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All North America news

PW1100G on A320neo.

News

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 787-c-Norse Atlantic Airways

News

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.

F-2 JASDF

In depth

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.

Transair 737-200-c-Transair

News

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.

Norwegian F-16A

News

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 Bomber

News

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.

Joby's in-development electric air taxi

News

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 Logo for web

In depth

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.

Fire Scout-c-US Navy

News

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.

An A-10 Warthog prepares to take off from Al Asad

News

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.

737 Max 10

News

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.

B737 Max 8 cockpit-c-Max Kingsley-Jones FlighGlobal

In depth

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.

GlobalX title-c-GlobalX

News

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.

K-Max-c-Kaman

News

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.

Airmen load baby formula into C-17 Operation Fly Formula

News

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.

Eviation_aliceV2_Render10_whistlerBC_color

News

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.

Airbus UH-72A Lakota

News

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.

CommutAir excursion-c-NTSB

News

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's first A321neo at Boston Logan airport

News

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.

F-35 JDAM fire

News

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.

DLR hydrogen airport concept

In depth

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.

Wheelchair user at airport

Analysis

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.

Passengers with tablet

Analysis

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.

777-9

In depth

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.

A330neo-c-Airbus

News

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.

B717_Runway

News

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.

at-6-c-textron-aviation

News

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.

Credit Joby

News

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.

Pilots outside aircraft

News

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 A319 Max KJ FG

News

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.

frontier100thaircraftdelivery

News

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.

liberty-lifter-619a

News

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.

Dash 8 hybrid electric propulsion-c-P&WC

News

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.

NPPlane2

News

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.

LMXT

News

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.

Canada Parliament Ottawa

News

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.

201909-frontier-woodson-1318

News

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 Pilatus PC-12s

News

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_Ohare

News

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 Airways

News

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).

B-52 via Northrop Grumman

News

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.

cc295 kingfisher

Interview

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_main_aircraftyellowsideexterior

News

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 Airbus A220-300

News

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 winglet-c-Embraer

News

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.

50970664463_4c0f5ecab7_4k

News

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.

Norway_soldier_javelin_guided missile_anti tank_US Army Europe

News

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.

Black Hawk Production 1

In depth

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.

777-300ER freighter conversion-c-IAI

News

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.

Hermeus_Quarterhorse_Unveil-9

News

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.

Embraer's Eve eVTOL in Republic Airways livery

News

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. 

ABpod-logo-ws

Podcast

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.

A320neo-Spirit-Airlines-takeoff

News

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. 

777-9 at Singapore air show

News

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.

MQ-9B SeaGaurdian with Leonardo Sage 750 electronic emission sensor pod

News

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.

Boeing's Renton 737 production line

News

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.

Regent seaglider thumb

News

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.

First Mobile A320-neo, A321neo for Hawaiian. Airbus

Analysis

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

News

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.

Eve & Kenya 1

News

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.

Aeromexico first Boeing 737 Max

News

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 Logo

In depth

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.

ZeroAvia HARE infrastructure title-c-ZeroAvia

News

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.

American 757 title-c-Venkat Mangudi Creative Commons

News

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.

American_Eagle_(Republic_Airways)_Embraer_175

News

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 building

News

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 Mobile assembly site

News

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.

Eve_Embraer X

News

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.

Archer03

News

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. 

FedEx's first Cessna SkyCourier

News

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 Thunderbolt II

News

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.

AirShield-c-Pexco

News

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.

bell-360-invictus-new-tail-c-bell

News

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 Airways' first A220-300 aircraft

News

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.

QUICKSINK on F-15

News

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.

Gulfstream G500 G600

News

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 Dornier 228-c-ZeroAvia

News

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-c-Bombardier

News

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-Livery_02-1500x844

News

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's global headquarters in Arlington, Virginia

News

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 Air 777F

News

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 building

News

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.

A320neo-Spirit-Airlines-takeoff

News

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 Global 7500

News

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 767-200ER title-c-Cargojet

News

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.

Envoy Air E175-c-Embraer

News

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 A319 Max KJ FG

News

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 Air Airbus A319

News

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”.

Passengers

News

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.

Spirit 787s-c-Spirit AeroSystems

News

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.

Rex and Delta Announce Partnership

News

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.

G500

In depth

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.

Swissport

News

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.

Chief executive Icelandair

Interview

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

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

B-21 Bomber

News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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. 

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News

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.

737 Max 10

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

NIAR WERX first 777-300ER for conversion to freighter

News

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.

An Air Canada Airbus A220-300

News

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.

A220 JetBlue

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

IFE-c-Hawaiian Airlines

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

US Army seeks replacement for Stinger anti-aircraft missile

The Army says the venerable heat-seeking missile will become obsolete in the coming year.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

King Stallion CH-53K first flight

News

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.

Gulfstream G800 with clouds

In depth

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.

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News

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. 

Five ACJ TwoTwenty

Analysis

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.

Flair 737 Max 8

News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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.

GE Aviation hybrid engine test

News

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.

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News

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.

E170-c-Embraer

News

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.

United Airlines_masks

News

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.

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News

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.

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In depth

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.

737 Max cockpit-c-Max Kingsley-Jones

In depth

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 Airways First A220-300

News

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. 

NAC-c-Airbus

News

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.

Learjet_75_Liberty_cr Bombardier

News

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.

New Lockheed Martin Skunk Works factory c Lockheed Martin

News

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.

Airbus

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

RAF Reaper Afghanistan

News

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.

RDR-84K radar system_2

In depth

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 A350-c-Finnair

News

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.

SVO simulator_1

In depth

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.

USS America

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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Analysis

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

News

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.

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News

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.

Aeromexico first Boeing 737 Max

Analysis

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.

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Podcast

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

Delta Air Lines passenger cabin mask Covid coronavirus

News

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.

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News

​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.

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In depth

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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 capitol

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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. 

B-21 Bomber

News

​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.

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News

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.

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News

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

News

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 Airlines Airbus A321

News

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 tail fins

News

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 first 777-300ER for conversion to freighter

In depth

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.

IATA JetBlue

News

‘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 Jet

News

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.

Lockheed HAWC hypersonic

News

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_Lockheed Martin

News

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. 

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News

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 TBM 960

News

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.

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News

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 Airways Airbus A320

News

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.

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News

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.

Boeing 737 Max in Air Lease colours

News

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.

Robert Isom and Doug Parker, American Airlines

News

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 External Load

News

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 Airbus A350 tail

News

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. 

ST Engineering Engine MRO

News

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.

CL-515 -c-Viking Air

News

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.

E-2D Hawkeye

News

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.

S7 Airlines 737-c-Anna Zvereva Creative Commons

News

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.

Rouge-A321-2

News

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 Aces F-16 AFF

News

Top providers of air combat training complete merger

Top Aces and Blue Air Training announced the completion of a merger on 30 March.

An Air Canada Airbus A220-300

News

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.

China Eastern 2

News

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.

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News

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.

500th C-130J

Analysis

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 23 c Bombardier

News

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.

F35factory-c-LockheedMartin

News

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”.

Ted Colbert Stephanie Pope-c-Boeing

News

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.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Los Angeles airport

News

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.

Leap-1B

In depth

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.

Credit Joby

News

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 Embraer E190

Analysis

JetBlue and Qatar Airways expand their partnership

JetBlue Airways and Qatar Airways are expanding their partnership to include more codeshares and streamlined flight schedules.

Delta Air Lines 767

Analysis

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 Airlines Boeing 737. Alaska Airlines

News

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.

Southwest Airlines

News

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.

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News

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 A321XLR-c-Airbus

News

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.

SkyWest United E175

News

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.

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News

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 G400

News

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 Air Lines Airbus A350-900

News

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.

Spirit_A319_Exterior_2_NewLivery

Analysis

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.

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Analysis

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.

An Air Canada Boeing 787-9

News

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.

Images of a New Zealand Boeing P-8A

News

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.

Airport

News

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_SR-71_Blackbird

News

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.

Switchblade 600 c

News

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.

Eve's air taxi in GlobalX colours over Miami

News

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.

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In depth

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.

GTF Advantage SAF

News

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. 

B-21 Bomber

News

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.

Bastian and Weiss

News

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.

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News

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.

Warsaw

Opinion

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.

E175 SkyWest

News

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.

frontier100thaircraft

News

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.

Delta Air Lines passenger cabin mask Covid coronavirus

News

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.

Sunwing_Hi Res Boeing

News

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.

Airbus

News

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.

MiG-29s Poland - Artur Weber Polish defence minist

News

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.

Polan Mig-29

News

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.

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News

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.

Hong Kong International airport

Analysis

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

MiG-29s Poland - Artur Weber Polish defence minist

News

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 generic c CAE

News

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.

Polish MiG-29 - Bartosz Glowacki

News

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 777

News

DHL orders another six 777Fs

Express package delivery company DHL Express has ordered another six Boing 777 Freighters, handing the US airframer another in a long string of recent freighter aircraft sales.

Joby

News

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”.

Lilium Net Jets

News

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.

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News

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.

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In depth

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.

737 Max-c-Boeing

News

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 A220-c-Airbus

News

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.

787_7Dec2021

News

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 787-c-Boeing

News

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.

Boeing 737

Analysis

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.

Marine AH-1Z JAGM

News

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.

Bombardier Global 7500

News

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_main_aircraftyellowsideexterior

News

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. 

AFRL rotating detonation engine

News

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.

Storm EW Press Release Image

News

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.

E-6B Mercury TACAMO

News

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 Aviation_Aircraft_3

News

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.

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News

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.

Volga-Dnepr An-124-c-Volga-Dnepr Airlines

News

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 Gambit

News

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).

NFTC Hawk

News

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).

IMG_0851

News

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.

US Air Force F-16

News

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.

American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER 2020

News

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”.

