VH-92A ‘Marine One’ helicopters

The helicopters are to be operated by the US Marine Corps and are to replace the Sikorsky VH-3D, popularly known by its call sign of “Marine One” when the US president flies aboard.

Atlas Air reports $293m loss in 2019 as it writes down 747-400 fleet

Aircraft lessor and air freight company Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reported a loss for 2019 as it wrote down parts of its fleet due to lower cargo business during the year.

United and Vistara codeshare on domestic Indian flights

A new codeshare agreement between United Airlines and Vistara enables United customers to book domestic travel to 26 destinations in India on flights operated by the New Delhi-based carrier.

U-2 spyplane fleet gets new high-powered camera

The electro-optical and infrared camera is to provide more precise, long-range tracking of stationary or moving targets in a wider range of weather conditions.

Trump administration flip-flops on C919 de-engining idea

The Trump administration may (or may not) be considering blocking the sale of CFM International Leap-1C engines and other technology for the developmental Comac C919.

Air Canada posts higher 2019 results, despite 737 Max grounding

Air Canada revenue and net profit rose slightly in 2019, but results were tempered by the ongoing grounding of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft and the start of the coronavirus crisis in Asia, the airline says.

USA raises tariffs on EU aircraft to 15%

The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) raised its tariffs on large European aircraft 15%, up from its 10% levies implemented last October, in an ongoing dispute over subsidies.

USS Gerald R Ford’s EMALS cleared for all aircraft

The US Navy’s (USN) newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, has been cleared as operationally safe for launching and recovering all naval aircraft types using its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG).

A220 break-even pushed back to mid-2020s

Airbus is pushing back the estimate for A220 programme break-even to the middle of the current decade, several years later than the 2020 timeline for which Bombardier had been aiming.

Boeing teases its US Army FARA design

Boeing has released a teaser video of its US Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft design.

Boeing sees P-8’s new capabilities expanding international market

Boeing believes possible upgrades to its P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, including the integration of new anti-ship cruise missiles, bombs, sea mines and decoys, among other payloads, could help it increase international sales potential.

Airbus to shift A220 cockpit and fuselage work to Mirabel site

Airbus is to transfer A220 work package production currently conducted at Bombardier’s Saint-Laurent facility to the Mirabel site where the aircraft’s final assembly line is located.

Boeing lands no new aircraft orders in January as deliveries slow to trickle

Boeing received no new orders for large commercial aircraft in January, and delivered only 13 aircraft – a trickle of activity for a company long accustomed to big orders and dozens of monthly deliveries.

Curtiss-Wright and Honeywell showcase EASA-compliant Fortress flight recorders

Aerospace company Curtiss-Wright is using the Singapore show to pitch a new-generation flight recorder that can collect 25h of cockpit audio, meeting a mandate for commercial aircraft set to take effect in 2021.

JAL looks to May launch of long-haul, low-cost carrier Zipair

Executives from Boeing, Japan Airlines and long-haul, low-cost offshoot Zipair are talking up the new carrier’s pending launch of passenger flights.

Boeing head of sales still discounts narrowbodies as mid-market answer

Boeing’s head of sales still insists narrowbody aircraft lack sufficient comfort for operating medium-haul “mid-market” flights – an assertion seemingly opposing speculation the company may shelve a widebody development project in favour of a narrowbody.

Fuselage deal pushes back recovery of 737 Max production rates

Spirit AeroSystems’ latest Boeing 737 Max production agreement for 2020 covers barely a third of the fuselages it delivered in 2018, and appears to put Boeing at least four years behind its ramp-up schedule for the re-engined jet.

FAA chief defends reasoning to delay 737 Max grounding

US FAA chief Steve Dickson has defended the administration’s decision to wait for empirical evidence to order the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max, rather than follow other authorities’ precautionary approach.

737 Max edging cautiously towards certification flights: FAA chief

US FAA administrator Steve Dickson has indicated that the Boeing 737 Max could commence certification flights within a few weeks, although certain issues with the aircraft still need to be resolved.

Airbus files protest against US Navy giving trainer helicopter contract to Leonardo

Airbus Helicopters filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) against the US Navy (USN) awarding its Advanced Helicopter Training System contract to Leonardo Helicopters.

