Lockheed will use GE Aerospace CF6 engine to power future tanker design
The military airframer says it has selected GE Aerospace to provide powerplants for its Airbus-based LMXT aerial tanker concept, although demand for the platform remains uncertain.
Collins launches ‘Signature Dream’ first-class suites and ‘Aurora’ lie-flat seats
Collins Aerospace opened this year’s AIX by revealing two new premium airline seating products, including “Signature Dream” first-class suites and lie-flat seats for narrowbody jets called “Aurora”.
LATAM sticks with P&W for remaining A320neo orders
LATAM Airlines is sticking with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines for the remaining Airbus A320neo-family jets the Chilean airline has on order.
F-16s conduct supersonic intercept of unresponsive aircraft over Washington, DC
A privately-owned Cessna Citation jet strayed into restricted airspace over the American capital, where US Air Force fighter jets raced to meet the unresponsive aircraft at supersonic speeds.
Chile’s JetSmart and American Airlines launch strategic alliance
Chile’s JetSmart and American Airlines have launched a strategic alliance and will begin to sell codeshare flights between the United States and Chile
IATA doubles industry profit projection for 2023
IATA now expects the airline industry to make a net profit of $9.8 billion this year, a doubling of its initial projection for sector profitability.
American Airlines’ pilot union APA rejects potential merger with ALPA
The board of directors of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the union representing flight deck crew at American Airlines, rejected a proposal to join the much larger and more-powerful Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) union.
US Air Force denies report of AI-powered UAV attacking operator
The Pentagon says the US Air Force pilot in charge of artificial intelligence testing misspoke when he reported that an AI-enabled drone went rogue and attacked its operator, in defiance of orders.
BA fined $1m but rejects US accusations over pandemic refunds
British Airways is being fined more than $1 million under a compromise arrangement after US regulators accused the UK carrier of failing to refund passengers quickly enough for flights cancelled during the pandemic.
Wizz and Frontier backer Indigo invests in US sustainable-fuel start-up
US private equity firm Indigo Partners is among the participants in a consortium investing $50 million in a start-up company concentrating on sustainable aviation fuel production.
Overtaxed F-35 engines rack up $38 billion in extra maintenance costs
US government auditors say a failure to improve output and cooling capacity on the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine powering the Lockheed Martin F-35, while simultaneously increasing the load from heat-producing sensors and radar, has significantly increased wear on the powerplant and the cost of keeping the fifth-generation type flying.
Do American Airlines and JetBlue have a Plan B?
JetBlue Airways and American Airlines got a nasty surprise last month when a US court struck down their “Northeast Alliance” (NEA), calling it anti-competitive and therefore unlawful.
Aerolineas Argentinas to launch flights to USA from Aeroparque
Argentine flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas will begin operating flights to the USA from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery – the first intercontinental connections to depart from Buenos Aires’ downtown airport, rather than the much larger Ezeiza Ministro Pistorini International airport on the outskirts of the city.
JetBlue agrees to give Spirit’s LaGuardia assets to Frontier
As part of its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines, New York-based JetBlue Airways has entered a divestiture agreement to give Spirit’s gates and slots at New York’s LaGuardia airport to rival ultra-low cost carrier Frontier Airlines.
Boeing steps up 787 production to four aircraft monthly
Boeing’s 787 programme continues gaining momentum as the airframer’s assembly plant in Charleston has stepped up production of its flagship widebody jet to four aircraft monthly.
Advanced materials emerge as challenging new frontier for aircraft recycling
The first two Boeing 787 Dreamliners retired from commercial service have been taken apart. But what to do with the carbon-composite wings and fuselage?
Embraer discussing potential C-390 sales with eight nations, CEO says
Embraer executives have outlined their bold sales ambitions for the C/KC-390 Millennium, as the company draws close to delivering the jet-powered tactical transport to its second operator.
Competition heats up for Canada’s new maritime patrol aircraft
While Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon had been Ottawa’s only option to replace the RCAF’s current anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the recent entry of Bombardier into the fray has both firms jockeying for position.
American Airlines will appeal decision to dissolve Northeast Alliance: CEO
American Airlines will appeal the court ruling that requires it to dissolve its so-called “Northeast Alliance” with JetBlue Airways.
Electric air taxi developer Wisk becomes wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing
California-based electric air taxi developer Wisk Aero is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing, which previously had been one of two shareholders of the start-up.
United Airlines' finance chief Laderman to retire in 2024
United Airlines’ chief financial officer Gerry Laderman has informed the company of his intention to retire in September 2024 following more than three decades of service.
FedEx reaches tentative agreement with pilots
Pilots at FedEx have reached a tentative agreement with the cargo carrier that averts threatened strike action, according to the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) union.
Primordial Labs demos voice command technology for small UAVs
The developmental system known as Anura could allow military operators to direct unmanned aerial vehicles using voice prompts, rather than having to fly them with a physical control station.
US Army advances four designs in new UAV development effort
Four manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles have progressed in the US Army Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System competition to replace the Textron RQ-7B Shadow reconnaissance platform.
Air Canada turns to regional carrier PAL to operate Dash 8s amid pilot crunch
Air Canada is to introduce up to six De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops from regional operator PAL Airlines, to help ease capacity pressure from pilot shortages.
US regional carrier Envoy Air to retire fleet of 50-seat ERJ-145s
American Airlines’ regional subsidiary Envoy Air is retiring the last of its ageing 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 jets, all of which are approaching two decades in service.
Boeing’s autonomous fighter jet makes first appearance in USA
The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a collaboration between the American airframer and the Royal Australian Air Force, has arrived in the USA for the first time for unspecified testing.
Air Canada anticipates 11% capacity increase next winter
Air Canada plans to significantly expand its winter flying and expects an 11% capacity increase compared with its 2022-2023 winter leisure market activitity.
Dissolution of NEA will have no ‘meaningful’ impact on American’s earnings: CFO
American Airlines says that the dissolution of its so-called “Northeast Alliance” (NEA) with JetBlue Airways will not have a “meaningful” impact on the carrier’s earnings.
Natilus picks ZeroAvia to provide hydrogen-propulsion option for ‘Kona’ concept
California start-up Natilus is now offering its blended-wing-body conceptual autonomous aircraft with optional hydrogen-electric powerplants produced by ZeroAvia.
Boeing now delivering some reworked 737s following fuselage issue
Boeing has started the process of delivering 737s that have been fixed to address a recently disclosed manufacturing quality problem involving fuselage clips.
FAA awards $100m to 12 US airports for runway incursion mitigation projects
The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than $100 million to 12 airports accross the USA for projects that are designed to reduce runway incursions.
Boeing safety revamp is ‘journey’, will take time
Boeing’s chief aerospace safety officer says the company has learned lessons since overhauling safety processes in the wake of the 737 Max tragedies, but is ”not there yet”.
Honda Aircraft to finalise HondaJet 2600 suppliers in June ahead of autumn announcements
Honda Aircraft is finalising the supply chain for its proposed HondaJet 2600 as the airframer seemingly moves closer to an official launch of the new aircraft.
Stratolaunch bids for rocket-drop 747 as Virgin Orbit assets are carved up
Three companies have successfully bid for assets of Virgin Orbit, with aerospace firm Stratolaunch picking up the modified Boeing 747-400 which was used to carry air-dropped satellite launch vehicles.
Inmarsat rolls out ‘fastest ever’ Jet ConneX in-flight connectivity plans
Satellite communications company Inmarsat is now selling a series of faster in-flight broadband plans as part of its Jet ConneX service with business partner Satcom Direct.
Delta names Michael Spanos as its new COO
Delta Air Lines has named Michael Spanos as its new chief operating officer, effective next month.
Textron Aviation delivers first passenger-configured SkyCourier
Textron Aviation has delivered the first passenger variant of its Cessna SkyCourier turboprop to Hawaiian charter company Lanai Air.
US DOT fines LATAM $1m for delaying refunds for cancelled flights
The US Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) has fined LATAM Airlines Group $1 million in civil penalties for dragging its feet on refunding customers for cancelled flights during the Covid-19 crisis.
B-2s returned to flight status five months after grounding
The US Air Force has removed a flight hold it instituted on the Northrop Grumman strategic bombers after an undisclosed issue led to an emergency landing in December that damaged one of the multi-billion-dollar aircraft.
Demise of Northeast Alliance puts JetBlue and American in tight spot: analysts
Analysts paint a grim picture of the situation JetBlue Airways and American Airlines find themselves in after a judge struck down their now-four-year collaboration in the Northeast USA, shortly before the airlines’ peak summer travel season begins.
Gulfstream now aiming for autumn G700 certification amid slow FAA pace
Slow progress by the short-staffed Federal Aviation Administration has prompted Gulfstream to push back until autumn its expectation of when the regulator will certificate the G700.
Why pilot-entrepreneur Abingdon Mullin is one to watch
Mullin has worked at Cirrus Aircraft, flown turboprops throughout the Caribbean, piloted big jets for Spirit Airlines and, amid it all, launched Abingdon, a company specialising in selling watches designed for female pilots.
Boeing secures first BBJ 777-9 purchase commitment
Boeing Business Jets’ new president has made an instant impact at EBACE revealing that his team has landed orders and commitments this year to sell four VVIP-configured airliners, including its first BBJ 777-9.
Textron Aviation seeks lift with launch of latest Citation Excel update Ascend
Textron Aviation roared into this year’s EBACE with the announcemnet that its Cessna Citation Excel will soon have a new family member.
American and JetBlue blast court decision on ‘Northeast Alliance’
American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have sharply criticised a judge’s decision to dissolve their so-called ‘Northeast Alliance’.
Judge orders JetBlue-American ‘Northeast Alliance’ dissolved
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has won its lawsuit against American Airlines and JetBlue Airways, with a judge ordering the carriers to unwind their so-called “Northeast Alliance” (NEA).
NASA selects Blue Origin to build second Artemis lunar lander
Private spaceflight company Blue Origin joins reusable rocket pioneer SpaceX on NASA’s Artemis programme to return humans to the lunar surface, with both companies under contract to develop spacecraft capable of landing astronauts on the moon.
American Airlines reaches agreement-in-principle with pilots
American Airlines has come to an agreement-in-principle on a new contract with its pilots, who are represented by union Allied Pilots Association (APA).
Boeing betting that SAF will carry aviation to net-zero carbon target
Though propulsion systems powered by electricity and hydrogen show promise, Boeing says sustainable aviation fuel has emerged as the leading emissions-reduction strategy for airlines worldwide.
Sun Country’s utilisation hindered by low ‘pilot production’
Minnesota-based ultra-low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines reports that its aircraft utilisation been held back in recent months by a lack of pilot instructors and first officers willing to upgrade to captain.
US start-up Northern Pacific Airways delays launch
US start-up carrier Northern Pacific Airways has delayed its launch by three weeks.
USAF officially opens bidding on sixth-gen fighter initiative
The US Air Force is now accepting proposals for its secretive Next-Generation Air Dominance effort to develop a sixth-generation fighter platform.
WestJet begins cancelling flights as pilot strike looms
WestJet Group has started cancelling flights and grounding the “majority” of its fleet as the airline’s pilots, represented by Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), threaten an imminent strike.
Embraer considers up-market move in business jet arena in bid to keep customers
Brazilian manufacturer Embraer sees an opportunity to eventually develop a larger business jet to help it retain customers looking to upgrade from midsize Praetor 500s and 600s.
Bombardier and General Dynamics team up on Canada’s CP-140 replacement
Canada’s largest jet manufacturer is pairing with defence contractor General Dynamics to challenge Boeing for a deal to produce the replacement for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CP-140 maritime patrol aircraft.
Airline Business Index shows industry close to 2019 size amid soaring revenue
The latest Airline Business Index shows the global airline industry’s revenue soared even further above 2019 levels in the first quarter of 2023, as the sector moved to within touching distance of its pre-Covid size.
Pilots’ strike authorisation vote to have ‘no impact’ on operations: FedEx
US-based logistics specialist FedEx is downplaying its pilots’ vote to authorise a potential strike as a collective bargaining tactic that will have ”no impact on our service”.
