USAF awards Sierra Nevada contract for replacement ‘Doomsday’ aircraft
Officially known as the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, the new aircraft will replace the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch jet capable of commanding the USA’s nuclear arsenal.
US Army still sees need for long-range airborne troop carrier in future conflict
Although battlefield observations from the Ukraine War led the army to cancel its next-generation armed scout helicopter, the service’s senior aviation leaders say they still see a need for Bell’s V-280 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft in future conflicts.
Sikorsky VH-92As still not carrying the US president, 21 years after replacement effort began
Last June during a business event in Connecticut, Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo said the company’s VH-92A Patriot helicopter would take over presidential transport missions flown by VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters “completely” by this spring. That still has not happened.
Griffon and Textron advance to flight stage in competition to replace RQ-7B Shadow
The US Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System programme aims to deliver a vertical take-off and landing-capable aircraft that will replace the Textron RQ-7B Shadow and improve the ability of ground troops to collect and report intelligence.
Bombardier CEO says ‘better opportunities’ behind decision to skip upcoming EBACE show
Bombardier’s decision not to exhibit at the EBACE business jet convention in Geneva next month reflects a belief that its marketing dollars can be put to better use elsewhere.
Bombardier starts year with $110m profit and new branding
Bombardier turned a $110 million profit in the first quarter of 2022 despite a dip in aircraft deliveries, and has rolled out a new logo it says reflects the company’s shift to become a manufacturer of business jets only.
GoJet dangles hefty signing bonus for captains amid revival of 40 CRJ-family jets
Rick Leach, chief executive of GoJet Airlines, sees a rare opportunity in front of the St Louis-based regional carrier created by slackening demand for pilots among its major US counterparts.
Airbus holding preliminary talks on securing Spirit AeroSystems work packages
Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury is giving little away on the airframer’s specific strategy for Spirit AeroSystems, but confirms the company is holding preliminary talks on options should Spirit be taken over.
Southwest considering ‘transformational’ changes to single-class cabin: CEO
Southwest Airlines is exploring changes to its single-class cabin, potentially signalling an eventual departure from the carrier’s signature system of no assigned seating.
Sikorsky powers up Raider X prototype but has no plans to fly
The Raider X prototype, built for the US Army’s now-cancelled Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft programme, features the new GE Aerospace T901 Improved Turbine Engine that will eventually be fitted into the army’s UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.
Isom urges Boeing to ‘get your act together’
American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom has reiterated his message that Boeing must fix its nagging production and quality problems, saying the airline remains committed to the airframer but will protect itself should Boeing continue to flounder.
Boeing eyes secondary market for older CH-47s
Following the US Army’s decision to modernise its fleet of heavy-lift rotorcraft with Boeing’s latest Block II Chinook, the company sees an opportunity to develop a secondary market for older Block I CH-47Fs, particularly among international operators.
Southwest cuts four cities from network and shuffles Max 7 orders after $231m first-quarter loss
Southwest Airlines is cutting several destinations from its network, pushing employee time-off programmes, and considering seating changes after surging costs and Boeing 737 Max delivery delays pushed it to a $231 million first-quarter loss.
New US rule requires airlines to refund passengers for ‘significant’ delays
The US government has issued a new consumer-friendly rule on how and when airlines must refund travellers if their flight itineraries are ”significantly” altered, their luggage is lost, or ancillary services are not delivered.
Race to market leads top US air taxi developers to Middle East
Leading US air taxi companies pursuing certification of new and novel aircraft appear increasingly likely to launch passenger service not at home but in a Middle East region eager to embrace advanced air mobility.
Tanker, T-7A charges continue to impact Boeing’s defence unit
Boeing’s defence unit incurred losses of $222 million against a pair of fixed-price contracts in the first quarter of this year, but was buoyed by strong order performance during the same period.
Anduril and General Atomics advance in USAF autonomous fighter programme
Two manufacturers have been selected by the US Air Force to advance in the competition to develop an autonomous fighter aircraft.
Outgoing Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun favours ‘internal succession plan’
Asked to explain what qualities he would like to see in the next chief executive of Boeing, outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun hints at personally favouring an internal candidate to guide the company into its next era.
Boeing advances $425m to boost struggling supplier Spirit
Boeing is providing a $425 million advance payment to Spirit AeroSystems in an attempt to steady its embattled supplier in the short term.
Boeing expects to soon deliver first Block II Chinook
Speaking at the annual US Army aviation summit in Denver, Colorado, executives from Boeing’s vertical lift division say the company has successfully flown its first Block II CH-47F helicopter and expects to deliver four examples of the twin-rotor type to the army by year-end.
Boeing loses $355m in first quarter amid 737 production slowdown
Boeing lost $355 million during a first quarter marred by a high-profile safety scare and the subsequent slowdown of its narrowbody aircraft production rates.
No survivors located from crashed C-54 out of Fairbanks
No survivors have been found from a Douglas C-54, a variant of the DC-4 airliner, which crashed shortly after take-off from Fairbanks airport in Alaska.
Hawaiian lost $138m in Q1 as costs surged
Hawaiian Holdings, parent of Hawaiian Airlines, lost $138 million in the first quarter of 2024, though the company’s chief executive says incoming Boeing 787s and a new freighter operation are putting Hawaiian on track toward profitability.
Hawaiian expects all of its A321neos back in service soon
Hawaiian Airlines anticipates having all of its Airbus A321neos back in service “within the next couple of weeks” after recently having a handful of the jets parked due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engine issues.
Air Transat reaching for new horizon with flights to Africa
Eastern Canada’s Air Transat has big ambitions to expand transatlantic flying with its growing fleet of long-range jets, and Africa is now within reach.
Gulfstream begins G700 deliveries
Gulfstream has now started delivering of its newly certificated G700 ultra-long-range business jet, having handed two of the 19-passenger jets to customers.
Collins Aerospace takes Q1 financial hit from switching titanium suppliers
Collins Aerospace took a $175 million hit in the first quarter of 2024 due to switching suppliers of titanium, though the aerospace giant still turned an $849 million operating profit in the period.
JetBlue loses $716m amid myriad first-quarter struggles
US carrier JetBlue Airways lost $716 million in the first quarter as “significant elevated capacity” in Latin America and on domestic routes cut into the already-struggling airline’s performance.
GTF groundings peak but exact figures remain elusive
RTX estimates that the number of jets grounded by subsidiary Pratt & Whitney’s (P&W) recall of its geared turbofans (GTFs) has peaked, though executives on 23 April provided few details about the degree of disruption caused.
General Atomics testing gun pod for uncrewed aircraft
The manufacturer of uncrewed aerial vehicles is partnering with armaments producer Dillon Aero to adapt the DAP-6 gun pod for use on several General Atomics platforms.
F-35 deliveries set for third-quarter resumption in interim ‘combat training’ standard, Lockheed says
Lockheed Martin is confident that it will be able to resume deliveries of its F-35 stealth fighter in the third quarter of this year, with the US Department of Defense to begin by taking updated aircraft in an interim “combat training-capable” standard.
Beta transitions eVTOL from hover to forward flight and back
In a major milestone for electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies, the start-up has successfully transitioned a full-scale prototype of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) variant of its Alia aircraft from hover to wing-borne forward flight – and back to hover.
Ukraine aims for transfer of stranded An-124
Ukraine is planning to “confiscate” a Volga-Dnepr-owned Antonov An-124 aircraft that has been grounded at Canada’s Toronto Pearson Airport since the start of the war in the country.
Harbour Air plans to buy 50 Magnix propulsion systems for envisioned all-electric fleet
Canadian seaplane operator Harbour Air has signalled its intention to purchase 50 electric propulsion systems from US developer Magnix, a move supporting the airline’s goal of creating a fleet of all-electric De Havilland Canada aircraft.
NASA prepares to retire DC-8 airborne laboratory
Described by the American space agency as the “largest flying science laboratory in the world”, the modified DC-8 airliner was in service with NASA for 37 years, supporting a wide range of scientific missions with a configurable sensor package.
JetBlue continues C-suite overhaul with Daniel Shurz leading revenue and network planning
US carrier JetBlue Airways continues building a new management team under the helm of recently installed chief executive Joanna Geraghty.
Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo tout M-346 as ‘low-drama’ solution for US Navy UJTS bid
Textron Aviation Defense and partner Leonardo believe their offer of the latter’s M-346 Master and integrated training system will offer the US Navy a proven, low-risk solution as the service gears up to replace its aged fleet of Boeing T-45 Goshawk jet trainers.
Robin Hayes to succeed Jeffrey Knittel as Airbus Americas CEO
Former JetBlue Airways chief executive Robin Hayes will succeed Jeffrey Knittel as chairman and chief executive of Airbus Americas, effective 3 June.
USAF launches show of force with 12 B-2 sortie
The flight, which incorporated nearly two-thirds of the stealth bomber fleet, was part of annual drills meant to test the US Air Force’s ability to generate sorties with Washington’s only nuclear-capable bomber capable of penetrating modern air defences.
US Navy considering adding Sierra Nevada to Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS
The US Navy (USN) has been in discussions with Sierra Nevada about adding the company to the service’s Blue Water Maritime Logistics Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) programme.
FAA administrator orders longer rest periods for air traffic controllers, union pushes back
The Federal Aviation Administration will soon require that air traffic controllers be given more time off between shifts, a response to concern about controller fatigue and to several recent close-calls involving commercial jets.
Pipistrel delivers first four Velis Electro airframes to US customers
Slovenian aircraft maker Pipistrel recently delivered the first four Velis Electro fully-electric aircraft to US customers under a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness exemption that allows the aircraft to be used in flight training for the first time.
Sensor fault and missed indications preceded EMB-545’s door opening during climb
US investigators probing the in-flight opening of an Embraer EMB-545’s passenger door have determined that a corroded and jammed door sensor falsely indicated to the crew that it was locked prior to departure.
Alaska and United bemoan strong quarters spoiled by Max 9 grounding
On back-to-back days, executives from two major US airlines described how a major safety scare and the related weeks-long grounding of all Boeing 737 Max 9 jets undermined both companies’ otherwise strong first-quarter performances.
Archer aims to court US policymakers at new office in Washington DC
US air taxi developer Archer Aviation has opened an office in Washington DC focused on regulatory affairs that will be led by Billy Nolen, former acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
US Army entertains short take-off and landing capabilities of Electra’s aircraft
The US Army is exploring potential use of Electra’s hybrid-electric short take-off and landing aircraft (eSTOL) aircraft for logistics in contested environments.
Why United’s ‘moat’ gives Kirby confidence high margins are structural
When United Airlines beat analyst expectations this week with a smaller-than-expected first-quarter loss and higher-than-expected revenues, one person who was not surprised was chief executive Scott Kirby.
Alaska lost $132 million in Q1 amid 737 Max 9 grounding
The financial impact of grounding its 65 Boeing 737 Max 9s in January pushed Alaska Air Group to a $132 million loss in the first quarter of 2024.
Pearl engine success propels Rolls-Royce’s business aviation revival
Despite Rolls-Royce’s wider difficulties in the wake of the pandemic, the Pearl engine is restoring the UK engine maker’s once powerful position in business aviation propulsion.
Suspect presented falsified waybill before alleged Air Canada cargo facility gold heist
Canadian investigators have disclosed that a fraudulent airway bill, based on a genuine seafood shipment, was presented by a suspect during the alleged theft of 6,600 gold bars from an Air Canada cargo facility in Toronto last year.
Consumers sue to block Alaska’s proposed acquisition of Hawaiian
A group of US consumers have filed a lawsuit in a federal district court to block on anticompetitive grounds Alaska Airlines’ proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of rival West Coast carrier Hawaiian Airlines.
NTSB chair refutes whistleblower claim of Boeing document cover up
US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair Jennifer Homendy refutes a whistleblower’s claim that Boeing concealed key documents related to the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 accident in January.
Whistleblower warns Congress of 787 manufacturing concerns but Boeing pushes back
A current Boeing quality engineer told lawmakers on 17 April that the fuselages of more than 1,000 787s could be subject to early failure due to manufacturing “shortcuts” – an allegation Boeing firmly refutes.
Frustrations build in Washington over continued halt on F-35 deliveries
The Pentagon is preparing to curtail the latest upgrade package for the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, as lawmakers expressed frustration with an eight-month freeze in new aircraft deliveries related to certifying new control software.
Alaska Airlines executes brief nationwide ground stop due to ‘abundance of caution’
US carrier Alaska Airlines requested and was granted by the Federal Aviation Administration a nationwide ground-stop that lasted for about 1h on the morning of 17 April.
Max 9 grounding consumes United’s first quarter profits
The grounding of United Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9s following the door plug blow-out on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 cost United roughly $200 million.
United signs for 35 leased A321neos in pivot from Max 10
United Airlines has signed letters of intent with two lessors that will deliver 35 new Airbus A321neos starting in 2026, in a move backfilling the Boeing 737 Max 10s dropped from its fleet plan.
Omega completes contracted air refuelling with B-52 for first time
Contractor Omega Air Refueling Services for the first time topped off a US Air Force B-52 bomber and an MC-130J special-operations transport.
Avelo doubles down on core strategies three years after launching as start-up
Three years have passed since US start-up Avelo Airlines first took off from Burbank, California with an aggressive plan to carve a niche among established ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs).
Casablanca could emerge as centre for KMC 777 freighter conversion
Casablanca is poised to become a freighter conversion centre for Boeing 777-300ERs under a venture involving Kansas Modification Center.
Boeing insists wealth of data shows long-term integrity of 787 fuselages
Boeing engineers insist they are confident in the long-term structural integrity of the 787’s composite fuselage, saying extensive testing and examination has shown that the fuselages retain durability far longer than most airlines will ever fly the jets.
Osprey returns to carrier flight decks under USMC recertification effort
US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys are once again operating from the decks of the navy’s light carrier amphibious assault ships, as the service progresses toward recertifying its tiltrotors and crews after a three-month grounding order was lifted.
Spirit Airlines on track for greater Q1 loss than expected
US discounter Spirit Airlines is bracing for a greater first-quarter loss than previously anticipated due to how it is accounting for $150-$200 million in compensation from Pratt & Whitney (P&W) for its grounded Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.
US carrier IAero files for liquidation after agreement to sell assets to Eastern
US charter carrier IAero Airways has formally filed for liquidation after ceasing operations and reaching an agreement to sell assets, including its Boeing 737 fleet.
‘True sense of fear’: US military expands pilot training at virtual test range created for F-35
The US military has significantly expanded its use of the US Navy’s Joint Simulation Environment, using technology initially developed to evaluate F-35 systems and sensors to create robust and realistic training environments for pilots flying F-35s, F-22s, F/A-18s, EA-18Gs and E-2Ds.
US Navy releases photos of first Swiss F-5E fighter destined for aggressor duty
The US Navy is in the process of acquiring 22 decommissioned Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighters from Switzerland, with plans to use the legacy aircraft for adversary air training.
US Army orders pilot proficiency training after 10 non-combat fatalities in six months
The service has ordered mandatory safety training for its rotary-wing aviation forces, after 12 non-combat crashes in the past six months resulted in 10 fatalities.
Airbus Helicopters in final stages of Aerovel acquisition
Airbus Helicopters is close to completing its acquisition of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) developer Aerovel.
Government auditors criticise US Coast Guard plan to consolidate rotary fleet
The US Coast Guard, which performs both law enforcement and military missions, is in the midst of consolidating its multi-platform rotary-wing aviation fleet to a single helicopter type, with an eye toward greater efficiency.
KLM 787 aborts take-off to avoid another 787 on same runway
Pilots of a KLM Boeing 787 aborted take-off at Toronto on 22 March after controllers realised the jet was accelerating toward a second 787 still on the runway.
Delta’s Bastian upbeat on demand amid ‘most-constructive backdrop of my career’
Delta Air Lines chief executive Ed Bastian painted a positive demand picture after reiterating the airline’s full-year guidance today, describing the environment as “maybe the most-constructive backdrop” during his career.
US Air Force reveals photos of restored B-1B bomber
After recalling a decommissioned Boeing B-1B bomber to service, US Air Force technicians restored the supersonic aircraft to flying condition at the Davis-Monthan AFB “boneyard” before a transfer to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma for a full overhaul and modernisation.
Breeze turns first full-month profit in March amid shift to all-A220 fleet
Fast-growing US start-up Breeze Airways turned its first full-month operating profit in March, reflecting rapid revenue gains amid quick expansion.
Delta sees MRO unit supporting normalised retirement cycle and third-party opportunity
Delta Air Lines executives flag the role that its MRO business has played in ensuring the reliability of older aircraft in its own fleet, but note the focus will start to switch toward managing aircraft retirements and developing third party business.
Delta ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Aeromexico joint-venture ruling
Delta Air Lines is in talks with regulators to secure a “less-punitive” ruling after the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) tentative order requiring it to end a joint venture with SkyTeam partner Aeromexico.
Delta posts profitable start to the year
Delta Air Lines posted a profit over the opening three months of the year on a non-adjusted basis for the first time since the pandemic.
Military drone developers see more opportunity for contracted maritime surveillance
US demand is growing for sea-based “contractor-owned, contractor-operated” (COCO) intelligence services from uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) developers, while demand for land-based services has waned, according to an industry executive.
Lockheed test fires four Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles simultaneously
The stealthy air-launched cruise missile is expected to be a critical asset in any maritime conflict, particularly in the Indo-Pacific where Pentagon planners are preparing for a Taiwan invasion scenario potentially involving hundreds of enemy surface vessels.
Boeing slowed deliveries in first quarter but landed net new orders for 126 jets
Boeing’s delivery pace slowed in the first quarter of 2024 as it addressed quality and safety concerns, though the company logged a strong quarter for new orders, thanks largely to several deals reached in March.
Canadian charter carrier Nolinor bumps 737 captain pay by 25-40%
The starting salary for a 737 captain at Nolinor is now C$175,000 ($129,000), with potential increases to a salary beyond C$250,000.
Canada announces $13.5bn helicopter modernisation plan
Under a new strategy to boost defence spending and modernise the Canadian military, Ottawa will spend some $13.5 billion over 20 years to acquire a new helicopter fleet.
One-third of jets with P&W GTF engines sitting idle as recall impact spreads
Analysis of Cirium data shows scale of PW1000G-series grounding, with 637 of almost 2,000 GTF-powered jets out of service as of 1 April.
FAA grants Gulfstream cabin and production certificates for G700
Gulfstream has still not said when it expects to deliver the first of its recently certificated G700 long-range business jets, but the company has received additional certifications that bring the milestone closer.
US Navy deploys more MQ-4C intelligence-gathering drones despite testing and availability concerns
When a Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton touched down at NAS Sigonella on 30 March, it marked the second overseas deployment of the US Navy’s new intelligence-gathering drone, a type declared operational in July 2023.
A220 technicians reject latest Airbus contract proposal and seek better pay as airframer works to stem losses
Workers at Airbus’s A220 manufacturing site near Montreal have rejected the company’s latest pay offer, marking continuation of a negotiation process that previously left the union warning of a go-slow by its members.
Spirit defers acquisition of new Airbus jets and plans pilot furloughs
Financially troubled US discounter Spirit Airlines has hauled back its fleet-expansion plans by deferring delivery of new Airbus A320neo-family jets previously scheduled for delivery between the second quarter of 2025 and end-2026.
Southwest 737 turns back to Denver after apparent cowl-door loss on departure
One of Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737-800s has returned to Denver, its departure airport, after one engine suffered an apparent cowl-door detachment.
US senator wants probe of ‘undisclosed feature’ of 737 Max cockpit door
US Senator Tammy Duckworth is calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to examine why Alaska Airlines pilots were unaware of a critical feature of the 737 Max 9’s cockpit door ahead of the 5 January depressurisation event on Alaska flight 1282.
Russian nationals plead guilty in US court to conspiring to ship 737 components to Russia
Two Russian nationals pleaded guilty in US federal court on 4 April to a conspiracy involving the export of commercial aircraft parts from the USA to Russia, a violation of US export laws imposed following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Hermeus reveals details of first supersonic flight vehicle
The second flight vehicle and third airframe in the Quarterhorse line, Hermeus says the supersonic-capable Mk 2 will be a delta wingshape roughly the size of a Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter.
US Marines order solar-electric UAV for endurance missions
Start-up Kraus Hamdani Aerospace was selected to provide the US Marine Corps with the company’s ultra-long-endurance K1000 solar-powered unmanned air vehicle.
Earthquake disrupts flights in New York area
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake centred over New Jersey has led the Federal Aviation Administration to halt flights at Newark International airport and warn of broader flight disruptions.
IAero defends asset sale to Eastern Airlines in face of creditors’ exasperation
US operator IAero Group has defended the proposed sale of assets – including much of the IAero Airways fleet – to an entity associated with Eastern Airlines, strongly rejecting objections from creditors.
Captain of United 737 that left pavement in Houston wanted to ‘expedite’ time on runway
The captain of a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 that left the taxiway and suffered a collapsed landing gear after landing in Houston recalled to accident investigators wanting to “expedite their time on the runway”.
Boeing pays Alaska Airlines $160m for 737 Max 9 grounding
Boeing paid Alaska Air Group $160 million in the first quarter as compensation for the 737 Max 9 grounding that followed the rapid de-pressurisation of Alaska Airlines flight 1282.
Canada set to launch search for new trainer to support future F-35A fleet
The Royal Canadian Air Force will start engaging with industry from next month as it starts work towards defining its requirements for a future fighter lead-in trainer to enter service early next decade.
US Senate committee to consider Homendy for second term as NTSB chair
The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing next week on the nomination of Jennifer Homendy for a second three-year term as chair of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Air Canada returns to Singapore as it eyes region’s growth potential
Air Canada is seeing “very good” forward booking demand on flights between Vancouver and Singapore, and will increase frequencies between the two cities in December.
GlobalX plans to add four more jets and fly 20-strong A320 fleet this summer
Charter carrier Global Crossing Airlines has received approval from US aviation authorities to grow its fleet to 20 Airbus A320-family aircraft from its current maximum of 16 jets.
Archer Aviation shuffles C-suite as chief legal officer departs
Electric aircraft developer Archer Aviation recently disclosed the departure of its chief legal officer and a significant transition involving another long-time C-suite executive.
US Air Force begins modifying F-16s for autonomous flight testing
Under the Viper Experimentation and Next-generation Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed, or VENOM-AFT programme, the air force will modify three Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters for use as testbeds to develop autonomous flight technologies.
Unsecured creditors dismayed at proposed IAero asset sale
Unsecured creditors are objecting strongly to the proposed sale of US charter carrier IAero Airways’ assets, including nearly 30 aircraft, to an entity linked with Eastern Airlines.
WestJet Encore pilots threaten strike that could disrupt regional flights
The union representing WestJet Encore pilots has voted to authorise a strike that could potentially disrupt the Canadian regional airline’s passenger flights later this month.
US Air Force and BAE complete on testing latest F-15 electronic countermeasures
The Eagle Passive Warning Survivability System, or EPAWSS, is an electronic warfare system viewed as critical for making the fourth-generation F-15E and F-15EX more survivable against modern air defences.
PSA Airlines opens maintenance base in Dallas-Forth Worth
American Airlines’ regional subsidiary PSA Airlines opened on 1 April a maintenance base at Dallas-Fort Worth International airport, the carrier’s ninth such base in the USA.
Exosonic flies demonstrator of in-development autonomous supersonic military jet
US supersonic aircraft developer Exosonic has started test flying a subscale demonstrator of a conceptual supersonic unmanned aircraft that the company aims to develop for military customers.
General Electric completes break up, GE Aerospace emerges as standalone company
Once-mighty US industrial giant General Electric is now called GE Aerospace.
US Navy adds two MQ-25s to initial order
Boeing received a $657 million contract for the production and delivery of two additional MQ-25 Stingray autonomous refuellers for the US Navy under the programme’s initial development and test phase.
Panel urges FAA to revise pilot mental-health oversight in bid to boost disclosure
A new report urges the Federal Aviation Administration to tweak how it addresses mental health issues among pilots and air traffic controllers, saying the current scheme can discourage workers from disclosing such problems.
UPS wins contract to be USA’s primary air mail carrier over FedEx
Shipping and logistics giant UPS has secured a contract to become the primary air cargo carrier for the US Postal Service (USPS), marking the end of rival FedEx’s 20-year run in that role.
United dangles unpaid time off to pilots amid Boeing delivery delays
With fewer new jets on the way than previously anticipated, United Airlines is offering unpaid time off to its pilots.
US Air Force recalls mothballed B-1B to service from boneyard
A mothballed Boeing B-1B supersonic bomber is being refurbished for active service with the US Air Force to offset multiple non-combat losses in recent years.
Surf Air Mobility delays certification of electric powertrain for Grand Caravan
US regional aviation start-up Surf Air Mobility has pushed back its target date for certification of its in-development electric powertrain to 2027.
Spirit Airlines to receive $150-200m from P&W for geared turbofan troubles
Spirit Airlines has secured a compensation package from Pratt & Whitney (P&W) valued between $150 million and $200 million for the grounding of “nearly all” the PW1100G-powered Airbus A320neos in its fleet.
Hypersonic developer Hermeus teases first flight of Quarterhorse this summer
The Atlanta-based start-up revealed the second of four planned vehicles in the Quarterhorse line and revealed the selection of the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine to power its follow-on aircraft.
Gulfstream secures G700’s certification after protracted process
The Federal Aviation Administration has certificated Gulfstream’s ultra-long-range, large-cabin G700 business jet, a milestone coming after the aircraft’s approval had been held up for several years amid heightened FAA scrutiny stemming from the Boeing 737 Max crisis.
Bell begins electrical upgrades to USMC H-1 fleet with eye toward future weapons
The Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade for Bell UH-1Y Venom utility and AH-1Z attack helicopters will increase each aircraft’s electrical power capacity to support the integration of additional weapon systems and cabin capabilities.
Canada Jetlines exploring ‘benefits and costs’ of trading on US stock exchange
Start-up carrier Canada Jetlines is exploring potential listing on the US stock exchange, executives revealed on 28 March.
Atlas Air adds second 777F for YunExpress flights between China and USA
US carrier Atlas Air and YunExpress are boosting cargo operations between China and the USA by adding a second Boeing 777-200 Freighter on a long-term charter agreement.
US Navy could begin replacing some T-45 jet trainers by 2026
Almost six years after the US Navy began investigating a replacement for the Boeing T-45 Goshawk trainer, fiscal year 2025 navy budget documents released earlier this month indicate the service could begin procuring Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) aircraft as early as 2026.
