Piper to deliver 55 new trainer aircraft to US flight school

Piper Aircraft has a deal to deliver a fleet of 55 new trainer class aircraft to Blue Line Aviation – a flight school headquartered in Smithfield, North Carolina – with options for a further 60 trainers. 

Canada moves towards replacing CP-140s with P-8As

Canada has moved closer to the possible acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for its Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) requirement.

Archer’s ‘Midnight’ aircraft completes wind-tunnel testing campaign

Electric air taxi developer Archer Aviation recently completed wind-tunnel testing of a scaled-down model of its in-development “Midnight” aircraft.

Boeing tightens procedures to address bolt-torque issue at Renton 737 factory

Boeing recently found improperly torqued bolts in several areas of new-build 737 Max jets, indicating a quality problem similar to that revealed by the Federal Aviation Administration on 23 March.

Lawmakers push for increased regulation of US carriers

Some US lawmakers and consumer advocates are calling for expansion of the US government’s role in overseeing airlines, while others are warning that regulatory expansion will only erode airline competition.

GlobalX to operate nine weekly passenger flights from Miami to Cuba

US charter carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has signed a long-term agreement with tour operator Cubamax Travel for nine weekly passenger flights to two Cuban cities – Havana and Santa Clara.

Bombardier lifts production and revenue targets

Bombardier has hiked its two-year revenue projections and now expects in the coming years to significantly increase the pace at which it delivers business jets.

Archer and United plan downtown Chicago-to-O’Hare air taxi route

US urban air mobility start-up Archer Aviation has added Chicago to its list of 2025 launch cities with an airport-to-downtown route planned to be operated by its in-development ”Midnight” aircraft. 

Chinese airlines return more 737 Max to service as Boeing eyes delivery restart

Boeing’s 737 Max is making a slow but steady comeback in China, with carriers returning more of the jets to service and Boeing thinking about when it might restart deliveries to Chinese customers.

FAA allows airlines to temporarily return 10% of slots in Northeast USA

The Federal Aviation Administration will allow airlines operating out of four major airports in the Northeast US to leave up to 10% of assigned slots unused through the summer travel season due to staffing bottlenecks at air traffic control (ATC) facilities.

Airlines welcome ‘crucial legislation’ that would raise US pilot retirement age

The latest effort by US lawmakers to allow commercial airline pilots to work until age 67 – rather than forcing them to retire at 65 – is drawing praise from airline industry groups.

Sea glider maker Regent secures investment from Lockheed Martin

Lockheed’s venture capital fund will make a “strategic investment” in Regent, which is currently developing an all-electric, wing-in-ground-effect maritime vehicle for commercial customers, potentially expanding the company into the defence realm.

JetBlue secures ‘commercially questionable’ slots in Amsterdam

JetBlue Airways has secured “commercially questionable slot times” at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport weeks after filing a complaint about the government of the Netherlands’ repeated rejections of its slot requests.  

Frontier plans to step up flights from Atlanta this summer

Frontier Airlines is planning a seasonal expansion of its Atlanta operations, which will become the ultra-low-cost carrier’s third largest operation by this summer.

Flydubai seeks approval for United Airlines codeshare in Gulf region

Middle Eastern carrier Flydubai is formally seeking authorisation for a codeshare arrangement with US carrier United Airlines.

US military aviators see substantially higher rates of cancer than general population

A congressionally-mandated investigation found, when compared to the general population, US military aviation personnel see significantly elevated rates of cancer, including 87% greater incidence of melanoma for aircrew and 19% higher rates of brain and nervous system cancer for ground crew over a 25 year period.

Norse Atlantic plans pivot to sun destinations next winter

In the coming northern hemisphere’s winter, Norse Atlantic Airways is planning to broaden its long-haul offer to sun-thirsty vacationers looking for a break from the cold, wet weather.

‘Defies common sense': regional airline group fires back at ALPA pilot-shortage stance

The US Regional Airline Association (RAA) is pushing back against assertions made during a 16 March Senate hearing that the airline industry is not short of pilots.

Lockheed pleased with F-35 numbers in proposed US defence budget

The manufacturer of the advanced fifth-generation jet says the Pentagon’s current proposal for F-35 purchases in the next budget cycle would allow the company to meet its 2023 production target of 156 aircraft.

Is Ukraine’s Western fighter request a flight of fancy?

Ukraine is trying to convince NATO nations that donated Western fighters would give Kyiv a decisive edge in its war against Russian invaders. We assess whether the proposal has wings.

FAA moves to require 25h of cockpit voice recording

The Federal Aviation Administration has moved to extend the required timeframe for cockpit voice recordings to be preserved in light of numerous recent serious runway incursion incidents in the USA.

Canada Jetlines exploring potential partnership with Qatar Airways

Start-up leisure specialist Canada Jetlines is exploring a potential partnership with Qatar Airways that could include non-stop flights between Toronto and Qatar’s capital city of Doha.

US Army advances five rapid prototype developers for RQ-7B replacement

Following a competitive evaluation by the US Army, AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Textron, Sierra Nevada and Northrop Grumman have all received funding to support rapid prototyping of a replacement for the service’s RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle.

US releases video footage of Russian Su-27 colliding with Reaper over Black Sea

The US military has released video footage of a Black Sea incident during which a Russian air force Sukhoi Su-27 repeatedly harassed a US Air Force (USAF) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper, culminating in a collision which resulted in the remotely piloted air vehicle’s loss.

Flair sues lessor Airborne over ‘unlawful’ aircraft repossessions

Flair Airlines has taken lessor Airborne Capital to court over what it alleges were “unlawful and immeasurably destructive actions” relating to the repossession of four aircraft, as the airline stresses that it is “here to stay” despite the operational snags.

Avelo Airlines adding second 737NG to new base in Raleigh-Durham

Start-up discount carrier Avelo Airlines plans to add a second Boeing 737NG to its new operational base at Raleigh-Durham International airport in North Carolina.

Pacific Propeller wins ‘urgent’ overhaul work for USAF’s C-130H fleet

Washington state-based MRO provider Pacific Propeller International has received what it describes as an “urgent contract” from the US Air Force to replace propeller barrels on the service’s fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130H transports still equipped with a legacy propulsion system.

Pentagon and Lockheed resume F-35 deliveries following engine fix

The US military is accepting new deliveries of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters for the first time since December, when a previously unidentified engine issue caused the crash of an F-35B undergoing certification at the company’s assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas.

Beta to develop conventional electric aircraft amid eVTOL regulatory, infrastructure hurdles

Electric aircraft company Beta Technologies has shifted to pursue certification of a conventional fixed-wing electric aircraft – while still developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi.

Boeing’s orders and deliveries slowed in February

Boeing’s commercial aircraft orders and deliveries slowed in February following a strong start to the year the previous month.

Airline Business Index shows global revenue surging above pre-Covid levels

The latest Airline Business Index shows the global airline industry’s revenue soared above 2019 levels in the final quarter of 2022, as the sector edged closer to its pre-Covid size.

United cuts Q1 earnings expectation due to ‘seasonality shift’ in travel behaviour

United Airlines has reduced its revenue expectations for the first quarter of 2023 due to a “seasonality shift” in post-pandemic passenger travel behaviour.

GlobalX to lease an additional A321F for rapidly expanding cargo operation

Aggressively expanding US charter operator Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has disclosed an agreement to lease another Airbus A321 freighter, set to be delivered in December.

Flair confirms lessor Airborne behind reports of aircraft repossessions

Canadian discount carrier Flair Airlines confirms that “unprecedented action” taken by aircraft lessor Airborne Capital has affected four of its Boeing 737s, amid reports the jets were seized.

Canadian government approves WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing

The government of Canada has approved WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations following a thorough review.

Archer Aviation achieved ‘significant milestones’ in 2022: CEO

Archer Aviation achieved “significant milestones” on its way to certification of its four-person air taxi Midnight, the company’s chief executive said on 9 March.

GE Aerospace still eyeing post-reorganisation expansion: CEO

General Electric chief executive Larry Culp still expects engine maker GE Aerospace will expand into new aerospace segments following a reorganisation expected to wrap up next year.

Air Transat expects delivery delays for three Airbus A321LRs

Canadian leisure airline Air Transat now expects delayed delivery of three Airbus A321LRs as chief executive Annick Guerard said “the industry supply chain is experiencing sporadic difficulty”.

Boeing, Shield AI in pact to work together on future programmes

Boeing and artificial intelligence (AI) firm Shield AI have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on autonomy and AI on future defence programmes.

‘This is not Pepsi buying Coke’: JetBlue chief downplays DOJ lawsuit blocking Spirit deal

The US government’s lawsuit to block JetBlue Airways’ acquisition of competitor Spirit Airlines has prompted a range of strong reactions. But Robin Hayes, chief executive of JetBlue, has downplayed the legal action. 