US Special Operations plans to buy 75 light attack aircraft for Armed Overwatch

The US Special Operations Command plans on buying 75 fixed-wing aircraft for its just-announced Armed Overwatch programme.

Wellington taps Wisk’s Cora for air taxi trials

The New Zealand government and urban air mobility firm Wisk have entered a memorandum of understanding for a passenger transport trial involving the company’s all-electric air taxi, Cora.

US Navy flies two EA-18G Growlers autonomously; third Growler used as controller

In total, four flights were conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, says manufacturer Boeing on 4 February. The aircraft demonstrated 21 missions, though the type of missions were not disclosed.

US Navy plans to arm P-8A with cruise missiles, bombs, sea mines and decoys

The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is soliciting potential contractors to integrate the Boeing P-8A Poseidon with Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles, as well as several other weapons. 

American suspends all flights to China

American Airlines says it is suspending all flights to China as the coronavirus spreads, sickening more than a thousand and killing almost 200 people. The decision comes a day after the carrier’s pilots sued to stop the carrier’s flights to the country.

SkyWest orders 20 E175s

The parent company of US regional operator SkyWest Airlines has ordered 20 Embraer E175 jets, with deliveries expected to commence in the second half of the year.

Checklist concern emerges after E175 crew's pitch-trim battle

US investigators have discovered chafed horizontal stabiliser control wiring on an American Eagle Embraer 175 involved in a serious mis-trim and pitch-control incident on departure from Atlanta.

Boeing will need a ‘few years’ to recapture previous 737 Max production rate plans

Boeing anticipates its 737 Max production rate will return to previously expected levels several years after the company restarts Max production, which could come within the next several months.

Erickson to demo S-64 Air Crane flying autonomously using Sikorsky Matrix

Erickson signed a development agreement to integrate its S-64 Air Crane helicopter with Sikorsky’s Matrix autonomous flight control software.

Boeing to reduce 787 production to 10 aircraft per month in 2021

Boeing has announced another 787 production rate cut, saying it plans to lower output of the widebody to 10 aircraft monthly by early 2021.

Leonardo to take delivery of full flight simulator for AW609 tiltrotor

Leonardo Helicopters plans to take delivery of the first AW609 simulator at its Philadelphia, Pennsylvania facility in the summer of 2020.

Engine surge and roll-back preceded Delta A350 diversion

Canadian investigators have disclosed that a Korea-bound Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 encountered engine surges and a thrust roll-back before the aircraft diverted to Alaska.

Leonardo acquires Kopter in a deal worth at least $185m

The deal comes as Kopter says it expects to concurrently receive airworthiness certificates from the FAA and EASA in 2020, regulatory approval that will clear the way for the upstart aerospace manufacturer to deliver its first helicopter before the end of the year.

SyberJet SJ30i completes key tests as approval set for early 2021

SyberJet Aircraft has completed a series of key tests on its Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0-based SyberVision avionics suite for the SJ30i business jet, as it targets certification and service entry of the high-speed light-twin for early 2021.

Kobe Bryant crash puts Heli-Expo conference in tricky spot

One day after basketball star Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter accident, the world’s largest helicopter association attempted to calm public fears about rotorcraft at an industry conference not far from the crash site.

Why Universal Avionics sees pilot shortage driving boom in wearable displays

Universal Avionics believes that a lack of helicopter pilots in the future will mean operators will increasingly need to rely on solo pilots aided by automated technologies, such as helmets with augmented reality glasses, to handle workloads while flying missions.

Why Bell plans to vertically integrate its eVTOL business and compete with Uber

In a partial break with its partner Uber – as well as its own historical business model – Bell plans to vertically integrate aircraft production, flight operations and nearly everything in between, in order to grab a large piece of the nascent electric-vertical-take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) air taxi industry.

Boeing’s 777X takes to the skies

After two thwarted attempts, Boeing’s flight test 777X lifted off from Paine Field on 25 January. 

Tailwinds keep 777X from making maiden flight

After a several-hour tarmac hold, Boeing scrapped the planned first flight of its 777X on 24 January due to high winds.

