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All North America news

Cape Air in flight c Cape Air

News

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. 

LaGuardia airport

News

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.

F-16 cockpit

News

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. 

Sunwing_Hi Res Boeing

News

WestJet on track to integrate Sungwing’s 737s by October 2024

Canadian company WestJet Group plans to complete its integration of Sunwing Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737s by October 2024.

52891981625_1a790424ca_o

News

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).

British Airways A380-c-British Airways

News

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.

JFK tower-c-Shutterstock

News

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. 

MD-87 crash Houston 101921 ABC13 Houston Twitter-2

News

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.

An Allegiant 737 Max over Florida

News

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.

7 Air Cargo-c-7 Air

News

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.

N560AR tail accident-c-NTSB

News

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.

Midnight_Maker_FINAL

News

​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.

Su-27 museum 3

News

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.

F-22-raptor-cockpit

News

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.

Alice for Cape Air

News

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

News

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.

F-35 missile bay doors open

News

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.

archer III

News

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.

Surf Air Electrified Cessna Grand Caravan

News

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.

U2_ATR

News

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.

E175 SkyWest

News

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 737 tail-c-SkyUp Airlines

News

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.

Northeastern Alliance

News

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.

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320

News

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.

ISS

News

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 Dreamliner1

News

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.

First Joby air taxi delivered to the US Air Force, at Edwards AFB, 25SEPT2023

News

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_Air_Canada_to_Acquire_18_Boeing_787_10_Dreamliner_Air (1)

News

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.

A319 Cessna 337 airprox-c-NTSB

News

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.

AIr Canada Jazz Dash 8-400-c-Johnnyw3 Creative Commons

News

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.

Depot-level maintenance on the F-35B at Fleet Readiness Center East at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point North Carolina

News

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 Airbus A321neo 2

News

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.

52891981625_1a790424ca_o

News

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

Nicole Battjes with Rainbow Helicopters fleet

Interview

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.

EBACE protestors

Analysis

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?

777-300ERSF-c-IAI

News

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 A330 incident-c-BriYYZ Creative Commons

News

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 A330neo-c-Airbus

News

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. 

Wheels Up King Air 350i

News

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

News

IAero Group files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

IAero Group, formerly Swift Air, has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida.

Page 35

News

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.

737 Max at Boeing field in Seattle on 14 June 2022

News

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.

WJ115_21Jan2021_first Max reveune flight in Canada following grounding

News

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. 

Boeing 747F UPS

News

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.

MQ-9B

News

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.

new pacific

News

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 F-35C c USMC

News

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.

B-2 spirit

News

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. 

F-35B US Marine Corps STOVL

News

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 Aviation's envisioned air-taxi manufacturing site in Dayton, Ohio

News

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.

FTreTmgWQAA7fC1

News

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.

T-7A Red Hawk

News

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.

ALIA-Charging-20230523_0005

News

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.

MQ-4C+Triton+Completes+First+Flight+in+Multi-Intelligence+Configuration

News

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 Dash 8 Mojave Air & Space Port

News

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. 

Airbus

News

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.

HSVTOL Risk Reduction Testing

News

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.

A321LR-transat-c-Airbus-1-970

News

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.

B-21

News

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

News

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 A321neo-c-Airbus

News

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.

frontier100thaircraftdelivery

News

‘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 lithium metal module with cell logos

News

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.

Airbus

News

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. 

Alaska 737

News

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. 

16-agosto-2013-dreamliner-aeromexico-a-18

News

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.

IMG_6331

News

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. 

T-7A taxi trial

News

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 Insight web

In depth

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.

Zipair 787-8

News

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.

Super Hornet launches from USS Gerald Ford in September 2023

News

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.

52071725910_f8a36963a9_o

News

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. 

F4Ewy-bWEAAHNyS

News

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.

Longshot

News

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 Airbus A220-300

News

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.

A320neo with PW1100G

News

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.

51006404576_39e448b0f9_o

News

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.

new pacific II

News

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. 

Air India A350-c-Air India

News

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”.

Gulfstream G700 Development Accelerates

News

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

News

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. 

A330_TunnelsBeach_4C_SM

News

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_Fury_Profile

News

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.

737 Max at Boeing field in Seattle on 14 June 2022

News

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

News

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. 

Integrator_VTOL_web-1536x1024

News

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.

LaGuardia tower c Justin Lane_EPA-EFE_Shutterstock

News

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.

V-280 takeoff c Bell

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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. 

F-15EX jassm test

News

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.

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News

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 A321neo

News

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.

Global Crossing A320 N276GX, Global Crossing

News

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. 

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News

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_737

News

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.

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News

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.

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In depth

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.

BermudAir Sunrise

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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”.

St Elmo's fire KC-135

News

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.

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News

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.

United Airlines 777-300ER

News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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.

Frontier

News

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. 

CH-47 RCAF

News

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.

NASA's X-59 demonstrator in Palmdale

News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

Max 8-c-Boeing

News

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 Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator

News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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.

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In depth

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. 

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News

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 released this image of a supersonic airliner concept

News

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.

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News

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 aero

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

FAA hands out $121m to improve airport infrastructure

The Federal Aviation Administration is handing out $121 million to improve infrastructure at several US airports.

Beta Technologies' CX300 prototype electric aircraft

News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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In depth

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.

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News

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.

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News

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).

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.  

XTI aircraft

News

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.

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News

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.

PW1100G engine

Analysis

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.

Cessna Skyhawk

Analysis

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?

Volocopter VC200 in Dubai

Analysis

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.

F-35A

Analysis

Defence sales slide, despite heightened global tensions

Defence sales slid by 4.1% in 2022 versus the previous year.

ATR

Analysis

Commercial aviation flying high after pandemic squeeze

Commercial aircraft business soared in 2022, as demand rose in a post-pandemic hurry.

Bell 505

Analysis

Acquisitive TransDigm tops list of leading margin makers

Acquisitive TransDigm tops the operating margin table in our annual Top 100 report.

Montana Aerospace worker

Analysis

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%.

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News

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.

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Newsletter

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's MD-90 (N931TB) for conversion to X-66A

News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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 Electrified Cessna Grand Caravan

News

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. 

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News

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%.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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 Insight web

Analysis

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

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

Wheels Up King Air 350i

News

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.

MiG-23_USAF

News

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.

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News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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

News

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 Airbus A321

News

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. 

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News

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 Insight web

In depth

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

AIr Transat Airbus A321neo

News

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. 

An Air Canada Boeing 787-9

News

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.

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News

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. 

archer_united

News

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. 

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News

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.

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News

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.

Hawaii CH-47 wildfire

News

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.

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News

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.

avelo1

News

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.

Ingenuity, Mars rover impression

News

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 and Leap engine-c-Boeing

News

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.

Conair Dash 8-c-Conair Group

News

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

News

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. 

Orion re-entry

News

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 A320

News

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.

Exterior-2

In depth

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 747 freighter-c-Western Global Airlines

News

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 aircraft-c-Golden Falcon Acquisition

News

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.

Delta Air Lines JFK

News

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_SP-768x432

News

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. 

Midnight_Maker_FINAL

News

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.

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News

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. 

Saudia 787-c-Saudia

News

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.

K1000 flight

News

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.

Western Global MD-11F-c-Western Global Airlines

News

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.

IATA AGM 2023

Interview

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.

Boeing 737

News

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.

Jaz CRJ900-c-Jazz Aviation

News

Canada’s Chorus Aviation posts C$20m profit for second quarter

Canada’s Chorus Aviation reported a profit of C$20.3 million ($dddd million) during the second quarter of 2023, boosted by aircraft leasing revenue, foreign exchange rates, parts sales, MRO activities and contract flying.

Alice debut

News

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.

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News

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.

JetBlue incursion3-c-NTSB

News

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-A5-Electric-Green-Step-Taxi

In depth

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.

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News

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.

Air Serbia A330-c-Air Serbia

News

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 A319 Max KJ FG

News

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.

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Newsletter

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

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News

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.

737 assembly c Spirit AeroSystems

News

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.

An Allegiant 737 Max near Las Vegas

News

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 Air Electrified Cessna Grand Caravan

News

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 787-c-Etihad Airways

News

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.

Universal Dash 8 first fight 2 March 2023

News

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.

frontier100thaircraftdelivery

News

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 Airbus A321neo 2

News

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. 

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News

JetBlue’s operational struggles in Northeast contribute to gloomy Q3 revenue outlook

Flight disruptions related to summertime thunderstorms and air traffic control worker shortages at major airports in the Northeast USA have been “much, much worse” than anticipated by JetBlue Airways.

Red Air MD-82 excursion-c-NTSB

News

Shimmy dampers examined after Red Air MD-82 gear collapse

US investigators have been scrutinising shimmy damper mechanisms from a Red Air Boeing MD-82 which suffered a main landing-gear collapse and runway excursion after touching down at Miami.

