Pilot who fell from C212 was upset and sick following landing mishap
The pilot who fell from a CASA C212 over North Carolina last month appeared “visibly upset” about a hard landing that had occurred shortly before.
Aerospace council urges standardisation to ease firefighting aircraft certification
Aerospace industry representatives are urging ICAO to prioritise international standardisation of certification and operation of firefighting aircraft, arguing that greater flexibility is needed as climate change threatens to prolong and intensify wildfire seasons.
Boeing paused 737 wing manufacturing to address supply shortages
Boeing in recent weeks temporarily paused manufacturing of wings for its 737 family as the airframer attempted to address parts and labour shortages that are affecting narrowbody production.
Private F-16 fleet receives USAF approval for adversary training
The Lockheed Martin jets are operated by Top Aces, which provides adversary air training services.
Boom boosted by American’s 20-unit Overture order
American Airlines will purchase as many as 20 examples of Boom Supersonic’s developmental Overture passenger jet, becoming the second major US carrier to commit to the programme.
US regional airline Tailwind to fly floatplanes between New York and DC area
US floatplane carrier Tailwind Air plans next month to launch flights between New York harbor and the Washington, DC area.
Pilot incapacitation preceded Citation V’s fatal spiral dive
US investigators believe the pilot of a Cessna Citation V became incapacitated before the aircraft entered a tight spiral descent from 31,000ft and disintegrated on impact with terrain in Oregon’s Mutton mountain range.
USA, Australia conclude joint air combat exercise in Alaska
The Pacific-focused training comes on the heels of major military Chinese military drills around the Strait of Taiwan.
UAV maker Edge Autonomy buys fuel cell producer Adaptive Energy
The California maker of unmanned aerial vehicles for the Pentagon purchased a Michigan manufacturer specialising in solid oxide fuel cells.
IATA to press for ICAO review of pilot upper age limits
IATA is seeking a review of commercial pilot age limits to help relieve forecast demand for cockpit crews.
Canada grounds CT-114 demonstrator fleet following flight emergency
The Royal Canadian Air Force has ordered an operational pause for its fleet of 20 Canadair CT-114 flight demonstration jets after an in-flight emergency.
Archer completes preliminary design review of four-seat ‘Midnight’
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer Aviation has published an image of its piloted four-seat production aircraft, which it’s named “Midnight”.
Spirit blames slower recovery on air traffic control issues in Florida
Spirit Airlines is blaming its slower post-Covid recovery in part on air traffic control staffing issues in its home state of Florida.
Joby expands military partnership in eVTOL development
The California developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft says a modification to its existing contract under the US Air Force’s Agility Prime programme is worth $45 million.
Boeing resumes 787 deliveries, handing aircraft to American Airlines
American Airlines has taken delivery of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner to leave the production line after the US aviation regulator green-lighted the airframe following a 21-month pause
United pays first installment of $10m to Archer for air taxis
United Airlines has paid air-taxi developer Archer Aviation $10 million in a first instalment on its conditional order with the start-up, representing what the companies say is a “watershed moment” for the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry.
Beta ALIA becomes latest eVTOL to secure Bristow custom
Helicopter operator Bristow Group is ordering up to 55 eVTOL aircraft, further cementing its venture into the emerging electric aviation sector.
Boeing notches 130 new orders in July, delivers 26 jets
Boeing landed new orders for 130 aircraft in July, most of which were 737 airframes, with four cancellations.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: August 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.
Spirit cuts Q2 losses as revenue lift counters rising costs
JetBlue-bound discount carrier Spirit Airlines cut its pre-tax losses for the second quarter to $67.5 million as better than expected revenues helped counter higher fuel costs for the period.
US inquiry probes fatal Cessna-Piper collision on approach path to same runway
US investigators probing a fatal mid-air collision between two light aircraft at North Las Vegas airport are trying to ascertain why both appeared to be on the approach path to the same runway.
Mesa posts fiscal Q3 loss amid increasing pilot shortage issues
Mesa Air Group, the parent company of Mesa Airlines, posted a loss for its fiscal third quarter as the company’s block hours fell and it continues to suffer from the pilot shortage.
Sun Country sees higher leisure demand, struggles with ‘training challenges’
Sun Country Airlines notched higher revenue during the second quarter of 2022, as leisure travel demand rose. However, the Minneapolis, Minnesota-headquartered carrier joins its airline peers across the USA in struggling with ensuring it has enough qualified and current flight crew to cover all of its needs.
Pentagon not ruling out Western fighter jets for Ukraine
The US Department of Defense’s policy chief says a transfer of US-built fighters is not currently in the works, but did not take such a move off the table for the future.
Boeing will resume 787 deliveries ‘in the coming days’: FAA
Boeing will resume deliveries of its beleaguered 787 Dreamliner “in the coming days”, according to the FAA.
Hard 737 landing seriously injured harnessed flight attendant
US investigators have disclosed that a seated cabin crew member suffered a serious spinal injury after a Boeing 737-700 landed hard at Santa Ana airport in California.
Astro sells eVTOL developer Horizon to shareholders
Just over a year after acquiring Canadian eVTOL developer Horizon Aircraft, US investor Astro Aerospace is selling the company to a group of Astro sharholders.
Air Lease encouraged by pace of long-haul aircraft placements
US lessor Air Lease is optimistic that the long-haul sector is showing signs of following the short-haul market into recovery, claiming that 80% of aircraft on its widebody order book have been placed.
Canadian DC-3 crash probe flags culture of skirting safety margins
Investigators believe a Canadian carrier’s operational culture, which prioritised mission completion over regulatory compliance, contributed to breaches of safety procedures and the crash of a modified Douglas DC-3 during an attempt to land at Sachigo Lake airport in Ontario.
Eve posts Q2 loss of $11.8m in first earnings report since going public
Eve, the Embraer-backed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, reported a loss of $11.8 million during the first quarter as it ramps up research and development, sales, marketing and staffing.
Canadian F-18s deploy to Romania for NATO air mission
Eight Royal Canadian Air Force fighters will conduct round-the-clock air patrols on NATO’s eastern flank as part of the alliance’s Air Task Force Romania.
Canada Jetlines delays first revenue flights to 29 August
Start-up leisure carrier Canada Jetlines has pushed back its launch date less than two weeks before it was due to operate its inaugural flight.
Atlas Q2 revenue climbs to $1.2b due to greater cargo demand
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, the parent of cargo and passenger carrier Atlas Air, profited from greater cargo volumes amid restricted capacity in the second quarter of 2022.
Apollo-led investor group to acquire Atlas Air Worldwide for $5.2bn
US freight and passenger carrier Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has agreed to be acquired by an investor group led by Apollo Global Management in an all-cash deal worth $5.2 billion.
Boom supersonic airliner compatible with sustainability strategy: United executive
Operating supersonic aircraft can be compatible with United Airlines’ efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and reach net-zero CO2 emissions, according to the carrier’s chief sustainability officer Lauren Riley.
Allegiant posts higher Q2 revenue as costs also soar
Allegiant Travel Company, the parent of low-cost carrier Allegiant Air posted higher revenue and a small profit during the second three months of 2022 as expenses climbed.
US DOT proposes new customer protections for air travellers
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing strong new consumer protections for airline customers travelling with both domestic and foreign carriers on scheduled service from, to or within the USA.
American Airlines teams up with ZeroAvia to develop regional jet engine
American Airlines and zero-emissions propulsion specialist ZeroAvia have teamed up on a project to develop an engine for regional jet aircraft.
United Airlines sustainability chief seeks SAF acceleration as e-fuels excite
The shift to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) needs to accelerate, in the view of United Airlines chief sustainability officer Lauren Riley, as part of an industry transformation that could one day see CO2-as-a-feedstock become the “future of flying”.
Horizon unveils half-scale prototype of Cavorite eVTOL
Canadian hybrid-electric aviation specialist Horizon Aircraft has unveiled a half-scale prototype of its proposed Cavorite X5 eVTOL aircraft.
Boeing lands $57m contract for support of unmanned carrier tanker
The aerospace manufacturer is currently testing the US Navy’s first ever carrier-based autonomous refuelling aircraft.
Unmanned aircraft disrupting military order: SOCOM chief
Citing on-going combat in Ukraine, the top general at the US Special Operations Command says commercial drones and military UAVs are upending the battlefield status quo.
JetBlue Q2 revenue and costs rise, plans to integrate Spirit underway
JetBlue Airways boosted revenue in the second quarter of 2022 and has begun making preparations to swallow its newest prize, ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines.
Air Canada Q2 revenue surges as it experiences rapid ramp-up
Air Canada slashed its quarterly loss as travel demand soared, and the company experienced “one of the steepest ramp-ups compared to any other airline in the western world”.
L3Harris and Air Tractor win Armed Overwatch competition for special ops air support
The partnership’s AT-802U SkyWarden prevailed over designs from Textron and Sierra Nevada in the competitive bid to provide reconaissance and close air support to the USA’s special operations troops.
DynCorp receives $56m contract to maintain Saudi army aircraft
The Texas-based contractor will provide the Royal Saudi Land Forces’ Aviation Command with support and aircraft maintenance services.
US authorities probe crew member’s fatal fall from stricken C212
US authorities are probing a bizarre fatal accident in which a CASA C212 crew member either jumped or fell from the aircraft, before it was involved in a runway excursion upon landing at Raleigh-Durham airport with a landing-gear malfunction.
Transat secures up to C$150m more federal financial aid
Transat AT, the parent of Canadian leisure airline Air Transat, has secured an additional payroll loan worth up to C$150 million ($117 million) from the Canadian federal government.
USAF grounds ‘majority’ of F-35s due to ejection seat problem
The US Air Force has taken out of service the majority of its Lockheed Martin F-35As due to a problem with the jets’ pilot ejection systems.
JetBlue is last Spirit suitor standing but hurdles still ahead
When it was announced in February that Frontier Airlines intended to buy Spirit Airlines, analysts saw plenty of logic in the move.
Norse explores ‘virtual’ interline offering connecting flights to budget carriers
Long-haul low-cost operator Norse Atlantic Airways has tied up with three other budget carriers to extend its network through connecting services.
Supply chain, labour challenges dent Northrop Q2 aeronautical results
The Aeronautical Systems division of Northrop Grumman saw operating profits fall 14% year on year to $258 million in its second quarter to 30 June.
SkyWest Charter hopes to launch on-demand flights ‘shortly’
SkyWest Airlines hopes to launch its SkyWest Charter subsidiary “shortly”, a move the airline says will enable it to serve secondary cities with on-demand charters.
SkyWest Q2 revenue jumps 22% as it adds 43 aircraft
SkyWest Airlines’ second-quarter revenue surged 22% year-on-year after it added almost four dozen aircraft to its fleet.
US government approves Germany to purchase F-35 fighters
The US Department of State has approved the potential sale to Germany of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters jets, a move the US government says will improve European stability.
Southwest benefits from surge in demand for discount travel
Southwest Airlines notched record revenue and profit during the second quarter as demand for discount travel surged.
Spirit approves acquisition by JetBlue, regulatory approval still uncertain
Spirit Airlines’ board of directors has green lighted JetBlue Airways’ acquisition proposal, a radical reversal from Spirit’s previous plan to be bought by Frontier Airlines.
US Navy looks to expand reach of shipborne UAVs
The US Navy recently conducted a demonstration to explore the potential of ship-launched unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) operating at long ranges.
NYPD orders two Bell 412EPX helicopters for SAR mission
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has ordered two Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters configured for the search and rescue (SAR) mission.
Increasing demand for discount travel boosts Frontier’s Q2 earnings
Frontier Group posted record revenue growth during the second quarter as demand for discount travel booms.
Honeywell to supply actuation and cabin cooling technology to Archer’s air taxi
Honeywell Aerospace and Archer Aviation have agreed to collaborate on flight-control actuation and thermal-management technologies for Archer’s in-development electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi.
Boeing on ‘verge’ of resuming 787 deliveries: CEO
Boeing’s chief executive says his company is close to resuming 787 deliveries, though he again declines to specify a timeline.
Frontier Airlines ‘disappointed’ at collapse of Spirit deal
Frontier Airlines is “disappointed” after ultra-low-cost peer Spirit Airlines decided to terminate a potential tie-up earlier in the day.
Spirit and Frontier call off proposed merger
Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines have agreed to end their merger discussions but Spirit continues to negotiate with JetBlue Airways.
Boeing wants to increase 737 production but has too few engines
Boeing would like to hike 737 Max production to 38 jets monthly but cannot due to lack of enough turbofans from CFM International.
FAA proposes secondary barrier for commercial aircraft flight decks
The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a rule that would require a second physical barrier on commercial aircraft cockpits.
Boeing cuts 2022 737 delivery forecast, citing engine shortages and China uncertainty
Boeing expects to deliver 100 fewer 737s in 2022 than previously planned and says delivery of more 737s from its inventory will slip into 2024.
Fixed-price defence contracts trim another $400m from Boeing results
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security unit continues to battle programme headwinds, with its second-quarter revenues having declined to just below $6.2 billion, from approaching $6.9 billion during the same period a year earlier. Orders were worth $2 billion.
Boeing turns $160m Q2 profit as deliveries accelerate
Boeing swung to a $160 million profit in the second quarter of 2022, a period marked by significantly more aircraft deliveries and a booming aircraft services business.
North America and international demand lifts Hawaiian’s Q2 revenue
Hawaiian Holdings, the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, credits more international flying and ongoing strong demand from North American markets for its 68% rise in revenue during the second quarter.
Turbofan deliveries are Boeing’s ‘number one’ supply constraint
Limited availability of CFM International turbofans is the chief parts shortage hindering Boeing’s ability to ramp 737 production.
GE Aviation ‘grappling’ with constrained turbofan supply chain
GE Aviation’s production of aircraft turbofans remains behind schedule due to factors including parts and labour shortages.
Canada Jetlines to launch revenue service on 15 August
Canada Jetlines, a start-up leisure carrier based in Vancouver, is set to launch passenger revenue service next month.
Raytheon continues struggling with labour and supply shortages amid delivery delays
Supply chain constraints and labour shortages continue limiting the ability of Raytheon Technologies and its subsidiaries to deliver aerospace products, including aircraft engines.
Military type certification nod to drive AT-6E Wolverine sales, Textron says
Beechcraft’s AT-6E Wolverine has secured military type certification approval from the US Air Force.
Northrop continues work on new missile to attack air defences
Northrop Grumman is continuing work on a new prototype missile development designed to attack air defence systems.
Daher unveils Kodiak 900 utility aircraft
French aerospace company Daher has unveiled a new US-built aircraft called the Kodiak 900 – and it is already certificated.
US lawmakers propose hiking pilot retirement age to 67
US lawmakers have proposed hiking the mandatory retirement age for US airline pilots to help alleviate what airlines say is an increasingly acute pilot shortage.
FAA warns of tailpipe risk affecting 41,000 US-registered small aircraft
US regulators have issued a sweeping directive to address a longstanding tailpipe problem potentially affecting 41,000 US-registered aircraft with turbocharged reciprocating engines.
FAA to mandate more measures to prevent 777 fuel tank ignition
The Federal Aviation Administration intends to require US airlines to perform more work to ensure 777 fuel tanks are safe from potential ignition.
Why NATO’s ongoing expansion has Moscow rattled
Russia’s late-February invasion of Ukraine has galvanised NATO, which is now set to grow its membership to 32 nations and further boost its equipment advantage over Moscow’s military.
How NTSB accident investigator Zoe Keliher shattered gender bias
US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) aviation accident investigator Zoe Keliher traces her aviation career to the day her father gifted her a flight lesson for her 15th birthday.
How airline safety ranked in first half of 2022
The first six months of 2022 involved more fatal airline accidents and resulting fatalities worldwide than during the same period in each of the two previous years, but amid increased flight activity.
How wildfire warriors are adapting to meet firefighting challenge
Aerial assets play a key role in the battle to keep forest and bush blazes at bay. From modified airframes to purpose-built aircraft, we look at what the latest specialist platforms are capable of.
Why passenger-to-freighter conversion demand keeps soaring
The market for giving ageing airliners a second life as converted freighters continues to thrive despite the return of commercial belly hold capacity and new pressures on the global economy.
Why engine replacement plan would hurt F-35’s international credentials
The US Air Force’s ambition to retrofit the F-35 with adaptive engine technology could risk straining alliances with fellow operator nations, James Maclaren argues.
Rudder-induced roll and ground strike on take-off 'permanently' bent A321’s wing
US investigators have concluded that excessive rudder-pedal input during an Airbus A321’s take-off run from New York JFK caused a sharp roll upon rotation and resulted in the left wing-tip striking the ground.