FAA steps up hiring, Boeing oversight in response to 737 Max crashes

Acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Billy Nolen testified on Capitol Hill that he “can say categorically” the Boeing 737 Max is safe – and his agency is also taking steps to ensure its certification process for future aircraft is as well.

American Airlines promises pilots significant pay raises

American Airlines’ chief executive Robert Isom has told the carrier’s pilots that the airline “is prepared to match” pay rates and profit-sharing scheme conditions that mainline peer Delta Air Lines’ pilots recently ratified in a new contract.

Boeing to kick off production of MH-139A Grey Wolf

Boeing will start production of MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters following a contract award from the US Air Force.

Canada’s Cargojet squeezes C$2.6m profit in fourth quarter of 2022

Canadian operator Cargojet squeezed out a C$2.6 million profit in the fourth quarter of 2022 as expenses rose 30% over the previous year and global demand for air cargo trailed off.

US government sues to block JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit

The US Department of Justice has sued to block JetBlue Airways’ proposed acquisition of rival discount carrier Spirit Airlines after months of scrutinising a deal that would eliminate a low-cost carrier from the market.

Cargojet pushes back 777 freighter conversions citing slowdown risk

Canadian operator Cargojet is to defer freight conversion of several Boeing 777s and 767 in response to forecasts of slower global economic growth rates.

Northern Pacific appears set to launch flights between Los Angeles and Las Vegas

US start-up carrier Northern Pacific Airways appears set to launch its first route between Ontario International airport in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and Las Vegas.

Expanding WestJet plans to step up summer flight frequencies

Canadian airline WestJet continues plotting an “ambitious growth strategy” with an expanded summer schedule that includes greater flight frequencies to popular destinations in its network. 

‘It’s a big deal’: Universal Hydrogen chief on hydrogen-retrofitted Dash 8’s first flight

The first flight of a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 powered partly by a hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system is just the beginning of start-up Universal Hydrogen’s strategy to decarbonise airline travel.

Hong Kong’s Greater Bay orders 15 Boeing 737 Max 9s and eyes 787s

Start-up Hong Kong carrier Greater Bay Airlines has ordered 15 Boeing 737 Max 9s and made a “commitment” to order five 787s.

US military orders fleet-wide F-35 retrofit to address F135 engine issue

The US government has ordered that all Lockheed Martin F-35s be retrofitted to address a “harmonic resonance” engine issue that forced the recent grounding of some but not all the fifth-generation fighters.

AutoFlight flies Prosperity I eVTOL demonstrator on ‘record’ 135nm sortie

Air taxi developer AutoFlight has completed a long-distance flight of its newest demonstrator aircraft, a feat the company says proves the design’s viability and aids its path toward certification.

McKenzie succeeds Hyslop as Boeing’s chief engineer

Boeing’s head of commercial aviation engineering Howard McKenzie became the company’s chief engineer on 1 March, succeeding Greg Hyslop, who is set to retire in June.

Boeing lands $1.2bn contract to develop E-7s for USAF

Boeing will develop two new variants of its 737-based E-7 airborne early warning and control aircraft for the US Air Force under a newly disclosed contract worth up to $1.2 billion.

Norse adds four new US routes from London Gatwick

Long-haul European discounter Norse Atlantic Airways plans to expand further in the coming months with flights from London’s Gatwick airport to another four US cities.

Boeing hands 787 to United but deliveries otherwise remain paused

Boeing has handed over a 787-10 to United Airlines but says its broader pause on deliveries of the widebody type remains in effect.

Porter Airlines to support construction of new terminal at Montreal Saint-Hubert airport

Porter Airlines plans to expand at a secondary airport near Montreal that now has relatively few commercial flights.

Pratt-powered A321XLR undergoes cold-weather testing in Canada

Airbus has carried out several days of cold-weather testing of the A321XLR, having flown one of the prototype twinjets to northern Canada.

Pentagon clears resumption of F-35 engine deliveries

The US government had paused delivery of the fighter’s Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, following the December crash of a Lockheed Martin F-35B in Texas during pre-delivery flight tests.

Boeing once again halts 787 deliveries, this time due to ‘analysis error’

Boeing has once again halted deliveries of its 787 Dreamliners due to what it calls “an analysis error” by one of its suppliers. 

Avelo targets three more underserved US airports for nonstop service

Discount start-up Avelo Airlines is planning a springtime expansion of its national network with three new destinations in Colorado, Texas and Virginia, bringing the total number of cities it serves to 35. 

Boeing to cease F/A-18 production by end-2025

On 23 February, Boeing disclosed plans to cease production of the venerable fourth-generation fighter in late 2025 after delivering the final jet to the US Navy.

F-35 carrier crash attributed to pilot error during high-g landing manoeuvre

A 2022 ramp strike aboard one of the US Navy’s aircraft carriers that resulted in the loss of an F-35C stealth fighter is being attributed to a mistake by the jet’s operator during a normal, but complex, landing procedure.

Will electric air taxis really soar over LA during the 2028 Olympics? Industry players bank on it

Some believers in emerging aviation technology have a futuristic vision of a highly connected fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in the sky above Southern California within five years. Type certification is the next big step. 

Saab pitches GlobalEye for NATO AWACS successor deal

Saab is pitching a version of its GlobalEye surveillance aircraft as a potential successor for NATO’s aged fleet of Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

CRJ900 unexpectedly climbed and accelerated during cruise: safety board

Canadian investigators have disclosed that a Jazz Mitsubishi CRJ900 experienced an uncommanded climb and acceleration during a domestic service.

Air Canada marks milestone in recovery, returns to profitability in Q4

Air Canada returned to profitability in the fourth quarter of 2022, reporting a C$168 million ($125 million) profit and marking a milestone in the flag-carrier’s long recovery from the Covid-19-related dropoff in air travel. 

US military to acquire up to 64 Beechcraft King Air 260s for training

The contract will see Textron Aviation deliver up to 64 of the twin-engined propeller craft to serve as pilot trainers for the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

China sanctions Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales

Beijing will prohibit the aerospace manufacturers from doing business in China and ban senior executives from entering the country, citing weapons sales to Taiwan.

How award-winning aviation mechanic Marissa Estebanez proves her capability

Award-winning young engineer Marissa Estebanez loves her role as an aircraft maintenance technician working in South Carolina, and hopes her journey will help inspire others to ‘go fix something’.

Ameriflight strikes deal to purchase Sabrewing cargo drones

US cargo airline Ameriflight has continued showing interest in conceptual autonomous cargo aircraft by signing a letter of intent to purchase 35 vertical take-off and landing drones from California start-up Sabrewing Aircraft. 

JetBlue plans major operational expansion in South Florida

Seeking a stronger foothold in South Florida, JetBlue Airways plans to ramp up to more than 250 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport by 2027, including flights to Europe.

JetBlue complains to US DOT about rejected Amsterdam slot requests

JetBlue Airways has filed a complaint with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) against the government of the Netherlands for repeated rejection of slot requests at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.

US NTSB investigating United 777’s steep dive in December after Maui take-off

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into an incident in which a Boeing 777 aircraft came within 800ft of crashing into the Pacific Ocean last December.

Norse Atlantic starts reinforcing US network from London Gatwick

Transatlantic budget carrier Norse Atlantic Airways is to open two services between London Gatwick and Florida in May.

Air India to order 220 narrowbody and widebody jets from Boeing

Air India has agreed to place firm orders for 220 Boeing jets, including 190 737 Max, 20 787s and 10 777Xs.

Adjusted radar settings likely behind rash of USA’s unknown object detections

The Pentagon says it has been more closely scrutinising the airspace around North America after an incursion by a Chinese surveillance balloon, including increasing the sensitivity settings on radars that previously were not reporting small, low-speed objects.

Fourth airborne object shot down after overflying ‘sensitive sites’

Another unidentified aerial object was shot down by an F-16  fighter aircraft near the maritime border between the USA and Canada on Lake Huron – the third unknown object and fourth overall to be destroyed in the past week.

US fighter jet shoots down third airborne object over North America

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered fighter jets to shoot down an unidentified airborne object, the third such object that has been downed over North America in one week.

US F-22s shoot down unidentified high-altitude object over Alaska

The Pentagon says at the direction of US President Joe Biden fighter aircraft shot down an unknown object off the coast of Alaska around 40,000ft, with military officials describing the craft as posing a hazard to commercial aviation.

Analysts diverge on optimum timeframe for next Boeing aircraft launch

Immediate action could help the airframer re-energise the company and claw back market share, according to some, but others argue the priority should be mending a strained balance sheet and troubled supply chain.

Airline Business Podcast: Do airline failures belie brighter outlook?

Graham and Lewis discuss the recent collapses of European carriers Flybe and Flyr, asking whether those developments belie a much brighter outlook for the industry in 2023.