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Podcast

Airline Business Podcast: Summer disruption, airport noise, sustainability and award winners

Graham and Lewis discuss the operational challenges being seen in Europe and North America, as ATC issues and airspace restrictions combine with weather events and other factors.

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News

US DOT suspends review of Allegiant-Viva Aerobus joint venture

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has suspended its review of a joint venture between ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) Allegiant Air and Mexico’s Viva Aerobus, putting a wrench in the carriers’ already-delayed plans for expansion in each others’ home markets.

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News

Canada Jetlines takes delivery of third Airbus A320, plans 15-strong fleet

North American ultra-low-cost carrier Canada Jetlines has taken delivery of its third Airbus A320, which it hails as a “significant milestone” in its fleet-growth strategy. 

Voyager fleet-c-Voyager Aviation Holdings

News

US lessor Azorra finds avenue to widebodies with absorption of struggling Voyager

US-based lessor Azorra Aviation is to acquire the leasing firm Voyager Aviation Holdings through a $743.5 million agreement which involves Voyager’s filing for US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Archer's Midnight

News

Archer secures $142m contract to deliver up to six ‘Midnight’ eVTOLs to USAF

Electric air taxi developer Archer Aviation has secured contracts with the US Air Force (USAF) worth up to $142 million, expanding both its partnership with the military and potential use cases for its in-development Midnight aircraft. 

A 737 Max 7 at Boeing field in Seattle on 14 June 2022

News

Boeing logs another 737 Max 7 delay, now plans for first delivery in 2024

Boeing has pushed back its expected first 737 Max 7 delivery until next year, marking continuation of its struggle to get the long-delayed aircraft into customers’ hands.

Go First Airbus A320neo (c) Go First

News

US judge dismisses Go First suit against Pratt after arbitrator changes terms

A US judge has tossed out Go First’s lawsuit against Pratt & Whitney (P&W) after a Singapore arbitration body overturned an earlier order.

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News

FAA requires aircraft manufacturers to be more clear in reporting design risks

The Federal Aviation Administration intends to tweak its certification process to require manufacturers to specifically inform the agency about “safety critical” items.

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News

DARPA advances ‘Liberty Lifter’ seaplane competitors with another $40m in funding

The Pentagon’s secretive technology development arm has allocated an additional $40 million to fund continued work on a heavy-lift seaplane demonstrator competition involving General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Aurora Flight Sciences.

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News

Lockheed to build nuclear-powered spacecraft for Pentagon

The defence aerospace manufacturer won a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and NASA to develop and demonstrate a reusable space flight vehicle propelled by a nuclear thermal rocket engine with substantially improved fuel efficiency over chemical rockets.

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News

Bermudair requests ‘immediate action’ from US DOT to launch operations

Start-up regional carrier Bermudair has received an air operator certificate from the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority, taking it one step closer to launching operations to the East Coast of the USA. 

Global A380-c-Global Airlines

News

Prospective A380 start-up Global Airlines plans initial New York and Los Angeles routes

Prospective UK long-haul start-up Global Airlines is intending to configure its Airbus A380s with 450-470 seats, and initially operate to New York JFK and Los Angeles from London Gatwick.

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News

Southwest profitable in Q2 but network ‘not optimised’: CEO

Southwest Airlines on 27 July reported a second-quarter profit of $683 million based on “continued strong demand” from leisure travellers, but has struggled to attract business travellers during its recovery. 

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News

US competition regulator clears L3Harris to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne

The proposal by L3Harris to purchase the strategically important maker of rocket motors was approved by the US Federal Trade Commissionon on 27July, after the agency previously opposed a similar bid from Lockheed Martin.

Southwest 737 in Austin, Texas

News

Southwest ordered 19 more 737 Max jets in recent months

Southwest Airlines has exercised options for 19 yet-to-be-certificated Boeing 737 Max 7s, while also converting 16 Max 7s to Max 8s in its order book for 2024. 

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News

First B-21 bomber powered up ahead of flight testing

Northrop Grumman continues to progress toward first flight of its in-development B-21 stealth bomber, announcing it recently powered up the initial flight-test aircraft for the first time.

Artist rendering of NGAD at Sunset credit Lockheed Martin

News

Northrop bows out of NGAD fighter competition

Chief executive Kathy Warden says the defence manufacturer, which is currently developing the next-generation B-21 stealth bomber, will not submit a prime bid for the US Air Force’s sixth-generation fighter programme.

Boeing 737 Max 7

News

Boeing CEO downplays threat of Airbus developing larger A220

Boeing’s chief executive is downplaying competitive threats that might arise should Airbus move forward with developing a larger variant of its A220 narrowbody jet.

Boeing MQ-25 Stingray

News

Boeing reports $527m loss on defence business in second quarter

Despite strong demand around the world for military hardware, Boeing’s defence unit continues to struggle with money-losing development programmes and supply chain constraints.

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News

Gulfstream on track for year-end G700 certification

Gulfstream is increasingly confident the Federal Aviation Administration will certificate its in-development large-cabin G700 business jet before year-end.

Tecnam's P-Mentor

News

Tecnam to deliver P-Mentor trainers to four US customers, targets 2023 FAA certification

Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam expects the US Federal Aviation Administration will certificate its P-Mentor training aircraft late this year, paving the way for the company to begin deliveries to four newly disclosed customers.

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News

Aviation industry descends on ‘world’s largest general aviation gathering’ in Oshkosh

During the summer, the aviation industry calendar is packed with events, airshows, conferences and trade fairs. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is graddaddy to them all.

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News

Boeing CEO thinks truss-braced airliner concept could ‘see service’

Boeing’s development of NASA’s X-66A truss-brace-wing experiment aircraft will either spawn an entirely new class of commercial jetliners or prove the design unfeasible.

Embraer

News

Porter plans to fly from Ottawa to Edmonton

Canadian carrier Porter Airlines continues plotting westward expansion with a new transcontinental route to be operated with its growing fleet of Embraer 195-E2s.

Electra TD2 Main

News

Electra secures investment from Statkraft Ventures to develop ‘blown-lift’ eSTOL

US regional air mobility start-up Electra Aero is getting a financial boost from a venture capital firm focused on developing low-emission transportation technologies.

787 debut

News

Boeing moves forward with plan to bump up 737 and 787 production rates

Boeing is hiking production of two aircraft types, increasing 737 output to a 38-monthly rate and aiming by year-end to have five 787s moving off its production line every month.

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News

Turbulence during cruise jolts Jazz Dash 8 pilots from seats

Canadian investigators have disclosed that both pilots of a De Havilland Dash 8-400 were jolted from their seats during a severe turbulence incident en route to Windsor.

Boeing 787-9 Hawaiian Air

News

Hawaiian posts $12.3m Q2 loss, reports delivery delay of first Boeing 787

Hawaiian Holdings reports losing $12.3 million during the second quarter of 2023 as the company looks to capitalise on rebounding air travel between Hawaii and Japan. 

Hawaiian A321neo

News

Hawaiian expects no ‘major surgery’ on A321neos due to P&W engine recall

Hawaiian Airlines has not “yet fully calibrated the impact” of 25 July news that Pratt & Whitney is recalling 1,200 of its next-generation turbofan engines, but acknowledges that operations are hindered by “engine unavailability”.  

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News

Aviation industry will need more pilots over 20 years than previously expected: Boeing

Boeing expects the global aviation industry will need even more pilots than previously expected, predicting in a new report that demand will exist for 649,000 new pilots during the next 20 years.

NASA on 25 July 2023 revealed this planned livery for the X-66A demonstrator

News

US airlines to advise X-66A project as NASA reveals livery scheme

Several US airlines have agreed to provide technical advice in support of Boeing’s project with NASA to develop the X-66A truss-braced-wing demonstrator aircraft.

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News

Wisk demonstrates air taxi concept for first time at public event

Silicon valley air taxi manufacturer Wisk has flown its fifth-generation test aircraft for the first time at a public event.

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News

Airbus wins $2.7bn contract for new Canadian tanker fleet, first deliveries set for autumn

Ottawa selected Airbus’s A330-based Multi-Role Tanker Transport to be the Royal Canadian Air Force’s new in-flight refueller, replacing the current Airbus CC-150 Polaris multi-purpose transport.

Supernal-Hero-Image

News

Air taxi developer Supernal opens engineering headquarters near Los Angeles

Electric air taxi developer Supernal has opened a new California engineering headquarters that will give the company more space for testing its in-development technology.

A320neo CFM Leap-c-Airbus

News

GE Aerospace hikes turbofan deliveries as profits flow

GE Aerospace turned a $1.5 billion profit in the second quarter of 2023 as the company significantly increased the pace of its commercial aircraft engine deliveries.

Volaris GTF engine (c) Pratt & Whitney

News

Volaris turns modest Q2 profit as fuel costs slide

Mexico’s Volaris reports a second-quarter profit of $6 million as its leisure-focused operation benefited from significantly lower fuel costs compared with last year. 