MHIRJ sees long future for CRJ regional jets
Regional jet specialist MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ) sees a long future for the Bombardier CRJ regional jet, but warns about a pilot and maintainer crunch facing the industry.
Red MD-82 suffered left-hand gear collapse before excursion
US investigators have confirmed that the left-hand main landing-gear of a Red Air Boeing MD-82 collapsed just after touchdown at Miami, before the aircraft suffered a runway excursion.
Alaska Air Group posts second-quarter profit of $139m
Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, says strong post-pandemic demand for air travel supported record revenues during the second quarter of 2022.
Czech Republic choses F-35 to replace Gripens
The government of the Czech Republic has publicly stated its interest in acquiring Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighters.
Textron launches maritime patrol variant of Cessna business jet
The militarised version of the Cessna Citation Longitude boasts a 3,500nm range and a suite of sensors for security and law enforcement purposes.
American Airlines slams 'frustrating' London Heathrow passenger caps
American Airlines has slammed passenger-number restrictions implemented by London Heathrow airport in response to staff shortages, as the airline scrambles to accommodate customers.
American bounces back to profitability in Q2
American Airlines earned a profit in the second quarter of the year – its first quarterly profit since the Covid-19 pandemic – as passenger demand bounced back
American expects Boeing to resume 787 deliveries this quarter
American Airlines expects Boeing will resume deliveries of 787 Dreamliners in the course of this quarter after the airframer has paused deliveries for most of the past 21 months due to quality issues.
Cargolux commits to order 777-8 Freighters
Boeing has secured a commitment from freight airline Cargolux to order 777-8 Freighters, which the Luxembourg-based carrier intends to use as 747-400 replacements.
Seven US unions urge senators not to raise pilot retirement age
A group of US unions has come out against raising the pilot retirement age from 65 currently – an idea that has been circulating in order to help alleviate the current pilot shortage.
United swings to Q2 profit, warns of looming ‘fundamental challenges’
United Airlines reiterated its target to be profitable in 2022, as it expects robust travel demand to offset “fundamental challenges” posed by rising fuel costs and a looming economic recession.
Universal lands orders for 20 hydrogen turboprops
Start-up Universal Hydrogen has landied an order from a Canadian aircraft lessor to equip 20 regional turboprops with hydrogen propulsion systems.
Airbus to use hydrogen-burn gliders to analyse emissions and contrail impact
Airbus is to start test flights with a hydrogen-burning glider this winter in order to assess the potential emissions and contrail effects from a scaled-up hydrogen-fuelled engine.
New F-35 engine can be flying by decade’s end: GE Aviation
Engine manufacturer says it has two working prototypes of the next-generation XA100 powerplant that can produce significant performance improvements for the fifth-generation fighter.
Lockheed Martin reaches deal for new US F-35 purchases
The three-year agreement with the US Department of Defense for 375 jets will be worth an estimated $30 billion for F-35 maker Lockheed.
Gulfstream to flight test G500 software update this week with the FAA
Gulfstream expects to fly a G500 with the US Federal Aviation Administration this week as part of efforts to lift landing restrictions on that jet and its G600 sister stemming from two hard landings.
CAE and Piper develop conversion kit for popular trainer aircraft
Canadian training specialist CAE will join Piper Aircraft to develop a conversion kit for the popular Archer trainer aircraft, and bring an electric variant option to market.
De Havilland Canada reveals three new Dash 8-400 cargo options, ups take-off weight
De Havilland has rolled out three new options for converting Dash 8-400 turboprops into cargo aircraft, a move coming as increasing numbers of used Dash 8s hit secondary markets.
Lessor BBAM orders nine more 737-800 converted freighters from Boeing
Aircraft lessor BBAM Limited Partnership has ordered nine 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters, adding more momentum behind Boeing’s already strong freighter business.
Alaska Air Group and Porter Airlines order 28 Embraer jets
Embraer has notched orders for a total of 28 aircraft and 13 options from two North American carriers.
De Havilland reviewing Twin Otter and Dash 8 programmes, considering updates
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has launched a review of its DHC-6 Twin Otter programme and intends later this year to do the same for its Dash 8-400 passenger turboprop.
Wisk plans to unveil sixth-generation of its eVTOL this autumn
Air taxi developer Wisk Aero expects this autumn to unveil the production-conforming version of its eVTOL aircraft – the sixth generation of its air taxi – which it will bring through the US Federal Aviation Administration’s certification process.
Fresh off first flight, Gulfstream showcases G800 at Farnborough
Gulfstream has an impressive line-up of business jets at this year’s Farnborough air show, and has its latest and largest business jet, the G800, parked nearby at the company’s Farnborough airport service centre.
Boom Supersonic reveals new design for Overture
Supersonic aircraft developer Boom has introduced a new design for its Overture flagship aircraft, which it hopes to fly for the first time in early 2026.
Alaskan operator Ravn to retrofit Dash 8 fleet with hydrogen-electric engines
US regional operator Ravn Alaska is looking to retrofit its De Havilland Dash 8 turboprop fleet with hydrogen-electric propulsion systems from ZeroAvia.
Boom partners with Northrop Grumman for military version of Overture
Boom has partnered with Northrop Grumman to develop a special mission variant of the supersonic Overture aircraft for the US government and its allies.
Investment firm 777 Partners to take dozens more 737 Max jets
Diverse investment firm 777 Partners is adding up to 66 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets to its aviation portfolio, including the high-density Max 8-200.
GE successfully tests high-power, high-voltage hybrid-electric engine at altitude
GE Aviation has successfully proved operation of a megawatt-class and multi-kilovolt hybrid-electric propulsion system at 45,000ft, meaning the research programme can move on to flight-testing in the coming years.
Aero Vodochody announces L-39NG certification and new US partnership
The Czech Republic’s latest domestically manufactured jet is cleared for European skies following approval from the country’s military regulator.
GE Aviation to become GE Aerospace, reflecting expansion plan
GE Aviation will change its name to GE Aerospace in a move executives say reflects the engine maker’s intention to broader its focus beyond aircraft engines.
Kratos completes test flights of production model autonomous wingman
The stealthy XQ-58 Valkyrie was designed in collaboration with the US Air Force to serve as an long-range, unmanned escort and surveillance aircraft.
US space agency looks to partnerships to fight climate change
NASA is looking to forge partnerships to fight global warming, the agency’s deputy administrator said on 18 July at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Lockheed Martin pitches X2 line for NATO’s next generation helicopter
Sikorsky’s parent company says its family of co-axial helicopters are ideally suited to meet the needs of six NATO members looking for a new medium lift solution.
Delta orders 100 Boeing 737 Max 10s as Farnborough opens
Boeing opened the Farnborough air show on 18 July by announcing an order from Delta Air Lines for 100 Boeing 737 Max 10s.
General Atomics to supply US marines with extended range MQ-9s
The US Marine Corps will purchase eight of the Reaper unmanned combat aerial vehicles from General Atomics for a Hawaii-based squadron.
P&W starts certification testing of more efficient PW1100G powerplant
US engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney has started work related to certification of the GTF Advantage – a more-efficient variant of the company’s PW1100G geared turbofan.
Boeing and Alder Fuels partner on SAF production
Boeing and Alder Fuels plan to expand the production and availability of sutainable aviation fuels (SAF) worldwide.
A350 freighter advances with cargo-loading and main-deck door systems
Airbus’s A350 freighter development is advancing with Ancra International set to deliver the initial cargo-loading system in 2024, while Curtiss-Wright will provide actuation for the type’s main-deck cargo door.
Boeing rolls out ‘Cascade’ tool for modelling carbon reduction
Boeing has unveiled a digital modelling tool that predicts the degree to which various measures, including new technologies and the use of “sustainable aviation fuel” (SAF), will reduce the aviation industry’s carbon emissions.
Boeing expects to certificate Max 10 with existing alert system, but eyes rule exemption
Boeing is to seek approval for its 737 Max 10 under existing guidelines instead of focusing on adapting its strategy to account for a new certification law set to take effect in December.
Boeing upbeat on fighter prospects, as Super Hornet tests conclude in India
Boeing has concluded a successful series of ski-jump ramp testing with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in Goa, as the company pursues an opportunity to deliver the Indian navy’s next carrier-based fighter.
Boeing’s Deal teases on Boeing deals at Farnborough air show
But Boeing’s commercial chief is in no rush to develop the company’s next jet, stressing instead a commitment to sell and deliver more 737 Max aircraft.
Canada finalises first contract for new multi-role tanker fleet
Two Airbus A330-200 aircraft will be converted into multi-role tankers as part of the RCAF’s Strategic Tanker Transport Capability initiative.
Boeing cuts 20-year delivery forecast on slower economic growth, Russian sanctions
Boeing has trimmed its 20-year industrywide delivery forecast by about 2,500 aircraft in response to changing economic and industry circumstances, labour shortages and factors including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ahead of Farnborough, how Airbus and Boeing orders and deliveries stack up
Airbus is leading in both 2022 orders and deliveries. Boeing, however, has made notable recent progress ramping 737 production despite supply troubles, and has landed big-ticket orders for widebody freighters.
How JetSmart chief Estuardo Ortiz intends to transform the way Latin America travels
Almost half of ultra-low-cost carrier JetSmart’s existence has been within the Covid-19 pandemic, but chief executive Estuardo Ortiz says the Chile-based operator is back on the growth path and hopes to persuade one bus passenger at a time to try its services
Airlines turn to baggage-only flights and onboard ground-handlers
As the second-quarter financial results season kicked off this week, there was a striking comment from Delta Air Lines about the measures it is taking to combat operational challenges.
Bell seeks helicopter that can ‘fight out of the mud’ in FARA design
The company is betting that simplicity, reliability and low-cost are design traits that will win over the US Army in its search for a new scout helicopter.
USA marks second successful test of hypersonic weapon this year
The US Air Force says it successfully completed another test of a Lockheed Martin air-launched hypersonic weapon on 12 July, following up on a similar event in May.
US DOT approves additional American Airlines flights to Cuba
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted American Airlines permission to operate additional flights between the USA and Cuba.
Delta posts $735m profit as leisure and international travel come back strong
Delta Air Lines posted a $735 million profit for the second quarter of 2022, with its post-Covid-19 recovery still driven by leisure-travel demand and as international travel returns slowly to pre-pandemic levels.
Virgin Atlantic unveils A330neo cabin and names Boston as route for October debut
Virgin Atlantic expects to begin operations with its first Airbus A330neo in October this year on its London Heathrow-Boston route, the carrier announced on 12 July as it unveiled its cabin for the type.
Lockheed Martin delivers airborne laser weapon to US Air Force
The company says it turned over a high-energy laser to the US Air Force that is capable of being deployed on a tactical jet.
Boeing says 737 production hit 31-per-month rate in June as backlog jumps
Boeing made progress ramping up aircraft deliveries in June, and says it has achieved its goal of raising 737 production to a 31-per-month rate.
Air Canada and Emirates plan to start codesharing in 2022
Air Canada and Emirates Airline will this year implement a codeshare deal that the carriers say will significantly expand the reach of their respective networks.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: July 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.
CMC wins contract to upgrade ROK KA-1 trainers
Canadian avionics manufacture CMC Electronics has won a contract to upgrade the avionics in South Korean air force’s KA-1 Woongbi trainer aircraft.
US Navy loses F/A-18 overboard in Mediterranean heavy seas
A Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet was blown off the deck of an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea after experiencing ”unexpected heavy weather”.
Risk of foreign object debris in 787 fire switches prompts FAA action
The risk of foreign object debris in Boeing 787 engine fire shutoff switches has prompted action by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Frontier will not sweeten its offer to buy Spirit, asks for delay to shareholder vote
Frontier Airlines says it will not further sweeten its offer to acquire Spirit Airlines and has asked Spirit to consider further delaying a shareholder vote.
Airbus fleet forecast simplifies aircraft classifications as single-aisle jets blur boundaries
Increasingly-blurred boundaries between traditional single-aisle and twin-aisle operations have spurred Airbus to simplify aircraft segmentation in its latest 20-year demand forecast.
Airbus forecasts 50% rise in freighter fleet as e-commerce outpaces general cargo
Airbus expects the global freighter fleet to climb above 3,000 aircraft by 2041, with growth in the e-commerce sector outpacing that of general cargo over the next 20 years.
Maintenance procedures revised after 737 shed vertical fin structures
Boeing has amended removal and installation maintenance instructions for Boeing 737 dorsal fins after an incident in which a 737-800 arrived at San Diego with several structural components of the vertical fin missing.
US pilot union ALPA criticises proposals to alleviate pilot shortage
The largest pilot union in North America has filed a formal complaint against two proposals which could alleviate the pilot shortage currently plaguing commercial aviation and causing flight disruptions across the industry.
Boeing plans P-8 deliveries to New Zealand, Germany and South Korea
Transfer of the anti-submarine and rescue aircraft will be completed over the next two years.
Fire Scout autonomous helicopter successfully tests naval mine detection
The US Navy has successfully demonstrated a prototype maritime mine detection system using the unmanned MQ-8C helicopter.
Changes at the top as airline operational woes continue
The unbecoming spectacle of more airlines cancelling flights – having spent the past two years desperate to ramp-up operations – has continued this week.
Spirit delays shareholder vote on Frontier deal for the third time
Spirit has delayed its special shareholder meeting to vote on an acquisition bid by Frontier Airlines for the third time.
US Air Force partners with Reaction Engines on ‘high-Mach’ engine testing
The UK-based manufacturer specialises in managing the build-up of heat in a variety of aerospace functions, including hypersonic engines.
FBI, MI5 cite aerospace sector in warning about CCP espionage
The counterintelligence agencies of the United Kingdom and USA have issued a stark warning about the espionage risk the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) presents for western businesses, citing examples in the aerospace industry.
US Air Force F-35s arrive in South Korea for exercises
Half a dozen of the advanced fifth-generation strike fighters are in the Republic of Korea of 10 days of drills, the first such deployment in several years.
Spirit beats out JetBlue for 16 slots at Newark International airport
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded 16 slots at New York-area Newark Liberty International airport to Spirit Airlines.
US DOT grants Connect Airlines operating certificate
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued Connect Airlines a certificate of convenience and necessity, clearing the way for the start-up to begin FAA-mandated proving runs ahead of launching revenue service later this year.
Biden appoints Denver airport CEO as new FAA administrator
US President Joe Biden has nominated Denver International airport chief executive Phillip Washington to lead the Federal Aviation Administration.
Textron wins $90m contract modification to provide Tunisia with trainer aircraft
Textron Aviation’s defence division was awarded a $90 million US Air Force contract modification to provide Tunisia with eight T-6C turboprops.
United 737 Max computer examined after ‘blanking’ precedes wrong-runway landing
US investigators are examining a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9’s flight-management computer after an incident in which the system’s displays apparently blanked before the aircraft inadvertently landed on the wrong runway at Pittsburgh.
SAS files for US Chapter 11 protection to push through restructuring
Scandinavian operator SAS has voluntarily filed for US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as part of its efforts to push through a comprehensive restructuring of its business.
Airline Business Podcast: IATA AGM talking points and A380 return
Graham and Lewis consider the main talking points from the recent IATA AGM in Doha, at which the association outlined an improved economic outlook for the industry.
MQ-25 programme hits lab integration milestone
The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has conducted a lab integration event to explore the deck handling of the developmental Boeing MQ-25 Stingray unmanned refuelling aircraft.
Daher becomes Boeing supplier with purchase of Florida site from Triumph
French aircraft manufacturer Daher has completed the purchase from Triumph Group of an aerostructures business in Florida, becoming a direct supplier to major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Gulfstream.
US DOJ fines Air France-KLM $3.9m for incorrect mail delivery information
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has settled with Air France-KLM Group for $3.9 million after accusing the European airline company of incorrectly reporting mail delivery information.
Build of Sikorsky’s Raider X FARA prototype 90% complete
Sikorsky has completed 90% of the construction of its competitive prototype for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition.
CFM finds defects in 12 Leap-1As as industry works to avert inflight failures
CFM International has identified a small number of Leap-1A turbofans possibly containing defective internal components that could cause uncontained engine failures.
P&W, Embraer complete first full-SAF test flight with E195-E2
Pratt & Whitney and Embraer have completed the first flight test on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with an E195-E2 regional jet.
Air Canada cuts 10% of flights in July and August
Air Canada is making “meaningful” cuts to its summer schedule as it tries to get ahead of operational issues that have plagued numerous other airlines in North America.
Spirit delays shareholder vote on Frontier bid to 8 July
Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has once again delayed a planned shareholder vote on its potential acquisition to give it more time to negotiate with its two potential suitors, Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways.
US airlines brace for summer’s busiest travel weekend
US airlines are preparing for potential trouble ahead of what promises to be the busiest travel weekend of the summer.
