US start-up GlobalX tentatively signs for Vallair A321 freighters

US company Global Crossing Airlines is intending to lease 10 converted Airbus A321 freighters from the asset management specialist Vallair, the launch customer for the modification.

5GAT first flight scheduled for October

The Department of Defense’s Office of Operational Test and Evaluation plans to test fly its Fifth Generation Aerial Target prototype for the first time in October at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah.

US TSA screens more than 1m passengers for first time since March

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 1 million passengers in one day for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic brought air travel to a near standstill earlier this year.

Transat down to 160 flight attendants in November: union

Canada’s Air Transat will be laying off more flight attendants and closing a west-coast base in the coming weeks as the coronavirus continues to take its toll on the country’s air transport industry, the Canadian union for public employees (CUPE) says.

FAA finalises new commercial spaceflight rules

The US Federal Aviation Administration has finalised new rules it says streamline oversight of commercial spaceflight, enabling continued expansion of the commercial space industry.

Why Boeing might shift where it manufactures jets

Amid the troubles of 2020, Boeing’s strategy for returning to past heights remains unclear, with open questions about the company’s product strategy and future production footprint.

United’s recovery plan built around late 2021 arrival of vaccine

United Airlines says it will have enough liquidity to not just survive the “difficult” 12-15 months ahead but to be the first among its network peers to return to positive cash flow when an effective Covid-19 vaccine becomes widely available.

US Army’s Future Affordable Turbine Engine effort to finish by end of 2020

The US Army’s Future Affordable Turbine Engine (FATE) programme, an effort to come up with engine performance enhancing technologies, is nearing completion and should be wrapped up by the end of 2020.

EmbraerX launches first urban air mobility project, Eve

EmbraerX, the Brazilian airframer’s innovation subsidiary, has spun off its first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) project, called Eve.

Why Embraer thinks regional travel – and regional jets – will emerge stronger

Embraer expects regional airports and smaller passenger aircraft will emerge on top from the coronavirus pandemic due to population shifts away from big cities.

Sikorsky Boeing SB-1 Defiant reaches 211kt

The Sikorsky Boeing SB-1 Defiant compound helicopter reached 211kt (391km/h) using about two-thirds propeller torque and engine power during a straight and level flight on 12 October.

Pratt & Whitney Canada cuts staff due to Covid downturn

Pratt & Whitney Canada has implemented more layoffs in response to the troubled state of aerospace industry.

Civil aircraft subsidies: EU fails to persuade WTO of case for higher penalties

While the European Union, in its transatlantic civil aircraft subsidy dispute, had sought World Trade Organization authorisation to impose a higher penalty than the $7.5 billion awarded to the US government, it ultimately failed to convince the WTO of its case.

How ‘War on Terror’ UAV maker General Atomics is pivoting to great power conflict

The San Diego-based company has reacted with a flurry of new initiatives in the past couple of years intended to hold onto existing business, seize new opportunities in the near future and ultimately maintain its position as the USA’s leading maker of armed reconnaissance UAVs going into the 2030s.

Porter pushes back restart to December

Canada’s Porter Airlines has pushed back its restart date for the sixth time as ongoing travel restrictions in Canada hamper the industry’s overall recovery in that country.

EU can impose $4bn penalty in transatlantic aircraft subsidies row

European Union authorities have secured the right to impose almost $4 billion in tariffs on US imports, including aircraft, in retaliation for harm arising from US government subsidies to Boeing.

Subtle shifts in travel may drive long recovery: trade group

As air travel struggles to return to pre-coronavirus levels, the industry is adopting new patterns of operating that might become permanent during a prolonged recovery, the airline trade group Airlines for America (A4A) says.

321 Precision Conversions completes first flight of A321 converted freighter

Oregon company 321 Precision Conversions has completed first flight of its Airbus A321-200PCF freighter.

Lockheed Martin plans to buy Integration Innovation’s hypersonics portfolio

In the realm of hypersonic technologies, Integration Innovation says it specializes in thermal protection systems, propulsion, missile seeker windows and domes, ground test and evaluation facilities and services, flight test services, weather evaluation, modelling and simulation, and software development.

Spirit CEO predicts quicker recovery than larger competitors

The chief executive of Spirit Airlines suspects his carrier will recover from the coronavirus downturn faster than major US carriers, though the pace of Spirit’s long-term fleet-growth plan remains uncertain.

Hawaiian Airlines suspends Ohana by Hawaiian service

Hawaiian Airlines has said it will suspend its regional subsidiary Ohana by Hawaiian on 1 November as the carrier continues to experience economic hardship due to the coronavirus and resulting quarantine requirements.

First Lockheed Martin F-35s loaded with ODIN hardware

For the first time, Lockheed Martin F-35s have been loaded with Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN) hardware, an initial step in replacing the stealth fighter’s troubled support system.

Allegiant burned $1.3 million daily during third quarter

The parent company of Allegiant Air burned a daily average of $1.3 million in cash during the third quarter, including debt payments, rising from its daily cash burn average of $900,000 during the second quarter.

Air Canada 737 Max transactions garner $365 million

Air Canada has sealed sale-and-leaseback transactions for three Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft with Jackson Square Aviation and six Max 8 aircraft with Avolon for total proceeds of $365 million.

Airports saw 58% drop in passengers during first half of 2020

Worldwide airport passenger numbers were down 58.4% year on year during the first half of 2020 as the pandemic weighed on travel demand, according to ACI World data released today.

Boom rolls out XB-1 supersonic demonstrator, lays out Overture timeline

Boom Supersonic has publicly unveiled its XB-1 supersonic aircraft, a demonstrator Boom will use to develop a future supersonic passenger aircraft called Overture.

Qatar Airways adds new US link with San Francisco flights

Qatar Airways is to launch flights to San Francisco this December, adding the west coast city to its US network for the first time.

2015 FAA reports highlighted early concerns about self-certification programme

A trio of Federal Aviation Administration reports, written several years before two fatal 737 Max crashes, highlighted concerns about agency’s self-certification programme, describing the Boeing-FAA relationship as “contentious” and possibly needing a “reset”.

FAA releases 737 Max draft pilot training rules

The Federal Aviation Administration has released a draft report proposing training requirements for 737 Max pilots, another step towards the agency’s certification of the grounded jet.