Regional start-up BermudAir plans to launch flights to Canada
Fresh off expanding its network on the East Coast of the USA, start-up regional carrier BermudAir has signalled its intention to launch flights to two eastern Canadian cities this summer.
Norse Atlantic rolls dice on Las Vegas as US expansion continues
Norse Atlantic Airways will add Las Vegas to its US map in September, amid a network shift to boost profitability.
Alaska and Hawaiian enter 90-day timing agreement with DOJ amid antitrust review
Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have entered into an agreement regarding the timing of their proposed tie-up as they work to satisfy the US Department of Justice’s requests for documentation.
Avelo expands New Haven network with four new destinations
Avelo Airlines will add four new destinations to its map this summer, including the first commercial flights to Lakeland, Florida, in more than a decade.
Airline Business Podcast: Changes at the top of Boeing and Europe’s united front
In the latest episode – sponsored by Panasonic Avionics – Graham and Lewis discuss the impact of the recently announced changes at the top of Boeing, which came after several airlines voiced concerns about aspects of the airframer’s management.
Lynx Air and Boeing agree to terminate 737 Max purchase deal
Canadian operator Lynx Air has reached a formal agreement with Boeing to cancel a large aircraft purchase deal, following the airline’s cessation of operations in February.
JetZero poised to flight-test blended wing-body ‘Pathfinder’ demonstrator
A blended wing-body demonstrator aircraft developed by US start-up JetZero has received an airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, advancing the company’s plans for a flight-testing programme in Southern California.
SkyWest chairman Jerry Atkin to retire after four decades with US regional carrier
Jerry Atkin, chair of SkyWest Airlines’ board of directors, is planning to retire in May, marking the end of four-decade-long tenure with the company’s senior leadership team.
Southern Airways Caravan’s engine made ‘shattering noise’ before highway landing
A Southern Airways Express Cessna 208B Grand Caravan that made an emergency landing on a highway near Washington DC’s Dulles International airport lost engine thrust after pilots heard a “sudden shattering noise and vibrations coming from the engine area”.
Bombardier ceases aircraft production at historic Toronto Downsview site
Bombardier has wrapped up all aircraft assembly work at its Downsview facility in Toronto, closing a chapter in the history of a now largely residential site that had hosted aerospace manufacturing for nearly a century.
Canada Jetlines to fly A320s between Africa and Europe on behalf of Air Arabia Maroc
Start-up carrier Canada Jetlines plans to deploy two of its Airbus A320s for flights this summer between Morocco and Western Europe through a three-month contract with Air Arabia Maroc.
Southwest 737 diverts after misaligned approach to LaGuardia
Clarity has yet to emerge as to why a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 was not aligned with the runway during final approach to New York LaGuardia, following a service from Nashville.
Supernal’s new chief technology officer David McBride to lead air taxi development
Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary Supernal has appointed NASA veteran David McBride as chief technology officer, tasking him with leading the development and certification of the company’s proposed electric air taxi.
New Pacific Airlines cuts last passenger flights from schedule
New Pacific Airlines has cancelled flights on its last remaining scheduled route between Ontario, California and Nashville, Tennessee, as the struggling start-up carrier pivots to an entirely charter-based business model.
Boeing management overhaul could spark real change – or bring more of the same
The broad management shake up disclosed on 25 March by Boeing might hold a chance of finally setting the embattled company on a real recovery path. The challenge, however, lies in the tricky fact that many of Boeing’s troubles originate not in its corporate suites, but rather on the floors of its factories.
Flair Airlines steady amid turbulent Canadian low-cost segment: CEO
Flair Airlines’ chief executive Stephen Jones is pushing back against suggestions that the Canadian low-cost carrier is struggling in the aftermath of competitor Lynx Air’s collapse.
XTI Aerospace seeks performance edge over eVTOLs with jet-fuel-burning TriFan 600
New aircraft developer XTI Aerospace has chosen a development path unconstrained by current battery technology as it seeks to outperform the pack of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft by offering greater range, speed and payload.
Boeing chief Calhoun to leave at end-2024 as Deal departs Commercial Airplanes
Boeing has implemented a broad management shake up that will see chief executive David Calhoun leave the company at the end of 2024 and that includes the immediate retirement of Boeing Commercial Airplanes boss Stan Deal. Stepanie Pope is now leading that division
FAA set to fine Spirit Airlines over hazardous materials mishandling
The US Federal Aviation Administration has proposed fining Spirit Airlines $146,500 after employees allegedly mishandled hazardous materials, thus violating US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
FAA pauses ‘variety’ of United’s certification activities in response to safety incidents
United Airlines is facing increased oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration following a series of safety incidents that have captured the public’s attention.
Start-up carrier New Pacific pivots to charters as scheduled service lags
US start-up carrier New Pacific Airlines is pivoting to focus mostly on charter flights after struggling to catch on with its scheduled passenger service out of Southern California.
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator takes to the skies
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator took off for the first time on 22 March and completed a 12min maiden sortie during which it climbed to 7,120ft and hit 238kt (441km/h).
Allegiant’s flight attendants to receive average 25% raise under tentative labour deal
US discounter Allegiant Air and the union representing its flight attendants have agreed to new contract terms that would give attendants an average 25% wage bump upon ratification.
US lawmakers call for recapitalisation of LC-130 Arctic transport fleet
The US Air National Guard in New York state operates the world’s only fleet of the unique “Skibird” C-130 variant equipped for take-off and landing on snow runways.
FAA responds to PW1100G ‘misaligned’ vane issue that caused a 2022 failure
The Federal Aviation Administration intends to require airlines replace a rotor in Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofans after a 2022 rotor failure caused an in-flight engine shutdown.
US regional carrier CommuteAir extends CEO Rick Hoefling through 2028
US regional carrier CommuteAir has extended chief executive Rick Hoefling through 2028 with a contract amendment recently approved by the company’s board of directors.
Hawaiian’s long-awaited 787s will ‘stretch legs’ across USA and Pacific: CEO
The recent arrival in Honolulu of a GEnx-1B-powered Boeing 787-9 adorned with Hawaiian’s floral livery – the first of 12 now expected through 2027 – is a long-awaited and horizon-expanding addition to the carrier’s long-haul fleet.
Hawaiian Airlines takes second of 10 cargo-converted A330s it will fly for Amazon
Hawaiian Airlines has taken delivery of the second of 10 Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversions it plans to operate on behalf of Amazon, under the brand Prime Air.
NTSB finds incorrectly ‘swapped’ brake lines on American 737-800 that overran runway in February
Federal investigators have cited improper brake maintenance as a factor related to a 10 February runway overrun involving an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 at Dallas Fort Worth International airport.
Switzerland begins turning over retired F-5 fighters to USA
The Swiss air force has begun the process of transferring 22 decomissioned Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighters to the US Marine Corps and US Navy, which operate the legacy type as an adversary air platform.
Canada’s Transat AT names Sebastian Ponce chief revenue officer
Transat AT, parent of Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat, has appointed Sebastian Ponce as chief revenue officer as it continues searching for profitability.
How combat helicopter losses in Ukraine brought down US Army’s FARA strategy
Washington is renewing its investment in current rotorcraft platforms instead of funding a high-speed armed scout – but do lessons from the war in Ukraine support its decision?
How airport infrastructure company chief Sabina Mohammadi built a career in aerospace
A BOAC flight in 1969 ignited Sabina Mohammadi’s love for aviation – a passion that led her to become a private pilot and to launch American Infrastructure Development (AID), a growing, 20-employee Tampa-based firm that assists airports with infrastructure projects.
Hawker 800XP damaged in overrun while attempting take-off in excessive tailwind
Investigators have determined that a departing Raytheon Hawker 800XP overran after failing to rotate, after the crew attempted to take off in a tailwind which exceeded limitations.
HA-420 skidded off slushy runway after unstable approach and long touchdown
US investigators have found that a Honda Aircraft HA-420 had been flying faster than the prescribed approach speed during descent, before it landed long and overran a slush-contaminated runway at Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County airport.
Embraer ‘will be ready’ to develop a new business or commercial aircraft in two years
Embraer within the next two years will be ready to develop a new executive or commercial aircraft, an effort seemingly separate from the Brazilian manufacturer’s potential longer-term development of aircraft with novel propulsion systems.
General Atomics tests submarine detection with MQ-9B uncrewed aircraft
The deployment of sonobuoys from MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft comes as manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems seeks to ramp up sales of its latest UAV, which is also certificated for civil use.
Boeing extends Super Hornet production to 2027 with final new-build order from USA
After a lengthy dispute that saw the Pentagon attempt to avoid purchasing new Super Hornet strike fighters that were already funded by Congress, the US Navy has agreed to a final production contract covering 17 new-build Block III F/A-18 jets.
JetBlue trims ‘unprofitable’ routes from network in bid for stability
JetBlue Airways is cutting “unprofitable” routes across its network in an attempt to boost its financial performance in the absence of the carrier’s recently deceased deal to acquire Spirit Airlines.
WestJet chief operating officer Pen adds president role
Canada’s WestJet has named chief operating officer Diederik Pen to the post of president, effective on 1 April.
Boeing aims to get near 38-per-month 737 production rate this year: CFO
Boeing this year plans to gradually increase 737 production, but its output will be restricted to “below 38” jets monthly as it works through quality issues raised by two recent safety audits.
Former GlobalX CEO proposes Florida air taxi operations under new brand ‘UrbanLink’
Airline entrepreneur Ed Wegel has revealed plans to launch electric air taxi operations in Florida under new brand UrbanLink, only days after he announced new Airbus A220 operator Air Flo.
Short-haul start-up BermudAir expanding in eastern USA
BermudAir has launched thrice-weekly round-trip flights to Baltimore, representing the first major expansion of the short-haul airline’s early network.
Canada Jetlines takes fourth leased A320 and signs deal for further two jets
Start-up leisure carrier Canada Jetlines has taken delivery of a leased Airbus A320 from Aviation Capital Group and recently signed lease agreements covering acquisition of an additional two of the type.
Joby to deliver two electric aircraft to USAF next year
US air taxi developer Joby Aviation has agreed to deliver two aircraft to MacDill AFB in Florida next year as part of a newly extended partnership with the US AIr Force (USAF).
Delta rallies stakeholders to defend threatened Aeromexico joint venture
Delta Air Lines has assembled a wide coalition of businesses, trade groups, lawmakers and governors in opposition to a US government decision that stands to force Delta and Aeromexico to end their joint business.
Canada highlights arctic aviation capability with far-northern drills
During a series of exercises known as Operation Nanook-Nunalivut, the Royal Canadian Air Force highlighted its ability to deliver ground forces and equipment on missions in high latitudes.
Airbus A220 workers orchestrate work slowdown in Mirabel amid contract dispute
Unionised assembly workers and other technicians at Airbus’s A220 manufacturing site near Montreal are orchestrating work disruptions after voting down an employment contract proposed by the manufacturer.
HA-420 landed fast and long in excessive crosswind before damaging excursion
US investigators have disclosed that a Honda Aircraft HA-420 light executive jet was travelling above reference speed, and attempting to land in gusts above crosswind limits when it suffered a damaging excursion at Houston’s William Hobby airport.
US Navy takes delivery of first MQ-25 autonomous refueller
Marking the receipt of the service’s first-ever carrier-based without a pilot, the US Navy accepted delivery of the first MQ-25 Stingray tanker jet from Boeing.
Miami maintenance firm personnel sold falsely-certified parts to Canadian carriers
Representatives of a Florida-based aircraft maintenance company have pleaded guilty to charges relating to distributing parts with falsified documentation to Canadian airlines.
Airlines candid on Boeing concerns
Good weeks have been few and far between at Boeing for some time, but the past few days have proven particularly challenging as the airframer works to move beyond its various issues.
Air Transat seeks to offset capacity lost due to PW1100G engine problems
Its fleet beset by grounded Airbus A321LRs needing work on their Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines, Canadian airline company Transat AT is adding both newly leased and previously ordered aircraft to partially offset the lost capacity.
Delta to revive flights to Tel Aviv amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict
Major US carrier Delta Air Lines plans to revive daily flights to Tel Aviv from New York this summer, becoming the latest airline to indicate interest in resuming operations amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
Canada prepares $630m airfield upgrades as part of tanker acquisition
Improvements to runways and hangar facilities will support Ottawa’s planned fleet of nine Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport jets.
US Air Force cuts fighter acquisition goals for 2025
In its fiscal year 2025 budget request, the US Air Force reveals it plans to acquire fewer F-15EXs, temporarily slow the pace of F-35 purchases and spend billions of dollars developing a sixth-generation fighter and autonomous jets to support the new platform.
Court filing lists nearly 30 737s as part of IAero asset sale linked to US carrier Eastern
Court filings have revealed that US operator IAero Airways – which is under US bankruptcy protection – is pursuing an asset-sale agreement involving an entity linked with carrier Eastern Airlines.
Alaska rebounds after taking $150m hit from 737 Max 9 grounding
US carrier Alaska Airlines estimates the grounding of its Boeing 737 Max 9s following the 5 January door plug blow-out on flight 1282 resulted in lost profits of at least $150 million.
’Vertical-lift crossover’ developer XTI Aerospace listed on US stock exchange
Colorado-based XTI Aerospace on 13 March began trading as a publicly listed company on the US stock exchange, vowing to commercialise its conceptual “vertical-lift crossover” business aircraft.
Canada’s Nolinor reveals fresh livery on 737-400 repurposed for mining industry
Canadian charter carrier Nolinor Aviation has adorned its first Boeing 737-400 with an update of its distinctive blue, white and gold livery.
Boeing confirms to NTSB it has no records of work on failed 737 Max door plug
Boeing confirms to federal accident investigators it has no records of work completed last year on a 737 Max 9 door plug that failed during a 5 January flight, nor does it know which employees performed the work.
Second AviaAM 777-300ER transferred for Mammoth freighter conversion
Irish-based AviaAM Leasing has transferred a second Boeing 777-300ER for cargo conversion by US-based Mammoth Freighters.
Pentagon declares full-rate production on F-35, years behind schedule
The US Department of Defense has approved Lockheed Martin for full-rate production on the F-35 stealth fighter programme, years behind schedule and well after the airframer had already started assembling the jets at maximum capacity.
Frontier to create new cabin class by blocking middle seat in first two rows
US ultra-discounter Frontier Airlines is again taking cues from European carriers by guaranteeing open middle seats in the two front rows of all its aircraft.
Boeing steps up quality inspections as part of initial response to two concerning safety audits
The chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes has laid out initial steps the company is taking to address quality and safety concerns raised by two recent investigations into its 737 Max assembly site in Renton.
GE Aerospace targets production and quality improvements with $650m investment
GE Aerospace plans to spend $650 million this year on efforts to boost quality and production at its sites and those of suppliers, more than twice the $335 million it spent on similar projects last year.
Boeing MH-139 nuclear security helicopter begins operational service
An operational US Air Force unit has for the first time received one of the new Grey Wolf helicopters which will replace the Bell UH-1N in supporting physical security at the service’s nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile silos.
‘Boeing needs to become a better company’: Southwest CEO
Boeing’s 737 Max delivery delays have drawn sharp criticism from Southwest Airlines’ chief executive Bob Jordan, who described on 12 March the carrier’s highly constrained 2024 growth plan.
Canada retires Hawk jet trainers without replacements identified
The Royal Canadian Air Force says its fighter training squadron has entered a “period of hiatus” after the service retired its fleet of BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk trainer jets.
Boeing’s 737 deliveries slowed in February as investigators scrutinised operation
Boeing’s pace of 737 Max deliveries slowed again in February amid intense scrutiny over product quality, though the company succeeded last month in accelerating narrowbody deliveries to customers in China, a country that had been essentially closed to new 737s until recently.
United considering A321neo order as 737 Max 10 certification stalls
United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby acknowledges that the US carrier is considering a potential order of Airbus A321neos to replace the Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft it no longer expects to be delivered.
Tax bump on private jet fuel included in USA’s proposed budget for 2025
US president Joe Biden’s proposed budget for 2025 includes increased taxes on fuel for private jets, which the administration has identified as a potential source of funding the National Airspace System (NAS).
GE Aerospace predicts booming profits as Leap deliveries and service work accelerate
GE Aerospace has big plans for the coming years, predicting that demand for engine aftermarket services combined with accelerating new-engine deliveries will push its adjusted operating profit to $10 billion by 2028, up from $5.6 billion in 2023.
Five killed as Gulfstream G100 crashes in rural Virginia
A twin-engine Gulstream G100 was on short approach to Ingalls Field airport outside of Hot Springs, Virginia when it struck trees and crashed into a hillside.
New Leap turbofans are getting fuel nozzle fix and modified blades as part of durability effort: GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace has introduced improved fuel nozzles for CFM International Leap turbofans and expects by year-end to introduce fixed high-pressure turbine blades – efforts to address durability problems with its best-selling engines.
Stratolaunch completes first powered flight of hypersonic test vehicle
While the first Talon-A flight did not break the Mach 5 hypersonic barrier, Stratolaunch says the vehicle achieved high supersonic speed before executing a planned water landing.
FAA releases final guidelines for type certification of Joby’s air taxi
In a first for the US air taxi segment, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued final airworthiness criteria for Joby Aviation’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Eve’s spending on electric air taxi development doubled in 2023
US air taxi developer Eve Air Mobility doubled its research and development spending in 2023, compared with the previous year.
Former Global Crossing chief to start up Florida-based A220 operator
Just weeks after leaving his post as chief executive of US operator Global Crossing Airlines, Ed Wegel has revealed plans to start a new carrier operating Airbus A220s.
United 737 Max 8 runs off taxiway in Houston
A United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 ran off the taxiway on 8 March after landing at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental airport, coming to rest with a wing tilting into the grass.
Pentagon to resume Osprey flights, despite unanswered questions around fatal crash
Although the US military now knows what caused the fatal crash of a Bell-Boeing V-22 tiltrotor last November, the airworthiness authority for the type still does not know why the deadly failure occurred, even as it plans to restart flight operations.
Bristow details S-92 woes and outlines AW189 fleet growth
Bristow Group sees the spare parts shortages afflicting the Sikorsky S-92 lasting until at least the end of the year and is increasingly looking to other helicopter types for its future capacity requirements.
Lagging Asia-Pacific leaves global airline traffic just short of 2019 levels
That the global airline industry is able to record a 17% year on year rise in passenger traffic for January 2024 and still be just below 2019 levels is a reminder of how nascent some aspects of its Covid-19 recovery are.
GE Aerospace advances open-fan engine development, insists design will see service
GE Aerospace has started testing key components of its in-development open-fan engine, and executives still insist the fuel-efficient design will find its way on future narrowbody passenger jets.
United 777 diverts after losing tire on take-off
A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 diverted from its route to Japan after losing a tire on take-off from San Francisco International airport.
Cold-soaked servo could have led to ‘stuck’ rudder pedals on United 737 Max 8
Rudder pedals that became stuck in neutral position during the landing of a Boeing 737 Max 8 operated by United Airlines may have been related to a cold-soaked rudder roll-out guidance servo.
GlobalX trims projected 2026 fleet to 35 from 50 jets
After pursuing an aggressive early growth strategy, US start-up carrier Global Crossing Airlines has cooled off on its ambitious fleet-expansion plans.
Boeing may have ‘no documentation to share’ about 737 Max 9 door plug removal
Boeing has suggested it has no documentation related to its removal and re-installation of the 737 Max 9 door plug that failed during a 5 January flight, while insisting it is fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation.
Canada takes delivery of new King Air 350ER-based surveillance aircraft
Under the Manned Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance project, L3Harris will modify three Beechcraft King Air 350ER turboprops with mission packages for service with the Royal Canadian Air Force under the designation CE-145C Vigilance.
NTSB chair slams Boeing for failing to supply information about failed door plug
The head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has slammed Boeing for failing to provide investigators with basic information as part of the agency’s inquiry into the 5 January in-flight failure of a 737 Max 9’s door plug.
Envoy planning to add 12 more E175s starting in 2025
American Airlines’ regional subsidiary Envoy Air is planning to take an additional 12 large regional jets, with the first of the aircraft due for delivery in 2025.
Big three US airlines again delay resumption of further China flights
The three largest US airlines are pushing back until at least late October the resumption of many flights to China that they cut early during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ethiopian commits to purchase eight Boeing 777-9s
Ethiopian Airlines has committed to purchase eight Boeing 777-9s as part of a deal that could see the Addis Ababa-based carrier take a further 12 aircraft.
Ampaire acquires glider-inspired electric ‘aerotowing’ start-up Magpie Aviation
Hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire has acquired glider-inspired start-up Magpie Aviation, which has worked to enable long-range electric flights with towing systems.
American’s 85-strong Max 10 order includes ‘financial protections’ against delivery delays
Acknowledging that American Airlines’ order for an additional 85 Boeing 737 Max 10s is a “vote of confidence in Boeing”, airline executives say financial protections are built into the deal should the aerospace giant stumble further.
Canada to sunset leased King Air fleet in favour of air force modernisations
The Royal Canadian Air Force is declining to renew leases on two Beechcraft King Air transports, with Ottawa saying the savings will be used to support a sweeping modernisation plan for the service.
American Airlines orders 260 narrowbody and regional jets in huge boost to fleet plan
American Airlines has placed orders for 260 new aircraft, including those produced by Airbus, Boeing and Embraer, with deliveries expected to begin later this decade.
SkyWest adds another 20 Embraer E175s to United fleet
SkyWest Airlines will add another 20 aircraft to fly under contract for United Airlines by the end of this year.
Scrapping of recovered Emtrasur 747 irks Venezuelan government
Venezuela’s government has condemned the scrapping of a Boeing 747-300M following its retrieval by US authorities from Buenos Aires, where the jet had been impounded nearly two years.
AAR snaps up Triumph’s maintenance and repair business for $725m
Aircraft maintenance provider AAR has acquired aerospace company Triumph Group’s aircraft maintenance and repair business for $725 million, marking another in a string divestitures by Triumph.
Boeing confirms it is in talks to acquire Spirit but analysts are sceptical
Boeing confirms it has interest in acquiring 737 fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystems, a move some industry experts think could help the US aircraft manufacturer finally address troubles at its largest supplier.
United expects 102 fewer aircraft deliveries in 2024
United Airlines expects Boeing to deliver 102 fewer aircraft in 2024 than contractually agreed, forcing the airline to recalculate its fleet plan and delivery expectations in the coming years.
Board approval sets up GE to become standalone aerospace company on 2 April
General Electric’s board of directors has approved a plan to spin off energy business Vernova on 2 April, setting up GE to become a standalone aviation company named GE Aerospace on that date.
Boeing lands $3.4 billion contract for Canadian, German P-8As
Boeing has secured a $3.4 billion production contract from the US Navy covering P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for Canada and Germany.
NTSB revises accident report to remove blaming Tamarack for 2018 crash
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revised a 2021 accident report to remove a conclusion that Tamarack Aerospace’s Atlas active winglets caused a deadly Cessna Citation 525 crash in 2018.
Spike NLOS missile on target for US Army fielding this year
The US Army will begin fielding Rafael’s Spike NLOS long-range air-to-surface missile with its Boeing AH-64E Apache fleet later this year, following the recent completion of qualification testing.
Kaman readies uncrewed ‘Kargo’ quadcopter for front-line logistics
Kaman’s fully autonomous cargo aircraft is designed to meet the challenges of rapidly changing battlefield logistics.
Icon ups A5’s gross weight and range with new four-blade prop
Icon Aircraft has increased the gross weight of its A5 light sport aircraft, allowing new-build A5s to carry more fuel and giving the type 2h more flight endurance.
United adds former Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer to board
United Airlines has added Rosalind Brewer, former chief executive of retail pharmacy and healthcare company Walgreens Boots Alliance, to its board of directors.
FAA gives Boeing 90 days to submit quality improvement plan
The Federal Aviation Administration has given Boeing a 90-day deadline to submit a plan detailing how it intends to address quality-control concerns recently identified by FAA investigators and by a separate safety review panel.
Tru Simulation merges virtual reality with ‘tactile feel’ of cockpit controls
Seeking to package the capabilities of a full flight simulator into a compact design, Tru Simulation + Training has unveiled a virtual reality-augmented system called the Veris VR Flight Simulator.
Sikorsky ‘not confined to rotor blades’ as it unveils tiltwing Hex demonstrator
Sikorsky has shared its vision for a hybrid-electic tiltwing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft called Hex.
American Airlines sides with US DOT in Delta-Aeromexico JV spat
American Airlines has spoken out against Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico’s opposition to a US Department of Transportation (DOT) ruling that would force the two carriers to unwind their seven-year collaboration.
Phenix rises for ‘dirty, dull and dangerous’ missions with newly unveiled Ultra 2XL
Uncrewed aircraft developer Phenix Solutions has unveiled a full-sized prototype of its remotely piloted heavy-lift rotorcraft at the Heli-Expo show in Anaheim.
Universal completes first test of fuel-cell powertrain mated to its liquid-hydrogen ‘modules’
Universal Hydrogen has run its hydrogen-fuel-cell propulsion system on hydrogen supplied from one of its proprietary storage tanks, a milestone the company says helps demonstrate the feasibility of its hydrogen-powered regional aircraft concept.
Archer CEO wants to ditch ‘eVTOL’ label and revive ‘flying car’
Archer Aviation chief executive Adam Goldstein is embracing the term “flying car”, which had for decades been used to describe futuristic personal aircraft but has since fallen from favour.
New report flags ongoing safety gaps within Boeing
A detailed new report alleges that numerous safety gaps still exist within Boeing, including unclear safety-related processes, safety culture disconnects and concerns about the company’s self-oversight system.
Allegiant and Viva Aerobus urge US DOT to resume review of proposed alliance
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air and Mexico’s VivaAerobus have requested the US Department of Transportation (DOT) reinstate the procedural schedule pertaining to approval of an alliance between the two ultra-low-cost carriers.
Delta and Aeromexico slam US DOT for ‘arbitrary’ cancellation of joint business
Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico call the US government’s planned termination of their joint cooperation agreement (JCA) “arbitrary, misdirected, discriminatory and ineffectual” in a new filing protesting the move.
Air Canada caps fares and adds seats to help Lynx passengers
Air Canada will cap fares and add 6,000 seats in “select markets” to assist passengers in the wake Lynx Air’s pending cessation of operations.