Lawmakers frustrated with Pentagon balloon response

Members of Congress are grilling US defence officials about the military’s response to a multi-day incursion into North American airspace by a Chinese surveillance platform, and many are not satisfied with the answers.

‘We messed up’: Southwest executive testifies on airline’s holiday meltdown

A Southwest Airlines executive faced grilling from Washington lawmakers regarding the carrier’s system-wide operational meltdown that resulted in the cancellation of 16,700 flights and stranded hundreds of thousands of air travellers at the end of 2022.

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: February 2023 update

Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.

Frontier reports $40m profit in Q4, capitalises on ‘strong leisure market’

Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines reports a $40 million profit in the fourth quarter of 2022 as it continues to see strong demand for leisure travel.

Canada Jetlines appoints Rossen Dimitrov to board of directors

Start-up leisure carrier Canada Jetlines has appointed longtime airline executive Rossen Dimitrov to its board of directors. 

How supply-demand crunch has given A380 a fresh lease of life

After initially looking as though the pandemic was going to bring an unceremonious end to several carriers’ Airbus A380 operations, a capacity shortage means the ultra-large jet will be flying far more widely this summer than previously expected

FAA grants Universal Hydrogen special airworthiness certificate

Alternative propulsion developer Universal Hydrogen says the Federal Aviation Administration has granted it a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category, clearing the company to begin flight testing its demonstrator aircraft, a modified De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300.

Textron Aviation rolls out ‘gravel kit’ for SkyCourier

Textron Aviation is now selling a “gravel kit” modification for Cessna’s newly certificated SkyCourier turboprop – an option intended to enable the aircraft to operate from remote, unfinished airstrips.

Production and supply chain trouble push Spirit AeroSystems to $546m 2022 loss

Spirit AeroSystems lost $546 million in 2022, reflecting an ongoing slump in aerostructures deliveries and a disrupted production system.

Spirit Airlines loses $271m in Q4, searches for ‘sustained profitability’

Spirit Airlines is still searching for “sustained profitability” after losing $271 million during the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with a $87 million loss during the same three months of 2021. 

USAF launches effort to develop stealthy air tanker

Formerly known as “KC-Z”, the programme now dubbed Next Generation Air-refuelling System seeks to deliver an air tanker capable of surviving in a contested environment by 2040.

NTSB chair to warn lawmakers of potential for ‘catastrophic’ runway accident

The warning from NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy will come during a House hearing three days after what appears to have been an incredibly dangerous runway incursion event involving Southwest Airlines and FedEx jets at Austin.

Not just a helicopter company: Bell makes a play for the future of vertical lift

The Textron subsidiary, which rose to 20th century prominence as the maker of the Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey and over a dozen commercial helicopter types, is envisioning a new future for itself pioneering the next era of vertical flight.

USAF downs Chinese balloon off Atlantic coast

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors from the US Air Force shot down the surveillance vessel on 4 February off the USA’s East Coast, with Washington denouncing the balloon’s presence as a violation of territorial sovereignty.

Pilots seek to block Allegiant-Viva Aerobus joint venture

The union representing Allegiant Air’s pilots has come out against the carrier’s proposed joint business with Mexico’s Viva Aerobus, alleging that it is simply seeking access to cheaper flightcrew.

US regional SkyWest loses $47m in final quarter of 2022

In what Skywest Airlines’ chief executive Chip Childs called a “noisy” fourth quarter of 2022, the regional US carrier lost $47 million, compared with a $4 million profit in the same three months of 2021.

Southwest names Lauren Woods as chief information officer to manage IT overhaul

Southwest Airlines has moved company executive Lauren Woods into the role of chief information officer to help manage the airline’s technology upgrades in the aftermath of its system-wide operational meltdown during peak of holiday travel. 

Porter launches ‘sister airline’ to operate new Embraer 195-E2s to the USA

Porter Airlines has launched a new ”sister” carrier – Porter Airlines Canada – with an eye on an expansion in the USA using its new Embraer E195-E2s.

GA-ASI conducts first flight of Eaglet Air Launched Effect

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has operated the first flight of a new Air Launched Effect, the Eaglet, from a US Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned air vehicle (UAV).

Lawmakers from Sikorsky’s home state demand answers on FLRAA decision

Members of Congress representing Sikorsky’s home state of Connecticut want answers from the US Army as to how it selected the company’s rival for a procurement contract to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk – expected to be worth as much as $80 billion.

Final Boeing 747 departs Everett for its new home

The final Boeing 747 to be built left the airframer’s Everett, Washington plant on 1 February, closing a five-decade-long era for the US airframer.

De Havilland lands Dash 8 freighter conversion order from Peru’s ATSA

De Havilland Canada has landed an agreement to supply Peruvian airline ATSA with a Dash 8-400 F-LCD freighter, a heavily modified aircraft equipped with a large cargo door.

Hawaiian narrows Q4 loss, reports slow recovery in Japanese demand

Hawaiian Holdings, parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, reports narrowing fourth-quarter losses as demand for air travel to the Pacific archipelago has largely rebounded – except from Japan.

Last of the jumbos: Boeing closes chapter with final 747 delivery

Boeing has delivered its final 747, closing a chapter on an aircraft that revolutionised travel, linked distant cities, made the world seem smaller and became a symbol of American industrial might and of last century’s jet-set culture.

Sikorsky moves toward annual CH-53K production rate of 24 aircraft

The US Navy declared the three-engined, heavy-lift rotorcraft ready for full-rate production in December and subsequently issued contracts to manufacturer Sikorsky to support assembly of 24 CH-53Ks yearly.

Frontier Airlines to expand Puerto Rican presence in May

Frontier Airlines plans in May to add several new routes to Puerto Rico as part of an expansion that will see the airline launch its first flights to the US territory’s city of Ponce.

Allegiant Air shuffles executive leadership team

Allegiant Travel Company has made further changes to its C-suite days after accepting the resignation of co-president and chief operating officer Scott Sheldon.

LATAM, Delta plan to launch new route from Orlando to Bogota

LATAM Airlines plans to launch a new daily route from Orlando to Bogota, Colombia on 1 July as part of its recently approved joint venture with Delta Air Lines.

Boeing to open fourth 737 production line, in Everett

Boeing plans in 2024 to expand its 737 Max production footprint by opening a new production line at its facility in Everett, supplementing the three 737 lines at its original 737 assembly site in Renton.

Why does United Airlines chief think competitors are ‘in denial’?

Having been outspoken on the path of the Covid-19 pandemic, United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby is now suggesting his airline’s peers are misreading the industry’s route out of the crisis.

Southwest end-year meltdown costs $800 million, leads to Q4 loss

Southwest Airlines lost $220 million during the fourth quarter of 2022 after it was battered by a system-wide meltdown during the busiest travel days of the end-of-year holiday season.

Alaska posts $58m full-year profit on record revenues

Alaska Air Group posted record full-year operating revenues of $9.65 billion in 2022 and a net profit of $58 million for the year.

JetBlue posts $24m profit in Q4 as travel spending outruns costs

JetBlue Airways posted a $24 million profit in the final quarter of the year as end-of-year travel spending rose to compensate for higher costs, especially for jet fuel.

JAL invests in sea-glider start-up Regent Craft

Japan Airlines Innovation Fund, the venture arm of the Japanese carrier, has invested in start-up sea glider developer Regent Craft.

Police UAV operator ‘saturated’ before collision with landing Cessna

Canadian investigators believe the police operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle became task-saturated, and unaware of a collision risk, before the craft was struck by a Cessna 172N flown by a student on a training flight.

Hawaiian restores flights between Honolulu and Fukuoka, Japan

Hawaiian Airlines is reinstating more flights to Japan, its most important overseas market, as it rebuilds its network in the Asia-Pacific region after almost three years of coronavirus-driven restrictions.

Boeing pushes back plan to bring 787 production to five monthly

Boeing has delayed until later this year a plan to bring 787 production to five aircraft monthly, citing a production slowdown due to a “supply constraint”.

Textron Aviation’s 2022 profit jumps as supply chain troubles disrupt production

Textron Aviation turned a $584 million profit in 2022, a year in which parts shortages held up production even as demand for new business aircraft remained strong.

Lockheed’s first Greenville-built F-16 makes debut flight

Lockheed Martin has performed a debut flight with the first F-16 fighter built at its Greenville site in South Carolina: a two-seat, Block 70 example built for Bahrain.

Flat sales in 2023, return to growth in 2024 for Lockheed Martin

Inflation and supply chain headwinds continue to challenge the defence manufacturer, but company executives say new contracts and better than expected defence funding in the USA will drive a return to growth in 2024.

United takes 10% stake in Mesa Air Group, valued at $10.5m

United Airlines has taken a 10% stake in Mesa Air Group, the parent of Mesa Airlines, valued at $10.5 million.