US regulator orders more inspections to address 757 frame cracks

US airlines must complete additional inspections of Boeing 757 fuselage frames under a new airworthiness directive aimed at addressing frame cracking.

Technical description: How Gulfstream is going further with G700

In launching the programme at the NBAA convention in October 2019, the US business jet manufacturer made clear its ambition: to surpass its current G650ER flagship and take on competitors like Bombardier’s Global 7500.

Widebodies most affected as Boeing shaves 2% from 20-year delivery forecast

Boeing has revised downward its 20-year commercial aviation outlook – but only by a hair, predicting new-aircraft demand will accelerate in the coming years as airlines replace old jets with new.

Bombardier’s Learjet 75 Liberty enters service

Bombardier’s Learjet 75 Liberty has entered service, a milestone coming 15 months after the Montreal-based company launched the updated variant.

Airbus delivers initial two H135 helicopters to NASA

The initial pair of helicopters will be joined by a third example that is scheduled for delivery early next year.

GE to perform GE9X sand-ingestion tests in 2021

GE Aviation in 2021 will kick off a GE9X test programme intended to validate the powerplant’s durability when operating in sandy, dusty conditions.

Emirates fined over JetBlue codeshare flights in Iranian airspace

Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is set to be fined by the US Department of Transportation for operating services through Iranian airspace while carrying a codeshare with US budget operator JetBlue Airways.

Safran Cabin to close Bellingham, Washington facility

Safran Cabin will close its Bellingham, Washington facility next year in response to the virus-driven aerospace industry slump.

Boeing will move all 787 production to South Carolina, eyeing mid-2021 transition

Boeing confirms it will consolidate 787 production at its site in North Charleston, South Carolina and end production of the popular twin-engined widebody in Everett, Washington.

IATA calls on US jurisdictions to ditch quarantines

Aviation trade group IATA has called on US jurisdictions to eliminate quarantine requirements imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, advocating instead for systematic pre-departure testing protocols.

USAF doubles MQ-9A’s Hellfire missile payload

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9A Reaper unmanned air vehicle (UAV) has made a sortie with double the number of Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, greatly improving its combat persistence.

Hawaiian resumes flights to US mainland and Japan

Hawaiian Airlines is restarting service to 10 US mainland destinations and Tokyo following the state of Hawaii’s partial reopening.

FAA’s Dickson flies Max, declares ‘I like what I saw’

Federal Aviation Administration chief Steve Dickson piloted a Boeing 737 Max on 30 September, declaring afterward that the experience made him “comfortable” with the Max’s systems, but insisting his agency will certificate the jet only when convinced it is safe.

FAA administrator Dickson in Seattle for Max training ahead of 30 September flight

Federal Aviation Administration chief Steve Dickson arrived in Seattle on 29 September and will complete new 737 Max pilot training requirements before flying the Max on 30 September.

Spirit terminates Asco acquisition plan, warns of Bombardier deal fallout

Spirit AeroSystems has terminated its planned $420 million acquisition of aerospace component maker Asco, while warning it may face lawsuits related to a now-uncertain plan to acquire Bombardier’s aerospace businesses.

US House bill offers airlines $25bn in additional coronavirus relief

The US House of Representatives is considering an additional coronavirus relief package that would extend the payroll support programme (PSP) for aviation workers through March 2021.

IATA lowers 2020 passenger traffic hopes on stalled recovery

Airline trade body IATA has lowered its expectations for global passenger traffic this year amid a plateauing in the recovery and bleaker forward booking indicators.

MQ-Next should include both expendable and high-end UAVs: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is proposing a range of unmanned air vehicle options for the US Air Force’s MQ-Next development programme, including a type that the company calls “expendable”.

United pilots agree to belt-tightening measures to avoid furloughs

United Airlines’ pilots have agreed to measures, including a reduction in flight hours, that would avoid 2,850 furloughs that had been scheduled to begin later this week.

​FAA certificates 777X’s GE9X powerplants

The Federal Aviation Administration has certificated GE Aviation’s 105,000lb-thrust (467kN) GE9X turbofan, a milestone coming as Boeing continues working toward achieving certification for its GE9X-powered 777-9.

First FWSAR C295 touches down in Canada

Canada’s first Airbus Defence & Space C295 search and rescue (SAR) aircraft has arrived at Canadian Force’s Base Comox, in British Columbia.

Dreamlifter pilots did not cross-check navigation before wrong-airport landing

Seven years after the incident, US investigators have disclosed the awkward radio exchange which underlined that a Boeing ‘Dreamlifter’ crew had unintentionally landed at the wrong Wichita airport.

Boeing intends software update to address 787 localiser capture failures

Boeing is developing updated software for 787s to correct an erroneous localiser mode behaviour during ILS approaches.

Second US airline aid package faces ‘tough, tough road’: JetBlue exec

A second tranche of financial aid for US airlines is integral for the health of the industry, New York-based JetBlue Airways president and chief operations officer Joanna Geraghty says.

Neste and Shell team up to produce sustainable aviation fuel

Finnish sustainable aviation fuel supplier Neste is teaming up with petroleum heavyweight Royal Dutch Shell to “significantly increase” the supply and availability of the lower-emissions fuel for the commercial aviation industry starting in October.

Where the airline industry was when the music stopped

Another year of strong profit and traffic growth in 2019 for leading carriers illustrates the highs the industry had reached before the coronavirus pandemic, but offered no warning of the crisis to come that has pushed airlines to the brink.

American Airlines pilots to begin 737 Max training in November

American Airlines’ pilots will begin 737 Max “special training” in November in preparation for the jet’s return to service, with the company’s entire complement of 737 pilots expected to complete the reviews by January 2021.

US Army researches running the MQ-1C Gray Eagle on ‘any type of fuel’

The US Army Research Laboratory awarded the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign an $8 million, four-year contract to help develop new diesel-engine ignition technologies intended to allow unmanned air vehicles, including General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagles, to run on “any type of fuel”.

Spirit predicts Asco purchase will terminate, describes Bombardier buy as uncertain

Spirit AeroSystems expects not to close its planned $420 million acquisition of Belgium company Asco and has raised uncertainty about closing a planned $500 million purchase of Bombardier’s commercial aviation businesses.