Lynx owes Indigo C$124m amid insolvency due to Max grounding and pandemic: court papers
Canadian start-up carrier Lynx Air attributes its descent into insolvency to factors including the grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max, Covid-19 travel restrictions and surging fuel prices.
Canada’s Chorus turns C$106 million profit in 2023 as all segments remain strong
Canada’s Chorus Aviation said its 2023 profit more than doubled year on year to C$106 million as all three segments of the company posted gains.
Unapproved parts scandal spurs creation of aerospace supply-chain task force
Airframers and engine suppliers, as well as other representatives of the aerospace industry, have established a joint organisation intended to tackle the problem of unapproved parts.
Can Boeing steady the ship after bumpy start to 2024?
It is clear that Boeing needs to do something to turn around its fortunes, but exactly what that something should be remains a subject of debate among the people who follow and work with the US aerospace giant.
Lynx Air to cease operations due to high costs and stiff competition
Canadian start-up carrier Lynx Air is ceasing operations on 26 February, citing financial pressure in the highly competitive low-cost segment.
Boeing attorney Amuluru to succeed D’Ambrose as human resources chief
Boeing corporate attorney Uma Amuluru, a former White House counsel, will succeed Michael D ’Ambrose as the company’s chief human resource officer, effective on 1 April.
JetBlue expects average of 11 grounded aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues: CFO
JetBlue Airways expects to have an average of 11 Airbus narrowbody aircraft grounded during 2024 due to inspections of the jets’ Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engines.
American to launch daily flights between JFK and Tokyo Haneda in June
American Airlines will become the only US carrier to connect New York and Tokyo when it launches daily flights to the Japanese city in June.
Wisk eyeing potential air taxi operations in greater Houston area
The California-based start-up has an agreement with the city of Sugar Land, Texas to develop autonomous air taxi services in the Houston area.
Joby completes third of five-stage FAA type certification process
US advanced air mobility company Joby says it’s completed the third of the Federal Aviation Administration’s five-stage type certification process as it reports a 2023 full-year loss of $513 million.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes shakes up management to ‘enhance focus’ on quality
Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) has made some management changes in the wake of numerous recent quality issues that have affected its airframes and cast a shadow over the US airframer.
Boeing nears delivery of first combat-configuration F-15EXs
Boeing has already delivered six examples of the latest F-15 variant to the US Air Force in an operational test configuration, with tail numbers seven and eight marking the first combat-configured aircraft.
USAF teases export potential for future autonomous fighters
Speaking at the Singapore air show, the top procurement official for the US Air Force said subsequent versions of the autonomous fighter aircraft currently being developed could be eligible for sale to overseas customers.
United to rely on Boeing 737 Max 9s as it awaits Max 10 certification: CFO
United Airlines will rely more on its Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet as the US airframer is having trouble delivering on other Max variants, including the yet-to-be certificated higher-gauge Max 10.
Breeze firms 10 Airbus A220 orders and will be profitable in 2024: CEO
Start-up carrier Breeze Airways has converted 10 Airbus A220-300 options to firm orders as the three-year old company is anticipated to be profitable for the first time in 2024.
Canadian ultra-low-cost carriers Lynx and Flair to combine: reports
Canadian media have reported that two of the country’s ultra-low-cost carriers – Lynx and Flair Airlines – are on the cusp of announcing a merger.
Hawaiian’s shareholders accept Alaska’s $1.9bn takeover bid
Hawaiian Holdings’ shareholders have voted to accept the $1.9 billion acquisition offer from Alaska Air Group.
A320 wake turbulence triggered SR22’s fatal in-flight upset
US investigators believe wake turbulence from a landing Airbus A320 caused a trailing Cirrus SR22 to suffer a fatal in-flight upset on approach to Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson airport.
BAE Systems completes $4.8bn acquisition of Ball Aerospace
BAE Systems has completed its acquisition of Ball Aerospace, with the move further strengthening its US business presence.
JetBlue expands board to accommodate two Icahn designees
US budget carrier JetBlue Airways is to expand its board and appoint two directors nominated by entrepreneur Carl Icahn, following his acquisition of a near-10% share in the airline.
FAA proposal targets 787 anti-ice system overheating risk
As Boeing works to address engine anti-ice issues with its 737 Max, the Federal Aviation Administration now says it is taking steps to address risks associated with the anti-ice system on 787s.
Air Canada turned profitable in 2023 on international travel growth
Canada’s flag carrier is optimistic about international travel in 2024 amid stagnant growth of its domestic-Canadian operation
Hawaiian takes delivery of first of 12 Boeing 787s
The airline’s first 787-9 arrived in Honolulu on 14 February after a delivery flight from Boeing’s 787 production facility in Charleston, South Carolina.
Canada grounds some PT6-powered aircraft due to blade-failure risk affecting up to 180 engines
Transport Canada has ordered operators to ground aircraft powered by some Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6 turboprops pending turbine blade replacements, a move coming in response to failures of three second-stage power turbine blades.
Collins preparing to test ACES 5 ejection seat for F-15E integration
The latest combat ejection seat from Collins will provide generational improvements to the company’s Cold War-era ACES II system, which is featured in numerous fighter and bomber aircraft.
Nearly $1bn directed toward improving 114 US airports
President Joe Biden’s administration on February 15 indicated that it is awarding some $970 million for improvements to airports in 44 states across the USA.
Porter plans trio of new E195-E2 crew bases across Canada
Canada’s Porter Airlines is launching a trio of crew bases staffed with a total of 350 employees to support its growing Embraer 195-E2 operations.
Separate 737 Max engine anti-ice system issue prompts FAA action
The Federal Aviation Administration has taken action to address another issue involving the anti-ice system on Boeing’s 737 Max, after Boeing notified the regulator that a fault could render the system inoperative.
Atlanta retains biggest airport crown as passengers pass 100m mark again in 2023
Passenger numbers at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International airport increased almost 12% in 2023 to reach 104.7 million, ensuring the Delta Air Lines hub will retain its position as the busiest airport in the world.
Allies conclude Spears of Victory air power exercise in Saudi Arabia
The annual Saudi Arabian-hosted Spears of Victory exercise drew to a close on 15 February, with the activity having involved more than 60 aircraft from nine nations.
Surf Air secures 90 early deliveries of Electra’s hybrid-electric aircraft
A pair of US start-ups with plans to electrify regional aviation are partnering to bring their emerging low-emissions technologies to a “broad customer base”.
US Army to pursue full-rate production deal with Boeing for Block II Chinooks
As part of a wide-reaching shift in its aviation strategy, the US Army will enter into negotiations with Boeing to acquire the latest version of the CH-47F heavy-lift helicopter.
United dials up effort to secure Hawaiian’s forfeited Haneda slot
United Airlines is requesting the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to “immediately grant” the carrier’s uncontested application for a soon-to-be-vacated slot at Tokyo’s Haneda airport.
Smaller airframers concerned over scope of 25h cockpit-voice recorder proposal
Manufacturers of regional and business aircraft have expressed various concerns about the US FAA proposal to fit 25h cockpit-voice recorders to all newly-manufactured models.
PHI prepares for H160 route-proving trials
Airbus Helicopters and US operator PHI are preparing for the start of route-proving flights in the Gulf of Mexico using the airframer’s new H160 medium-twin.
Merlin to develop autonomous KC-135 flight capabilities with USAF
Autonomous flight technology company Merlin has an agreement with the United States Air Force (USAF) to work toward uncrewed operations of the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.
Boeing clarifies that 737 suppliers are running at 38-monthly rate, but not Boeing itself
A Boeing executive has clarified that the company’s actual 737 production rate is less than the 38-per-month rate cited by Boeing chief executive David Calhoun in January.
BAE to provide additional electronic warfare packages for new Compass Call aircraft
Based on a Gulfstream G550 business jet and bearing the designation EA-37B, the electronic warfare aircraft will replace the previous EC-130 Compass Call platform that was based on a cargo transport.
Canada’s Nolinor Aviation re-introduces 737-200 for gravel runway operations
Canadian charter airline Nolinor Aviation has re-introduced a Boeing 737-200 optmised for gravel runways that it plans to use in austere far-northern operating environments.
Boeing ended January with no net new aircraft orders for the month as aircraft delivery pace slows
Air Europa and an unidentified customer cancelled orders for three Boeing jets in January, and the company’s deliveries slipped to only 27 aircraft during the month.
US authorities retrieve sanction-linked Emtrasur 747-300M from Buenos Aires
US authorities have retrieved an Emtrasur Boeing 747-300M freighter which had been impounded in Argentina nearly two years ago, over allegations that it had been engaged in conduct prohibited by sanctions.
JetBlue reveals 9.9% shareholding acquired by entrepreneur Icahn
US operator JetBlue Airways has disclosed that entrepreneur Carl Icahn has picked up a 9.91% shareholding in the budget carrier.
Pratt & Whitney on track to field F-35 engine upgrade by 2029
Despite ongoing budgetary uncertainty in Washington, engine maker Pratt & Whitney says its F-35 Engine Core Upgrade programme remains on schedule, with a projected entry into service by 2029.
Crashed Challenger’s pilot told controller both engines lost thrust on approach
Air-ground radio communications from the Bombardier Challenger 604 which crashed on a Florida highway indicate the aircraft lost thrust in both engines moments beforehand.
Delta asks US to reconsider decision to break up joint venture with Aeromexico
Delta Air Lines is urging the US government to reverse a January order requiring it and Aeromexico wind down their joint venture, saying the airlines played no part in a decision based on a treaty dispute.
Five people aboard business jet during crash on South Florida interstate
A Bombardier Challenger 604 business jet crashed on Interestate 75 near Naples, Florida on 9 February with five people aboard.
Spirit AeroSystems aims to bring more technology to the 737’s manual-centric fuselage production process
Spirit AeroSystems intends to automate some aspects of its Boeing 737 Max fuselage production in a bid to improve quality, though the decades-old design of the narrowbody jet will limit the degree of modernisation available.
Loose part found in cowling of Atlas Air 747 after in-flight engine fire
US investigators found a loose component in the engine cowling of the Atlas Air Boeing 747-8 involved in an in-flight engine fire during a 18 January fight from Miami International airport.
Naval Osprey variant unsuitable for carrier delivery role: Pentagon report
An assessment from the defence official overseeing operational testing and evaluation describes the Bell-Boeing CMV-22 tiltrotor as unsuitable for replacing the Northrop Grumman C-2A Greyhound on carrier-resupply missions.
Spirit AeroSystems closing in on new financial terms with Airbus
Spirit AeroSystems aims before the end of February to secure a revised supply agreement with Airbus, in an effort to help turn around loss-making production programmes.
Costs still in sharp focus for USA’s short-haul carriers
The recent suggestion from Wizz Air chief executive Jozsef Varadi that short-haul air travel “is a cost game, not a revenue game” has pertinence beyond that airline’s markets.
US Army cancels next-generation FARA scout helicopter
Citing a resource-constrained environment, the US Army is opting to invest more into existing rotary aviation platforms, walking away from the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programme, on which billions of dollars were spent to build two flightworthy prototypes.
Senate committee rejects raising mandatory US pilot retirement age
A US Senate committee has voted down a measure in the Federal Aviation Administration’s five-year spending reauthorisation bill that would have raised the mandatory pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 years old.
Porter Airlines names Rob Palmer new finance chief
The Toronto-headquartered carrier said Palmer had joined the company as of 7 February, after most recently working as CFO of the Calgary Airport Authority.
Spirit pushes back on ‘misguided narrative’ about stability without JetBlue
Spirit Airlines executives maintain that the company has the financial resources necessary to succeed in the absence of a tie-up with JetBlue Airways.
Spirit Airlines lowers Q1 capacity expectations on GTF engine woes
Spirit Airlines has reduced its capacity forecast for the first quarter as the scope of its Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engine issues come into focus.
General Atomics reveals experimental XQ-67A uncrewed jet
The uncrewed aircraft manufacturer developed the new type, which it calls the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, in partnership with the US Air Force Research Laboratory.
Copa Airlines seeks ‘fair’ compensation from Boeing for Max 9 grounding
Copa Airlines executives say they are seeking “full and fair” compensation from Boeing for the three-week grounding of the 737 Max 9 in January.
Five fatalities confirmed in California crash of USMC helicopter
A Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego crashed in a remote forest area while flying through the Southern California mountains during a winter storm.
GlobalX seeking new chief executive following Ed Wegel’s resignation
Global Crossing Airlines is searching for a new chief executive after the resignation of founding leader Ed Wegel.
Joby prototype lost propeller blade before 2022 crash: NTSB
One of Joby Aviation’s pre-production prototypes broke up mid-flight after losing a propeller blade during envelope-pushing flight-testing in February 2022.
Martin St George returns to JetBlue amid financial turbulence
JetBlue Airways is turning to a familiar figure during a turbulent period, appointing Martin St George president of the company, effective 26 February.
Archer assembling trio of Midnight aircraft for certification flights
US air taxi developer Archer Aviation has revealed that it is building a trio of Midnight aircraft that will conform to the company’s intended type design.
Missing USMC Super Stallion helicopter located in remote California forest
The Sikorsky CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter travelling through the southwestern USA from Nevada to California failed to arrive as planned at a Marine Corps air station in San Diego.
Unsecured SAS creditors accepted revised Chapter 11 plan after ‘hard-fought’ discussions
Unsecured creditors of SAS had been dissatisfied with a previous version of the carrier’s US Chapter 11 re-organisation plan, and agreed to the latest revision after “hard-fought” discussions, court filings show.
Piper unleashes Fury as M600 successor
US airframer Piper Aircraft has unveiled the M700 Fury – its fastest ever single-engined aircraft – a turboprop that boasts an uprated Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine that offers a maximum cruise speed of over 300kt (555km/h) and climb performance 34% better than its M600 SLS predecessor.
Boeing pushes delivery of fourth T-7A to February
Boeing has delayed the delivery of the US Air Force’s fourth new trainer jet after quality control checks found components supplied by a sub-contractor failed to meet the company’s standards.
Four bolts intended to secure Alaska Max 9’s door plugs were missing: NTSB
The four bolts intended to secure the door plug that failed on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 in January were missing at the time plug blew out, causing a rapid depressurisation.
FAA chief says agency needs more staff to better oversee certification
The Federal Aviation Administration needs more workers to bolster its oversight of companies like Boeing, to better evaluate aircraft certification programmes and to help improve runway safety at US airports.
Spirit AeroSystems lost $633m in 2023 as production troubles weighed on financials
Spirit AeroSystems hiked deliveries of aircraft structures in 2023 but still lost $633 million as it continues seeking to right money-losing programmes and address quality concerns.
Frontier to cut ‘unprofitable flying’ to core markets of Las Vegas and Orlando
Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines plans to cut a third of its passenger capacity to a pair of its core leisure destinations – Las Vegas and Orlando – by summertime in the USA.
FAA warns lawmakers not to tamper with pilot retirement age
The Federal Aviation Administration has come down hard against efforts in Washington to raise the federally mandated retirement age for airline pilots.
Allegiant chief compares airline’s low-cost market to ‘private swim lane’
Amid intense competition in the North American low-cost segment, Allegiant Air is seeking separation from the pack by focusing on unique routes and flying primarily during peak air travel times.
Allegiant’s first 737 Max deliveries delayed until spring
Allegiant Travel Company is expecting another lengthy delay in the delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft amid further difficulties for Boeing’s next-generation narrowbody programme.
USAF special operations test air-launching small UAVs from MQ-9A
The recent demonstrations saw an Anduril Altius 600 deployed from a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9A Reaper while in flight, as the US Air Force seeks to expand its ability to operate in a contested environment.
Most Alaska and United Boeing 737 Max 9s back in the air: FAA
Nearly all of Alaska’s and United Airlines’ Boeing 737 Max 9s have returned to service a month after the rapid de-pressurisation of Alaska Airlines flight 1282 grounded most of that type of aircraft in the USA.
Operators of certain 777s instructed to replace control yoke force-limiters
Operators of Boeing 777s are being instructed to replace force-limiter components which could prevent a pilot’s control yoke being freed in the event of the other pilot’s yoke jamming.
MQ-20 launches ALE produced with additive manufacturing
A General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-20 Avenger unmanned air vehicle has conducted the in-flight release of an Advanced Air-Launched Effects (A2LE) platform that was produced via additive manufacturing.
SkyWest 2,000 pilots short of demand: CEO Chip Childs
SkyWest Airlines is benefiting from favourable trends in pilot training and retention but is still 2,000 pilots short of market demand.
SkyWest acquires partial ownership of US charter operator Contour Airlines
US regional carrier SkyWest Airlines has acquired partial ownership of Tennessee-based Part 135 operator Contour Airlines.
Honda Aircraft marks 250th delivery of ultra-light HA-420 HondaJet
Honda Aircraft recently delivered the 250th HA-420 HondaJet, a milestone coming about eight years after the type’s certification and as the company turns its attention to developing the larger HA-480 Echelon.
Sun Country Airlines undaunted by major industry disruptions: CEO Jude Bricker
Sun Country Airlines’ model of mixed operations – scheduled passenger, charter and cargo – is shielding it from many of the industry forces that are impacting other US carriers.
WestJet Dash 8 take-off abort triggered by mobile phone alarm
Canadian investigators have disclosed that an alarm which prompted a De Havilland Dash 8-400 to abort take-off was traced to a mobile phone.
Both engines of Allegiant A320 damaged during bird-strike on take-off
Both engines of an Allegiant Air Airbus A320 were damaged during a bird-strike on departure from Phoenix Mesa Gateway airport, the US FAA has disclosed.
Start-up Reliable Robotics receives approval for USAF flight-testing
Autonomous flight developer Reliable Robotics has secured “military airworthiness approval” to begin using its Cessna 208 Caravan to demonstrate the potential of pilotless flight to the US Air Force (USAF).
TAP Air Portugal pushes for fast-tracked codeshare extension with JetBlue
Star Alliance carrier TAP Air Portugal is asking US civil aviation regulators to fast-track an extension of its codeshare agreement with New York’s JetBlue Airways.
Boeing aims to offload most of its 250 undelivered 737s and 787s by year-end
Boeing ended 2023 with about 200 737 Max and 50 787s in its inventory of undelivered jets, and executives still expect the company will deliver most of those by the end of the year.
General Atomics completes first flight of modernised Gray Eagle
The first flight of Gray Eagle 25M focused on flight critical operations, including the testing of an improved flight computer, new heavy fuel engine and power generation systems.
US start-up carrier Avelo to establish operational base in Northern California
Avelo Airlines is planning to launch an operational base north of the San Francisco Bay Area – and close its base in Las Vegas.
Boeing needs up to 12 months to redesign anti-ice system prior to 737 Max certification
Boeing has provided new insight into when the 737 Max 7 might achieve certification, with executives saying they need another nine to 12 months to finish development of a fix to the type’s engine anti-ice system.
Beta completes USAF electric aircraft test deployment
During the three months of evaluations with the US Air Force, airframer start-up Beta says one of its all-electric Alia aircraft demonstrated its ability to support a range of operations, including casualty evacuation, logistics resupply and personnel transport.
Boeing is producing 38 737s and five 787s monthly but future rate changes unclear
Boeing is producing 737 Max at a rate of 38 monthly amid a cap on production expansion implemented this month by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Boeing lost $2.2 billion in 2023 amid fresh 737 Max scrutiny
Boeing lost $2.2 billion in 2023 as it continued seeking to stem vast losses from its commercial aircraft business, which faces ongoing quality troubles and fresh scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Hawaiian still searching for profits as Japan recovery drags
US airline group Hawaiian Holdings is still searching for the profitability that has mostly eluded it since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic nearly four years ago.
Xwing delivers cargo to US Air Force with pilotless Grand Caravan flight
Autonomous flight developer Xwing recently operated a pilotless cargo flight with its modified Cessna Grand Caravan on behalf of US Air Force (USAF) officials.
Boeing reveals flight of first production-model MH-139
Without providing a specific date, Boeing says it completed assembly of the first production-model MH-139A Grey Wolf nuclear-site security helicopter in late December, with the first flight of that aircraft following shortly after.
JetBlue slows aircraft delivery schedule as it expects no growth in 2024
Growth will be constrained for US carrier JetBlue Airways throughout 2024 as it expects double-digit numbers of Airbus A320s to be grounded for geared turbofan (GTF) engine inspections.
Demand for aircraft helped push US foreign military sales to new record in FY2023
The US Department of State says American industry supplied nearly $81 billion-worth of military armaments and services to foreign partners in fiscal year 2023, a 55% increase compared to the previous year.
Austrian Airlines to open new transatlantic service
Star Alliance carrier Austrian Airlines is to open a new transatlantic service, with flights to the US city of Boston.
Airbus’s new Beluga carrier cleared to serve US destinations
Airbus has been authorise to conduct transatlantic services with its newly-established Airbus Beluga Transport outsize cargo operation.
American 777 crew dealing with belated load close-out before serious JFK incursion: inquiry
US investigators have disclosed that an American Airlines Boeing 777-200ER crew had originally expected and briefed for a different runway departure, and was dealing with a belated load close-out, before a serious runway incursion incident at New York JFK last year.
Boeing withdraws exemption request for 737 Max 7 amid door-plug failure scrutiny
Boeing has withdrawn a request with the Federal Aviation Administration for a temporary exemption from some certification rules for its 737 Max 7, bringing more uncertainty to the type’s certification timeline.
JetBlue appoints Warren Christie as new chief operating officer
US carrier JetBlue Airways plans to replace chief operating officer Joanna Geraghty with long-time executive Warren Christie when Geraghty assumes leadership of the company on 12 February.
Hawaiian returns Haneda slots due to unfavourable market conditions
Hawaiian Airlines has given up slots for flights to Tokyo’s Haneda airport from Honolulu and Kona effective 2 April, blaming “current market conditions”.
US government tentatively declines Aeromexico-Delta joint venture
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has tentatively ordered Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to unwind the joint venture that the two carriers have been pursuing since December 2016.
Canadian investment firm CDPQ establishes new lessor with SMBC Aviation Capital
Canadian investment company CDPQ is tying up with SMBC Aviation Capital to establish a new leasing and aircraft finance platform.
Additional US manufacturers join USAF autonomous fighter effort
Three additional aerospace manufacturers – Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman – have confirmed they will participate in a US Air Force effort to develop autonomous fighter jets known as collaborative combat aircraft.
Airlines returning first of grounded Boeing 737 Max 9s to service
Major carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Copa Airlines and United Airlines are returning to service Boeing 737 Max 9s grounded following the 5 January de-pressurisation emergency on Alaska Flight 1282.
US regional carrier Silver Airways expands reach through codeshare with Brazil’s Azul
US regional carrier Silver Airways has entered a codeshare agreement with Brazil’s Azul, through which the carriers will sell each other’s flights as their own.
Mesa seeks to dodge de-listing from stock exchange with late fiscal Q4 filing
Mesa Air Group on 26 January filed its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report, potentially helping it avoid being de-listed from the US Nasdaq stock exchange.
Eviation picks Eve co-founder Andre Stein as new chief executive
Former CEO Gregory Davis is staying on as president of the Washington-based developer and helping Stein transition into the role of CEO.
Investigators probe fatal Jetstream crash after departure for remote Canadian mine
Investigators have identified a British Aerospace Jetstream 32 involved in a fatal terrain collision in Canada as a 33-year old airframe operated by Northwestern Air Lease.
JetBlue's deal to acquire Spirit set expire in two days
JetBlue Airways’ agreement to acquire Spirit Airlines is set to expire on 28 January, creating further uncertainty about a proposed combination that has already been shot down by a US judge.
Broken balance weight arm jammed Canadian PC-24 rudder during climb
Canadian investigators discovered damage that jammed the rudder mechanism of a Pilatus PC-24 which suffered control problems during climb en route to Kelowna.
Lockheed warns of fresh TR-3 schedule risk as F-35 shipments slow
Lockheed Martin chief executive James Taiclet has warned of another potential schedule slip for the F-35 programme’s Technical Refresh 3 (TR-3) activity, as shipments of the fifth-generation type fell below triple figures last year.
Southwest to slow growth in 2024 in bid to address surging expenses
Southwest Airlines is slowing both expansion and hiring to improve efficiencies as it seeks to offset the ballooning costs that pushed it into the red last quarter.
Cost overruns on B-21 development generate $1.5bn charge for Northrop
While company executives previously predicted that early stages of B-21 development and production would lose money, the substantial $1.56 billion charge from the US government related to cost overruns led Northrop to post a loss in the final quarter of 2023.
NASA retires Mars helicopter Ingenuity due to rotor damage
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has retired its Mars helicopter Ingenuity after the craft suffered damage upon landing.
Anduril selected for USAF autonomous fighter programme
The artificial intelligence-focused defence technology start-up, which recently acquired autonomous fighter developer Blue Force Technologies, will be among five companies advancing so-called collaborative combat aircraft.
Alaska’s 2024 growth plan takes hit from 737 Max 9 troubles
Alaska Air Group has trimmed its 2024 capacity expectations and expects to take a $150 million hit this year due to the 737 Max 9 door-plug issue, which Alaska’s chief executive has now squarely pinned on Boeing.
American upbeat on short-haul business after posting $822m 2023 profit
American Airlines posted an improved full-year 2023 profit of $822 million on record revenue.
FAA prohibits Boeing from expanding 737 Max production amid door-plug inquiry
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered Boeing to halt further 737 Max production rate increases as the agency undertakes a large-scale investigation intended to ensure the safety of the aircraft’s production system.
Air France to open transatlantic service to new US destination
SkyTeam carrier Air France is to open a new transatlantic service this year, operating to the US city of Phoenix.
Airbus seeks approval for A321XLR mini-suites on behalf of US operator
Airbus is seeking US regulatory approval to fit mini-suites to the A321XLR, on behalf of a US operator looking to configure the twinjet in a three-class layout.
Why United chief Kirby is unfazed by more operational and cost pressures in 2024
United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby reflected during the carrier’s earnings call on 23 January that he mostly called 2023 right.
United Airlines removes Max 10 from fleet plan over expected delay
United Airlines has removed the Boeing 737 Max 10 from its fleet plan and is looking at “alternate options”, as the impact of the recent in-flight loss of a door plug on an Alaska Airlines Max 9 potentially spreads to other variants.
Saab lands $101 million T-7A aft fuselage production contract from Boeing
Saab has been awarded a $101 million contract to produce aft fuselage sections for Boeing T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainers, as the new type advances towards operational use.