Sunwing_Hi Res Boeing

News

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.

AC-130J

News

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

News

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).

Aeroflot Airbus A350-900

News

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

Airbus A220 assembly in Mobile, Alabama

Opinion

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.

201909-frontier-woodson-1318

News

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.

Moscow, Sheremetyevo International Airport

News

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.

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News

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.

General Atomics Avenger

News

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.

Volaris A320

Analysis

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.

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News

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

787-9

Analysis

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 777F-c-CMA CGM Air Cargo

News

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.

Delta Boeing 777

News

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-BA-c-BillyPix

News

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.

F-15J JASDF

Interview

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 to make digital twin of its CRJ testbed c Northrop Grumman

News

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.

Delta-737-c-Leonard-Zhukovsky_Shutterstockcom

News

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.

375910-172_Skyhawk_2-da3410-original-1610490485

News

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.

Hungarian Govt A330-c-Anna Zvereva Creative Commons

News

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.

a380 h2-c-airbus

News

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.

Corendon 737 Max 8-c-Corendon Airlines

News

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.

CMV-22B Osprey

News

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 A220-c-Airbus

News

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.

An Air Canada Airbus A220-300

News

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.

An Air Canada Boeing 787-9

News

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.

Qatar Airways Boeing jets

Opinion

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.

United 787

In depth

Flight International Letters, March 2022

Your views about the aerospace industry and our reporting.

H160 ANH

Analysis

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.

head of Boeing Global Services Ted Colbert

Interview

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.

Joby

News

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 Air 747. Atlas-2

News

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.

SB-1 Defiant sling load test c Sikorsky

News

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.

Cirrus TRAC SR20s

News

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.

Dickson-Max-c-FAA

News

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 Boeing 777F

News

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.

LMXT F-35

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

American orders three Embraer 175s for Envoy Air

American Airlines has ordered three Embraer E175s for its wholly-owned regional affiliate Envoy Air.

WJ115_21Jan2021_first Max reveune flight in Canada following grounding

News

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.

IMG_0855

News

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.

Boeing 787

News

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 Airways Airbus A220

News

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.

Gripen E

News

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.

Hungarian Govt A330-c-Anna Zvereva Creative Commons

News

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.

CHRIS_CALIO_0313_landscape

News

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.

680e75b2-fd9c-4e9b-86a4-87fb28154c80_Joby+ANA+Press+Release

News

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.

Leap-1B-c-Max Kingsley-Jones+FlightGlobal-web

News

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_Omer Bar-Yohay

News

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.

20210412_rs-68a-acceptance-test-at-ssc-4-12-21

News

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.

Boeing KC-46 USAF

News

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.

wizz-air-a3218e7a3c5d7b3749ca819e56fddd9dd4bf_5f723394

News

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.

Airline Business Weekly Briefing Logo WEB2

Analysis

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.

NMA title-c-FlightGlobal

News

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. 

A321neo-c-Airbus

Analysis

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.

417238-Image 1 - Cessna Turbo Skylane in flight-aeb9e1-original-1644501968

News

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.

Rending of a Boeing P-8A Poseidon in Canadian livery

News

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's Alice, depicted over San Francisco

News

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.

Air Inuit Dash 8 cargo door-c-Air Inuit

News

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.

United Mesa E175

News

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 technology can autonomously control fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft c Sikorsky

News

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.

Swoop_Livery_Side_Above_Sunrise_Distant

News

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. 

1615173468960

News

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 A321LR-c-Airbus

News

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.

Delta A350

News

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 OPV Black Hawk UH-60A flies autonomously without pilot c Sikorsky

News

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.

Alaska-Airlines_737_MAX-c-Sam-Almo-Milkin_Creative-Commons

News

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.

Airbahn_2

In depth

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.

321 Precision Conversions A321 freighter-c-321 Precision Conversions

News

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 Sustainable Aviation Fuel_image-c-Boeing

News

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.

Boeing 737

News

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.

Boeing 737 Max 8

News

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”.

AARGM-ER is successfully launched from a US Navy FA-18 Super Hornet during second test c Northrop Grumman

News

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.

Spirit A319 Max KJ FG

Analysis

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.

A220-100-c-Airbus

News

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.

Allegiant_9Feb2021

News

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.

frontier100thaircraftdelivery

News

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.

Boeing

News

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.

201909-frontier-woodson-1499

News

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.

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In depth

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.

B787-9 OE-LNM Landing

News

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.

US Navy crashed F-35c

News

​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.

Royal Canadian Air Force CH-148 Cyclone helicopter lands on Royal Canadian Navy ship c RCAF

News

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.

EasyJet at London Gatwick

News

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.

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Analysis

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_delta

News

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.

Installation of a "5G" antenna

News

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.

United 787-10

News

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.

MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range 1 c General Atomics

News

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.

CH-53K helicopters being built at factory in Stratford Connecticut c Sikorsky

News

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.

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News

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.

Archer03

News

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.

GE Aviation hybrid engine test

News

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_9Feb2021

Analysis

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.

First IFC-4 Triton delivered to the US Navy c Northrop Grumman

News

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 TBM 940. Daher

News

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.

Boeing 777-8 Freighter

Analysis

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 787s-c-Spirit AeroSystems

News

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 Boeing 787

News

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.

Northrop Grumman’s prototype AI assistant aim's to help rotary pilots perform expected and unexpected tasks such as responding to an engine fire c USAF

News

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.

737 Max-c-Boeing

News

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 6X Falcon

News

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.

F-15EX Eagle II waits to taxi out before first missile firing of AIM-120 c USAF

News

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.

Boeing 777-8 Freighter

News

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.

LMXT F-35

Analysis

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 777F Boeing.

News

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 Martin LMXT tanker c Lockheed Martin

News

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.

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News

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.

170605_alaska_124 (1)

News

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.

Elroy Air Chaparral C1-c-Elroy Air

News

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.

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Analysis

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.

Boeing KC-46

News

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.

G500-And-G600-c-Gulfstream

News

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.

Cessna Citation Longitude

News

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.

FJprHhwXEAQOqnI

News

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. 

201008PHX_International-PRINT023-source

News

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.

Boeing 737 Max 7

Analysis

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 Airways Airbus A320

News

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.

F-35Bs

News

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 Overture Greensboro

News

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.

Emirates 777F-c-Boeing

News

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.

Madrid

News

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.

CV-22

News

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.

US Air Force KC-46As

News

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.

F-35A

News

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.

LH2 turboprop-c-ICCT

News

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.

Shashank-Nigam

Opinion

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 787

News

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 Airlines

News

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.

PW1100G A320 - Airbus

News

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.

Eagle Services Pratt

News

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.

F-35A

News

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.

20210115_21ar-00004_052d

News

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.

Leap-1B-c-Max Kingsley-Jones+FlightGlobal-web

News

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. 

Jet fuel costs

News

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.

201006-N-NO101-177

News

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.

Wisk_Aero_Media_Kit_Flight_1_HD

News

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.

1315025375

News

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.

Wisk_Aero_Media_Kit_Primary_Image_HD (1)

News

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.

E190-E2-c-Embraer

News

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.

FlightGlobal survey

Analysis

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.

Major Kristin Wolfe

Interview

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.

787 pilots in cockpit

Analysis

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.

Srwijaya 737 wreckage

Analysis

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.

B-52 Bomber

News

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.

Air China A330-200

News

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.

Partnerships

Opinion

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 525

News

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.

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Analysis

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.

Skywest_delta

News

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. 

SkyWest United E175

News

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 Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Los Angeles airport

News

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 Airlines 787-9

News

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 Airlines hub Miami Airbus A320

News

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.

Top Aces F-16 AFF

News

Top Aces unleashes F-16 advanced aggressor fighter

Top Aces has for the first time flown a Lockheed Martin F-16A equipped with its advanced aggressor mission system, enabling the legacy type “to replicate the most advanced capabilities of contemporary air-to-air combat opponents”.

Breeze Airways' first A220-300 aircraft

News

Breeze to introduce Airbus A220 on 17 routes in Q2

US start-up carrier Breeze Airways will introduce its new Airbus A220-300s on 17 routes beginning in May.

United_777-300

News

United Airlines lost $646m in Q4 as Omicron delayed recovery

United Airlines lost $646 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 impacted air travel and delayed the airline’s anticipated recovery.

American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER 2020

News

Airlines struggle with 5G rollout in USA

US airlines are struggling to deal with the fallout of the nationwide launch of new fifth-generation (5G) cell-phone networks, despite a move to delay their introduction at busy airports across the country.

Spirit A319 Max KJ FG

News

Verizon, AT&T delay 5G near some airports, minimising expected aviation impact

Both Verizon and AT&T have agreed to delay the roll-out of fifth-generation wireless networks near certain US airports – a move that will lessen but likely not eliminate the impact on commercial aviation.

Installation of a "5G" antenna

News

AT&T delays 5G rollout at ‘limited number’ of towers amid US flights row

One of the two US cellular companies due to rollout their fifth-generation wireless networks tomorrow, AT&T, is to voluntarily defer activating a limited number of towers located around particular runways amid the continuing row about the impact of 5G transmissions on airline operations.

Sikorsky Boeing DEFIANT LZ Image - EXTERNAL

News

SB-1 Defiant wraps up FLRAA mission profile flight testing

A Sikorsky/Boeing team has completed mission profile test flights with the SB-1 Defiant demonstrator related to the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition.

Air Canada chief executive

Analysis

Airline CEO churn moderated in 2021 – with Canada clearout the exception

Fifteen of the world’s top 100 airlines and groups welcomed new chief executives in the 12 months to early December 2021, according to FlightGlobal’s latest survey, with upheaval among North American airlines a notable theme – and one that is set to continue into 2022.