USAF tests anti-drone swarm energy weapon
The Air Force Research Laboratory says it successfully defeated a so-called “drone swarm” in recent tests using a microwave energy system.
US airlines gearing up for busy Memorial Day travel weekend
US airlines are gearing up for a busy Northern Hemisphere summer travel season that kicks off in 10 days with the first long weekend – marking US national holiday Memorial Day.
Flydubai enhances UAE-Canadian links with Air Canada codeshare
Closer air transport ties between Canada and the United Arab Emirates are being further tightened with a codeshare agreement between Air Canada and Flydubai.
Raytheon to outfit FA-50 fighters with PhantomStrike radar
The industrial giant will install its latest active electronically scanned array radar in the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 light attack fighter, which is bound for service in Poland and Malaysia.
US government seeks input to help define air taxi ‘national strategy’
The US government has kicked off an information-gathering effort to help it prepare for a future that could include widespread operation of regional and intra-city small electric aircraft.
WestJet pilots threaten strike as airline responds with lockout notice
WestJet and its pilots are ratcheting up their labour conflict ahead of what is anticipated to be a busy travel weekend – the first of the upcoming travel season.
Ukraine war proves case for loitering munitions and counter-UAS defences
Early investments into offensive and defensive unmanned aerial vehicle technologies are paying off for first movers in the space, as the systems prove valuable on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Airline Business performance tracker: Americas Q1 2023
Key data from the most-recent Americas earnings period – the first quarter of 2023 – and the equivalent periods stretching back to the last pre-Covid year, powered by Airline Business Insight
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: May 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.
UK cargo start-up One Air hints at eventual migration to 777F
UK start-up cargo carrier One Air has disclosed that it could look to modernise with Boeing 777 freighters as its business develops.
Airline Business Podcast: Q1 earnings, Ryanair order, Go First woes, Joyce's Qantas legacy
Graham and Lewis discuss how European and North American carriers performed during the recent earnings season, which saw a degree of ‘normalisation’ and plenty of positivity about the summer
Air Canada’s Q1 passenger revenue more than doubles
Air Canada achieved a first-quarter record revenue of C$4.9 billion ($3.6 billion), up 88% from the same period a year ago as travel demand boomed following the global pandemic.
First aircraft arrives at new USAF E-11 squadron
The US Air Force is in the process of more than doubling its fleet of the specialised battlefield communication aircraft, based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet.
Armed Overwatch special-ops turboprop enters low-rate production
The head of acquisitions at US Special Operations Command say the low-altitude, close-air-support Sky Warden turboprop being built by L3Harris and Air Tractor is now in first-run low-rate initial production, after being selected for the Armed Overwatch programme in 2022.
Boeing seeks US approval for mini-suite installations on 737 Max
Boeing is seeking authorisation to fit mini-suites to its 737 Max range, similar to those already approved in other aircraft types.
How strong is the corporate air travel recovery?
As airline quarterly earnings ‘normalise’ in the Covid-19 recovery, many large European and US carriers are beginning to quantify how strongly – or not – corporate travel is coming back.
Archer posts first-quarter loss of $113m; progressing toward certification of Midnight
Start-up electric air taxi company Archer Aviation says it continues to progress toward certification of its four-person vertical take-off and landing vehicle “Midnight”, and a commercial entry-into-service date of 2025.
NetJets to purchase up to 250 Embraer Praetor 500s
Fractional aircraft ownership company NetJets has signed a deal with Embraer that includes options to order 250 of the Brazilian manufacturer’s Praetor 500 super-midsize jets.
Southwest Airlines pilots vote to authorise strike
Roughly 10,000 pilots represented by Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) have voted emphatically in favour of authorising a strike as negotiations with the airline on a new contract have stalled.
UK lessor Monte signs for up to 30 of Eviation’s all-electric Alice
US company Eviation has lined up another potential buyer for its in-development electric aircraft Alice, with UK firm Monte Aircraft Leasing signaling its intent to acquire the type.
Archer reveals Midnight prototype, certification-test variant still incomplete
Start-up Archer Aviation has finished assembling a prototype of its in-development electric air taxi Midnight and aims to begin flight testing the aircraft this summer.
SOCOM yet to decide on acquiring Future Vertical Lift aircraft
The US Army is investing billions of dollars to develop its next generation of air assault and reconnaissance rotorcraft, but the Pentagon’s Special Operations Command remains unsure it needs such aircraft.
Mammoth 777 conversions to feature personnel area behind cockpit
US aerospace firm Mammoth Freighters has detailed plans for a supernumerary personnel area behind the cockpit of its converted Boeing 777 cargo aircraft.
US operator to put Dash 8-400 firefighters into service after FAA approval
US aerial firefighting specialist Aero-Flite has been cleared to conduct De Havilland Dash 8-400 tanker operations following regulatory approval of the type.
Long aircraft maintenance turnaround times contribute to GlobalX’s Q1 loss
South Florida start-up carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) reported a modest first-quarter loss of $6 million as long turnaround times for heavy maintenance kept some of its aircraft grounded throughout the period.
Wheels Up overhauls business and leadership team as losses mount
US private-aviation services company Wheels Up is overhauling its business and considering selling assets in a bid to improve efficiency and stem significant financial losses.
Several prospective bidders for Virgin Orbit aim to maintain company’s operations
Over 30 expressions have interest have been submitted for troubled air-launch specialist Virgin Orbit, with several looking to continue the company’s operations.
Mesa Airlines posts $35m fiscal Q2 loss amid ‘tough’ transition
US regional carrier Mesa Airlines reported a loss of $35.1 million during its fiscal second quarter of 2023, as the airline worked to cut ties with longtime partner American Airlines in favour of a new deal to fly on behalf of United Airlines.
US aviation unions blast SkyWest Charter, ask government to reject application
Ten US aviation unions have called on the US government to prevent SkyWest Airlines’ new charter unit, SkyWest Charter, from gaining Department of Transportation (DOT) approval.
Boeing lands 17 787 orders in April
Boeing last month landed new orders for 17 787 widebodies as demand for the long-haul jets continued to rebound.
Chorus Aviation posts C$32m Q1 profit on strong demand for regional jets
Canada’s Chorus Aviation reported a profit of C$32 million ($23.9 million) during the first quarter of 2023, boosted by parts sales and strong demand for its regional aircraft leasing business.
SOCOM looking for new high-speed vertical take-off and landing aircraft
The USA’s Special Operations Command is partnering with the Pentagon’s secretive technology development agency to develop a prototype for a clean sheet aircraft with fixed wing speeds and VTOL capability.
Ryanair’s O’Leary has ‘high’ confidence in Boeing’s recovery
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary thinks Boeing is well on its way to recovering from supply chain troubles and expresses confidence the manufacturer will deliver newly ordered 737 Max 10s on time.
Airlines criticise Biden Administration’s airline customer-rights plan
The air transport industry has criticised the US government’s plan to require compensation for flight delays and cancellations.
Wisk and Japan Airlines partner to certificate and operate air taxis
US air taxi developer Wisk and Japan Airlines (JAL) have partnered to bring Wisk’s in-development air taxi through certification in Japan, with a goal of eventually launching passenger flights there.
Kratos confident of ‘leadership position’ in developing autonomous jet aircraft
While the American technology developer is much smaller than massive competitors in the defence sector, Kratos executives say they enjoy a sizeable lead over legacy aerospace manufacturers in developing a cheap, pilotless jet aircraft.
United vehemently rejects Delta’s request for flexibility on Haneda slots
United Airlines has come out swinging against Delta Air Lines’ request to the US government for “gateway flexibility” for flights to Tokyo Haneda from the USA.
Northrop completes fifth successful test of AARGM-ER
The Extended Range variant of the Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile is meant to help the US Navy and Marine Corps target and destroy enemy radars critical to air defence.
Porter Airlines adds new transcontinental route from Ottawa to Vancouver
Canadian regional carrier Porter Airlines is further expanding westward with a new transcontinental route from Ottawa to Vancouver starting 26 July.
Pilots flying for Canada’s Lynx Air request to join ALPA
An “overwhelming majority” of pilots with Canadian start-up carrier Lynx Air have filed membership cards requesting to join the world’s largest pilots’ union – the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).
Textron Aviation delays Denali’s certification until 2025
Textron Aviation has again delayed certification of its clean-sheet single-prop Beechcraft Denali, saying slower-than-planned certification of the type’s GE Aerospace Catalyst engine forced another timeline push back.
US seeks to require airlines compensate passengers for some delays and cancellations
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to require airlines to provide certain accommodations to passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations caused by factors within airlines’ control.
New regional carrier Bermudair plans to launch Bermuda-to-USA operation
Start-up regional airline Bermudair is planning to fly from Bermuda to three US cities in Florida, Massachusetts and New York, starting with two Embraer 175s.
FAA adds 169 faster high-altitude routes along US East Coast
The Federal Aviation Administration has added 169 new high-altitude aviation corridors along the east coast of the USA designed to save time and fuel.
Lockheed prepares to bring undisclosed country into F-35 programme
Lockheed Martin, producer of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, was recently awarded a $25 million contract to integrate an undisclosed country into the advanced multinational jet programme.
Frontier launches its ‘largest expansion’ with eight new routes from Puerto Rico
Frontier Airlines is launching direct flights from Puerto Rico to eight major cities in the US and Mexico, expanding its Puerto Rican network to 20 destinations.
Joby reports Q1 loss, will issue $180m in stock to long-term investor
Electric air taxi start-up Joby Aviation has entered an agreement to issue $180 million of common stock to long-term Joby investor Baillie Gifford, providing a cash infusion as the company pushes to certify its aircraft.
American Airlines vice-chair Derek Kerr to retire
American Airlines vice-chair and president of regional subsidiary American Eagle Derek Kerr will retire in September.
Air Canada raises profit expectations for 2023
Air Canada has raised its earnings expectations for the full year as passenger demand remains strong and jet fuel prices fall.
P&W letter to Go First reveals detail about strained supply chain
A recent letter from Pratt & Whitney (P&W) to Indian airline Go First reveals more detail about the tight supply of PW1100G spare engines and related equipment.
USAF commandos land MC-130, A-10s on Wyoming highway
Special operations commandos and pilots with the US Air Force successfully landed UAVs, fighter aircraft and a multi-purpose tactical transport on a rural stretch of roadway during recent exercises.
Atlas CEO Dietrich retires; to be replaced by CCO Michael Steen
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has said chief commercial officer Michael Steen will succeed retiring CEO John Dietrich next month.
Defence leaders in Washington warn of debt default
As lawmakers and the Biden Administration debate raising the US government’s borrowing limit, civilian and uniformed military leaders say unpredictable budgets will set back critical modernisation and procurement programmes.
Flightcrew unions seek to squash talk of ‘reduced-pilot’ operations
Pilot unions have come out swinging against what they call a campaign by Airbus and other manufacturers to promote regulatory changes allowing a single pilot to be alone in commercial aircraft cockpits during certain flight phases.
Supply-chain hitches ‘no excuse’ for aircraft delivery delays: Air Lease
US lessor Air Lease is not prepared to let airframers blame the supply chain for aircraft delivery delays, with executive chairman Steve Udvar-Hazy insisting that the manufacturers’ problems are “self-inflicted”.
Jetcraft division acquiring 25 ‘sought-after’ CRJ200s for fleet placement
Aircraft trading specialist Jetcraft Commercial is to acquire 25 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets, and is placing 10 of them with an undisclosed buyer.
FAA publishes updated airspace changes for air taxi operations
The Federal Aviation Administration has released what it calls an “updated blueprint” for airspace and procedure changes to safely accommodate urban air mobility (UAM) operations in the national airspace system.
Frontier loses $13m in Q1, shifts strategy to peak travel periods
Frontier Airlines is tweaking its network strategy to focus more on peak periods for leisure travel and “reducing under-performing flying”.
India’s Go First replaced 510 GTFs, takes case against P&W to US court
Indian airline Go First has replaced 510 Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofans (GTFs) in recent years, and last month had 64 of what it calls “defective” GTFs, citing combustor and other issues.