​Boom Supersonic teams with Flight Research to trial XB-1 technology demonstrator

Supersonic aircraft developer Boom has partnered with US training support and services company Flight Research (FRI) to test its XB-1 technology demonstrator in a supersonic corridor stretching across the Mojave Desert. 

JetBlue cautious in Q1 amid Puerto Rico quakes

JetBlue Airways Corporation on 23 January reported a net profit of $161 million during the fourth quarter of 2019 that slightly beat analyst expectations despite being a 5% decline year-on-year versus $170 million in 2018.

American Airlines posts strong 2019, expects 737 Max in second half of 2020

American Airlines posted higher revenue and profit figures for the full year 2019 than a year earlier, as strong demand countered fallout from the Boeing 737 Max crisis.

Boeing plans to restart 737 production ‘months’ before midyear: CEO

Boeing intends to restart 737 Max production several months before midyear and ahead of the Max’s return to service, meaning production could start humming again within three months, Boeing chief executive David Calhoun says on 22 January.

General Atomics to demo MQ-1C Gray Eagle as tactical ballistic missile spotter

The purpose of the flights is to show the US Army that the aircraft, when fitted with long-range radar and air-launched effects, can serve as a target spotter for the service’s next generation of tactical ballistic missiles, the Long Range Precision Fires system.

F-35 sensors help ground interceptors engage “air-breathing” targets

The Lockheed Martin F-35 has demonstrated has demonstrated a capability to downlink targeting data about multiple “air-breathing threats” to ground forces.

United Q4 2019 non-fuel unit costs up 2.7%

United Airlines’s non-fuel unit costs (CASM ex-fuel) increased by 2.7% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2019, while full-year non-fuel costs rose by 1% compared to 2018.

Boeing now expects mid-year certification of 737 Max

The FAA says it has set no timeframe for when the certification work will be finished.

Boeing schedules first 777X flight for 23 January

Boeing has scheduled the 777X’s maiden sortie for 23 January, an event that will finally kick off the revamped widebody’s delayed flight-test programme and potentially keep the airframer on track to begin deliveries in early 2021.

Boeing 747 marks 50 years since Pan Am service debut

This week marks exactly 50 years since the 747’s first passenger service with Pan Am

Chief executive Peter Ingram on leading Hawaiian Airlines

Two years into his role, Ingram is skilfully guiding the company through an evolution that would test any leader: answering the fierce competition from the US mainland, executing a major joint venture, overseeing a transformational infrastructure project and plotting the carrier’s next geographic and fleet expansion.

FAA broadens emergency order in wake of 777 engine failure

Operators of Boeing 777-300ERs are being ordered urgently to remove another batch of interstage seals from General Electric GE90 engines, following an uncontained failure last October.

Dynetics X-61A Gremlins makes first flight, but destroyed after parachute fails

The aim of DARPA’s Gremlins is to create low-cost UAVs that could be air-launched and recovered in swarms. The aircraft could be used for a variety of applications including as a surveillance platform or as a loitering munition.

Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant continues flight testing, passing 100kt

The release of a video by the joint Sikorsky-Boeing team on 17 January helped to quell questions swirling around the status of the helicopter, a development and test effort which was in doubt after gearbox troubles put it behind schedule.

Daher sees modest dip in TBM and Kodiak deliveries during ‘tough’ 2019

Daher saw flat sales in 2019, with deliveries of its Kodiak and TBM single-engined aircraft families slipping slightly, following what it calls a “tough year in the entry-level business aviation market”.

X-60A hypersonic test vehicle completes rocket hot firings

The US Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) X-60A rocket recently completed engine test firings while on the ground at Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, Florida.

A220 cost reductions on ‘track’ as Airbus seeks to make the Quebec programme profitable

One year ago, Airbus executives in Canada laid out broad strokes of a plan to make the A220 a commercial success. Chief among the company’s goals: to boost A220 production, land sales with major airlines, reduce costs and, ultimately, make A220s profitable.

Jet Edge expands with JetSelect acquisition

Jet Edge International has snapped up JetSelect Aviation to become one of the largest business aircraft charter and management companies in the USA, with a fleet of 85 aircraft.