737-8_7Dec2021

News

Airlines urge US government to prohibit 5G near airports to avoid ‘incalculable’ disruption

US airlines are urging the administration of President Joe Biden to prohibit 5G wireless transmissions near certain airports, warning of an aviation-industry meltdown starting 19 January.

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker Logo

In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: January 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.

Boeing 787-c-Boeing

News

Several Airbus and Boeing types cleared over ‘5G’ concerns but 787 among exceptions

US aviation regulators have cleared several Airbus and Boeing models to operate low-visibility landings at airports where ‘5G’ communications services will become available.

B787-9 OE-LNM Landing

News

US DOT approves Norse Atlantic flights between Europe and USA

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved Scandinavian long-haul operator Norse Atlantic Airways’ application to operate scheduled and chartered service between Europe and the USA.

B737 Max 8 cockpit-c-Max Kingsley-Jones FlighGlobal

News

FAA to work with pilots of ‘varying’ experience when setting pilot training standards

The Federal Aviation Administration will now consider the actual real-world skills of US and foreign airline pilots when developing aircraft-specific pilot-training standards.

XB1_05

News

Boom Supersonic begins testing XB-1 demonstrator’s GE engines

Supersonic aircraft developer Boom has begun testing the engines that power its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft.

boeing building

News

Boeing’s 777X chief project engineer Teal to retire, succeeded by Loffing

Boeing 777X chief project engineer Michael Teal, who had been chief engineer of the 737 Max programme, will retire from Boeing on 1 April.

A321P2F-c-Airbus

News

FedEx sought to equip A321s with missile-defence systems

US express delivery company FedEx applied with the Federal Aviation Administration in 2019 for authority to install a missile-defence system on Airbus A321s – an aircraft type FedEx does not yet operate.

United Airlines 777

News

China, USA spar again over flight suspensions

The US government has slammed China over its decision to impose a growing number of flight suspensions on US carriers, prompting Chinese state media to hit back at “groundless” claims. 

Hartford_Hosptial_LifeStar

News

FAA decision frees some helicopter operations from 5G prohibitions

Helicopter lobby group Helicopter Association International (HAI) says it achieved a partial victory for members as it strives to keep medical air transports flying after cellular phone companies introduce new fifth-generation (5G) networks next week.

Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-200 2019

News

Omicron caused ‘hellacious’ weeks for Delta: CEO

Delta Air Lines expects to post a loss for the first quarter of 2022 as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 forced the carrier to cancel hundreds of flights in recent weeks.

Southwest 737-700 Max KJ FG

News

FAA bars auto-landings at more than 100 US airports starting 19 January in response to 5G

The US Federal Aviation Administration has prohibited some instrument-based flight operations at US airports beginning on 19 January, a response to the planned start of so-called 5G cellular transmissions.

Delta Air Lines

News

Strong fourth quarter and government aid push Delta to full-year profit

Delta Air Lines posted a pre-tax loss of $3.4 billion in 2021, though reached the black when accounting for extraordinary items including the US Government’s payroll support programme.

Perlan 2 sailplane

News

Perlan glider to stream ‘live feed’ of stratosphere when flights resume

The high-altitude Perlan 2 glider may soon be carrying a Thales-made satellite communications system that will broadcast live in-flight video from the sailplane while cruising earth’s stratosphere.

Collins Mi-2

News

Collins flight-tests next-gen military network using Bonanza and Mi-2s

Collins Aerospace late last year completed flight tests that demonstrated a suite of integrated communications and networking technologies as part of a US military network-modernisation effort.

Cargo

News

Air cargo growth slowed in November amid supply-chain issues: IATA

Air cargo growth slowed in November as supply chain issues affected demand, according to airline association IATA

Boeing B-52 USAF

News

Collins lands deal to upgrade B-52 electrical system

Collins Aerospace has secured a contract from Boeing to upgrade the electric power generation system (EPGS) aboard US Air Force (USAF) B-52 bombers.

22q0MUTY

News

Magnix names COO D’Ercole as interim CEO following Ganzarski’s departure

Electric propulsion specialist Magnix has named chief operating officer Michele D’Ercole as interim chief executive, filling a position left vacant by the recent departure of former CEO Roei Ganzarski.

Aer LIngus A330-300

News

American and Aer Lingus reveal codeshare deal

American Airlines will begin codesharing with Aer Lingus on flights between the USA and Europe, the US company said on 11 January.

Air_Traffic_Control_Tower_0002_2019

News

FAA briefly halted western-US airport operations on 10 January, reason unclear

The Federal Aviation Administration declines to say why it briefly stopped aircraft movements in the western USA on 10 January.

United_Vaccine

News

US airlines face ongoing staffing issues due to Omicron variant

Numerous US airlines have reduced their schedules and continue to suffer under the Omicron variant of Covid-19, as thousands of workers call in sick, leading to flight cancellations and delays across the nation for the fourth straight week.

An Allegiant 737 Max near Las Vegas

News

Boeing logs more than 500 net orders in 2021 as deliveries accelerate

Boeing landed another 79 net orders for new aircraft in December 2021, continuing its recent positive momentum and pushing its full-year total to 535 jets.

A220 pax windows-c-Airbus

News

A220 stretch is ‘natural’ but ‘not a near-term decision’: Scherer

Airbus insists there is no immediate plan to look at stretching the A220, even though it indicates that it will need to consider the measure at some point.

USAF F-15

News

US budget office sees fall in US Air Force, Navy aircraft availability

The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that both availability rates and flying hours have declined for the US Air Force (USAF) and Department of the Navy (DoN) over the last two decades.

General Atomics Avenger with Legion Pod c General Atomics

News

​Avengers collaborate to identify, transmit aerial threat data

Two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Avenger unmanned air vehicles have used sensor pods to spot long-range airborne threats and fuse the resulting data.

PW1100G A320 - Airbus

News

Raytheon, P&W and suppliers face civil suit related to alleged hiring manipulation

Raytheon Technologies, its subsidiary Pratt & Whitney and several P&W suppliers are the target of a new class-action lawsuit stemming from an alleged plot by those companies to manipulate labour markets.

Delta A321-c-Delta Air Lines

News

JetBlue’s Laurence joins Delta as VP of network planning

Former JetBlue Airways executive Scott Laurence will join Delta Air Lines as vice-president of network planning later this month.

Air Lease A350-900-c-Airbus

News

Turkish Airlines and Air Lease trim passenger A350 orders

Turkish Airlines and US lessor Air Lease each appear to have trimmed their commitments to the passenger Airbus A350, the airframer’s full-year backlog figures show.

A220-300-c-Airbus

News

Florida-based lessor Azorra signs for 22 A220s including business-jet version

US lessor Azorra has signed for 22 Airbus A220s which will include a pair of ACJ TwoTwenty business jet variants.

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Analysis

Cathay woes and Allegiant order reflect dichotomy in airline prospects

The year has kicked off with a stark reminder of the dichotomy in airline fortunes around the world as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

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News

Details emerge of second Air Canada 737 Max load imbalance incident

Canadian investigators have disclosed details of a second Air Canada Boeing 737 Max load and balance mishap within three weeks, this time involving an aircraft departing Los Angeles.

Magni500-powered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

News

Ganzarski steps down as CEO of Magnix and chair of Eviation

Aviation executive Roei Ganzarski is stepping down from his posts as chief executive of US electric propulsion company Magnix and board chair of electric aircraft developer Eviation.

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News

Avelo raises an additional $42 million

Low-cost start-up Avelo Airlines has raised an additional $42 million in a second round of funding, bringing its total capital base to $160 million.

Atlas Air 777F

Analysis

Atlas Air Worldwide orders another four 777Fs

US air cargo company Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has ordered four Boeing 777 Freighters, handing the airframer another in a string of recent freighter wins.

An Allegiant 737 Max near Las Vegas

Analysis

Aircraft availability, attractive terms flipped Allegiant to Boeing’s Max

Near-term aircraft availability and attractive purchase terms ultimately drove Allegiant Travel to ditch its all-Airbus-fleet strategy by ordering 50 Boeing 737 Max jets.

acj twotwenty-c-airbus

News

Comlux receives first ACJ TwoTwenty to outfit for Dubai’s Five

Business aircraft operator Comlux has taken delivery of the first corporate Airbus A220, a version branded as the ACJ TwoTwenty.

Allegiant 737 Max

News

Allegiant confirms major order for Boeing’s 737 Max

Allegiant Travel, parent of US ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, has ordered 50 Boeing 737 Max jets and taken options to acquire a further 50, with deliveries starting in 2023.

Saab 2000 Cargo-c-Jetstream Aviation Capital

News

Swedish firm prepares to convert first Saab 2000 for US customer

Swedish aircraft modification firm Taby Air Maintenance is preparing to start converting a Saab 2000 from passenger to freighter configuration.

Allegiant Air’s Airbus A320s (April 2019)

News

Allegiant to order 50 737 Max: report

US discount airline Allegiant Air is near to finalising an order for 50 Boeing 737 Max, according to a 4 January report from Reuters.

737 Max tech flight

News

Indicted former 737 Max technical pilot seeks dismissal, judge again delays trial

A US judge has pushed back the trial of indicted former Boeing 737 Max technical pilot Mark Forkner by one month, to a 7 March start, giving Forkner’s legal team more time to prepare.

cesnna-winglet-c-Tamarack Aerospace

News

Tamarack challenges NTSB’s finding that Atlas winglet failure caused 2018 Cessna crash

Tamarack Aerospace has challenged the conclusion of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that the failure of one of the company’s aftermarket winglets caused the deadly 2018 crash of a Cessna Citation 525A jet.

EA-18G Growler conducts a Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) flight test c US Navy

News

Raytheon, US Navy talk EA-18G’s AESA radar providing jamming boost

Raytheon and the US Navy are looking to increase the jamming capability of the Boeing EA-18G Growler by also using the electronic attack aircraft’s APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar.