Allegiant reports $56m Q1 profit on strong demand, ancillary revenue
Ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant Air’s leisure-oriented business is humming along smoothly and shows no sign of slowing.
Spirit loses $281m in Q1 as supply chain and quality problems drive up costs
Spirit AeroSystems expects a recently revealed fuselage problem affecting Boeing 737s will cost it $31 million in 2023, including a $17 million hit in the first quarter.
Los Angeles becomes latest airport to test Hexwave threat-detection system
Los Angeles airport’s operator is the latest to conduct tests of security technology firm Liberty Defense’s Hexwave artificial-intelligence screening system, which will be used to scan employees.
USAF now targets early 2030s for fielding stealthy aerial tanker
Speaking during budget hearings in Washington, the top civilian administrator for the US Air Force says he wants to begin production of the still-conceptual Next Generation Air-refuelling System in the early 2030s.
Perlan aims to fly glider to 90,000ft this summer before ending test programme
High-altitude aerospace research nonprofit Perlan Project plans this year to take another shot at flying its Perlan 2 glider to a record 90,000ft, after which it intends to terminate that flight-test programme.
Canada’s Cargojet posts $30.5m Q1 profit amid ‘softer economic conditions’
Canadian operator Cargojet Airways posted a C$30.5 million ($22.5 million)profit amid “softer economic conditions” during the first three months of 2023, compared with a C$56.4 million loss during the first quarter of last year.
Air Canada’s pilots vote to join pilot union ALPA
Air Canada’s pilots have decided to join much larger pilot union Air Line Pilots, International (ALPA).
Alaska Airlines, ZeroAvia to develop ‘world’s largest’ zero-emission aircraft
Alaska Airlines has delivered a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop to be retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system by powertrain developer ZeroAvia.
Industrial base concerns not a factor in FARA decision
The US Army’s top aviation procurement officer says any potential impacts to the USA’s rotary-wing industrial base will not factor into the service’s eventual choice between Sikorsky and Bell designs for its next-generation scout helicopter.
Delta asks US government for ‘gateway flexibility’ on Tokyo slots
Delta Air Lines has asked the US government to relax slot rules for flights between the USA and Tokyo’s Haneda International airport due to a “fundamentally changed” demand environment.
Breeze Airways plans first international flights, to Mexico
US start-up carrier Breeze Airways has applied for permission to begin operating international flights as it plans a route from Los Angeles to popular Mexican vacation destination San Jose del Cabo.
WestJet completes acquisition of competitor Sunwing
Canadian airline company WestJet Group has acquired competing discount carrier Sunwing Airlines, completing a deal that had raised competitive concerns but that WestJet insists will benefit travellers.
US Army grounds pilots pending training following deadly crashes
Excepting critical missions, the US Army has ordered its aircraft and aviators grounded pending completion of training and safety reviews in response to recent helicopter crashes.
Lockheed awarded $7.8bn contract for multinational F-35 production
The deal covers 126 of the advanced fighter aircraft under Lot 17 and represents the final instalment of a 2022 agreement with the Pentagon covering 398 F-35s for the USA and allies.
Pilots’ union accuses SkyWest of launching ‘alter-ego charter’ service
As SkyWest Airlines plans to roll out a new charter service, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is decrying the new business line as an attempt to “roll back the clock and skirt the aviation safety rules”.
Boeing adds 787-10 to 2023 ecoDemonstrator technology programme
Boeing intends this year to operate a 787-10 under its “ecoDemonstrator” programme, using that jet and a 777-200ER to evaluate technologies intended to improve aircraft efficiency.
Three dead in Alaska AH-64 crash
Two US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters collided during a training flight in Alaska, killing three soldiers and injuring a fourth.
US Army to decide future of heavy-lift fleet by year-end
The US Army plans this year to settle details about the future composition of its cargo fleet, a plan that may include purchasing the latest version of Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook.
Too few Honeywell turbofans hold up Gulfstream’s Q1 deliveries
Shortages of Honeywell turbofans kept Gulfstream from delivering two G280 super-midsize business jets in the first quarter, as supply chain troubles persisted – and in some cases worsened.
SkyWest misses Q1 profit, ‘making good headway’ on pilot shortage
The carrier may have turned a corner on losing pilots to major US carriers – many of which it contracts with.
Charter business helps drive Sun Country's first-quarter profit
Sun Country Airlines posted a $38 million profit in the first quarter of 2023, driven partly by the increasing strength of its charter business.
Southwest loses $159m in Q1, cuts 2023 capacity expectations
Southwest Airlines still feels lingering effects from its December 2022 operational meltdown and is now feeling squeezed by Boeing aircraft delivery delays.
Toyota and Joby Aviation deepen their partnership
Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation will supply Joby Aviation with “key powertrain and actuation components” for Joby’s in-development electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Southwest cuts expected 2023 Max 8 deliveries by 20 jets
Southwest Airlines is now expecting 20 fewer new Boeing 737 deliveries in 2023 than previously estimated.
Spirit to soon take delivery of first of 41 A321neos
Spirit Airlines will accept delivery of the first of 41 Airbus A321neo aircraft it has on order sometime “over the next week”.
American posts Q1 profit of $10m amid ‘dynamic’ air travel demand
American Airlines posted a profit of $10 million – its first first-quarter profit in four years – as demand for air travel remained “dynamic”.
ITA A330 departed JFK after crew did not notice taxi collision with 777
US investigators have concluded the crew of an ITA Airways Airbus A330-200 misjudged the available space while taxiing past an Air France Boeing 777-200ER, colliding with the parked aircraft and then proceeding to take off despite both jets’ sustaining damage.
Boeing encouraged by China’s signals on 737 but keeps conservative outlook
Boeing is taking a conservative view on the Chinese market but is encouraged by the gradual return to service of 737 Max jets in the country.
Spirit loses $104m as first quarter costs outpace surging revenue
US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines reports a $104 million loss for the first quarter of 2023, compared with a $195 million loss during the same period last year.
Collins developing digital brain for autonomous air-launched UAVs
Aviation systems producer Collins Aerospace is testing flight software that will control the US Army’s developmental Air Launched Effects concept, including collaborative teaming between pilots in the air and the uncrewed autonomous vehicles.
Boeing confident of overcoming 737 fuselage issue within months
Boeing is confident that it will recover within months from the recent 737 manufacturing process snag affecting aft fuselage sections, having understood the situation and the rework required.
Sikorsky stands by X2 coaxial technology following FLRAA loss
After reviewing feedback from the US Army in its failed bid to provide a new long-range troop carrying helicopter, Sikorsky says it remains confident that its radical X2 line of coaxial compound rotorcraft are the right fit for the army’s needs.
FAA unveils high-profile aerospace line-up to carry out independent safety review
Six individuals including a former astronaut and representatives from the airline pilot, accident investigation and air traffic control sectors have been named in the line-up of the US FAA’s independent safety review team.
Boeing announces fresh $245m charge against KC-46A after delivery disruption
Boeing Defense, Space & Security incurred a fresh $245 million pre-tax charge against the KC-46A tanker programme in the first quarter, as manufacturing issues disrupted deliveries of the 767-based type.
Boeing maintains 737 delivery target despite near-term production hitch
Boeing is still expecting to deliver 400 to 450 737 aircraft over the course of this year, and is planning to reach a monthly production rate of 38 aircraft from the current 31.
Hawaiian posts $98m Q1 loss amid ‘challenging revenue environment’
Hawaiian Holdings, parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, posted a loss of $98 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared with a loss of $133 million last year.
Commercial engines lead strong 2023 start for Raytheon
Led by a resurgence of commercial air travel, engine maker Pratt & Whitney and aviation systems producer Collins Aerospace posted double-digit percentage increases in sales.
Five Hawaiian Airlines A321neos grounded, waiting for engines
Five Airbus A321neo aircraft operated by Hawaiian Airlines are grounded due to engine supply chain issues affecting customers of Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G engines.
JetBlue daily flights to Amsterdam will launch in August
JetBlue Airways will launch daily flights from New York’s John F Kennedy International airport and Boston Logan International airport to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport beginning in August and September, respectively.
Joby signs $55m extension to Agility Prime contract with USAF
Electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation has disclosed a $55 million extension to its Agility Prime contract with the US Air Force (USAF) to deliver and operate up to nine of its yet-to-be-certificated aircraft.
JetBlue posts $192m Q1 loss, but ‘very prepared’ for busy summer
JetBlue Airways generated record revenues but still posted a $192 million loss during the first quarter of 2023, compared with a $255 million loss during the same three months last year.
GE Aerospace first-quarter profits jump on higher Leap deliveries
GE Aerospace succeeded in ramping engine deliveries in the first quarter of 2023, a period during which it also logged notable gains in revenue and profit.
Emirates to open services to second Canadian city
Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is to complement its Canadian service to Toronto with a new route to the city of Montreal from July.
Canada proposes to strengthen air passenger rights
The government of Canada is proposing to strengthen air passengers’ rights in the event of disruptions to their travel plans.
Leaky lavatory caused Delta 767 flight control problem in 2022
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that water leaking from lavatories formed ice that jammed the controls of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 last July.
Airbus reveals new military H125 variants produced in USA
Airbus Helicopters will add two militarised variants of the H125 civil helicopter to the company’s production line in Mississippi, with the goal of securing foreign military sales.
Harbour Air delays electric DHC-2 effort amid ‘ever-changing’ certification standards
Canadian regional airline Harbour Air has again delayed plans to begin passenger flights using an all-electric-powered De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, citing “ever-changing path to certification for an all-electric aircraft”.
Raytheon reveals AI-powered target identification sensor
Dubbed “intelligent sensing” technology, Raytheon says its new Raiven system will pair artificial intelligence with electro-optical and infrared imaging to rapidly identify objects from the air in real time.
GlobalX takes seventh A320, expects eight more aircraft in 2023
US charter carrier Global Crossings Airlines (GlobalX) has taken delivery of its seventh Airbus A320 for passenger operations through a lease with Irish lessor Airborne Capitol.
Standardised adaptable control tower design selected for US municipal airports
Over 30 smaller US airports are initially in line to receive new air traffic control towers which are based on a standardised and sustainable design that adapts to the tower height required.
Birdstrike damages both engines on United ERJ-145
US regulators have disclosed that an Embraer ERJ-145XR received damage to both engines from a birdstrike while operating a domestic service from Houston.
Billy Nolen to step down as acting administrator of FAA
Billy Nolen, acting administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration, will step down from the position this summer as the regulatory agency continues searching for his permanent replacement.
Alaska Airlines and Condor, American and JetSmart pursue separate codeshares
A pair of major US carriers – Alaska Airlines and American Airlines – have engaged in separate codeshare agreements with Condor and JetSmart, respectively.
Airbus and P&W to study SAF production and plan to fly A220 with 100% SAF
Airbus and Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) have joined together to study the feasibility of establishing a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production site in Quebec, and to fly an A220 powered by 100% SAF.
Why Boeing must halt its recent run of production hiccups
Boeing must hope the latest manufacturing quality issue to hit its commercial portfolio is the last – and not a continuing trend.
Container with gold and valuables stolen after being offloaded at Toronto Pearson
Canadian police are investigating the theft of a container upon arrival at Toronto Pearson airport, the contents of which – including a gold shipment – are valued at some C$20 million ($15 million).
US carriers see revenues surge, but challenges remain
While US giants Delta Air Lines and United Airlines both reported small losses for the first quarter, it is their positive narrative on the demand and revenue picture that stands out.
Electric Power Systems joins Regent’s all-electric ‘seaglider’ development programme
Utah battery company Electric Power Systems has joined an effort by start-up Regent Craft to develop a wing-in-ground effect passenger vehicle.
Avelo plans to add 737, nine new routes to Delaware base
US discounter Avelo Airlines is planning to add a second Boeing 737NG to its base at Delaware’s Wilmington airport – and nine new non-stop routes.
Mammoth Freighters builds 777 order backlog, now aims for 2024 certification
Mammoth Freighters, a US company developing cargo-converted Boeing 777s, expects to complete its first 777-200LR modification by year-end and to achieve an initial regulatory certification by April 2024.