Northrop approved to begin low-rate production on B-21
The decision comes after the first prototype of the next-generation stealth bomber has completed at least two successful flights.
United posts 28% lower fourth-quarter profit as expenses rise almost 15%
United Airlines posted a $600 million profit for the fourth quarter of 2023, down almost one-third from last year’s profit in the same period, as expenses such as salaries and maintenance costs rose.
F-16 programme powers past 50th anniversary of first flight
A remarkable anniversary in the history of Lockheed Martin’s F-16 programme will be marked on 20 January, exactly 50 years after a prototype of the lightweight fighter got airborne for the first time.
‘Just didn’t work’: Mesa chief describes financial troubles under previous deal with United
Phoenix-based regional carrier Mesa Airlines has been manoeuvring to reduce debt and improve profitability, largely through new agreements with partner United Airlines.
Spirit and JetBlue appeal court ruling blocking acquisition
JetBlue and Spirit Airlines are appealing the court ruling earlier this week that denied the airlines’ $3.8 billion tie-up.
FAA exempts G700 and G800 from fuel-icing certification rules
The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily exempted Gulfstream’s in-testing G700 and G800 business jets from certain fuel-icing airworthiness rules, seemingly bringing the company one step closer to achieving the jets’ certification.
Cargojet abandons 777 freighter plans over ‘soft’ market concerns
Canadian carrier Cargojet has opted against entering the Boeing 777 freighter sector, and is dropping its commitment for four converted aircraft.
Southern Airways Grand Caravan makes emergency landing on Virginia highway
A Southern Airways Express Cessna 208B Grand Caravan made an emergency landing on a highway near Washington DC’s Dulles International airport shorly after taking off.
JetSetGo tentatively signs deal for 50 of Overair’s ‘Butterfly’ aircraft
Indian executive jet operator JetSetGo has signed a letter of intent to potentially purchase 50 of Overair’s in-development Butterfly aircraft.
Spirit working to steady itself after JetBlue deal is blocked
Following a US judge’s decision to block JetBlue Airways’ acquisition of rival low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, Spirit has told investors that it is moving to shore up its financial position.
Atlas Air 747 suffers engine fire after take-off
Video shows flames pouring from one of the Boeing 747’s left-side engines, which forced the jet’s pilots to divert back to Miami International airport just 14min into a scheduled flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Despite exceptional 2023 figures, airline safety faces scrutiny after wake-up calls
The airline industry’s exceptional performance in 2023 illustrates how much safety has improved over recent decades – but the new year’s opening week delivered a stark wake-up call.
Why Delta engineer Emma Galarza is adding drone technology to carrier’s fleet
Senior engineer Emma Galarza is helping Delta Air Lines to revolutionise its aircraft maintenance processes by pioneering advanced inspection and machine learning technologies.
Struggling Mesa Airlines reworks United deal and continues selling CRJ900s
Financially struggling Mesa Air Group has reached new agreements with partner United Airlines and continues selling off spare aircraft and engines as the company risks being de-listed from the US stock market.
B-21 completes second known test flight
The next-generation US Air Force stealth bomber being developed by Northrop Grumman made its first flight in November from a test centre in Palmdale, California.
Frontier to bolster Puerto Rican presence with planned crew base in San Juan
Frontier Airlines is planning to open a crew base at Luis Munoz Marin International airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico starting this Northern Hemisphere summer.
Boeing faces renewed scrutiny as quality issues resurface with Alaska Max 9 incident
Boeing’s quality-control and safety protocols have been thrust back into the spotlight following the early January in-flight failure of a 737 Max 9’s door plug, with regulators, investigators and lawmakers launching fresh probes into the company’s persistent troubles.
Lockheed completes assembly of 1,000th F-35
While fabrication of the milestone aircraft has been completed, details on the jet’s intended recipient are not yet available as deliveries of new F-35s remain suspended while Lockheed completes flight testing on the latest configuration of the advanced fighter.
What next for JetBlue and Spirit after collapse of deal?
Whatever comes next, the court’s assertion that the ruling represents a “victory for consumers” will be tested
Leonardo hones capabilities of BriteCloud 55-T decoy
Leonardo has upgraded the capabilities of its fighter-launched BriteCloud 55-T active decoy, with the effort having been completed in conjunction with a NATO working group.
Passengers of flight 1282 sue Alaska Airlines and Boeing for ‘fear and trauma’
Four passengers who were aboard Alaska Airlines flight 1282 during the rapid depressurisation incident that has grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft have filed a lawsuit against the US carrier and the airframer.
US government shutdown could ‘dramatically hinder’ NTSB investigations
US National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy warned lawmakers that a government shutdown could stall investigations such as that into why an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 suffered a rapid in-flight decompression two weeks ago.
New Horizon chief charts course for now-public Canadian air taxi start-up
Now a publicly traded company, New Horizon Aircraft’s chief executive Brandon Robinson looks ahead to certification of an in-development hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle.
Bell secures $1.6bn contract for Canadian CH-146 sustainment
The $1.68 billion deal between Ottawa and Bell Textron Canada will provide maintenance and overhaul support to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleet of 82 CH-146 Griffon utility helicopters.
Lockheed to integrate latest air defence suppression missile with all F-35 variants
The manufacturer of the advanced F-35 stealth fighter received a $97 million Pentagon contract to begin early development work on integrating the Northrop Grumman AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range with all three variants of the fifth-generation jet.
Spirit at risk of bankruptcy and liquidation as JetBlue deal falls through: TD Cowen
In the wake of a US judge’s decision to block JetBlue Airways’ attempted acquisition of Spirit Airlines, it is unclear how the respective low-cost carriers will chart paths forward.
Nixed JetBlue-Spirit deal might impact Alaska-Hawaiian transaction
The blocked acquisition of Spirit Airlines by JetBlue Airways could have some bearing on another potential blockbuster deal in the US market: Alaska Airlines’ bid for Hawaiian Airlines.
Boeing names retired Navy admiral to lead ‘independent’ quality review
Boeing has started forming a team to lead a detailed assessment of product quality, a move coming in response to an issue that forced US regulators to ground 171 737 Max 9s 10 days ago.
US court blocks JetBlue’s acquisition of Spirit
A US district court ruled on 16 January that JetBlue Airways’ proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of rival low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines cannot proceed, blocking the deal on anti-competitive grounds.
SAS to open transatlantic service to SkyTeam hub Atlanta
Star Alliance carrier SAS is to open a new transatlantic service to Atlanta, a key hub for rival alliance SkyTeam which the airline is set to join.
Helios Horizon sets sights on stratospheric electric flight in 2025
Helios Horizon, a small US aerospace project seeking to demonstrate electric propulsion, aims to break a world altitude record for electric aircraft this summer and in 2025 to fly higher, into earth’s stratosphere.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: January 2024 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.
Airbus widened order and delivery edge over Boeing in 2023
For the fifth consecutive year, Airbus in 2023 delivered more aircraft and landed more orders than Boeing, reflecting the US company’s ongoing difficultly in overcoming troubles with its aircraft programmes, most notably with the 737 Max.
Alaska initially offered $20 per share for Hawaiian but revised bid as stock slid
In its initial bid to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines offered $20 per share before the two sides eventually agreed on a final price of $18, as the Honolulu-based carrier’s stock lost two-thirds of its value during the second half of 2023.
Financial firm BlackRock takes over London Gatwick and Sydney airports investor GIP
Investment advisory firm BlackRock is to acquire Global Infrastructure Partners, the entity whose portfolio includes London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Sydney airports.
FAA asks Boeing for ‘additional data’ before approving Max 9 inspection protocol
The Federal Aviation Administration is asking Boeing to provide “additional data” before it approves ”an extensive and rigorous” inspection protocol that would allow the Boeing 737 Max 9 to return to service.
‘Quiet’ supersonic X-59 demonstrator unveiled by NASA and Lockheed
With the drop of a curtain, NASA and Lockheed Martin on 12 January revealed the experimental X-59 aircraft that is intended to demonstrate the potential of “low-boom” supersonic flight.
FAA warns travellers to brace for weather-related chaos
The Federal Aviation Administartion is warning travellers this long holiday weekend that inclement winter weather may cause havoc for air travel across the nation.
Pentagon unveils first-ever national strategy for defence industry
The new National Defense Industrial Strategy hopes to address significant challenges that arose within critical manufacturers following the Covid-19 pandemic, including lack of critical inventory and labour shortages, and a slow-to-adapt government acquisition process.
Supply chain issues will plague aviation for some time: Delta CEO
Delta Air Lines’ chief executive Ed Bastian says supply chain issues will continue to plague the industry for some time, citing Pratt & Whitney’s engine recall as an example.
FAA launches audit of Boeing and considers third-party oversight of 737 Max quality
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an audit into Boeing’s production system as part of its investigation into why an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9’s emergency exit door plug failed during a flight last week.
Delta posts profit of $4.6bn for 2023
Delta Air Lines posted a full-year 2023 profit of $4.6 billion on revenue 20% higher year on year, and reports a strong profit for the fourth quarter.
Delta Air Lines orders 20 A350-1000s
Delta Air Lines has announced an order for 20 Airbus A350-1000s, with options for 20 more of the larger variant.
Cirrus introduces new G7 variant of SR Series single-engine piston aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft has introduced a new variant of its popular single-engine SR-series aircraft, with a redesigned interior, updated electronics and displays, advanced safety systems and other comfort and “convenience features” for both pilots and passengers.
Atlas Air receives fourth 777F to operate on behalf of MSC Air Cargo
US carrier Atlas Air Worldwide has taken delivery of the last of four Boeing 777-200 Freighters it is contracted to fly for Swiss transport and logistics specialist Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
FAA focuses 737 Max 9 investigation on ‘non-compliance’ by Boeing
Boeing has become a target of the Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation into the 5 January inflight failure of an emergency exit door plug on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9.
What does Boeing 737 Max 9 door incident mean for airlines?
The failure of a door plug on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet on 5 January continues the commercial air transport industry’s inauspicious start to 2024 in safety terms
Alaska Airlines cancels hundreds of Max 9 flights through 13 January
Alaska Airlines has cancelled all of its Boeing 737 Max 9 flights through 13 January in the aftermath of the 5 January incident in which parts of one such aircraft’s fuselage blew off during a flight from Portland, Oregon to Southern California.
Airbus Helicopters settles Grand Canyon crash lawsuit for $75m
A judge in Las Vegas has approved a settlement that will see Airbus Helicopters and sightseeing tour operator Papillon Airways pay a combined $100 million to the family of a victim in a 2018 fatal crash in the Grand Canyon – the lion’s share of which will be paid by the airframer.
Supernal unveils conceptual S-A2 air taxi
Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary Supernal revealed its proposed S-A2 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle on 9 January during consumer electronics show CES in Las Vegas.
Mesa Airlines at risk of de-listing from US stock exchange
Mesa Air Group recently received notice it is at risk of being de-listed from the US stock exchange due to continued delays in reporting its fiscal fourth-quarter results.
Global airline passenger traffic reached 99% of 2019 levels in November
Global passenger traffic was within 1 percentage point of 2019 levels in November last year, according to the latest data from IATA, as it closes on the pre-Covid peak.
Lessors chase 777 Partners for $28m alleging non-payment for Flair 737s
Investment firm 777 Partners is being pursued by lessors of four aircraft formerly operated by Canadian carrier Flair Airlines, over allegations of non-payment.
Only one pilot in cockpit of Astra badly damaged in Las Vegas overrun
US investigators have determined that only one pilot – rather than the two required – was flying an IAI 1125 Westwind Astra business jet when it landed long and overran at North Las Vegas airport.
Boeing ramped deliveries and landed significant new sales in December
Boeing logged more aircraft orders and deliveries in December than in any month in 2023, marking a positive finish to a year marred by production and quality issues.
Guide roller fittings on Alaska Max 9 door plug are fractured: NTSB
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that damage to a door plug which blew out of an in-flight Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 last week includes fractured guide fittings that hold the plug in place.
Surf Air to launch subsidised service between Williamsport and Washington Dulles
US start-up Surf Air Mobility has an agreement with Pennsylvannia’s Williamsport Regional airport to launch scheduled commuter flights to Washington Dulles International airport starting in May.
JetBlue president Geraghty to succeed Hayes as CEO in February
JetBlue Airways president and chief operating officer Joanna Geraghty will succeed Robin Hayes as the company’s chief executive on 12 February.
United finds ‘bolts that needed additional tightening’ on some Max 9s
United Airlines confirms that it has found several Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft with loose door plug bolts and other parts in the wake of an accident involving an Alaska Airlines airframe of the same type.
NTSB releases images of recovered door plug that failed on Alaska Airlines’ 737 Max 9
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released images of the door plug that blew out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 after departing Portland, Oregon on 5 January.
Joby plans first electric aircraft charging station in Southern California
US air taxi developer Joby Aviation has an agreement with private jet operator Clay Lacy Aviation to install its first electric aircraft charging station in Southern California.
Transat’s flight attendants to vote on second tentative deal after ‘unforeseen rejection’
Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat has reached another tentative five-year contract agreement with its 2,100 flight attendants following the union’s rejection of the airline’s first offer.
Venezuelan government furious over transfer of impounded Emtrasur 747-300M
Venezuela’s government has reacted angrily to an Argentinean judicial decision to order the transfer of an impounded combi Boeing 747-300M to US authorities.
Boeing to hold all-hands safety meeting following 737 Max 9 door-plug blowout
Boeing’s chief executive is taking several steps to encourage employees to strengthen their commitment to aviation safety following the in-flight failure of a cabin door plug on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9.
Boeing begins transforming MD-90 into NASA’s X-66A demonstrator
Boeing has started dismantling and scanning an old MD-90 as part of a multi-year NASA-supported project to transform the former passenger jet into the X-66A truss-braced-wing demonstrator.
Detached door-plug from Alaska 737 Max located: US investigators
US investigators are retrieving the door-plug which detached from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, after the structure was located by an individual in the Portland area.
NTSB’s Homendy blasts FAA for dragging its feet on cockpit voice recorders
US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair Jennifer Homendy blasted the Federal Aviation Administration for dragging its feet on a rule change pertaining to cockpit voice recording equipment that she says will significantly increase commercial aviation safety in the USA, and assist with investigations.
NTSB probes critical safety questions on Alaska accident aircraft
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says that the Alaska Airlines aircraft involved in an explosive depressurisation accident earlier this week is structurally sound, but critical safety questions have come to light on the first day of the investigation.
United Airlines cancels 270 flights due to Boeing 737 Max 9 grounding
United Airlines, the world’s biggest operator of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft with 79 examples in its fleet, is keeping all of its airframes of the type grounded pending inspections mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
US NTSB asks for public’s help in locating Alaska Max 9 burst door plug
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is asking for the public’s assistance in the investigation of the door plug blow-out of an Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737 Max 9 over Portland, Oregon.
Experts point at Boeing as investigation into Alaska 737 Max incident gets underway
Though the investigation into the 5 January fuselage failure of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 is just getting underway, Boeing is already in the crosshairs.
FAA grounds ‘certain’ Boeing 737 Max 9s after Alaska Airlines depressurisation incident
The US Federal Aviation Administration has ordered the “temporary” grounding of “certain” Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft after an incident in which a window and parts of the fuselage were blown out of an Alaska Airlines aircraft while in flight.
Air-ground communications capture Alaska 737 Max depressurisation emergency
Air-ground communications show that the depressurisation which affected an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 occurred just after it was transferred to Seattle en route air traffic centre while climbing out of Portland.
Alaska grounds 737 Max 9s after window blow-out incident
Alaska Airlines has grounded its fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9s hours after one such aircraft suffered a window blow-out after take-off.
Alaska 737 Max suffers ‘pressurisation issue’ after window blow-out
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 suffered a “pressurisation issue” after a window and parts of the fuselage blew out shortly after take-off.
Aurora begins fabrication of X-65 ‘active flow control’ jet
The Boeing subsidiary is under contract by the Pentagon’s secretive Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to design and fabricate a novel aircraft that uses so-called “active flow control’ to manoeuvre, rather than traditional mechanical aerodynamic surfaces like flaps and rudders.
USAF crew ejects from B-1B in South Dakota crash
All four crew aboard a US Air Force Boeing B-1B supersonic bomber safely ejected from a crash on Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, for which the cause is not yet known.
Start-up carrier New Pacific Airlines cuts Las Vegas from network
US start-up carrier New Pacific Airlines has dropped Las Vegas, one of its primary markets, from its fledgling network due to ongoing ground delays at Harry Reid International airport.
Hermeus completes ground testing on first Quarterhorse hypersonic testbed
The non-flying Quarterhorse Mk 0 test article is the first of four aircraft in the Quarterhorse programme, through which US start-up Hermeus aims to produce a hypersonic vehicle capable of reaching Mach 4 and surpassing the all-time airspeed record held by Lockheed Martin’s SR-71 Blackbird.
Initial King Air 200s with Garmin’s auto-land system enter service
Beechcraft King Air 200s are now flying with Garmin’s auto-land system after two aircraft service companies recently delivered aircraft retrofitted with the technology.
Horizon Aircraft assembles board of directors ahead of public listing
Canadian hybrid-electric air taxi developer Horizon Aircraft has assembled a five-member board of directors that will oversee the company following its combination with Pono Capital Three and subsequent listing on the US stock exchange.
US flight cancellations down during busiest-ever year of air travel: DOT
The USA’s busiest-ever year for air travel also saw the lowest rate of flight cancellations since 2016.
Envoy to add 19 more Embraer E-Jets amid ongoing fleet expansion
American Airlines’ regional subsidiary Envoy Air is planning to add 19 large regional jets – eight Embraer 175s and 11 E170s – with deliveries expected to begin this year.
Police probe Salt Lake City fatality after finding unconscious man inside engine of Delta A220
Police in Utah have detailed a fatal event during which an individual accessed the apron at Salt Lake City airport and was found inside an operating aircraft engine.
Boeing urges airlines to inspect 737 Max jets for potentially loose bolt
The Federal Aviation Administration said on 28 December that Boeing has issued a multi-operator message “urging operators of newer single-aisle airplanes to inspect specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware”.
US Army to purchase thousands of counter-UAV interceptors from Raytheon
The US Army plans to purchase 6,700 Coyote jet-powered drone interceptors from Raytheon, including an explosive warhead variant and a secretive “non-kinetic” model that uses electronic warfare or directed energy.
FAA grants Icon Aircraft’s A5 primary category certification
The US Federal Aviation Administration has granted Icon Aircraft’s A5 amphibious airframe type certification in the primary category, clearing the way for the aircraft type to be sold and registered outside of the USA
US Navy expands fighter maintenance support to cover air force F-16s
Amid the ongoing retirement of older model Boeing F/A-18 strike fighters, the US Navy is using excess capacity at its fighter maintenance depots to assist the US Air Force in sustaining its Lockheed Martin F-16 jets.
USAF tests reverse flow air refuelling using C-5M to top off KC-10
The reverse refuelling concept turns the US Air Force’s massive Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy strategic lifters into “floating gas stations”, freeing up more dedicated tanker aircraft to refuel tactical craft.
Weather-related difficulties plague Southwest’s holiday operations again
A year after overseeing an operational meltdown that disrupted end-of-year travel for millions of Americans, Southwest Airlines once again struggled with weather-related difficulties during the busy winter holiday travel period.
US Congress restores funding to F-35 adaptive engine programme
Although the Pentagon wants to move on from the Adaptive Engine Transition Programme, lawmakers in the US Capitol approved $280 million in 2024 to fund the research programme that generated two prototype adaptive cycle powerplants for the F-35 stealth fighter.
Why Lockheed Martin’s F-16 remains a prize fighter 50 years after flight debut
Still in production half a century after its unplanned first flight in prototype guise, the F-16 continues to punch above its weight for 25 nations, with service entry also drawing near for Ukraine’s air force.
Boeing delivers two F-15EXs with two more expected by year-end
The delivery marks the third and fourth examples of the latest F-15 variant turned over to the US Air Force, which hopes to supplement its growing fleet of fifth-generation fighters.
Southwest pilots to vote on tentative contract
Some 11,000 pilots represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) are set to vote on a tentative agreement for a new five-year contract that would run through 2028.
NASA and Joby simulate up to 45 eVTOLs in Dallas Fort-Worth airspace
NASA and air taxi developer Joby Aviation have completed a series of simulations designed to evaluate how electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft integrate into busy airspace.
‘Franken-bird’ project attempts to splice together damaged F-35s
Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force say the salvage mission represents the first-ever attempt to remove viable airframe sections from damaged aircraft and re-connect them into an airworthy jet.
FAA establishes committee to examine air traffic controller fatigue
The US Federal Aviation Administration has established a panel to examine air traffic controller fatigue.
US Congress halts KC-135 replacement until USAF produces stealth tanker acquisition plan
The 2024 defence spending plan approved by lawmakers in Washington bars the US Air Force from issuing a formal strategy to phase out the ageing Boeing KC-135 tanker fleet, until the service produces an acquisition strategy for the Next Generation Air-refuelling System survivable tanker.
US lessor Azorra takes first widebody through Voyager acquisition
US lessor Azorra has branched into widebody aircraft with the acquisition of a Boeing 777-300ER operated by Air France.
Canada to obtain 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAs
Ottawa’s decision to obtain 11 MQ-9Bs is one part of a major overhaul for Canadian airpower.
Southwest and pilots’ union agree in principle on new contract
After more than three years of often acrimonious negotiations, Southwest Airlines has an agreement in principle for a new contract with its pilots’ union.
US defence spending bill could expose new details of sixth-generation fighter development
Language included in the 2024 US defence spending plan will require the Pentagon to provide greater insight into how it plans to develop and field the next generation of combat aircraft, including sixth-generation fighters and autonomous support jets.
US carrier JSX tentatively signs for over 330 hybrid-electric aircraft
US charter carrier JSX has provisionally agreed to acquire over 330 hybrid-electric aircraft from three manufacturers – US-based Electra, France’s Aura Aero and Sweden’s Heart Aerospace.
Overair reveals full-sized prototype of ‘Butterfly’ air taxi
Southern California air taxi developer Overair on 19 December revealed the first full-scale prototype of its electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle.
Government auditor tells SOCOM to slow Armed Overwatch acquisition
The US Government Accountability Office says the Pentagon’s Special Operations Command is moving ahead too rapidly with the acquisition of Armed Overwatch turboprops from L3Harris-Air Tractor, failing to adequately justify the planned fleet size of 75 aircraft.
Southwest hit with $140m penalty for end of 2022 network meltdown
The US Department of Transportation on 18 December issued a $140 million penalty in response to Southwest Airlines’ system-wide operational meltdown that cancelled 16,900 flights and left 2 million passengers stranded during the height of air travel in December 2022.
Canada announces deployment of military helicopters to Baltic region
During a visit to fellow NATO member Latvia, Canada’s top defence leaders announced Ottawa will deploy Bell CH-146 Griffon and Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters to the Baltic region starting in 2024 as part of a multi-national battle group – Canada’s first “persistent” deployment of tactical rotary aviation to Europe in roughly 20 years.
WestJet plans to launch Calgary-Seoul flights in 2024
Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines intends to launch flights from its base in Calgary to Incheon International airport in Seoul with three-times weekly flights starting on 17 May.
US Congress approves nearly 12% reduction to A-10 fleet
For the second consecutive year, lawmakers who control US defence spending have approved the retirement of some Fairchild Republic A-10 attack jets, a move long-sought by US Air Force leaders.
Chris Raymond to become Boeing Global Services CEO
Boeing’s chief sustainability officer Chris Raymond will succeed Stephanie Pope as chief executive of Boeing Global Services, effective on 1 January 2024.
P&W engine issues could ground one third of Air Transat’s A321LRs
Up to one third of Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat’s Airbus A321LRs could be grounded late in 2024 due to its Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines needing to come off wing for inspections.
Gol revises fleet-growth forecast to reflect slower pace of 737 deliveries
Delays by Boeing in delivering 737 Max have led Brazilian discount airline Gol to significantly par back its fleet expansion plans through 2028, leaving it unable to fully capitalise on increasing demand for air travel.
Air Transat continues distancing itself from lows of Covid
Transat AT, parent of Canadian carrier Air Transat, squeezed out a profit and generated C$765 million ($570 million) in revenue during its fiscal fourth quarter which ended on 31 October, as the carrier distances itself from the lows of the Covid-19 pandemic.
GE Aerospace achieves breakthrough in hypersonic engine development
Using a subscale demonstrator, jet turbine manufacturer GE Aerospace successfully ignited a dual-mode ramjet engine using rotating detonation combustion – a technique the company says holds promise for powering crewed hypersonic vehicles.
Ampaire’s CEO: 12h flight demonstrates hybrid-electric’s range-extending potential
Hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire recently completed a continuous 12h flight with its Electric EEL aircraft, demonstrating the range-extending potential of its technology for regional aviation.
US major airlines gear up for busy end-of-year travel period
Major US carriers expect a busy end-of-year holiday travel season and record passenger figures, topping last year as well as November’s Thanksgiving holiday period.
Alaska Airlines and Porter Airlines create ‘broad partnership’ with interline agreement
Oneworld carrier Alaska Airlines has launched an interline agreement with Canada’s Porter Airlines, which is expanding its reach across North America.
‘Very novel and very difficult’: Wisk takes measured approach to developing autonomous air taxi
Wisk is on a mission to improve people’s lives by making their daily commutes or trips to the airport more manageable, and for its autonomous flight technology to be widely accessible.
Wisk CEO: Air taxi start-up ’not in either camp’ on eVTOL charging debate
As opposing views on standards for electric air taxi charging infrastructure have recently burst into public view, autonomous aircraft developer Wisk Aero finds both cases compelling.
Air Transat names Jean-Francois Pruneau chief financial officer
Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat has appointed Jean-Francois Pruneau as chief financial officer effective 9 January.
Boeing accelerates 737 deliveries in November as Emirates 777X deal boosts backlog
Boeing ramped up its 737 Max deliveries in November and secured a massive order from Emirates Airline for the in-development 777X, giving the airframer’s backlog a boost as 2023 nears closure.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: December 2023 update
Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.
FAA to set new PW1100G maintenance requirements after learning more parts could fail
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to place new maintenance requirements on airlines after learning that more components in Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines may be affected by a powder-metal manufacturing problem.