Raytheon reports sluggish defence growth despite high demand

The aerospace conglomerate reports strong growth in the sale of commercial aviation products, but says it still faces significant manufacturing headwinds in its defence portfolio.

Norse Atlantic to open JFK service from fifth European capital

Scandinavian long-haul low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways is to open services between Rome and New York JFK in mid-June.

FAA certificates Britten-Norman’s BN2T-4S, nearly 30 years after UK approval

The Federal Aviation Administration has certificated Britten-Norman’s BN2T-4S Islander turboprop, a move that comes decades after European authorities greenlighted the type.

LOT, Smartwings also challenging US government’s 737 Max settlement with Boeing

A legal battle over Boeing’s 2021 settlement of 737 Max-related fraud charges continues playing out in US court, with two European airlines accusing Boeing of failing to abide by the deal.

US, Turkish defence officials meet for second round of F-35 discussions

Washington removed the NATO ally from the multi-nation Joint Strike Fighter programme in 2019, following Anakra’s acquisition of a Russian air defence system.

Israeli firm to supply 777-8 freighter’s main cargo door

Israeli firm Elbit Systems is to supply the large main-deck cargo door for the Boeing 777-8 freighter, under an aerostructures agreement with the US airframer.

US judge faced with request to rescind Boeing’s immunity from 737 Max prosecution

A US Federal judge is faced with deciding whether to lift Boeing’s immunity from criminal prosecution related to two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people.

US federal judge orders Boeing arraigned for 737 Max crashes

A federal judge in Texas has lifted Boeing’s immunity from arraignment on criminal charges for two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft.

Hawaiian Airlines’ pilots to vote on new contract

Hawaiian Airlines’ pilots have come to a tentative agreement with the airline on a new four-year contract.

Technical F-15 and F-16 documents leaked in online gaming forum

Military video game forum users posted apparently restricted documents pertaining to Boeing F-15s and Lockheed Martin F-16s.

Engineering change: Susan Ying’s remarkable career path to electric pioneer Ampaire

Susan Ying has transformed a series of unfortunate events – including losing all her possessions in a flood and a cancer diagnosis – into a stellar career that now finds her at electrification innovator Ampaire.

Aurora advances to second phase of DARPA ‘active flow’ flight-control experiment

The Boeing subsidiary is designing an aircraft for the US military that can fly without traditional mechanical control surfaces, as part of an attempt to increase aerodynamic performance.

US aviation lobby groups warn against introducing unleaded aviation fuel too quickly

Several aviation lobby groups say they support the introduction of lead-free aviation fuel, or avgas, but warn against moving too quickly to replace the leaded gas that is currently widely used in the USA’s piston aircraft fleet.

Airline operating environment has changed ‘profoundly’: Kirby

United Airlines’ chief executive Scott Kirby believes the dramatic shift in operating environment for airlines following the Covid-19 pandemic requires new ways of doing business.

United plans to restore non-stop service to China

United Airlines hopes to soon restore non-stop service to mainland China after that country lifted all Covid-19-related travel restrictions earlier this month.

Delta orders a dozen more Airbus A220s

Delta Air Lines has exercised options on 12 more Airbus A220-300s for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

United reports first full-year profit since 2019

United Airlines earned a profit of $737 million in 2022, the first time since 2019 that it ended the year in the black.

US airlines request extension of slot waivers for flights to Asia

US airlines are requesting an extension of slot waivers for certain long-haul flights that have been in place since Covid-19 disrupted international travel in March 2020.

Virgin Atlantic fined $1m for operating Delta codeshare flights in Iraqi airspace

UK long-haul carrier Virgin Atlantic has been fined over $1 million by US regulators for operating several flights in restricted Iraqi airspace which were carrying the codeshare of its US partner Delta Air Lines.

Bombardier hit 2022 delivery target with 123 jets shipped

Canadian business jet maker Bombardier has met its revenue and aircraft-delivery targets for 2022.

NTSB and FAA to investigate runway incursion in New York

The US National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating a near-miss between two commercial aircraft at New York’s John F Kennedy International airport.

NASA now eyes 2023 first flight for X-59, as supersonic projects face heat

NASA now expects its delayed X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology demonstrator aircraft will make first flight in 2023 following completion of still-outstanding system evaluations.

Delta’s Bastian calls for more funding for the FAA

Delta Air Lines’ chief executive Ed Bastian called on US lawmakers to increase funding to the Federal Aviation Administration after a collapse of a critical warning information system earlier this week briefly grounded thousands of flights.

Delta turns $1.3bn profit in 2022 as expenses balloon

Delta Air Lines’ profit surged in 2022 to $1.3 billion, up significantly year-on-year but still depressed from the Atlanta-based carrier’s profit in pre-pandemic 2019.

Air Canada shakes up senior management team

Lucie Guillemette plans to retire from her position as executive vice-president of Air Canada at the end of April, marking the end of a 36-year career with the carrier. 

Airbus bests Boeing in 2022 orders and deliveries but both airframers take positives

For the fourth consecutive year, European airframer Airbus in 2022 delivered more aircraft and received more net orders than arch rival Boeing.

USAF completes largest-ever C-17 launch with rapid deployment of 24 aircraft

Two-dozen of the Boeing transport jets launched from Charleston, South Carolina before dispersing to drop paratroopers, refuel helicopters on the ground and distribute heavy weapons and communication systems at multiple landing sites.

Runway slope obscured visibility during Toronto incursion

Canadian investigators have disclosed that a runway slope would have prevented the crews of two aircraft from seeing one another during a recent incursion incident at Toronto.

Alaska Airlines plans to add 3,500 employees in 2023

Alaska Airlines plans to hire some 3,500 employees for a variety of roles in 2023 – including pilots, flight attendants and customer service agents – to keep pace with its rapidly growing fleet.

Boeing’s F-15EX proves full air-to-air capability with 12 underwing missiles

Recent weapons tests demonstrated that the F-15EX – the latest version of Boeing’s venerable air superiority fighter – can carry a full load of 12 air-to-air missiles.

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: January 2023 update

Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.

Ottawa finalises terms for Canadian F-35 deal

Under the agreement with Lockheed Martin, Canada will purchase 88 F-35A stealth fighters for the country’s air force at a price of $14.2 billion.

Canadian and US airlines cancel flights to Mexico amid ongoing civil unrest

Canadian airlines Sunwing Airlines and WestJet cancelled flights to the western Mexican city of Mazatlan after civil unrest caused that city to close its airport.

Southwest estimates loss of at least $725m from holiday meltdown

Southwest Airlines estimates losing between $725 million and $825 million due to its nationwide operational meltdown over the busy end-of-year travel period, and warned investors that it anticipates a net loss in the fourth quarter of 2022.  

Archer teams with Stellantis to produce Midnight air taxi

Silicon Valley-based Archer Aviation has teamed with automotive company Stellantis to produce its prototype air taxi, Midnight. 

Horizon Air names Jason Berry senior vice-president of operations

US regional carrier Horizon Air has appointed former Alaska Air Group executive Jason Berry as its senior vice-president of operations. 

Hawaiian Airlines orders two more Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Hawaiian Airlines has ordered two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, bringing the airline’s firm order of the type to 12. 

US takes steps to regulate wireless links used to control pilotless aircraft

The US Federal Communications Commission has revealed a plan to bolster the reliability of communication links between un-crewed aircraft and grounded-based aircraft operators.

US Navy to purchase two XQ-58 drones for ‘autonomous collaborative killer’ programme

The Air Force is already testing the Kratos XQ-58 as part of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative – now the US Navy appears to be following suit.

GE Aerospace nears being standalone company following healthcare divestiture

GE Aerospace came one step closer to becoming a standalone public company on 3 January when parent General Electric divested its healthcare division.

CommuteAir plans to upgrade avionics in fleet of ERJ-145s

US regional carrier CommuteAir plans on making a “significant new fleet investment” by updating the avionics in its ageing Embraer ERJ-145s with technology developed by Honeywell Aerospace.

UAVs deliver cargo to US Navy ship at sea for first time

In what the service describes as a “first-of-its-kind mission”, multiple unmanned air systems moved low-weight cargo loads from shore to ships at sea.

Southwest Airlines prepares to return to normal operations

Southwest Airlines plans to return to normal operations on 30 December following a disastrous end-of-year travel period in which the carrier has so far cancelled more than 12,000 flights over six days.

Which airlines welcomed new aircraft types into their fleets during 2022?

A selection of the aircraft deliveries over the past 12 months that saw airlines welcome new types or variants into their fleets

US to reinstate Covid-19 testing requirement for air travellers from China

Starting on 5 January, the USA will begin requiring a negative Covid-19 test or proof of recovery for international air travellers coming from China. 

Rolls-Royce lands US Navy order for 28 Osprey engines

The UK engine maker will produce 28 AE 1107C Liberty powerplants for the Boeing V-22 Ospreys operated by the US Navy and US Marine Corps.