US lawmakers propose additional $29bn in airline support for staff

Two US senators have introduced a bill that would provide airlines with another $28.8 billion in funds earmarked for employee expenses incurred through March 2021.

Can passengers evacuate jets in 90sec? US government report urges FAA to find out

Citing changed passenger demographics and behavior, as well as more seats in aircraft and concerns about carry-on luggage, a US government report urges the Federal Aviation Administration to review whether passengers really can evacuate a packed airliner in the required 90sec.

Boeing’s Allen succeeds Raymond as head of strategy with direct report to CEO

Boeing has named Marc Allen as chief strategy officer, effective 1 October, a move that could signal renewed focus by Boeing on developing an overarching corporate strategy amid an uncertain time.

Crisis spurs competition regulator to prolong Oneworld transatlantic pact

UK competition regulators have imposed interim measures to address concerns over transatlantic routes operated under the Oneworld alliance’s joint business arrangement, having opted not to accept concession proposals put forward earlier this year.

United pilots reach tentative agreement to avoid furloughs

United Airlines’ pilots have reached a tentative agreement with the carrier to avoid furloughs until the middle of next year.

Ampaire’s second hybrid Cessna gets airborne ahead of Hawaii demonstration flights

Electric aircraft specialist Ampaire has flown a second Cessna 337 Skymaster powered partly by an electric motor, a development coming ahead of planned airline demonstration flights before year end.

General Atomics unveils ‘ultra-long endurance’ replacement for MQ-9 Reaper

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has unveiled a rendering of its next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and strike unmanned air vehicle as a proposed replacement of the US Air Force’s MQ-9A Reaper.

FlightGlobal launches Decade of Airline Excellence Awards

FlightGlobal is delighted to announce the launch of the Decade of Airline Excellence Awards, which Airline Business will deliver later this year with our partner, Korn Ferry.

Transat’s fiscal Q3 yields 99% decline in revenue

Canada’s Transat AT, the parent company of leisure carrier Air Transat, posted revenues of just C$9.5 million ($7.2 million) in its third fiscal quarter. During that period, it had just a single week of operations due to business interruptions from the coronavirus pandemic.

Boeing appoints new chief communications officer

Boeing has appointed an insurance executive to be its new chief communications officer, the fourth person to hold the post in less than a year.

USAF conducts second, ‘more complex’ field test of Advanced Battle Management System

As part of the most recent test, US military forces simulated using ABMS to “detect and defeat efforts to disrupt US operations in space”, says the USAF. The forces also coordinated the shoot-down of a mock cruise missile using a new “hypervelocity weapon”. 

United to expand October schedule to 40% of normal

United Airlines says it is expanding its October schedule to about 40% of normal, adding domestic and international destinations in order to try to profit from customers’ pent-up demand after months of shelter-in-place.

Airline coronavirus recovery tracker: September 2020 update

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

Aviation may not recover until 2024: trade group

US airline trade organisation Airlines for America (A4A) estimates four years will pass before travel returns to normal following the coronavirus pandemic.

Airbus subsidiary Satair acquires A220 parts service work from Bombardier

Airbus subsidiary Satair is taking over A220 materials servicing from Bombardier, a move that comes several years after Bombardier divested the broader A220 programme to Airbus.

Scramjet-powered HAWC moves toward first flight after captive carry

Lockheed Martin-Aerojet Rocketdyne and Raytheon Technologies-Northrop Grumman teams have each developed competing hypersonic cruise missiles as part of the HAWC programme.

United Airlines to involuntarily furlough 16,370

United Airlines says that it will involuntarily furlough 16,370 employees at the end of this month as the long-term effects of the coronavirus crisis continue to take its toll on the air transport industry.

US Air Force grapples with vexing problem of AI spoofing

The US Department of Defense (DoD) is worried that artificial intelligence programs might have serious and unknown vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.

WestJet passes Nav Canada fee increases to customers

Nav Canada, the Canadian provider of civil air navigation services, has increased its fees for air traffic control services by almost 30%, prompting the country’s second largest carrier to pass those fees on to its customers.

Governments ‘killing aviation’ by not managing border risks: IATA

The lack of co-operation between governments is stymieing the restart of commercial air travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, potentially causing “irreparable demand to global connectivity”, according to IATA.

DC-3 crashed after accidental lever nudge cut fuel to engines

Canadian investigators believe one of the pilots of a modified Douglas DC-3 inadvertently moved the aircraft’s fuel-condition levers while raising the undercarriage, cutting off the fuel flow to both engines.

Raytheon slows hybrid-electric airliner project, citing pandemic

Raytheon Technologies has slowed development of a hybrid-electric airliner under an effort called Project 804, though the company insists it remains committed to advancing electric-aircraft technologies.

Avianca secures $370m government loan commitment

Colombia’s government has committed $370 million in aid to Avianca as part of a $2 billion financing package aimed at helping the struggling carrier weather the coronavirus downturn.

Acubed works toward single-pilot A320 replacement, begins autonomy-development flights

Airbus innovation arm Acubed has started flights in California to advance autonomous technology that will make the next clean-sheet narrowbody aircraft capable of single-pilot operation.

Boeing orders eight 787s to be withdrawn from service over structural issue

Boeing has ordered the removal from service of eight recently built 787s which have been identified as suffering from two “distinct manufacturing issues”.

GE ships two F414s to NASA as X-59 demonstrator progresses

NASA has taken delivery of two GE Aviation F414-GE-100 turbofans, which will power the agency’s in-development supersonic test aircraft, the X-59.

With Tesla and SpaceX credentials, start-up flies pilotless Caravan

A US start-up headed by former Tesla and SpaceX software engineers has completed more than 50 flights of remotely-piloted Cessna aircraft and aims to offer a certified pilotless Caravan 208 within as little as two years.

Spirit pilots agree to deal preventing 600 layoffs

Spirit Airlines’ pilots have agreed to work fewer hours as part of a deal that will prevent the airline from needing to lay off 600 of pilots.