Boeing lands SOCOM order for six MH-47G Chinook helicopters
The deal for six MH-47G special operations helicopters will help sustain Boeing’s Chinook Block II production line, while the manufacturer awaits a hoped-for acquisition decision by the US Army.
Boeing picks Stephanie Pope for new chief operating officer role
Boeing has appointed Stephanie Pope – currently head of the airframer’s services business – to the newly created post of chief operating officer, effective from 1 January.
Anduril advancing Fury autonomous fighter after Blue Force acquisition
California defence start-up Anduril is integrating its proprietary autonomy software, along with expertise in propulsion and composite materials, into the Fury autonomous fighter platform, following the company’s acquisition of the jet’s original designer Blue Force Technologies.
Why airline industry focus is on the margins of profitability
Confirmation from IATA that the airline industry will return to collective profitability this year and that passenger volumes will shortly surpass pre-Covid levels is an indication that the sector has finally normalised.
Troubled US kit manufacturer Van's Aircraft aims to restructure under Chapter 11
US-based kit manufacturer Van’s Aircraft has resorted to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while it attempts to restructure, after encountering financial difficulties.
US grounds entire Osprey fleet following deadly crash in Japan
Both the US Air Force and US Navy say a preliminary investigation into the 29 November crash of a Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey indicates a “potential materiel failure” caused the deadly mishap, but the underlying cause remains unclear.
US flight school ATP orders 40 more Textron Aviation Cessna Skyhawks
ATP flight school has ordered 40 more Textron Aviation Cessna Skyhawk single-engine piston aircraft for delivery beginning in 2026.
‘Miami-Dade and beyond’: GlobalX plans electric aircraft operations in South Florida and Caribbean
The recent launch of Global Crossing Airlines Group’s new subsidiary UrbanX is part of a long-term plan to develop an electric aviation ecosystem in South Florida that will build off the expanding cargo and charter operations of GlobalX and its fleet of Airbus A320s.
Top Aces adds A-4 Skyhawk to Canadian adversary training fleet
The private provider of adversary air support has been providing aggressor training to the Royal Canadian Air Force using a fleet of modified Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets and Bombardier Learjet 35s.
‘We went into this with eyes wide open’: Hawaiian CEO on acquisition by Alaska
As the dust settles on arguably the biggest surprise announcement of the year for US commercial aviation, Hawaiian Airlines’ chief executive Peter Ingram says there is probably no better match for Hawaiian than Alaska Airlines.
Lockheed Martin sues F-35 supplier over refusal to deliver titanium components
The F-35 prime contractor alleges ones of its sub-contractors, Pittsburgh-based Howmet Aerospace, breached its contract with Lockheed when the metallic components supplier refused to deliver titanium parts for the advanced stealth jet at previously agreed upon prices.
Reliable Robotics completes pilotless test flight of Cessna Caravan
Autonomous aviation developer Reliable Robotics recently flew a Cessna Caravan with no pilot on board during a test flight in Northern California.
Stratolaunch prepares to introduce ex-Virgin Orbit 747-400 to aerospace test fleet
US air-launch specialist Stratolaunch has shown off the Boeing 747-400 it acquired after former operator Virgin Orbit was broken up earlier this year.
IATA raises 2023 profit expectations for airlines to $23bn and sees small rise for 2024
IATA expects the airline industry to post a collective net profit of $23.3 billion for 2023, more than doubling its expectations from six months ago.
Porter Airlines to launch flights from Montreal to Western Canada in 2024
Entering a new phase of its ongoing North American expansion, Porter Airlines plans to launch flights from Montreal to Western Canada next year with its growing fleet of Embraer 195-E2s.
Fuelled TalonA carried aloft as first Stratolaunch hypersonic flight approaches
Following a successful taxi test of its two-aircraft hypersonic flight system, California start-up Stratolaunch has carried a fully-fuelled TalonA hypersonic vehicle aloft under the company’s jet-powered Roc mother ship, a prerequisite for TalonA’s first self-powered flight.
Chilean low-cost carrier Sky Airline applies to DOT for routes to USA
Chile’s Sky Airline has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide air service to the United States alongside its Peruvian subsidiary, which has been flying to the US since 2022.
Western Global emerges from restructuring with fleet and workforce intact
US cargo carrier Western Global Airlines has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with a “strong financial foundation” after implementing its restructuring plan.
Boeing no longer competing to build USAF’s new ‘Doomsday jet’
The withdrawal of Boeing from the contest to build a new airborne command centre capable of managing a nuclear exchange leaves Sierra Nevada Corporation as the only bidder to replace the current Boeing E-4B Nightwatch.
Anti-ice issue prompts Boeing to seek certification exemptions for 737 Max 7
Boeing has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to exempt its long-delayed 737 Max 7 from several certification rules due to an issue involving engine anti-ice system overheating.
Hawaiian and Alaska agree to break-up fees if planned tie-up falls through
Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have released more information about their potential merger, including reciprocal break-up fees in the case of non-consummation of the proposed transaction.
Alaska acquisition of Hawaiian is ‘pro-consumer, pro-competitive’: Minicucci
Alaska Airlines chief executive Ben Minicucci says that the planned acquistion of Hawaiian Airlines will benefit not only the companies, but also employees and consumers, and it was the right opportunity for the Seattle-based company at the right time.
Alaska Airlines to acquire Hawaiian for $1bn plus debt
Alaska Airlines to acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $1 billion, the companies said on 3 December.
Beta to expand New York facility into electric aircraft delivery centre
Vermont-based electric aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies has received a $20 million grant from the state of New York to expand its facility at Plattsburgh International airport into a flight-test and aircraft delivery centre.
FAA proposes rule to extend cockpit voice recording requirement to 25h
The US Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a new rule to increase the recording time of cockpit voice recorders to 25h for all newly manufactured aircraft from its current 2h requirement.
Which types retired in our latest World Air Forces review?
We detail some of the most notable national fleet retirements recorded in the 12 months since we published our last World Air Forces directory at the end of 2022.
Anduril unveils drone-killing ‘reusable missile’ designed for mass production
Part aircraft, part munition, the Roadrunner is a lethally-armed, twin-engined jet designed by US defence start-up Anduril to cheaply intercept and destroy high-density aerial threats, including cruise missiles, UAVs and some crewed aircraft – or return to base for refuelling and subsequent flights.
Air Transat and Porter Airlines plan to take on Canada’s top airlines together
With plans to become more closely intertwined, Canadian carriers Air Transat and Porter Airlines are offering a “strong third option” to Air Canada and WestJet.
USCG to acquire more former Navy H-60s amid shift to all-Sikorsky helicopter fleet
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has received approval to acquire another 20 former US Navy Sikorsky H-60 helicopters, a move coming as the service looks eventually to operate an all-Sikorsky MH-60T helicopter fleet.
USCG receives first new airframe for MH-60T Jayhawk refurbishments
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has received from Sikorsky the first bare-bones airframe under a project to keep the service’s MH-60T Jayhawk medium-lift rescue helicopters flying into the 2040s.
Canada signs to acquire 14 Boeing P-8As for multi-mission aircraft replacement programme
The Canadian government has agreed to purchase at least 14 Boeing P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2026.
‘We’ve done everything required’: Connect Airlines chief blasts US regulators over certification delays
US start-up carrier Connect Airlines is pushing back against aviation regulators for allegedly stifling its ambitions of launching flights between Canada and the USA and decarbonising regional air travel with hydrogen propulsion technology.
Atlas Air takes delivery of third 777F on behalf of MSC Mediterranean
US carrier Atlas Air has taken delivery of its third of four Boeing 777 Freighters placed on long-term aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance agreements with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company.
2024 World Air Forces directory: how major conflicts impacted global fleet
Air forces are maintaining a high operational tempo, including performing combat duties in Europe and the Middle East. Our annual review details the global military fleet and nations’ procurement plans.
Pratt & Whitney wins sole-source contract for F-35 engine upgrade
Although the Pentagon had already declared its intent to advance the Engine Core Upgrade programme for the F135 engine, the sole-source contract announcement solidifies Pratt & Whitney’s position as the F-35 propulsion supplier for another decade.
Porter Airlines orders 25 more Embraer 195-E2s
Canada’s Porter Airlines has placed firm orders for 25 more Embraer 195-E2s – on top of 50 existing orders – in a deal valued at $2.1 billion.
FAA orders airlines to inspect lightning protection features on all 747 variants
The Federal Aviation Administration is ordering airlines to inspect fuel-tank lightning-protection features on all Boeing 747 variants because some components are degrading faster than expected.
Electra secures deposits from Bristow for five short take-off and landing aircraft
US hybrid-electric aircraft developer Electra has taken early deposits from helicopter specialist Bristow Group for five of its proposed short take-off and landing aircraft.
Textron plans job cuts at Bell and Textron Systems divisions
Textron is cutting 725 jobs at three divisions including subsidiary helicopter maker Bell, part of a restructuring aimed at cutting costs.
GlobalX launches subsidiary UrbanX Air to operate air taxis in South Florida
Global Crossing Airlines Group, which operates the charter airline GlobalX, has created a wholly owned subsidiary known as UrbanX Air to operate the company’s anticipated fleet of electric air taxis in South Florida.
Spirit’s management shake up continues as Marnick leaves COO role
Longtime Spirit AeroSystems executive Samantha Marnick has left the company and her role as chief operating officer, a change the company describes as part of an effort to improve its operation and product quality.
Pentagon invests $3.7m in composites manufacturer Qarbon Aerospace
The contract with Texas-based Qarbon Aerospace will support the design and manufacture of advanced lightweight continuous fibre thermoplastic composite structures intended for national defence aviation applications.
Atlas orders pair of Boeing 777Fs
Atlas Air Worldwide has ordered two additional Boeing 777 Freighters to be delivered in the second half of 2024.
Air Transat and Porter plan closer collaboration through joint venture
Canadian operators Air Transat and Porter Airlines have agreed to coordinate flight schedules and routes under a new joint venture aimed at helping both carriers expand.
Elbit’s DIRCM system to protect Canadian A330 tankers
Canada’s future fleet of Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs) will be equipped with self-protection equipment from Elbit Systems.
US Navy hopes to restore crashed Hawaii P-8 to flight status
Salvage operations are under way in Hawaii following the crash of a Boeing P-8 maritime patrol jet, with the US Navy optimistic that it can recover the aircraft and restore it to flight status.
Atlas Air Worldwide appoints Artem Gonopolskiy chief financial officer
Atlas Air Wordwide’s board of directors has named Artem Gonopolskiy as the company’s permanent chief financial officer, after he had filled the role for several months on an interim basis.
How Hydroplane founder is drawing on her stellar engineering talent
In her role as chief executive of zero-emission general aviation propulsion developer Hydroplane, Anita Sengupta is drawing on some out-of-this-world engineering experience at NASA.
US Navy prepares for recovery of crashed P-8A in Hawaii
The US Navy is preparing for the recovery of a Boeing P-8A Poseidon that crashed into the sea while attempting to land at a military base in Hawaii.
Embraer predicts ‘wave’ of E-Jet orders as company continues operational turnaround
Embraer executives say demand for E-Jets is lagging a broader boom for larger aircraft like Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies. Soon, they say, airlines will turn more attention to E-Jets to fill a market-segment gap.
Stratolaunch completes fuelled taxi test ahead of first hypersonic flight
The California start-up completed a taxi test of its two-aircraft captive carry hypersonic flight system, for the first time loaded with live propellant, as the company moves towards its first hypersonic flight before year’s end.
BAA Training signs for 48 Cessna Skyhawk trainer aircraft
Lithuania-headquartered BAA Training has agreed to buy 48 examples of Textron Aviation’s Cessna Skyhawk aircraft, which are expected to be delivered in 2026.
FAA clears Boeing to start 737 Max 10 certification flights
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Boeing to begin the certification flight-test programme for its 737 Max 10, moving the manufacturer closer to completing the aircraft’s long-delayed certification effort.
KlasJet obtains authorisation for Canadian wet-lease operations
Lithuanian private and corporate charter carrier KlasJet has obtained Canadian approval for wet-lease operations in the country.
General Atomics touts STOL wing for MQ-9B after Mojave carrier debut
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems sees the UK and several other nations as potential future customers for a version of its MQ-9B unmanned air vehicle adapted for short take-off and landing (STOL) operations.
Avelo to exit four markets and seasonally suspend nine routes
US ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines is exiting four markets that did not develop as planned and intends to seasonally suspend a further nine routes.
US Court approves SAS’ investment agreement with Castlelake consortium
A US court has approved Scandinavian operator SAS’ entry into a formal investment agreement with Castlelake, Air France-KLM, the Danish government and financing company Lind Invest.
‘Kinetic and non-kinetic’ solutions needed to defend against uncrewed aircraft: Pentagon
The US military’s top officer focused on countering uncrewed aerial systems says addressing the growing threat will require a mix of offensive and defensive equipment, including interceptor missiles, electronic warfare and microwave and laser-based systems.
Frontier seeks further foothold in Midwest USA with trio of planned crew bases
Seeking to bolster its presence in the Midwest USA, ultra low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines plans to open crew bases in Chicago, Cleveland and Cincinnati early next year.
Piasecki wins $37m AFWERX funding for tilt-duct aircraft
The multi-year funding through the AFWERX programme and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will see Piasecki showcase in flight its Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES) tilt-duct unmanned air vehicle and a ZeroAvia fuel cell propulsion system.
US Navy P-8A overshoots runway and ends up in sea
A US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has crashed into the sea after attempting to land at a military base on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Boeing moves toward low-rate production of MH-139 nuclear patrol helicopter
With delivery of the sixth and final test aircraft, Boeing has completed the research and development phase of the MH-139A Grey Wolf programme, now moving toward low-rate initial production on the helicopter that will be used to patrol the silos housing the USA’s nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Propulsion start-up Universal Hydrogen names first chief financial officer
US propulsion developer Universal Hydrogen has named long-time Nikola executive Anastasiya Pasterick as chief financial officer, effective on 4 December.
Lockheed unveils LED-based flight simulator promising significant reduction in training cost
Billed as a generational leap in simulator technology, fighter manufacturer Lockheed Martin says replacing domed projector screens with LED displays in flight simulators will offer better performance, simplified maintenance and significantly reduced operating costs.
Electra's hybrid-electric Goldfinch prototype takes first flights
US hybrid-electric aircraft developer Electra’s short take-off and landing EL-2 Goldfinch prototype has gotten off the ground for the first time.
UAE targets domestic development of VRT light helicopters as Russian partnership disolved
Development of the VRT500 and VRT300 co-axial light helicopters looks set to continue in the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of the country’s Strategic Development Fund (SDF) after it ditched its former partner Russian Helicopters.
Connect Airlines vows to appeal DOT decision to revoke certificate
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has revoked certificate authority from Waltzing Matilda Aviation, the Massachusetts company that owns start-up regional carrier Connect Airlines.
FAA taking ‘immediate action’ to implement improvements to ATC safety
Following the publication of a damning report on the state of US air traffic control (ATC) operations earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration has said it is taking “immediate action” to enhance training and safety reporting.
Airbus to study ‘little understood’ hydrogen contrails with Blue Condor glider
Airbus’ innovation arm UpNext has conducted an 100% hydrogen-powered flight of a modified glider it is using to study contrails produced by hydrogen propulsion systems.
Overair targeting Texas with planned air taxi operations
US electric aircraft developer Overair is collaborating with Texas officials on air taxi operations at Dallas-Forth Worth International airport and in the city of Arlington.
Elroy Air’s Chaparral C1 makes maiden flight
Elroy Air’s autonomous turbogenerator-hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (hVTOL) cargo drone Chaparral C1 has flown for the first time.
Suppliers seek to renegotiate loss-making contracts with Airbus and Boeing
Aircraft makers are facing increasing pressure to renegotiate discounted supplier contracts that have turned unprofitable amid slow production, high inflation and other post-pandemic business challenges.
Air Chateau plans to purchase Archer air taxis
Dubai helicopter operator Air Chateau has signalled its intention to possibly acquire a fleet of electric air taxis from Archer Aviation.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: November 2023 update
Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.
Pratt & Whitney lands contract to maintain B-52 and E-3 engines
Engine maker Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has won a Pentagon contract valued up to $870 million for sustainment of TF33 engines, which power Boeing B-52H heavy bombers and Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne early warning jets.
Delta and Air Baltic launch codeshare partnership
Delta Air Lines and Latvia’s Air Baltic have launched a codeshare partnership due to begin this month.
Alaska Air Cargo takes delivery of freighter-converted 737-800
Alaska Airlines’ cargo arm has added its first Boeing 737-800 as it plans to increase “flexibility and capacity” on routes throughout Alaska and the contiguous USA.
Safety review team says US airspace at “significant risk” for accidents
A comprehensive report by an independent review committee has found the US national airspace system (NAS) and air traffic control organisation (ATO) full of risks for potential accidents.
Aurora proposes fan-in-wing aircraft for DARPA Sprint competition
Revealing the second of four designs for DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies aircraft development programme, Boeing subsidiary Aurora is opting for a blended-wing-body approach using fan-in-wing rotors for vertical lift.
NATO to buy six Boeing E-7A Wedgetails for initial AEW&C transformation
NATO plans to acquire six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft for introduction from early next decade, as part of preparations to draw down its veteran Boeing E-3A airborne warning and control system fleet.
Wright Electric and Axter flight test hybrid-electric system on Thrush S2R
Start-up Wright Electric has completed test flights of a hybrid-electric modified crop-dusting aircraft and has squeezed more power out of a separate electric motor it is developing to power regional passenger aircraft.
Secretive US ‘spaceplane’ will return to orbit on SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket
The Boeing X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle, operated by the US Space Force, will return to orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy booster for its seventh long-endurance flight mission.
Cargojet names co-chief executives to succeed Ajay Virmani
Canada’s Cargojet has named two long-time members of its C-suite team as co-chief executives, with current CEO Ajay Virmani to become executive chairman.
US airlines welcome Dutch government’s about-face on Schiphol slot cuts
US airlines are celebrating news that the Dutch government has backed off a plan to reduce the number of flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport next year.
Air Canada boosting capacity in Asia-Pacific
Air Canada plans to increase capacity in the Asia-Pacific region through the next Northern Hemisphere summer as it seeks to capitalise on stronger-than-expected demand for trans-Pacific air travel.
Boeing 737 deliveries crept along in October but sales momentum continues
Boeing’s 737 delivery pace remained slow in October though the aircraft manufacturer landed a major 737 sale in the period and continued building its backlog of 787 orders.
Continued demand may prolong E175 production into 2030s
Embraer could continue building its E175 into the 2030s as continued airline demand and a lack of scope-clause relief in the USA combine to extend the regional jet’s expected production life.
DARPA selects competitors for high-speed vertical take-off and landing aircraft
Four manufacturers will compete to build an experimental, special operations-focused platform capable of combining jet aircraft speeds with the versatility of vertical take-off and landing.
Joby and Volocopter fly air taxis in New York City
Two air taxi makers descended on New York City on 12 November to show the capabilities of their electric aircraft ahead of planned operations as soon as 2025.
‘Amazing momentum’ has C-390 prospects soaring, Embraer defence chief says
Embraer is aiming to close out an already great year for its C/K-390 airlifter by securing additional orders, while it also eyes longer-term opportunities in the Middle East.
Boeing 777-9 edges towards formal certification test phase
Boeing is edging towards type inspection authorisation from the US FAA for its 777-9, the point at which it will commence the formal certification testing demonstration for the twinjet.
Silver Airways refreshes livery with repainted ATR turboprop
US regional carrier Silver Airways has revealed a new livery for its fleet of ATR turboprops.
CommuteAir sticking with ‘workhorse’ ERJ-145s while exploring ‘larger gauge’ jets
US regional carrier CommuteAir is sticking with Embraer ERJ-145s as its mainstay regional jet after acquiring last month a single E170 for planned charter operations.
Flight of the Raider: B-21 lifts off for the first time
The next-generation stealth bomber, under development by Northrop Grumman for the US Air Force, made its first flight on 10 November from the secretive Plant 42 industrial facility in the California high desert.
American Airlines applies for Haneda slots and plans more Caribbean flying in 2024
One day after United Airlines submitted an application to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate more flights to Tokyo’s Haneda airport, Fort Worth-based rival American Airlines has done the same.
Charter carrier GlobalX loses $4.9m amid Q3 pilot hiring spree
South Florida start-up carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) reports a third-quarter loss of $4.89 million as it ramped up pilot hiring to keep pace with its rapidly growing fleet.
United Airlines’ customer chief on ‘day of travel’ power of the airline app
While United Airlines' customers are able to engage across a range of platforms and timeframes, for the carrier's chief customer officer Linda Jojo many of the advances with airline apps centre around their ability to support ‘day of travel’ functionality.
Airbus launches autonomous aircraft division in the USA
Citing growing demand for uncrewed aviation assets within the US Department of Defense, Airbus is establishing a division with within its American subsidiary focused on developing new UAV platforms.
FAA will establish rulemaking committee on pilot mental health
The US Federal Aviation Administration will establish an aviation rulemaking committee to examine issues around pilot mental health after several recent incidents shed new light on the problem.
Archer keeps burning cash on quest for scaled air taxi operations
US air taxi maker Archer Aviation reports a third-quarter cash position significantly lower than the one it held on 30 September of last year. .
Hanwha Aerospace moves engine business to Connecticut and seeks closer ties with Pratt and GE
To forge closer ties with suppliers and with prime customers Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and GE Aerospace, South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has moved the headquarters of its International Engine Business to Connecticut.
Wheels Up loses $145m in Q3 but aims for operating profit in 2024
Charter aircraft provider Wheels Up lost $145 million in the third quarter of 2023, but executives insist a network overhaul, a partnership with Delta Air Lines and new financing position it to turn operationally profitable next year.
United applies to US regulators for operating slots at Tokyo’s Haneda airport
United Airlines has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate daily nonstop flights to Tokyo’s Haneda airport from Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston, intending to acquire slots vacated by Delta Air Lines earlier this year.
Joby bucks competitors by pushing adoption of its ‘universal’ electric charging system
US air taxi maker Joby Aviation is pushing for the electric aviation sector to adopt its system for charging aircraft rather than the automotive-based standards recently proposed by competing start-ups Archer Aviation and Beta Technologies.
US airlines gearing up for ‘busiest ever’ Thanksgiving holiday travel period
US airlines are gearing up for a major holiday travel weekend as demand for air travel over the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period is higher than both last year and pre-pandemic 2019.
First Boeing T-7A arrives at California air base for flight testing
The first example of Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk has arrived at Edwards AFB in California, as Boeing and the US Air Force (USAF) progress through flight testing toward low-rate production of the new jet trainer.
Spirit moves to raise $400 million and push back $1.2 billion debt repayment
Spirit AeroSystems is taking steps to strengthen its financial foundations by seeking to raise $400 million in cash and to restructure $1.2 billion in debt.
P&W’s defective disk issue found to affect more business jet engines
Dozens of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307 turbofans on Dassault Aviation business jets may contain disks with the same manufacturing defect affecting more than 1,000 Pratt & Whitney (P&W) PW1100Gs.
Frontier to open crew base in Cleveland with 400 employees
US ultra-discounter Frontier Airlines plans to open a crew base that will employ hundreds at Cleveland Hopkins International airport starting in March.
F-15EX prices exceed those of F-35As in latest USAF contract for 48 fighters
The US Air Force and Boeing have finalised terms for the next three rounds of production for F-15EX fourth-generation fighters, covering 48 aircraft valued at $3.9 billion.
Airbus emerges from three-year probation after fraud-inquiry settlements
Airbus has formally emerged from a three-year probation period imposed after corruption investigations conducted by three national jurisdictions.
Sun Country stymied by captain availability on way to modest Q3 profit
Sun Country Airlines reports earning $7.6 million during the third quarter as chief executive Jude Bricker cited the lack of pilots upgrading to captain as a persistent problem.
Cargojet’s Q3 profits dip amid cooling air freight market
Canada’s Cargojet Airways reports a third-quarter profit of C$10.5 million ($7.63 million) – versus marking C$83.4 million during the same period last year – amid cooling demand for air cargo.
Eve doubles third quarter R&D spending as it starts building air taxi prototype
Electric air taxi developer Eve Air Mobility reports high spending on research and development during the third quarter as it starts assembling its first prototype ahead of a planned 2024 flight-test campaign.
US Navy to field Stormbreaker precision bomb on F/A-18 fleet
The Raytheon-made guided munition, fielded under the designation Small Diameter Bomb-II, has already been certificated for service with the Boeing F-15 and is in the process of being integrated into the full three-variant fleet of F-35 fighters.
Archer and Beta call for standardised electric air taxi charging systems
A pair of leading air taxi developers on opposite coasts of the USA – California’s Archer Aviation and Vermont’s Beta Technologies – are working together to “spur the widespread roll-out” of shared charging infrastructure for electric aircraft.
Embraer CEO sees US pilot shortage as ‘improving’
Embraer’s chief executive sees his company’s recent success selling regional jets to US carriers as signifying that a shortage of pilots is easing.
F-35B test pilots complete first rolling vertical landing at night on UK carrier
Building on a series of flight evaluations with the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, test pilots with the US Marine Corps successfully completed a night-time rolling vertical landing on to the UK’s newest aircraft carrier.
Eve names trio of systems suppliers for in-development air taxi
Air taxi developer Eve Air Mobility has identified a trio of systems suppliers for its proposed five-person electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Condor now selling Alaska Airlines flights through codeshare
Oneworld carrier Alaska Airlines and German leisure specialist Condor have expanded their codeshare agreement, allowing Condor to market and sell more than 70 routes throughout the USA.
FedEx encourages pilots to move to regional carrier PSA as cargo demand slumps
FedEx Express is encouraging pilots to move to regional passenger carrier PSA Airlines as direct-entry captains, with the opportunity to flow through to legacy American Airlines. The regional carrier is sweetening the deal with a $250,000 signing bonus.
China Eastern orders 25 GEnx turbofans for 787s and Xiamen picks Leap-1A for A320neos
GE Aerospace and its affiliate CFM International have landed new orders from Chinese carriers for both GEnx-1B and Leap-1B turbofans.
Ukraine’s Supernova plans all-cargo transatlantic services to US destinations
Ukrainian carrier Supernova Airlines is seeking to open widebody freighter services to US destinations, initially New York.
Reliable Robotics embracing radar as integral part of autonomous flight system
Viewing radar technology as critical for developing its remote-autonomous flight system, California start-up Reliable Robotics has chosen industry expert Marc Pos to lead its radar design.