US investigators dismayed as 737 Max crash probe skips analysis of crew's actions

US investigators have dissented over findings of an Ethiopian inquiry into the fatal Boeing 737 Max 8 crash outside Addis Ababa nearly four years ago, arguing that the conclusions focus on technical design issues and fail to take sufficient account of human factors and inadequate pilot responses to the loss ...

Southwest pilots ‘embarrassed’ for airline’s operational crisis

Southwest Airlines’ operational meltdown continued 27 December as it cancelled thousands more flights in what has been a calamitous holiday travel period for the Dallas-based discounter. 

US Navy to purchase 26 TH-73As from Leonardo

The derivative of Leonardo’s TH-119 commercial helicopter is used for flight training by the US Navy, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard.

Southwest cancels majority of flights in nationwide operational meltdown

Southwest Airlines is suffering a near collapse of its operations, cancelling the majority of its flights on 26 December following several days of extreme winter weather.

Congress passes spending bill, funding military and averting shutdown

The House of Representatives approved a spending package that includes $858 billion to fund the US military, averting a shutdown that would have affected numerous defence procurement programmes and regular operations.

US airline operations continue to be hampered by ‘powerful’ winter storm

Passengers travelling on one of the busiest days of the year are still contending with brutal winter weather that has crippled numerous airlines’ and airports’ operations across the country.

Crashed Metroliner rolled after crew disengaged autopilot on approach: NTSB

US investigators probing the crash of a Fairchild SA227 Metroliner in Wisconsin have found the aircraft experienced an uncommanded roll after the crew disconnected the autopilot during approach.

Airline Business performance tracker: key data indicators from around the world

The Airline Business perfromance tracker features key data indicators from dozens of airlines around the world, drawing metrics from the most recent earnings season and comparing the figures with equivalent periods back to 2019.

Which firms are leading aviation’s decarbonisation charge?

The hype about electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft to help solve aviation’s carbon emission problem is huge, but how much progress is being made bringing them to market?

Congress proposes military spending plan with $7bn for aircraft procurement

A spending plan to fund the US government through September 2023 would provide roughly $7 billion for the acquisition of new defence aircraft and $45 billion to support the Ukrainian military.

Boeing resumes 777-9 testing after engine issue prompted flight-test pause

Boeing has resumed 777-9 testing after pausing flight tests earlier this year due to an unspecified issue with a GE Aerospace GE9X powerplant.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes shuffles executives in bid to shore up supply chain

Boeing has made several senior staff changes in its commercial aircraft division as part of an effort to help the company address nagging supply chain troubles.

Raytheon completes first test run of its Dash 8 hybrid-electric powerplant

Raytheon Technologies has successfully test-run a hybrid-electric propulsion system it is developing to power a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 regional airliner.

USAF grounds B-2 fleet after emergency landing closes airfield

The US Air Force ordered its small fleet of strategic stealth bombers into a “safety pause” after one of the ultra-expensive aircraft was damaged during an emergency landing.

New technology additions will keep A330 MRTT ahead of the competition: Airbus

Airbus Defence & Space is furthering its pursuit of new technologies for use with the A330 multi-role tanker transport, as it eyes major additional sales opportunities for the type.

Mesa Airlines splits with American, strikes deal with United

Mesa Air Group, parent of regional carrier Mesa Airlines, disclosed 19 December plans to end its 30-year partnership with American Airlines in favour of a new, five-year agreement with United Airlines that is still to be finalised.

Flyr pursues US wet-lease and charters to offset quiet winters

Norwegian operator Flyr is applying to US regulators to operate services in the North American market.

L3Harris Technologies to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne for $4.7bn

L3Harris Technologies intends to acquire propulsion systems expert Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings in an all-cash transaction valued at $4.7 billion, the companies said on 18 December.

Western defence procurement to soar in 2023

Generals, it is said, prepare to fight the last war. After nearly a year of intense fighting in Ukraine, military generals, and the public, have a glimpse of how the next war may look.

No quick fix to aerospace’s supply chain and labour problems

The supply and labour troubles that hindered aerospace production this year seem poised to continue in the near term, with inflation and parts shortages expected to leave airframers and suppliers struggling again in 2023 to ramp production.

Low-cost Avelo Airlines seeks to stand out with culture and routes to underserved airports

While some in the airline industry view the low-cost model as “doomed”, others believe courting cost-conscious leisure travellers is the best strategy now and for the future. 

Gulfstream flies business jet on 100% sustainable fuel

Gulfstream has flown a G650 business jet fuelled with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a feat the Savannah company calls a first among business jet manufactures.

Congress moves to increase US stock of precision munitions

Citing diminishing stores of high-technical guided missiles following repeated arms transfers to Ukraine, lawmakers in Washington want to give the Pentagon more flexibility to increase the purchase of precision munitions. 

Porter Airlines’ westward expansion to include routes to Calgary, Edmonton

Continuing the westward expansion of its domestic network, Porter Airlines said on 15 December it is adding Calgary International airport to its list of destinations.

On ‘road to recovery’, Canada’s Air Transat loses C$126 million in fiscal Q4

Transat AT, the parent company of Canadian leisure airline Air Transat, gained ground financially but still posted an loss of C$126 million ($92.2 million) in the company’s fiscal fourth quarter.

ASL to explore remote-pilot freighter potential with US autonomy specialist

Irish-based operator ASL Aviation Holdings is to explore concepts for autonomous aircraft operation, and their initial application to freighter aircraft, under a collaboration with a US specialist.

United Airlines expects to carry 8.3m customers over the end-of-year holiday period

United Airlines expects to transport 8.3 million passengers during the end-of-year holiday travel season, almost 2 million more passenger than last year.

United aims to leap past US competitors in post-Covid decade with ‘record’ 787 order

United Airlines views its new order for 100 Boeing 787s as a means to leapfrog US competitors through aggressive international expansion as the industry in the coming decade recovers from the Covid-19 downturn.

Airbus’ Acubed reveals latest version of advanced air traffic management simulator

Airbus Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) has revealed the latest version of its proprietary simulation tool, USim, which could be critical for understanding the future operations of automated aircraft “without the real-world consequences of system failures”.

Boom Supersonic picks trio of companies to develop ‘Symphony’ engine for Overture

Boom Supersonic’s Overture aircraft will be powered by a new propulsion system developed by Florida Turbine Technologies, GE Additive and StandardAero.

United hands Boeing order for 100 787 Dreamliners and 100 737 Max

United Airlines has ordered 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and taken options to purchase 100 more, in what it calls the largest-ever widebody aircraft by a US carrier.

USAF announces successful test of fully assembled hypersonic cruise missile

The AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon was delivered from Lockheed Martin in “all-up-round” form, meaning the cruise missile was fully assembled.

JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes gets two-year contract extension

JetBlue Airways chief executive Robin Hayes has received a two-year extension on his employment contract, the airline disclosed in a 9 December filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

American and JetBlue expand alliance amid looming antitrust decision

American Airlines and JetBlue Airways are expanding their operating partnership with 11 new routes from Boston and New York as a pending decision in a federal antitrust trial challenging their so-called Northeast Alliance (NEA) looms.

Fewer A-10s but protections for F-22s, EA-18Gs and F-15s in US defence policy bill

If approved, the behemoth bill to fund the US military through 2023 would allow some reductions to the A-10 fleet, but prohibit retirements of many other types, including fighters, tankers and transports.

Congress excludes Max 7 and 10 exemption from defence spending bill

Lawmakers have excluded from a defence spending bill a critical exemption Boeing is seeking for its 737 Max 7 and 10, leaving more questions about those jets’ certification path.

Porter Airlines to expand westward with Vancouver flights from February 2023

Canada’s Porter Airlines will initially fly its new Embraer 195-E2s from Toronto Pearson International airport to Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa, beginning in February 2023.

Razor-thin airline industry profit projection for 2023 reflects complex web of factors

It is not for nothing that IATA director general Willie Walsh described the challenges faced by airlines going into 2023 as “complex”.

US military to explore use of sustainable aviation fuel

A directive from Congress included in the 2023 defence spending bill would require the Pentagon to establish at least one refinery and production of a 10% SAF fuel blend by 2028.

FAA proposes rule changes to regulate air taxi operators

The Federal Aviation Administration has started the process of defining how it will regulate the new breed of in-development electric air taxis.

WestJet to add first Asia route with Calgary-Tokyo flights

Canadian carrier WestJet is to launch flights from Calgary to Tokyo Narita next summer, marking its first destination in Asia.

Bell beats out Sikorsky to produce US Army’s new assault helicopter

The US Army’s Future Vertical Lift team has chosen Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor design over a coaxial type jointly bid by Sikorsky and Boeing.