Delta 777 dumps fuel on schoolchildren before making emergency landing

Delta Air Lines says that one of its aircraft dumped fuel over suburban Los Angeles as it was returning to Los Angeles international airport after declaring an emergency, slightly injuring 17 children and nine adults who were outdoors on a school playground.

Delta posts strong 2019 results with expanded global reach and non-737 Max fleet

Delta Air Lines, the only major US airline without Boeing 737 Max in its fleet, posted strong full-year 2019 results, as passenger demand rose and the carrier benefitted from rivals’ difficulties with the grounded aircraft.

US Navy picks Leonardo TH-119 for next helicopter trainer fleet

The deal represents a hard-fought win for Leonardo, who defeated Bell’s light, singe-engined 407GXi and Airbus Helicopters’ light, twin-engined H135.

Lockheed Martin to deliver up to 50 C-130J Super Hercules to US military

Lockheed Martin has won a $3 billion multiyear contract to deliver up to 50 C-130J Super Hercules to the US Air Force (USAF), US Marine Corps (USMC) and US Coast Guard.

FAA fines Boeing another $5.4m for 737 ‘slat track’ issue

The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed fining Boeing another $5.4 million for violations related to “slat tracks” installed on 178 737 Max.

Can Lockheed repeat F-35 production success in 2020?

One year ago, many observers doubted that Lockheed Martin would succeed in keeping its aggressive production ramp-up for the F-35 on track, given the programme’s troubled past.

Harbour Air to resume electric-powered Beaver flights as certification work begins

Canadian commuter airline Harbour Air expects to conduct additional flight tests of its electric-powered de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver as soon as next week as it builds off a successful first flight last month.

EHang conducts first US autonomous trial flight

Chinese autonomous unmanned air vehicle (UAV) giant EHang conducted its first trial flight in the United States, as it works towards getting certification for passenger flights in the country.

Bristow deferred H175 deliveries days prior to Chapter 11 filing

Bristow Group deferred delivery of its Airbus Helicopters H175s just 10 days prior to entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, an order the operator axed barely six months later as part of the financial restructuring.

EmbraerX and Elroy Air collaborate on drone delivery systems

EmbraerX, the Brazilian planemaker’s innovation subsidiary, says it has signed a collaboration agreement with Silicon Valley drone delivery startup Elroy Air to develop the air cargo market worldwide.

Boeing transfers Max workers and Spirit AeroSystems warns of staff cuts as production halt looms

Boeing has started temporarily reassigning employees affected by the pending 737 Max production halt, while major supplier Spirit AeroSystems has offered some staff the option to take “voluntary” layoffs.

Boeing changes mind, recommends simulator training for all 737 Max pilots

Boeing now is recommending pilots complete flight simulator training prior to returning to the cockpits of 737 Max – a position reversal for a company that long insisted computer-based training was sufficient.

Alaska Air Group CFO to retire in March

Alaska Air Group’s chief financial officer Brandon Pedersen will retire on 2 March after working in finance positions at the company since 2003.

NetJets takes delivery of its first Citation Longitude

US fractional ownership company NetJets has taken delivery of its first Cessna Citation Longitude business jet from an October 2018 order for up to 175 of the super-midsize type. Service entry is expected early in the first quarter.

Checks required after Air France A380 engine blade failures

Investigators have yet to establish the root cause of a fan-blade fracture involved in an engine failure affecting an Air France Airbus A380.

American Airlines expects to share 737 Max compensation with employees

American Airlines says it is still negotiating a compensation agreement with Boeing for the grounding of the airline’s 737 Max fleet, now in its 10^th month, and that it expects to share the proceeds with its employees.

Rising costs may threaten US majors’ profit margins in 2020

Consumer confidence in the US economy and a declining unemployment rate drove demand for air travel in 2019. That was good news for the four major US carriers, but for three of them there was the question of whether they would have the aircraft to meet that rising demand.

Delta Air Lines completes 20% acquisition of LATAM

Delta Air Lines says it has successfully acquired the 20% equity stake in LATAM airlines group for $1.9 billion, completing a deal it had announced earlier this year.