SpaceX Starship, largest rocket ever built, explodes minutes after take-off
SpaceX’s Starship system – a heavy-lift rocket and reusable flight vehicle designed to ferry crew and cargo beyond Earth’s orbit – exploded over the Gulf of Mexico 4min after a test launch on Thursday.
Surging costs and slower demand leave Alaska with $142 million Q1 loss
Alaska Air Group on 20 April become the latest US airline to report a first-quarter loss, swinging $142 million into the red during the three months ending in March.
DHL orders nine of Mammoth Freighters’ cargo-converted 777s
Package delivery company DHL Express has ordered nine of Mammoth Freighters’ cargo-converted Boeing 777-200LRs from US aircraft services company Jetran.
Large batch of American A320s to receive cockpit-display upgrades
Airbus is to upgrade the cockpit displays of more than 100 A320-family jets operated by US carrier American Airlines.
Silver Airways narrowly avoids lease termination at South Florida base
US regional carrier Silver Airways has struck a last-minute deal to avoid eviction from its base at South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood international airport due to owing more than $1.4 million in back rent and late fees.
Momentum grows in Washington for changes to 1,500h pilot-experience rule
A push is underway in Washington for lawmakers or regulators to tweak a controversial rule requiring new commercial airline pilots have 1,500h of flight time.
Sikorsky moving on from FLRAA loss
The long-time supplier of helicopters to the US Army will not attempt to further challenge the service’s decision to award rival Bell a multi-billion dollar contract for the next-generation Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
Corporate customers are back: United Airlines
United Airlines executives say corporate travel has fully returned following an almost-three-year downturn due to Covid-19.
Pentagon to fund expansion of rocket motor production at Aerojet Rocketdyne
The US Department of Defense (DoD) will provide rocket engine manufacturer Aerojet Rocketdyne with some $215 million to modernise facilities and expand production at three sites across the USA.
United Airlines loses $194m in Q1, international travel demand returns
United Airlines lost $194 million during the first quarter of 2023, in line with previous estimates, as the carrier’s post-Covid-19 recovery continues.
Testing on 5G upgrade for F-35 in ‘very late innings’: Lockheed
Defence aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin says there will be only a slight impact to the 2023 delivery schedule for F-35 fighter jets, as the company completes airworthiness tests on the latest software update for the fifth-generation aircraft.
Former FAA administrators call for pilot training regime overhaul
Two former FAA administrators are calling on the US government to overhaul training requirements for airline pilots amid a shortage of flight deck professionals that threatens to hinder the industry’s growth for years to come.
WestJet pilots vote to strike as contract talks continue
WestJet pilots have voted to strike if needed as they continue to negotiate a new contract with the airline.
Boeing’s new 737 quality issue to affect 9,000 seats this summer
Boeing’s latest 737 quality problem will leave airlines with roughly 9,000 fewer seats than planned this summer.
’Demand has never been higher’: Delta CEO Bastian
Delta Air Lines recorded its “10 highest sales days” over the past couple of months as the major US carrier anticipates a robust summer travel season.
Technology breakdown temporarily grounds Southwest flights
Southwest Airlines has resumed normal operations after a technology issue once again temporarily grounded all flights nationwide.
United plans broad expansion to Australia and New Zealand
United Airlines plans late this year to significantly ramp its flying to Australia and New Zealand, including launching new flights to Auckland, Christchurch and Brisbane.
ZeroAvia embarks on effort to develop infrastructure for liquid hydrogen aircraft fuel
Hydrogen-powertrain developer ZeroAvia has joined French company Absolut Hydrogen to tackle tricky challenges associated with widespread adoption by the aviation industry of ultra-cold liquid-hydrogen fuel.
Sikorsky’s FLRAA design was cheaper but ‘unacceptable’: GAO
The DefiantX coaxial helicopter bid submitted by Sikorsky and Boeing to replace the US Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk fleet was deemed “unacceptable” by service evaluators, primarily due to a lack of detail in the designs.
New 737 issue makes Boeing production and delivery goals uncertain
Boeing’s ability to meet its 2023 delivery and production goals are more uncertain after it revealed on 13 April having halted some 737 deliveries due to a newly disclosed quality problem.
Nearly 500 regional jets parked in USA: Cirium fleets data
The figures starkly illustrate the widespread struggles of the regional airline industry, which, according to the Regional Airline Association (RAA) has been at risk of “collapse” in recent months.
Regent produces full-scale mock-up of passenger-carrying ‘seaglider’
Electric “seaglider” developer Regent Craft has produced a full-scale mock-up of its “Viceroy” passenger-carrying prototype craft, which the company aims to begin flight testing in 2024.
Boeing pauses some 737 deliveries due to manufacturing error
Boeing has paused deliveries of some 737s due to a manufacturing error that will likely affect “a significant number” of in-production aircraft.
US and European regulators warn more GE and CFM engines may have component defects
Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have warned that more GE Aerospace and CFM International engines than previously thought may be susceptible to premature failure due to a manufacturing defect.
United and ground-service workers’ union tentatively agree to contract for 29,000 employees
United Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), the union which represents 29,000 ground service workers, have come to a tentative agreement on a new contract.
Canada’s Air Transat now flying year-round to Marseille
Canada’s Air Transat is firming its foothold in France by extending its seasonal service to the Mediterranean city of Marseille to a year-round flight.
Air Canada to launch non-stop Vancouver-Dubai flights
Air Canada plans to fly non-stop between Vancouver to Dubai four times weekly using Boeing 787 Dreamliners beginning on 28 October.
FAA referred 17 ‘unruly’ passenger cases to the FBI in first quarter of 2023
The Federal Aviation Administration referred 17 “unruly” passenger cases to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for criminal prosecution during the first quarter of 2023.
Airlines nix hundreds of flights as Fort Lauderdale extends closure until Friday
US airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights due to the flood-induced and ongoing closure of South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport.
Delta expects ‘strong operational summer’ after misery of 2022: CEO
Delta Air Lines expects its operations during the Northern Hemisphere’s busy summer travel season will improve compared to last year, when airlines struggled with massive disruptions resulting from lower staffing coupled with unpredictable weather and strong demand following the Covid 19 pandemic.
Lockheed starts producing F-35s for Poland
Advanced strike fighter manufacturer Lockheed Martin has begun production of F-35s bound for Poland.
Flooding shuts South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport in Florida remains closed this morning following storms last night that left parts of the airport submerged under floodwater.
Faroese carrier Atlantic Airways plans transatlantic service to New York
Faroe Islands carrier Atlantic Airways is to open a transatlantic service to New York later this year, for a short period.
Delta loses $363m in first quarter as revenue and costs surge
Delta Air Lines swung to a $363 million loss in the first quarter of 2023 amid surging costs and despite generating record-high revenue.
Regional carrier Silver Airways could lose lease in Fort Lauderdale
US regional carrier Silver Airways could lose its lease at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport for failing to pay rent and late fees for at least a year beginning in 2021.
Global airline fleet will grow by one-third over next decade: Oliver Wyman
The global airline fleet has reached 98% of its pre-pandemic size and is projected to grow by one-third more by 2033, according to management consulting firm Oliver Wyman.
‘Seaglider’ start-up Regent adds Muilenburg and Neeleman to its board of advisors
”Seaglider” developer Regent Craft has added former Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg and serial aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman to its board of advisors.
Storage rates of GTF-powered jets in double-digits, analysis shows
Airbus A320neo-family aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines are presently experiencing significantly higher storage rates than those equipped with the rival CFM International Leap-1A, analysis of Cirium data reveals.
American expects to report first-quarter revenue of $12.2 billion
American Airlines expects to report $12.2 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2023 later this month as it flew 9.2% more capacity than during the same period last year.
Airbus seeks A321XLR rapid-descent approval based on A321neo performance
Airbus is asking US regulators to approve A321XLR emergency descent performance based on that for the basic A321neo, arguing that aerodynamic changes to the long-range variant will only have a limited effect.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: April 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.
First E-3s retired as USAF prepares for E-7 purchase
The US Air Force plans to retire 13 of the Boeing E-3 airborne warning and control system jets, which Congress allowed in exchange for procurement of the more advanced Boeing E-7.
Longtime Air Canada executive Amos Kazzaz to retire
Longtime Air Canada executive Amos Kazzaz will retire as executive vice-president and chief financial officer on 30 June and be succeeded by John Di Bert – a former member of the C-suite teams for Bombardier and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
USAF begins long-sought A-10 retirements
The service has for years sought to phase out the iconic ground attack jet in favour of more modern platforms, but only received congressional approval to do so this year.
JetBlue finally set to launch flights from New York to Amsterdam
JetBlue Airways will launch operations between New York and Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport “late this summer” as the carrier finally gains a long-sought foothold at one of Europe’s busiest airports.
Boeing deliveries bounce back in March as orders also rise
Boeing’s commercial aircraft orders and deliveries bounced back in March as it once again began delivering 787s and 767s following a pause to address quality issues.
Textron names Lisa Atherton CEO of Bell as Mitch Snyder retires
Textron has appointed Lisa Atherton as president and CEO of Bell as current chief of the vertical flight specialist Mitch Snyder retires.
Cirrus hit Metroliner after overshooting approach during high-speed turn
US investigators have determined that a Cirrus SR22 pilot’s high speed while turning from base leg to final caused the aircraft to overshoot the centreline and stray into a parallel approach path, where it collided with a Swearingen Metroliner.
Government auditor upholds Bell’s FLRAA win, denies Lockheed protest
More than three months after the US Army chose Bell to produce its new fleet of medium-lift helicopters, and independent auditor has denied a protest by rival Lockheed Martin, clearing Bell to proceed.
United cuts frequencies in Northeast USA for summer travel season
United Airlines has cut “some frequencies” from its schedule in the New York and Washington, DC metropolitan areas during the busy northern hemisphere summer travel season.
Cessna 525B lost Tamarack wing extension prior to 30 March emergency landing
The pilot of a Cessna Citation 525B who made an emergency landing in Tampa last week did so after the aircraft suffered substantial damage to its left wing, including loss of an aftermarket winglet supplied by Tamarack Aerospace.
Xwing submits certification plan for 100% pilotless flight technology
Autonomous aviation company Xwing is a step closer to certification of its ‘Superpilot’ technology – and to launching pilotless cargo operations.
CAE inaugurates business jet training centre in Las Vegas
Canadian pilot training specialist CAE inaugurated its first US West Coast business aviation training centre in Las Vegas earlier this week, as demand for private jet travel – and flight crew to pilot general aviation jets - surpasses pre-pandemic levels.
Boeing is again delivering 767s
Boeing is again delivering 767s, having restarted handovers after a pause due to quality issues affecting commercial and military versions of the widebody jets.
US Navy aims for majority of carrier-based aircraft to be pilotless
Service leaders speaking at the Sea Air Space conference near Washington, DC say the US Navy aims for its future carrier air wings to be made up of 60% unmanned aircraft.
Global passenger traffic in February hit 85% of pre-pandemic levels: IATA
Global airline passenger traffic in February was significantly higher year-on-year amid “continued strong growth in travel demand” – particularly in the Asia-Pacific region – but still lagged pre-pandemic levels.
Airship developer Flying Whales picks Honeywell 1MW generator for power system
French-Canadian airship developer Flying Whales intends to power its conceptual cargo-hauling hybrid-electric dirigible using Honeywell’s 1MW generator.
Sun Country to ‘opportunistically acquire’ leases for five Boeing 737-900ERs
Ultra-low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines plans to acquire five Boeing 737-900ERs that are currently being leased to Oman Air.
DOT vows to ‘use authority’ to hold US airlines accountable this summer
As airlines brace for the expected peak of air travel during summer 2023 in the northern hemisphere, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is pressuring carriers to avoid the congestion and confusion that marred airports during recent passenger surges.
Insitu debuts vertical take-off system for Integrator UAV
The Flying Launch and Recovery System enables the Integrator unmanned aerial vehicle to take off vertically, without adding extra weight and reducing flight endurance.
FAA addresses another Boeing torque issue with new 767 order
The Federal Aviation Administration has identified another bolt-torque issue involving Boeing jets – this time affecting the military version of the company’s 767.