Wrongly-refitted trim switch left pilots fighting to keep E175’s nose down

US investigators have determined that an Embraer 175 pitch-trim switch, inadvertently fitted upside-down, resulted in the crew’s experienced a serious flight-control incident on departure from Atlanta.

Archer achieves ‘transition’ flight with prototype eVTOL aircraft Maker

Air taxi developer Archer Aviation has flown its first “full transition” from hover to forward flight with its two-seat prototype, Maker – a significant milestone in the start-up’s development of a bigger prototype, Midnight. 

Top US lawmakers to decide fate of 737 Max 7 and Max 10 regulatory exemption

One of two proposals to exempt Boeing’s 737 Max 7 and Max 10 from a year-end regulatory change could be included in a US defence spending bill lawmakers plan to finalise before year end.

Senator backs exempting Max 7 and 10 from cockpit-alert requirement: reports

A movement is afoot in Washington to grant Boeing an exemption needed to bring its 737 Max 7 and Max 10 through certification without equipping the types with a modern cockpit alerting system.

String of fatal air tour crashes in Alaska prompts call for special FAA regulations

In response to a series of fatal aircraft crashes in Ketchikan, Alaska, US safety investigators are calling for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create special rules to address flight safety hazards for air tour operators in the region.

Atlas Air shareholders approve acquisition by Apollo Global Management

US air cargo company Atlas Air Worldwide came closer to going private on 29 November as shareholders voted to approve a pending acquisition by an investor group led by Apollo Global Management.

NetJets orders four Bombardier Global 8000s

Fractional aircraft ownership company NetJets has ordered four of Bombardier’s ultra-long-range, newly rebooted Global 8000 business jets in a deal with a list-price value of $312 million.

US Air Force to buy 45 additional AESA radars for F-16 upgrades

The deal worth nearly $100 million is part of the USAF’s $6 billion effort to upgrade its fleet of the ageing Lockheed Martin single-engined jets.

MSC Mediterranean launches air cargo operation with first Boeing 777 freighter

MSC Mediterranean Shipping stepped into the air cargo industry on 28 November as its operating partner Atlas Air took delivery of a Boeing 777-200 freighter, which Atlas will operate on behalf of MSC.

How year of conflict affected World Air Forces inventory

In association with Embraer, by Craig Hoyle

Our annual World Air Forces directory – published in association with Embraer – details the military aircraft fleets of 162 nations, and analyses the main events of the last 12 months.

SAS to open JFK link to complement Newark operation

Scandinavian operator SAS is to open a new connection to New York JFK, from its hub in the Danish capital Copenhagen.

LATAM and Delta expand networks across the Americas as joint business takes off

LATAM Airlines Group and Delta Air Lines have unveiled a host of route expansions under a new joint venture approved by the US Department of Transportation (DOT)  in September, adding a total of 23,000 additional seats weekly to the carriers’ current schedules between North and Latin America. 

Canadian ULCC Swoop fined for failing to refund passengers for Covid-19 disruptions

Canadian ultra-low cost carrier Swoop was fined $175,000 in civil penalties by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for failing to provide timely refunds to passengers who had flights cancelled or significantly delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Stratolaunch lands USAF support for hypersonic test vehicle

The company created by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen received a contract from the US Air Force Research Laboratory to support a 2023 flight test of Stratolaunch’s Talon-A hypersonic vehicle.

US Navy P-8s can now strike submarines from 30,000ft

Boeing in August began full-rate production of the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability, which will add precision-guided capability to the US Navy’s fleet of Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft.

US-European task force draws up roadmap to modernise aviation data connectivity

European and US regulators have set out proposals to modernise and harmonise aviation data connectivity, which currently relies on limited-bandwidth connections.

USAF KC-46A completes record-breaking 36h endurance flight

The Boeing aerial refuelling jet’s 14,000nm flight path took it from the US state of New Hampshire to Guam and back, in what the USAF calls a “proof of concept” operation demonstrating long-range force projection.

Gol chief leads the Brazilian carrier out of the pandemic while still piloting its 737s

Chief executive Celso Ferrer still makes time to fly Gol’s 737s as he navigates the low-cost operator out of the Covid-19 crisis and into a new group structure

Air Canada invests C$6.75 million in carbon capture technology

Air Canada has invested C$6.75 million ($5.07 million) to support nascent technology that could potentially pull carbon from the atmosphere at an industrial scale.

Airbus invests in Canadian firm working to pull CO2 from the air

Airbus has invested in Canadian firm Carbon Engineering to help fund development of technology that extracts CO2 from air, freeing it to be stored or used to produce fuel.

US FAA extending aircraft registration duration to seven years

US regulators are aiming to extend the duration of aircraft registrations to seven years, more than double the current three-year limit, in order to relieve administrative workloads.

US aerospace industry powers launch of NASA’s first Artemis moon mission

Numerous US defence contractors supplied critical components for Artemis I, including rocket engines, solid state boosters and the space capsule that will eventually carry human astronauts.

JetBlue to launch Paris flights next summer from New York, then from Boston

JetBlue Airways plans to expand its European network beyond London next summer with new flights between New York’s John F Kennedy International and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports.

Sun Country plans to grow network with 15 new routes in summer 2023

In one of the ultra-low cost carrier’s largest-ever expansions, Sun Country Airlines plans to roll out 15 new nonstop routes next summer from its base in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

‘Lucrative time to be an airline pilot’: Three US regional airlines dangle hefty bonuses

With US regional airlines struggling to fill cockpit seats, Envoy Air, Piedmont Airlines and PSA Airlines are each offering $100,000 signing bonuses to attract qualified pilots.

US DOT fines six airlines and forces refunds

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined six airlines a total of $7.25 million dollars and forced them to refund more than $600 million to customers whose flights were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Canada and India agree to unlimited passenger flights between the countries

Canada and India have agreed to an expanded air transportation agreement allowing designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries.

Drone swarms, solar-powered UAVs and congested air space management: the US Army’s experiment in the desert

An annual series of experiments with new military technology, known as Project Convergence, seek to push the bounds of what a multi-national, Western fighting force can do on the battlefield.

American Airlines’ pilots encourage union APA to explore merger with ALPA

A group of pilots at American Airlines is lobbying for their union, Allied Pilots Association (APA), to explore a merger with much larger Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).

Avelo Airlines to launch new base in Raleigh-Durham

US discount carrier Avelo Airlines plans to open a new operational base at Raleigh-Durham International airport and add six nonstop routes to Florida in February 2023. 

Archer and United plan 2025 launch of air taxi service in New York

Archer Aviation and United Airlines intend to launch their first airport-to-downtown urban air mobility (UAM) route in the New York City metropolitan area from 2025.

Latest Airline Business Index shows Q3 revenue matched pre-Covid level

The latest Airline Business Index shows the global airline industry’s revenue during the third quarter of 2022 matched that seen in the same month of 2019, marking the first time any of the four measures have achieved that milestone since Covid-19 hit.

Republic Airways cuts 31 Embraer E175s from orderbook

Embraer has stripped 31 E175s from its backlog after US regional carrier Republic Airways apparently cancelled the orders.

How airline transatlantic capacity has returned, a year since US borders reopened

The reopening of few markets from Covid border restrictions was so eagerly awaited and hard campaigned for as routes across the transatlantic.

WestJet to use SAF for flights from San Francisco to Calgary

Canadian passenger carrier WestJet has committed to temporarily operating flights from San Francisco to Calgary using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Kratos announces successful test of Valkyrie autonomous jet

The pilotless, jet-powered aircraft is being developed for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme that seeks to pair conventional fighters with uncrewed platforms.

Turkish Airlines reports Q3 net profit of $1.5bn as passenger revenue surges

Turkish Airlines has reported a net profit of $1.5 billion for the third quarter of 2022, as capacity, traffic and yields – as well as costs – surged beyond pre-Covid levels.

Pilotless Black Hawk flies medevac, resupply missions in DARPA experiment

The Pentagon’s secretive weapons development office, working with helicopter maker Sikorsky, successfully modified a UH-60 Black Hawk to fly without pilot input.

Boeing’s next new aircraft is years away but 787 updates are imminent: executives

Boeing’s product development timeline became clearer on 2 November when the company said it will soon reveal a higher-gross-weight 787, while indicating it will not launch a clean-sheet aircraft.

Labour and supply chain costs push Spirit AeroSystems to $128m Q3 loss

Aerostructures manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems sunk further into the red during the third quarter, as costs from its Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 programmes pushed the company to a $128 million loss.

Allegiant, hit hard by Hurricane Ian, reports third-quarter loss of $46.5m

Allegiant Travel Company, parent of Allegiant Air, reported a loss of $46.5 million in the third quarter as revenue – and costs – surged significantly. 