US DOT to audit FAA’s oversight of 737 and 787 production
The US Department of Transportation’s top inspector has launched an audit into the effectiveness of the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight of Boeing’s production processes.
Gulfstream’s G800 completes maiden flight
Gulfstream completed the first flight of its in-development G800 ultra-long range business jet on 28 June, marking the start of a flight-test programme that seems likely to last more than one year.
Raytheon wins $46m contract to modernise A-10 avionics
The US Air Force (USAF) has entered into a contract with American defence manufacturer Raytheon Technologies to upgrade the avionics on the service’s Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II ground-attack jets.
JetBlue again ups offer for Spirit
JetBlue Airways has again increased its offer for Spirit Airlines, just days before Spirit’s shareholders are due to vote on a potential tie-up with Frontier Airlines.
US start-up carrier Airbahn appears to have scrapped mid-year launch plan
US start-up airline Airbahn appears to have quietly shelved its launch plan after regulators failed to renew an operating certificate and its only aircraft recently left the USA.
US Army awards tenth and likely final Black Hawk production deal to Sikorsky
The five-year deal includes options to purchase as many as 255 aircraft through 2027, when the US Army is expected to end UH-60 procurement.
Breeze cuts routes, delays expansion due to staff shortages
US startup Breeze Airways has made “some significant schedule adjustments” ahead of the busy summer travel season, becoming the latest US airline to suffer operational disruptions due to staff shortages.
Culp takes GE Aviation CEO post, Slattery becomes chief commercial officer
General Electric chief executive Lawrence Culp has succeeded John Slattery as CEO of operating business GE Aviation – a change that had been planned but that came sooner than anticipated.
Spirit Airlines’ board recommends shareholders approve richer Frontier bid
Spirit Airlines has recommended shareholders approve Frontier Airlines’ increased acquisition offer after Frontier sweetened the deal by $2 per share, and raised its reverse termination fee to $350 million.
US Air Force turns over Block 30 Global Hawks to test centre
The US Air Force (USAF) has divested five Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) back to their manufacturer. In total, Northrop will take possession of 20 such UAVs by late July.
How New York Air National Guard chief went from P-3s to Skibirds
As the first woman to command the USA’s largest Air National Guard unit, Brigadier General Denise Donnell wants to use her position to inspire anyone to follow their aviation dream
How business aviation soared again at EBACE
Launch of Bombardier’s ultra-long-range Global 8000 was highlight of EBACE show’s return.
How cost overruns have dented Boeing’s defence performance
Boeing’s defence arm had a profitable 2021, but is racking up billions in cost overruns without the safety net of commercial jet sales.
Boeing’s long road to commercial recovery
Boeing has a broad raft of commercial programme challenges to overcome, while also calculating when to launch its next major airliner development effort.
US ICAO ambassador Sullenberger to leave post after less than six months: reports
Chesley Sullenberger, the US ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will leave his post on 1 July, less than six months after he took on the role, several media report.
US DOT tentatively approves LATAM-Delta joint venture
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has tentatively approved a proposed joint venture between Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines Group, more than two years in the making, but places certain conditions on final antitrust immunity for the deal.
US lawmakers push to train Ukrainian pilots on US-made jets
Two US Air Force veterans in Congress are proposing to train military pilots from Ukraine on American aircraft, including F-15s and F-16s.
JetBlue partners with Blade helicopter service in NYC
JetBlue Airways is partnering with on-demand helicopter service Blade to offer some loyalty club members credits and discounts on transfers from New York City to two of the region’s international airports.
United cancels 50 daily flights from Newark
United Airlines is cancelling 50 daily flights from its East Coast hub at Newark Liberty International airport to alleviate airport congestion and minimise delays during the peak summer travel season.
Committee urges FAA to improve safety risk assessments
A US safety committee has recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration improve its process for evaluating safety risks associated with in-service aircraft types.
FAA to require Boeing 777 software update due to auto-throttle glitch
The Federal Aviation Administration intends to require airlines to update Boeing 777 software because a previous software update introduced a problem with the jet’s auto-throttle system.
Congressional committees approve Pentagon aircraft spending
Congress appears poised to increase the USA’s military budget, including expanded funds for several aircraft programmes.
Norse Atlantic begins flights between Oslo and Fort Lauderdale
Scandinavian low-cost start-up airline Norse Atlantic Airways has launched service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport and Oslo, marking the return of a direct route between the airport in south Florida and Europe.
Boeing argues environmental thinking improves military effectiveness
Boeing believes military application of environmental considerations means defence capabilities will ultimately become more effective in the theatre of conflict.
MH-139A nearing FAA certification: Boeing
Boeing expects the US Federal Aviation Administration will this summer complete its review of the MH-139 Grey Wolf, an in-development helicopter designed to perform nuclear-security and VIP-transport missions for the US Air Force.
Dominican Red Air MD-80 crashes at Miami International airport
A McDonnell-Douglas MD-80 belonging to Dominican Republic carrier Red Air crashed when making an emergency landing at Miami International airport on 21 June.
Boeing adds Gitlin to board, part of 737 Max lawsuit settlement
Boeing has added to its board another executive with aerospace experience as part of the airframer’s settlement of 737 Max-related claims brought by two major shareholders.
SkyWest applies to launch charter subsidiary
US regional carrier SkyWest Airlines has applied to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate 30-seat Bombardier CRJ200s to 25 destinations under a charter subsidiary.
Canada to spend C$3bn upgrading northern aerospace defence
The Canadian armed forces will invest in additional aerial refuelling capability, new air-to-air weapons and threat identification systems for its Arctic territories.
Defiant Walsh says airline industry can handle coming headwinds
IATA director general Willie Walsh insists the airline industry can handle the lengthy list of headwinds coming its way as the Covid-19 recovery ramps up.
Risk of ‘massive travel disruption’ if 5G deployed in USA in July 2023: IATA
Airline association IATA has warned that carriers are unlikely to be prepared for the deployment of C-band 5G in the USA in July 2023 based on current progress, creating the risk of significant travel disruption if the rollout goes ahead as planned.
US lessor Aero Capital commits to more 737-800 freigher conversions
Mid-life aircraft leasing specialist Aero Capital Solutions is ordering another six Boeing 737-800 freighter conversions, which will be undertaken in China.
Crew of 777 aborted take-off at high speed after seeing E190 stopping on runway
Canadian investigators have determined that a Boeing 777-300ER crew rejected take-off at high speed after seeing that a preceding aircraft, an Embraer 190, was still on the runway after conducting its own high-speed abort.
Sharp roll on rotation startled American A321 wing-strike crew
Use of the rudder is a focus for investigators probing the sharp roll on lift-off by an American Airlines Airbus A321 departing New York JFK, an incident which resulted in the aircraft’s striking a runway distance marker, and the ground, sustaining damage to its left wing-tip and leading edge.
Boeing readies 777-200ER to begin 10th year of ecoDemonstrator flights
Boeing is gearing up to begin another round of ecoDemonstrator technology-evaluation flights, this time using a newly acquired 777-200ER that comes to the company fresh out of airline service.
Airline CEO changes in 2022 dominated by appointment of women and upheaval in India
The global airline executives gathering in Doha for this year’s IATA AGM will reflect recent trends including better gender diversity among incumbents and big changes at Indian carriers
Mood of cautious optimism as airline industry heads to IATA AGM
As the global airline industry gathers in Doha for this year’s IATA AGM, there is plenty to be positive about – and a growing list of headwinds
KC-46A refuels AFSOC CV-22 Osprey for first time
The US Air Force has conducted the first air-to-air refuelling between the Boeing KC-46A and a Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
US Air Force, Navy mission capable rates declined from 2015-2021
Mission capable rates have declined for both US Air Force (USAF) and US Navy aircraft, according to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Boeing mending 737 supply chain issues, downplays A321XLR threat
Boeing is addressing supply chain issues at its 737 production site in Renton. Executives say Airbus’s A321XLR occupies only a “niche”, and that the 737 Max has broader appeal.
Saab completes delivery of final T-7A prototype components to Boeing
Five of the US Air Force’s new trainer jet are being assembled at a Boeing facility in St Louis, Missouri.
Boeing’s Max 7 and 10 certifications roll on amid tougher oversight
New regulatory requirements and development of a supplemental angle-of-attack (AOA) system continue to keep Boeing from making faster progress in achieving certification of its 737 Max 7 and Max 10.
Heart switches ES-19 certification to CS-25 category to meet US requirements
Heart Aerospace is changing the certification basis of its ES-19 all-electric aircraft, moving to a heavier weight category in order to better address the market, particularly in the USA, a decision that will result in the “most significant design change” to the type since the start of the programme.
Proposed FAA emission rule creates uncertainty for 767 freighter
The US Federal Aviation Administration has proposed new aircraft efficiency rules that leave uncertain the ability of Boeing to keep selling 767 Freighters for delivery after 2027.
Boeing’s new defence chief eyes autonomy frontier
Ted Colbert, the new head of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, stands poised to lead his organisation in a decade where the emphasis is decidedly shifting from specific platforms to networked assets and the new frontier of autonomy.
Otto Celera push-prop in line for ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric engine
Hydrogen-electric propulsion specialist ZeroAvia is to develop a powertrain for Otto Aviation, which has been test-flying a prototype of its low-emissions Celera 500L aircraft.
Boeing logs 14 net new orders in May
Boeing landed new orders for 23 aircraft in May, including sizeable deals for 787s and 777s, though cancellations reduced the airframer’s net figure to 14.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: June 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.
Judge dismisses American-JetBlue request to dismiss suit, trial set for November
A US federal judge has sided with the Department of Justice (DOJ) by striking down a request by American Airlines and JetBlue Airways to dismiss a lawsuit against them.
Toronto airport using time-based approach sequencing to cut headwind delays
Toronto airport has become the first in North America to introduce a system intended to optimise spacing of aircraft on approach, based on time intervals, accounting for several factors including weather conditions.
How Connect Airlines intends to carve a niche in the US airline market
US start-up Connect Airlines is banking on the efficiency of turboprops and an independent business model to help it carve a niche in the US air travel market.
White House reportedly throws out Trump-era paint scheme for new Air Force One
The US Air Force says technical concerns related to heat build up made the plan for a dark-painted underbelly a potential safety risk.
US Air Force stands up F-35 adversary squadron complete with Chinese paint job
The US Air Force is now using its most-advanced fifth-generation fighter to go head-to-head against pilots in training scenarios modeling China’s jets and tactics.
US airlines welcome scrapping of pre-departure Covid tests for international air travellers
US airlines have applauded the government’s scrapping of a pre-departure Covid-19 testing mandate for inbound international air travellers.
More than half of major defence programmes behind schedule: GAO
The US Government Accountability Office watchdog says in a new report that half of major defence programmes it examined are experiencing delays, including high-profile aircraft programmes.
Air taxi certification times could be unrealistic: US government report
A US government report suggests certification of electric air taxis could take longer than some manufacturers are promising, citing formidable hurdles yet to be overcome.
Transat recovers fiscal Q2 revenue, sees further improvement this summer
Transat AT, parent of Canadian holiday specialist Air Transat, reports stronger fiscal-year second quarter results and is expecting summer travel to return to near-normal levels.
Boeing wins deal to install anti-ship tech on US and Australian jets
Boeing has been awarded a nearly $40 million contract by the US Navy to supply several dozen anti-surface warfare sensor systems for American and Australian aircraft.
Airline Business Podcast: Disruption blame game and sustainability action plans
Graham and Lewis consider the blame game that is emerging as airlines and the wider air travel sector grapple with operational challenges.
Connect Airlines plots expansion with up to 100 hydrogen-powered ATR 72s
Proposed US start-up carrier Connect Airlines is ordering 75 converted ATR 72-600 turboprops, which will be fitted with hydrogen-fuelled powertrains.
USMC MV-22B Osprey crashes in California
The US military has confirmed that a Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey aircraft has crashed in California.
DoD releases inflation guidance as aerospace contractors face rising costs
A memo released by the assistant secretary of defence for acquisitions specifies that so-called ”economic price adjustments” should be fair to both the government and suppliers.
Bell awarded contract to modernise RCAF Griffon fleet
Bell Textron Canada was awarded an $637 million contact to modernise the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleet of 85 CH-146 Griffon utility helicopters.
Norse Atlantic to open US services from German capital
Transatlantic start-up Norse Atlantic Airways is opening services from the German capital Berlin, operating initially to two US gateways.
Spirit delays shareholder vote on Frontier acquisition
In the latest twist in the drama around Frontier Airlines’ proposed acquisition of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, Spirit has delayed a key shareholder vote that had been scheduled for later this week.
Raytheon moves headquarters to Washington, DC area
The 100-year-old manufacturer of guided missiles, aircraft engines and avionics is relocating its headquarters to the Washington, DC area from Massachusetts.
US looks to seize 787-8 and G650ER due to Russian sanction violations
Citing violations of export restrictions, a US federal judge has authorised the US government to seize a Boeing 787-8 and Gulfstream G650ER owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Northrop begins Block II upgrades to US Navy E-6 fleet
The US Navy’s first Boeing E-6B Mercury arrived at Northrop Grumman facility in Louisiana for Block II upgrades to command and control systems.
US Navy adds two more CH-53Ks to low-rate production order
The US Marine Corps (USMC) is getting two more Sikorsky heavy-lift helicopters from its spending wish list.
JetBlue sweetens offer to purchase Spirit
JetBlue Airways has sweetened its offer to purchase Spirit Airlines by agreeing to pay a $350 million fee if regulators torpedo the deal due to anti-trust reasons.
Azorra picks up 37-aircraft portfolio as lessor NAC exits Chapter 11
US lessor Azorra has acquired a portfolio of 37 aircraft previously owned by Nordic Aviation Capital, the leasing firm which has newly emerged from Chapter 11 protection.
Pentagon seeks sale of armed UAVs to Ukraine, approval remains murky
The Biden administration is reportedly in the final stages of approving the sale of armed MQ-1C Grey Eagle remotely piloted aircraft to Ukraine, a major change in policy.
Frontier adds $250m termination fee to Spirit offer
US operator Frontier Airlines has added a $250 million reverse termination fee to its agreed offer for ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines in the regulators block the deal.
Atlas takes another 747-8F, bringing Boeing’s 747 backlog to just three
Boeing has delivered to Atlas Air another 747-8 Freighter, leaving the airframer with just three undelivered 747-8Fs and bringing the jumbo jet’s 50-year-plus production run one step nearer to the end.
KC-46 certificated for use in nearly all daily refuelling missions: USAF
The US Air Force says the troubled KC-46 aerial tanker is now approved to support 97% of the daily joint force air refuelling demands.
Spirit’s planned combination with Frontier faces fresh opposition
Spirit Airlines is facing fresh opposition to its planned acquisition by Frontier Airlines, with investors suing to stop the deal and a management consulting firm recommending against it.
Caribbean-based Sky High Aviation receives its first E190
Dominican airline Sky High Aviation received its first E190, becoming the first Caribbean-based carrier to fly an airframe in the E-Jet line.
De Havilland completes first flight of CL-415 with new Collins avionics
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada on 30 May completed first flight of a CL-415 water bomber upgraded with Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics.
Delta chief predicts air travel demand will settle above pre-Covid levels
The experience of living through a pandemic is likely to prompt people to travel more than they did pre-Covid, according Delta Air Lines chief executive Ed Bastian.
Airlines grapple with cancellations, queues and government gall
There appear to be no simple answers to the operational challenges being experienced by the air transport industries in countries such as Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA.
Delta still in talks with Boeing over 737 Max order
Delta Air Lines is continuing talks with Boeing about an order for 737 Max jets, the carrier’s chief executive Ed Bastian confirmed on 1 June.
Deurloo succeeds Lane as P&W commercial engines president
Pratt & Whitney chief commercial officer Rick Deurloo has become president of the company’s commercial engines business, succeeding former president Carroll Lane.
Norse Atlantic to open London-New York from mid-August
Start-up long-haul carrier Norse Atlantic Airways has opened bookings for services between the UK and USA, with a London-New York link set to commence on 12 August.
Tokyo scopes out UK, USA as wingman in F-2 replacement programme
Tokyo is still assessing its options for F-X Future Fighter development partnerships, but there are signs that it is leaning toward the United Kingdom for help with the programme.
US FAA alleges string of safety violations by operator of ditched Transair 737 freighter
Ten months after a Boeing 737-200 freighter ditched in the sea off Hawaii, US regulators are alleging a series of serious safety violations by operator Rhoades Aviation and are poised to cancel its air carrier certificate.