Wallet, watch, mask and lots of hand sanitiser: wary passengers return to the skies

Face-masked and armed with hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes, passengers in the USA are returning to air travel in slightly larger numbers even though coronavirus cases continue to steadily rise across the country and a possible vaccine could be months away.

Union warns Boeing may seek concessions amid 787 production review

The union representing Boeing’s Washington state workforce has warned members that the airframer may seek to renegotiate contract terms as it considers closing one of two 787 production facilities.

Airlines walk tightrope on pilot furloughs

Airlines find themselves facing a critical dilemma as they resize their networks for a new post-coronavirus normal, and must walk a tightrope between furloughing pilots and keeping them on staff to maintain their network flexibility, experts say.

Airline Business podcast: uncertainties prevail after bleak Q2 results

Graham and Lewis discuss a bleak financial results season, as airlines count the costs of a ruinous April-June period while grappling with a bumpier-than-expected comeback in the current quarter.

American cuts 15 cities from network as government aid expires

American Airlines intends to axe routes to 15 destinations, as it begins trimming its network due to the expiration of government aid and a lack of demand for air travel.

US Army Research Lab develops power line detect-and-avoid sensor for UAVs

Its sensor detects the electromagnetic field of a nearby power line and uses software to automatically direct the UAV to change its flightpath away from a collision. The technology is seen as useful for urban battlefields of the future and also is being licensed for commercial use.

Icelandair: Keflavik hub stands to benefit as non-stop competitors retreat

Icelandair Group has warned that if its operation collapsed, the Reykjavik Keflavik hub would take years to rebuild and, as a result, would cause substantial damage to the country’s economy.

Spirit Aero may need more cash, with $920m in acquisitions looming: analysts

The pace at which Spirit AeroSystems has been burning through cash has left some analysts questioning if the company will be able to close two acquisitions as planned, and whether it might need additional funding.

Breeze withdraws application for Compass’ certificate

Breeze Airways, the start-up passenger carrier headed by serial aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, has abandoned its application to acquire the certificate of now-defunct Compass Airlines.

Airbus Americas CEO optimistic in 2021 uptick, predicts ‘morphing’ of industry

The top Airbus executive in North America thinks industry conditions will improve at least incrementally in 2021 but that aerospace companies and airlines will emerge from the downturn changed in ways yet unknown.

A350 launch-aid tweaks fail to persuade US to ease tariffs

US authorities are unconvinced by recent Airbus claims that amended A350 launch-aid agreements equate to implementation of a World Trade Organization ruling to remove subsidies.

US leaves unchanged 15% tariff on European aircraft imports

The US government has left unchanged a 15% tariff on Airbus aircraft imports following a required review of a broad $7.5 billion tariff package on European products.

2016 engine failure prompts study of ‘high-energy’ engine parts, GE enhances inspections

The US aerospace industry’s trade group has commenced a study into the durability of rotating turbofan components at the request of the Federal Aviation Administration. The study stems from the 2016 failure of a GE Aviation CF6 turbofan on an American Airlines Boeing 767. 

Carrying US presidential candidates this autumn? Know the rules: NBAA

Aircraft operators will want to be painstakingly careful this fall when carrying nominees for upcoming US federal elections.

Mesa bets on Cargo as operating profit falls 12%

Mesa Air Group reported a $15 million operating profit during the third quarter despite the travel downturn during the coronavirus pandemic.

FAA staff cite industry influence and lack of accountability in staff survey

Staffers in the Federal Aviation Administration’s aircraft certification branch believe industry pressure has negatively affected safety oversight and that top managers have not been held accountable for safety-related shortcomings.

Triumph preps to sell G650 and composites work as refocus continues

Aerospace supplier Triumph Group this week progressed with a plan to divest its aerostructures divisions, saying it has signed deals to sell business-jet work to Gulfstream and composite-manufacturing facilities to a private equity company.

United begins removing seats from regional aircraft

United Airlines has begun removing seats from Embraer 175 regional aircraft, a strong indication that broad pilot furloughs are imminent.

Bombardier’s second-quarter deliveries slide as executives urge patience

Despite another quarterly loss and scepticism from financial analysts, Bombardier’s executives insisted on 6 August that the company remains on track to become a profitable standalone aviation business.

US Senators call for more financial aid for airlines

Sixteen US senators have requested additional financial aid for the aviation sector as the coronavirus continues to prevent a return to normal operations.

Airline coronavirus recovery tracker: August 2020 update

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

Spirit AeroSystems grapples with dual crises in second quarter

Spirit AeroSystems posted a $256 million loss in the second quarter, crippled by twin crises that have rocked the aviation industry as a whole: the continued grounding of the 737 Max and the long-term effects of the coronavirus.

FAA proposes four design changes to 737 Max in new AD

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suggested four key design changes to the beleaguered Boeing 737 Max in order to address safety issues that led to its almost 17-month grounding following two fatal crashes that killed 346 people.

SpaceX Crew Dragon splashdown signals US human spaceflight return

The USA has returned to the human spaceflight business following the successful return to earth of the SpaceX Crew Dragon today, carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley.

ExpressJet studying options amid warning of ‘wind down’

ExpressJet Airlines is evaluating “options for the future” following a severed relationship with United Airlines, though the regional carrier’s trade association says ExpressJet has warned of a “potential phased wind down”.

Air Canada reports second-quarter loss of C$1.8bn

Air Canada posted a stunning C$1.8 billion ($1.5 billion) loss during the second quarter, as the coronavirus shut down almost all air travel in the country, and government-imposed restrictions kept passengers away.

United ends partnership with ExpressJet

United Airlines will consolidate all of its regional Embraer 145 flying to one partner, in order to streamline its network and lower costs as the coronavirus outbreak continues to take its toll on the air transport industry.

Scale of Covid collapse raises questions about what comes next

Consider this: On a Friday in July 2019, 11 airlines operated 66 flights from Washington DC to New York City-area airports. Fast forward: on Friday 17 July, carriers operated just 15 flights on those routes.

Airlines left doubting if enough people can, or will, travel in 2020

The industry’s relief at being able to ramp up services as the second half of 2020 began is quickly being replaced by concern that the coronavirus is likely to weigh more heavily on demand than previously thought.