Boeing pushes back 737 Max 7 and Max 10 certifications

Boeing has again delayed certification timelines for its two outstanding 737 Max variants, now estimating the Federal Aviation Administration will clear the Max 7 by early 2023 and the Max 10 by early 2024.

5G may have caused dozens of troubling in-flight avionics failures

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspects new 5G cellular networks may have caused roughly 80 instances of aircraft system interference this year, with pilots reporting a range of malfunctions since the latest generation of mobile connectivity went live in January.

United pilots vote down tentative contract

Nearly 10,000 United Airlines pilots seeking higher pay rejected a tentative contract that would have given them a 14.5% pay raise over 18 months.

Aviation sector resilient in the face of computer chip shortage

While a global crunch in the supply of semiconductors has impacted other high-tech industries like automotive manufacturing and consumer electronics, the aerospace sector has proven less vulnerable.

Cargojet posts C$83.4m Q3 profit, boosted by e-commerce boom

With global demand for e-commerce driving revenue growth, Canadian operator Cargojet reported a third-quarter profit of C$83.4 million ($61.2 million) on 31 October.

US orders 737 Classic spoiler sensor check to avert split-throttle risk

Operators of certain older ‘Classic’ Boeing 737 variants are being instructed to conduct tests to check for potential spoiler sensor failure, which could escape detection by the autothrottle computer.

Revenue surges but Air Canada loses C$508m in Q3

Air Canada’s revenue more than doubled compared with its third quarter of 2021 but the flag carrier still lost C$508 million ($373 million) in the three months ending 30 September.

Despite pilot shortage, SkyWest turns $48m Q3 profit

SkyWest made a $48 million profit in the third quarter despite its “crew imbalance” related to the global pilot shortage, chief executive Chip Childs said 27 October. 

IAG shareholders agree to 50-strong 737 Max order

Shareholders of British Airways and Iberia parent IAG have approved the company’s plan to purchase 50 Boeing 737 Max, including the high-capacity Max 8-200 and the as yet uncertificated Max 10.

Frontier Airlines turns $33m Q3 profit on strength of demand for leisure travel

Frontier Group Holdings, parent of Frontier Airlines, reported a profit of $33 million in the third quarter of 2022 – the second consecutive profitable quarter for the Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC).

Troubled fixed-price defence contracts drive $3.3bn loss for Boeing

The aerospace giant’s defence division received $2.8 billion in charges on five aircraft development programmes that Boeing bid using a competitive but risky pricing strategy.

WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing raises red flags from competition regulator

A Canadian business-competition regulator has raised concerns about WestJet’s proposed acquisition of rival Sunwing Airlines, citing a “substantial lessening or prevention of competition in the sale of vacation packages to Canadians”.

Gulfstream parent warns of FAA delays to G700 certification, still hopes for mid-2023 approval

General Dynamics still hopes subsidiary Gulfstream will have its in-development G700 certified by mid-2023 but now cautions that the resource-constrained Federal Aviation Administration could impact the timeline.

Alaska orders 52 more 737 Max, preps to divest remaining Airbus jets

Alaska Airlines has ordered another 52 Boeing 737 Max jets and secured rights to purchase a further 105, aligning the airline’s future with the narrowbody as it aims to divest its remaining Airbus fleet next year.

Hawaiian Airlines loses $9.3m in Q3 as ‘international network is still rebuilding’

Hawaiian Holdings, parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, reported a third-quarter loss of $9.3 million as the carrier continues its pandemic recovery.

Raytheon logs declines in defence sales despite billions in backlog

Sales of avionics, jet engines and precision missiles all declined year-over-year, despite surging defence spending and billions of dollars worth of backlogged orders.

GE Aerospace’s third-quarter profit surges on higher Leap deliveries and aftermarket bump

GE Aerospace’s third-quarter profit shot up more than 50% year on year in the third quarter of 2022 to $1.3 billion, reflecting a significant bump in engine deliveries and increasing demand for aftermarket services.

How US airlines are tackling pilot shortage crisis

The post-pandemic US pilot shortage has caused carriers to cut services, prompting initiatives intended to smooth new recruits’ path to the cockpit – but barriers remain.

Aeromexico’s Q3 revenue up from 2021

Newly restructured Grupo Aeromexico, the parent company of Mexico’s legacy carrier, Aeromexico, reports third-quarter profitability and a rebound from the lows of 2021.

B-21 reveal date set for 2 December

The designer of the next-generation strategic bomber, Northrop Grumman, says it will unveil the new aircraft on 2 December in California.

Lockheed Martin predicts F-35 production slowdown in 2023

Executives expect Lockheed will produce fewer of the advanced multi-role fighter next year, citing uncertainty over US orders and competing budget priorities.

Air Transat and WestJet link networks with regional Canadian airlines

Canadian passenger carriers Air Transat and WestJet have expanded their respective networks through codeshare agreements with smaller regional airlines. 

American earns nearly $500m in third-quarter profit

American Airlines turned a $483 million profit in the third quarter of 2022, more than double its profit in the same period last year and also up from the comparable 2019 pre-pandemic period.

Canadian start-up Lynx Air charts course with new chief operating officer

Canadian start-up airline Lynx Air named Jim Sullivan as its new chief operating officer on 18 October as the company seeks to carve out a place among North American discount carriers.

Greater harmonisation key to tapping Caribbean potential: Bahamasair chief

Bahamasair chief executive Tracy Cooper is calling for greater harmonisation efforts to ease travel within the Caribbean, particularly on intra-island services.

Honda Aircraft’s new CEO Yamasaki prepares for ‘next story’ with 2600 HondaJet

Honda Aircraft’s new chief executive Hideto Yamasaki arrives at NBAA in charge of a company he describes as poised to begin a second phase of expansion, one likely to be spearheaded by the development of a new and larger business jet. 

The AAM revolution is here. Will the public get on board?

If the vision presented by the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry becomes reality, revolutionary aircraft will soon fill the skies over cities, suburbs and rural areas. But AAM companies face a major challenge before taking off – earning the public’s trust.

Honda Aircraft reveals enhanced HondaJet Elite II

Honda Aircraft turned heads as the NBAA show opened by unveiling enhancements to its HA-420 HondaJet, with the Elite II variant gaining more range, a newly designed spoiler, and several cabin upgrades.

Avianca, Copa, United to pursue joint venture pact under new conditions

Colombia’s Avianca, Panama’s Copa Airlines and United Airlines will still pursue a long-awaited a three-way joint venture agreement (JVA), even though the framework and market conditions have dramatically changed since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tamarack to offer winglet system on Ampaire’s hybrid-electric aircraft modification

Winglet maker Tamarack Aerospace has diversified its business by partnering with Ampaire, a Los Angeles company selling hybrid-electric modifications of several existing aircraft types.

Archer Aviation set to unveil Midnight eVTOL in November

California-based Archer Aviation is formally to unveil its production Midnight eVTOL aircraft next month, ahead of its planned schedule.

AviaAM becomes launch customer for Mammoth’s 777-300ER cargo-conversion programme

Cyprus aircraft finance company AviaAM Leasing has become launch customer for Mammoth Freighters’ cargo-converted Boeing 777-300ERMF, ordering six of the type.

Delta has ‘plan B’ in case Boeing 737 Max 10 misses critical FAA deadline

Delta Air Lines is still counting on the US aviation regulator to certificate the Boeing 737 Max 7 and 10 models without extensive and expensive cockpit modifications, even though those certifications are delayed and may miss a critical deadline.

First signs of slowing air travel recovery momentum?

Amid so much economic and geopolitical uncertainty around the world, the first hints of a potential impact on travel demand were seen in the latest passenger demand data.

SmartLynx ties up with US lessor Aero Capital on A321 freighter conversions

Latvian wet-lease specialist SmartLynx is establishing an Airbus A321 converted freighter partnership with US lessor Aero Capital Solutions.

Republic Airways pilots secure major pay raise

Amid a broad surge in regional pilot pay, Republic Airways pilots represented by the Teamsters Local 357 union will receive a big rate increase. 

Flexjet plans to become public company in 2023

US fractional business aircraft ownership company Flexjet has jumped on the go-public bandwagon, revealing plans to sell public shares by merging with a so-called special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

US Air Force to test blended-wing logistics aircraft by 2027

The airframe concept proposed in the service’s recent climate action plan would serve as a refueller and cargo transport. 

United Airlines will introduce flights to Dubai, Stockholm and Malaga in 2023

United Airlines is expanding its transatlantic summer flying schedule in 2023 to include new destinations Stockholm, Dubai and Malaga, Spain, in addition to adding flights to six other European cities.

Frontier unveils first A321neo and tweaked paint scheme, plans expansion

Frontier Airlines marked the delivery of its first Airbus A321neo on 11 October, with the carrier’s chief executive saying the jet will further strengthen Frontier’s cost advantage and let it expand to new destinations, possibly including those outside North America.