Kongsberg to ready retired Norwegian F-16s for sale to Draken, Romania
Kongsberg has been awarded a contract by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to overhaul up to 44 retired F-16s for use by Draken International and Romania.
B-21 to make first flight in 2023
The US Air Force’s new strategic bomber being designed by Northrop Grumman will go wheels up for the first time in the coming year.
FAA green lights Joby to begin air taxi flights using Cirrus SR22
US start-up Joby Aviation has received regulatory authority to operate commercial flights using a Cirrus SR22, a move enabling the company to prepare for eventually operating electric air taxis.
Airline Business Index shows industry recovery stalling in Covid-hit start to 2022
The latest Airline Business Index shows the global airline industry’s progress towards its pre-Covid size stalled during the first quarter of 2022, as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 weighed on the performance of most markets.
MQ-8C gets under way in first Indo-Pacific deployment
Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8C Fire Scout autonomous helicopter system is making its first deployment to the Pacific region aboard a US Navy littoral combat ship.
Boeing starts next round of deliveries for new A-10 wings
The latest sets of new wings for the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet arrived earlier this month to Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah, where the US Air Force has started aircraft integration.
Boeing safety chief warns against new cockpit alert system for 737 Max 10
Boeing’s head of safety has warned of potential negative safety consequences if the company were to equip its 737 Max 10 with an modernised crew alerting system – technology expected to be required before that jet achieves certification.
Boeing’s safety overhaul ‘working’ as Max recovery advances
Nearly three-and-a-half years after the first 737 Max crash, Boeing says it is progressing steadily through an organisation-wide safety overhaul aimed at preventing the type of issues that contributed to the re-engined narrowbody’s crisis.
Avianca Cargo to lease A321 freighters from US operator Global Crossing
Latin American operator Avianca is to capitalise on Airbus A321 converted freighter capability with an agreement to lease or charter up to five aircraft from Global Crossing Airlines Group.
Parker sells wheels business to Kaman to meet Meggitt merger conditions
US technology firm Parker-Hannifin is to divest its wheel and brake operation to aerospace company Kaman, to meet the requirements of competition regulators following its decision to acquire UK-based Meggitt.
Military C-17s deliver baby formula from Europe to USA amid national shortage
The Pentagon’s Transportation Command is overseeing the shipment of much-needed baby formula from Switzerland in the face of a nationwide shortage.
US electric propulsion firm Magnix picks R-R executive as CEO
US electric aircraft propulsion developer Magnix has hired longtime Rolls-Royce staffer Nuno Taborda as chief executive, effective 1 June.
US Army renews Airbus contract for UH-72 support
The US Army has renewed its long-running contract with Airbus for contractor logistics support (CLS) to the manufactuer’s UH-72 Lakota utility helicopter.
ILS abnormality encountered days before ERJ-145’s off-runway landing
US investigators probing a CommutAir Embraer ERJ-145’s offset approach path, before it suffered a runway excursion at Presque Isle, have disclosed that a second aircraft had encountered an offset to the same airport just two days earlier.
Delta places first A321neo into service
Delta Air Lines became the latest Airbus A321neo operator on 20 May when Delta flight 1202 departed Boston Logan airport, bound for San Francisco International.
Air Force special operators ask industry for non-GPS precision munitions
US Special Operations Command expects GPS to be knocked out in future conflicts and wants to diversify its options for precision strikes.
Is hydrogen power the right path for aviation?
The aviation industry is focused on hydrogen as the zero emissions fuel of the future, with a 100-seater or larger airliner touted for 2035. But the challenges to make it a reality are formidable.
All aboard: making in-cabin wheelchair access a reality
After years of determined work by campaigners and following recent design innovations from industry, in-cabin access for wheelchair users finally looks set to become a reality.
Why onboard Wi-Fi demand has gone sky-high
The demand for personal and business connectivity has become greater than ever during the pandemic period, including on board aircraft. We assess the key developments seen since the last AIX event.
How commercial programme troubles weigh on Boeing
The problems are piling up for Boeing as certification issues afflict two of the airframer’s development programmes, and deliveries of the 787 remain on hold.
Airbus to offer new Honeywell flight-management system in 2026
Airbus is to use a new Honeywell Aerospace flight-management system across its aircraft range, having similarly selected a modernised system from avionics rival Thales.
FAA issues new procedures for 717s, MD-11s and other jets due to 5G concern
The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated new operating procedures for Boeing 717s, MD-11s and other earlier-generation jets in response to hazards posed by interference from 5G cellular signals.
US Special Ops to select close-air support winner in July
The Armed Overwatch programme aims to procure some 75 manned, fixed-wing aircraft for reconnaissance and close air support to special operators.
Joby acquires aviation software provider Avionyx
US air taxi developer Joby Aviation has acquired Costa Rican aerospace software company Avionyx, a move Joby says will help it certification its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
ALPA opposes two proposals to alleviate pilot shortage
US pilot union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) has pledged to block any attempt to raise the mandated pilot retirement age, which advocates say would help alleviate the pilot shortage.
Spirit, JetBlue trade more barbs in takeover saga
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines have traded more barbs as the Spirit board continues to fend off a JetBlue hostile takeover attempt, and move forward with its proposed merger with Frontier Airlines.
Citing airlines, US attorney commits to enforce antitrust law
A top US attorney has specifically called out the airline industry when stressing that the US government will continue fighting against business practices it considers anti-competitive.
DARPA launches development of heavy lift seaplane
Dubbed the Liberty Lifter, the project by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency aims to design, build, and fly a long-range, low-cost heavy-lift aircraft capable of seaborne strategic and tactical lift.
P&WC recruits H55 to supply battery for hybrid-electric demonstrator
Pratt & Whitney Canada has chosen a battery system supplier for its regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator programme, tying up with Swiss specialist H55.
Northern Pacific Airways to wet-lease aircraft when it launches
Start-up US carrier Northern Pacific Airways, which intends to begin flights later this year, has applied with US authorities to fly between the USA and two Asian countries, initially using jets wet-leased from another carrier.
Airbus to build refuelling boom for Lockheed’s next generation air tanker in Arkansas
Lockheed Martin and Airbus say that the aerial refuelling boom system for the LMXT strategic tanker aircraft will be manufactured by Airbus in Arkansas.
General Atomics doubles down on Canadian remote aircraft bid, opens office in Ottawa
The San Diego-based maker of the popular MQ-9 family of remotely piloted aircraft has bid on a Canadian procurement request worth up to $5 billion.
Airline unions favour Spirit-Frontier tie-up
Unions representing US airline workers are voicing support for a Frontier Airlines-Spirit Airlines tie-up, while expressing opposition to JetBlue Airways’ competing hostile offer for the ultra-low-cost carrier.
Surf Air to become public company, acquire Southern Airways
US aviation company Surf Air Mobility has unveiled plans to both become a publicly traded company and to acquire regional US carrier Southern Airways.
United executive does not foresee changes to USA’s pilot-qualification rule
Comments made by a top US airline executive suggest efforts to ease flight-hour rules for new pilots might lack support from at least one major US carrier.
JetBlue accuses Spirit of bad faith in negotiations
JetBlue Airways has come out swinging against Spirit Airlines just days after launching its hostile takeover plan in an attempt to beat out Frontier Airlines in the increasingly bitter tug-of-war for the Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC).
Successful test of USAF hypersonic weapon breaks streak of failures
After three previous failures, the US Air Force successfully tested its hypersonic Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon.
Canada delays operational capacity for new search and rescue fleet up to four years
The Canadian armed forces’ new fleet of 16 Airbus Defence & Space CC-295 Kingfisher search and rescue aircraft may not reach initial operating capacity until 2026.
Spirit will review JetBlue’s new offer, advises shareholders to sit tight
Spirit Airlines says it will review a new hostile takeover offer from JetBlue Airways but advised shareholders to take no action at this time.
JetBlue urges Spirit shareholders to scuttle planned Frontier acquisition
JetBlue Airways has launched another push to take over Spirit Airlines by urging the low-cost carrier’s shareholders to vote against a planned acquisition by Frontier Airlines.
E175 operators ordered to check for tip cracks after winglet-loss incident
Brazilian authorities have ordered Embraer 175 operators to conduct urgent checks for wing-tip cracks, following the in-flight loss of a winglet on the variant.
United to ‘gradually’ return PW4000-powered 777s to service from 26 May
At the end of this month, United Airlines plans to begin “gradually” reintroducing to service its 52 Pratt & Whitney PW4000-powered Boeing 777s that have been grounded since February 2021 following an in-flight engine failure.
Lockheed sees numerous growth areas including FLRAA, precision weapons: CFO
Lockeed Martin sees increased sales of precision weapons, higher levels of defence spending by European countries, and a forthcoming decision on the US Army’s first new rotary aircraft program in decades as positive signs.
Supercomputers, simulations and smart tools: inside Sikorsky’s bid for Future Vertical Lift
The 99-year-old company, whose founder and namesake pioneered rotary aviation, is making a multi-billion-dollar bet that next-generation manufacturing can secure its bid to produce the US Army’s newest helicopters.
Cargojet turns to IAI for freighter conversion of 777-300ERs
Canadian operator Cargojet has signed for conversion of four Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters, through an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries.
Raytheon venture capital fund invests in hypersonic developer Hermeus
RTX Ventures, the in-house venture capital fund of Raytheon Technologies, will join a $100 million financing round for the Atlanta-based developer of hypersonic aircraft.
FAA eVTOL certification changes could affect pilot training requirements
Developers of next-generation electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are taking the news that the Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the certification requirements for the aircraft in their stride.
Airline Business Podcast: Reining in the recovery and Chinese market reversal
Graham and Lewis discuss big airline expectations from the recent results season, alongside the operational challenges that threaten to limit the recovery and the uncertainty regarding what might follow.
Spirit shareholders will vote on Frontier proposal on 10 June
Spirit Airlines’ shareholders will vote on the acquisition proposal from Frontier Airlines early next month, the company has said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Boeing stripped 55 777s from backlog in recent weeks
Boeing in recent weeks pulled 55 777s from its backlog, signalling the company doubts those orders will result in actual sales.
General Atomics to produce short take-off and landing modification kit for MQ-9B
The popular remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics will soon gain the ability to launch from short runways or amphibious assault ships.
Wire connector shortages hamper 737 Max production
Boeing confirms that wire component shortages are impacting 737 Max production, though a top executive says the issue is unlikely to disrupt the company’s 2022 plans.
Hawaiian invests in Regent seagliders
Hawaiian Airlines has made a strategic investment in all-electric seaglider developer Regent, viewing the company’s in-development craft as having potential to operate inter-island routes.
Can wavering supply chain support airframers’ ever-higher narrowbody goals?
Airbus’s plan to significantly hike A320neo-family production in the coming years has raised the question of whether the already strained aerospace supply chain is up to the task.
NTSB blames FAA for fatal air tour helicopter crash
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has blamed the Federal Aviation Administration for failing to implement safety recommendations that could have prevented a fatal helicopter crash in Hawaii in 2019.
Air taxi developer Eve to lean on Embraer for engineering, certification support
Air taxi developer Eve’s transition to a public company left it with hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and long-term engineering support from majority shareholder Embraer.
Boeing added 12 new jets to its backlog in April
Boeing booked new orders for 46 commercial aircraft in April but continued to log cancellations, including for its 737 Max and 777.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: May 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.
Hydrogen refuellers to support ZeroAvia’s US flight-test programme
Hydrogen-electric propulsion specialist ZeroAvia is co-operating with Shell affiliates which will design and construct commercial-scale mobile refuellers for the company’s California test facility.
Crew failed to monitor speed loss before 757's aggressive manoeuvres
US investigators have found that aggressive control inputs to increase poorly-monitored airspeed resulted in injuries to three flight attendants on an American Airlines Boeing 757-200 descending to New York JFK.
Republic Airways seeks exemption from 1,500h pilot rule to alleviate shortage
US regional carrier Republic Airways has filed for an exemption to pilot aeronautical experience requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration, in an effort to alleviate the pilot shortage.
Mesa fiscal second quarter ‘very disappointing’
Mesa Airlines, which flies regional jets for United Airlines, American Airlines as well as Boeing 737 freighters for DHL, continues to suffer under pilot attrition, leading it to post a loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2022.
Airbus to open new Mobile A320 production site in 2025
Airbus plans to build a new A320 final assembly facility in Mobile, Alabama, and to have the site operating by the second quarter of 2025.
Divested by Embraer, Eve becomes publicly traded company
Air taxi developer Eve became a publicly traded company on 9 May, completing a process set in motion by Eve’s former parent Embraer.
Archer co-founder Adcock resigns from board weeks after leaving CEO post
Archer Aviation co-founder Brett Adcock has resigned from the company’s board of directors effective immediately, less than three weeks after he stepped down from the co-chief executive post.
Textron delivers first Cessna SkyCourier, to FedEx
Textron Aviation has delivered to FedEx the first Cessna SkyCourier turboprop, a milestone coming 4.5 years after the Wichita airframer launched the programme.
A-10 remains effective against modern reactive armoured vehicles: USAF
Recent live-fire tests by the US Air Force found that the iconic ground attack airframe’s 30mm main cannon can still defeat the latest main battle tanks.
US cabin system to ‘personalise’ air nears FAA approval
US firm Pexco Aerospace is expecting to achieve FAA certification by July of a cabin fitting aimed at reducing shared air between passengers.
Army pushes back FARA prototype testing one year
Budget documents indicate that tests of the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft programme will not begin until late 2023.
Breeze introduces routes in the western USA
Breeze Airways is adding the Salt Lake City area to its route map as it launches flights within the western USA.
US Air Force unveils new precision anti-ship bomb
The service’s QUICKSINK programme is exploring methods for cheaply sinking naval vessels from the air.
FAA mandates new wind restrictions for G500 and G600 landings
The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated new restrictions on wind conditions in which operators of Gulfstream G500s and G600s are permitted to land.
ZeroAvia receives second Dornier 228 to support US hydrogen-electric certification
Hybrid-electric propulsion specialist ZeroAvia has taken delivery of a second Dornier 228 which will supplement the conversion and test programme already underway on another of the type.
Challenger 300 stabiliser incidents behind trim-switch directive
Canadian regulators are mandating replacement of certain trim switches on Bombardier Challenger 300 jets, and are set to order related wiring changes in response to a number of stabiliser trim incidents.
Sun Country reports profit as scheduled service demand soars
Sun Country Airlines has reported a first-quarter profit as customer demand in its scheduled service segment grew quickly following an Omicron-driven dip early in the year.
Boeing headquarters now in Virginia, marking strategic shift
Boeing has moved its global headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia, a major transition the company says will align it closer with customers and help it advance development of new technologies.
Atlas’ long-term dedicated-freighter contracts drives higher earnings
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, the parent of Atlas Air, says long-term contracts for dedicated freighter capacity are fueling growth and profits, and driving fleet expansion.
Boeing to move headquarters to Arlington, Virginia: report
Boeing reportedly intends to move its corporate headquarters to the Washington, DC area from Chicago, reflecting the company’s ambition to be closer to government customers.
Spirit cites anti-trust ‘red flags’ in rejecting JetBlue bid
A myriad of anti-trust issues convinced Spirit Airlines’ board to reject JetBlue Airways’ offer to acquire it, and to pursue the original proposal from Frontier Airlines.
Bombardier backlog swells in first quarter amid roaring demand for new business jets
Bombardier landed $1.3 billion in new aircraft orders in the first quarter of 2022 amid what executives describe as a continuing hot streak for business jet sales.
Cargojet 767 forced into high-altitude go-around during pressurisation incident
Canadian investigators have disclosed that a Boeing 767-200ER freighter which returned to Mexico City after a depressurisation incident was forced into a go-around by a prolonged wait for landing clearance.
Winglet missing from Envoy E175 after turbulence encounter
Investigators are probing the loss of a winglet from an Embraer 175, apparently during turbulent conditions while carrying out a domestic US service.
Spirit Airlines doubles revenue in Q1, saw ‘dramatic improvement’
Spirit Airlines doubled sales in the first quarter as demand trends showed a “dramatic improvement” in the later part of the period.
Allegiant experiences ‘busiest and best Spring ever’
Allegiant Travel Company, the parent of Allegiant Air, expects “substantial opportunities” to propel its earnings during 2022 as it experienced the “busiest and best Spring ever”.
Pent-up demand for air travel ‘finally being realised’ but IATA warns on airport delays
Demand for air travel continued its recovery in March this year, according to IATA, despite the war in Ukraine and China’s restrictive Covid-19 policies.
Widebody woes weigh on Spirit despite single-aisle improvements
Widebody programme troubles pushed Wichita airframe manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems to a $52.8 million loss in the first quarter of 2022.