US government approves US airlines’ complaints about Amsterdam capacity cuts
The US government has approved complaints by JetBlue Airways and trade group Airlines for America against the government of the Netherlands and European Union for alleged violations related to capacity cuts at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.
US NTSB to hold pilot mental health forum in December
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a roundtable discussion on pilot mental health after several recent incidents have come to light in which pilots apparently suffered mental breakdowns.
Canada’s Flair Airlines plans to step up flying to USA in 2024
Canadian discount carrier Flair Airlines’ summer schedule for 2024 includes twice as much flying to the USA and new routes to Quebec City and Guadalajara, Mexico.
Allegiant loses $25m in third quarter amid ‘modest demand decline’
Allegiant Travel Company posted a $25.1 million loss during a third quarter that increasingly appears to have been a slow period for US low-cost carriers.
Allegiant’s first 737 Max delivery pushed to 2024
US-based ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air reports that delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max has been delayed until next year.
Bombardier sticks to 2023 delivery target as other aerospace companies reset expectations
Bombardier still expects to meet its full-year 2023 aircraft delivery target despite supply chain struggles that have prompted other aerospace manufacturers to curtail delivery expectations.
Joby remains in strong cash position as it breaks even in Q3
US electric aircraft developer Joby Aviation roughly broke even during a third quarter in which it passed several milestones on its intended path to commercial air taxi operations in 2025.
Spirit AeroSystems seeks to renegotiate contracts with Airbus as losses pile up
Spirit AeroSystems is working to renegotiate loss-making supply contracts with Airbus and to refinance more than $1 billion in debt coming due in 2025, efforts executives describe as requiring urgent attention.
Spirit AeroSystems loses $204 million in Q3 amid surging expenses and costly rework
Costly fuselage rework and increased supply chain and labour expenses pushed US aerostructures manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems to a $204 million loss in the third quarter of 2023.
Canada’s Helijet International places firm orders for four Beta air taxis
British Columbia-based helicopter operator Helijet International has placed firm orders for four of Beta Technologies’ Alia air taxi.
Gulfstream adds manufacturing capacity in Savannah for G400s, G500s and G600s
Gulfstream has completed an expansion in Savannah of the manufacturing facility where it assembles G400, G500 and G600 business jets, leaving the company prepared to increase output.
JetBlue expects P&W engine issues to ground at least six aircraft through 2024
JetBlue Airways expects six of its Airbus A321neos to be grounded by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engine issues by year’s end – and for that number to rise.
JetBlue lost $153m in Q3 as air-travel demand failed to keep up
Operational troubles and too many seats in the USA pushed JetBlue Airways to a $153 million loss in the third quarter of 2023, prompting the airline to trim its capacity.
Air Transat targets first flights to Africa in 2024
Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat is targeting Africa for the first time with plans to launch flights between Montreal and Marrakesh, Morocco in June.
WestJet completes integration of discount subsidiary Swoop
Canadian airline company WestJet Group recently completed the integration of former low-cost subsidiary Swoop into its primary WestJet operation.
Finally steady Air Canada makes C$1.25 billion third-quarter profit
Air Canada’s slow and painful recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic appears mostly in the rear-view mirror as the carrier reports reaching more stable ground during the third quarter.
Mexico’s VivaAerobus posts $56m profit during third quarter
Mexican low-cost carrier VivaAerobus earned $56 million during the third quarter of 2023, its second consecutive quarter with a profit, as demand was high and fares improved.
SkyWest profitable in Q3 as block hours fall
US regional carrier SkyWest Airlines earned $23.5 million during the third quarter, down from $48.3 million last year as it flew 10% fewer block hours.
SkyWest orders 19 new E175s to fly on behalf of United
US regional carrier SkyWest Airlines will acquire 19 new Embraer 175s to fly under contract for United Airlines.
United plans flights to 38 European destinations next year
United Airlines will fly to 38 European destinations during the 2024 northern hemisphere summer travel season, including the only flight between the New York City metropolitan area and Faro, Portugal, as well as new connections to Reykjavik, Brussels, Rome and Malaga.
Beta delivers first electric aircraft to USAF
The Vermont-based aircraft manufacturer flew one if its conventional take-off variant Alia types from the northeastern USA to Eglin AFB in Florida, delivering the fully-electric platform to the US Air Force for evaluation.
Southwest third-quarter profit falls 30% to $193m as expenses rise
Southwest Airlines reported a 30% decline in profit as increasing costs outweighed strong leisure demand and additional ancillary and loyalty programme revenue during the summer travel season.
Southwest orders 108 Boeing 737s and takes more order options
Southwest Airlines has restructured its order book with US airframer Boeing, planning to receive up to 216 more 737 Max between 2023 and 2031.
Frontier reports lacklustre Q3 results as it struggles in ‘over-saturated’ core markets
Frontier Group Holdings struggled with soft third-quarter demand in its core markets and operational difficulties that company executives attribute to air traffic controller shortages.
Frontier adopting European ultra-discounter strategies amid ATC-related disruptions
Biffle describes how the Denver ultra-low-cost carrier is shifting its network and capacity strategy partly in response to ongoing operational difficulties it attributes to ATC staffing shortages.
Northrop expects B-21 low-rate production contract by year-end
Defence contractor Northrop Grumman says it remains on track to fly the secretive B-21 Raider stealth bomber before the end of 2023, with the US Air Force expected to issue the company a low-rate initial production contract for the type shortly after that milestone.
Spirit Airlines posts ‘disappointing’ third-quarter results on price weakness
Spirit Airlines lost $158 million in the third quarter of 2023 as the carrier experienced price weakness in its core markets.
Air Inuit’s 737-800 freighters to be converted by Aeronautical Engineers
Canadian operator Air Inuit has selected US-based Aeronautical Engineers to convert three Boeing 737-800s into freighter configuration.
JetBlue urges DOT ’countermeasures’ against KLM over potential Schiphol slot losses
JetBlue Airways recently called on the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to retaliate against Dutch carrier KLM if JetBlue is expelled from Amsterdam’s Schiphol International airport due to capacity cuts.
JetBlue adds Dublin and Edinburgh to its European palette
JetBlue Airways is adding Dublin and Edinburgh to its palette of European destinations beginning in March.
Boeing pushing production rates to keep suppliers ‘hot’ despite delivery slowdown
While Boeing will deliver fewer than expected 737s this year due to a quality problem, the company is broadly working to speed up the pace of its entire 737 production system, aiming to hit a 38-monthly rate this year.
Overair nears assembly of prototype with flight testing on near horizon
After completing ground testing of its propulsion system last year, Southern California’s Overair is focusing on building and flying the production prototype of its ”Butterfly” air taxi.
NTSB sends team to investigate Houston-Hobby midair collision
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sent a six-person team to investigate an incident in which two business jets collided on 24 October.
Gulfstream pulls back 2023 delivery forecast and still hopes for G700 approval this year
Gulfstream has become the latest aerospace company to trim its 2023 delivery goals as supply chain troubles prove more difficult to overcome than some industry executives suspected.
Northrop begins B-21 taxi testing ahead of first flight
The US Air Force confirms its next-generation stealth bomber is conducting ground taxi activities as part of a testing regimen leading up to the jet’s first flight by year-end.
Pipistrel joins USAF electric aircraft effort
Textron subsidiary Pipistrel joins other electric aircraft manufacturers in the US Air Force’s Agility Prime initiative, which aims to explore potential military applications for battery-powered aviation.
Michael Whitaker confirmed as administrator of the FAA
The US Senate on 24 October unanimously confirmed Michael Whitaker as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, ending an 18-month period of uncertainty regarding the agency’s long-term leadership.
Fixed-price defence contracts to weigh on Boeing until at least 2025
Led by cost challenges on the VC-25B presidential aircraft programme, Boeing’s defence business lost $924 million in the third quarter of 2023, with top executives warning recovery will not come until as late as 2026.
Archer’s Midnight air taxi hovers for first time
Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft has hovered off the ground, a milestone in the company’s progress toward certification and commercialisation of its air taxi design.
Boeing trims 737 delivery forecast as it posts $1.6bn third-quarter loss
Boeing has pared back the number of 737s it expects to deliver this year amid a quality issue involving pressure bulkheads, and lost $1.6 billion in the third-quarter of 2023.
Caribbean carriers seek collaborations to attract Latin American vacationers
As small Caribbean and Central American airlines struggle with taxation and infrastructure issues that also plague their much larger Latin American peers, the carriers are working on creative ways to boost connectivity and attract an increasingly travel-savvy South American clientele to their part of the hemisphere.
Defective disks push P&W to $2.5bn third-quarter loss as executives stress recovery plan
RTX executives insist Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has a workable plan to address a defective disk problem that forced it to recall thousands PW1100Gs engines and that pushed the company deep into the red during the third quarter.
Hawaiian Holdings loses $49m amid Q3 engine issues and sagging demand
Hawaiian Holdings reported a second-quarter loss of $48.7 million during the third quarter as the airline company continues to be affected by engine issues and the Maui wildfires.
Pratt reveals other GTF variants have disk defect but predicts minimal A220 and E-Jet impact
Two other Pratt & Whitney (P&W) geared turbofan variants are affected by the powdered-metal manufacturing problem now disrupting operators of PW1100G-powered Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.
Hawaiian expects P&W engine issues to ground up to four A321s through first quarter
Chief executive Peter Ingram describes how the company is being affected by RTX and subsidiary Pratt & Whitney’s recall of thousands of PW1100G geared-turbofan engines.
GE Aerospace trims 2023 Leap delivery target amid ‘supplier delinquencies’
GE Aerospace’s CFM International joint venture will likely deliver fewer than planned Leap turbofans this year amid sticky supply chain issues and robust demand for new aircraft engines and services.
GE expects to become standalone aerospace business in second quarter 2024
General Electric expects to complete the divestiture of its energy division Vernova at the start of the second quarter of next year, leaving GE Aerospace as its sole surviving entity.
Class-action lawsuit alleging Archer misled investors dismissed
A class-action lawsuit alleging that Archer Aviation and its top executives misled investors about progress toward certification of its air taxi has been dismissed.
Severe bird-strike punctured cockpit of descending A320
US investigators have disclosed that a bird-strike involving a Delta Air Lines Airbus A320 last year was severe enough to penetrate the fuselage and affect pressurisation.
US Army delivers FARA engines to Bell and Sikorsky
The delivery of the GE Aerospace T901 Improved Turbine Engines to the two finalists for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft competition sets up Sikorsky and Bell to fly their prototype designs in 2024.
Spirit grounded A320s for airframe bracket inspections: FAA
The inspections that recently grounded 25 Spirit Airlines’ jets and caused dozens of flight cancellations across the carrier’s network involve potential fatigue cracking around airframe brackets on Airbus A320-family aircraft.
Air Canada begins retrofitting cabins of A320-family jets
The Montreal-based carrier recently rolled out changes to its Airbus A320 cabins, including new exterior cameras, upgraded seating, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth audio and colourful LED lighting throughout the cabin.
Lockheed Martin withdraws bid to produce new USAF aerial tanker
The military airframer’s withdrawal from the US Air Force’s tanker-fleet recapitalisation effort makes it all but certain the service will opt to procure more KC-46 refuellers from Boeing.
JetBlue A321 suffers tail tip at JFK as passengers disembarked
An out-of-balance JetBlue Airways Airbus A321 tilted onto its tail and rested with its nose high in the air while on the ground at John F Kennedy International airport on 22 October.
Jump-seat passenger attempts to 'shut' engines of Horizon 175 during 22 October flight
Pilots of a Horizon Air Embraer 175 regional jet diverted during a flight on 22 October after a person in the cockpit jump seat reportedly attempted to shut down the jet’s engines.
Hydraulic leak and undercarriage wiring probed after FedEx 757 gear-up landing
US investigators have disclosed that a hydraulic system failure just after take-off preceded the gear-up landing by a FedEx Boeing 757-200 freighter at Chattanooga earlier this month.
Honda Aircraft embarks on campaign to certify Echelon as an HA-420 derivative
Honda Aircraft aims for its in-development HondaJet Echelon to be certified as a variant of its existing HA-420 HondaJet, and for both models to share a common pilot type rating.
Atlas Air plans to move into new corporate headquarters
US cargo and charter carrier Atlas Air Worldwide plans to move its corporate headquarters from Purchase to White Plains, New York.
Spirit cancels dozens of flights to inspect 25 A320-family jets
The Florida-based carrier asserts that the cancellations are related to inspecting “a small section” of its aircraft, and that it is working to make arrangements for affected customers.
Air Transat’s CFO Patrick Bui to leave company
Patrick Bui, chief financial officer of Canadian airline company Transat AT, plans to leave his role on 15 December to “pursue another carrer opportunity” as CFO for Canadian discount store chain Dollarama.
Beta logs first electric aircraft flight to Washington, DC air force base
The flight to Andrews AFB near Washington, DC is part of a multi-leg trip from Beta’s headquarters in Vermont to Eglin AFB in Florida, where the company will deliver its all-electric Alia aircraft to the US Air Force for testing.
Frontier names former CFO James Dempsey as president
Frontier Group Holdings has named longtime chief financial officer James Dempsey to president of the company.
Alaska Air Group increases Q3 profits while business travel lags
Alaska Air Group reports increased profits and generated about $2.8 billion of revenue during the third quarter, which company executives attribute to strong operational performance and “cost discipline”.
Alaska strikes deal to sell final 10 A321s to American
Alaska Airlines expects to start delivering the last of its Airbus narrowbodies to American Airlines in the fourth quarter.
American posts $545m Q3 loss as operating expenses rise almost 10%
American Airlines posted a $545 million loss for the third quarter of 2023 as its expenses jumped 9.4% year-on-year, including an almost 17% increase in jet fuel prices and a one-time charge related to its new pilot contract.
American orders four E175s with 2024 deliveries
American Airlines has ordered another four Embraer 175 regional jets, which it intends to deploy into the fleet of its subsidiary regional carrier Envoy Air.
United sees Dreamliner order giving it control of fleet growth plan
United Airlines’ recent order for more Boeing 787-9s reflects the airline seeking to lock in its growth opportunity amid a backdrop of sliding aircraft deliveries.
Top 100 airline groups traffic rankings 2022
Passenger traffic among leading global carriers sharply recovered last year, outpacing the additional capacity they restored and helping load factors climb back above 80%. FlightGlobal’s analysis of the airline industry traffic performance in 2022 based on the top 100 airline groups by revenue passenger kilometre (RPKs).
United banks on international gains amid fourth quarter headwinds
United Airlines executives struck a bullish tone about the strength of international markets, even if the disruption to its Tel Aviv services was a key contributor to a weaker fourth quarter outlook.
‘You could fly the plane’: how a few encouraging words inspired Tailwind’s chief pilot
Tailwind Air chief pilot Maria Maas Pettit remembers the exact moment the idea of becoming a pilot first flashed into her mind.
Sun Country planning summer expansion to Canada
US ultra-low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines plans to launch new routes from its base in Minneapolis to Montreal and Toronto in June 2024.
Wheels Up’s new chief executive lays out recovery plan as Delta ties tighten
Just two weeks into the job, the new head of Wheels Up arrives as this year’s NBAA business aviation show with a turnaround plan resting on operational rigour, more corporate business, fleet changes and closer ties with 39% owner Delta Air Lines.
Electra believes ‘blown-lift’ eSTOL will take off with corporate customers
Chief product officer Marc Ausman outlines why Electra’s conceptual aircraft could impact the business aviation market.
Tecnam closes on certification for short take-off and landing variant of P2012
Italian airframer Tecnam is nearing European certification for the short take-off and landing (STOL) variant of its P2012 Traveller, with first deliveries slated for January next year.
Volocopter makes NBAA flying debut
German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle developer Volocopter’s 2X prototype made its NBAA flying debut on Tuesday, continuing its charm offensive to convince the public of the appeal of advanced air mobility.
Wisk building autonomous air taxi with plans for first flight in 2024
US air taxi developer Wisk Aero is assembling the production prototype of its sixth-generation aircraft in California and plans to fly the fully autonomous vehicle next year.
United lifts Q3 profits a fifth on strong international demand
United Airlines’ net profits climbed by one-fifth in the third quarter to reach $1.1 billion, in part driven by a strong performance on its international routes in the Atlantic and Pacific regions.
AB Jets orders three Bombardier Challenger 3500 jets
US charter operator AB Jets is adding three super-midsize Bombardier Challenger 3500 jets to its fleet, with the option of ordering a fourth aircraft by the end of 2023.
FlyExclusive named fleet-launch customer for Citation CJ3 Gen2
North Carolina private aviation provider FlyExclusive has been disclosed as the fleet launch customer of Textron Aviation’s newly revealed Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 light jet.
F-35 delivery projections drop below 100 for 2023 amid TR-3 delays
Lockheed Martin now estimates it will deliver just 97 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters in 2023, despite producing the fifth-generation jets at a rate of 156 per year.
Embraer Executive Jets pushing for sustainable aircraft production
With the difficult-to-abate business aviation sector increasingly embracing carbon-cutting technologies, Embraer Executive Jets is “doing its part”, according to chief executive Michael Amalfitano.
Air Canada stays with GEnx for fresh Boeing 787 order
Air Canada has opted for GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines to power its latest batch of Boeing 787 Dreamliners ordered last month.
German start-up airline FlyVbird outlines possible deal for up to 50 Eviation aircraft
The all-electric Alice commuter aircraft will potentially be deployed as part of FlyVbird’s proposed app-based, on-demand regional service.
Boeing Business Jets launches ‘BBJ Select’, a streamlined interior design and purchasing process
Boeing Business Jets has unveiled “BBJ Select”, a new offering which allows potential customers to configure aircraft through a modular concept, and simplifies and accelerates the purchasing process.
Honeywell and Supernal developing system for remotely controlled eVTOL operations
Honeywell and South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group will develop together a ground control station to enable pilotless operations for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.
Honda Aircraft renames in-development light jet Echelon and plans for 2026 first flight
Honda Aircraft has renamed its in-development light jet Echelon and disclosed new production and timeline details about the aircraft, formerly known as the 2600.
Tailwind Technologies sells Hartzell Aviation to Arcline Investment Management
Tailwind Technologies has sold Hartzell Aviation to Arcline Investment Management, a private equity firm with $8.9 billion in cumulative capital commitments.
Stratolaunch secures USAF funding for second reusable hypersonic vehicle
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will fund a second example of a reusable hypersonic flight vehicle built by American start-up Stratolaunch.
Honeywell reports slowing business jet orders but leaves 10-year delivery forecast unchanged
Honeywell has left its long-term business jet sales forecast unchanged, predicting that manufacturers will deliver 8,500 aircraft over the next 10 years.
NBAA brings business aviation back to Las Vegas
Strong aircraft backlogs and resilient demand for private air travel mean the business aviation industry is approaching 2024 in good shape.
US aviation groups oppose changes to ‘public charter’ rules
Seven prominent aviation groups have expressed opposition to changes to US government rules governing “public charter” aviation companies like JSX – changes that may threaten their ability to operate.
Air Wisconsin pilots ratify three-year contract with 38% pay bump for captains
The deal boosts Air Wisconsin pilots’ combined pay by nearly $48 million over the life of the agreement and concludes negotiations that began in August 2022.
Textron Aviation adding auto throttles to Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 light jet
Textron Aviation is adding an auto-throttle system as standard equipment on its Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 light jet, a move the company says will improve safety and efficiency.
Strong demand helps Delta lift third-quarter net profit to $1.1bn
Delta Air Lines’ net profits climbed 59% to over $1.1 billion in the third quarter, as revenues jumped 11% on continued strong demand.
Court trial in US government’s JetBlue-Spirit case delayed
JetBlue Airways will defend its proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines in US district court one week later than expected.
US State Department to launch citizen repatriation flight programme from Israel
The US State Department plans to partner with airlines in launching a repatriation flight programme to evacuate US citizens from the conflict zone in the Middle East.
Delta expects P&W engine issue will impact its operation
Delta Air Lines’ executives expect the impact of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engine recall to be “modest to minimal” on the airline’s Airbus narrowbody operations.
Delta takes ‘not insignificant’ hit due to automobile worker and Hollywood strikes
Delta Air Lines has experienced a “not insignificant” negative change in business travel due to recent strikes in the US automobile and film industries.
Air taxi sector has yet to see collapses or consolidations. Will it last?
Although the field of start-ups promising to revolutionise urban transportation with electric air taxis is increasingly crowded, it could start thinning by the end of next year.
Delta weighs adding flights to Europe amid Israel conflict
Delta Air Lines has cancelled its flights to Israel at least through October as the security situation in the Middle East deterioirates, but says it may add more flights to Europe in order to help get travellers back to the USA.
USAF battling surge of aircraft lasing incidents
The air force says the incidents, which involve commercially available laser pointers, pose a significant safety risk to aircraft and crew.
Embraer rolls out auto-throttle system for Phenom 300Es
Embraer is now offering its Phenom 300E with an optional auto-throttle system, bringing the light jet’s avionics further in line with systems found on larger business jets.
Boeing to study SAF contrails using 737 Max under partnership with NASA and United Airlines
Boeing intends to use a 737 Max 10 to evaluate the environmental effects of burning sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), including its impact on contrail formation.
Congressional dysfunction could impact the US Army’s next-generation aircraft
Political in-fighting has paralysed the US congressional budget process, leaving defence officials scrambling to prepare for funding disruptions that could impact testing and roll-out of new development programmes, including the army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft and Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft.
Archer secures $65m of financing for eVTOL manufacturing facility
US air taxi developer Archer Aviation has secured the “substantial majority” of financing required to complete construction of its electric take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturing facility in Georgia.
Airline Business Podcast: SAS stakes, sustainability and sweet spots
Graham and Lewis discuss the latest consolidation moves in Europe, as Air France-KLM announces plans to take a minority stake in SAS.
A220 stabiliser jams traced to actuator water intrusion
Canadian regulators have ordered Airbus A220 operators to carry out lubrication tasks on the horizontal stabiliser trim actuator, after occurrences of jamming at the end of cruise.
BermudAir pivots away from all-premium seating strategy
Several weeks into operating flights to the East Coast of the USA, BermudAir no longer plans to configure its cabins exclusively with business-class seats.
Report highlights ‘significant’ hurdles associated with sustainable aviation fuel
A new report lays out significant challenges facing the global airline industry’s plan to expand its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), while predicting wider SAF use will inflate airfares.
General Atomics testing airborne recovery tow line for small UAS
The tow cable, being developed in partnership with helicopter winch manufacturer Breeze-Eastern, would allow large uncrewed aerial vehicles to recover smaller aircraft while in flight for either refit or return to base.
Avelo bumps pilot pay in anticipation of ‘at least five’ 737 deliveries
US start-up Avelo Airlines has raised its pay rates in an effort to attract qualified pilots and support fleet-expansion plans in 2024.
Leap-1A compressor-stall problem prompts FAA to propose inspections
Several high-pressure compressor stalls involving CFM International Leap-1A turbofans have prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to propose new maintenance requirements for the engines.
Huge Ryanair 737 Max deal pushes Boeing’s September orders to 224 aircraft
Ryanair’s massive commitment for the 737 Max 10 pushed Boeing’s total new orders in September to 224 aircraft, while the airframer also made progress ramping up the pace of 787 deliveries.
Top 100 airline group financial rankings 2022
Robust revenues as passenger markets reopened enabled many of the world’s leading airlines to restore profitability in 2022 – but the scars of the pandemic were still evident. FlightGlobal’s analysis of the airline industry financial performance in 2022 based on the top 100 airline groups by revenue.
Mesa seeks to streamline pilot training with ‘pay-as-you-go’ programme
US regional carrier Mesa Airlines launched on 9 October a pilot-training programme built around the company’s recently acquired Pipistrel Alpha 2 light aircraft.
US airlines cancel flights to Israel following attack as safety concerns mount
Major US airlines have suspended flights to Israel and security concerns abound after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on the country over the weekend.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: October 2023 update
Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.
Islander stalled on approach before fatal crash just short of Michigan runway
US investigators believe a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander stalled at low altitude on approach before fatally crashing short of the runway in Michigan.
Ampaire to develop ‘megawatt-scale’ hybrid powertrain with USAF
Hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire has secured a $1.25 million contract with the US Air Force (USAF) to develop “megawatt-scale hybrid technology” under the service’s Agility Prime programme.
Steadicopter pitching uncrewed armed helicopter to US Army
The Israeli manufacturer of uncrewed rotary aviation systems is bringing its Golden Eagle platform to the USA, showcasing the type’s ability to autonomously identify and track targets, which a remote gunner can then engage with direct-fire weapon systems.
GlobalX expects three Airbus aircraft deliveries within several weeks
US start-up carrier GlobalX will take delivery of its third Airbus A321F on 10 October and plans to soon add two passenger jets.
FAA moves to require autopilot software updates for thousands of small aircraft
Owners of nearly 6,000 small aircraft in the USA may soon need to update their Garmin autopilot software due to a defect that could cause the autopilots to make uncommanded flight-control inputs.
LOT and JetBlue to begin codesharing on US and European flights
JetBlue Airways and Polish carrier LOT intend to begin a codeshare arrangement under which they will jointly sell flights from Europe and the USA.
NTSB urges steps to prevent DHC-3 Otter stabiliser failures
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is urging aviation regulators to require De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otters be equipped with secondary devices to prevent horizontal stabiliser actuators from separating.
Embraer, Nidec electric propulsion joint venture gets regulatory nod
Nidec Aerospace, the electric propulsion joint venture between Embraer and Japanese electric motor specialist Nidec, has secured regulatory approvals to commence operations, as it targets mass production of electric propulsion systems by 2026.
USMC completes first test flight with autonomous XQ-58
The US Marine Corps now joins the US Air Force as the second operator of the Kratos autonomous fighter jet, with both services using the Valkyrie type to explore how uncrewed platforms could potentially be teamed with conventional fighter aircraft.
Pilot shortage ‘very real’ for US regional carriers struggling to keep aircraft flying
The pilot-supply outlook remains gloomy for regional airlines as hundreds of aircraft are parked – and the shortfall looks likely to reverberate into the 2030s.
CFM scrutinises data from suspect distributor in hunt for unapproved engine parts
Powerplant manufacturer CFM International has identified 126 engines, including a number in its overhaul facilities, which contain parts sourced from AOG Technics – the company embroiled in controversy over allegations of distributing unapproved parts.