Go First Airbus A320neo (c) Go First

News

P&W takes $181m Q2 hit due to ‘customer insolvency’ as Go First failed

Pratt & Whitney’s (P&W’s) second-quarter profit slipped 24% year-on-year to $230 million largely because a “customer insolvency” forced the company to take a $181 million charge.

Alaska3_1644968283469-HR

News

Alaska rides international travel surge to ‘record’ quarterly revenue

Alaska Air Group on 25 July reported a second-quarter profit of $240 million thanks to steady leisure travel and an “unprecedented surge in international demand” during the three months ending in June.

A321neo pratt GTF web

News

P&W to recall 1,200 PW1000Gs for inspections in latest blow to airline operations

Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has determined that many more PW1100Gs might contain defective high-pressure turbine disks and therefore require accelerated removal and inspection.

WestJet_787_twitter

News

WestJet plans to fly year-round from Calgary to St John’s

Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines’ recently released winter schedule includes year-round flights from Calgary to St John’s, capital of the eastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

PBY Catalina takeoff

News

Catalina Aircraft relaunches ‘iconic’ flying boat, eyes military sales

Florida-based Catalina Aircraft says it plans to start new production on a modernised version of the legendary World War II-era PBY Catalina flying boat, targeting military and commercial operators.

Fedex 777F

News

FedEx pilots reject tentative contract

The union representing FedEx pilots on 24 July rejected a tentative contract with the logistics giant, setting back negotiations on a five-year deal that would have taken effect next month. 

KC-46A refuelling KC-46A

Analysis

Why the US Air Force is accelerating its future tanker fleet plans

Accelerated plans to develop and field a next-generation tanker have raised questions about the US Air Force’s need to plug a gap as its venerable KC-135s head for retirement.

US airport aircraft queue

Analysis

US aviation industry fights to maintain safety record after spate of close calls

With air travel in the USA bursting at the seams, the nation’s ageing air traffic control infrastructure is struggling to cope – resulting in several high-profile near-disasters and deep soul-searching within the industry.

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News

Alaska plans to bolster regional Horizon routes in Northwest USA

Alaska Airlines plans to boost regional air service in the USA’s Pacific Northwest by increasing flight frequencies to three cities and resuming service to another. 

208 On Runway

In depth

FAA approves Reliable Robotics’ autonomous flight system certification plan

The California start-up is pushing for certification and commercialisation of its autonomous flight system, which works as an always-on autopilot during taxiing, take-off and landing. 

American 757-c-Alejandro Gonzalez M_Shutterstock

News

FAA to require 757s be inspected for frame cracks

The Federal Aviation Administration intends to require airlines to inspect Boeing 757s after one operator found cracks on a high-time jet.

Metrea AAR

News

USAF makes first-ever use of commercial in-flight refueling service

During recent exercises over the American southwest, a commercially-operated tanker provided air-to-air refuelling support to US Air Force military aircraft.

Collins Aerospace nacelle systems

News

RTX green lights sale of actuation business to Safran

US aerospace giant RTX has approved the sale of subsidiary Collins Aerospace’s $1.5 billion-revenue actuation division to French firm Safran.

Pratt _ Whitney GTF Advantage (1)

News

Collins steps up 3D-printing capabilities to meet engine component demand

Collins Aerospace has significantly expanded its additive manufacturing capabilities at a facility in Iowa, part of an effort by the aerospace giant to produce more aircraft engine components via 3D printing.

F/A-18F Super Hornet Block III

News

Boeing begins Block III upgrades to existing US Navy F/A-18s

The aerospace giant says it has begun installing Block III upgrades on the US Navy’s Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters, which will get an additional 4,000h of service life and a new touch-screen cockpit display.

archer

News

Archer adds Uber Elevate co-founder Nikhil Goel as chief commercial officer

Archer Aviation has named Uber Elevate co-founder Nikhil Goel as chief commercial officer – the second high-profile addition the electric air taxi start-up has made to its leadership team in the past month. 

JFK tower-c-Shutterstock

News

US House passes FAA reauthorisation bill as Senate negotiations continue

The US House of Representatives passed a Federal Aviation Administration funding bill that would increase the pilot retirement age and push the FAA to hire more air traffic controllers.

Super Hornet Aero India 2023

News

Super Hornet production to end in 2025, following Indian competition loss

Boeing expects to finish production of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet within around two years, following the type’s defeat in an Indian Navy contest for 26 carrier-based fighters.

Talyn 2

News

Ampaire acquires eVTOL developer Talyn Air

US regional air mobility company Ampaire has acquired Talyn, a start-up developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies inspired by two-stage rockets. 

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

News

Families of Canadian service members sue Sikorsky over fatal Cyclone crash

Relatives of six Canadian air force and naval personnel killed in 2020 when a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter crashed off the coast of Greece are suing the helicopter maker in a US court, alleging the aircraft’s fly-by-wire flight control system made improper adjustments that caused the incident.

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News

United sees improvement in Newark as it cuts summer schedule: CEO

United Airlines has adjusted its flight schedule in the Northeast US after an operational meltdown several weeks ago disrupted hundreds of thousands of passengers.

USAF C-17

News

C-17 engine upgrade will benefit all operators, Pratt & Whitney says

An updated engine support contract for the global fleet of Boeing C-17 strategic transports will deliver substantial savings to operators.

American Airlines Airbus A321neo

News

American reports ‘outstanding’ Q2 with $1.3bn profit

American Airlines reported a $1.34 billion second-quarter profit as passenger demand continues to rise and fuel prices fell by more than one-third since last year.

MSC-Air-Cargo-777-200F

News

Atlas Air takes second of four expected 777-200F deliveries

US cargo and charter airline Atlas Air Worldwide has taken delivery of the second of four new Boeing 777-200 Freighters it plans to operate on behalf of shipping giant MSC Mediterranean. 

Western Global MD-11F-c-Western Global Airlines

News

Pressured US freight carrier Western Global seeks to reinforce financial position

US cargo carrier Western Global Airlines has admitted that it is facing financial pressures, and that its management team is exploring options to reinforce the company’s position.

4_SKYDRIVE_eVTOL_©SkyDrive

News

Japan’s SkyDrive clinches first pre-order in USA

Japan-based advanced air mobility company SkyDrive has disclosed its first pre-orders from a North American customer, with South Carolina-based charter outfit Austin Aviation signing for five of its eponymous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. 

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News

Archer to fly ‘Midnight’ air taxi ‘within a matter of days’

Electric air taxi developer Archer Aviation is on the verge of attempting first flight of its production aircraft, “Midnight”, at the company’s San Jose test facility. 

F-35 factory

News

Lockheed delivery numbers falter as Pentagon stops accepting new F-35s

The Pentagon has stopped taking delivery of new F-35s while manufacturer Lockheed Martin completes flight testing for the “Technical Refresh 3” upgrade package, substantially lowering the company’s delivery forecast for 2023.

United 787

News

United posts three-fold rise in second-quarter profit as demand surges

United Airlines posted a second-quarter profit of $1.08 billion, as passenger demand for travel at the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer travel season surged.

Los Angeles International airport

News

IATA slams North American air traffic control chaos

The International Air Transport Association has slammed North American aviation regulators for dragging their feet on increasing staffing at air traffic control centres.

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News

Southwest adds former US senator Roy Blunt to board of directors

Blunt joined the 15-member board on 16 July, and will apply his “broad experience spanning health care, infrastructure and national security” to the role. 

Embraer

News

Breeze plans Florida ‘snowbird’ expansion with 11 new seasonal routes

US start-up airline Breeze Airways plans to double down on flying winter travellers south with 11 new seasonal routes to Florida starting in November. 

Raytheon-Northrop Grumman HAWC rendering c Raytheon

News

Raytheon wins additional DARPA funding for hypersonic cruise missile

The Pentagon’ secretive Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded an $81 million contract to Raytheon for further test flights of the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept cruise missile.

Photo - Production Prototype Aircraft - Joby Aviation

News

FAA releases plan to support air taxis ‘at scale’ by 2028

The Federal Aviation Administration has published a report broadly laying out a path to enable operation of electric air taxis and other novel aircraft in sizeable numbers by 2028.

FedEx 1026 0081920 NTSB

News

Loose pin caused 767 gear-up landing in 2020

Failure of hardware inside a FedEx Boeing 767-300ER Freighter’s left-side main landing gear prevented the gear from extending during an August 2020 flight, leading to a gear-up landing at Los Angeles.

Northeastern Alliance

News

Flight attendant union schedules strike vote against American Airlines

American Airlines’ flight attendants are set to vote starting late this month on whether to approve a strike against the carrier, a move coming as the airline and union continue battling over a new contract.