Delta, Rex to form interlining partnership
Delta Air Lines and Australia’s Regional Express (Rex) have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for an interlining arrangement.
Gulfstream restricts G500 landing conditions pending flight-control software fix
Gulfstream has further restricted the wind conditions in which G500s and G600s are permitted to land, a move following a recent hard landing involving an unexpected flight-control mode change.
Air cargo market told to brace for ‘growing challenges’ as demand falls
Demand for air cargo fell in March, according to data released by IATA on 3 May, as factors including China’s ‘zero-Covid’ policies and the Russia-Ukraine war weighed on demand and threatened to become longer-term hindrances.
Icelandair chief on Covid recovery, Max jets, 757s, cargo and competition
With the group restructured during the pandemic, Icelandair under Bogi Nils Bogason is emerging as a streamlined, aviation-focused business with a decision ahead on its future fleet
Spirit confirms it rejected JetBlue’s offer due to anti-trust concern
Spirit Airlines confirms it declined JetBlue Airways’ takeover bid due to concern that the proposed merger would not receive Department of Justice (DOJ) anti-trust clearance.
Spirit board rejects acquisition by JetBlue, moves ahead with Frontier combination
Spirit Airlines has rejected an acquisition proposal from JetBlue Airways, saying its board of directors favours a competing proposal under which Frontier Airlines would acquire the budget carrier.
US regional airline Tailwind adds seaplane flights to Provincetown
US floatplane operator Tailwind Air is expanding this summer with seasonal flights from Boston Harbor to Provincetown on Cape Cod.
Avelo may expand eastern US network to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Avelo Airlines may expand its eastern US network to include Wilkes-Barre/Scranton iInternational airport, about 115 miles (xxxkm) north of Philadelphia.
Norse Atlantic opens bookings with JFK route starting mid-June
Scandinavian start-up Norse Atlantic Airways has commenced ticket sales for transatlantic services, with the initial flight from Oslo to New York JFK set to take place on 14 June.
SkyWest ‘working with’ charter operators to cover EAS routes
SkyWest Airlines is “working with” charter operators that could take over some of the Essential Air Service (EAS) routes that it intends to cut owing to a shortage of flight deck personnel.
SkyWest revenue, block hours rise in first quarter
SkyWest Airlines saw revenue and block hours rise as demand for regional services increased during the first quarter.
Frontier Q1 earnings took hit from Omicron, weather and ATC delays
Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines says customer demand is “on a solid path to recovery” after first quarter earnings took a hit from Covid-19’s Omicron variant coupled with air traffic snarls and weather issues in Florida.
Southwest Airlines aims to be ‘solidly profitable’ in 2022
Southwest Airlines hopes to be “solidly profitable” for the full year as the company bounces back from a rocky first quarter.
Textron Aviation’s Q1 profit jumps amid increased aircraft deliveries
Textron Aviation’s first-quarter profit more than doubled year-on-year to $121 million, with the company delivering more aircraft and reporting solid gains in aftermarket revenue.
Boeing unveils new T-7 Red Hawk jet trainer
Boeing is expected to produce 351 Red Hawk trainer jets for the US Air Force, but the programme faces cost overruns and delays.
Northrop Grumman beats Q1 estimates, reveals B-21 details
The Virginia-based manufacturer was less affected by pandemic challenges than some rivals and says one of its next-generation strategic bombers is undergoing ground testing.
Boeing reports ‘messier quarter’ with revenue declines across defence programmes
Supply-chain constraints and changes to government contracts drove a nearly 25% decline in revenue on defence programmes year-over-year.
Safran Nacelles signs support deals with Hawaiian, Viva Air Columbia
Safran Nacelles has signed two long-term service contracts with Hawaiian Airlines, as well as low-cost carrier Viva Air Columbia.
Boeing’s undelivered 737 Max backlog still stands at 320 jets
Boeing lost $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2022 and has made limited progress in divesting hundreds of stored 737 Max and 787s.
Boeing CEO sees chance for exemption from Max 10 cockpit alert update
Boeing’s chief executive thinks the company has a solid chance of securing an exemption for its 737 Max 10 from new certification regulations that are due to take effect in December.
Archer and United form advisory committee for eVTOL operations
Archer Aviation and United Airlines have formed a joint electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) advisory committee for the future air taxi operations.
Boeing submits 787 ‘certification plan’ to FAA, recovery timeline uncertain
Boeing has completed rework to some undelivered 787s and submitted a “certification plan” to the Federal Aviation Administration, though when Boeing might resume 787 deliveries remains unclear.
Boeing delays 777-9 first delivery by two years, until 2025
Boeing has delayed first delivery of its 777-9 by up to two years, until 2025, dealing another blow to the long-delayed programme.
US Air Force picks E-7 Wedgetail as E-3 Sentry replacement
The US Air Force (USAF) has selected the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft as the replacement for the E-3 Sentry.
Raytheon tackles supply trouble, faces $750m hit from Russia sanctions
Sanctions against Russia will cost Raytheon Technologies hundreds of millions dollars in 2022, and related titanium shortages could hinder production in 2023.
Hawaiian projects record domestic demand in Q2
Hawaiian Airlines expects record revenue from its domestic operations in the second quarter of 2022, as well as an increase in international demand as the year progresses and travel rules are eased.
Kansas Modification lands three 777-300ER converted freighter orders
A new air cargo company called Backbone Freighter Leasing has become launch customer for Kansas Modification Center’s (KMC) Boeing 777-300ER converted freighter.
Air Canada Q1 ends on positive note, upward trajectory continues
Air Canada says that after an Omicron-fuelled dip in the first weeks of the year, the first quarter of 2022 ended on a positive note, and it expects that momentum to continue.
JetBlue cuts Q2 capacity growth as it attempts to ‘create resiliency’
JetBlue Airways will cut capacity growth as it looks to “create resiliency” in its operations ahead of what promises to be a busy summer travel season.
GE Aviation Q1 profit jumps on service revenue, but engine sales slump
GE Aviation’s number of commercial aircraft engine shipments slipped year-on-year in the first quarter of 2022, and the company continues dealing with supply chain issues.
United marks ‘historic’ transatlantic expansion
United Airlines will ramp up its transatlantic schedule this summer by introducing six new destinations and reinstating 18 routes in Europe and the Middle East, marking what the Star Alliance carrier calls its biggest expansion in history.
Hawaiian Airlines ties up with SpaceX’s Starlink for high-speed connectivity
US operator Hawaiian Airlines is to use the Starlink satellite system to provide high-speed internet services on its aircraft, claiming to be the first major carrier to tie up with the network.
United Airlines adds codeshares with Singapore Airlines
United Airlines will expand its codeshare agreement with Singapore Airlines to include routes to 19 additional cities in the USA and Asia-Pacific region.
US Army seeks replacement for Stinger anti-aircraft missile
The Army says the venerable heat-seeking missile will become obsolete in the coming year.
A220 operators told to check pins removed from evacuation slide canisters
Operators of Airbus A220s are being instructed to check the emergency slides of passenger exits to ensure that safety pins are removed from escape slide inflation canisters.
US FAA formally downgrades Russian oversight safety classification
US aviation regulators have downgraded the safety rating of Russia, declaring that the oversight authority is not complying with ICAO standards.
Air Lease set to write off $800m for Russian-operated aircraft
US lessor Air Lease is to write off more than $800 million in assets comprising aircraft still operated by Russian carriers that the company is unlikely to retrieve.
US Marines’ CH-53K makes first operational flight
The US Marine Corps’ new heavy-lift helicopter has made its operational debut at a base on the East Coast.
Technical description: Gulfstream’s G800 leads the way
Savannah airframer Gulfstream caught the aerospace industry by surprise last October when it rolled out the prototype of its newest ultra-long-range business jet, the G800. We go under the skin of its luxury offering.
How US Army veteran Toni Ferrel found ‘purpose’ in ATC career
US Army veteran Toni Ferrel stumbled on the aviation industry when searching government job posts. Through countless hours of toil and help from mentors – and while overcoming personal challenges – she worked her way from air traffic controller to station manager, finding ‘purpose’ and challenge along the way. Now she shows the younger generation of women what opportunities exist.
Coming down the line: business aviation’s key programmes
Ahead of the first EBACE gathering since 2019, we review business aviation’s most important current development efforts.
Canada’s Flair confident it will not lose its license
Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines says there is “zero chance” that it will lose its permission to operate after the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) last month determined the company may be violating ownership rules.
US airlines struggle with pilot shortages: CEOs
United Airlines’ chief executive Scott Kirby says the current pilot shortage has the potential to hinder airline industry growth for the next five years at least, while Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci calls the issue “one of the biggest constraints” for US commercial airlines.
Alaska posts Q1 loss, expects profitability to soar
Mirroring other US airlines, Alaska Air Group reported a loss for the first quarter of the year but expects demand and profitability in the second quarter to soar.
Latest US aid package to Ukraine includes dozens of ‘Ghost’ UAVs
The $800 million military assistance package unveiled on 21 April includes at least 120 drones that are primarily designed to attack targets.
BAE joins GE hybrid-electric development project
UK aerospace company BAE Systems has joined a GE Aviation-led effort to develop a megawatt-class hybrid-electric propulsion system suited for a narrowbody aircraft.
American’s first-quarter loss widens but company eyes profitability in second quarter
American Airlines lost $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2022, but the carrier reports improving demand for air travel and expects to be profitable next quarter.
Honeywell-equipped E170 uses stars and magnetic fields as GPS alternative
US avionics specialist Honeywell has used an Embraer 170 to demonstrate the accuracy of alternative navigation techniques – including one based on magnetic anomalies – aimed at mitigating unavailability of GPS.
US CDC urges Justice Department to appeal mask ruling
US public health agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to appeal a judge’s ruling that struck down the federal mask mandate in public transportation settings.
Ukrainian air force increases fighter fleet as international aid pours in
A senior US defence official says Ukraine is receiving military aircraft and parts, but declined to reveal from whom.
United hopes to be ‘solidly profitable’ in Q2 as it posts $1.4bn loss in Q1
United Airlines expects to be “solidly profitable” during the second quarter of the year, even as it posts a loss for the first.
December deadline could spur Max 10 alert system redesign, safety benefits debatable
Questions about whether Boeing will need to modernise the 737 Max 10’s pilot alerting system are swirling ahead of a December deadline that will require newly certified aircraft have modern alerting technology.
Breeze expands transcontinental network as A220s arrive
Breeze Airways is adding a host of new routes and destinations to its network as it takes delivery of more Airbus A220 aircraft over the course of the year.
Court OKs Nordic Aviation’s bankruptcy plan, lessor set to exit protection in May
Irish aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital says a US federal judge has approved its bankruptcy reorganisation plan, putting the company on track to exit court-supervised restructuring before the end of May.
Bombardier moves to expand service centre in Wichita, locates US headquarters there
Bombardier is signalling a long-term commitment to Wichita by moving its US headquarters there and by recasting its Wichita-based defence business – moves coming shortly after the airframer stopped producing Learjets in the city.
Lockheed Martin posts $1.7bn profit in first quarter led by aircraft sales
The American defence giant says it missed sales targets on the F-35 but beat expectations on F-16 sales.
Finnair suspends some Japan services through winter 2022 amid Russia airspace block
Finnair’s winter 2022 flight schedule reflects expectations that the block on EU-based carriers overlying Russia could endure for some time, as it continues to suspend services to several destinations in Japan.
Lessor Aviation Capital Group outlines exposure to Russian airline sector
US-based lessor Aviation Capital Group has estimated its exposure to Russian airlines at around $600 million, through aircraft leased to the sanctions-hit market.
USA ditches mask mandate on aircraft and in airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce the federal face mask mandate, in place since January 2021, after a US judge struck down the order.
Judge strikes down federal mask mandate, masks still required for now
A federal judge in Florida has struck down the federal face-covering mandate that has been in effect since early 2021 but airlines are still requiring their passengers and employees to wear masks, at least for now.
Restrictions on drone exports hamper American foreign policy: Mitchell Institute
The US government rarely approves the sale of armed drones to foreign governments, despite regularly authorising exports of combat aircraft and helicopters.
Honeywell lightweight radar system could fast-track autonomous aviation
Engineers at Honeywell Aerospace have developed a compact radar system intended to help urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles quickly advance toward autonomous flight.
Finnair applies to fly US routes for Eurowings
Finland’s flag carrier Finnair has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to fly routes to the USA for Lufthansa Group’s low-cost Eurowings Discover subsidiary.
Honeywell’s advanced air mobility lab powers future aviation projects
Honeywell Aerospace is on the cutting edge of advanced air mobility, developing numerous projects designed to bring high-tech into smaller and smaller aircraft.
US Navy, Marines complete first test of ‘lightning carrier’ concept
The demonstration showed that two squadrons of F-35B strike fighters can successfully operate from an America-class amphibious assault ship.
Eviation says Cape Air will take 75 Alice aircraft, details scarce
Eviation has disclosed that US regional airline Cape Air intends to purchase 75 of its in-development electric aircraft Alice.
FAA warns of in-flight turbofan failures following long-term storage
The Federal Aviation Administration is requiring inspections of two types of turbofans, saying corrosion caused by prolonged aircraft storage could cause in-flight engine failures.
Airlines warming to summer demand trend amid cloudy fundamentals
The past week has seen a growing list of airlines offer optimistic outlooks for the coming summer season, despite a lengthy list of challenges faced by the industry – although one chief executive bucked the trend, calling on airlines to “get real” as he outlined a less-than-rosy take on future demand fundamentals.
Eve UAM on track to become public company on 9 May
Embraer is moving closer to divesting its air taxi business Eve UAM, saying it expects to close the sale of the business to shell company Zanite Acquisition on 9 May.
Spirit assists antitrust review of Frontier deal as it weighs JetBlue offer
Spirit Airlines is continuing to supply information about its proposed acquisition by Frontier Airlines to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) – even though Spirit has said a competing acquisition offer from JetBlue Airways may be superior.
Boeing lagging 737 deliveries goal for 2022, China remains wildcard: analysts
Though Boeing has made notable progress in returning its 737 Max programme to health, the company must ramp production and deliveries in the coming months to have a shot at achieving its 2022 goal.
Airline Business Podcast: Challenging summer capacity ramp-up and the fight for Spirit
Graham and Lewis return to discuss the challenges facing airlines as they ramp-up operations heading into the northern hemisphere summer, notably amid staffing shortages and rising fuel prices.
Lockheed Martin claims record-breaking endurance flight of lightweight drone
The aerospace manufacturer says a specially configured Stalker unmanned drone successfully completed a continuous endurance flight of more than 39h.
Swoop ex-president returns for another stint
The former president of WestJet’s ultra-low-cost subsidiary Swoop, Bob Cummings, is returning to the airline to reprise his previous role.
US government extends federal mask mandate for 15 days
The US government has extended its face-mask mandate for travellers by air and other forms public transportation for another 15 days, as a sub-variant of Covid-19 spreads across the USA.
Delta prepares for summer travel upswing
Delta Air Lines is preparing for a busy summer holiday season as Covid-19-related travel restrictions that have been in place for months or years are lifted.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: April 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.
Delta reports March upturn despite first quarter losses
Delta Air Lines lost $940 million in the first quarter of 2022 as the Omicron variant hit demand during January and February, though business picked up in March.
Pilots of 777s and 787s warned over pitch-guidance mode slip before take-off
US safety authorities have cautioned Boeing 777 and 787 operators over a potential mode confusion during take-off which can result in the aircraft departing with the wrong pitch-control guidance.
Air Lease discloses extent of Russian fleet exposure
US lessor Air Lease has disclosed that it has 21 owned aircraft remaining in Russia, following the termination of agreements for aircraft on lease to Russian operators.
US services ask Congress for additional aircraft in ‘unfunded priorities’ reports
Required by law, unfunded priority reports detail items that each military service would like to have funded, but which were not included in the official budget submitted by the presidential administration.
Boeing’s backlog slips in March amid pressures including the Russia-Ukraine war
Order cancellations and the Russia-Ukraine war are among factors cited by Boeing as leading it to strip more than 140 aircraft orders from its backlog in March, leaving the company with negative order activity for the month.
US Air Force continues cash bonuses amid multi-year pilot shortage
The US Air Force began offering cash bonuses for its aviators on 11 April, as part of the service’s effort to close a multi-year pilot shortage.
FAA imposes record $82,000 fine on unruly passenger
The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed an $81,950 fine against an airline passenger who allegedly disrupted a flight last year.
Atlanta regains title of world’s busiest airport in domestic travel-dominated 2021 ranking
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson regained its pre-pandemic standing as the world’s busiest airport by passenger numbers in 2021, according to data released by ACI World today, as domestic traffic continued to be the differentiator in another Covid-hit year.