Lockheed moves to double production of Pacific-focused long-range missiles
Lockheed Martin recently began production at a second facility that will churn out the advanced, precision munitions as the US government prepares to expand stockpiles of those weapons.
Airlines expected to cut New York flights due to ATC shortage
JetBlue Airways plans to reduce its summer flight schedule in New York – with more airlines expected to follow – in response to the FAA’s concession that it lacks enough air traffic controllers to handle the expected seasonal air travel peak.
American slows China expansion by scrapping two planned flights
American Airlines has stripped from its flight schedule two planned China routes – one to Beijing and another to Shanghai.
Sikorsky still eyeing Germany for CH-53K sale, despite Chinook deal
The Connecticut helicopter manufacturer is still pursuing a potential sale of its heavy-lift helicopter to the German air force, even after Berlin opted to buy the tandem-rotor Boeing CH-47.
Regent looks to shake up military logistics with ‘wing-in-ground’ effect craft
Backed by Lockheed Martin, the Rhode Island start-up thinks the time is right to expand its “seaglider” developmental vehicle from commercial users into the defence realm.
Four new states join US lawsuit against JetBlue-Spirit deal
Four more US states have joined the federal antitrust lawsuit against JetBlue Airways’ proposed acquisition of competitor Spirit Airlines.
Boeing to upgrade KC-46 fleet with anti-jamming, better encryption
The US Air Force will pay Boeing $184 million for a package to upgrade communication systems on the KC-46A refuelling jet, including for better encryption and anti-jamming capability.
WestJet pilots plan vote to authorise strike
WestJet Airlines pilots represented by Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) will vote to authorise a strike on 3 April as the union warns of a lockout “that could extend into the summer months”.
Alaska Air Cargo to convert two 737-800s into freighters
Alaska Air Cargo plans to boost its fleet supporting the state of Alaska in 2023 by converting two Boeing 737-800s into freighters, with the first jet expected to start hauling cargo this summer.
USAF to drop Lockheed hypersonic weapon programme after failed test
The Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon had a mixed record, with numerous technical challenges early in development and a recent failed test.
New US charter carrier Red Way plans to launch operations in June
A new discount charter carrier called Red Way plans to launch in June from Lincoln, Nebraska with nonstop flights to seven US cities.
US aerospace leaders disagree on best path to ’net-zero’ carbon emissions
Executives at some aerospace companies clashed on 29 March about which technologies can best help wean the sector off its reliance on fossil fuels.
Nine dead in double Black Hawk crash
Two US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Kentucky during a night training exercise, killing nine soldiers.
USAF adds 54 AESA radars to F-16 modernisation order
The $128 million contract adds to a similar order last November aimed at modernising the US Air Force’s fleet of multirole Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters.
Pacific Air Charters orders two Tecnam P2012s, takes 23 options
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has secured orders for two of its P2012 Traveller commuter aircraft from Hawaii’s Pacific Air Charters.
United Airlines invests $15m in carbon-capture company Svante
United Airlines is investing $15 million in carbon-capture technology firm Svante, which is researching how to convert carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Breeze to connect underserved West Virginia airport to ‘at least’ five cities
US discounter Breeze Airways plans to boost air service to the underutilised West Virginia International Yeager airport in Charleston by connecting it to at least five cities over the next two years.
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.
Airline Business Podcast: Consolidation challenges, Riyadh Air, C-suite diversity
Graham and Lewis talk through the growing list of consolidation moves within the global industry, discussing why deals take such a long time to get over the line.
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.
Pentagon selects Australia’s Hypersonix for reusable hypersonic test platform
The Australian firm Hypersonix was selected by the US military’s technology accelerator to produce a reusable, low-angle vehicle capable of flight speeds at or above Mach 5.
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.
Unions form coalition against ‘unsafe’ single-pilot commercial flights
Pilots’ unions are putting their combined weight against single-pilot operation of commercial aircraft, calling concepts leaning more heavily on automation a “profit-driven scheme that poses a significant safety risk”.
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.
Biden pick to lead FAA withdraws nomination after Republican criticism
Former Denver International Airport chief executive Phil Washington withdrew from consideration to oversee the US aviation regulator after being criticised by the opposition Republican party for lack of experience.
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.
First flight of FARA prototypes slip to 2024 amid further engine delay
The US Army says GE Aerospace will not deliver the new Improved Turbine Engine until the autumn of 2023 – affecting the first flight of Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft prototypes being developed by Sikorsky and Bell.
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.
Boeing and US Navy locked in dispute over lack of order for 20 F/A-18s
Congress has allocated funding for 20 additional Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in the 2022 and 2023 defence budgets, but the US Navy wants Boeing to relinquish additional data rights on the type before it awards a production contract.
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.
Boeing donates $5.1 million to Embry-Riddle aviation safety centre
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has landed a $5.1 million donation from Boeing to support an aviation safety centre at the school’s campus in Daytona Beach, Florida.
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.
Airline Business performance tracker: Americas Q4 2022
Key data from the most-recent Americas earnings period – the fourth quarter of 2022 – and the equivalent periods stretching back to the last pre-Covid year, powered by Airline Business Insight
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.
Losses on Boeing defence business expected to continue
The aerospace giant’s chief financial officer says while he is optimistic about returning Boeing’s beleaguered defence portfolio to profitability, the business will continue to post losses in the near term.
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.
Boeing maintains 2023 delivery goals despite 787 halt and supply headaches
Boeing is sticking to its 2023 aircraft delivery goals despite hiccups early this year, including a weeks-long 787 delivery halt, a 767 quality issue and ongoing supply chain struggles.
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.
Boeing executive defends ‘next decade’ timeline for launching new narrowbody
A top Boeing executive has reiterated that the company will wait until next decade to bring a new single-aisle jetliner to market, saying Boeing needs that much time to mature technologies.
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.
FAA urges pilots review safety procedures to prevent airport accidents
The US Federal Aviation Administration is urging pilots and other airline workers to review safety protocols to prevent aircraft collisions during take-offs and landings.
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.
Court trial set for October in US case against JetBlue-Spirit deal
A US judge set an 16 October trial date for the federal government’s antitrust case against JetBlue Airways’ proposed acquisition of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines.
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.
Conair networks simulators to train co-ordination in aerial firefighting
Aerial firefighting specialist Conair Group has expanded a mission training system which networks simulators to allow pilots to practice and co-ordinate flights over wildfires.
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.
Northrop will supply MESA sensors to planned USAF E-7 fleet
Northrop Grumman will provide its Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array long-range sensor for the fleet of Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control jets the US Air Force plans to purchase.
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.
WestJet to launch 737 freighter flights on 22 April
Canadian carrier WestJet intends to begin flying Boeing 737-800 cargi aircraft next month after having received the required regulatory approvals.
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.
Investment group completes Atlas Air acquisition
An investment group led by Apollo Global Management has completed its acquisition of US cargo and charter airline Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, closing a deal announced last August.
‘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.
Cost-cutting FedEx reduces flight operations amid ‘demand weakness’
FedEx is trimming its air delivery business to be “more agile and nimble” following a challenging fiscal third quarter.
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.
How SAF experimentation is fuelling change for military operators
Compared to commercial aviation, the defence sector has been trailing in taking action to mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions – but change is afoot.
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.
Passenger demand steps up in encouraging start to 2023
Global demand for passenger travel has undoubtedly stepped up in the early months of 2023, as the recovery from Covid-19 continues.
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.
Boeing resumes 787 deliveries but faces catch-up to meet 2023 delivery goal
Boeing’s most recent Dreamliner delivery pause came to an end on 15 March when the airframer handed over a 787-9 to German carrier Lufthansa.
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.
Avianca to launch routes from Boston and Orlando to El Salvador
Colombia’s Avianca will launch flights from Boston and Orlando to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, bginning in June.
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.
Why Western air forces are taking fresh aim at their ‘carbon problem’
The defence world is fast waking up to the profound influence climate change will have on warfare. How will this impact play out and can the sector manage its greenhouse gas emissions?
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.
Boeing sees shift in delivery finance mix as air transport market recovers
Boeing is expecting expanding use of export credit and debt to finance aircraft deliveries, as it predicts that recovering production and travel will drive the need for financing almost back to pre-crisis levels this year.
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.
Air Canada pilots’ union to vote on combining with ALPA
The union representing more than 4,500 Air Canada pilots has reached an agreement in principal that would allow a combination with the much larger labour group, Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).
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.
US regulators approve deal to take Atlas Air private
US cargo carrier Atlas Air has received regulatory approval to be acquired by an investor group led by Apollo Global Management, which would de-list Atlas from the Nasdaq stock exchange.
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.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: March 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.
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.
US regional carrier Envoy Air expects six more Embraer 175s
American Airlines Group is assigning six more Embraer 175s to subsidiary US regional airline Envoy Air.
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.
DOT challenge to Spirit acquisition ‘unprecedented’: JetBlue chief executive
JetBlue’s chief executive Robin Hayes called the US Department of Transportation’s decision to get involved in its proposed acquisition of discount carrier Spirit Airlines “unprecedented”.
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.
Southwest now expecting 10 fewer Boeing aircraft deliveries in 2023
Bob Jordan, chief executive of Southwest Airlines, reveals that the company is now anticipating 10 fewer aircraft deliveries this year than previously disclosed.
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.
Air Greenland’s retired A330-200 ferried to Arizona for spares supply
Air Greenland’s long-serving Airbus A330-200, one of the first of the variant to be delivered, has left the fleet and been flown to Arizona for parts supply.
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.
USAF favours P&W F-35 engine upgrade over adaptive-cycle engine replacement
Budget pressure and lack of buy in from other US military services led the US Air Force to abandon designs for an entirely new engine for its F-35A stealth fighters, and instead pursue a core upgrade of the existing power plant.
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.
‘Not a forgings and castings issue’: GE Aerospace CEO addresses supply chain trouble
GE Aerospace chief executive Larry Culp is pushing back against the assertion that engine shortages are primarily why aircraft manufacturers continue struggling to ramp production of narrowbody jets.
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.
Lockheed Martin delivers first ‘next-generation’ F-16 to Bahraini customer
Lockheed Martin has delivered its first Greenville, South Carolina-built F-16 to the Royal Bahraini Air Force, with the Block 70-standard fighter set to undergo further testing in the USA.
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.
US President Biden selects livery for ‘Next Air Force One’
US President Joe Biden has selected the livery of the “Next Air Force One”, the new VC-25B aircraft designated for presidential travel that is currently under construction, formally rejecting the colour scheme that had been chosen by his predecessor, Donald Trump.
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.
Aggressively expanding GlobalX posts $4.4m Q4 loss
Fledgling US carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) lost $4.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2022 as it pursues an aggressive expansion plan.
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.
Revenue surges as Air Transat posts C$57m loss in first fiscal quarter
Fiscal first-quarter revenue for Transat AT – parent company of Canadian leisure airline Air Transat – reached C$667 million ($483 million), more than triple the company’s C$202 million revenue during the same quarter in 2022.
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”.
IAE marks 40th anniversary as V2500 production, maintenance work hums along
Forty years after its founding, IAE International Aero Engines is still producing V2500s, including turbofans for Embraer’s new C-390 military transport, and its maintenance shops are humming, supporting some 3,000 active V2500-powered Airbus A320ceo-family jets.
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.
SpaceJet test aircraft demolished at Moses Lake
Wrecking crews dismantled one of Mitsubishi Aircraft’s SpaceJet prototype regional jets at Moses Lake on 8 March, physically and symbolically closing a chapter on Japan’s once-ambitious regional jet programme.
‘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.
Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 jet appears to have been hit by gunfire in Santiago
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 appears to have been hit by gunfire during a failed armed robbery on the apron at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International airport.
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.
US DOT fines Eurowings for holding passengers on aircraft for 5h after landing
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined Eurowings $225,000 for keeping passengers on an aircraft for more than five-and-a-half hours after it had landed in Fort Lauderdale from Germany.
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.
How the hydrogen revolution inspired engineer Danielle McLean
In 2018, Danielle McLean was studying for her Master’s degree while working as an aerospace engineer at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas. During a class about sustainable aviation, she had an epiphany.
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.