F-35B HMS Queen Elizabeth launch

News

Lockheed boosts F-35 deliveries in 2021; touts digital push

Lockheed Martin delivered 142 F-35 fighters in 2021, as the programme continued to gain maturity.

United Airlines 777

News

US regulators tussle over 5G, warn of flight cancellations ahead of 5 January launch

The US telecommunications industry appears set to begin “5G” wireless transmissions on 5 January, even as the Federal Aviation Administration warns doing so could prompt widespread flight cancellations.

Airline-data

Analysis

Airline share prices end 2021 below year-ago level after 12 months of Covid-19 setbacks

Airline share prices ended 2021 slightly down on the same point 12 months ago after a year characterised by dashed hopes, as the Covid-19 pandemic continued to play havoc with the travel industry.

ACG A220-c-Airbus

News

Lessor Aviation Capital Group signs for up to 60 Airbus jets

US-based lessor Aviation Capital Group has signed for up to 60 Airbus single-aisle jets, including reaching a tentative agreement to take 20 A220s.

Delivery-Montage-2021

Analysis

Which airlines welcomed new aircraft types into their fleets during 2021?

Established airlines around the world debuted aircraft types and variants in their fleets during 2021, despite the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We look back at some of the highlights, from nimble narrowbodies through to heavyweight widebodies. 

Alitalia aircraft

In depth

Which airlines launched, failed or merged in 2021?

One of the most counter-intuitive things about the pandemic for the airline sector has been that during the worst crisis the industry has ever faced, relatively few carriers have collapsed.

FHox-DcWQAsaBvi

News

Canada Jetlines takes delivery of first aircraft

Canada Jetlines, which promised to launch a low-cost airline for years, has taken delivery of its first aircraft, an 11-year-old Airbus A320

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737. Alaska Airlines

News

US airlines struggle as Covid-19’s Omicron variant sidelines employees

US airlines continue to struggle with staffing issues as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 hits the carriers hard over the busy Christmas travel period.

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Analysis

Reasons for the airline industry to be optimistic about 2022, despite Omicron

Much as the emergence of the Alpha variant of Covid-19 in late 2020 put a damper on hopes for a strong air traffic recovery in the new year, the Omicron variant is playing the same trick as 2021 comes to an end.

Stand in attack weapon northrop

News

Northrop continues work with new A2/AD missile

Northrop Grumman has completed the second test flight of a developmental missile that is aimed at the US government’s requirement for a new Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW).

United_737

News

United cancels scores of flights on Christmas Eve due to Omicron

United Airlines has pre-emptively cancelled scores of flights scheduled for Christmas Eve due to a sudden increase of flight crew and operations personnel testing positive for the coronavirus, or being in close contact with someone who has.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737

News

FAA issues special airworthiness bulletin regarding 5G cellular networks

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) asking the aviation industry to analyse and assess potential issues related to C-band 5G stations on radio altimeters.

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News

TSA screens more passengers than on same day in pre-pandemic 2019

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has screened more passengers than on the comparable day prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

Delta Air Lines

In depth

How far through the crisis are Americas’ biggest airlines?

While many international services remained heavily restricted for US carriers until November’s easing of travel rules into the country, access to the large domestic market had already helped give the travel recovery momentum..

737 Max with A320s

Opinion

Why Boeing must act fast to tackle rival’s narrowbody lead

Stung by two recent major airline defections from its 737 operator family, the embattled US airframer needs to cut the advantage held by Airbus with its hot-selling A321neo-model twinjets.

KLM 787 pilots

Analysis

Will airlines change course and explore single-pilot operations?

Could single-pilot commercial airliner operations become reality? Manufacturers and regulators want to know if removing a crew member from the cockpit is feasible – but unions are unconvinced.

Deserted airport gate

Analysis

Can airline sector steer clear of Covid troubles?

Despite early optimism, it is clear that the pandemic is not finished with us, and disruption will remain an occupational hazard for airlines for some time

United Airlines 777

Analysis

North American carriers applying recovery brake

In 2021, North American airlines raced to restore capacity as worries about Covid-19 eased – and paid the price. They may not be in such a rush this time.

A350F CMA CGM

Analysis

New big-twin freighters square up for heavyweight contest

One of the most interesting battles between the big two airframers in 2022 will be in new-build large twinjet freighters, with strong offerings on the market from both.

Artist rendering of Lockheed Martin NGAD

Analysis

US Air Force to advance stealthy successor for F-22

Details of the US Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter are top secret, but some hints about its key technologies are beginning to appear.

777X

Analysis

Is Boeing heading for much-needed recovery?

After more than 30 miserable months, could the airframer be about to put the Max grounding behind it and restore its prior formidable reputation?

Bell X-1

Analysis

Supersonic anniversary will drive on developers with a need for speed

It will soon be 75 years since mankind broke the sound barrier. With a huge focus on cutting carbon, is there a market for supersonic commercial jets?

FlightGlobal 2022 forecasts intro

Analysis

What awaits the aviation sector in 2022?

Our special package of forecast articles looks at a dozen topics which are likely to be in the headlines during the coming 12 months.

Boeing 777-200 PW4077 failure. United Airlines

News

FAA proposes modifications and inspections of Boeing 777 engines

The Federal Aviation Administration will require modifications and additional inspections of Pratt & Whitney-powered Boeing 777-200 and -300 aircraft after an in-flight engine failure in February.

Installation of a "5G" antenna

News

Industry groups collaborate to allay ‘5G’ network concerns

Wireless industry and aviation trade groups are working on a solution to the concerns that the aviation industry has expressed regarding the imminent introduction of “5G” wireless cell phone networks.

US Navy TH-73A

News

US Navy signs $159m Lot III contract for TH-73A trainers

The US Navy has signed a $159 million contract to acquire another 36 Leonardo Helicopters TH-73A trainers, boosting its firm commitment to the AW119Kx derivative to 104 aircraft.

United Airlines Boeing 787-10 2020

News

Airbus and Boeing jointly call on US government to delay ‘5G’ network rollout

Airbus and Boeing have written a joint letter to the US government expressing concern that the introduction of soon-to-be-active “5G” wireless networks could have a grave impact on commercial air transportation.

Airspace

News

JetBlue extends flights to London Heathrow through October 2022

JetBlue Airways has extended its daily flights between New York and London Heathrow airport through October 2022 after securing the required take-off and landing slots.

Eve_Embraer X

News

Eve to become public company through merger with blank-check company

Embraer’s electric air taxi development subsidiary Eve plans to become a publicly traded company by combining with blank-check firm Zanite Acquisition, with Embraer retaining 82% of the resulting company’s equity.

A UPS Boeing 767 Freighter

News

UPS orders 19 more 767 Freighters

Express package specialist UPS has ordered another 19 Boeing 767 Freighters, handing another win to the US airframer at a time of robust demand for air cargo.

James McMicking-c-via Twitter

News

ZeroAvia recruits UK aerospace institute figure to set out strategic path

Hydrogen-electric engine firm ZeroAvia has recruited a strategy head from the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute as well as a senior Boeing propulsion engineer and Shell hydrogen specialist, to reinforce its management and advisory teams.

MQ-25 Boeing Stingray

News

MQ-25 winds up deck handling tests on US aircraft carrier

Boeing and the US Navy (USN) have completed a series of tests to assess the deck handling characteristics of the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned air vehicle (UAV) aboard an aircraft carrier.

Alice taxi title-c-via Twitter

News

Eviation taxis Alice prototype at Arlington Municipal airport

Eviation’s in-development all-electric aircraft completed a low-speed taxi run in recent days, marking what Eviation calls another step leading toward the prototype’s first flight.

NAC-c-Airbus

News

Lessor Nordic Aviation Capital to restructure under US Chapter 11

Irish-based lessor Nordic Aviation Capital is to file for voluntary US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to undertake a restructuring process which will include injection of over $500 million in capital.

737 Max

News

USA asks judge to prohibit Forkner from alleging he is ‘scapegoat’ for Max crashes

The US Department of Justice is urging a federal judge to prohibit Boeing’s former 737 Max technical pilot from presenting evidence suggesting he is being made a “scapegoat” for two crashes.

Archer03

News

Archer Aviation’s Maker completes first flight

Archer Aviation’s in-development Maker electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has flown for the first time.

F-35A Lakenheath arrival

News

First European-based US Air Force F-35As arrive at Lakenheath home

The first four of an eventual 24 US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35As to be based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK arrived at the Suffolk base on 15 December.

Qantas A321XLR-c-Qantas

Analysis

Loss of Qantas and Air France-KLM deals to Airbus highlights Boeing’s competitive gaps

Defections of two long-time narrowbody customers – Air France-KLM and Qantas – to Boeing’s arch-rival in Toulouse does not mean the 737 Max is a worse aircraft than the A320neo, but the comparative strength of Airbus’s single-aisle strategy appears to be a winning formula.

Screenshot 2021-12-17 112648

News

Southwest’s Kelly tests positive for Covid-19 two days after DC testimony

Southwest Airlines’ chief executive officer Gary Kelly has tested positive for coronavirus just two days after he and other US airline executives appeared in-person to testify in front of US congressional committee. 

P&W's updated GTF, the GTF Advantage

News

US government indicts six aerospace executives on allegations of manipulating labour markets

The US government has indicted six aerospace industry executives – including one who apparently worked at Pratt & Whitney – for allegedly conspiring to manipulate aerospace hiring practices for the purpose of reducing labour costs.

Alexis von Hoensbroech_Copyright Nicole Heiling

News

WestJet names Austrian’s Alexis von Hoensbroech to be its new CEO

WestJet has named Austrian Airlines chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech to be its new CEO.

MC-130 Rapid Dragon Deployment Graphic

News

USAF hits maritime target with cruise missile launched from C-130

The US Air Force has hit a target with a cruise missile launched from the ramp of a cargo aircraft for the first time as part of its Rapid Dragon programme.