IPO eradicates risk of ‘megalomania fit’ at growing airline: Play chief
The chief executive of Icelandic budget airline Play has explained how last year’s IPO was an important step in taking risk “off the table” for the start-up carrier’s stakeholders following the missteps at defunct compatriot Wow Air.
Flexjet goes on hiring spree amid business aviation boom
US fractional aircraft ownership company Flexjet is planning a major expansion in 2022 that includes the hiring of an additional 350 pilots.
Spirit open to discussions with JetBlue about $3.6 billion takeover bid
Spirit Airlines will engage in discussions with JetBlue Airways about the latter’s proposed $3.6 billion all-cash takeover offer.
USAF awards contract for B-21 long lead items
The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded Northrop Grumman a $108 million contract to procure long lead items for production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber.
Canada Jetlines targets summer launch
Start-up Canada Jetlines is targeting summer 2022 for its long-awaited launch, with plans to begin charter flights from Toronto Pearson airport.
Frontier Airlines seeks new Denver gates
To accommodate Frontier Airlines’ surging growth at Denver International airport, the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) intends to develop a new 14-gate facility.
IATA chief economist suggests higher air fares might not impact demand
The usual correlation between higher air fares and lower demand might not play out in the current travel market, according to IATA chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen.
Spirit’s board to weigh pros and cons of competing offers
While all eyes were on whether regulators would ultimately spoil Frontier Airlines’ planned takeover of Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways quietly hatched a spoiler of its own.
JetBlue: Spirit acquisition helps its Northeast Alliance case with DOJ
In the wake of its proposed takeover of Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways finds itself peppered with questions about how such a move will affect its nascent “Northeast Alliance” (NEA) with American Airlines.
NIAR WERX to name customers for cargo-converted 777-300ER as project advances
The Wichita team developing a Boeing 777-300ER converted freighter intends this month to announce multiple launch customers for the project, and is on track to begin manufacturing components within weeks.
‘Robin didn’t mention it at dinner’: IATA chief surprised by JetBlue bid for Spirit
IATA director general Willie Walsh had more reason than most to be surprised by JetBlue Airways’ bid for Spirit Airlines this week, coming as it did after he shared several hours with the suitor’s chief executive Robin Hayes days earlier.
E-4B ‘Doomsday’ fleet gets full motion simulator
The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFRL) has delivered the first full motion simulator for the Boeing E-4B, a 747-200 modified to be an airborne command post for the US government.
US conducts second successful HAWC hypersonic test
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has conducted a second successful test flight of its Hypersonic Air-Breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) vehicle.
CH-53K to reach initial operational capability this year, Germany considers purchase
The US Marine Corps will take delivery of two more Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopters this month, making four of the next-generation heavy lift aircraft operational.
Frontier slams JetBlue’s unsolicited bid for Spirit Airlines
Frontier Airlines says JetBlue Airways’ unsolicited surprise offer to buy ultra-low-cost rival Spirit Airlines will make for higher fares and less competition.
Daher updates TBM family with TBM 960
French aircraft manufacturer Daher has unveiled its TBM 960, an updated variant of its TBM line of single-turboprop aircraft.
Spirit confirms JetBlue makes surprise $3.6bn bid for outstanding shares
JetBlue Airways has made an unsolicited bid to purchase all of Spirit Airlines’ outstanding stock in an all-cash transaction, throwing into doubt Spirit’s $6.6 billion planned merger with Frontier Airlines.
JetBlue pilots settle ‘Northeast Alliance’ dispute, but hurdles remain
JetBlue Airways’ pilots have ratified an agreement that ends a year-long dispute over aspects of the carrier’s “Northeast Alliance” (NEA) with American Airlines.
US defence budget marks start of five-year transition: US service chiefs
Chiefs of the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard say President Joe Biden’s fiscal year 2023 budget request represents the start of a five-year transition that will re-orient the US military to focus on countering China.
Air Lease orders another 32 737 Max
Air Lease, one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, has ordered another 32 Boeing 737 Max narrowbodies, bringing its total orderbook for the jets to 130 and handing a important win to Boeing’s still-recovering single-aisle programme.
American Airlines’ Isom becomes CEO as Parker retires
American Airlines’ Robert Isom has taken over the chief executive role from Doug Parker, who retired on 31 March, marking the end of a 36-year airline career.
Defiant X completes 700nm test flight ahead of Army air show
The airframe is being jointly developed by Sikorsky and Boeing for a competition to replace the US Army’s iconic UH-60 Blackhawk utility lift helicopter.
Air France to restore 90% capacity, introduce ‘shuttle’ to JFK
Air France will restore capacity to near pre-pandemic levels by what the airline hopes to be a strong peak summer travel season.
US lawmaker again tries to heighten aircraft maintenance oversight
A top US lawmaker is again seeking to increase government oversight of commercial aircraft maintenance and of non-US aircraft repair stations.
De Havilland to develop updated water bomber called DHC-515 Firefighter
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has re-launched development of an updated water bomber based on the stalwart CL-series line of firefighting aircraft.
One dead, two injured in US Navy E-2 crash
One sailor was killed and two injured when their US Navy E-2D Hawkeye command and control aircraft crashed in the waters off the coast of Chincoteague, Virginia.
AerCap files insurance claim against more than 100 jets held by Russia carriers
Irish aircraft lessor AerCap has filed $3.5 billion worth of insurance claims as compensation for aircraft and aircraft engines that Russian airlines have not returned since Western government slapped Russia with economic sanctions.
Air Canada re-evaluating strategy for subsidiary Rouge
Air Canada is reconsidering the operational strategy of its discount subsidiary Rouge, a move coming amid heightened low-cost competition within Canada.
Top providers of air combat training complete merger
Top Aces and Blue Air Training announced the completion of a merger on 30 March.
Air Canada thinks full recovery will extend beyond 2024
Air Canada does not expect to recover fully from the industry downturn until after 2024, though executives insist the airline’s rebound is firmly underway.
US team to visit China, assist with China Eastern crash investigation
US accident investigators and representatives from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration plan to depart this week for China, where they will assist with that country’s investigation into the 21 March crash of a China Eastern Airlines 737-800.
Discrimination, harassment, finances are main barriers facing women in aviation: FAA advisory report
Male-dominated culture, widespread sexual harassment and discrimination, financial barriers to career entry and lack of gender-specific support systems are main reasons women remain significantly underrepresented in aviation and aerospace.
C-130J deliveries pass 500 aircraft: we analyse type’s global fleet mix
Lockheed Martin recently delivered its 500th C-130J tactical transport: we look at the global fleet mix for its Super Hercules product.
Learjet production goes silent after six decades
The Learjet brand has stepped into the sunset, with the famed business jet manufacturer delivering its final aircraft on 28 March.
Biden asks for big spending increase on air power, missile systems
The administration of president Joe Biden wants Congress to approve more than $56 billion in new spending for what it describes as “lethal air forces”.
Boeing names new leaders for defence, space and global services arms
Boeing has named a new Defense, Space and Security chief executive, Ted Colbert, who steps into the role having formerly led the Boeing Global Services division.
FAA appoints aviation safety head Nolen as interim administrator
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety official Billy Nolen will become interim administrator on 1 April, assuming the agency’s top post following the departure of current administrator Steve Dickson.
Engine supply chain shortages could thwart Airbus and Boeing production plans
Long-standing engine supply issues are being made worse by new Covid-era pressures, among them inflation and lack of skilled workers. Such factors are bearing down on the companies that make engine components, raising uncertainty about how fast suppliers will be able produce the complex, labour-intensive components needed by companies like Pratt & Whitney and CFM International.
Joby accident aircraft was pushing its limits when it crashed
Joby Aviation says that the prototype aircraft which crashed during a flight test last month was pushing its flight envelope limits when it went down.
JetBlue and Qatar Airways expand their partnership
JetBlue Airways and Qatar Airways are expanding their partnership to include more codeshares and streamlined flight schedules.
Why US commercial pilots are back in short supply
US airlines downsized rapidly as Covid-19 hit. Now, amid a full-tilt recovery, carriers face an all-too-familiar challenge: a pilot shortage that risks becoming the sector’s biggest problem.
Alaska to accelerate fleet transition and convert two 737-800s to freighters
Alaska Airlines is to accelerate its fleet renewal plans to be operating only Boeing 737 narrowbodies and Embraer 175 regional jets by the end of 2023, while also converting a pair of its Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft into freighters.
US airlines urge Biden to strike mask mandate and pre-departure Covid tests
US airlines have asked the government to eliminate the federal mask mandate that has been in place for more than a year, as well as the pre-entry Covid-19 test requirement for international travellers.
Delta takes delivery of first Airbus A321neo in Hamburg
Delta Air Lines has taken delivery of the first of 26 Airbus A321neo aircraft it expects to receive this year.
Air Canada to introduce fleet of long-range A321XLRs
Air Canada is acquiring 26 Airbus A321XLRs, emerging as the undisclosed customer behind an order for six of the jets in the airframer’s backlog.
US pilot union blasts SkyWest’s plans to cut air service to small cities
A US pilot union has called SkyWest Airlines’ planned cancellation of flights to 29 secondary cities “an egregious miscarriage” of the federal government’s nearly $2 billion in financial aid to the carrier during the coronavirus pandemic.
USMC MV-22B Osprey goes missing in northern Norway
A US Marine Corps (USMC) aircraft has gone missing in Norway while on a training mission during a NATO training exercise.
Gulfstream prepared for tougher G400 flight-test and certification programme
Gulfstream remains on track with developing and certificating its G400 large-cabin business jet, though the company anticipates the G400 will require a more-comprehensive flight-test and certification campaign than its G800.
Delta to help Airbus with hydrogen-powered aircraft concept
Delta Air Lines has agreed to help Airbus work out critical details related to the airframer’s possible future development of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Frontier and Spirit race toward merger with massive expansion
Since their 7 February 2022 merger announcement, ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines have been racing towards the wedding altar. They are busy preparing for their combination, working along an ambitious timeline of closing in the second quarter of this year.
Fuel volatility, Covid woes and acquisition talk in busy airline week
If ever a week featured a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing the airline industry, this might be it.
Canada to end pre-entry Covid testing requirement for international arrivals
Canada will end its pre-entry coronavirus testing requirement for inbound international travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Production of New Zealand’s first Boeing P-8A gets underway
Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems has started producing the first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for New Zealand, putting Boeing on track to deliver that country’s first P-8A this year.
Half of world’s top airline markets free of restrictions for vaccinated travellers: IATA
Half of the world’s top 50 air travel markets are now open to vaccinated international travellers without Covid-19 quarantine or testing requirements, according to IATA, amid increasing momentum towards the relaxation of border controls.
Lockheed names company veteran as new Skunk Works boss
Lockheed Martin has named John Clark as the new head of the company’s Advanced Development Programs unit, more popularly known as Skunk Works.
Washington to supply Ukraine with AeroVironment drones: report
A new US government aid package to Ukraine may include AeroVironment Switchblade drones designed to take out light-armoured vehicles.
GlobalX to buy 200 Eve air taxis, plans South Florida operations
Embraer’s Eve Urban Air Mobility spin-off has clinched a letter of intent with Miami-based Global Crossing Airlines Group to acquire up to 200 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for as early as 2026.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: March 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.
P&W concludes first PW1100G engine test on full-SAF
Pratt & Whitney has completed the first on-ground test using 100% sustainable aviation fuels on its GTF Advantage-configured PW1100G engines.
Northrop confirms secretive B-21 Raider in ground tests
Northrop Grumman confirms that the developmental B-21 Raider stealth bomber has moved off the production line and started ground tests.
Delta and Virgin strike positive note over demand despite cost pressures
Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic are seeing no sign of fresh pressures stemming from the Ukraine conflict and rising costs amid ‘robust’ demand for travel.
GE Aviation confident in ability to double Leap output by 2023
Despite supply chain struggles, turbofan producer GE Aviation insists it will succeed in ramping Leap production sufficiently to meet production goals set by Airbus and Boeing.
Airlines fret about demand tipping point as costs rise everywhere
There are few things that airlines have been more confident about in recent months than the ‘pent-up’ demand for air travel that would drive the Covid-19 recovery.
SkyWest to end service to 29 cities due to pilot shortage
SkyWest Airlines intends to end scheduled service to 29 cities in the coming months as it continues to face a flight crew shortage.
US lawmakers urge scrutiny of Frontier-Spirit deal
A group of progressive US lawmakers is asking competition watchdogs to take a closer look at Frontier Airlines’ plans to acquire low-cost-carrier rival Spirit Airlines.
US extends federal mask mandate until 18 April
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the federal mask mandate for air travellers, designed to mitigate the spread of highly-contagious Covid-19.
Transat CEO fears WestJet-Sunwing merger will harm competition
Transat AT chief executive Annick Guerard says WestJet’s pending acquisition of leisure airline Sunwing will “significantly” harm competition in Canada’s hotly contested leisure travel market.
Transat fiscal Q1 earnings hit by Omicron, hopes for more government aid
Transat AT, the parent company of Air Transat, experienced a “significant” Omicron-variant-fuelled hit during its fiscal first quarter 2022, as passengers took a step back from planning air travel.
US rejects transfer of Polish fighter jets to Ukraine
The US Department of Defense has ruled out transferring 23 Polish MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, calling the idea “high-risk” and fearing it could raise tensions in the region.
US government explores logistics of Polish fighter jet transfer to Ukraine
The US government is speaking to its NATO allies about an offer by the government of Poland to transfer some of its fighter jets to Ukraine, as the back-and-forth on the transaction continues.
Avelo to expand from New Haven
US start-up discount carrier Avelo Airlines continues to expand out of New Haven in Connecticut, with plans to add routes from the city to three destinations.
How will increased debt change the airline industry?
As airlines emerge from Covid-19 and into cost pressures exacerbated by war in Europe, they face a years-long effort to pay down the debt accumulated to survive the challenges
Pentagon slaps down Polish MiG-29 jet offer to Ukraine
The US Department of Defense (DoD), taken by surprise by Poland’s announcement that it would offer its RAC MiG-29 fleet to Ukraine via a formal transfer to the USA in Germany, says the plan is “not…tenable” and “raises serious concerns”.
CAE halts training and support for Russian carriers
Canadian flight training company CAE has suspended services and training to Russian airlines and aircraft operators amid that country’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
Poland offers MiG-29 fighters for use by Ukraine, wants used US jets in return
Poland has offered its entire RAC MiG-29 fleet to the USA – to pass on to Ukraine to aid in its defence against Russia’s invasion – in exchange for used fighter jets, and encourages other NATO allies to do the same.
DHL orders another six 777Fs
Express package delivery company DHL Express has ordered another six Boeing 777 Freighters, handing the US airframer another in a long string of recent freighter aircraft sales.
Joby prototype experienced ‘component failure’: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says in a preliminary report that a mishap involving a Joby Aviation all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototype last month was due to “a component failure”.
NetJets agrees to purchase Lilium’s all-electric air taxi
US business jet operator NetJets has secured rights to buy up to 150 electric air taxis from start-up German aircraft developer Lilium Air Mobility.
Canada’s Air Transat and Porter team up with codeshares
Canada’s Air Transat and Porter Airlines have teamed up, reaching a code-share agreement beginning with flights this summer.
Airline Business Index shows industry exceeding three-quarters of pre-Covid size
The latest Airline Business Index shows the global airline industry has exceeded three-quarters of its pre-Covid size, driven by rapidly returning passengers and revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Boeing lands orders for 37 jets in February, deliveries slowed
Boeing landed orders for another 37 commercial jets in February, including deals for 32 737 Max and for five first-generation 777 Freighters.
Breeze adds first transcontinental routes as part of major expansion
Breeze Airways has revealed details of a major route expansion that will see the US start-up add flights to 10 additional cities, including several West Coast destinations, this year.
United suspends routes between USA and India
United Airlines has suspended several flights between the USA and India due to the ongoing crisis in eastern Europe.
Boeing stops buying Russian titanium
Boeing will no longer purchase titanium from Russia, a move coming as Western companies face increased pressure to cut Russian ties following that country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Where are the 383 Boeing 737 Max jets that had been delivered to airlines in March 2019?
Three years after the global grounding of the Boeing 737 Max fleet began and more than a year into the type’s return to service, there are more than 500 examples undertaking commercial operations around the world.
JAGM attains IOC for use by Marine Corps AH-1Zs
The US Marine Corps (USMC) declared initial operating capability (IOC) for the AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) on the Bell AH-1Z attack helicopter effective from 1 March.
Sanctions on Russia could ensnarl business aviation companies
New Western sanctions against Russia could reverberate deep in the business aviation industry, potentially ensnarling aircraft brokers, lessors, maintenance providers and other companies, say legal experts and aerospace analysts.