PHASA air vehicle 66,000ft

News

BAE’s PHASA-35 programme on a high after stratospheric test debut

BAE Systems has performed a first stratospheric flight with the PHASA-35 high-altitude pseudo-satellite, marking a new milestone for the unmanned air system.

United Airlines 777

News

United Airlines adds Pacific routes from October

United Airlines is adding new routes between the USA and Asia as demand for flights across the Pacific Ocean sharply climbs.

Airline Business Insight web

In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: July 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.

REGENT Viceroy 2

Analysis

But is it an aircraft? FAA undecided on critical question as Regent seeks ‘seaglider’ guidance

Developers of wing-in-ground-effect craft insist their designs are marine vessels and therefore should be subject to oversight by the USCG, but with the FAA hovering, there are concerns that an emerging sector could be scuppered before it has even set sail.

P-8A for Canada

News

No end date in sight for P-8, E-7 output, Boeing says

Boeing has no date in mind for ending production of its 737NG for conversion into military derivative models, as the P-8 Poseidon and E-7A Wedgetail variants continue to attract customers.

ExpressJet_30July2021

News

ExpressJet planning revival as widebody charter operator

Defunct US regional airline ExpressJet could re-emerge as a charter carrier under new ownership, initially flying passengers on one Boeing 777-200ER. 

United Airlines Boeing 767-400ER 2019

Analysis

United Airlines Boeing 767 loses evacuation slide prior to landing in Chicago

A United Airlines flight arriving from Zurich apparently lost an inflatable emergency evacuation slide pack just before landing at Chicago’s O’Hare International airport.

F-16 ANG

News

Conditions ‘not ideal’ for Ukraine to use F-16s: Pentagon

As Europe awaits American approval to transfer US-made F-16 fighters to Ukraine, Pentagon officials continue to resist, most recently saying Russian air defences would limit the jet’s battlefield impact.

NPPlane3

News

After launch, Northern Pacific cancels second scheduled flight

Northern Pacific Airways, which operated its first commercial flight from the Los Angeles metropolitan area to Las Vegas on 14 July, is seemingly having trouble continuing service.

Second Gulfstream G800 takes flight 071523

News

Gulfstream’s second G800 test aircraft makes first flight

Gulfstream’s second flight-test variant of its G800 ultra-long-range business jet has taken to the skies, completing its maiden flight on 15 July.

Airline Strategy Award Winners 2023

In depth

The Airline Strategy Awards 2023: winning stories

Alaska Airlines’ Ben Minicucci, Pegasus’ Guliz Ozturk and Singapore Airlines’ Goh Choon Phong were among those recognised at this year’s Airline Strategy Awards on 16 July in London, alongside former American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker.

United Airlines 777-300ER

News

United Airlines and pilots agree on new contract

United Airlines and its pilots have come to an agreement in principle (AIP) on a new contract.

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News

Avelo plans first commercial flights from Oregon’s capital city in nearly 15 years

US ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines plans to launch the first commercial air service from western Oregon’s Salem Municipal airport in nearly 15 years.

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News

American and JetBlue begin unwinding Northeast Alliance

 American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have begun to unwind their Northeast Alliance, two months after a court ruled it was anti-competitive.

C-17 sunset

News

How small efficiency gains are fuelling USAF’s combat edge

The US Air Force (USAF) has outlined some of the efficiency gains it is pursuing for its air mobility fleet, with the service seeking to boost operational readiness and reduce its environmental impact.

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News

Delta kicks off Q2 airline earnings with record revenue and ‘robust demand’

Delta Air Lines kicked off the second-quarter earnings season by reporting record revenue and delivering a message of optimism that the post-Covid-19 recovery is in full swing and sustainable.

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News

Nine manufacturers to build autonomous ship-based VTOL aircraft for DARPA

Aerospace manufacturers including Northrop Grumman, AeroVironment, AVX Aircraft, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Leidos, Method Aeronautics, Piasecki Aircraft, and Sikorsky will design demonstrator versions of an autonomous ship-based reconnaissance aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing for the Pentagon’s secretive Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency technology incubator.

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News

Boeing secures long-lead funding for US Chinook Block II production

A $22.5 million contract from the US Army will fund preparations at Boeing to deliver Block II CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters under production Lot 4, a platform the service has not yet committed to fully acquiring.

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News

Delta exercises options on 12 more Airbus A220-300s and orders one A330

Delta Air Lines has exercised options on a dozen more Airbus A220-300s, taking its firm commitment for the jet including the smaller -100s to 131.

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News

American, JetBlue make Northeast Alliance break-up official

US carriers American Airlines and JetBlue Airways will terminate their Northeast Alliance (NEA) at the end of July. 

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News

NTSB traces Delta gear-up landing to fractured gear link

A fractured landing gear component prevented the pilots of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 from lowering the nose gear during a flight on 28 June that ended with a gear-up landing.

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News

Pratt & Whitney wins initial F-35 engine upgrade contract

The engine maker secured $66 million in funding to support early stage design engineering and long-lead material purchases for the Engine Core Upgrade programme, which will provide enhancements to the USA’s Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter fleet and billions of dollars in revenue to Pratt & Whitney over the coming years.

Qatar A350-c-Airbus

Analysis

Airbus and Boeing ride wave of demand as aerospace recovery picks up pace

The world’s airlines are again clamouring to get their hands on narrowbody and widebody jets, with Airbus and Boeing riding a wave of demand that accelerated swiftly in the first half of 2023.

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News

Alaska Airlines looks to ‘carbon transformation’ company Twelve for SAF supply

Twelve has broken ground on a new plant that promises to convert CO2 from the atmosphere into jet fuel that could one day power some Alaska Airlines Boeing 737s. 

Boeing 777X at Paris air show

Opinion

Paris air show reveals strong demand and a resilient but challenged supply chain

Aerospace suppliers are dealing with a variety of issues in the post-Covid-19 environment, and those issues are challenging their ability to ramp production. Three challenges – involving productivity, pricing and working capital – are most pressing.

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News

Surf Air expects to soon go public, close deal with Southern Airways

Regional air travel company Surf Air Mobility anticipates it will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange during the week of 24 July, which would complete a process involving the company’s acquisition of regional carrier Southern Airways. 

Boeing 777X at Paris air show

News

Boeing roars back in June with orders for 288 new aircraft

Deals landed at the Paris air show pushed Boeing’s net aircraft orders in June to 288, more than it has logged in any month in recent memory.

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News

Northern Pacific to launch first passenger flights this week: CEO

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued Northern Pacific Airways an air carrier certificate, clearing the way for the start-up airline to begin passenger flights later this week.

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News

Canada Jetlines plans to expand charter flights to Guyana and Greenland

Start-up carrier Canada Jetlines has recently shown intention to expand its charter operations beyond North America. 

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News

Boeing keeps 737 delivery goal despite collapse of bridge used to transport fuselages

Boeing still expects to meet its 737 delivery target this year despite facing a significant logistical hurdle imposed by the recent collapse of a railway bridge used to transport fuselages.

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News

US NTSB investigating engine fire on United Airlines’ Boeing 737 Max

A fuel leak may have been the cause of an engine fire that occurred on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft in Newark last week, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says in a preliminary report.

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News

US pilot union demands government close charter ‘loophole’ being ‘exploited’ by JSX and SkyWest

Air Line Pilots Association, International continues decrying what it calls a “loophole” of scheduled flights being operated under the guise of Part 135 charter operations. 

A Connect Airlines De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400

News

US start-up Connect Airlines' certification work lags as proving flights 'terminated’: DOT

Start-up regional carrier Connect Airlines has been struggling to meet FAA certification requirements and to start operating planned flights from Philadelphia and Chicago to Billy Bishop Toronto City airport, according to US regulators.

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News

Global airline passenger traffic closes to within 4% of pre-Covid levels

Global airline passenger traffic was at 96.1% of 2019 levels in May this year, as the industry neared parity with pre-Covid levels of demand after three years of deficit.

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Newsletter

Airlines need to prepare for more extreme weather events

It is noteworthy how the recent challenges have been accompanied by a rising tide of studies and reports suggesting that the world will need to brace for more extreme weather events, as a result of global warming.

KC-46 with F/A-18

News

Boeing, Aurora to launch work on future tanker technologies

Boeing has announced plans to enhance the self-protection capability of its KC-46A in-flight refuelling aircraft, with new technology initiatives also to include the increased use of composite components.

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News

JetBlue to exit Northeast Alliance after court ruling, in bid to save Spirit merger plans

JetBlue is set to terminate an alliance with American Airlines in the coming months, and will focus instead on a planned $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines.

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News

Iran taken to United Nations court over Ukrainian 737 shootdown

Four countries have collectively filed to initiate proceedings before the United Nations International Court of Justice over the destruction of a Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 shot down over Tehran.

Air Inuit 737-800-c-Air Inuit

News

Air Inuit to replace 737-200s with combi-configured 737-800s

Canadian operator Air Inuit is to introduce three Boeing 737-800s to modernise its fleet, which includes 737-200 variants.