Allegiant loses $93 million in ‘most turbulent’ quarter

Allegiant Travel Company, parent of ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, reported a $93 million loss in the second quarter as the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the air transport industry during the period.

AerCap cancels 15 737 Max orders

Aircraft lessor AerCap has cancelled orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max, becoming the latest Boeing customer to nix orders for the still-grounded jet.

GE Aviation loses thrust as pandemic takes toll

GE Aviation’s sales tumbled by nearly half in the second quarter of 2020 as the industry downturn sapped commercial aircraft engine demand and erased profits.

Boeing slashes output, delays 777X to 2022 and confirms end for 747

Boeing has pushed back its first 777X delivery, slashed production rates, warned of more layoffs and confirmed it will end 747 production in 2022. The company also says it is evaluate whether to consolidate its two 787 production facilities.

Hawaiian delays Boeing 787 Dreamliner deliveries

Hawaiian Airlines says it will be delaying deliveries of its long-awaited Boeing 787 Dreamliners as the carrier contends with a difficult business environment perpetrated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

P&W’s commercial engine shipments and aftermarket sales tumble in Q2

Pratt and Whitney’s engine deliveries sunk by half year-on-year in the second quarter, while aftermarket sales also tumbled, pushing P&W to a $457 million loss for the period.

Air cargo decline narrows in June but market ‘exceptionally challenging’

Air freight traffic declines showed some signs of improving in June but business remains “exceptionally challenging”, according to the latest IATA market wrap-up.

Collins will not deliver Max components until second half of 2021, says Raytheon

Collins Aerospace will likely not begin shipping components for Boeing’s still-grounded 737 Max until the second half of 2021.

Airbus’ and Boeing’s undelivered jet inventories swell amid pandemic

Boeing and Airbus have accumulated hundreds of produced, but not delivered, aircraft in recent months, including dozens of widebody jets.

Corrosion can prompt 737NG in-flight engine shutdowns following storage: FAA

Storage can cause 737NG engine valves to corrode, potentially leading to inflight loss of power or engine shutdowns, the US Federal Aviation Administration warns.

Airline slot waivers need strict conditions: ACI World chief

Airports body ACI World does not completely oppose a waiver of the 80:20 slot rule in the North Hemisphere winter season, but argues it should only be applied with strict conditions attached.

Why SpiceJet may feel time is right for US and UK services

True long-haul flights would be a significant strategic change for the budget operator, and there are many challenges to overcome before services could start.

USAF taps four companies for Skyborg attritable aircraft work

The US Air Force has announced four contenders for its Skyborg programme to create an artificial- intelligence enabled ‘loyal wingman’ aircraft.

Southwest sees recovery as ‘long saw-toothed slog’

Southwest Airlines reported a $915 million loss for the second quarter and says it expects customer demand to return to pre-coronavirus levels only once there is a vaccine to protect travellers.

Alaska eyes Oneworld membership by year-end

Alaska Airlines hopes to complete its entry into Oneworld by the end of the year after the alliance formally invited the US carrier to become its 14th member.

DHL orders four 767 Boeing Converted Freighters

Express shipment airline DHL Express has ordered four 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters – passenger jets that the airframer will modify into cargo aircraft.

New chief has big plans for ACI, but crisis recovery comes first

The new director general of airports body ACI World has grand plans to increase the profile and reach of the organisation – but knows he must first oversee the industry’s recovery from an unprecedented crisis, as the coronavirus pandemic halves passenger traffic in 2020.

​Raytheon tapped for aircraft self-defence missile work

Raytheon has secured a $375 million contract from the US government to develop a miniature self-defence missile (MSDM) that will form part of an aircraft’s defensive suite.

US pilot union calls for extension of airline financial aid

Pilot union Air Line Pilots, International (ALPA) has again called on the US Congress to extend its payroll support programme (PSP) another six months beyond the original expiry date of 1 October.

FAA set to propose order to lift Max grounding, public comment to follow

The Federal Aviation Administration is close to issuing a proposed order for lifting the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max, a milestone that will kick off a 45-day public-comment period.

Indian carrier IndiGo lays off 10% of staff

Indian airline IndiGo is cutting 10% of its workforce due to the pandemic-induced industry downturn, saying cost cutting has been insufficient to prevent a companywide contraction.

Embraer’s first-half 2020 deliveries tumble more than half to 31 jets

Embraer delivered 31 civil aircraft, including military and commercial models, in the first half of 2020, fewer than half the number of aircraft it handed over in the first six months of 2019.

Lockheed lands $15 billion deal for C-130J work

The US government has awarded Lockheed Martin a $15 billion contract related to upgrade work across the world’s C-130J tactical transport fleet.

United’s pilot union green-lights voluntary measures to mitigate layoffs

The union representing United Airlines’ pilots has voted to accept voluntary staff reduction plans that would help reduce the number of pilots who might be laid off in the coming months.

Charter start-up GlobalX signs for an A320

Prospective charter carrier Global Crossing Airlines has entered into an agreement to purchase one Airbus A320-200 aircraft as it awaits FAA approval to begin operations.

American and JetBlue unveil strategic partnership focused on Northeast USA

American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have announced the formation of a “strategic partnership” under which they propose to operate codeshare flights and reciprocal frequent flier benefits.

American Airlines warns 25,000 employees of pending job losses

American Airlines has warned 25,000 employees that they may be out of a job when the USA’s federally funded payroll support programme runs out on 1 October.

FAA bans DuPont fuel additive from use in 737 Max

Citing the risk of dual-engine power loss, the US Federal Aviation Administration has prohibited airlines from adding a DuPont-made biocide to the fuel of Boeing 737 Max.

How many jobs are airlines cutting due to coronavirus?

Of the large airlines to have made announcements so far, most have implemented job cuts affecting significant proportions of their workforces.

CH-47 Chinook flight tests with more powerful GE T408 engine could begin within weeks

Boeing could start flight tests of a US Army NCH-47D Chinook with the more powerful GE Aviation T408-GE-400 turboshaft engine within a couple of months, if not several weeks.

Delta says road to recovery will be long and ‘choppy’

Delta Air Lines has seen a few positive signals for a recovery after the coronavirus pandemic almost completely shut down air travel during April, as it was able to reduce cash burn amid a small increase in bookings, but the airline’s losses during the quarter indicate the industry’s crisis is still far from over.