Boeing reports improved order, delivery activity in September

Boeing in September ramped up its aircraft deliveries and logged a solid month of orders, handing over 51 jets, including seven 787s, to customers during the month.

NASA optimistic over power potential from solid-state batteries

US aeronautics agency NASA is progressing with solid-state battery designs which are capable of offering increased energy discharge while substantially reducing the weight of the casing.

American invests in Universal Hydrogen

American Airlines has made an equity investment in start-up Universal Hydrogen to help support the airline’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: October 2022 update

Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.

More real world input required for loyal wingman development: think tank

A US airpower think tank has listed a set of priorities for the US Air Force (USAF) to consider as it embarks on the development of unmanned combat aircraft.

Mesa to sell 18 Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets to United

Mesa Air Group, the parent company of regional carrier Mesa Airlines, will sell 18 Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft to United Airlines for “approximately $50 million”.

WestJet plans to consolidate Boeing 787-9 fleet in Calgary

Canadian airline WestJet will base all seven of its Boeing 787s at its Calgary hub as a part of a strategy shift which will see the carrier double its capacity in the city by the end of the decade.

FedEx and pilots to pursue government mediation for contract negotiations

Pilots at Fedex Express and the company’s management will pursue federal mediation through the National Mediation Board (NMB) on their contract negotiations.

US Air Force grounds select C-130 transports over propeller cracks

The discovery of cracks in the propeller barrel assemblies on multiple C-130H models led Air Mobility Command to issue a no-fly order for roughly 100 aircraft.

US Army orders two more Block II Chinook heavy-lift helicopters

US Army has ordered two more examples of the updated Block II variant of the CH-47F tandem-rotor type, with long-lead funding for additional airframes.

Wisk unveils new air taxi design that will be certification suitable

Boeing-backed air taxi developer Wisk Aero has revealed an updated prototype that it calls a candidate for type certification by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

FAA calls for ‘realistic’ 737 Max 7 timeline after Boeing misses paperwork deadline

Boeing was late in providing some 737 Max 7 assessments to the Federal Aviation Administration, cutting the agency’s available time to certificate the jet before a critical December deadline.

US government approves Delta-LATAM joint venture

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has given its long-awaited approval of anti-trust immunity for the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines Group.

Use of ADS-B by flight-tracking websites spurs proposition to protect privacy

Security and privacy concerns arising from the ability to obtain, and freely share over the internet, ADS-B information transmitted by aircraft have been outlined in a paper to the ICAO Assembly.

WestJet orders 42 Boeing 737 Max 10s amid ongoing fleet expansion

Canadian airline WestJet is expanding its fleet of narrowbody passenger aircraft with an order of 42 Boeing 737 Max 10s, and options for 22 more. 

Discount Canadian carriers Flair Airlines and Lynx Air manoeuvre for market share

Low-cost Canadian carriers Flair Airlines and Lynx Air plan to expand operations next year as competition for the North American discount market heats up.

US FAA sets out initial standards for eVTOL vertiport designs

US aviation regulators have unveiled design guidance for vertiports, as the aerospace industry progresses with multiple proposed eVTOL aircraft.

JetBlue CEO takes stand, defends ‘Northeast Alliance’ as antitrust trial starts

US government attorneys grilled JetBlue Airways chief executive Robin Hayes on 27 September, the opening day of the American Airlines-JetBlue antitrust trial in Boston.

Gulfstream pitches G400 at large-cabin market ‘sweet spot’

Eyeing a lucrative gap in the market for a 4,200nm-range jet with large-cabin comfort, Gulfstream has embarked on its G400 development with lofty expectations.

Southwest’s Van de Ven to step down from president and COO posts

Southwest Airlines’ president and chief operating officer Mike Van de Ven will be stepping down from both of his leadership posts in the coming months.

Canada to drop all Covid-related travel restrictions

Canada will drop all Covid-19-related travel restrictions later this week, more than two and a half years since the beginning of the global pandemic.

Why ICAO Assembly is crucial for aviation’s decarbonisation effort

Airlines and airports say governments must use the 41^st ICAO Assembly – which begins this week in Montreal – to formally commit to targets that support the commercial aviation industry’s decarbonisation timeline.

Why Vertical Aerospace is still riding high as eVTOL sector matures

UK start-up Vertical Aerospace is among a small group of pioneers driving the development of eVTOL platforms for market entry later this decade – but can it maintain momentum?

Business aviation’s new long-range leaders battle supply chain worries

Divergence between supply and demand has left manufacturers of large-cabin business jets with flush backlogs – and plenty of problems that need solving.

United names Jonathan Ireland new head of finance

A new hand will guide United Airlines’ $40 billion operations and $5 billion capital budget, as the Chicago-based carrier named Jonathan Ireland senior vice president of finance on 23 September.

United grounds 25 Boeing 777s due to maintenance issue

United Airlines in recent days grounded more than two dozen Boeing 777-200s after missing required maintenance inspections.

Royal Navy Wildcat cuts teeth during Arctic Thunder frigate sinking

The UK Royal Navy has performed the first firing of its Thales Martlet air-to-surface missile against a “realistic target at sea”, as part of a bilateral exercise also involving the Royal Air Force and US military.

FedEx outlook fuels concern over air cargo prospects

The bleak economic outlook provided by FedEx at the end of last week served as a reminder to the airline industry that the Covid-era cargo boom is vulnerable to global uncertainties.

United Boeing 777-200 suffers “hydraulic pump issue” after take-off

A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 experienced a “hydraulic pump issue” shortly after take-off from Newark’s Liberty International airport, forcing the aircraft to return and land.

Mesa to acquire 29 Pipistrel trainers in creative bid to attract new pilots

US regional carrier Mesa Airlines plans to acquire 29 Pipistrel Alpha Trainer 2 aircraft, with an option to buy 75 more over the next year, to create an easier pathway for pilots to accumulate 1,500 flight hours.

De Havilland plans new assembly site near Calgary, Dash 8 and Twin Otter reboot unsettled

De Havilland Canada has revealed plans to build a massive new manufacturing site near Calgary where it will assemble aircraft including its newly launched DHC-515 water bomber.

USAF hopes for decision on F-35 engine this year

Chief of staff General Charles Brown says his service would like to reach a decision before January on whether the advanced strike fighter needs an entirely new powerplant or just an upgrade.

National Airlines introduces ex-AirBridgeCargo 747-400ERF to freighter fleet

US operator National Airlines has introduced a Boeing 747-400ERF to its fleet, an extended-range version of the high-capacity freighter.

First B-21 roll-out planned for December

The US Air Force and designer Northrop Grumman plan to reveal the first of the service’s secretive B-21 Raider next-generation strategic bombers in December.

Swelling pilot pay could force US regionals to contract, impacting communities: CEOs

Higher pilot pay rates at regional airlines could become a problem as carriers seek to balance a pilot shortage with maintaining flights to smaller US communities.

USAF clears KC-46 for global operations, troubles remain

The head of the US Air Force’s Air Mobility Command says airmen have developed workarounds for the problem-plagued refueller’s issues, calling the type “incredibly capable”.

Embraer and L3Harris join to offer ‘Agile Tanker’ to USAF

Brazilian airframer Embraer has partnered with US defence contractor L3Harris to offer a special “tactical tanker” version of its KC-390 military lifter to the US Air Force (USAF).

Boeing still pausing 737 production as it works through supply troubles

Boeing is still periodically pausing 737 production due component shortages and other supply chain problems.

Canada Jetlines applies for permission to fly Florida routes

Canadian discount start-up airline Canada Jetlines has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Canada Jetlines applies for a foreign air carrier permit which would allow it to fly routes between Canada and the USA.

Engine makers sound downbeat on supersonic, leaving Boom in a bind

In the wake of Rolls-Royce’s departure from Boom Supersonic’s Overture programme, three additional propulsion specialists have indicated they have no interest in developing powerplants for supersonic civilian aircraft, leaving fresh questions about who will supply the jet’s engines.

US, allies could lose 900 aircraft in conflict with China over Taiwan: CSIS

A wargame developed by the Washington think tank indicates that the US military can preserve the island nation’s sovereignty in the face of a full-scale assault, but at great cost.

United views Flydubai deal as crucial to broader pact with Emirates

United Airlines’ new codeshare deal with Emirates Airline includes a related agreement with Flydubai that United views as particularly valuable in expanding its international reach.

Porter enters sale-and-leasebacks for a dozen E195-E2s

Canada’s Porter Airlines has added more lessors to its fleet-sourcing for Embraer 195-E2 twinjets, with sale-and-leaseback agreements for a dozen aircraft equally split between TrueNoord and funds linked to Apollo and Merx Aviation.

Top Aces’ private F-16 fleet wins USAF contract for adversary air

The Canadian company flies the world’s only fleet of commercially-operated F-16 fighter jets, which will now go head to head against US Air Force pilots in training.