United Airlines chief executive

News

Amid United Airlines’ operational meltdown, CEO apologises for private jet trip

United Airlines’ chief executive Scott Kirby chartered a private jet earlier this week as the company suffered an operational meltdown that cancelled hundreds of flights, and stranded thousands of passengers. 

Installation of a "5G" antenna

News

US airlines predict minimal impact as 5G restrictions take effect on 1 July

Even as US airlines work to recover from days of a disrupted operations, another risk looms on the horizon – that posed by new 5G-related aircraft-operating restrictions.

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News

Airlines, passengers and FAA brace for tough travel weekend

The US Federal Aviation Administration expects more than 2.8 million air passengers on Friday, the anticipated busiest travel day of the upcoming Independence Day travel period.

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News

US DOT slaps down Delta request for Haneda slot relief

The US Department of Transportation has rejected Delta Air Lines’ request for flexibility in selecting departure points of flights to Tokyo’s Haneda International airport.

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Opinion

US air-travel system failed this week - after airlines insisted they were ready

Over and over this year, executives at US airlines insisted they were taking steps that would ensure their operations run more smoothly this summer. They spoke far too soon.

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News

ATP flight school orders 40 more Cessna Skyhawks from Textron

US flight school network ATP has ordered more 40 Cessna Skyhawk single-engine piston trainer aircraft from Textron Aviation.

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In depth

Five years an Airbus: How the ‘little’ A220 transitioned to the big league

For an aircraft originally dismissed by Airbus as having no business case, the A220 has defied sceptics not only by settling snugly into the airframer’s line-up but also by emerging as a potential successor to the ubiquitous A320.

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News

Spirit to restart operations after union accepts new contract, ending week-long strike

Spirit AeroSystems expects to fully resume production on 5 July, after its largest employee union voted to accept new employment contract terms, ending a week-long strike.

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News

Southwest Airlines’ pilot union requests release from federal mediation

The pilot union representing Southwest Airlines’ flight deck crew has requested to be released from mediation with the airline for a new contract, six weeks after its members voted in favour of a strike.

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News

Honda Aircraft reveals used-jet sales programme for HA-420s

The North Carolina-based manufacturer’s new “Certified Pre-Owned Programme” is similar to a used-aircraft sales business launched in 2021 by Bombardier.

Universal Hydrogen Dash 8 Mojave Air & Space Port

News

Universal relocates hydrogen-modified Dash 8 to Mojave for flight tests

Universal Hydrogen has flown its hydrogen-fuel-cell powered De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 demonstrator to the Mojave Air & Space Port in California for resumption of flight testing ahead of a 2025 certification goal.

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News

El Al would have avenue to SkyTeam membership under Delta co-operation pact

Israeli flag-carrier El Al could potentially join the SkyTeam alliance with Delta Air Lines’ support, following a strategic co-operation agreement sealed between the two airlines.

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News

South Korea’s SK Telecom invests $100m in Joby Aviation

South Korean telecommunications company SK Telecom has made a $100 million equity investment in air taxi developer Joby Aviation.

T-7A EMD debut flight

News

USAF kicks off Boeing T-7A test programme with first EMD-phase flight

A first engineering and manufacturing development-phase example of the T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainer made its first flight on 28 June, with Boeing and US Air Force test pilots at the controls.

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News

Lynx Air pilots seek first collective agreement

Pilots at Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Lynx Air have sent a notice to the airline’s management requesting to open negotiations on their first collective agreement. 

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News

FAA insists controller shortage is no longer holding up flights, as meltdown continues

The Federal Aviation Administration is insisting its operation is not to blame for the last several days of a massive airline operational meltdown in New York.

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News

Joby unveils first production prototype aircraft

Air taxi developer Joby Aviation has unveiled the first production prototype aircraft built at its production facility in Marina, California.

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News

CALC picks PW1100G engines for up to 60 A320neos

China Aircraft Leasing Group intends to order Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines to power up to 60 additional Airbus A320neo-family jets, marking another win for the US engine manufacturer.

P-8A for Canada

News

Canada gains US approval for $5.9bn P-8A acquisition

Washington has valued a prospective sale to Canada of 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at roughly $5.9 billion.

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News

FAA’s air traffic controller shortage poses safety risk: government report

A report from US Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) finds that the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic controller shortage is a safety risk factor that must be addressed promptly.

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News

Spirit and union reach new contract deal as strike continues

Spirit AeroSystems and its largest employee union have agreed to the terms of a new contract, though workers remain on strike ahead of a planned union vote on 29 June.

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News

United spars with FAA as carriers face New York operational meltdowns

Major US airlines are suffering operational meltdowns in New York City, cancelling hundreds of flights in recent days and prompting a spat between United Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration.

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News

Cockpit-recorder riddle emerges after fatal crash of unresponsive Citation

US investigators have yet to locate a cockpit-voice recorder from the Cessna Citation V business jet which crashed in Virginia on 4 June after its pilot became unresponsive.

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News

US airlines gear up for busy Independence Day holiday travel

US airlines are preparing for their busiest Independence Day travel period since the beginning of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

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News

Rough air over Baghdad: A-10 pilot Kim Campbell flies into aviation history

As the US Air Force finally begins to retire the vaunted A-10 ground attack jet, a combat-tested pilot remembers how the Warthog’s rugged airframe saved her life on a combat mission over Baghdad 20 years ago.

Air traffic map

Analysis

Are plans to decarbonise air traffic management on the right path?

The opportunity to improve air traffic management systems to accelerate decarbonisation seems to be strong – but it is characterised by complex and interdependent networks, loaded with politics.

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News

NASA to end all-electric X-57 programme without flying prototype

NASA is to end its experimental X-57 all-electric aircraft project without flying the prototype airframe, citing a shortage of time to address technical issues.

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News

Lockheed ignites F-35 propulsion spat with support for new engine

A Lockheed Martin executive speaking at the Paris air show endorsed a full engine replacement for the F-35 stealth fighter, over a less-invasive core upgrade, igniting a spat between the defence giant and current engine supplier Pratt & Whitney on the event’s final day.

Michael Deluce

Interview

Porter Airlines chief Michael Deluce hails North American expansion with E195-E2s

Under the leadership of Michael Deluce, the Canadian regional carrier is in the early stages of its grandest-ever expansion, thanks to the arrival of its new Embraer jets

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News

Spirit AeroSystems plans to stop operations on 22 June amid labour dispute

Spirit AeroSystems plans to suspend operations on 22 June in response to a decision to strike by employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

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News

Why pilots of ditched Transair 737 identified, then misidentified, failed engine

US investigators believe pilots of a Transair Boeing 737-200 freighter which ditched in the ocean off Honolulu did not verify which engine had failed shortly after take-off, despite initially correctly identifying the damaged powerplant.

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News

One-tenth of jets with P&W’s geared turbofans have been sidelined

About 10% of aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofans have recently been of service amid a surge in durability problems that the engine maker insists it is addressing.

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News

Porter agrees E195-E2 sale-and-leaseback deal with Avolon

Canadian regional carrier Porter Airlines has agreed to sell 10 of its incoming Embraer 195-E2s to aircraft lessor Avolon and buy back the E-jets.

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News

Electra, Safran to produce hybrid-electric eSTOL propulsion system

US start-up Electra Aero has signed an agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the prototype of its in-development short take-off and landing aircraft.

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News

Flying Whales on ‘huge’ mission to access remote regions with conceptual airships

Airship developer Flying Whales is on course to launch cargo flights with its massive craft by 2027 despite significant regulatory hurdles facing its ambitious programme.

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News

Zimex named third customer for rebooted Twin Otter 300

The Switzerland-based airline group has signed a purchased agreement for two of the lighter 300G variant. 

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News

P&W thinks engine-efficiency target may take a bit more time

Pratt & Whitney thinks the aerospace industry might need a bit more time to achieve a broad goal of squeezing 20%-plus efficiency out of the next generation of narrowbody aircraft engines.

C-130 fire

News

Lockheed trains battlefield expertise on fighting wildfires

Lockheed Martin, the military airframer best known for advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-35 and F-22, wants to use its experience enabling battlefield communications and decision making to assist wild-land firefighters in an era of more severe burns.

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In depth

Air mobility challenges will be mastered – with time and money

Advanced air mobility projects received their own showcase at the Paris air show this week, as the segment’s leaders race each other to the commercialisation finish line.  

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News

Spirit advances high-rate composites research in bid to supply next narrowbody

Aircraft structures supplier Spirit AeroSystems is using the Paris air show to call attention to research work it hopes will enable the next generation of narrowbody jets to have composite fuselages.

Alice debut flight

News

Aerolease signs for 50 Eviation Alice electric aircraft

Miami-based leasing company Aerolease has signed a letter of intent for 50 of Eviation’s in-development Alice clean-sheet commuter aircraft.