737 Max certification remains urgent for Boeing even as new-jet demand sags

Among Boeing’s various challenges, getting the 737 Max certificated still takes top prize – even though the coronavirus downturn has eroded demand for new jets

What aerospace technologies will survive looming US defence cuts?

Expect a shrinking Pentagon budget in the mid-2020s. Though the USA might have tamed coronavirus and started to see its economy grow again by the middle of the decade, Washington will have to face up to the hard fiscal and economic realities of years of lost revenue

USAF orders eight Boeing F-15EX as part of deal worth up to $23bn

The US Air Force has ordered eight Boeing F-15EX fighters as part of a larger deal the manufacturer says could be worth nearly $23 billion.

American seeks Boeing’s help to avoid 737 Max cancellations: report

American Airlines is reportedly seeking Boeing’s help to arrange financing for the purchase of at least one dozen 737 Max jets scheduled to be delivered this year, with the fate of those orders hanging in the balance.

FAA says 88 air traffic control facilities affected by coronavirus

Since the coronavirus pandemic reached the United States earlier this year, air traffic control (ATC) staff at almost 90 facilities across the country have tested positive for the virus, causing regular disruptions to this crucial network.

Emirates resumes flights to six further destinations

Emirates plans to restore services to a further six destinations from 15 July to 15 August, bringing the carrier’s network to 58 cities.

JetBlue to leave Long Beach, shift flights to Los Angeles

New York-based low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways will leave Long Beach airport in October, shifting flights to Los Angeles International airport, which will become JetBlue’s primary West Coast operations centre.

DARPA awards contract to retrofit L-39 Albatros jets for AI dogfighting tests

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded Calspan Corporation a $14.1 million, four-year contract to retrofit up to four Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros jet trainers for artificial intelligence-controlled flight experiments.

US investment firm picks up Corsair’s 747-400 fleet

Three Boeing 747-400s formerly part of the fleet of French leisure airline Corsair have been sold to the aviation division of a US-based transport and energy sector investor.

United warns 36,000 employees their jobs are in danger

United Airlines has warned 36,000 employees, or 45% of its total staff, that their jobs may be in danger as the carrier prepares to downsize following the coronavirus pandemic.

Avolon strikes another 27 Max from order book

Aircraft lessor Avolon has cancelled orders for another 27 Boeing 737 Max, striking another blow to Boeing’s backlog as the airframer works to get the Max back in the skies.

Greece to acquire two air ambulance King Air 350s

Textron Aviation has sold two Beechcraft King Air 350C medivac aircraft for use by Greece’s ministry of health.

Counter-drone start-up Anduril raises $200m

The funding nearly doubles its prior valuation, raising its worth to $1.9 billion. Anduril plans to use the cash to improve its autonomous unmanned air vehicles and artificial intelligence software, as well as make additional hires.

Boeing communications chief resigns over commentary published in 1987

A top Boeing executive has resigned over an article he wrote more than three decades ago in which he advocated that women should not be permitted to serve in combat roles in the military.

British Airways outlines return of more long-haul services

British Airways has outlined plans to restart services to a raft of destinations in July, including some long-haul routes.

Hawaiian reinstates flights to mainland US

Hawaiian Airlines will reinstate flights to the mainland USA in August, as the state of Hawaii begins to lift its draconian restrictions on movement within the islands as well as between the islands and the airline’s main destinations on the west coast of North America.

​Inspector General slams Boeing for holding back information on 737 Max

A US government report has found that Boeing purposefully held back information about the automated flight-control system on its re-engineered 737 Max during the aircraft’s certification process, that led to two fatal aircraft crashes that killed 346 people.

How surface-to-air missiles are changing the UAV industry

The spread of surface-to-air missiles around the world is causing the USA to rethink the way it uses its unmanned air vehicles.

Major US airlines announce schedule changes

The three US legacy passenger carriers have announced changes to their schedules after a four-month period in which capacity and demand had hit all-time lows due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite almost certain job cuts, airlines sell vision of brighter days ahead

US airline human resources executives forecast short-term pain for aviation employees but must remain upbeat that their industry will find a way out of its current slump in order to attract candidates back to fulfilling careers when the coronavirus is history. For many of them, it’s a tough sell. 

Embraer delivers first enhanced Phenom 300E

Embraer has delivered the initial example of the latest Phenom 300E, with the handover on 26 June to a US law firm coming just six months after the upgraded light-cabin business jet was launched.

Boeing 737 Max takes off on first FAA recertification flight

Boeing’s beleaguered 737 Max aircraft has taken a big step towards recertification more than 15 months after it was grounded, as it launched on its first official recertification flight.

Porter Airlines delays restart to 31 August

Canada’s Porter Airlines will restart its operations a month later than previously planned due to ongoing coronavirus-prompted travel restrictions that continue to make business difficult.

US Navy looks for new small ship-borne UAV for possible $1bn programme

The US Navy is planning a flight demonstration and possible prototyping competition to help find a new ship-borne unmanned air vehicle.

MQ-9A Reaper demonstrates new automatic take-off and landing capabilities

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has demonstrated three new automatic takeoff and landing capabilities for its MQ-9A Reaper unmanned air vehicle.

Vu Systems completes flight testing of passive millimetre wave sensor

Vu Systems has completed development flight testing of what it describes as “civil aviation’s first passive millimetre wave (PMMW) sensor”, which promises to revolutionise operations in low-visibility minima.

Air Canada chief executive blasts government for maintaining travel restrictions

Air Canada’s chief executive Calin Rovinescu excoriated the government of Canada for maintaining draconian coronavirus-prompted travel restrictions across the country, hindering the air transport industry’s ability to return to any semblance of normal operations.

WestJet permanently cuts more than 3,000 jobs

Canada’s WestJet has permanently cut more than one third of its remaining workforce as the effects of the pandemic force the airline to reduce and outsource services in an effort to continue cutting costs.

Airbus cancels plan to develop its own A320neo nacelle

The coronavirus downturn has led Airbus to scrap its planned development of an A320neo engine nacelle that would have competed with nacelles produced by supplier Collins Aerospace.