FedEx 757 skids along Chattanooga runway during gear-up landing
A FedEx Boeing 757 Freighter made a gear-up landing and skidded off the runway at Chattanooga Metropolitan airport in Tennessee late on 4 October.
Kratos acquires autonomous fifth-generation fighter developer Sierra Technical Services
The sale of the start-up to Kratos, which Sierra’s founder calls both a competitor and teammate, comes soon after the company won a contract with the US Air Force to produce a fifth-generation-style aerial target jet.
Supporters of charter airline JSX push back against effort to change charter rules
An online campaign to shore up support for US public charter airline JSX has been launched as US aviation regulators consider changes to charter operations rules.
California eVTOL developer Joby begins piloted test flights
Air taxi developer Joby Aviation has begun flying its pre-production prototype aircraft with a pilot on board.
US Navy preparing ‘significant’ E-2D modernisation package
The US Navy describes the $845 million upgrade package as the “most significant change” since the iconic airborne early warning turboprop entered service, including new systems to reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness and boost cybersecurity.
FARA engine delivery expected in coming weeks
Helicopter makers Bell and Sikorsky, finalists for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) contract, will receive the long-delayed Improved Turbine Engine that will power their prototype designs from GE Aerospace before the end of October.
Collins opens new Illinois electric propulsion laboratory ‘The Grid’
Collins Aerospace has now opened “The Grid”, a long-planned Illinois facility that houses its development of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for future aircraft.
Allegiant adds options for 30 more jets to Boeing 737 Max deal
Ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant Air has amended its agreement with Boeing to add options for up to 30 more 737 Max, and changed the mix of 737 variants it plans to acquire.
United Airlines to add 110 aircraft to fleet beginning in 2028
United Airlines will add 110 more Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet beginning in 2028, bringing “additional flexibility” for its long-term strategy.
Porter to launch flights from Toronto to Los Angeles and San Francisco
Canada’s Porter Airlines plans to launch its first flights to California early next year as part of an ongoing expansion to the USA.
Allegiant secures $412m of financing for 11 Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies
The carrier currently operates an all-Airbus fleet but has a deal to purchase up to 130 737 Max 7s and Max 8-200s – a high-density variant of the baseline Max 8.
Anduril wins $8m contract for autonomous UAV development
The US Air Force’s AFWERX technology incubator will work with defence start-up Anduril on advancing autonomous flight capabilities, using Anduril’s Ghost UAV as a test platform.
Inquiry suggests air or ice in modified fuel system led PC-12 to ditch during oceanic ferry
US investigators believe a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop with a modified fuel system ditched in the Pacific Ocean after a build-up of ice, or the emergence of air, led to fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.
Pratt & Whitney to supply GTF engines to Boeing X-66A truss-braced-wing demonstrator
Pratt & Whitney will supply geared turbofan (GTF) engines for the truss-braced-wing narrowbody aircraft demonstrator Boeing is developing under a NASA project.
Wright Electric pursues high-energy batteries for larger future all-electric aircraft
Electric aviation propulsion company Wright Electric sees a path to develop aviation batteries with four times the energy density of traditional lithium batteries, a breakthrough that could enable development of larger electric passenger aircraft.
Textron and Griffon Aerospace advance in US Army UAS competition
Seeking a new design replacement for the currently serving Textron RQ-7B Shadow, the US Army has winnowed the field of competitors down from five bids to just two.
NASA alum Deborah Diaz joins ZeroAvia’s board of directors
DIaz joins the hydrogen aviation start-up’s board as a non-executive director and will “help accelerate the company on its strategic journey from innovator to global leader and major supplier of zero-emission aircraft engines”.
Aeromexico will launch 17 new routes to the USA
Mexican carrier Aeromexico has said it will introduce 17 new routes to the USA after the Federal Aviation Administration lifted Mexico’s security status, allowing that country’s carriers to once again expand service accross its northern border.
Alaska retires last Airbus A321s and moves on with all-Boeing fleet
Alaska Airlines’ final revenue flight using an A321 was completed on 30 September, ending an era of operating and maintaining a nonhomogenous fleet.
US lessor ATSG appoints Mike Berger as president
Ohio-headquarted ATSG says that the company’s board of directors has elected Berger, 62, to lead the lessor’s “transformational growth as the market leader in freighter leasing and air operations”.
Beta opens production facility to begin manufacturing Alia air taxis
US air taxi developer Beta Technologies has opened a production facility at Burlington International airport in Vermont, where the company will manufacture and assemble its all-electric Alia aircraft.
Spirit AeroSystems chief executive Gentile resigns after production challenges and labour strike
Tom Gentile, the chief executive of critical aerostructures supplier Spirit AeroSystems, has resigned as head of the key manufacturer after a year marked by production quality challenges and a labour strike.
AOPA’s Richard McSpadden dies in aircraft accident
Richard McSpadden, executive director of the Air Safety Institue at US general aviation lobby group Aircraft Operators and Pilots’ Association, has died in an aviation accident.
US Congress passes bill to fund government, but freezes Ukraine aid
The 45-day spending measure temporarily funds government services, including air traffic control and the military, but put a hold on further aid to Ukraine.
JetBlue denounces capacity cuts in Amsterdam as it risks losing hard-won slots
US low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways has joined US airline industry groups in criticising capacity reductions at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.
US commuter carrier Cape Air continues phasing out high-time Cessna 402s
Cape Air is continuing a long-term transition away from its fleet of high-time Cessna 402s but still envisions flying the twin-engined aircraft well into the future.
Severe flooding disrupts air travel around New York City
Severe flash flooding in and around New York City has caused major disruptions at the region’s three major commercial airports.
Ukrainian pilots arrive in USA for F-16 training
The Pentagon has confirmed that the first Ukrainian air force pilots have arrived in the USA to start F-16 flight training, beginning with English language instruction.
WestJet on track to integrate Sunwing’s 737s by October 2024
Canadian company WestJet Group plans to complete its integration of Sunwing Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737s by October 2024.
United Airlines pilots approve new four-year contract
United Airlines pilots have approved a new contract, according to union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).
UK competition regulator re-energises inquiry into IAG and Oneworld transatlantic pact
UK competition regulators are to re-energise the long-running probe into the IAG and Oneworld transatlantic joint business arrangement, as the air transport sector continues to recover.
Lack of FAA leadership looms over regional airline conference
Uncertainty surrounding Michael Whitaker’s potential confirmation as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration – now without a permanent leader for roughly 18 months – is an ongoing source of anxiety for the US regional airline sector.
High winds jammed MD-87’s elevators prior to 2021 Houston crash: NTSB
Jammed elevators due to high wind prior to flight caused the crash during take-off of a Boeing MD-87 near Houston in October 2021, marking another instance of a known hazard.
Allegiant brings back former CEO Gallagher after Redmond departs suddenly
Ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant Air’s former chief executive Maurice Gallagher is back in the airline’s top spot after his successor John Redmond resigned suddenly.
Florida-based cargo start-up 7 Air aims to build 737 freighter fleet
US start-up cargo carrier 7 Air is intending to commence services in February next year, using a fleet of Boeing 737 converted freighters.
Cessna 560 crew failed to release parking-brake before fatal take-off overrun
US investigators have determined that the pilots of a Cessna Citation 560 XLS+ failed to release the aircraft’s parking-brake before it overran the runway on take-off, pitching rapidly up before rolling inverted and crashing into a building.
Archer’s Midnight eVTOL yet to get airborne but ‘will be flying soon’
California air taxi developer Archer Aviation has yet to fly its in-development Midnight aircraft but says it remains on track to hit targets for certification and entry to service.
USAF reveals ‘recent acquisition’ of Su-27 from Ukraine
The Soviet-era fighter arrived in the USA via a private acquisition around 2009 and was traded between several private operators before ending up in the hands of the Pentagon, which will now display the jet at the national air force museum.
BAE Systems lands five-year deal for F-22 electronic warfare support
Under the contract, BAE Systems will continue to manage the air superiority fighter’s AN/ALR-94 electronic-warfare system, providing repairs, upgrades, logistics, test equipment maintenance, depot-level spares and engineering support.
Eviation’s electric commuter aircraft undergoing ‘subtle’ redesign
The Washington-based developer maintains that the adjustments will be minor and that the aircraft’s timeline for certification and service entry remains unchanged.
Universal Hydrogen’s modified Dash 8 flies again as two-year test period commences
Aviation start-up Universal Hydrogen has kicked off an expected two-year process of flight-testing its hydrogen-propulsion modified De Havilland Dash 8-300 turboprop.
Northrop wins USAF contract for new air defence suppression missile
Defence contractor Northrop Grumman has been selected by the US Air Force (USAF) to develop a new air-to-ground missile that could be used to destroy enemy air defence assets.
Class-action lawsuit alleges Archer misled investors about air taxi progress
Filed on 21 September in a California federal court, the suit comes as San Jose-based Archer works to certificate an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft called Midnight that it says could be flying passengers in 2025.
Textron confirms Surf Air Mobility’s order for first 20 Cessna Grand Caravans
Textron Aviation has confirmed California start-up Surf Air Mobility’s order for the first 20 Cessna Grand Caravans to be converted with in-development electric and hybrid-electric powertrain technology.
USAF makes first U-2 flight with avionics upgrade
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin is in the process of upgrading the USAF fleet of Cold War-era high-altitude spy craft with modern computers, cockpit displays and improved communication systems.
SkyWest’s CEO Chip Childs reveals the regional carrier is ‘1,200 pilots short’
Regional airlines continue to be most acutely affected by the USA’s ongoing pilot shortage as SkyWest Airlines remains some 1,200 pilots below its pre-pandemic flight crew staffing levels.
SkyUp looks to branch into US operations after securing authorisation
Ukrainian carrier SkyUp Airlines is aiming to develop US wet-lease and charter services, having secured authorisation to operate in US territory.
American appeals court ruling against collaboration with JetBlue
American Airlines has appealed a court ruling that struck down its so-called ”Northeast Alliance” (NEA) with JetBlue Airways, the Fort Worth-based airline said on 25 September.
US NTSB opens investigation into JetBlue turbulance incident that injured eight
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into a JetBlue Airways flight which experienced severe turbulence, injuring numerous passengers and one crew.
NASA pursuing new space vehicle to return International Space Station to Earth
The US space agency is asking aerospace suppliers to design a new orbital craft that could be used to perform a controlled de-orbit of the multinational space station, which is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2030.
United Airlines applies for Tokyo Haneda slots vacated by Delta
United Airlines has applied for additional slots to operate flights between the USA and Tokyo’s Haneda International airport after competitor Delta Air Lines renounced the slots last week.
Joby to deliver first air taxi to USAF on 25 September
California air taxi developer Joby Aviation is set to deliver on 25 September an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the US Air Force, which plans to evaluate the type’s suitability for military missions.
Air Canada orders 18 787-10s and cancels deal for two 777Fs
Air Canada has ordered another 18 Boeing 787s and taken options to purchase a further 12 of the widebody jets as part of broader plan to renew its fleet.
Allegiant A319 took evasive action on take-off to avoid low-altitude inbound Cessna
US investigators have found that an Airbus A319 had to take evasive action on take-off at St Petersburg in Florida, to avoid climbing into the path of an inbound light aircraft which was flying an abnormal pattern to another runway.
Unidentified tool jammed Jazz Dash 8’s landing-gear during test flight
Canadian investigators have disclosed that an unmarked tool jammed the landing-gear of De Havilland Dash 8-400 which was undergoing a post-maintenance test flight earlier this month.
Nearly half of US F-35s not ready to fly
Analysis by auditors at the independent US Government Accountability Office found only 55% of the USA’s Lockheed Martin F-35 fleet was ready to perform assigned missions.
JetBlue-Spirit trial could be delayed by looming US government shutdown
The US Department of Justice’s antitrust trial to block low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways’ acquisition of Spirit Airlines could be delayed if the federal government shuts down for more than two weeks.
United’s Leskinen will succeed Laderman as CFO
United Airlines has named former vice-president of investor relations Michael Leskinen as its next chief financial officer, effective immediately, succeeding Gerry Laderman, who is scheduled to retire from the company in September 2024
How ambition drove Nicole Battjes to form Rainbow Helicopters
Honolulu-based Nicole Battjes built her helicopter tour company from scratch, starting with just $5,000 and a dream. Its assets recently delivered relief supplies after a devastating fire in Lahaina.
Why business aviation leaders are highlighting sector’s environmental gains
With climate activists targeting business aviation, what progress is the sector making towards achieving its sustainability targets?
IAI to establish 777-300ER freighter conversion line in Arizona
Israel Aerospace Industries is set to establish a US-based Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion line in Arizona from next year.
Air Transat and CAE to build pilot pipeline with new Ascension Academy
Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat and CAE have created a new cadet academy to help the airline meet soaring demand for pilots.
Condor to launch flights between Frankfurt and San Antonio in May 2024
The German leisure carrier’s new transatlantic route would be the first non-stop flights between Europe and San Antonio International airport.
Delta and investment partners secure majority ownership of Wheels Up
Charter aircraft provider Wheels Up has closed a deal under which it has secured $450 million in fresh financing from investment partners including Delta Air Lines.
IAero Group files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
IAero Group, formerly Swift Air, has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida.
Government shutdown could derail air traffic controller training: Buttigieg
US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has told lawmakers that a looming government shutdown could derail training for thousands of desperately needed air traffic controllers.
FAA exempts Max 7 from lightning rules but requires updates by 2027
The FAA on 19 September approved an exemption relating to lightning and radiation rules, allowing Boeing to proceed with the Max 7’s certification without first addressing non-compliance of the type’s “stall management yaw damper” (SMYD) system.
WestJet brings new Las Vegas flights and expands codeshare with Air France
Canada’s WestJet has added flights from two western cities to Las Vegas to cater to sun-hungry Canadian holiday-makers.
UPS names Bill Moore as next president of UPS Airlines
UPS has named Bill Moore as the next president of UPS Airlines, effective next month.
Canada approved to buy armaments for UAVs it does not yet have
Even though Canada has not yet made a decision in its Remotely Piloted Aircraft System programme, the US government has approved Ottawa to purchase $313 million in armaments for the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B, which is currently the sole competitor for the Canadian contract.
Start-up carrier New Pacific Airlines to launch flights to Reno and Nashville
Recently re-branded US start-up New Pacific Airlines plans to double the size of its burgeoning networks with two new destinations – Reno, Nevada and Nashville, Tennessee.
USMC locates missing F-35 wreckage and pauses flight operations
The Pentagon located the crash site of a US Marine Corps F-35B fighter more than 12 hours after the pilot ejected and the craft went missing.
Northrop plans wide-ranging B-2 upgrades, including new anti-radar coating by year-end
The manufacturer of the iconic flying wing stealth bomber is undertaking a series of modernisations that will make the notoriously difficult-to-maintain B-2 easier to keep flightworthy, more lethal and compatible with the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber.
US military asks for public help in locating missing F-35
The US Marine Corps has been unable to locate the $100 million short take-off and vertical landing Lockheed Martin F-35B after the pilot ejected over South Carolina.
Joby reveals plan to open air taxi manufacturing site in Dayton, Ohio
US air taxi developer Joby Aviation has chosen a site in Dayton, Ohio as the place where it hopes eventually to manufacture an electric aircraft that remains in development and still must achieve certification.
FAA extends slot waivers in Northeast USA through October 2024
The US Federal Aviation Administration has extended slot relief rules at busy airports in the Northeast USA through the end of next year’s summer travel season due to continued air traffic control staffing shortages.
Boeing flight testing Red 6 augmented reality dogfight training system
Recent sorties by a Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk trainer incorporated an augmented reality pilot helmet produced by start-up Red 6, which Boeing hopes to eventually incorporate into its latest T-7A Red Hawk jet trainer.
Beta installs first USAF electric aircraft charging station
The Vermont-based developer of electric aircraft installed the US Air Force’s first-ever electric aircraft charging station at Eglin AFB, Florida, ahead of the planned arrival of Beta’s Alia under a Pentagon contract.
USN awards ‘Multi-Intelligence’ MQ-4C Triton with IOC
The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned air vehicle has received initial operating capability (IOC) from the US Navy (USN).
Universal Hydrogen takes ‘key step’ in certification of fuel cell propulsion system
California start-up Universal Hydrogen is a step closer to establishing a certification basis for retrofitting ATR 72 regional turboprops with its fuel cell technology.
Air Transat’s extra engines could spare it from worst of P&W’s engine recall
Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat maintains that it will not be immediately impacted by Pratt & Whintey’s recall of PW1100G geared turbofan engines, which power the airline’s fleet of Airbus A321LRs.
Bell begins sled testing on VTOL jet concept
Vertical lift manufacturer Bell has delivered a test article to the US Air Force that aims to demonstrate a novel technology concept that combines the vertical take-off and landing traits of a helicopter with the high-speed horizontal flight of a jet aircraft.
Transat AT posts first profitable quarter since 2019 due to strong leisure demand
The parent of Canadian carrier Air Transat reports on 14 September making C$57.3 million ($43.5 million) during its fiscal third quarter – its first quarterly profit since late 2019.
Northrop begins ground engine tests on B-21
The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman have started engine runs in Palmdale, California as part of the ground-testing programme for the B-21 Raider next-generation stealth bomber.
Mesa Airlines CFO Zubeck to leave US regional carrier
After working for nearly two years as chief financial officer of US regional carrier Mesa Airlines, Daniel Torque Zubeck is resigning from the company effective 15 September.
United’s bookings remain high as hub strategy pays off: Leskinen
As numerous US airlines revised their third-quarter results estimates due to higher fuel prices and lower-than-expected bookings, United Airlines remains committed to the financial guidance it published in July, touting its hub-and-spoke network as well as its United Next strategy.
‘Canary in the coal mine’: Frontier cuts Q3 capacity forecast as bookings sag
Frontier Airlines has cut its capacity forecast for the third quarter based on lower bookings and higher fuel prices, making it the latest North American carrier to lower expectations for the period.
Cuberg CEO outlines battery developer’s plan to enable short-haul electric flights
Previously flying somewhat under the radar, California battery developer Cuberg is now signalling its intentions to be a difference-maker in the electric aviation industry.
Spirit reduces Q3 revenue forecast due to fuel cost bump
Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has become the latest US airline to lower its third-quarter revenue forecast based on higher-than-expected fuel costs.
Inflation's 'biggest spike is behind us': Alaska Airlines CFO
Still facing cost increases on some fronts, Alaska Air Group's leadership believes it has successfully navigated the worst of industry-wide inflation related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
US ready to return Mexico to ‘Category 1’ safety status: report
The Federal Aviation Administration is reportedly poised to upgrade Mexico to “Category 1” safety status once again, clearing the way for airlines of both countries to add transborder capacity to their schedules.
L3Harris and BAE deliver first EC-37B to USAF
The latest iteration of the Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft is built on a Gulfstream G500 business jet.
Boeing poised to deliver first T-7 to USAF
Airframer Boeing says the first test version of its next-generation T-7A Red Hawk jet trainer is ready for delivery to the US Air Force, which is expected to accept the aircraft as soon as 12 September.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: September 2023 update
Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.
Boeing books 45 gross orders in August with 35 deliveries
Boeing took in 45 gross orders in August, with the month’s sales activity dominated by leasing companies, which accounted for 38 of the total.
Lockheed taps Aerojet Rocketdyne for HALO anti-ship missile engine
Lockheed Martin has tapped Aerojet Rocketdyne to power a hypersonic anti-ship missile it is developing under a US Navy contract.
JetBlue decries ‘startling switch in positions’ in federal antitrust lawsuits
JetBlue Airways has accused the US Department of Justice of “taking inconsistent positions” in respective lawsuits to break up JetBlue’s Northeast Alliance with American Airlines and block its proposed acquisiton of Spirit Airlines.
Alaska Boeing 737 damaged due to fractured trunnion pin: NTSB
The US National Transportation Safety Board says in a preliminary report that an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 suffered a fractured trunnion pin upon landing in Santa Ana, California last month.
General Atomics prepares for flight testing of uncrewed ‘missile truck’
The producer of combat UAVs is developing an uncrewed, air-launched vehicle for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that will itself carry and launch currently available air-to-air missiles.
JetBlue commits some Spirit assets in Northeast USA and South Florida to Allegiant
JetBlue Airways has entered a second divestiture agreement with a rival low-cost carrier – this time, Allegiant Air – as part of its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines.
P&W geared turbofan issue will ground hundreds of A320neos through 2026
Airlines will need to remove hundreds of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engines from the wings of Airbus A320neo-family jets by the end of 2024 to inspect for defective high-pressure turbine and compressor discs.
Design and inspection problems preceded 2021 PW4000 failure as nine more cracked blades found: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has blamed the 2021 uncontained failure of Pratt & Whitey PW4077 turbofan on engine design and testing failures and on inadequate fan blade inspections.
Northern Pacific Airways to rebrand itself as New Pacific Airlines
US start-up carrier Northern Pacific Airways plans to rebrand itself as New Pacific Airlines rather than fight a trademark lawsuit.
Spirit AeroSystems CEO flags ‘pressures’ affecting composite manufacturing
Spirit AeroSystems’ composite-manufacturing programmes continue to weigh on the company amid escalating costs, slow production rates and a longer-than-anticipated composite-material “learning curve”.
FAA approves Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines for G700 and G800 business jets
Gulfstream says the Federal Aviation Administration has certificated the Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 turbofans which power its G700 and G800 large-cabin business jets.
GlobalX lands deal for financing and construction of new South Florida MRO hangar
US charter carrier GlobalX has reached an agreement with Sheltair Aviation for the financing and construction of a new maintenance facility in South Florida that will support the airline’s fleet growth plan.
Hawaiian to relaunch Kona-Tokyo flights in pandemic recovery milestone
Hawaiian Airlines plans to resume flights between Kona and Tokyo’s Haneda airport in October, marking a milestone in the carrier’s network recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anduril acquires UAV fighter developer Blue Force Technologies
Autonomous defence technologies start-up Anduril acquired uncrewed aircraft developer Blue Force for an undisclosed sum, with an eye toward the Pentagon’s surging interest in autonomous combat aircraft.
Boeing must inspect thousands of holes on some 165 stored 737 Max
Roughly 165 of the 737 Max 8s in Boeing’s inventory of undelivered aircraft will require detailed inspections and rework to address a recently revealed issue with the jets’ aft-pressure bulkhead.
Avelo opens base in Las Vegas with plans for five new routes
Start-up carrier Avelo Airlines on 7 September opened a new operational base in Las Vegas, the ultra-low-cost carrier’s sixth in the USA.
Insitu unveils precision strike option for Integrator UAV
The Boeing subsidiary says it will now offer a miniature precision munition capability for the company’s Integrator UAV, which the US Navy operates under the designation RQ-21 Blackjack.
Biden nominates airline and air-taxi executive Whitaker as FAA administrator
President Joe Biden intends to nominate Michael Whitaker, who currently works at an air taxi developer but has decades of airline experience, to lead the Federal Aviation Administration.
GE Aerospace joins FLRAA as supplier for Bell
GE Aerospace will provide digital backbone, voice and data recorder, and health awareness system for Bell V-280 Valor, which the US Army selected as its next-generation troop carrying aircraft.
Hawaiian launches ticket sales for Boeing 787 flights
Hawaiian Airlines has begun selling tickets for flights on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to be delivered to the Honolulu-based carrier in January.
Gulfstream bumps G700’s advertised range up to 7,750nm
Business jet maker Gulfstream has bumped up the advertised maximum speed and range of its in-development large-cabin G700, a move coming as the company works to obtain certification for the delayed programme.
WestJet appoints board members Cruz and Smith as vice-chairs
The WestJet Group has appointed longtime airline executives Alex Cruz and Ben Smith as vice-chairs of its board.
Lockheed delays delivery of F-35 upgrades, prolonging delivery halt until 2024
Airframer Lockheed Martin now says it will not complete flight certification on the series of F-35 computer and communications upgrades known as TR-3, extending the halt on new deliveries by the US government and others.
US carriers adjust Q3 expectations due to surging fuel costs and extreme weather
US airlines are adjusting their third-quarter financial expectations in response to higher-than-anticipated fuel costs and extreme weather events that have disrupted operations throughout North America.
South Korean lessor intends to buy up to 50 Eviation Alice electric aircraft
South Korean leasing company Solyu has signed a letter of intent to purchase 25 of Eviation’s in-development electric commuter aircraft Alice.
USAF test fires three JASSM cruise missiles from single F-15EX
Test pilots with the US Air Force showed the latest variant of the venerable fourth-generation Boeing air superiority fighter can deploy with three precision Lockheed Martin weapons, which boast a range greater than 500nm.
Biman seeks to serve JFK and other US routes if FAA upgrades safety status
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is seeking authorisation to open US services once it secures regulatory confirmation that its aviation oversight is compliant with ICAO standards.
Hawaiian revises Q3 earnings expectations down due to engine issues and Maui wildfire
Hawaiian Airlines has adjusted its third-quarter earnings expectations down following issues with its Pratt & Whitney engines and a devastating wildfire on the island of Maui that reversed the carrier’s third-quarter earnings trends.
GlobalX adds 10th passenger jet and lands contracts for Caribbean operations
US charter carrier Global Crossing Airlines recently accepted delivery of its 10th passenger aircraft, a 20-year-old Airbus A319 that entered service with the airline on 1 September.
Boeing closes 13-strong 737 Max order from Aviation Capital
Aviation Capital Group has ordered 13 more Boeing 737 Max in a deal that brings the aircraft lessor’s total outstanding 737 orders for 47.
United briefly grounds departures nationwide due to ‘technology issue’
A “technology issue” halted the departure of all United Airlines flights nationwide on the last day of the traditionally busy Labour Day holiday long weekend, and the end of the northern hemisphere’s summer travel season.
Mammoth progresses with first 777-200LR freighter conversion for Cargojet
US modification specialist Mammoth Freighters is progressing with its prototype Boeing 777-200LR conversion for freight carrier Cargojet Airways.
Revenues power airlines above 2019 benchmark despite lagging traffic and capacity
The latest Airline Business Index shows the second quarter of this year was marked by soaring revenue and a jump in passenger numbers, as the industry exceeded the 2019 benchmark index score for the first time since the pandemic.
New regional carrier Bermudair completes first flights, to and from Boston
Regional start-up carrier Bermudair launched its first flights from Bermuda to the East Coast of the USA on 1 September after being delayed by supply chain issues and then Hurricane Franklin.