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News

US Air Force supports GE-Clemson project to advance high-temperature materials

GE Aerospace and Clemson University have secured government funds to develop materials capable of holding up in the ultra-hot temperatures associated with high-speed flight.

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News

Victory for Valor: Bell celebrates FLRAA win in Paris

With a new chief executive at the helm and an era-defining contract for its V-280 Valor tiltrotor in hand, helicopter-maker Bell is taking a victory lap at the Paris air show.

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News

Aviation Industry will need 1.3m new professionals by 2032: CAE

Canadian flight crew training company CAE says the global aviation industry will require 1.3 million new professionals across numerous work groups in the coming decade in order to keep up with the ever-growing demand for commercial and business air travel.

Avolon 737 Max 8

News

Avolon firms up order for 40 Boeing 737 Max

Boeing has landed a firm order for 40 737 Max 8s from Irish aircraft lessor Avolon, a deal that firms up Avolon’s previously stated intention to purchase the jets.

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News

Horizon Aircraft takes hybrid-electric approach to VTOL development

Though much of the emerging vertical take-off and landing sector is focused on fully electric vehicles, Canadian developer Horizon Aircraft is taking a different tact with its in-development Cavorite X7.

China Airlines Boeing order

News

China Airlines firms order for eight Boeing 787-9s

China Airlines has ordered eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the US airframer said at the Paris air show on 20 June.

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News

Boom discloses more Overture detail as it sources main aerostructures

Boom Supersonic has revealed greater detail of its Overture aircraft design, including its Symphony engine, after selecting primary suppliers to produce the composite fuselage, wing and empennage of the Mach 1.7 jet.

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News

Monte firms order for up to 100 ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric engines

ZeroAvia disclosed during the Paris air show that it has a purchase agreement for up to 100 of its hydrogen-electric engines with the UK’s Monte Aircraft Leasing.

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News

GKN will produce thermoplastic flight control surfaces for Joby’s eVTOL

Joby Aviation and GKN Aerospace have signed a multi-year agreement to supply the air taxi developer with thermoplastic flight control surfaces.

CFM RISE

News

GE insists open-fan concept can hit 20% efficiency target despite Boeing’s doubts

Boeing and GE Aerospace remain slightly at odds about the actual fuel-efficiency gains possible with CFM International’s in-development open-fan engine.

F-35 germany

News

Raytheon seeks to double F-35 power and cooling capacity

Raytheon subsidiary Collins Aerospace recently completed laboratory testing on the Enhanced Power and Cooling System for the F-35 fighter, which the company says will more than double the current capacity on the cooling-challenged jet.

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News

De Havilland resumes Twin Otter 300 production with new variant

After a 35-year hiatus, De Havilland Canada is rebooting production of its DHC-6 Twin Otter 300, a move responding to customer demand for a lighter utility aircraft with more payload capability than the current Series 400 varaint.

LARGE Igor Sikorsky VS-300 first flight

In depth

Sikorsky marks 100 years of vertical flight innovation

In 1923, a Ukrainian immigrant to the USA by the name of Sikorsky founded a company that would fundamentally change the nature of aviation. In 2023, the namesake of Igor Sikorsky is marking 100 years at the forefront of rotary aviation, including the first non-stop transatlantic helicopter flight in 1967, from New York to the Paris air show.

ZeroAvia Q400 turboprop

News

ZeroAvia finds retrofitting CRJs with hydrogen-electric technology feasible

Powertrain developer ZeroAvia is targeting its hydrogen-electric propulsion technology at regional jets, having identified “clear applications” for Bombardier CRJ-series aircraft.

SkyAlps Q400 mod

News

Tamarack Q400 active winglet demonstrator flight expected in a year

Tamarack Aerospace is to modify a de Havilland Dash-8 Q400 with its active winglet system over the next year, as part of a joint venture with Italian regional operator SkyAlps.

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News

Potential eVTOL showcase at 2028 Summer Olympics ‘very interesting’: Wisk

The Boeing-backed start-up has yet to publicly identify a target date for Wisk’s aircraft to enter service. 

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News

Archer Aviation expects 'hundreds or thousands' of eVTOLs flying over LA Olympics in 2028

Archer Aviation and investor Stellantis are “moving full speed ahead” to begin and ramp-up manufacturing of the air taxi that the pair hope will revolutionise travel later this decade.

Supernal-Hero-Image

News

Supernal identifies key suppliers for in-development eVTOL

Electric air taxi developer Supernal has disclosed a pair of new manufacturing agreements with major aerospace companies that will allow it to scale production of its in-development electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

2023-06 Wright Motor

News

Wright Electric squeezes 1MW from in-development electric motor

US company Wright Electric has proven that its electric motor-generator can produce the 1MW of power needed for its electric-modified BAE 146 regional jet project.

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News

Boeing closes on next production rate rise for 737 programme

Boeing is nearing the latest production rate increase for the 737 Max, taking output to 38 aircraft per month, although its priority is to first address a horizontal stabiliser problem affecting some of the narrowbodies.

Envoy Air E175-c-Envoy Air

News

American subsidiary Piedmont fined over fatal E175 ingestion accident

US authorities have imposed a fine of nearly $16,000 on a division of American Airlines, after a fatal engine-ingestion accident at Montgomery airport.

Eve urban

News

Eve names propulsion, propeller and battery suppliers for conceptual air taxi

Leading electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer Eve Air Mobility has disclosed the first suppliers for its in-development aircraft.

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News

Lockheed describes ‘strong position’ amid US defence boom

Ahead of the Paris air show, the chief executive of defence giant Lockheed Martin sees strong demand for existing programmes like F-35s and F-16s, plus healthy potential for new products amid a defence spending boom.

Hybrid-electric Dash 8

Analysis

How engine makers hope to achieve 20% efficiency gains by 2030s

For an industry that historically achieves perhaps 15% better efficiency with each aircraft generation, “revolutionary” does not mean the next narrowbody jets, expected in the 2030s, will be buzzing around on battery power.

737 Max 8-c-Boeing

News

Boeing bumps up 20-year demand forecast as retirements loom

Boeing is projecting slightly rosier demand for new aircraft over the next 20 years due to factors including expected airline expansion in emerging markets and a looming wave of retirements.

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Interview

Archer’s electric air taxi Midnight is ‘going to be safe’: Billy Nolen

Former FAA administrator Billy Nolen on joining Archer as the California start-up pushes to certify its in-development “Midnight” aircraft. 

Spirit AeroSystems CH-53K fuselage

News

Spirit AeroSystems progresses with defence expansion goals

The aerostructures provider says defence programmes now account for some 15% of company revenues, representing solid growth toward a 40% target set in 2020.

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News

US House committee approves bill to hike pilot retirement age to 67

A US lawmaking committee has approved a measure that would increase the USA’s mandatory airline-pilot retirement age, spurring criticism from pilot unions and praise from regional airlines.

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News

JetBlue rolls out livery with ‘energised and extended’ tail pattern

US carrier JetBlue Airways will soon start flying the first aircraft painted with its new standard livery – a blue, white and “mint” design that will eventually colour all of its jets. 

737 Max cockpit-c-Max Kingsley-Jones

News

FAA requires ‘secondary’ cockpit barriers in new jets

The US Federal Aviation Administration has finalised a rule requiring new passenger aircraft have “secondary” cockpit barriers, a measure intended to better prevent passengers from storming the cockpit.

Air Canada B787-9-Rockies

News

Air Canada plans Vancouver-Singapore flights for April 2024

Air Canada plans to launch non-stop flights to Singapore from its hub at Vancouver International airport beginning in April 2024, a move coming as Singapore Airlines prepares to axe the route.

Flat bulkhead 737-800-c-Aeronautical Engineers

News

Flat-bulkhead 737-800 converted to freighter by US specialist

US modification specialist Aeronautical Engineers has converted a Boeing 737-800 – one with a flat aft pressure bulkhead – into a freighter, its first adaptation of the variant manufactured with this feature.

A350-c-Airbus

News

Airbus trims 20-year global fleet outlook as sustainability drives aircraft replacement

Airbus’s latest 20-year market forecast expects that the overall global fleet in 2042 will be smaller than the 2038 fleet predicted in its outlook four years ago.

Air cargo

News

ALPA council approves deal to provide FedEx pilots 30% raise

The FedEx Master Executive Council (MEC), the governing body of the FedEx unit of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have approved a tentative pilot contract reached with the express airline last month.