Spirit to open crew bases in Miami and Atlanta
Spirit Airlines will open two new pilot and flight attendant bases in Miami and Atlanta this year, as it adds aircraft and routes.
Pratt & Whitney to demonstrate rotating engine detonation concept
Pratt & Whitney has secured a US Air Force (USAF) contract to develop a ground test demonstration of a rotating engine detonation concept.
BAE Systems introduces new, customisable EW suite
BAE Systems has launched a new electronic warfare (EW) suite to provide platforms with offensive and defensive EW capabilities.
Northrop secures contract to upgrade US Navy E-6B fleet
Northrop Grumman has secured a contract to modernise the US Navy’s Boeing E-6B Mercury fleet, an essential link in the USA’s Nuclear Triad.
Joby establishes a ‘presence’ in UK to explore eVTOL business
US air taxi developer Joby Aviation says it is “establishing a presence” in the UK to explore offering the company’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) transportation service in that country.
US Navy recovers downed F-35C in South China Sea
The US Navy has recovered a Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II fighter jet that suffered a landing mishap on board the USS Carl Vinson in January and sank to the floor of the South China Sea.
USA’s Russian flight ban forces end to Volga-Dnepr charters for Boeing and GE
The US government’s ban on Russia aircraft has left Boeing and GE Aviation unable to continue their longstanding practice of hiring a Russian airline to transport large aircraft components.
General Atomics launches Gambit for loyal wingman role
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has unveiled a new jet-powered design named Gambit, intended to demonstrate so-called loyal wingman capabilities for the US Air Force (USAF).
Ottawa extends NFTC pilot training service deal through 2027
CAE is to continue its delivery of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) programme for at least another five years, via a contract extension worth more than C$550 million ($435 million).
BOC Aviation buys 11 737 Max 8s headed to Canadian start-up Lynx
BOC Aviation has purchased 11 Boeing 737 Max 8s due for delivery to Canadian start-up Lynx Airlines in 2023-24.
USAF outlines massive F-16 upgrade programme
The US Air Force (USAF) fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters is in the midst of major upgrade work, affecting a number of key aircraft systems.
Former JetBlue and short-time Delta manager to join American
Scott Laurence, JetBlue Airways’ former head of revenue and planning, who left the carrier earlier this year to work at Delta Air Lines, only to resign after a month, will join American Airlines “in the coming days”.
Canada’s WestJet plans to acquire Sunwing Airlines
Canada’s WestJet will acquire low-cost vacation specialist Sunwing Airlines, along with its Sunwing Vacations tour operator business, shaking up the country’s low- holiday travel sector.
SNC integrates new countermeasures system aboard AC-130J
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has completed the installation of a new countermeasures system aboard a Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider gunship of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
BAE, DoD test sees fighter, UAVs execute mission together
BAE Systems and the US Department of Defense (DoD) have performed a successful manned unmanned teaming (MUM-T) demonstration with a fighter and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
US to close airspace to Russian aircraft
The US government will close its airspace to Russian aircraft in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
The growing and global risks facing aerospace supply chains
Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, and the West’s quick economic response, should prompt aerospace executives to rethink their supply chain strategies.
Frontier to add crew base in Phoenix in November
Frontier Airlines plans to open a crew base in Phoenix later this year as it expands its reach ahead of a planned merger with US ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) rival Spirit Airlines.
IATA still expects air travel recovery by 2024 but warns of Russia-Ukraine risks
The Omicron variant of Covid-19 failed to knock the air travel industry off its pandemic recovery path, according to global airline association IATA, with passenger numbers still expected to exceed pre-crisis levels in 2024.
Jetlines’ first aircraft arrives in Canada as launch timeline slips
Canada Jetlines’ first aircraft has arrived in Canada, as the company’s timeline to launch revenue flights slips to mid-2022.
Avenger, virtual swarm in autonomous engagement with simulated threat
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has conducted a live/virtual unmanned air vehicle (UAV) swarm test against a simulated air-to-air opponent.
US, Mexican regulators make ‘significant’ safety progress: Volaris CEO
Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris expects the Federal Aviation Administration will restore Mexico’s aviation safety rating in the second half of 2022 as it seeks to expand between the USA and Mexico – the backbone of its business.
Delta withdraws codeshare with Aeroflot
Delta Air Lines has cut ties with its alliance partner Aeroflot after the Russian military invaded Ukraine earlier this week
Russia-Ukraine war opens prospect of aerospace titanium shortage
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought fresh uncertainty to Western aerospace companies, many of which rely on Russia to provide a massive portion of titanium used to produce commercial jets.
CMA CGM seeks to open transatlantic freighter services to US cities
French logistics firm CMA CGM’s new air cargo operation is seeking authorisation to open transatlantic services to US destinations early this year.
FAA bans US aviation interests from flying over Ukraine, Belarus and western Russia
The Federal Aviation Administration has banned US aviation interests from flying over Ukraine, Belarus and parts of western Russia after Russia invaded Ukraine in an attack overnight.
Alex Cruz joins WestJet’s board of directors
Canada’s WestJet has appointed ex-British Airways chief executive Alex Cruz to its board of directors.
US Air Force international team zeroes in on deterrence, partnerships
Kelli Seybolt has a key role in driving US Air Force (USAF) engagement with allies, helping ensure airpower capability and deterrence.
Northrop Grumman to develop digital twin of Bombardier CRJ testbed
Northrop Grumman plans to develop a “digital twin replica” of its highly-modified Bombardier CRJ700 testbed aircraft, including of the jet’s subsystems.
FAA’s latest 5G order targets 737NGs, warns of more cockpit effects
A new Federal Aviation Administration order targeting earlier-generation 737s – including 737NGs – reveals that 5G interference might affect other aircraft systems, potentially even causing false landing gear indications.
FAA and aviation stakeholders launch unleaded fuel initiative
The Federal Aviation Administration and general aviation (GA) interest groups have agreed on a roadmap to phase out the use of leaded fuel for GA aircraft in the USA by 2030.
Wizz accuses pilot unions of pushing labour agenda in objections to US services
Wizz Air has rejected US pilot unions’ claims about its operations as irrelevant and untrue, accusing them of attempting to interfere in regulatory processes to further their own pro-union agenda simply because they disagree with the airline’s labour policies.
Airbus and CFM to test liquid-hydrogen engine mounted on A380 fuselage
Airbus is to use an A380 as the flight-test demonstrator for a future hydrogen-fuelled engine, to be developed under a co-operation with CFM International partners Safran and GE Aviation.
Turkey’s Corendon to take batch of Air Lease 737 Max jets
Turkish operator Corendon Airlines Group is introducing nine Boeing 737 Max jets over the course of the next 18 months.
US Navy CMV-22B secures initial operational capability
The US Navy has awarded the Bell Boeing CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor with its initial operational capability (IOC).
Delta network planning exec Laurence resigns after just one month
Delta Air Lines says a top executive has resigned just one month after he arrived at the carrier.
Air Canada reverses decision to cancel 12 A220s, will take the jets after all
Air Canada now intends to make good on taking delivery of 12 ordered Airbus A220s that it had previously intended to cancel.
Air Canada reports heavy 2021 loss but plans significant growth in 2022
Air Canada logged another year of steep losses in 2021 though its overall financial position improved and the airline plans significant 2022 expansion.
Can Boeing deliver under new pact with Qatar Airways?
Boeing’s 777X freighter launch was no surprise. But making sure the new jet delivers will be vital to maintaining the airframer’s rekindled relationship with Qatar Airways.
Flight International Letters, March 2022
Your views about the aerospace industry and our reporting.
Rotorcraft industry eyeing recovery as new models arrive
Although sales were lower than they were in 2019, helicopter manufacturers hope last year marks the beginning of sector’s recovery, as they eye a future boost from new-generation products.
How and why Colbert brought Boeing Global Services back down to earth
Under Ted Colbert, Boeing’s massive services arm has replaced lofty revenue targets with considerably more conservative goals: stabilisation, recovery, and moderate but sustained growth.
NTSB investigates crash of Joby prototype
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash of an experimental aircraft belonging to air taxi developer Joby Aviation.
Atlas posts Q4 profit as demand remains high
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, the parent of Atlas Air, reported a healthy profit for the fourth quarter of 2021 which it attributes to high demand, increased aircraft utilisation, lower maintenance costs and new and extended long-term customer contracts.
Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant demos single-engine, sling-load and slalom flight
The Sikorsky-Boeing team behind the SB-1 Defiant demonstrator is pressing on with additional flight tests, five months after submitting to the US Army a proposal for the Future Long Range Air Assault programme.
United orders 25 Cirrus SR20s for pilot training
United Airlines’ pilot-training business has ordered 25 Cirrus TRAC SR20s and taken options to purchase a further 50, part of an effort by United to significantly ramp pilot training.
FAA chief Steve Dickson to step down on 31 March
Federal Aviation Administration chief Steve Dickson will leave the agency effective 31 March, roughly halfway into what was to be a five-year term.
Western Global ordered two 777Fs in January
US cargo carrier Western Global Airlines is the previously undisclosed customer that ordered two Boeing 777 Freighters in January.
Airbus defence boss: only LMXT meets KC-Y requirements
Airbus Defence & Space chief executive Michael Schoellhorn believes that Lockheed Martin’s proposed LMXT tanker is the only aircraft that will meet the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) nascent KC-Y requirement.
Avelo appoints aviation analyst Hunter Keay as its CFO
Low-cost start-up carrier Avelo Airlines has appointed aviation analyst Hunter Keay to be its chief financial officer.
American orders three Embraer 175s for Envoy Air
American Airlines has ordered three Embraer E175s for its wholly-owned regional affiliate Envoy Air.
Canada eases travel restrictions as Omicron fears subside
The government of Canada is preparing to ease entry restrictions for international travellers, a further step toward normalcy for the country as the Omicron wave of Covid-19 subsides.
Canada's Lynx Air adds Victoria to destination line up
Canadian low-cost start-up carrier Lynx Air has added Victoria to its destination line-up as it prepares to launch revenue service in six weeks.
FAA to issue 787 airworthiness certificates, taking authority from Boeing
The Federal Aviation Administration will take from Boeing the task of certifying airworthiness of new-build 787s, a move coming as the agency oversees Boeing’s efforts to address manufacturing quality issues.
JetBlue orders 30 more Airbus A220-300s
JetBlue Airways has ordered another 30 Airbus A220-300s to take its firm commitment for the type to 100.
Saab boss awaits Canadian decision: says ‘politics’ tipped HX fighter contest
Saab’s chief executive remains disappointed but pragmatic following the Gripen E’s December 2021 defeat in Finland’s HX fighter contest, and is hopeful of success when a two-way competition concludes in Canada later this year.
Wizz Air’s proposed US operation focused on government A330 freighter flights
Wizz Air’s proposed US services, which have irked US pilot representatives, centre on the freighter flights it operates for the Hungarian government.
Raytheon shuffles executives; Calio to take over COO post
Raytheon Technologies has appointed Christopher Calio as its new chief operating officer, and Shane Eddy to replace Calio as president of Pratt & Whitney.
Joby and ANA team up to bring aerial ridesharing to Japan
US electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation is teaming up with ANA Holdings, the parent of Japan’s All Nippon Airways, and Toyota Motor Corporation to create an aerial ridesharing service in Japan.
FAA proposal targets manufacturing defects in Leap-1B components
The Federal Aviation Administration intends to require airlines to modify maintenance procedures to address potential manufacturing defects in CFM International Leap-1B turbofans.
Eviation’s former CEO Bar-Yohay calls departure planned but still ‘surprise’
Eviation co-founder Omer Bar-Yohay confirms he has been let go as the company’s chief executive, saying the move had long been planned but that the timing caught him off guard.
Lockheed scraps $4.4bn acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne
Lockheed Martin has called off its $4.4 billion acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, after the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last month said it would fight the transaction.
KC-46 the right aircraft for KC-Y: Boeing’s Caret
Boeing stands ready to pitch the KC-46 should the US government hold a competition for a possible acquisition of up to 160 new tankers under its nascent KC-Y requirement.
US pilot union ALPA protests Wizz Air’s application to fly to USA
US pilot union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is protesting Wizz Air’s application to fly to the USA, claiming the Hungarian carrier has used ”a toxic culture of reprisal” to intimidate crew and that it ignores issues such as fatigue and illness that could compromise safety.
Does Frontier-Spirit merger herald wider airline consolidation trend?
The unique circumstances around the Frontier Airlines-Spirit Airlines merger mean it is debatable whether it has anything to say about prospects for wider consolidation in the global airline industry.
Pandemic impact could lead Boeing to tweak next jet’s capacity: analyst
The likelihood of business travel demand weakening permanently could lead Boeing to tweak the design of whatever jet it develops next.
Why an aerospace supplier might be positioned to break Airbus-Boeing duopoly
Aerospace analysts say shifting market dynamics have created an opening into which a well-financed, risk-tolerant player could theoretically jump.
Textron relaunches Cessna Turbo Skylane T182T single-engine aircraft
Textron Aviation has launched an updated version of its signature single-engine Cessna Turbo Skylane T182T, and will begin deliveries in early 2023.
Boeing to offer P-8A Poseidon for Canada’s Multi-Mission Aircraft project
Boeing plans to offer its P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for Canada’s Multi-Mission Aircraft project.
Eviation CEO details Alice’s battery safety system, first flight ‘days away’
Previous aerospace battery incidents helped engineers better understand and prevent such risks, leading to development of technologies that will ensure the safety of Eviation’s in-development all-electric aircraft Alice, says Eviations’ chief executive.
Canada’s Air Inuit receives first large-door Dash 8-300 freighter
Canadian operator Air Inuit has introduced the first Bombardier Dash 8-300 to be fitted with a large cargo door, six years after being identified as the launch customer for the modification.
Mesa reports fiscal Q1 loss as Omicron and pilot attrition hit earnings
Regional carrier Mesa Airlines reported a loss for the first quarter of its fiscal year as the company struggled with staffing issues stemming from the Omicron variant of Covid-19 as well as pilots leaving for larger carriers.
Sikorsky’s Matrix autonomous flight system flying on ‘large cargo aircraft’
Because they do not carry passengers, cargo aircraft are seen as likely early adopters of flight automation - potentially reducing the number of humans required in the cockpit from two persons, down to one, and possibly zero one day. Sikorsky’s Matrix is one of the most advanced flight automation systems in development.
Canada’s Swoop to take six new Boeing 737 Max 8 this year
WestJet’s ultra-low-cost subsidiary Swoop will add six Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft to its fleet as the discount segment in Canada heats up with two new competitors due to launch in the coming months.
Silver Airways raises capital, adds aircraft and routes
Regional carrier Silver Airways has raised $50 million in capital, added new several aircraft to its fleet and received certification to operate freighter service.
SAS reinforces transatlantic network with Toronto services
Star Alliance carrier SAS is to open transatlantic services to Toronto from both Copenhagen and Stockholm this year.
ALPA says upgrading aircraft to accommodate 5G networks will be costly
Pilot union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) estimates the cost of upgrading radio altimeters on US commercial aircraft due to possible interference from fifth-generation (5G) cell phone networks will reach into six-figures per aircraft, and could take years to complete.
DARPA flies Black Hawk autonomously, no pilots on board
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) flew a UH-60A Black Hawk, retrofitted with Sikorsky’s Matrix technology, autonomously, without pilots on board for the first time.
Boeing logs 75 more orders in January
Boeing kicked off 2022 with positive order momentum, padded its backlog during the month with orders for an additional 75 jets, including for the 737 Max and the newly launched 777-8 Freighter.
US start-up Airbahn plans to begin revenue service in ‘May or June’
US start-up carrier Airbahn plans to launch revenue service in the second quarter as it works through the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification process.
Dubai’s Aerovista to introduce converted A321 freighters
Middle Eastern lessor Aerovista is committing to four Airbus A321 converted freighters through a partnership with US finance firm Petrus Aviation.
Boeing purchases sustainable fuel to support US production facilities
Boeing has agreed to acquire sustainable aviation fuel for its commercial aircraft operations in the US states of Washington and South Carolina, through a deal with EPIC Aviation.
Sun Country to ‘grow sensibly’ after reporting small Q4 loss
Sun Country Airlines says it continues to “grow sensibly through the recovery” as it posts a small loss for the fourth quarter of 2021.
FAA policy aims to strengthen manufacturers’ self-certification programmes
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued new guidance designed to protect aerospace employees who perform certification work from what it calls “interference with those duties by employers”.
US Navy’s AARGM-ER hits radar target in second test
The US Navy’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) hit a land-based radar target in its second test on 21 January.