US airlines expect record numbers of passengers over Labour Day long weekend
US airlines are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the Northern hemisphere’s summer travel season.
Allegiant decries DOT decision as favouring ‘oligopolistic’ carriers over discounters
Allegiant Air is railing against the US government’s decision to suspend review of the airline’s proposed joint venture with Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Viva Aerobus.
Bermudair delays service start due to Hurricane Franklin
Bermudair has delayed its inaugural flights to the USA due to severe weather and now plans to launch 1 September.
Air Nostrum doubles Airlander 10 commitment to 20 aircraft
Spanish airline group Air Nostrum has doubled its commitment for Hybrid Air Vehicles’ (HAV) Airlander 10 to 20 aircraft, delivering a boost to the UK developer ahead of its planned production start and certification campaign.
Bombardier reveals cockpit updates for in-service Global business jets
Bombardier has rolled out an avionics update programme for in-service Global-series large-cabin business jets that includes equipping the jets with a “combined vision system”.
USAF KC-135 crew records ‘St Elmo’s fire’ weather phenomenon during hurricane evacuation
While evacuating their Florida base ahead of Hurricane Idalia, the crew of a US Air Force Boeing KC-135 aerial refueller recorded video of a rare weather phenomenon known as St Elmo’s fire, forming around the aircraft.
USA aims to counter China with ‘thousands’ of autonomous systems
The Pentagon’s new “Replicator” initiative aims to field “multiple thousands” of low-cost “attritable” and autonomous systems within the next two years – technology Washington hopes will counter China’s numerical advantages in the Indo-Pacific region.
FAA orders 777 inspections to address ‘urgent’ risk involving fire prevention
An “urgent unsafe condition” has led the Federal Aviation Administration to order airlines to ensure their Boeing 777s have correctly installed “cap seals” – components used to prevent fuel-tank fires.
Union accuses Air Canada, Jazz of not honouring ‘pilot flow’ agreements
The union representing Jazz Aviation pilots has accused the Canadian regional airline – along with mainline partner Air Canada – of engaging in unfair labour practices during recent contract negotiations.
Hawaiian to decide on 717 replacements in coming months
Hawaiian Airlines expects to decide on a replacement for its Boeing 717 short-haul fleet in the coming months, the company’s chief executive tells FlightGlobal.
JetBlue seeks ‘serious sanctions’ following redaction error in Spirit-merger lawsuit
JetBlue Airways continues fiercely pushing back against claims that it intends to hike prices by up to 40% on Spirit Airlines’ aircraft after its proposed acquisition of the rival carrier is finalised.
Canadian investigators release initial report on fatal Chinook crash
The crash of the Royal Canadian Air Force heavy-lift helicopter in June killed two pilots after the Boeing CH-47F impacted the Ottawa River during a training flight in Ontario.
Flight-control issue prompts NASA and Lockheed to move X-59 back inside for troubleshooting
Flight-control issue prompts NASA and Lockheed to move X-59 back inside for troubleshooting.
Pentagon to use artificial intelligence for airspace monitoring near Washington
Following what it describes as a successful 18-month prototype demonstration, the Pentagon now plans to field an airspace monitoring system developed by Teleidoscope that uses artificial intelligence to deliver upgraded visual recognition, identification and warning.
Tropical Storm Idalia growing into hurricane, poised to impact airports in Florida
Tampa International airport will be closed on 29 August due to fast-moving Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to gain force and become a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall in Florida.
Pilot and crew disagreed on ejection in MiG-23 air show crash: NTSB
In their preliminary report into the 13 August crash of a privately operated MiG-23 fighter jet during a Michigan air show, American safety investigators say the aircraft’s backseat crew member initiated ejection procedures without direction from the pilot and owner.
US DOT fines American Airlines $4.1m for tarmac delay violations
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines $4.1 million for violations associated with lengthy tarmac delays, the largest civil fine ever issued for these kinds of transgressions.
JetBlue pushes back on reports that it plans to hike fares 40% after acquiring Spirit
JetBlue Airways is pushing back on media reports that it plans to raise fares after completing its proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines.
Sikorsky lands additional CH-53K order from USMC
The $2.7 billion deal will see the helicopter manufacturer deliver another 35 of the heavy-lift King Stallion helicopters to the US Marine Corps and Israel.
FAA to consider tightening rules for some charter flight operators
US aviation regulators have signalled intention to examine the public charter “loophole” that pilot and flight attendant unions say allows carriers to skirt safety regulations.
Court filing reveals JetBlue plan to hike fares after acquiring Spirit: report
A failure to properly redact sections of court documents has seemingly revealed JetBlue Airways’ plans to hike fares as high as 40% on Spirit Airlines aircraft following its proposed acquisition of the ultra-low-cost carrier.
Boeing evaluating if 2023 delivery goal is feasible following new 737 quality problem
Boeing is reviewing a newly disclosed 737 Max production issue to determine if the problem might keep it from meeting its 2023 delivery target.
Boom gets FAA airworthiness ticket for supersonic XB-1 demonstrator
Boom Supersonic has received an airworthiness certificate for its XB-1 demonstrator from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clearing a major hurdle to the start of flight testing.
Porter launching first E195-E2 flights to USA with seven new Florida routes
Canadian carrier Porter Airlines is planning to enter the next phase of its North American expansion with its first flights to the USA using its new Embraer 195-E2s.
Only ‘some’ 737 fuselages affected by aft bulkhead issue: Spirit AeroSystems
US supplier Spirit AeroSystems states that it will continue to deliver fuselages to Boeing’s 737 programme, because not all are affected by a newly-discovered quality issue involving the aft pressure bulkhead.
New business-class carrier Bermudair ‘akin to a private jet’ service: CEO
Bermudair is betting that Bermuda’s sizeable business community will sustain its planned flight frequencies and allow for potential network and fleet expansions.
Boeing investigating another 737 quality issue that could again delay deliveries
US airframer Boeing is investigating another problem with 737 fuselages that could once again delay deliveries, the company revealed on 23 August.
NASA, Boeing and Northrop progress with studies of a Mach 5 airliner
NASA is now calling attention to a research project aimed at studying a passenger jet capable of flying at up to four times the speed of sound.
Northern Pacific Airways halts ticket sales on its only route from September
US start-up carrier Northern Pacific Airways has stopped selling tickets on its only route after the end of this month, leading to questions about the young carrier’s future.
Maglev pitches ‘magnetic levitation’ air taxi concept and names GE as supplier
US start-up aerospace company Maglev Aero has revealed details about its development of a new breed of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft powered by a magnetically levitated, rotating fan.
US start-up carrier Red Way to cease operations two months after launch
Start-up carrier Red Way is ceasing operations roughly two months after launching out of Lincoln, Nebraska, ending an experiment that involved a unique low-cost business model.
USAF flies B-2 from Iceland to Alaska for Arctic drills
A US Air Force B-2 stealth bomber flew from Iceland, where it is currently forward deployed as part of a NATO deterrence mission, to Alaska for recent air-combat exercises in the high north.
Canada Jetlines plans to add two winter routes to nascent network
North American ultra-low-cost carrier Canada Jetlines plans to add two new warm-weather destinations to its early-stage network – Orlando and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
FAA hands out $121m to improve airport infrastructure
The Federal Aviation Administration is handing out $121 million to improve infrastructure at several US airports.
US aviation groups flag concerns about air taxi revolution
Some US aviation groups are concerned about the safety of electric air taxis and other in-development novel aircraft, while warning about strained electricity grids and other practical challenges.
USA outlines terms for Ukraine F-16 transfer
The Biden Administration says it is open to authorising the transfer of F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands when certain conditions are met, and may even contribute American aviators to the training effort.
Claims of global pilot shortage misleading, UK pilot union warns trainees
UK cockpit crew representatives are urging potential student pilots to exercise caution before committing to flight training, insisting that suggestions of a global pilot shortage are misleading.
US arms regulators approve AH-64 sale to Poland
The US State Department has given authorisation for Poland to purchase 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing, at a price of $12 billion.
Alaska Airlines jet damaged upon landing in Santa Ana during storm
An Alaska Airlines jet was heavily damaged upon landing in Santa Ana, California during a tropical storm.
Replacing F-35’s power-management system would cost $3 billion: Honeywell
The manufacturer of the F-35’s electrical power and cooling system argues that the US government should more actively coordinate with various suppliers to deliver a long-term solution for additional onboard cooling.
Air Cahana’s CEO details plan to ‘clean up’ aviation with hydrogen power
Southern California start-up Air Cahana has an ambitious plan to establish and expand hydrogen-powered regional air service in the Southwest USA this decade.
Reliable Robotics uses Cessna Caravan to prove its autonomy works with ATC
US technology developer Reliable Robotics has completed flight tests intended to demonstrate that its autonomous systems can allow pilotless aircraft to operate safely in air-traffic-control-managed airspace.
American Airlines pilots accept new deal that will boost pay up to 46%
American Airlines’ pilots have voted to accept a new contract proposal that promises pay raises of up to 46%, according to the Allied Pilots Association (APA).
US Army to field voice-command technology for UAVs
The prototype artificial intelligence assistant designed by Primordial Labs will allow special-operations troops to control an Teledyne FLIR Black Hornet micro UAV via voice commands.
United 767 fuselage wrinkled as nose-gear bounced during Houston landing
US investigators have disclosed that a United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER sustained substantial upper fuselage damage while landing in Houston, after its nose-wheel bounced heavily on the runway.
FAA orders inspections of some PW1100Gs to address risk of component cracks
The Federal Aviation Administration has given airlines roughly one month to inspect some Pratt & Whitney PW1000G-series turbofans for high-pressure compressor cracks, after the engine maker last month disclosed that widespread inspections were needed.
Canadian carriers cancel flights to western cities as wildfires rage
Air Canada will cease flying to the northern Canadian city of Yellowknife and WestJet has cancelled flights to and from Kelowna.
Air taxi developer XTI Aircraft plans to create public company with Inpixon
Colorado-based XTI Aircraft recently entered a definitive merger agreement with Inpixon to create a publicly traded company focused on bringing its in-development “vertical-lift crossover” aircraft to market.
The Pentagon wants a stealthy UAV to train pilots against fifth-generation fighters
A little-known company in California’s high desert has spent years developing to platform, which aims to replicate the flight characteristics of advanced enemy aircraft like Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 and China’s Chengdu J-20.
Top 100 aerospace companies ranked by revenue
The past financial year was one of post-pandemic recovery for many of the largest aerospace companies. However, supply chain woes and a depressed defence sector were a brake on growth.
Why US aviators are frustrated by broken system
Aviators in the USA are struggling to complete their certifications amid a broken pilot examination system – but can the nation’s regulator fix it at a time of such soaring demand?
How will a new breed of city flyers train to operate eVTOL aircraft?
With a flurry of eVTOL types on final approach to certification, the focus is turning to those who will pilot them – where they will come from, how they will train, and the challenges urban aviation presents.
Defence sales slide, despite heightened global tensions
Defence sales slid by 4.1% in 2022 versus the previous year.
Commercial aviation flying high after pandemic squeeze
Commercial aircraft business soared in 2022, as demand rose in a post-pandemic hurry.
Acquisitive TransDigm tops list of leading margin makers
Acquisitive TransDigm tops the operating margin table in our annual Top 100 report.
Montana Aerospace leads the sales growth climbers
Montana Aerospace’s acquisition of rival Asco in early 2022 has seen it vault up the Top 100 and head the sales growth table with a revenue increase of 123%.
G150 overran after unstable approach as crew ‘raced’ to destination
US investigators have revealed the pilots of a Gulfstream G150 acted as if they were engaged in a race to beat another aircraft to their destination, before an unstable approach at excessive speed resulted in an overrun that badly damaged the jet.
More signs of airline markets ‘normalising’ as fares soften
While airline executives are not panicking about the outlook, there have been increasing indications of passenger market ‘normalisation’ spreading to more regions, as carriers report fares softening from the highs seen in 2022
Boeing flies MD-90 to Palmdale to begin building NASA’s X-66A
Boeing has now moved an MD-90 to the site in Palmdale, California where it plans to modify the former passenger jet into NASA’s X-66A truss-braced-wing demonstrator aircraft.
Allegiant reaches two-year contract extension with technicians
Allegiant Air and its technicians represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have agreed a two-year contract extension.
Now confident in 787 deliveries, American plots 2024 European expansion
American Airlines has increasing confidence in Boeing’s ability to deliver 787s as planned, prompting the airline to finally move forward with plans to launch new routes to Europe in 2024.
BAE Systems to acquire $2bn-revenue Ball Aerospace
BAE Systems is to acquire US defence and space contractor Ball Aerospace for around $4.8 billion, pending regulatory approval.
Surf Air forecasts ‘rapid growth’ in first quarterly disclosure since public listing
California start-up Surf Air Mobility has disclosed second-quarter results reflecting its recent acquisition of regional carrier Southern Airways.
JetZero to build USAF blended-wing-body prototype
The US Air Force will provide $235 million to aerospace start-up JetZero to develop a blended-wing-body prototype aircraft – dubbed the XBW-1 – with an eye toward increasing fuel efficiency by up to 50%.
Air taxi developers see significant hurdles in FAA’s proposed rules
Air taxi developers are urging the Federal Aviation Administration to revamp proposed rules for air taxi operations and pilot certification, but a major US pilot union is standing the way.
Cirrus updates SF50 Vision Jet with ‘Auto Radar’ and data-tracking package
Fifteen years after Cirrus’ SF50 Vision Jet made its maiden flight, and seven years after the first delivery, the company has rolled out upgrades it promises will reduce pilot workload and improve safety.
Air taxi developer Horizon embarks on path to become publicly traded
Canadian hybrid-electric air taxi developer Horizon Aircraft intends to become a publicly traded company on the US Nasdaq stock market by early 2024, becoming the latest aerospace start-up to pursue go-public plans.
Airline Business performance tracker: Americas Q2 2023
Key data from the most-recent Americas earnings period – the April-June 2023 quarter – and the equivalent periods stretching back to the last pre-Covid year, powered by Airline Business Insight
SAS cleared to sell engineless A321s to US trading firm
Scandinavian carrier SAS has been cleared to proceed with selling a batch of engineless Airbus A321s, for eventual part-out, to a US entity called Spectre Air Capital.
Runaway Dash 8 collides with fence after parking-brake fails during start-up
Canadian investigators have disclosed that a De Havilland Dash 8-300 sustained collision damage after a parking-brake failure caused it to roll forward during engine start-up.
Boom hires former Boeing engine executive
Boom Supersonic has hired a Boeing propulsion veteran to lead development of the engine for its conceptual supersonic airliner.
Southwest to add crew base at Nashville International next year
Southwest Airlines plans to add a crew base at Nashville International airport in the second quarter of 2024 that will start with 150-250 pilots and eventually house 500-600 pilots.
Delta and investment partners to acquire 95% of Wheels Up with $400m in funding
Delta Air Lines and several investment partners are set to own 95% of Wheels Up’s stock by providing the struggling private aviation company with $400 million in fresh financial aid.
Pilot of crashed MiG-23 ejected after feeling power loss: NTSB
Following the crash of a privately-operated Soviet fighter jet during an air show in Michigan, safety investigators in the USA say the aircraft’s two crew ejected after noticing a loss of power.
Russian aircraft breach Alaska air defence zone: NORAD
The joint US-Canada North American Aerospace Defense Command says four Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace breached the air defence identification zone around Alaska that abuts Washington’s sovereign airspace – an increasingly common occurrence.
Fuel starvation suspected after test-pilot school Cessna 414 force-lands in field
Canadian investigators have pointed to fuel starvation after a Cessna 414 was forced to land in a field while en route to a test-pilot training institution.
Canada Jetlines posts modest Q2 loss, needs ‘to raise additional capital’
North American start-up carrier Canada Jetlines lost C$940,000 ($698,000) during the second quarter as it continues expanding its scheduled and charter operations.
Cargojet’s second-quarter results sag amid ‘difficult’ economic conditions
Canadian carrier Cargojet Airways’ second-quarter revenue declined 15% year-on-year as the freight hauler rode out “difficult” market conditions.
ATSG delivers six converted freighters in past month
US lessor Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) recently delivered six converted cargo aircraft to customers in five countries amid a broad downturn in the global air freight market.
US Navy touts record F/A-18 mission-readiness rate
More than 80% of the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fighter jets were assessed as mission ready, according to a senior US Navy admiral – a drastic improvement from recent years.
Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: August 2023 update
Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.
Challenger fatally stalled as pilot tried to salvage unstable circle-to-land approach
US investigators have determined that a Bombardier Challenger 605 first officer’s attempt to rescue an unstable approach, after a series of crew lapses, caused the executive jet to stall and roll into a rapid fatal descent.
US and China to allow more direct flights between the two countries
The US government has agreed to allow Chinese airlines to increase the number of direct flights between the two countries more than three years after the beginning of the global Covid-19 crisis, with the government of China apparently reciprocating.
Canada’s Air Transat to expand flying to Latin America this winter
Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat looks to gain a greater foothold in Mexico and South America starting in December.
Air Canada rides wave of international travel to second quarter profit
Air Canada generated second-quarter revenue of C$5.4 billion ($4 billion), up 36% from C$3.9 billion during the same period a year ago, as international travel rebounded strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Archer keeps burning cash as it seeks to ‘take lead’ in air taxi race
Electric air taxi developer Archer Aviation lost $181 million during the second quarter of 2023 as the start-up pushes to certificate its Midnight aircraft.
Boeing invests in Archer, settling lawsuit with Wisk
Air taxi rivals Archer Aviation and Boeing-backed Wisk Aero have settled their long-running lawsuit, with Boeing making an investment in Archer.
US NTSB attributes Maui near-crash to ‘miscommunication’ in United cockpit
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has attributed a near-accident off the coast of an Hawaiian island late last year to flightcrew miscommunication.
US airlines modify schedules, evacuate people from Hawaii’s Maui as brush fires rage
US airlines have modified their operations and begun evacuating residents and tourists from a Hawaiian island as brush fires there have killed at least three dozen.
Military aircraft respond to deadly Hawaii wildfire
Military aircraft from the US Coast Guard and the Hawaii National Guard are responding to a fast-moving wildfire on the island of Maui that has already killed at least 36 people and destroyed hundreds of structures.
Textron Aviation’s SkyCourier gains certification in Brazil
Textron Aviation has secured certification for its SkyCourier twin turboprop from the National Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil (ANAC), clearing the way for operations in that Latin American country.
US start-up carrier Avelo plans to launch first flights outside continental USA
US start-up carrier Avelo Airlines plans to operate its first international flights with new routes from the East Coast of the USA to Puerto Rico starting in November.
NASA’s Mars helicopter resumes flight operations after emergency landing
The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter successfully completed its 54th flight over the red planet, after NASA was able to re-establish control of the rotorcraft after it executed an emergency landing in July.
737 Max awaits engine inlet design fix to avert risk of severe damage from anti-ice
Boeing is undertaking design modification of the 737 Max engine inlet after discovering that use of engine anti-ice in certain operating conditions can result in failure of the inlet’s inner barrel and substantial cowl damage.
Airtanker specialist Conair picks up more Dash 8s to counter increasing wildfire risk
Canadian aerial firefighting specialist Conair Group is purchasing another seven De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops for conversion into airborne tankers.
Mesa posts $47.6m second-quarter loss due to lower block hours and ‘captain crunch’
Mesa Air Group lost $47.6 million during its fiscal third quarter, with the airline’s block hours plummeting during its transition to flying its Bombardier CRJ-900s on behalf of United Airlines.
Spirit AeroSystems seeks to develop new materials for hypersonic flight
Aerostructures manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems will partner with the USA’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop advanced materials capable of withstanding the high temperatures of hypersonic flight for military, space and commercial applications.
GlobalX reports $7.5m Q2 loss as aircraft delivery delays take toll
South Florida start-up carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) reports a second-quarter loss of $7.5 million as aircraft delivery delays and long turnaround times for aircraft maintenance continue hindering the airline’s operations.
Nebraska-based start-up airline Red Way plans to ‘crawl, walk, run’: CEO
Red Way is betting that its model will revitalise air service from Lincoln and prove itself worth replicating in other parts of the USA.
Western Global struggled with closure of Chinese market and belly-capacity rebound
US cargo carrier Western Global Airlines has outlined the setbacks which led to its entry to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, including a customer shift away from dedicated freighters, contrary to expectations, and the delayed recovery of Chinese activity.
MNG Airlines and Golden Falcon terminate proposed business combination
Turkish logistics operator MNG Airlines has terminated its proposed business combination agreement with the specialised private equity company Golden Falcon Acquisition.
US Airlines request extension of slot waivers at busy Northeast airports
US airlines have asked the Federal Aviation Administration to extend slot waivers at some busy airports in the Northeast USA through the end of October
Eve reports $31.4m second-quarter loss as it ramps up eVTOL development
The bulk of the company’s quarterly expenses came from $21.8 million spent on research and development, including internal design, engineering and testing infrastructure for its electric air taxi.
USMC showing interest in Archer eVTOL aircraft
A recent visit by US Marine Corps officials to eVTOL manufacturer Archer comes after the company signed a $142 million deal with the US Air Force for six of its all-electric Midnight aircraft.
New business-class carrier Bermudair tentatively approved to fly to USA
New regional carrier Bermudair on 7 August received tentative approval of its foreign air carrier permit from the US Department of Transportation (DOT), clearing it to fly to the USA.
Boeing scores 52 orders in July, as deliveries slide from June high
Boeing took in 52 gross orders in July, including a 39-strong 787 widebody commitment from Saudi Arabian Airlines, alongside deals for 12 737 Max jets and a single 777 Freighter.
Solar UAV may have broken endurance record with three-day flight
The solar-powered Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000 Ultra-Long Endurance UAS completed a 75h nonstop flight in Pendleton, Oregon, nearly doubling the current endurance flight record for the class of small aircraft.
US freight carrier Western Global files for Chapter 11 to assist restructuring
Pressured US freight operator Western Global Airlines has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as it seeks to implement a restructuring plan to cut debt and stabilise the business.
How agile Air Serbia is finding a profitable growth path
When it comes to examples of airlines exiting the Covid-19 crisis as bigger, more confident operations, Air Serbia is a compelling case, even as it grapples with the capacity constraints that are being felt across the industry.
Sun Country sees higher yields embedded post-Covid
Sun Country Airlines chief executive Jude Bricker believes higher fares post-Covid are now embedded, even if domestic demand has fallen from the spike seen in 2022.
Canada’s Chorus Aviation posts C$20m profit for second quarter
Canada’s Chorus Aviation reported a profit of C$20.3 million ($15.2 million) during the second quarter of 2023, boosted by aircraft leasing revenue, foreign exchange rates, parts sales, MRO activities and contract flying.
Eviation outsources design of Alice’s production configuration to TLG Aerospace
Eviation has outsourced the design of the production configuration of its all-electric Alice aircraft to TLG Aerospace.
US FAA urges early adoption of front-row seat safety enhancements
US regulators are urging operators to adopt safer passenger restraints for front-row seats, after research indicated that lap seat-belts alone could result in severe injuries in an emergency landing.
Uncleared Learjet departed in front of E190 flaring on intersecting runway
US investigators have determined that an executive jet crew commenced take-off without clearance before it passed in front of a JetBlue Embraer 190 that was flaring for touchdown on an intersecting runway.
Icon eyes international orders as FAA certification imminent
Icon Aircraft’s A5 is ready for international prime time, and with the FAA’s certification as a primary category aircraft seemingly imminent, it hopes to soon sell at least a quarter of its airframes outside the USA.
Sun Country Airlines achieves second-quarter profit of $20.6m
Sun Country Airlines reported a $20.6 million profit for the second quarter of 2023 as all three business segments – scheduled passenger service, charter and cargo – posted increases.
JetBlue and Air Serbia expand interline agreement to codeshare
JetBlue Airways has entered into a codeshare agreement with with Air Serbia, building on an interline agreement the two carriers have had since 2016.
Spirit Airlines sees ‘softer’ summer demand; posts Q2 loss
Ultra low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines says summer travel demand was “softer than expected” as travellers chose more long-haul international destinations than domestic ones, while on-time performance suffered under air traffic challenges and instable summer weather.
US pent-up demand shifts to long-haul at expense of domestic
A curious consequence of the Covid-19 recovery has become apparent during the current earnings season, as domestic-focused US carriers report a stronger-than-expected shift in pent-up demand towards international, long-haul flying.
US-Mongolian flights planned under new air transport pact
Flights between the USA and Mongolia are planned for next year, with the signature of an air transport agreement planned as part of a reinforced partnership between the two countries.
Joby flies production prototype of its electric air taxi
Joby Aviation says that it has successfully flown the production prototype of its in-development electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for the first time.
Joby loses $286m in second quarter, reports $1.2 billion cash position
Electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation continues burning cash as it pushes for certification and service-entry of its aircraft, reporting a loss of $286 million in the second quarter.
Spirit Aerosystems takes Q2 earnings, deliveries hit due to strike and 737 quality issue
Spirit Aerosystems, which makes Boeing 737 fuselages and other components, said it lost $206 million during the second quarter, as it was hit by a work stoppage and a vertical fin quality issue on the 737.
Allegiant posts $89m Q2 profit, reports delayed 737 Max deliveries
Allegiant Travel Company, parent of Allegiant Air, reports making a profit of $88.5 million in the second quarter “in the face of high demand and operational complexity”.
Surf completes acquisition of Southern, orders up to 150 Cessna Grand Caravans
Surf Air Mobility has completed its acquisition of US regional carrier Southern Airways, and now turns attention to its fleet expansion and electrification plans.
Etihad Airways unveils new route to US gateway
Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways is to open another US route, with services to Boston from spring next year.
Fuel-cell-converted aircraft could replace 20% of turboprop market: report
A new report concludes that fuel-cell powered ATR and De Havilland Canada turboprops could have enough range to cover most typical turboprop routes – but only when carrying far fewer passengers.
Frontier navigates weather, ATC issues and long-haul competition to Q2 profit
Frontier Airlines on 1 August reports a $71 million second-quarter profit amid competition from international long-haul flights and ongoing operational difficulties.
JetBlue posts profitable Q2 amid operational struggles, breakup with American
US low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways reports a second-quarter profit of $138 million – compared with a $188 million loss last year – while the carrier struggles operationally and works to unwind its alliance with American Airlines.