Laguardia_Terminal B_10June2020

News

JetBlue and American forge ahead with alliance despite lawsuit

JetBlue Airways and American Airlines have expanded their collaboration, with plans to operate some 700 daily flights from New York’s John F Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports, and from Boston Logan International airport, by next summer.

Installation of a "5G" antenna

News

US cellular industry insists ‘5G’ will not curtail aviation safety

The US cellular industry is pushing back against warnings that soon-to-be-active “5G” wireless networks could cause dangerous interference with aircraft altimeters, citing the safe use of 5G in many other countries.

AC_330-300

News

Canada again warns citizens to avoid international travel

Canada has once again told its citizens to stay home as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus begins to quickly spread across the country and around the world.

pamela_fletcher_1

News

Delta names chief sustainability officer to leadership team

Delta Air Lines has added a Chief Sustainability Officer, the first major US airline to create that role in the C-suite.

Rolls-Royce 747 flying test bed

News

Questions surround conversion of ex-Qantas 747 into Rolls-Royce flying testbed

Conversion of a former Qantas 747-400 into a flying testbed for Rolls-Royce is lagging behind schedule as the status of the progamme remains unclear. 

Breeze Airways First A220-300

News

Breeze acquires first A220, from AerCap

US discounter Breeze Airways has received its first Airbus A220, taking a -300 variant from Irish aircraft lessor AerCap.

FLAIR MAX (002)

News

Canada’s Flair to add 14 737 Max to fleet from 2022

Canada’s Flair Airlines plans to double the size of its fleet over the next two years through the addition of 14 Boeing 737 Max 8s.

ACJ TwoTwenty first flight-c-Airbus

News

First business jet A220-100 carries out maiden flight

Airbus has conducted the first flight of a business jet variant of its A220-100, which the airframer has branded as the ACJ TwoTwenty.

De Havilland Canada and ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric Dash 8-400

News

De Havilland and ZeroAvia to develop hydrogen-electric Dash 8-400

Turboprop manufacturer De Havilland Canada and UK propulsion company ZeroAvia intend to develop hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for integration into a Dash 8-400 turboprop, with certification targeted as soon as 2026.

Spirit A319 Max KJ FG

News

US aviation coalition warns of flight cancellations due to ‘5G’ wireless

A broad coalition of aviation groups is warning of widespread flight disruptions, including cancellations, due to pending implementation by wireless companies of so-called “5G” cellular systems.

EQ-4 Global Hawk c Northrop Grumman

News

Northrop to modify four EQ-4 Global Hawks with hypersonic missile testing sensors

The Department of Defense granted Northrop Grumman a contract to start reconfiguring four US Air Force (USAF) EQ-4 Block 20 Global Hawk unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) with sensors for tracking hypersonic missiles during tests.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737s

News

Boeing lands 91 new aircraft orders in November

A fresh commitment from Southwest Airlines helped push Boeing’s backlog up by 91 net orders in November, marking the 10th straight month during which the company logged positive commercial activity.

American 737 Max-c-American Airlines

News

American Airlines’ incoming CEO Isom names executive team

American Airlines has announced changes to its senior leadership team when current president Robert Isom takes over as chief executive on 31 March 2022.

J-20

News

Long-range missiles force US Air Force to rethink AWACS technology

Facing down long-range air-to-air missiles, such as the Chinese air force’s PL-15, the US Air Force is rethinking its airborne warning and control systems.

Virgin Australia_United Airlines

News

United and Virgin Australia team up for codeshare

United Airlines and Virgin Australia Group are teaming up to offer codeshare flights between the US and Australia. 

United_ZA6n

News

United invests in ZeroAvia and may buy up to 100 hydrogen-electric engines

United Airlines has taken a stake in advanced propulsion developer ZeroAvia, in a an agreement that could see the carrier order up to 100 hydrogen-electric engines that could be retrofitted onto United Express regional aircraft by 2028, pending certification.

Airbus

News

Delta to invest $1.2bn to bolster equity roles in Aeromexico, LATAM and Virgin Atlantic

Delta Air Lines is underpinning its partner airline strategy by investing a further $1.2 billion to retain significant equity stakes in Aeromexico, LATAM Airlines Group and Virgin Atlantic following their respective restructurings or recapitalisations.

US Air Force Research Labratory XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator - 2

News

US Air Force ‘commits’ to fielding loyal wingman UAVs

The US Air Force is ready to move beyond experimentation with unmanned combat aircraft and toward acquiring and fielding the next-generation unmanned air vehicles.

Eviation_AliceExecutive_Render04_2021-11-17

News

Eviation reveals Alice’s cabin in executive configuration

Electric aircraft developer Eviation has revealed an executive variant of its in-development Alice featuring seating for six passengers, a galley and a lavatory.

Aeromexico Boeing 787

News

Creditors object to Delta’s role in Aeromexico bankruptcy financing

Numerous creditors are objecting to Aeromexico’s restructuring plan, claiming the plan is marred by conflicts of interest involving parties including Delta Air Lines.

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Analysis

Airlines face Omicron with the WHO and consumers on side

As the world awaits hard data on the likely impact of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, airlines also face slim-pickings when it comes to indictors of how travel demand will respond.

Royal Canadian Air Force CH-148 Cyclone helicopter lands on Royal Canadian Navy ship c RCAF

News

S-92A unaffected by tail cracks found in RCAF’s CH-148 Cyclone fleet: Sikorsky

Sikorsky says its civilian S-92A helicopter is unaffected by cracks found in a majority of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-148 Cyclone fleet.

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News

Perennial start-up Canada Jetlines now aims to launch in Q2 2022

Canada Jetlines, which has promised to launch a low-cost airline for years, is now setting its sights on beginning flights by the second quarter of 2022.

Jaunt - BAE Systems 082220

News

BAE ramps development of electric-aircraft technology at US site

Aerospace company BAE Systems is ramping up development of electric-aircraft systems in the USA to ensure it remains on the leading edge of that burgeoning aviation segment.

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News

Air Transat cuts fiscal Q4 loss and ramps schedule

Transat AT, owner of Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat, says increased load factors helped reduce losses in the company’s fiscal fourth quarter, and that demand is set to rise as passenger confidence improves.

American Airlines Boeing 787

News

American cuts summer 2022 international flying due to 787 delivery delays

American Airlines has reduced international flying next summer due to delayed deliveries of widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

GA-ASI_Mojave_5_hr

News

General Atomics unveils Mojave STOL UAV for dirt runways or aircraft carriers

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems unveiled a new medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicle on 9 December that can take off and land in as little as 500ft, including from dirt runways or aircraft carriers.

Allegiant_9Feb2021

News

Allegiant sees Mexico as a “green field”: CEO

A week after Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus and Allegiant Air applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a transborder commercial alliance, the US discount carrier’s chief executive Maurice Gallagher says Mexico is a “green field” that holds many possibilities for the airline.

Southwest 737-c-Southwest Airlines

News

Southwest predicts it will be profitable in Q4 and 2022

Southwest Airlines now expects its fourth quarter financial results will be better than previously anticipated, and predicts it will turn profits in the period and in 2022.

USMC Bell AH-1Z Viper used for JAGM tests against ships c USMC

News

Marine Corps expand AH-1Z Viper’s ship-hunting capabilities with JAGM tests

The US Marine Corps in November finished testing the Bell AH-1Z Viper’s ability to launch AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles at maritime targets – a capability the service sees as having potential to prevent enemy ships from transiting littoral zones.

Boom Supersonic's conceptual airliner Overture in United Airlines' colours

News

Boom Supersonic negotiating to open manufacturing site in North Carolina: report

Supersonic aircraft developer Boom Aerospace is reportedly negotiating to secure state funding to open a manufacturing site for its future airliner Overture at Greensboro Triad International airport in North Carolina.

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In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: December 2021 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.

Boeing KC-46 at factory

News

Boeing KC-46A tanker approved for five more refuelling missions

The US Air Force approved Boeing’s KC-46A Pegasus in-flight refuelling tanker to refuel five additional aircraft types on 6 December, marking continued slow expansion of the aircraft’s capabilities. 

737-8_7Dec2021

News

FAA to prohibit many flight operations due to risk of ‘5G’ wireless interference

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a sweeping order essentially prohibiting aircraft, including large jets, from using certain landing and navigation systems in areas of potential interference from new “5G” cellular networks.

American Airlines Robert Isom

News

American president Isom to succeed Parker as CEO in March 2022

American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker will retire effective 31 March 2022 and be succeeded by American president Robert Isom.

Finnair fleet-c-Finnair

News

Finnair to open new US route in mid-2022

Oneworld alliance carrier Finnair is to open a new US gateway by operating services to Seattle from next year.

ch_47

News

Honeywell starts upgraded T55 turboshaft tests for CH-47 Chinook

Honeywell started testing an upgraded version of its T55 turboshaft for the Boeing CH-47 Chinook in November at its Phoenix facilities.

United Airlines Interior IFE Rendering

News

United Airlines names Nike CFO Matthew Friend to its board

United Airlines has named Nike chief financial officer Matthew Friend to its board of directors.

A220 YL-AAQ-c-Air Baltic

News

A220 dual-engine shutdown probe cautions against ‘abrupt’ thrust-lever movement

New Airbus A220 crew procedures for landing are being introduced after investigation into a dual-engine shutdown found that abrupt throttle movement can trigger erroneous detection of uncontrolled high thrust.

linda_markham_photo_1

News

Cape Air names Linda Markham as new chief executive

US commuter airline Cape Air has named Linda Markham to be its next chief executive officer after founder and long-time CEO Dan Wolf steps down in January.

Boeing 787

News

FAA requires inspections of 787 for cracking in structural joints

safeThe Federal Aviation Administration is requiring US airlines to inspect Boeing 787s for potential cracking of some structural joints.