Frontier-Spirit deal solves several issues in hotly contested ULCC market: analysts
Analysts say Frontier Airlines’ proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines to create the largest ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in the USA solves a number of potential issues in the hotly-contested low-price segment, which has been ripe for consolidation.
Quebec delays exit from A220 partnership after investing to boost production
Airbus and the Canadian province of Quebec’s government are to provide a $1.2 billion funding injection to the A220 programme intended to increase the production rate of the twinjet.
Redmond to succeed Gallagher as Allegiant chief executive
Long-standing Allegiant Travel chairman and chief executive Maurice Gallagher is to hand the chief executive role to company president John Redmond from June.
Frontier pitches Spirit acquisition as countering USA’s four mega airlines
Frontier Airlines expects its planned acquisition of Spirit Airlines will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in efficiencies and give the combined carrier the scale needed to better compete against the USA’s four mega airlines.
American firms $200m Gol investment plan
American Airlines has firmed its planned $200 million investment in Gol, under which it is taking a 5.2% stake in the Brazilian budget carrier.
Frontier Airlines to buy and merge with low-cost rival Spirit Airlines
Frontier Airlines is to acquire and merge with US ultra-low-cost carrier rival Spirit Airlines in a $6.6 billion deal announced today.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: February 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.
Norse Atlantic receives strong response to pilot recruitment drive
Start-up Norse Atlantic Airways claims it received over 3,000 applications to fill 50 positions for pilots, ahead of the airline’s planned serve launch from Oslo.
Video leak shows last moments of doomed US Navy F-35C
Video has surfaced showing the last moments of a Lockheed Martin F-35C that crashed into the ocean after a failed landing aboard the USS Carl Vinson.
RCAF CH-148 Cyclone tail cracks caused by electronic warfare, satellite equipment
Tail cracks found on the majority of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter fleet were caused by in-flight structural loads on electronic support measures and satellite communication antenna mounts.
Vinci expects airports to hit break-even this year after tough 2021 for Gatwick and Japan
Multinational infrastructure firm Vinci expects its airports business to reach break-even on a net basis in 2022, if the public health situation continues to improve.
Boeing 737 Max programme enjoys better news after order setbacks
Boeing’s 737 Max programme has enjoyed a much-needed period of positive news following an inauspicious end to 2021 that saw Air France-KLM and Qantas place significant narrowbody orders with Airbus.
Skywest posts profit for 2021, plans for looming pilot shortage
Regional carrier Skywest Airlines swung to profit in 2021, but says that the impending pilot shortage will negatively affect its 2022 planning.
FAA conducting flight tests with cellular industry to study 5G
Cellular industry engineers are participating in flight tests being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of its evaluation of risks posed to aircraft by C-band radio transmissions.
FAA will need a year to create 5G-safe altimeter standards: Dickson
The Federal Aviation Administration needs at least another year to finalise standards for new radio altimeters that are safe from interference with C-Band cellular transmissions.
General Atomics tests controlling MQ-1C across multiple satellite constellations
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems ground tested the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range’s ability to fly using datalinks from multiple satellite networks.
Sikorsky to build nine more CH-53K heavy lift helicopters for US Marine Corps
Sikorsky has been contracted by the US Navy to build nine more CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters for the US Marine Corps.
Winter storm prompts more than 4,800 cancellations across Midwest USA
A secon harsh winter storm in as many weeks is once again disrupting air travel across the USA, with more than 4,800 flights cancelled by 11:30 Pacific Time.
Archer says US attorney ends investigation of former Wisk employee
Urban air mobility company Archer Aviation says the US attorney’s office has ended an investigation into one of its employees after a competitor claimed intellectual property theft.
Boeing to assist GE in developing a hybrid-electric Saab 340B
GE Aviation has enlisted Boeing’s help in developing and flight testing a Saab 340B equipped with hybrid-electric propulsion.
Allegiant posts small profit in fourth quarter of 201
Allegiant Travel Company, the parent of ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air posted a small profit in the fourth quarter of 2021, supported by more cost-conscious customers returning to travel.
Northrop delivers first IFC-4 Triton signals intel UAV to US Navy
Northrop Grumman has delivered to the US Navy (USN) the first production example of the IFC-4 Triton, an upgraded MQ-4C that includes signals intelligence payloads.
Daher to expand in USA by acquiring Triumph’s aerostructures site in Florida
French aircraft manufacturer Daher has agreed to purchase Triumph Group’s aerostructures business in Stuart, Florida for an undisclosed sum – another in a series of divestitures by Triumph.
Pandemic pushed Boeing’s 777X shift to freighter-next strategy
Boeing’s decision this week to launch development of its 777-8 Freighter marks a strategic shift for the programme – one driven by the dual factors of booming air freight demand and the pandemic’s ongoing impact on international air travel.
Spirit AeroSystems loses $541m in 2021 amid 787 hang ups
Troubles with Boeing’s 787 programme and pandemic-related pressures pushed aerospace component manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems to a $541 million loss in 2021.
American Airlines reshuffles Boeing aircraft orders
American Airlines will be taking more Boeing 737 Max and delaying the delivery of some 787 Dreamliners, the company says in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 2 February.
DARPA funds AI assistant for Black Hawk helicopter pilots
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to develop an artificially intelligent (AI) software program to help UH-60 Black Hawk pilots fly.
Certain 737 Max operations latest to be limited by 5G concern
US regulators have ordered revision of Boeing 737 Max operational procedures at airports with a risk of 5G radio spectrum interference, and are prohibiting 737 Max services to such airports if certain braking and anti-skid functions are declared inoperable.
Dassault flies first production Falcon 6X to US completion centre
The first Dassault Aviation Falcon 6X has arrived at the company’s completion centre in the US city of Little Rock, Arkansas, marking another step toward the type’s planned year-end service entry.
US Air Force fires first missile from F-15EX in test
The US Air Force (USAF) on 25 January completed its first test firing of a missile from a Boeing F-15EX fighter.
Qatar Airways orders 777X Freighters and signals intent to purchase 737 Max
Qatar Airways has ordered 34 Boeing 777-8 Freighters, becoming the type’s first customer and marking Boeing’s launch of 777-8F development.
How A330-200 assembly will shift to USA if Lockheed wins tanker deal
Moving assembly of the Airbus A330-200 to the USA if the nation’s air force selects Lockheed Martin’s LMXT tanker derivative would help to streamline production activities in Toulouse, as business for the legacy widebody remains at a low level.
Qatar Airways officials meet in Washington amid reports of 777X Freighter order
The White House confirms that US secretary of commerce Gina Raimondo will meet today with a representative from Qatar Airways amid reports the meeting will involve Qatar ordering a freighter version of Boeing’s 777X.
Lockheed to place A330-based LMXT strategic tanker work at Mobile, Marietta sites
Lockheed Martin has revealed its assembly and conversion strategy for the Airbus A330-200-derived LMXT tanker it is offering to the US Air Force (USAF), with the work to be performed in Mobile, Alabama and Marietta, Georgia, respectively.
US airlines cancel more than 2,000 flights ahead of snowstorm
US airlines have begun pre-emptively cancelling thousands of flights ahead of a harsh winter storm expected to dump up to 71cm (28in) of snow in some regions in the northeastern USA over the weekend.
FAA and cellular companies agree on further 5G interference mitigation
The Federal Aviation Administration and US cell phone companies Verizon and AT&T have agreed on further steps that will mitigate possible interference with new fifth-generation (5G) phone signals on aircraft radio altimeters.
US firm Elroy Air unveils Chaparral heavy-cargo autonomous VTOL vehicle
San Francisco-based autonomous aerial vehicle specialist Elroy Air has unveiled a pre-production model of its vertical take-off heavy cargo carrier, the Chaparral C1, which is capable of lifting 140-230kg and transporting the load across ranges up to 260nm.
Diversity and sustainability action can help airlines ‘build back better’
As the recovery momentum builds, so does scrutiny over whether the airline industry is truly committed to ‘building back better’ – a refrain popular with more than one chief executive during the darkest days of the crisis.
Plans to fix KC-46 remote vision system risk repeating past mistakes
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) believes that plans to fix issues with the Boeing KC-46 tanker could result in additional risks for the long-troubled programme.
Gulfstream tackling wing bottleneck as it boosts production
General Dynamics aerospace business is working to address supply chain shortages that threaten subsidiary Gulfstream’s ability to meet unprecedented demand for new business jets.
Textron Aviation’s profits surge on business jet boom
Textron Aviation accelerated deliveries of both business jets and commercial turboprops in 2021, driving the airframer to a $378 million profit.
Alaska turns small Q4 profit despite Omicron disruption
“Disciplined” cost management and a “measured approach to bringing back capacity” helped Alaska Air Group grow revenue and turn a small profit during the fourth quarter of 2021, even while contending with a new coronavirus variant, the company reports.
Southwest reports first quarterly profit since 2019
Southwest Airlines has earned its first quarterly profit since 2019, as demand for low-cost fares climbed in the last three months of 2021.
Questions, uncertainty abound as Boeing works for 2022 recovery
Boeing executives are framing 2022 as the year the company will fix the 787’s troubles, hike 737 Max delivery rates and begin mending its financial position.
JetBlue cuts Q4 loss, calls Omicron ‘temporary setback’
JetBlue Airways more than halved its loss in the fourth quarter of 2021 as leisure passengers returned in greater numbers.
Covid impact on F-35 production costs Northrop Grumman $93 million
Northrop Grumman incurred charges totalling $93 million against the Lockheed Martin F-35 programme last year, due to reduced sales and pandemic-related business effects.
Boom to build Overture manufacturing site in Greensboro
Boom Supersonic confirms it has chosen Piedmont Triad International airport in North Carolina as the location of its planned manufacturing site.
Boeing to hike 777 output to three jets monthly this year
Boeing plans to hike 777 production from two to three jets monthly this year in response to heightened demand for air freighters.
International air travel recovery continued in December despite Omicron impact
Demand for international air travel in December continued the upward trend that began in mid-2021, albeit at a slower growth rate than was forecast before the Omicron variant of Covid-19 began to spread around the world.
Bell completed first CV-22 nacelle upgrade in December 2021
Bell has finished the first nacelle modifications to a US Air Force CV-22 Osprey, part of a multi-year effort to improve the maintainability of the US military’s V-22 tilt-rotors.
Boeing discloses fresh $402 million charge against KC-46A programme
Boeing took a fresh $402 million pre-tax charge against its KC-46A tanker programme in the fourth quarter of last year, the company disclosed in its full-year results for 2021.
F135 engine upgrade best choice for F-35, says Raytheon Technologies boss
Performance updates to the Pratt & Whitney F135 represent the best path to satisfying future increased power and efficiency requirements for the Lockheed Martin F-35, according to Greg Hayes, chief executive of Raytheon Technologies, the engine producer’s parent company.
Early liquid-hydrogen aircraft will slow, rather than check, emissions rise: ICCT study
Full adoption of liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft on all replaceable routes by 2050 would cap passenger aviation emissions at 2035 levels, but not reduce them, according to analysis released by the US-based non-profit International Council on Clean Transportation.
Airlines must show progress on sustainability to avoid becoming next tobacco industry
Action and positive communication are important in stopping future generations viewing aircraft as negatively as cigarettes are today, argues SimpliFlying’s Shashank Nigam
Boeing loses $4.3bn in 2021, takes billions in charges against 787 programme
Troubles with the 787 that have lasted longer than expected led Boeing to take a $3.5 billion charge in the fourth quarter of 2021, pushing the company to another full-year loss, this time to the tune of $4.3 billion.
Hawaiian narrows Q4 loss; sees international recovery later in 2022
Hawaiian Holdings, the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, says fourth-quarter losses narrowed as tourists returned to the Pacific Ocean archipelago in greater numbers toward the end of 2021.
Raytheon warns of supply chain and labour challenges in 2022
Supply chain troubles, labour shortages and inflation will continue pressuring Raytheon Technologies’ results in 2022, affecting operations of subsidiaries Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace.
Aftermarket sales help push P&W and Collins to 2021 profits
Pratt & Whitney swung to a $454 million operating profit in 2021, a year characterised by stronger demand for aftermarket services and new aircraft engines.
Lockheed Martin reports record $67 billion in sales for 2021
Lockheed Martin has reported net sales valued at slightly over $67 billion for 2021, with its record performance up 3% from roughly $65.4 billion the previous year.
US government sues to stop Lockheed Martin from acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued to stop Lockheed Martin from acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne, saying the $4.4 billion deal has the potential to destroy competition in an area vital to national security and US defence interests.
GE Aviation turns solid 2021 profit despite fewer engine shipments
GE Aviation turned a $2.9 billion profit in 2021, more than double its 2020 earnings, reflecting cost cutting and a bump in commercial engine services revenue.
IATA warns of airfare impact as high jet fuel prices push up airline operating costs
High Jet fuel prices will prompt air fares to rise this year if current trends continue, according to global airline association IATA.
US Navy F-35C suffers ‘landing mishap’ in South China Sea
A US Navy F-35C Lightning II aircraft was involved in “a landing mishap” aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier on 24 January, injuring seven people.
Boeing to support Wisk with engineering and certification expertise
Air taxi developer Wisk Aero has made clear that Boeing’s backing extends well beyond financing to also include engineering, safety and certification support.
Business travel will not return to pre-pandemic levels: Avelo CEO
Avelo Airlines’ chief executive Andrew Levy says business travel will not return to pre-pandemic levels since new technologies have matured enough to make companies and employees think twice about corporate trips.
Boeing invests another $450m in air taxi developer Wisk
US electric air taxi developer Wisk Aero has secured $450 million in new funding from Boeing, an existing backer that helped form Wisk in 2019 through a partnership with Kittyhawk.
Lessor Azorra signs for 20 Embraer E2 regional jets
US lessor Azorra has signed for 20 Embraer E2 jets and taken purchase rights on 30 more of the type.
Airlines continue slow progress on gender diversity in C-suite but JetBlue shines
The crisis-hit global airline industry continued its slow but consistent progress towards gender parity in the C-suite during 2021, with standout progress in some key areas – including a doubling of the number of women leading carriers.
How F-35A demonstration pilot Major Kristin Wolfe became star of the show
F-35A Demonstration Team commander Major Kristin Wolfe has the enviable job of putting the stealth fighter through its paces for the US public, helping others to also fall in love with aviation.
Is pilot skills fade another symptom of the pandemic?
Reduced flying time during the pandemic has raised concerns that pilots could be more prone to error and cognitive lapses – with studies pointing towards the risk of a lasting decay in capability.
How fatal lapses impacted airline safety in 2021
Assessing the airline industry’s recent safety performance is tricky during the pandemic-driven downturn, but alarming and deadly mishaps remain all too common away from the mainline carriers.
Retired B-52H to serve as mock-up for systems integration work
A retired Boeing B-52H bomber will assume a new role as a ground-based integration model to test new technologies with the venerable type.
US DOT suspends 44 flight segments served by Chinese carriers
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has suspended 44 flight segments operated by Chinese air carriers in retaliation for Chinese cancellation of flights by US carriers due to alleged violation of the Asian country’s Covid-19 rules.
If 2022 is not the year for new airline partnerships, when will be?
As the sector emerges from the pandemic, many airline chief executives are talking up the value of partnerships with renewed enthusiasm.
Bell continues 525 certification push but timeline depends on FAA
Bell must still compete flights and paperwork as part of the certification programme for its 525 Relentless super-medium-twin, although the company insists helicopter’s long-delayed march towards service entry is nearing an end.
Airline response to 5G woes reflects crisis-hardened industry
It probably says a lot about the depth of the airline industry’s pain in over the past 22 months or so that the 5G issues in the USA feel like a bump in the road rather than anything more serious.
5G conflict leaves regional airlines in limbo
US regional carriers remain in limbo because many of their aircraft have still not received exceptions to FAA rules about landing during inclement weather conditions at airports that could experience interference from new fifth-generation (5G) cell phone networks.
United expects to cut more routes due to pilot shortage
United Airlines will likely cut more routes to secondary cities in coming months due to an acute shortage of pilots for regional aircraft.
American now anticipates full recovery no sooner than 2023
American Airlines has pushed back the timeframe by which it expects to fully recover from the pandemic downturn to no sooner than 2023.
American receiving 787 delivery-delay payments from Boeing
Boeing is paying 787 delivery-delay penalties to American Airlines, and the Oneworld carrier could be due additional payments if the manufacturer does not adhere to a revised delivery schedule.
American loses $2bn in 2021 even with billions in taxpayer aid
American Airlines lost $2 billion in 2021 despite taking $4.2 billion in US government aid, and the company predicts revenue in early 2022 will continue to significantly lag 2019 figures.