Boeing senior legal counsel Luttig to retire as executive shakeup continues

Boeing legal counselor and senior adviser Michael Luttig, who has overseen the company’s 737 Max legal matters, will retire from Boeing at year-end, Boeing says

Boeing CEO shuffle seen as another step toward Max certification

The departure from Boeing of former chief executive Dennis Muilenburg could bring the company one step closer to getting the 737 Max back in the sky, analysts say.

Intense scrutiny on Boeing overshadows unaddressed lessons from 737 Max crashes

Boeing’s 737 Max updates have largely addressed concern about the aircraft’s flight control system, however broader risks involving pilot training and aircraft maintenance remain unresolved, say aviation safety experts and commercial pilots. 

Air Canada receives its first A220

Air Canada has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220, placing the Montreal-based carrier on track to launch its first A220 revenue flights in January.

Atlas 767 crash probe considers whether pilot nudged crucial switch

Investigators have carried out a series of observations to examine whether pilots of an Atlas Air Boeing 767-300 freighter could have accidentally activated a go-around switch while operating other flight controls.

Airline Business Podcast – end of year (and decade) review

The new edition of the Airline Business podcast is now available.

Energy Department unveils three radiation sniffing King Air 350ERs

The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration unveiled three new King Air 350ER aircraft at Joint Base Andrews on 18 December to be used to measure air and ground radiation contamination coming from events such as nuclear explosions or accidents.

Leidos’ $1.65bn buy of Dynetics brings hypersonic missiles and glide munitions

Leidos signed an agreement to acquire privately owned Dynetics for $1.65 billion in cash, a deal which would add several up-and-coming military weapons, including hypersonic missiles and glide munitions, to the company’s portfolio.

KC-46A inches forward, but foreign sales remain elusive

The Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker programme got off to a bumpy start in 2019. Delivery stoppages because of foreign object debris and three category one deficiencies put the already-late programme on an even more delayed schedule.

Structure of Boeing groans under Max stress test

Once there was an aircraft maker called Boeing that was admired worldwide as a leader in just about everything it did, hailed as the very model of an engineering-led company guided by a belief that aircraft should be flown by pilots, assisted by computers. For good measure, it was admired as a leader in commercial aircraft development and sales – and as a financial leader, both in annual profits and stock price gains.

Titan and Bain Capital Credit form leasing joint venture

Titan Aviation Holdings, the dry-leasing specialist subsidiary of airplane lessor Atlas Air Worldwide, says it has entered into a joint venture with Bain Capital Credit to develop a cargo aircraft leasing portfolio as it seeks to benefit from the continuing rapid rise in e-commerce. 

Bell stops 525 entry-into-service predictions, but sticks with oil & gas market

Bell will no longer make predictions of when its 525 Relentless super-medium transport helicopter will finish Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification testing and enter into service after several years of delays.

​FLOAT plans air taxi service in Southern California

A startup company in Southern California which hopes to revolutionise the daily commute will launch service in the coming days and plans to offer full air-based commuting schedules from up to 40 regional airports beginning in January.

Bell discloses booster engine for 360 Invictus

Bell’s 360 Invictus, the company’s proposal for the US Army’s Future Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition, will receive a power boost from a supplemental power unit, a Pratt & Whitney PW207D1 turboshaft.

US Marines try to cut MV-22 downtime with first CC-RAM delivery

Bell Boeing delivered to the US Marine Corps (USMC) the first MV-22 Osprey with Common Configuration – Readiness and Modernization (CC-RAM) programme modifications.

IATA sees airline profits jumping back after cutting outlook for 2019

Airline body IATA expects collective industry profits to climb back to almost $30 billion in 2020, despite cutting its outlook for the current year by a further $2 billion in its latest forecast.

International consensus key to returning 737 Max to service

Boeing has reiterated that achieving consensus among national aviation regulators will be key to ensure a successful return to service for the 737 Max, which has been grounded since March this year.

Boeing looks at laser-range finder for KC-46A refuelling boom

Boeing is researching adding a laser-range finder to the KC-46A Pegasus’ problem-plagued refuelling boom camera system.

USAF searches for Boeing E-4B aerial command center replacement

The US Air Force (USAF) has started searching for a new airborne command, control and communications operations center to replace the Boeing E-4B, and the service is asking US defence manufacturers for input.