A321XLR-c-Airbus

News

P&W optimising ‘GTF Advantage’ for in-development A321XLR

Modifications being made by Pratt & Whitney to its PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) partly reflect an effort by the engine maker to optimise the powerplant for Airbus’s in-development, longer-range A321XLR.

F-35B drops Stormbreaker glide bomb

News

F-35B stealth fighter drops StormBreaker glide bomb for first time

A US Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter has dropped a Raytheon StormBreaker precision glide bomb for the first time.

Archer1

News

FAA grants Archer special airworthiness certificate for Maker

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a special airworthiness certificate to Archer Aviation, allowing it to begin flight testing its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, called Maker.

United Covid testing EWR_16Nov2020

News

USA tightens Covid testing requirements for international inbound travel

In response to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the US government has tightened its testing requirements for inbound international air travellers, and extended the federal mask mandate.

P&W's updated GTF, the GTF Advantage

News

P&W unveils upgraded ’GTF Advantage’ geared turbofan for A320neos

Pratt & Whitney in 2024 will begin delivering an updated version of its PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) that the company says has more power and is 1% more fuel efficient than the current variant.

Royal Canadian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet

News

Ottawa trims replacement fighter candidates to F-35, Gripen

Lockheed Martin and Saab are to contest the final phase of Canada’s 88-aircraft fighter replacement need, after Ottawa narrowed the competitive field to their respective F-35A and Gripen E candidates.

Falcon 6X

News

Canadian regulators certificate Falcon 6X’s PW812D engine

Canadian aviation regulator Transport Canada has issued a type certificate for Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW812D, the turbofan that powers French airframer Dassault Aviation’s in-development large-cabin Falcon 6X business jet. 

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on the right Speaking at the Airline Passenger Experience Association Expo 2 c Airline Passenger Experience Association

News

Omicron is a setback, but won’t stop airline recovery: United’s Kirby

United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby believes Omicron – the highly mutated variant of Covid-19 recently discovered in South Africa – will be a short-term setback for airlines, but won’t stop the industry from moving toward full recovery.

VivaAerobus Airbus A321neo

News

Allegiant and Viva Aerobus apply to DOT for joint venture

Allegiant Air and Mexico’s Viva Aerobus have applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval of a commercial alliance that would expand low-cost flying between the USA and Mexico, and give the Las Vegas-based carrier an equity stake in the Mexican carrier.

United Airlines' first Boeing 737 Max 8

News

United to demonstrate passenger flight of jet powered partly with 100% SAF

United Airlines intends today to operate a demonstration flight – with non-paying passengers – using an aircraft powered partly with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Breeze Airways First A220-300

News

Neeleman sees flexibility from A220 configurations, eyes extended range

David Neeleman expects US start-up Breeze Airways to launch Airbus A220 flights with around five aircraft when it is approved to begin operations with the type next year.

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News

Oneworld carriers collectively source sustainable fuel at San Francisco

Oneworld alliance carriers serving San Francisco have provisionally agreed to purchase blended sustainable aviation fuel from specialist Aemetis, which is developing a facility in California.

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News

USAF needs new precision weapons for China, Russia: Mitchell

The US Mitchell Institute contends that the US Air Force (USAF) needs a new generation of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to effectively deter and fight major powers such as China and Russia.

Yates GD 1000 Silent Arrow being prepared

News

Air Force Research Lab orders 15 Silent Arrow unmanned cargo gliders

Looking for a new way to resupply ground troops, the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has ordered 15 cargo glider drones from Silent Arrow, a company of Yates Electrospace.

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News

US start-up airline Airbahn shows off first aircraft

Airbahn, a start-up passenger airline headquartered in Los Angeles suburb Irvine, published photos of its first aircraft, an Airbus A320, on social media on 24 November.

LMXT with F-35

News

Airbus touts autonomous refuelling advance, as USAF tanker opportunity nears

Airbus Defence & Space has announced plans to extend its work on automatic air-to-air refuelling – or so-called A3R – technologies by in the future incorporating fully autonomous functionality.

737 Max

News

US committee seeks more details from FAA about response to 737 Max crisis

US lawmakers have asked Federal Aviation Administration chief Steve Dickson for more information about how the agency responded to two issues related to the Boeing 737 Max.

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News

AeroVironment demonstrates ‘mini Predator’ using tactical UAV carrying loitering munition

AeroVironment is touting a “mini-Predator” configuration of its Jump 20 tactical unmanned air vehicle (UAV), a retrofit allowing the small drone to launch multiple Switchblade 300 loitering munitions.

Airbus

News

US bans travel from eight southern African countries amid Covid-19 variant fears

The US government has imposed a travel ban on non-citizens and permanent residents coming from eight countries in southern Africa, where a new variant of the coronavirus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has called “Omicron”, is causing concern.

Damaged Afghan MD530

Analysis

How Afghanistan’s fall reshaped World Air Forces inventory

Afghanistan returning to Taliban control saw its military aircraft inventory drop to zero and tested the international community’s ability to rescue at-risk civilians, during another busy year for defence.

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News

US attorneys instructed to prioritise pursuit of unruly passengers

US attorney general Merrick Garland is putting pressure on prosecutors to address the rise in unruly behaviour by passengers on commercial flights, ahead of the holiday travel season.

MH-47G Block II Chinook

News

Boeing to furnish US Army Special Forces with six more MH-47G Block IIs

Boeing has received a $247 million contract to build six additional MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters for the US Army Special Operations Command.

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In depth

Airline Business Index shows industry nearing three-quarters of pre-Covid size

The latest Airline Business Index shows the global airline industry is nearing three-quarters of its pre-Covid size, driven by rapidly returning passengers and revenue in the third quarter.

PenAir Saab 2000 overrun accident-c-NTSB

News

Swedish and UK investigators dispute US conclusions on fatal PenAir Saab overrun

Swedish and UK authorities have formally objected to the conclusions reached by a US inquiry into the fatal PenAir Saab 2000 overrun at Unalaska two years ago.

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News

Textron’s Denali makes its first flight

Textron Aviation has performed the maiden sortie of its in-development Beechcraft Denali single-engined turboprop, kicking off the flight-testing phase.

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320

News

JetBlue, American ask judge to throw out DOJ lawsuit

JetBlue Airways and American Airlines have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit against the carriers’ so-called Northeast Alliance (NEA).

US Air Force RQ-4 in flight c USAF

News

Northrop Grumman to add ‘dynamic’ in-flight rerouting to RQ-4B Global Hawk

The US Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to upgrade the RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle with ”dynamic” in-flight rerouting software.

Boeing 787

News

Boeing confirms door ‘rework’ being completed on in-production 787s

Boeing confirms it is completing rework to structures surrounding aft passenger and cargo doors on some in-production 787s, a move that involves holding up some areas of 787 assembly.

AFSOC meets with Japanese navy to talk about US-2 amphibious aircraft c USAF

News

USAF meets with Japanese navy to learn about amphibious aircraft operations

In another indication that developing an amphibious Lockheed Martin C-130 is a top priority for the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the service sent Major General Eric Hill to speak with Japanese navy representatives about that country’s ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft.

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News

Canada’s Air Transat and WestJet launch transatlantic codeshares

Canada’s second- and third-largest passenger carriers, WestJet and Air Transat, have entered into a codeshare agreement for transatlantic travel.

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News

Air Canada exits government financial aid programme

Air Canada will soon be leaving a government-sponsored financial aid programme that was established to help it manage through the coronavirus-driven slump.

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News

Lawmakers seek government review of FAA’s 787 oversight

US lawmakers have asked the Department of Transportation’s top inspector to evaluate whether the Federal Aviation Administration is able to adequately identify production issues affecting Boeing 787s.

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News

First Greenville-built F-16V one year from delivery, Lockheed says

Lockheed Martin is advancing with work on the first F-16V to be built on its new final assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina, and is confident of securing further fresh business for the world’s most widely-used fighter.

MQ-9A landing c USAF

News

USAF practices hot refuelling General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper for ‘Agile’ ops

The US Air Force says it conducted hot pit refuelling training for the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9A Reaper unmanned air vehicle for the first time.

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News

Tecnam reveals expected performance of in-development P-Volt electric aircraft

Italian airframer Tecnam has disclosed the expected specifications of its in-development P-Volt electric aircraft, and launched a programme under which P2012 Traveller owners can convert their aircraft to battery power.

Collins Aerospace Project 804 Dash 8-100

Analysis

Engine makers GE and P&W race to boost efficiency as net-zero carbon goal looms

With the USA recently committing to net-zero emissions from aviation by 2050, the country’s top turbofan manufacturers are each pursuing multi-path strategies aimed at improving engine efficiency. Those paths involve maturing several technologies simultaneously, with the goal of bringing various advances together into a new powerplant for narrowbody aircraft in 10 or 15 years.

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News

Collins acquires Dutch Thermoplastic for undisclosed sum

Collins Aerospace has acquired Dutch Thermoplastic Components in a deal that brings under the US aviation giant’s umbrella the manufacturing of thousands of composite parts, including longerons, struts and stiffeners.

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News

United to reboot Singapore services; hints at SIA codeshares

United Airlines will restart non-stop flights to Singapore in January under the city state’s Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme, as it hints at more codeshares with Singapore Airlines.

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News

Atlas transitions Southern Air onto a single operating certificate

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has completed the transition to bring its subsidiary Southern Air onto a single operating certificate.

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News

United cut regional routes due to pilot shortage: CEO

United Airlines was forced to cut service to 11 secondary cities across the midwestern USA beginning in January due to the pilot shortage, the company’s chief executive officer says.

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News

New Canadian low-cost carrier Lynx Air set to launch in early 2022

A new Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier called Lynx Air is set to launch flight operations the first quarter of 2022.