Archer Aviation begins construction of manufacturing facility
Archer Aviation has begun construction on its manufacturing facility in Georgia.
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.
Boeing confirms 767 and KC-46 ‘quality’ problem
Boeing confirms it has identified a “quality issue” affecting production of 767s and 767-based KC-46 military tankers, saying the issue requires it make fixes to production aircraft.
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.
NTSB investigates runway incident involving American-Air Canada jets in Sarasota
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating yet another close call at a US airport, this time involving two passenger jets at Sarasota-Bradenton in Florida on 16 February.
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.
US Air Force Special Operations Command to operate MQ-9B SkyGuardian
The US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has ordered three General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), the first sale of the variant in the USA.
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.
P&W lands new contract to support F135 production
Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has landed another contract, this one worth $5.2 billion, to support its production of the F135 engines that power Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
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.
Rolls-Royce kicks off testing of replacement B-52 engine
Rolls-Royce has commenced testing in support of a re-engining programme for the US Air Force’s Boeing B-52H fleet.
‘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.
Luxair to take four 737 Max 8s, including pair on lease
Luxembourg’s Luxair has ordered two Boeing 737 Max 8s and signed a deal to lease another pair of the narrowbodies, part of a plan to boost its summer capacity.
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 NTSB releases preliminary report on Austin near-miss
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report of a near-miss involving a Fedex Boeing 777-300ER and a Southwest Airlines 737 in Austin last month.
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.
Universal Hydrogen completes first flight of hydrogen-powered Dash 8
Start-up Universal Hydrogen has completed first flight of a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 powered partly by a hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system.
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.
Dominican Republic’s Arajet applies to US DOT to launch routes to the USA
Arajet, a new low-cost start-up carrier based in the Dominican Republic, has applied to the US government to launch routes between the Caribbean country and the United States.
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.
Delta pilots approve new contract
Pilots at Delta Air Lines have approved a new contract that will give them a 34% pay increase by 2026.
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.
P&W starts modifying F135s to address issue prompting F-35 partial grounding
Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has started modifying engines in some Lockheed Martin F-35s to address an issue that left some of the fighters grounded in recent months.
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 keen to avoid fixed contract challenges of the past
Boeing Defense, Space & Security is disinclined from entering fixed-price contracts for major programmes.
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.
Aviation companies fight for female talent in ‘buyer’s market’
With women making up less than 5% of pilots and less than 3% of aviation mechanics, airlines and other aerospace companies came to Long Beach, California to search for talent at the world’s largest convention that aims to get more female workers into the industry.
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.
Northrop Grumman pitches Advanced Hawkeye for NATO surveillance need
Northrop Grumman is offering its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to meet NATO’s future airborne surveillance needs, having responded to a recent request for information from the alliance.
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.
Pilot shortage will erode US discounters’ low-cost edge: United executive
A shortage of pilots will increasingly erode the cost advantages long enjoyed by US discount airlines while improving the competitive position of giants like United Airlines.
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.
Oliver Wyman slashes 10-year fleet forecast amid production and labour issues
Three years have passed since Covid-19 flattened air travel, and the global fleet of commercial jets has still not quite recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
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.
American’s Smith will succeed Parker as chairman of the board
American Airlines has named current board member Greg Smith as its new chairman, succeeding Doug Parker, who is retiring.
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.
Soon-to-be-acquired Atlas Air posts profitable Q4, but cargo demand slips from 2021
US air cargo company Atlas Air Worldwide made $126 million during its fourth quarter of 2022 and $356 million for the full year – “one of the best years in Atlas’ history”, chief executive John Dietrich said on 23 February. The freight hauler’s results were down from 2021, however.
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.
Air Canada and United to offer more than 260 daily transborder flights from June
Star Alliance partners Air Canada and United Airlines are upping their offering between the USA and Canada during the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer travel season.
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.
Pentagon confirms U-2 pilot’s ‘selfie’ with Chinese balloon
For the first time, the public is getting an aerial view of the mysterious Chinese balloon that transited North American airspace during the first week of February.
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.
Atlanta heads the pack as US airports lead traffic growth in 2022
Atlanta Hartsfield airport handled just under 94 million passengers last year, still short of pre-pandemic highs but enough to see it retain its crown as the busiest airport in the world.
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.
Atlanta firm acquires ex-WestJet 737-600s for teardown
Seven WestJet Boeing 737-600s have been divested to a US-based firm which will tear down the aircraft for parts.
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.
USAF commissions study of autonomous cargo jet feasibility
California-based developer of aviation safety technologies Reliable Robotics will prepare a feasibility assessment for the US Air Force examining the potential for autonomous, multi-engined transport jets, including automations of both flight and cargo operations.
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.
Chorus Aviation turns Q4 profit as longtime CEO Randell readies for retirement
Canada’s Chorus Aviation turned a C$45.9 million profit in the fourth quarter of 2022 amid major strategic and leadership transitions, including the looming retirement of longtime chief executive Joseph Randell.
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.
Eviation close to naming new suppliers, prepping for 2025 kick-off of certification flight testing
Several months after completing first flight of its prototype electric aircraft, US developer Eviation is working to secure manufacturing partners and additional funding, while remaining on track to begin certification flight testing in 2025.
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.
BAE, Leonardo advance self-protection pact for international market
The US government has approved a joint effort to combine the self-protection capabilities of BAE Systems Inc’s AAR-57 common missile warning system and Leonardo’s Miysis directed infrared countermeasure technology.
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’.
Challenger 600 flap tests ordered after uncommanded extension incident
Operators of Bombardier Challenger 600s are being instructed to carry out repetitive operational tests of the flap-control system following an uncommanded flap-extension incident.
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.
US lawmakers describe unknown objects as nothing new after classified brief
After receiving a classified briefing from US defence officials, members of Congress say the recently shot down unidentified aerial objects appear similar to hundreds of other unknown objects reported by American aviators in recent years.
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.
FAA chief launches safety review following several recent close calls
The head of the US Federal Aviation Administration has initiated a safety review in response to several recent “close calls” involving large US commercial jets.
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.
Artificial intelligence-controlled aircraft completes combat manoeuvres in USAF test
Two artificial intelligence “agents” developed by the US military completed 17h of flight tests in December, focused on execution of advanced fighter manoeuvres such as close-range dogfighting and beyond-visual-range combat.
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.
Canada searches remote far north for wreckage of unidentified object
Ottawa says it has deployed multiple aircraft to search the mountainous terrain of the northern Yukon for wreckage of the unknown object shot down by US F-22 fighters on 11 February.
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.
Boeing’s deliveries and orders slip in January after a strong December
Boeing’s aircraft deliveries and new aircraft orders slipped during January, down from higher figures posted by the company in the final month of 2022.
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.
FAA reviewed United aircraft safety incident in Hawaii
The Federal Aviation Administration says it has reviewed an aircraft safety incident from December in which a United Airlines aircraft sharply descended just after taking off from Hawaii.
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.
WestJet to expand flying to USA and eastern Canada
Canadian airline WestJet plans to expand its connectivity from Calgary and Edmonton by almost 30% and 50%, respectively, over 2022 levels, beginning in April.
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 aerospace supply chain faces long climb back to health
Boeing’s aircraft production rates remain significantly depressed from last decade’s highs – reflecting an aerospace industry struggling to keep up and facing what insiders describe as a long, difficult climb back to normalcy.
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 NTSB subpoenas American Airlines pilots involved in JFK runway incursion
US aviation accident investigators have subpoenaed an American Airlines flight crew involved in a near-miss at New York’s John F Kennedy International airport last month after attempting to interview the individuals three times without success.
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.
Hawaiian Airlines pilots accept new contract with 32% pay raise
Pilots at Hawaiian Airlines have approved a new contract which will give them an average pay raise of 32% over four years.
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.
U-2 spy planes monitored Chinese balloon during USA transit
While the US military is keeping quiet about what measures it took during the recent balloon flyover, a senior American diplomat says high-altitude Lockheed Martin U-2 reconnaissance aircraft were used to collect information on the airship.
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.
Investors see value in airlines as 2023 outlook improves
Our latest airline share-price tracker reflects positive sentiment towards an industry that has plenty of reasons for optimism heading towards the northern hemisphere summer.
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.
Mesa Airlines reports fiscal Q1 loss, braces for breakup with American Airlines
Mesa Airlines Group, parent of US regional carrier Mesa Airlines, reports a modest loss in the first quarter of its fiscal year as it prepares to separate from longtime partner American Airlines in favour of a new deal with United Airlines.
‘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.
Bombardier targeting 15% more business jet deliveries in 2023
Bombardier expects to increase business jet deliveries by “a minimum of 15%” as strong demand for private flying drives the company’s resurgence.
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.
Cirrus grounds its own SR22 and SR22T aircraft due to engine ‘issue’
Cirrus Aircraft, maker of high-performance single-engine aircraft, has grounded its SR22 and SR22T models after “an issue” was discovered with its Continental Aerospace engines.
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.
Spirit names CFO Scott Haralson as executive vice-president following lacklustre Q4
Shortly after reporting a hefty fourth-quarter loss, Spirit Airlines has moved Scott Haralson into the role of executive vice-president and chief financial officer.
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.
Leonardo to upgrade avionics on USA’s remaining C-27Js
The $91 million contract with the US Special Operations Command will provide an upgraded avionics package on the ageing Leonardo tactical transports, currently operated by the US Coast Guard and the US Army’s special operators.
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
Everts seeks MD-88 converted freighter from Aeronautical Engineers
While US modification specialist Aeronautical Engineers’ recent activity has been primarily focused on Boeing 737-800 work, the company has received a request for an MD-88 cargo conversion.
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.
Bombardier overhauls leadership structure, Martel remains CEO
Bombardier has made several significant shifts to its senior management structure, naming new executives to head sales, aftermarket operations, defence products and supply chain.
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.
US DOJ decision on proposed JetBlue-Spirit tie-up expected within a month
Spirit Airlines is expecting a decision from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on its pending acquisition by rival low-cost airline JetBlue Airways within the next 30 days.
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.
Global airline passenger traffic exceeded two-thirds of pre-Covid levels in 2022
Airline passenger traffic was just over two-thirds of 2019 levels last year, in a 12-month period marked by an initially strong recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that then plateaued across the last few months of the year.
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.
V-22s grounded over continued problems with hard clutch engagement
After the US Air Force and US Marine Corps failed to previously address the problem, the joint office overseeing the US military’s fleet of Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotors recommended a flight restriction on the problem-plagued craft over continued issues with hard clutch engagement.
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.
FAA plans to fine Unted $1.15m for missed safety checks between 2018 and 2021
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to fine United Airlines $1.15 million after the carrier missed certain pre-flight checks pertaining to a fire warning system on its Boeing 777s during an almost three-year period –flying those aircraft in an ”unairworthy condition”.
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.
FAA approves US cargo operations for GlobalX
US carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin cargo operations with its Airbus A321F aircraft.
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.
Global air freight demand dropped below pre-Covid levels in 2022
Demand for air freight dropped below 2019 levels last year, as the sector experienced a comedown from the highs recorded in 2021 but still benefited from strong yields.
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.
Pentagon tracking high-altitude Chinese spy balloon over USA
The US military says it is monitoring a large surveillance balloon travelling over North America that it believes originated in China.
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.
Air France to link Canadian capital with Europe
SkyTeam carrier Air France is to open the Canadian capital Ottawa’s only non-stop link to Europe, with a service from Paris Charles de Gaulle before mid-year.
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.
Attorneys accuse Boeing of violating 737 Max settlement with Department of Justice
Attorneys representing relatives of 737 Max crash victims are arguing in court that Boeing violated its 2021 settlement with the US government by pleading not guilty last week to fraud charges.
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.
Sun Country Airlines 'prudently' grows as it posts $17.7m Q4 profit
Sun Country Airlines was able to “prudently” grow its operations in 2022, achieving a modest profit for both the fourth quarter and the full year.
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.
Aurora and General Atomics advance in DARPA seaplane project
The aircraft manufacturers will develop designs for full-scale demonstrators under the ‘Liberty Lifter’ programme, which seeks to produce a heavy lift aircraft that can take-off and land without ground or ship-based infrastructure.