Key airline CEO appointments in 2019

A visual record of some of this year’s key airline chief executive appointments

Pilots union throws support behind United’s CEO-designate Kirby

The decision by United Airlines to name Scott Kirby as its next chief executive has been firmly endorsed by United’s pilot union, which views the change as a sign that United will continue its aggressive expansion.

United’s Airbus XLR order spawns visions of a different NMA

United Airlines has served notice to its US competitors, and to Boeing, that it will not put its middle-of-the-market ambitions on hold.

Bombardier expands sustainable aviation fuel offering

Bombardier is stepping up its commitment to helping reduce the carbon footprint of business aviation, with its headquarters in Montreal becoming the first facility outside the USA to take delivery of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Virgin A350-1000 sale influenced by subsidies: WTO

Virgin Atlantic’s order for 12 Airbus A350-1000s has played a central part in the World Trade Organization’s latest assessment as to whether subsidies influenced the competitive field against Boeing in the commercial aircraft market.

Icelandair expects 737 Max to re-enter service in March

Icelandair is expecting the Boeing 737 Max to return to service in March next year, 12 months after its grounding.

Airline Business podcast – December 2019

PODCAST: Airline Business on Air Europa, Brazil, Emirates, Max

The new edition of the Airline Business podcast is now available.

JCAB acquires Citation Longitude for flight inspection missions

Textron Aviation has sold a Cessna Citation Longitude to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). Scheduled for delivery in 2021, the super-midsize business jet will be configured for flight inspection and calibration missions, joining the JCAB’s fleet of five CJ4’s light twins in service.

Business jet shipments strongest for a decade

Business jet output for the first nine months of 2019 reached its highest level for a decade, due to the introduction and production ramp-up of a slew of new and long-awaited aircraft models, and renewed confidence in the market from its customer base.

Rostec soldiers on with fighter sales

Rostec is forging ahead with efforts to sell advanced combat aircraft on the international market, although US sanctions present a challenge.

DUBAI: Boeing gears up to talk tankers

Boeing will use this week’s show to hold discussions with potential customers of the KC-46A tanker, citing strong interest in the 767 derivative.

Strong Praetor 600 sales boost Embraer's nine-month order intake

Robust sales of the Praetor 600 business jet resulted in the strongest nine-month order intake for Embraer’s Executive Jets division for five years.

Epic E1000 secures US certification

​Epic Aircraft has secured US Federal Aviation Administration type certification for the E1000, concluding a seven-year development-effort for the high-performance, single-engined turboprop.

How the busiest oceanic airspace manages safety in a world first

Traffic crossing the North Atlantic is predicted to increase by 50% over the next decade, and the region already has the busiest oceanic airspace in the world by far. The technological response to address this air traffic management (ATM) capacity challenge is a world first.

Universal Avionics demonstrates Fly By Sight system

Easing pilot workloads to improve safety is a passion for Universal Avionics (UA) chief executive Dror Yahav. A pilot himself, Yahav joined the company from Israeli parent Elbit six months ago, tasked with bringing together the technologies and the ambitions of both companies.

Latest from Las Vegas as NBAA 2019 gets underway

Day one proper of the NBAA convention in Las Vegas began today with attendees digesting some big news, including last night’s announcement by Gulfstream of its largest business jet yet, the G700.

Sound and lights signal Gulfstream 700’s arrival

Gulfstream has upped the stakes in the ultra-long-range business jet market, unveiling in a glitzy ceremony at the static display last night its response to Bombardier’s Global 7500.

First news from NBAA 2019

From an all-new Gulfstream to a £1.4 billion deal for Embraer from Flexjet and debuts for at least two new aircraft, there was news aplenty as the business aviation community descended on Las Vegas for the opening of the NBAA annual convention.

Mente exhibits G650 for sale in NBAA static

If attendees at this year’s NBAA are in the market for a nearly-new Gulfstream G650, then Mente Group has just the ticket in the static park.

Europe certificates Gulfstream G500

Gulfstream has secured European certification for the G500, clearing the way for deliveries of the super-large-cabin business jet to begin to customers on the continent.