P&W’s North Berwick plant to add PW1100G MRO capability

Pratt & Whitney will be expanding its North Berwick, Maine, facility to include MRO capabilities for the PW1100G geared turbofan.

ZeroAvia claims UK first with flight of electric-powered Piper M350

Californian propulsion developer ZeroAvia has conducted what it claims is the UK’s “first electric-powered flight of a commercial-scale aircraft”, with a converted Piper M350 piston-single taking off on 22 June from Cranfield airport.

Honeywell starts flight testing autonomous landing system for urban air mobility vehicles

Honeywell Aerospace has begun flight testing an automated system that will help urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles land autonomously.

Spirit cuts 737 production again, warns of financial fallout

Spirit AeroSystems has again slashed its expected output of Boeing 737 fuselages and other components to just 72 shipments in 2020, while warning it could breach financial agreements before year-end.

Layoffs expected when pay support ends for US carriers

Air travel may not return to pre-coronavirus levels until at least 2023, so US carriers are making plans to downsize their employee base, echoing the warnings of transportation analysts that the industry is “staff heavy” for the market reeling from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Delta resumes flights to China this week

Delta Air Lines will resume flights between the US and China, the first US carrier to do so since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, as travel restrictions and regulatory sparring between the two countries’ aviation authorities ease.

Kratos Defense plans to fund more acquisitions with $209m stock sale

The company has acquired several businesses in recent years including satellite antenna manufacturer ASC Signal, as well as small jet turbine manufacturers Technical Directions and Florida Turbine Technologies.

Textron Aviation parent to eliminate 1,950 jobs

Textron Inc., the parent company of the Wichita-based airframer Textron Aviation and helicopter manufacturer Bell, says it is eliminating 1,950 jobs as part of a restructuring programme made necessary by the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Business and general aviation leaders optimistic about rebound

Leaders in business and general aviation are cautiously optimistic that their slice of the industry will return to normal operations after the coronavirus pandemic more quickly than airlines, though economic uncertainty remains a dark and incalculable cloud.

US Navy’s AARGM-ER completes critical design review

The service completed design verification tests of the AARGM-ER rocket motor and warhead, in addition to the critical design review of subsystems and system-level performance. The missile is a new air-launched weapon intended to destroy enemy radar and communications systems.

Mechanical failure ruled out of fatal CH-148 crash as RCAF lifts fleet grounding

Examination of flight data has allowed the Canadian government to piece together the helicopter’s last moments.

Boeing delivers first new-build F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to US Navy

The company delivered one single-seat E model and one two-seat F model to the service.

US airlines strengthen anti-coronavirus measures to inspire traveller confidence

As shelter-in-place orders are lifted across the United States, airlines are hoping to inspire traveller confidence by imposing stronger sanctions against passengers who refuse to wear face coverings on board their aircraft.

Current-generation aircraft ready for cargo conversions

The worldwide grounding of aircraft during the passenger travel downturn has led to a shortage in capacity for air freight delivery, increasing the incentive for airlines to convert Boeing 777s, 737NGs and other newer generation aircraft for cargo flights. 

US Senate introduces safety bill after 737 Max investigation

The chairman of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has introduced a bill aimed at implementing the findings of its year-long investigation of two fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes and increasing oversight at the US Federal Aviation Administration.

GE Aviation and Embraer Commercial tap international sales experience with new CEOs

The new chief executives of GE Aviation and Embraer’s commercial aircraft division are well suited to help address the particular challenges facing those companies’ corners of the aerospace industry.

HAPSMobile to flight test high-altitude, pseudo satellite HAWK30 in New Mexico

The flying-wing unmanned air vehicle is solar-powered and designed to stay aloft for six months.

United taps into MileagePlus programme for cash

United Airlines says it expects to have a total of $17 billion in liquidity by the end of the third quarter in part by leveraging its MilagePlus passenger loyalty programme, helping support the Chicago-based carrier through the unprecedented crisis that has gripped the travel industry since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Embraer’s Slattery to succeed GE Aviation CEO Joyce

Embraer’s head of commercial aviation John Slattery will succeed David Joyce as chief executive of GE Aviation.

US airlines take jets out of storage, add flights as recovery begins

North America’s airline industry has started a slow but noticeable recovery as carriers bring hundreds of jets back into service in response to a bump in travel demand ahead of the summer travel season.

FAA proposes GEnx disk inspections to address uncontained failure risk

The risk of uncontained engine failures has led the Federal Aviation Administration to propose requiring airlines to inspect disks inside the high-pressure turbines of some GE Aviation GEnx powerplants.

Transat-Air Canada merger pushed to fourth quarter

Transat AT, the parent company of Canadian holiday specialist Air Transat, says its merger with legacy carrier Air Canada is still on track and now due to close sometime in the fourth quarter of 2020.

A321 hit windshear before short landing and tail-strike

US investigators have determined that an American Airlines Airbus A321 landed short of the runway and suffered a tail-strike after encountering a microburst on approach to Charlotte-Douglas airport.

​Block III Super Hornet conducts maiden sortie

Boeing has conducted the maiden flight of the first F/A-18 Super Hornet in the new Block III configuration.

LaGuardia Terminal B arrivals hall opens

A new arrivals and departures hall at LaGuardia airport’s Central Terminal opened on 10 June, marking another stage in the completion of the terminal’s overhaul.

Boeing faces ‘critical few months’ amid pandemic: analysts

Aerospace industry analysts suspect regulators will re-certificate the 737 Max later this year, but they stress that the company’s challenges extend well beyond that programme.

USAF, Boeing conduct critical design review for T-7A Red Hawk

The US Air Force and Boeing have conducted the critical design review for the developmental T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainer.

USAF General Charles Brown confirmed as first African American service chief in US history

General Charles Q Brown was confirmed to be the next US Air Force chief of staff by the US Senate in a vote of 98 to 0.

Pilots face career anxiety after coronavirus disruption

With furloughs on the horizon, pilots stress about careers while airlines worry about future pilot pipelines.

Boeing logs new 767F orders in May though aircraft cancellations continue

Boeing received new orders for six 767 Freighters in May, though the company’s aircraft backlog declined by 90 jets in the month due largely to order cancellations and other negative adjustments.