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).
Allegiant posts $53m Q4 profit thanks to ‘robust demand’
Allegiant Travel Company, parent of Allegiant Air, rode high demand for leisure travel to a profitable fourth quarter of 2022, capping a year marked by significant operational challenges.
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.
Boeing 747 Freighters will maintain value: Atlas Air CEO
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, the buyer of Boeing’s final four 747s, expects the jumbo jets will maintain their value over time – and plans to operate them for up to half a century.
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.
How Boeing’s ‘Incredibles’ crafted 747 as Queen of the Skies
While the 747 programme’s last delivery has closed a chapter of history for the Boeing type, it will always remain “Queen of the Skies”, according to Michael Lombardi, the company’s senior corporate historian.
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.
‘Magic here’: Boeing delivers final iconic Queen of the Skies
Current and former employees bid the iconic Boeing 747 a fond and tearful farewell, as the US airframer delivers its final “Queen of the Skies” to Atlas Air.
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.
From freighters to Air Force One: how the current 747 fleet is deployed
After a production run totalling 1,574 aircraft, Boeing’s 747 remains in widespread use around the globe, with almost one-quarter of all delivered jumbos still operational.
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.
ALPA-represented JetBlue pilots win 21.5% pay raise with new contract
JetBlue Airways’ pilots approved on 30 January a two-year contract extension that includes a 21.5% pay increase over 18 months.
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.
US start-up Natilus lands deal to sell in-development cargo aircraft to Ameriflight
US cargo airline Ameriflight intends to purchase 20 of a conceptual autonomous cargo aircraft being developed by California start-up Natilus.
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.
How the veteran 747 fell out of fashion as ‘big twins’ took off
Having changed the way the world flew, the four-engined jumbo eventually lost out to a new breed of more efficient airliners
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.
DARPA, Lockheed successfully test experimental hypersonic weapon
It was the second test flight of the scramjet vehicle known as the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, which Lockheed is developing in conjunction with the Pentagon’s secretive research branch.
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.
USAF orders more Boeing KC-46s, as inspectors identify more failings
The US Air Force placed an order worth $2 billion with Boeing for 15 new KC-46 air tankers, just as the Pentagon’s test office identified new faults with the troubled jet.
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.
Scott Sheldon steps down as president of Allegiant Air
Allegiant Travel Company, parent of Allegiant Air, has accepted the resignation of co-president and chief operating officer Scott Sheldon, prompting a reshuffling of the airline’s executives.
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.
Start-up Electra Aero secures USAF funding for eSTOL development
US start-up Electra Aero has secured $30 million in funding through a US Air Force (USAF) programme to further develop an all-electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.
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.
Gulfstream targets 20% bump in 2023 aircraft deliveries
Business jet maker Gulfstream aims to hike its aircraft deliveries by a fifth in 2023 after missing its delivery target last year amid regulatory and supply chain issues.
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.
Pilot shortages holding back American’s expansion
Pilot availability is still limiting the size of American Airlines’ operation, through the carrier says it has ramped pilot training to accommodate its planned 2023 fleet expansion.
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.
Alaska follows Airbus A320 retirements with Dash 8 withdrawal
Alaska Airlines unit Horizon Air today operates the last of its De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s flights after Alaska earlier this month retired the last of its Airbus A320 fleet as part of its accelerated fleet transition announced last year.
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.
American turns $127m profit in 2022 as soaring expenses eat into record revenues
American Airlines made a $127 million profit in 2022 as surging expenses offset what was a record year of revenue for the Fort Worth-based carrier.
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.
Boeing still coping with ‘unstable’ 737 delivery pace
Boeing expects to deliver between 30 and 40 737s monthly in 2023 – and where it falls in that range will depend largely on its ability to fix supply and labour issues.
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’s truss-braced-wing demonstrator will ‘definitely’ inform next aircraft: CEO
Boeing chief executive David Calhoun insists future narrowbody commercial aircraft will benefit from technologies advanced as part of Boeing’s partnership with NASA to develop a truss-braced-wing demonstrator.
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 confident Bell’s FLRAA win will survive Lockheed challenge
The parent company of helicopter manufacturer Bell is confident the company’s win in the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft contest will be upheld, amid a challenge from competitor Lockheed Martin.
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.
Commercial and defence programmes push Boeing to $5.1bn 2022 loss
Boeing lost $5.1 billion in 2022 as lacklustre performance from its commercial aviation division combined with its defence business swinging into the red.
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.
Collins’ aircraft interiors business faces long road to recovery
Collins Aerospace’ aircraft interiors business is lagging the company’s broader recovery due to the slow return of demand for international long-haul air travel.
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.
Raytheon to combine military systems businesses and names Calio president
Raytheon Technologies has disclosed plans to consolidate two defence-focused divisions, reoganising its business into three divisions with Christopher Calio as its next president.
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.
Passenger fleet to grow by 22,000 aircraft by end-2041: Cirium
The global passenger fleet is forecast increase by around 22,000 aircraft – or 86% – between end-2021 and end-2041 to meet growing demand for air travel, according to Ascend by Cirium.
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.
Shortages of P&W engine components to continue through most of 2023
Availability of complex metal components used to produce aerospace turbofans will likely remain constrained through most of this year.
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.
GE Aerospace’s 2022 profit jumps as recovery continues
GE Aerospace’s 2022 profit jumped 66% year-on-year to $4.8 billion, partly reflecting a bump in revenue from commercial aviation parts and aftermarket services sales.
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.
Sikorsky delivers 5,000th Black Hawk, with potential for new US orders
The milestone comes as the US Army is beginning its transition toward replacing the venerable UH-60 platform, which it has selected Bell to produce.
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.
Airbus to retrofit and upgrade nine A350 jets for Delta
Delta Air Lines has hired Airbus Services to retrofit and upgrade nine Airbus A350 aircraft that previously flew for LATAM Airlines Group.
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.
USAF launches AI-powered airlift planning competition
The Air Force Research Laboratory digital event invites researchers from around the world to improve the planning of airlift operations using artificial intelligence-driven algorithms.
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.
Delta to begin Los Angeles-Auckland flights in October
Delta Air Lines intends in October to begin flying for the first time between Auckland and Los Angeles, becoming the only US carrier connecting the two cities.
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.
FAA finds ‘unintentionally deleted files’ led to 11 January system outage
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified “unintentionally deleted files” as the likely reason behind a system outage that led to nationwide flight disruptions.
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.
Spirit Airlines selling 29 Airbus A319s amid fleet renewal
Spirit Airlines has entered an agreement to sell 29 Airbus A319s to Gryphon Trading Company for $152 million to $201 million, depending on price adjustments in the deal.
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.
Universal Hydrogen reveals video of fuel-cell test run on modified Dash 8
Alternative propulsion developer Universal Hydrogen recently completed “propeller runs” of its hydrogen-fuel cell powertrain integrated onto a regional aircraft.
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.
P&W expands India presence with new Bengaluru engineering centre
Pratt & Whitney has opened a new engineering operation in the Indian city of Bengaluru as part of broader expansion in India by parent Raytheon Technologies.
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.
Delta pilots’ union to ballot members after agreeing new contract terms
Pilots at Delta Air Lines are to vote on a new employment contract after union leaders backed a tentative new agreement.
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.
Southwest pilots’ union president calls for vote to authorise strike
Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilot Association (SWAPA), is calling for a vote to authorise a potential strike in the wake of the carrier’s operational collapse during the peak of holiday air travel.
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.
Ethiopian to launch Atlanta flights
Ethiopian Airlines plans to launch its first service to Atlanta this summer, with four flights weekly to the US city from mid-May.
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.
NASA partners with Boeing to develop $1.1b truss-braced-wing demonstrator
NASA has picked Boeing to develop a demonstrator of a truss-braced-wing narrowbody aircraft, part of a programme aimed at advancing technologies that could make the next single-aisle commercial aircraft 30% more efficient.
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.
Stratolaunch completes second ‘captive carry’ test flight of hypersonic vehicle
The California-based hypersonic development firm is testing a two-aircraft system, in which the hypersonic vehicle is carried and launched from underneath a dual fuselage, high-wing jet.
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.
Former head of Boeing defence wing joins Raytheon’s board of directors
As chief executive of Boeing Defense, Space & Security for six years, Leanne Caret oversaw significant contract wins for the aerospace giant using a bid strategy that has since generated billions in losses.
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.
Wisk Aero CEO Gysin retires, to be replaced by Brian Yutko
Gary Gysin, chief executive of Silicon Valley-based advanced air mobility company Wisk Aero, will retire on 1 Febraury.
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.
Southwest downplayed ‘serious issues with technology’ to shareholders: class-action lawsuit
A class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Southwest Airlines based on allegations that the company downplayed the potential for its ageing crew-scheduling software to derail its nationwide operations.
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.
Mexican start up Aerus intends to acquire 30 Eviation Alice electric aircraft
Mexican start-up airline Aerus has become the latest carrier to express interest in acquiring Eviation’s in-development all-electric commuter aircraft Alice.
Bombardier hit 2022 delivery target with 123 jets shipped
Canadian business jet maker Bombardier has met its revenue and aircraft-delivery targets for 2022.
US Air Force secretary stresses importance of advanced tankers, transports
The US Air Force (USAF) is serious about advanced designs for tanker and transport aircraft to address the emerging threats from near-peer adversaries.
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.
Talks on USA F-16 sale to Turkey move to Congress for next stage of review
The Biden administration is reportedly ready to approve the sale of 40 single-engined Lockheed Martin fighter jets, on the condition Ankara drops objections to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
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.
US lawmakers ’seeking answers’ for Southwest’s holiday ‘debacle’
Southwest Airlines is still in hot water, as 15 Democratic senators have signed a 13 January letter to CEO Bob Jordan demanding a detailed explanation of the carrier’s performance during the 2022 holiday travel period.
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 ‘not going to get ahead of ourselves’ on China routes: CEO
Delta Air Lines plans to hold back on restoring its flight network to China as it assesses demand following that country’s lifting of all Covid-19-related travel restrictions earlier this month.
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.
Newly reported UFOs display ‘unusual flight performance capabilities’: US intelligence
After analysing some 366 newly identified instances of unidentified aerial phenomena, US intelligence officials have determined roughly half to be normal aerospace clutter, while an unspecified number suggested unusual flight performance capabilities.
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.
FAA’s technology breakdown renews calls to upgrade ATC system
The US Federal Aviation Administration’s IT breakdown that led to a 90-minute nationwide flight ban early on 11 January has renewed calls to upgrade to the country’s air traffic control system.
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.
Canadian NOTAM system shutdown comes on heels of FAA outage
Canadian air navigation service Nav Canada reported an outage of its Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system on the same day a similar shutdown of the US Federal Aviation Administration’s system prompted a nationwide take-off ban.
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.
US air travel system starting to recover following system outage: FAA
US airline flights are “gradually” recovering from a nationwide take-off ban prompted by failure of a Federal Aviation Administration computer system.
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.
FAA computer issue prompts agency to temporarily ban US take-offs
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered US flight departures halted until 09:00 Eastern time due to an outage of the system used by the FAA to distribute Notices to Air Missions.
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.
Spirit pilots approve new two-year deal with $463m pay gain
Spirit Airlines pilots voted on 10 January to approve a new two-year union contract that could be renegotiated if the airline’s pending acquisition by rival discount carrier JetBlue Airways collapses.
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.
Buoyant Boeing hits 2022 delivery target after strong December
Boeing ended up exceeding its twice-revised 737 delivery goal for 2022, shipping 387 of the narrowbody jets during the year, thanks largely to the rapid pace of deliveries in December.
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.
Global demand for air cargo tailing off: IATA
Global demand for air cargo “softened” in November 2022, the most recent month of data, as carriers continued facing economic headwinds and the pandemic-related cargo boom lost steam.
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.
FAA mandates 5G-tolerant altimeters, warns of ‘catastrophic incident’
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to require all transport aircraft have updated altimeters by February 2024, citing concern about a potential “catastrophic incident” caused by interference from new 5G networks.
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.