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News

Archer Aviation confirms hiring former FAA leader Billy Nolen as chief safety officer

Electric air taxi start-up Archer Aviation confirms it has hired Billy Nolen as its chief safety officer, news coming less than a week after he resigned from his position as acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

787-8 Boeing Air Niugini

News

Boeing backlog jumps in May with 737 Max and 787 orders

Though Boeing continues reporting order cancellations, the manufacturer padded its backlog in May with another 69 aircraft, including with 10 newly ordered 787s, reflecting an ongoing post-pandemic recovery.

head of Boeing Global Services Ted Colbert

Interview

‘Stability and predictability’ top priorities for Boeing’s defence chief

Chief executive Ted Colbert says his goal for the airframer’s sprawling military business is to reach traditional levels of revenue and annual growth, as Boeing’s defence unit seeks to transition challenged development programmes into more lucrative full-production. 

Honda Aircraft's conceptual 2600 light jet

News

Honda Aircraft launches 2600 light jet, with 2028 certification goal

The HondaJet 2600 will soon be more than a concept after North Carolina-based Honda Aircraft committed to developing the 10-person light business aircraft with a goal of having it certificated by 2028.

Cape Air in flight c Cape Air

News

Unions sue Republic Airways, Cape Air over contracts for new pilots

US regional carriers Republic Airways and Cape Air are being sued by their respective pilots’ unions for offering contracts that include financial penalties of up to $250,000 if pilots leave before completing their contracts.  

Antonov AN-124 RA-82078

News

Canada set to seize Volga-Dnepr An-124

The Canadian government has ordered the seizure of a Volga-Dnepr An-124 stranded at Toronto Pearson Airport since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Airline Business Insight web

In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: June 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.

Northeastern Alliance

News

American, JetBlue seek to retain codeshares and frequent flier ties in US Northeast

The US Department of Justice is tussling with American Airlines and JetBlue Airways over whether the carriers should be allowed to maintain codeshares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits in the Northeast US.

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News

WestJet finalises new pilot contract, to fully integrate ULCC subsidiary Swoop

WestJet pilots have approved a new four-year contract with the Calgary-based carrier, which will now begin integrating ultra-low-cost subsidiary Swoop into its mainline operations. 

Allegiant_9Feb2021

News

Allegiant agrees to 40% pay raises for some flight attendants

Allegiant Air and the union representing its flight attendants have reached a deal that stands to make the airline’s cabin crew among the best payed in the US low-cost airline segment.

Eve

News

FAA proposes new rules for AAM pilots and flight training

US aviation regulators have proposed new pilot training requirements and operational rules for powered-lift aircraft to support the launch of the nascent advanced air mobility (AAM) segment.  

USAF F-35As

News

USAF shows ability for rapid F-22, F-35 software updates

The US Air Force (USAF) has demonstrated the ability to rapidly update and deploy software for the Lockheed Martin F-22 and F-35 fighters, offering greatly improved flexibility for rapidly evolving tactical situations.

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News

US transportation official Polly Trottenberg named acting FAA administrator

Longtime US transportation official Polly Trottenberg has been appointed acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, replacing Billy Nolen. 

Parked-WestJet-c-WestJet

News

WestJet names Michael Scott as new CFO

Scott will join WestJet’s executive team on 13 June, bringing 30 years of aviation industry experience to his new role. 

AIr Transat Airbus A321neo

News

Transat loses C$29m in fiscal Q2, anticipates strong summer season

The parent of Canadian carrier Air Transat lost C$29.2 million during its fiscal second quarter of 2023 as demand for its “primary niche” of leisure travel remains steady.

Atlantic Airways A320-c-Atlantic Airways

News

Atlantic Airways broadens co-operation with Icelandair to tap US market

Faroese carrier Atlantic Airways, which is tentatively venturing into transatlantic operations, is to build on its co-operation with Icelandair, as the Icelandic carrier expands to serve the Faroe Islands.

Alice debut

In depth

Regional air mobility could take off, but uncertainties remain: McKinsey

Companies seeking to re-envision regional flight could connect communities lacking air service and tap into a potentially lucrative market. But that is far from a given outcome. 

Surf Air Electrified Cessna Grand Caravan

News

Surf Air files to become publicly traded, acquire Southern Airways

Regional air travel company Surf Air Mobility has filed to become publicly traded and acquire Southern Airways, which uses a fleet of mostly Cessna Caravans to fly passengers throughout the USA. 

E-6B US Navy

News

US Navy receives first upgraded E-6B Mercury communications aircraft

The US Navy (USN) has taken delivery of its first Boeing E-6B Mercury command and control aircraft with upgrades to a new Block II standard.

Mesa building

News

Mesa Airlines appoints Andrew Lotter vice-president of flight operations

Longtime airline executive Andrew Lotter has been appointed vice-president of flight operations for US regional carrier Mesa Airlines. 

787-9

News

Boeing’s 787 deliveries will slow as company reveals another quality problem

Boeing confirms it will delay deliveries of some 787s due to a new quality problem involving fittings on the widebody jets’ horizontal stabilisers.

LMXT_refuelingF35GE

News

Lockheed will use GE Aerospace CF6 engine to power future tanker design

The military airframer says it has selected GE Aerospace to provide powerplants for its Airbus A330-based LMXT aerial tanker concept, although demand for the platform remains uncertain.

Collins Aerospace "Signature Dream" suites

News

Collins launches ‘Signature Dream’ first-class suites and ‘Aurora’ lie-flat seats

Collins Aerospace opened this year’s AIX by revealing two new premium airline seating products, including “Signature Dream” first-class suites and lie-flat seats for narrowbody jets called “Aurora”.

LATAM Neo-c-Markus Mainka_Shutterstock

News

LATAM sticks with P&W for remaining A320neo orders

LATAM Airlines is sticking with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines for the remaining Airbus A320neo-family jets the Chilean airline has on order.

F-16 air national guard

News

F-16s conduct supersonic intercept of unresponsive aircraft over Washington, DC

A privately-owned Cessna Citation jet strayed into restricted airspace over the American capital, where US Air Force fighter jets raced to meet the unresponsive aircraft at supersonic speeds.

JetSmart A321neo

News

Chile’s JetSmart and American Airlines launch strategic alliance

Chile’s JetSmart and American Airlines have launched a strategic alliance and will begin to sell codeshare flights between the United States and Chile

Willie Walsh IATA AGM

News

IATA doubles industry profit projection for 2023

IATA now expects the airline industry to make a net profit of $9.8 billion this year, a doubling of its initial projection for sector profitability.

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News

American Airlines’ pilot union APA rejects potential merger with ALPA

The board of directors of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the union representing flight deck crew at American Airlines, rejected a proposal to join the much larger and more-powerful Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) union.

Northrop NGAD

News

US Air Force denies report of AI-powered UAV attacking operator

The Pentagon says the US Air Force pilot in charge of artificial intelligence testing misspoke when he reported that an AI-enabled drone went rogue and attacked its operator, in defiance of orders.

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News

BA fined $1m but rejects US accusations over pandemic refunds

British Airways is being fined more than $1 million under a compromise arrangement after US regulators accused the UK carrier of failing to refund passengers quickly enough for flights cancelled during the pandemic.

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News

Wizz and Frontier backer Indigo invests in US sustainable-fuel start-up

US private equity firm Indigo Partners is among the participants in a consortium investing $50 million in a start-up company concentrating on sustainable aviation fuel production.

F-35 takeoff

News

Overtaxed F-35 engines rack up $38 billion in extra maintenance costs

US government auditors say a failure to improve output and cooling capacity on the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine powering the Lockheed Martin F-35, while simultaneously increasing the load from heat-producing sensors and radar, has significantly increased wear on the powerplant and the cost of keeping the fifth-generation type flying.

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Newsletter

Do American Airlines and JetBlue have a Plan B?

JetBlue Airways and American Airlines got a nasty surprise last month when a US court struck down their “Northeast Alliance” (NEA), calling it anti-competitive and therefore unlawful.

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News

Aerolineas Argentinas to launch flights to USA from Aeroparque

Argentine flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas will begin operating flights to the USA from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery – the first intercontinental connections to depart from Buenos Aires’ downtown airport, rather than the much larger Ezeiza Ministro Pistorini International airport on the outskirts of the city.

Spirit and Jetblue

News

JetBlue agrees to give Spirit’s LaGuardia assets to Frontier

As part of its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines, New York-based JetBlue Airways has entered a divestiture agreement to give Spirit’s gates and slots at New York’s LaGuardia airport to rival ultra-low cost carrier Frontier Airlines. 

United Airlines Boeing 787

News

Boeing steps up 787 production to four aircraft monthly

Boeing’s 787 programme continues gaining momentum as the airframer’s assembly plant in Charleston has stepped up production of its flagship widebody jet to four aircraft monthly. 

787 dismantling

In depth

Advanced materials emerge as challenging new frontier for aircraft recycling

The first two Boeing 787 Dreamliners retired from commercial service have been taken apart. But what to do with the carbon-composite wings and fuselage?