Why airlines are favouring newer jets over old, despite low oil prices

The coronavirus downturn and concurrent cheap fuel have not led the world’s airlines to favour older narrowbody aircraft over newer or more-efficient jets, despite predictions to the contrary.

Delta and LATAM apply to DOT for codeshare approval

Delta Air Lines and Chilean carrier LATAM have applied to the Department of Transportation for blanket approval to operate codeshare routes within each others’ networks.

US airlines win DOT approval to deepen network cuts

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) will grant 15 carriers exemptions from their air service commitments in exchange for federal assistance, following a revision to its initial requirement that airlines had to maintain service to all destinations in their networks prior to 1 March.

US Army to demo CH-47F with more powerful Honeywell T55

The T55-GA-714C engine generates 6,000hp (4,470kW), a 25% increase in power compared to the current T55 that is on the CH-47, Honeywell says. The engine also burns 10% less fuel.

Bombardier to cut 2,500 jobs as business jet deliveries slump

Bombardier Aviation is cutting its workforce by around 2,500 personnel, particularly at its Canadian manufacturing divisions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

North American carriers hunker down through crisis

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

Air Canada looking to quit Transat deal: reports

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

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

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

USAF ponders radical air-to-air missile designs

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

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

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

Bankruptcy is not a financial tool: American chief

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

United reshuffles management to prepare for post-coronavirus world

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

American sees signs of travel rebound

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

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

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

Air Canada tests demand with international summer flights

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

‘Anomaly’ scuppers Virgin Orbit maiden rocket launch

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

Air Canada-Transat tie-up faces European competition scrutiny

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

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

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

Mystery as 737-800 arrives missing vertical fin parts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KKR to buy six Delta A321s in sale-leaseback deal

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

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

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

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

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

​Snowbirds CT-114 crashes during display in Canada

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

Boeing to model potential spread of pathogens inside aircraft cabins

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

Boom mates supersonic XB-1’s wings with fuselage

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

Delta to retire 777s, completing shift to A350s

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

US DOT relaxes CARES Act route commitments

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

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

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

US regional Mesa reports $14 million profit

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

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

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

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

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

Gulfstream beefs up G700 test fleet

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

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works demos autonomous reconnaissance pod

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

Circumstances of fatal Austin runway incident remain obscure

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

Man killed in Austin runway incident involving Southwest 737

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

BA and American offer London slots to ease transatlantic pact concerns

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

Dynetics plans operational hypersonic missile factory by autumn 2020

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

Aerospace manufacturers and airports seek more US government cash

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

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

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

Generation Orbit starts building X-60A hypersonic test vehicle

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

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

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

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

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

De Havilland Canada resumes some operations following coronavirus shutdown

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

Air Canada expects recovery to take three years

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

Boeing clinches $25 billion in milestone capital raise

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

Delta upsizes secured private placement to $3.5bn

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

Textron Aviation squeaks out Q1 profit as aircraft deliveries tumble

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

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

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

US Air Force launches study of another hypersonic cruise missile

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

Boeing CEO dismisses major new commercial product launches amid pandemic uncertainty

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

Boeing anticipates Q3 return of 737 Max

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

March figures reveal scale of initial coronavirus hit on airline traffic

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

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

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

Southwest plans for recession after $900 million cash burn

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

Southwest delays deliveries of 59 737 Max to post-2021

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

Southwest to boost liquidity with concurrent deals

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

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

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

Embraer starts Boeing split proceedings but stays vague on future plans

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

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

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

Boeing walks away from Embraer tie-up

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

Airline pilots deal with coronavirus reality

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

Why leasing market is shedding 737 Max orders

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

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

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

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

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

Grounded commercial aircraft around the world – in pictures

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

Boeing to restructure, simplify corporate functions amid changing industry

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

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

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

The US Army’s aviation modernisation plan

The US Army’s aviation modernisation plan.

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

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

USA, Norway to continue THOR-ER hypersonic work

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

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

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

First Nigerian Super Tucano conducts maiden sortie

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

United sells 22 jets for leaseback including 787s

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

Porter takes wage subsidies as operations remain halted

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

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

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

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

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

US carriers tap relief funding as crisis deepens

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

FAA extends slot relief at US airports until October

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

United secures $5 billion in payroll support

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

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

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

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

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

Boeing military aircraft deliveries lower in first quarter of 2020

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

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

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

U-2 to get avionics, mission computer update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air Canada to apply for federal wage subsidies

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

DOT final order takes ULCC, airport concerns into account

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

FAA proposes noise standards for new class of supersonic civilian jets

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

Boeing demonstrates S-100 Camcopter UAV resupplying US Army soldiers

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

Hexcel and Woodward cancel merger due to coronavirus downturn

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

Ravn Air Group suspends most flights in Alaska

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

Boeing extends Puget Sound factory closures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

United Technologies-Raytheon merger to close today

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

American Airlines cuts summer schedule

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

Simulator tests demonstrate 737 Max manual trim difficulties

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

Passenger traffic may only recover end-2021: ACI World

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

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

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

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

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

Production-representative MQ-9B starts flight tests

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

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

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

Engine thrust incidents spur safety alert over biocides

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

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

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

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

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

FAA eases some flight crew requirements in response to pandemic

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

Canada has ‘concerns’ about Air Canada-Transat merger

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

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

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

Why the US Navy is thinking hard about smaller aircraft carriers

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

Harbour Air suspends scheduled flights

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

USS Gerald R. Ford conducts first vertical replenishment exercise

​ICAO welcomes government support for aviation sector

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

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

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

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

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

HAECO acquires Dallas-based commercial engine shop

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

US Army selects Bell and Sikorsky to build FARA prototypes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air Canada to reinstate some international routes to repatriate citizens

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

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

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

A321 uncontained failure spurs urgent V2500 disk measures

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

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

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

Trump suggests airline aid package could restrict stock buybacks

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

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

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

Hawaiian to cut flights by 40% during April

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

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

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

Senate aims to provide $58b in aid to airlines

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

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

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

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

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

Las Vegas air traffic control tower closed

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

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

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

Spirit reduces April and May capacity by 20%

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

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

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

Canada’s Porter shutters until June

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