American pulls out of three small markets, citing regional pilot shortage
American Airlines plans to terminate service to three small markets in the USA, citing a lack of pilots and low demand for the routes.
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.
United and Emirates file codeshare request with US government
United Airlines and Emirates Airline have applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval to put their airline codes on each other’s flights as per an agreement the two carriers reached last year.
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.
FAA-formed panel set to begin evaluating Boeing’s safety processes
A 24-member panel formed by the Federal Aviation Administration will soon convene to begin evaluating the effectiveness of Boeing’s safety management processes.
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.
JetBlue plans new daytime flights from New York to London
JetBlue Airways plans to boost its North Atlantic operations by launching new daytime flights from New York to London – and an alternative to its transatlantic red-eyes.
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.
Air China, Hainan Airlines plan to expand schedules to USA
Air China and Hainan Airlines plan to expand their schedules between the USA and China after that country’s government relaxed Covid-19-driven entry requirements.
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 government supports unleaded fuel drive for general aviation with $10m in funding
The US government will support an industry-wide effort to make unleaded fuel for general aviation more available with $10 million.
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.
Airline share prices weaker at end-2022 versus end-2021 despite demand recovery
Airline share prices ended 2022 down on the same point 12 months earlier, following a challenging year for wider economies around the world
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.
Lockheed finalises contract for another 398 F-35s, misses 2022 delivery target
The $30 billion deal with the US government covers aircraft for the USA, Belgium, Finland and Poland, and comes as Lockheed missed its 2022 F-35 delivery target due to an ongoing pause in flight operations.
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.
United confirms it will park up to 38 Embraer E175 jets in favour of Mesa CRJ900s
United Airlines has confirmed that it will park up to 38 Embraer E175 jets in favour of operating Bombardier CRJ900 jets from regional partner Mesa Airlines so as not to run afoul of its contract with its pilots.
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.
Mesa Airlines finalises new deal with United, reports dismal Q4 results
Amid the upheaval of severing its contract with longtime operating partner American Airlines and finalising a new deal with United Airlines, US regional carrier Mesa Airlines reported a $115.6 million loss during its fiscal fourth quarter.
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.
Sikorsky and Boeing will challenge FLRAA decision
The joint team led by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky says it has filed an official protest of the US Army’s decision to select the Bell V-280 tiltrotor as the winner of the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft programme to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk.
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
Ethiopian inquiry rejects bird-strike theory for angle-of-attack sensor failure on crashed 737 Max
One of the aspects of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max crash which had remained unclear during the investigation was the cause of the original angle-of-attack sensor malfunction that initiated the accident sequence.
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.
Canadian government ‘concerned’ with Sunwing meltdown
The Canadian government is criticising leisure specailist Sunwing Vacations after an operational meltdown left hundreds of passengers stuck when winter weather disrupted the carrier’s operations earlier this week.
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.
How far through recovery are North American airlines?
A carrier-by-carrier guide to the progress North American airlines continued to make in their recovery from the Covid-19 crisis during the past year and a look at how much further they have to go in 2023.
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 will ‘never again’ face nationwide operational meltdown: CEO
Southwest Airlines chief executive Bob Jordan spoke publicly for the first time about the company’s widespread operational difficulties during the busy end-of-year holiday travel period, promising that the airline’s passengers and employees will “never again face what’s happening right now”.
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 airlines weigh their options on returning to China
US airlines are weighing options to return to Mainland China after that country said it would eliminate quarantine requirements and ease other Covid-19-driven restrictions for arriving passengers.
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.
US Navy approves full rate production of Sikorsky CH-53K
The King Stallion helicopter will replace the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion as the US Marine Corps’ heavy lifter.
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.
Tracking a strong end to 2022
The first set of data from The Airline Business 38 reflects the strong recovery being seen in markets around the world.
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.
Leidos wins $334m contract for multi-role hypersonic platform
The Virginia-based manufacturer will produce a “larger class” air-breathing hypersonic platform capable of performing multiple mission sets.
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.
‘Not going to drown in an inch of water’: Mesa CEO on breakup with American
The severing of regional US carrier Mesa Airline’s contract to operate on behalf of American Airlines in favour of a tentative five-year deal with United Airlines represents a significant shake-up in the regional airline industry. But accounts differ on how the relationship soured between Mesa and American.
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.
Winter weather in USA prompts thousands of flight cancellations just in time for Christmas
The winter weather hitting the Midwest and Northeast USA continued disrupting the plans of holiday travellers on 22 December, forecast by the US Federal Aviation Administration to be the busiest during the holiday period.
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.
Why sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes are flying high
A tantalising batch of next-generation combat aircraft programmes are powering up for the USA and multiple key allies – now it is critical that such efforts can deliver success.
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?
Porter Airlines takes first two of 50 Embraer E195-E2s
Porter Airlines received the first two of its 50-strong order of Embraer E195-E2s during a ceremony at Embraer’s headquarters in San Jose dos Campos on 21 December.
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.
Mexican start-up airline Aerus will launch with six Textron turboprops
Aerus, a start-up regional airline in Mexico, will launch operations with Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier and Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops.
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.
Pentagon taking unidentified aerial phenomena ‘seriously’
Government officials say a newly created office to investigate sightings of unknown aerial vehicles near US military aircraft has already received hundreds of reports, some of which they think pose a potential national security risk.
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.
Transair 737 ditching inquiry reveals pilots’ uncertainty over failed engine
Investigation details from the Transair Boeing 737-200 freighter ditching off Honolulu last year indicates uncertainty from the pilots over which of the aircraft’s engines had initially failed shortly after the jet took off.
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.
US airlines gear up for ‘major winter storm’ during busy year-end holidays
US airlines are expecting a “major” winter weather system to disrupt aviation across the country later this week, as millions of passengers are due to travel for year-end holidays.
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.
US spending bill set to include critical exemptions for Boeing Max 7 and Max 10
Boeing may be close to securing critical regulatory exemptions for its 737 Max 7 and 10 thanks to provisions slipped into a US government spending bill now working its way through Congress.
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.
US airlines strive to solve pilot shortage crisis
While the USA has been grappling with a severe flightcrew shortage since before the coronavirus crisis, other regions too will be facing a dearth of candidates to fill their cockpits in the coming years. The global pilot shortage could make itself felt as early as 2023.
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.
USAF commits nearly $4bn to operations at Greenland airbase above the Arctic Circle
Improvements to the joint USA-Canada Thule air base now allow the strategic far northern outpost to host fighter jets year round.
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.
20 injured as Hawaiian Airlines flight encounters ‘severe turbulence’
Almost two dozen people were injured when a Hawaiian Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence from a Pacific storm shortly before landing in Honolulu, the airline has said.
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.
Analysts view Boeing’s 2023 delivery goals as feasible, but scepticism remains
Boeing’s top brass stressed in November that the company’s 2023 goals include nursing its 737 Max programme to health and delivering more 787s – efforts intended to help Boeing again become a cash-generating engine.
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.
Supersonic civilian aircraft prospects dim as 2023 opens
2023 will mark the 20th anniversary of the final flight of Concorde, but a return to supersonic air travel still seems an uncertain prospect
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.
United places another bumper order under ambitious Kirby
United Airlines’ huge order for Boeing aircraft this week is another statement of intent from the carrier under the leadership of Scott Kirby.
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.
Congress directs investigation into drone swarm threat
Lawmakers in Washington want the US military to assess the danger posed by so-called swarms of cheap, commercially available drones and develop technologies to counter them.
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.
F-35B crashes during vertical landing in Texas, pilot ejects
A US government aviator ejected from a Lockheed Martin-owned F-35B at ground level following a failed attempt at vertical landing.
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.
FlightSafety agrees to support pilot training for Boom’s supersonic Overture concept
Boom Supersonic has landed another aerospace partner to assist with development of its ultra-fast aircraft, this time tapping pilot training company FlightSafety International.
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.
US industry will suffer unless Congress grants Max 10 cockpit exemption: United CEO
United Airlines’ chief executive is warning that Boeing and broader US industry will suffer if the US Congress fails to exempt Boeing’s 737 Max 10 from a new cockpit-alert-system requirement.
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.
Water leak that affected 787 electronics prompts FAA call for inspections
The US Federal Aviation Administration intends to require that airlines inspect Boeing 787s for water leaks after several such incidents, including one involving water leaking into a jet’s electronics bay.
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 plots 757 replacements with Boeing’s ‘NMA’ off the table
United Airlines faces an imperfect fleet trade off in the coming years due to lack of new-production aircraft with capabilities comparable to the airline’s ageing Boeing 757-300s.
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.
Delta targets nearly $46bn in 2022 revenue, predicts sustained growth
Delta Air Lines says it expects to reach $45.5-45.6 billion in revenue in 2022, almost as much as it earned in 2019, and raise that figure by 15-20% in 2023 as the carrier predicts a strong and long-lasting post-Covid-19 recovery.
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.
Pratt & Whitney ‘ramping’ for F-35 engine core upgrade to enter service by 2028
While a formal decision on addressing the stealthy fighter’s power and cooling constraints remains absent, engine-maker Pratt & Whitney says it is ramping a core upgrade programme for the F-35’s powerplant based on a recent preliminary support contract.
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”.
Boeing's backlog ticks up with 18 more Max orders in November
Boeing padded its backlog with fresh orders for 737 Max and 767 freighters in November, and closed the month without logging any further cancellations.
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.
American names May to succeed Kerr as chief financial officer
Long-standing American Airlines chief financial officer Derek Kerr is to step down from 1 January and will be succeeded in the role by Devon May.
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 B-1 bomber unit prepares for B-21 Raider
The US Air Force’s 28th Bomb Wing, which currently operates the Boeing B-1B, will be the first unit to receive the B-21 stealth bomber later this decade.
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.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: December 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.
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).
Spirit Airlines pilots get 27% raise in new ALPA-negotiated contract
Spirit Airlines pilots won a 27% pay raise on 9 December in a tentative new deal reached between union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and the airline.
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.
Aurora wins DARPA contract to develop ‘active flow control’ X-plane
The X-plane effort aims to produce an aircraft that uses so-called active flow control, rather than traditional aerodynamic control surfaces such as rudders and flaps, to improve flight performance.
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.
‘Small community air service will be a thing of the past,’ RAA warns policymakers
Warning of a potential collapse of air service to smaller cities and rural areas, the Regional Airline Association calls on US lawmakers to intervene amid “declining connectivity for American communities”.
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.
Saudia continues seeking new US cargo flights amid government negotiations
Jeddah-based Saudia’s lengthy effort to launch more cargo flights to the USA faces more delays amid apparent broader air-rights discussions between US and Saudi officials.
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.
US FAA requires A321XLR fire resistance in vicinity of rear fuel tank
US regulators have laid out formal requirements for the Airbus A321XLR’s lower fuselage, in the vicinity of the rear centre fuel tank, to be resistant to fire penetration.
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”.
B-21 test pilots discuss preparations for first flight
Loads calibration, structural strength evaluations and testing flight systems using a business jet are just a few of the tasks test pilots from Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force are undertaking in preparation for the new stealth bomber’s first flight.
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.
Porter revamps fares and tweaks onboard product ahead of E-Jet arrivals
Canadian carrier Porter Airways has rolled out new fare bundles and several other product updates, including available fresh meals – changes the company says make its economy class the industry’s best.
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.
IATA forecasts global airline industry will return to profit in 2023
The global airline industry is forecast to achieve a net profit of $4.7 billion in 2023 as the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis continues, according to IATA.
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.
‘Non-intrusive’ Hexwave detection system nears production after Toronto trials
Security specialist Liberty Defense is aiming to start delivering initial production versions of its Hexwave walk-through detection systems in the second quarter of next year, following testing at locations including Toronto Pearson airport.
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.
Pratt & Whitney awarded preliminary contract for F-35 engine ‘enhancement’
A decision by the US Air Force on whether to completely replace the Lockheed Martin jet’s single engine or opt for a cheaper core upgrade to the existing powerplant remains unresolved.
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.
Northrop Grumman reveals B-21 test aircraft as stealth programme roars toward first flight
Northrop Grumman has unveiled the next-generation stealth bomber under development for the US Air Force.