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News

Embraer vows legal measures as Brazilian air force to cut KC-390 order by nearly half

The Brazilian air force informed Embraer it will cut its KC-390 Millennium transport order from 28 to 15 aircraft.

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News

Boeing ‘needs’ to develop jet to counter A321neo: Udvar-Hazy

The head of aircraft lessor Air Lease thinks Boeing must develop an aircraft to counter long-range versions of Airbus’s A321neo, saying the US airframer’s ability to regain competitive footing will become tougher with time.

Atlas 747-400F

News

FAA proposes new rule to address 747 fuel-tank ignition risk

In a move to prevent fuel tank fires, the Federal Aviation Administration intends to require US airlines to inspect and potentially modify some fuel-tank components in 104 Boeing 747s.

777X-c-Boeing

News

Boeing had pitched Air Lease on 777X Freighter

Boeing pitched a freighter version of its 777X to aircraft lessor Air Lease before that company decided instead to become launch customer for Airbus’s newly announced A350F.

American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER 2020

News

Business travel patterns have shifted: American CEO

American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker says the carrier has seen business travel patterns shift amid the pandemic, and that smaller companies are now on the leading edge of the return in corporate travel.

Mammoth 777-200LR freighter-c-Mammoth Freighters

News

Cargojet order launches Mammoth 777-200LR freighter programme

Canadian carrier Cargojet Airways has emerged as the launch customer for the Boeing 777-200LR freighter conversion initiated by US-based Mammoth Freighters.

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News

Collins explores pilot fatigue risk-reduction through eye-tracking tie-up

Avionics specialist Collins Aerospace is to collaborate with Australian-based vision technology firm Seeing Machines to explore the use of eye-tracking systems to reduce pilot fatigue risk.

German air force C-130J

News

Lockheed outlines strong demand for C-130J, as first German example flies

Lockheed Martin has performed the first flight of a C-130J for Germany, as fresh sales opportunities look set to enable it to extend production of the tactical transport for the next decade-plus.

Pratt & Whitney Canada Dash 8-100 hybrid electric

News

P&W creates chief sustainability role amid focus on ‘net zero’

Engine maker Pratt & Whitney has created the new position of chief sustainability officer, and named longtime geared-turbofan (GTF) executive Graham Webb to fill the roll.

Bell 525 SAF c Bell

News

Bell flies 525 Relentless using sustainable aviation fuel for first time

Bell flew its 525 Relentless super-medium-twin helicopter for the first time in the summer of 2021 using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Delta A220-c-Airbus

News

US airlines prepare for busy Thanksgiving travel period

Major US airlines are preparing for an onslaught of passengers over the US Thanksgiving holiday long weekend later this month.

Canadian Coast Guard and Bell Textron Canada staff pose in front of the 16th Bell 429 helicopter delivered to the Coast Guard c Canadian Coast Guard

News

Canadian coast guard receives last Bell 429 helicopter

The Canadian coast guard has received its final Bell 429, the last part of its helicopter “Fleet Renewal Plan”.

Magni500-powered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

News

Brazil’s Flapper to operate Caravans powered by Magnix electric motors

Brazilian charter provider Flapper and electric propulsion company Magnix are working to bring electric-powered Cessna Caravans to Brazilian skies in 2024.

Counter UAV weapon c NATO

News

NATO exercise practices coordinating defences against small drones

NATO is working to coordinate the lower tier air defences of its members against hard-to-spot and difficult to shoot down small unmanned air vehicles.

American Airlines Airbus A321neo

News

US ‘net-zero’ plan cites uncertainty about sustainable aviation fuel benefits

A new US government report makes clear that the carbon-reduction benefits of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are unclear – being somewhere more than 50% cleaner than tradition fuel.

A350F ALC title-c-Airbus

News

Air Lease becomes A350F launch customer as part of broader large Airbus order

US lessor Air Lease has become the launch customer for the Airbus A350 freighter, agreeing to take seven of the type as part of a large order for 111 Airbus jets.

777X-c-Boeing

News

Boeing seals long-term titanium supply pact with Russia’s VSMPO

Boeing has agreed a long-term contract with the Russian metals specialist VSMPO-Avisma covering the supply of titanium products for commercial aircraft.

T-7A Red Hawk

News

T-7A Red Hawk test fleet ready for EMD boost, Boeing says

Boeing is poised to start the next phase of flight-testing with its T-7A Red Hawk, as the company continues to see strong market interest in the advanced jet trainer.

Wizz A321neo

News

Indigo Partners unveils huge order for over 250 Airbus jets

Airbus opened the Dubai air show with a powerful recovery signal by unveiling a huge order for 255 aircraft to be taken up by the airlines of Indigo Partners.

Collins Aerospace Directional Communications System for DARPA Pheme programme c Collins

News

Collins demos stealthy directional comms system for UAVs

Collins Aerospace has demonstrated a “directional communications system” that could allow unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) to securely transmit battlefield data while operating in contested airspace.

Max 9 in flight

News

Trial against indicted former Boeing 737 Max technical pilot delayed until February 2022

A US federal judge has delayed until February 2022 the start of a criminal trial against Mark Forkner, the former Boeing technical pilot indicted on charges related to the 737 Max.

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News

A220 diverts after thrust in one engine rolls back on approach

Canadian investigators are probing a loss of thrust on an Air Canada Airbus A220-300 during approach to New York, to which the crew responded with a go-around.

ethiopian crash debris c Mulugeta Ayene_AP_Shutter

News

Boeing ‘admits’ responsibility for Ethiopian 737 Max crash

Boeing has accepted responsibility in US federal court for the March 2019 crash of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8, and has agreed to compensate families of survivors.

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News

Frontier in “strong financial position”; expects recovery by Spring 2022

Frontier Airlines says it is in a “strong financial position” to get to pre-coronavirus levels by early 2022 despite the coronavirus’ Delta variant that ate into the carrier’s revenues in the third quarter of 2021.

Prototype Modular Effects Launcher on UH-60 Black Hawk airborne testing platform - October 2021 c US Army

News

US Army tests FARA’s 20mm Gatling gun, mix-and-match weapons pylons

The US Army has started flight testing weapons systems for its next-generation scouting helicopter, the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft.

GX4 satellite launch 2 - 15 May 2017 0012 BST with SpaceX from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida

News

Viasat eyes global in-flight connectivity coverage with Inmarsat acquisition

Satellite communications company Viasat views its planned acquisition of competitor Inmarsat as a means to add global in-flight connectivity coverage to what is now largely a regional-focused network.

BA A350-c-British Airways

News

IAG and Southwest to snap up sustainable fuel output from new Mississippi plant

IAG carriers and US budget operator Southwest Airlines have agreed to purchase the entire production of sustainable fuel, over the course of several years, from a planned US biorefinery project in Mississippi.

US Army soldiers get off UH-60 wearing IVAS goggles c US Army

News

US Army demos UH-60 air assault with soldiers wearing AR goggles

The US Army is experimenting with ways to conduct Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk air assault missions using soldiers wearing its Integrated Visual Augmentation System goggles.

SIkorsky UH-60A retrofitted with ALIAS and fly-by-wire controls making first flight under human pilotage c Sikorsky

News

US Army teams autonomous Black Hawk with drones in air assault experiments

The service is exploring how automated flight technologies, developed by DARPA, might allow its utility helicopters to fly faster, further and lower to the ground – or even without any human pilots in the cockpit at all.

Gulfstream's rendering of its planned service centre at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport

News

Gulfstream to open new services facility in Arizona

Business jet manufacturer Gulfstream is investing some $70 million to build a new aircraft maintenance and services facility at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport in Arizona.

Aircraft

News

Boeing logs another month of positive order activity in October

Boeing logged seven net new aircraft orders in October, a period during which the company lost three orders to cancellations and when 787 deliveries remained on hold.

fello fly A350s-c-Airbus

News

A350s operate transatlantic formation flight to test potential for cutting fuel-burn

Airbus has carried out a transatlantic test flight with an A350-900 and A350-1000 in a bid to demonstrate the potential fuel savings achievable when aircraft operate in formation.

GE9X on GE 747 flying testbed

News

GE to become ‘aviation-focused’ company by spinning off other divisions

General Electric intends to spin off its non-aviation businesses by early 2024, leaving the storied industrial conglomerate focused solely on aviation.

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In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: November 2021 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.

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News

Chinese spy convicted for trying to steal GE Aviation composite technology

A Chinese spy has been convicted in the USA of attempting to steal trade secrets related to GE Aviation composite technology.

SIA A350-900-c-Airbus

Opinion

QR quandary trips up re-boot of USA-Singapore air travel

Singapore’s acceptance of only one form of accreditation for travelers vaccinated in the USA highlights the thorny questions governments can encounter when reopening air travel.

De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 Ethiopian Airlines

News

De Havilland resumes Dash 8 work following strike but moves to decommission site

Following a three-month workforce strike, Canadian airframer De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has resumed Dash 8-400 completion work – but only temporarily.

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News

NTSB blames Tamarack winglet malfunction for 2018 crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says that a 2018 accident that killed three was caused by Tamarack Aerospace’s Atlas active winglet system.

Virgin America A320neo-c-Airbus

News

Alaska appears to scrub inherited Virgin America order for A320neos

Alaska Airlines appears to have dropped the order for 30 Airbus A320neos it inherited during its merger with Virgin America three years ago.

Wright Spirit Nov 2021

News

Wright developing all-electric variant of BAe 146

US aerospace company Wright Electric has launched development of a “zero-emission” electric-powered passenger airliner based on British Aerospace’s 146 regional jet.

AIM-120 on missile launch rail c Raytheon

News

Saudi Arabia requests AMRAAMs to replace weapons used against UAVs

The US Department of State has approved a request from Saudi Arabia to buy up to 280 Raytheon AIM-120C air-to-air missiles in order to replace inventory used to intercept unmanned air vehicle (UAV) attacks on the Middle Eastern kingdom.

Delta A350 Delta-1

News

US carriers prepare for influx of international travellers as entry ban is lifted

Major US passenger carriers are bracing for an influx of travellers ahead of the reopening of the country’s borders to fully vaccinated passengers from 33 countries, including most of Europe, scheduled for next week.

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News

US government pushes back vaccination deadline

The US government has pushed back its deadline for companies with more than 100 employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, from 8 December to 4 January 2022.

Israeli air force F-16 carrying SPICE 250 bombs on left side c Rafael

News

Lockheed, Rafael partner to sell SPICE 250 glide bomb kit to USA and Poland

Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel signed an agreement to jointly develop, manufacture, support and market the Smart, Precise Impact and Cost-Effective (SPICE) 250 guidance kit to the USA and Poland.

Atlas Air 747. Atlas-2

News

Atlas Air tops $1b in quarterly revenues for first time

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reported strong third-quarter results as the demand for air freight transportation continues to outstrip supply, and problems with ground-based shipping networks are slowing down the global supply chain.

Air China 737 Max 8

News

FAA has given China and Russia ‘all’ technical data for 737 Max certification

The Federal Aviation Administration has shared with China and Russia all technical data relevant to the 737 Max’s re-certification, though when those countries will clear the jet to fly remains unclear.

KLM cargo loading April 2020

News

Air cargo demand still high but ‘tangled’ global trade a concern: IATA

Airlines are continuing to benefit from high demand for air cargo, according to industry association IATA, but rising consumer and producer prices could eventually weigh on growth. 

Spirit 787s-c-Spirit AeroSystems

News

Spirit AeroSystems’ losses continue in Q3 as widebody product sags

Spirit AeroSystems significantly ramped deliveries of Boeing 737 fuselages in the third quarter of 2021, but, with its widebody business sagging, the company still lost $114 million in the period.

West Wind ATR crash-c-Transportation Safety Board of Canada

News

Departing with ice contamination 'normalised' before fatal West Wind ATR 42 crash

Canadian investigators believe the unsafe practice of departing from remote airports with a degree of icing contamination on critical surfaces had become normalised, before a fatal accident involving a West Wind ATR 42-300 at Fond-du-Lac.

PenAir Saab 2000 Unalaska runway overrun

News

Human error and wiring mix up caused 2019 Saab 2000 overrun in Alaska

An incorrectly wired anti-skid braking system and an unfortunate decision by pilots resulted in a PenAir Saab 2000 running off an Alaska runway in October 2019, killing one passenger.

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News

FAA warns about altimeter interference from broadband

The Federal Aviation Administration is warning aerospace manufactures and aircraft operators that 5G cellular wireless communications could impact radio altimeters starting in December.

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News

Lockheed Martin to develop military 5G technology with Verizon

Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement with Verizon to develop 5G wireless communications technologies for the US Department of Defense.

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News

NTSB recovers wreckage of Transair Boeing 737F that crashed off Hawaii

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the wreckage of the Boeing 737-200 freighter that crashed off the coast of Hawaii in July.

Air Canada_A220-300-9

News

Air Canada recovery ‘decisively underway’

Air Canada’s post-coronavirus recovery progressed in the third quarter after Canada relaxed travel restrictions and travellers began booking air travel in higher numbers. 

Area-I Altius-700 on ground c Area-I

News

Area-I reveals larger Altius-700 air-launched effect

Area-I has developed and test flown a new air-launched effect, known as the Altius-700, that can carry multiple payloads and fly for more than 5h.

United 787-9

News

SIA, United sign secretive partnership MOU

Singapore Airlines and United Airlines have signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to a “partnership” between the two airlines.

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News

Sun Country has a ‘great’ third quarter, turning $14m profit

Sun Country Airlines benefited from rebounding leisure traffic during the third quarter of 2021, ending the period with a small profit. 

Two General Atomics MQ-20 Avengers fly collaborative unmanned aircraft teaming experiments during Edwards Air Force Base’s Orange Flag 21-3 c General Atomics

News

Two General Atomics MQ-20 Avengers coordinate flight with Skyborg software

Two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-20 Avenger unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) flew for multiple hours in coordination using the Skyborg autonomy core system as part of a test event on 26 October.

Max 9 in flight

News

Analysts expect Boeing will retain inventory of undelivered 737 Max into 2024

Some analysts read recent comments by Boeing officials as suggesting that 737 Max deliveries are progressing slower than predicted and that Boeing will retain a large inventory of undelivered jets into 2024.

American 737 Max-c-American Airlines

News

American Airlines cancels almost 2,300 flights in four days

American Airlines has cancelled 2,291 flights since 29 October as inclement weather and staff shortages threw the airline’s schedule into disarray.

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News

Effective scan could stop inadvertent go-around escalation: FAA

US authorities are stressing the importance of proper instrument cross-checks on Boeing 757s and 767s to prevent escalation of incidents caused by inadvertent activation of go-around mode on the types.

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News

AerCap completes GECAS acquisition to create leasing giant

Irish-based lessor AerCap has completed its acquisition of US leasing giant GECAS, a transaction which gives General Electric around a 46% shareholding in AerCap.

F-15EX at Eglin AFB

News

US Air Force names GE Aviation engine supplier for F-15EX fleet

The US Air Force has named GE Aviation as the sole engine supplier for its new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fleet.

Skyryse FlightOS demonstrating flight control of Robinson Helicopters R66 c Skyryse

News

Skyryse raises $200m to allow ‘anyone to fly anywhere in any aircraft’

US start-up Skyryse has raised a $200 million in funding to develop a touchscreen tablet-based flight automation program that would allow “anyone to fly anywhere in any aircraft”.

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News

Former 737 Max technical pilot’s trial delayed until 15 December

The trial of former Boeing 737 Max chief technical pilot Mark Forkner will start on 15 December – one month later than previously scheduled.

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Analysis

What might COP26 mean for the airline industry?

On the eve of the UN climate change conference COP26, the airline industry is braced to discover what the eventual outcomes will mean for its growth path.

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News

Chilean court gives green light to Delta-LATAM joint venture

Chile’s competition authority TDLC has given the green light to LATAM Airlines Group and Delta Air Lines to implement their planned joint venture.

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News

SkyWest Q3 revenue reaches $745 million

US regional carrier SkyWest Airlines reported a small profit for the third quarter as it experienced increased demand for its services.

JPEG version of F-35 Turkey rollout

News

USA working to resolve disputes with Turkey over F-35 programme removal

The US Department of Defense sent a delegation to Ankara on 27 October to attempt to resolve fallout from Turkey’s ejection from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme.

Cessna Citation Longitude

News

Textron Aviation’s Q3 revenue rockets, CEO downplays supply constraints

Textron Aviation’s third-quarter revenue jumped nearly 50% year-on-year amid a booming business aircraft market that has left the Wichita airframer with considerable leverage to set and hold firm aircraft prices.

A320neo-Spirit-Airlines-takeoff

News

Spirit ‘learning’ from its operational meltdown

Spirit Airlines executives say they learned much from the airline’s operational woes last summer, and that they will add staff and cut routes to prevent recurrences.

Global_5500_cr Bombardier

News

Bombardier makes third-quarter loss, but business jet revenue surges

Montreal airframer Bombardier lost $377 million in the third quarter of 2021 but saw a 17% bump in business jet revenue amid surging demand for private aircraft.

MQ-9 Reaper flies a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range Credit USAF - 5

News

General Atomics developing lasers, missile interceptors to protect its UAVs

General Atomics, known for unmanned air vehicles that for decades conducted armed reconnaissance over Iraq and Afghanistan, is attempting to retool its aircraft with a futuristic arsenal of weapons, including lasers and missile interceptors.

General Atomics Avenger with Legion Pod c General Atomics

News

Kratos, General Atomics to develop Off Board Sensing Station UAVs

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and General Atomics Aeronautical System each were awarded a contract to develop an Off Board Sensing Station unmanned air vehicle for the US Air Force Research Laboratory.

Icelandair Boeing 737 Max-c-Icelandair

News

Boeing hikes 737 production but China remains wildcard

Boeing has increased 737 production to 19 jets monthly and is on track to hit a 31-monthly rate in 2022 and to clear its hundreds-strong Max backlog in 2023.

777X test ac #2 first flight 043020-2

News

Boeing’s 777X hitting performance goals, CEO confident in 2023 deliveries

Boeing’s 777-9 is meeting performance expectations and the company still expects to begin delivering the jets in late 2023, despite repeated delays and close scrutiny by regulators.

Spirit_A319_Exterior_2_NewLivery

News

Spirit logs $15m Q3 profit despite widespread flight disruptions

Buoyed by government aid and despite several days of severe operational disruption, Spirit Airlines turned a $14.8 million profit in the third quarter of 2021.

Allegiant first new A320 Credit: Airbus

News

Allegiant turns Q3 profit despite operational 'challenges'

Discounter Allegiant Air turned a $39.3 million profit in the third quarter, but its chief executive echoed peers in citing operational hiccups due to the pandemic and labour shortages.

Boeing headquarters, ©Boeing

News

Boeing creates product team to study technology for new commercial jet

Boeing recently established a new product team charged with working on development of a future commercial aircraft, though the company has released few details about the project.

ANA 787

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Boeing has completed most 787 rework, now focused on problem with titanium parts

Boeing has completed “most” rework required for its undelivered 787s but is still addressing recently revealed problems involving titanium parts supplied by an Italian company.

777 engine-c-MTU

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MTU to offer engine support for Mammoth 777 freighter conversion programme

Boeing 777 freighter conversion specialist Mammoth Freighters has selected MTU Maintenance as its preferred engine support partner for the programme.

USAF F-35A c Lockheed Martin