KC-390

News

Embraer discussing potential C-390 sales with eight nations, CEO says

Embraer executives have outlined their bold sales ambitions for the C/KC-390 Millennium, as the company draws close to delivering the jet-powered tactical transport to its second operator.

cp-140 inflight

News

Competition heats up for Canada’s new maritime patrol aircraft

While Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon had been Ottawa’s only option to replace the RCAF’s current anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the recent entry of Bombardier into the fray has both firms jockeying for position.

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 2020

News

American Airlines will appeal decision to dissolve Northeast Alliance: CEO

American Airlines will appeal the court ruling that requires it to dissolve its so-called “Northeast Alliance” with JetBlue Airways.

Wisk's test fleet of 5th- and 6th-generation demonstrators

News

Electric air taxi developer Wisk becomes wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing

California-based electric air taxi developer Wisk Aero is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing, which previously had been one of two shareholders of the start-up. 

United Airlines 737 Max 8

News

United Airlines' finance chief Laderman to retire in 2024

United Airlines’ chief financial officer Gerry Laderman has informed the company of his intention to retire in September 2024 following more than three decades of service.

Fedex 777F

News

FedEx reaches tentative agreement with pilots

Pilots at FedEx have reached a tentative agreement with the cargo carrier that averts threatened strike action, according to the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) union. 

Black Hornet in  forest

News

Primordial Labs demos voice command technology for small UAVs

The developmental system known as Anura could allow military operators to direct unmanned aerial vehicles using voice prompts, rather than having to fly them with a physical control station.

Rq-7b shadow

News

US Army advances four designs in new UAV development effort

Four manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles have progressed in the US Army Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System competition to replace the Textron RQ-7B Shadow reconnaissance platform.

PAL Airlines Dash 8-c-PAL Airlines

News

Air Canada turns to regional carrier PAL to operate Dash 8s amid pilot crunch

Air Canada is to introduce up to six De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops from regional operator PAL Airlines, to help ease capacity pressure from pilot shortages.

IMG_AZO_E145

News

US regional carrier Envoy Air to retire fleet of 50-seat ERJ-145s

American Airlines’ regional subsidiary Envoy Air is retiring the last of its ageing 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 jets, all of which are approaching two decades in service. 

MQ-28

News

Boeing’s autonomous fighter jet makes first appearance in USA

The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a collaboration between the American airframer and the Royal Australian Air Force, has arrived in the USA for the first time for unspecified testing.

An Air Canada Boeing 787-9

News

Air Canada anticipates 11% capacity increase next winter

Air Canada plans to significantly expand its winter flying and expects an 11% capacity increase compared with its 2022-2023 winter leisure market activitity. 

American Airlines Boeing 777-200ER 2019

News

Dissolution of NEA will have no ‘meaningful’ impact on American’s earnings: CFO

American Airlines says that the dissolution of its so-called “Northeast Alliance” (NEA) with JetBlue Airways will not have a “meaningful” impact on the carrier’s earnings.

Ameriflight Natilus rendering. Natilus

News

Natilus picks ZeroAvia to provide hydrogen-propulsion option for ‘Kona’ concept

California start-up Natilus is now offering its blended-wing-body conceptual autonomous aircraft with optional hydrogen-electric powerplants produced by ZeroAvia.

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News

Boeing now delivering some reworked 737s following fuselage issue

Boeing has started the process of delivering 737s that have been fixed to address a recently disclosed manufacturing quality problem involving fuselage clips.

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News

FAA awards $100m to 12 US airports for runway incursion mitigation projects

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than $100 million to 12 airports accross the USA for projects that are designed to reduce runway incursions.

Boeing 737 production final assembly line in Renton

In depth

Boeing safety revamp is ‘journey’, will take time

Boeing’s chief aerospace safety officer says the company has learned lessons since overhauling safety processes in the wake of the 737 Max tragedies, but is ”not there yet”.

HondaJet 2600 concept

News

Honda Aircraft to finalise HondaJet 2600 suppliers in June ahead of autumn announcements

Honda Aircraft is finalising the supply chain for its proposed HondaJet 2600 as the airframer seemingly moves closer to an official launch of the new aircraft.

virgin orbit 747-c-virgin orbit

News

Stratolaunch bids for rocket-drop 747 as Virgin Orbit assets are carved up

Three companies have successfully bid for assets of Virgin Orbit, with aerospace firm Stratolaunch picking up the modified Boeing 747-400 which was used to carry air-dropped satellite launch vehicles.

Inmarsat-c-BillyPix

News

Inmarsat rolls out ‘fastest ever’ Jet ConneX in-flight connectivity plans

Satellite communications company Inmarsat is now selling a series of faster in-flight broadband plans as part of its Jet ConneX service with business partner Satcom Direct.

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News

Delta names Michael Spanos as its new COO

Delta Air Lines has named Michael Spanos as its new chief operating officer, effective next month.

SkyCourier-c-TextronAviation

News

Textron Aviation delivers first passenger-configured SkyCourier

Textron Aviation has delivered the first passenger variant of its Cessna SkyCourier turboprop to Hawaiian charter company Lanai Air.

LATAM Airlines Airbus A320neo

News

US DOT fines LATAM $1m for delaying refunds for cancelled flights

The US Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) has fined LATAM Airlines Group $1 million in civil penalties for dragging its feet on refunding customers for cancelled flights during the Covid-19 crisis.

B-2 spirit

News

B-2s returned to flight status five months after grounding

The US Air Force has removed a flight hold it instituted on the Northrop Grumman strategic bombers after an undisclosed issue led to an emergency landing in December that damaged one of the multi-billion-dollar aircraft.

JetBlue

News

Demise of Northeast Alliance puts JetBlue and American in tight spot: analysts

Analysts paint a grim picture of the situation JetBlue Airways and American Airlines find themselves in after a judge struck down their now-four-year collaboration in the Northeast USA, shortly before the airlines’ peak summer travel season begins.

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News

Gulfstream now aiming for autumn G700 certification amid slow FAA pace

Slow progress by the short-staffed Federal Aviation Administration has prompted Gulfstream to push back until autumn its expectation of when the regulator will certificate the G700.

Abingdon Mullin, Women in Aviation

Interview

Why pilot-entrepreneur Abingdon Mullin is one to watch

Mullin has worked at Cirrus Aircraft, flown turboprops throughout the Caribbean, piloted big jets for Spirit Airlines and, amid it all, launched Abingdon, a company specialising in selling watches designed for female pilots.

Boeing's BBJ 737 Max 7

News

Boeing secures first BBJ 777-9 purchase commitment

Boeing Business Jets’ new president has made an instant impact at EBACE revealing that his team has landed orders and commitments this year to sell four VVIP-configured airliners, including its first BBJ 777-9.

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News

Textron Aviation seeks lift with launch of latest Citation Excel update Ascend

Textron Aviation roared into this year’s EBACE with the announcemnet that its Cessna Citation Excel will soon have a new family member.

JetBlue Airways Airbus A220

News

American and JetBlue blast court decision on ‘Northeast Alliance’

American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have sharply criticised a judge’s decision to dissolve their so-called ‘Northeast Alliance’.

American Airlines Boeing 777-200ER

News

Judge orders JetBlue-American ‘Northeast Alliance’ dissolved

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has won its lawsuit against American Airlines and JetBlue Airways, with a judge ordering the carriers to unwind their so-called “Northeast Alliance” (NEA).

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News

NASA selects Blue Origin to build second Artemis lunar lander

Private spaceflight company Blue Origin joins reusable rocket pioneer SpaceX on NASA’s Artemis programme to return humans to the lunar surface, with both companies under contract to develop spacecraft capable of landing astronauts on the moon.

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News

American Airlines reaches agreement-in-principle with pilots

American Airlines has come to an agreement-in-principle on a new contract with its pilots, who are represented by union Allied Pilots Association (APA).

737 Max 8-c-Boeing

Analysis

Boeing betting that SAF will carry aviation to net-zero carbon target

Though propulsion systems powered by electricity and hydrogen show promise, Boeing says sustainable aviation fuel has emerged as the leading emissions-reduction strategy for airlines worldwide. 

Sun Country 737NG

News

Sun Country’s utilisation hindered by low ‘pilot production’

Minnesota-based ultra-low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines reports that its aircraft utilisation been held back in recent months by a lack of pilot instructors and first officers willing to upgrade to captain. 

NPPlane3

News

US start-up Northern Pacific Airways delays launch

US start-up carrier Northern Pacific Airways has delayed its launch by three weeks.

Artist rendering of NGAD at Sunset credit Lockheed Martin

News

USAF officially opens bidding on sixth-gen fighter initiative

The US Air Force is now accepting proposals for its secretive Next-Generation Air Dominance effort to develop a sixth-generation fighter platform.

737-800 WestJet

News

WestJet begins cancelling flights as pilot strike looms

WestJet Group has started cancelling flights and grounding the “majority” of its fleet as the airline’s pilots, represented by Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), threaten an imminent strike.

Embraer Praetor 600

In depth

Embraer considers up-market move in business jet arena in bid to keep customers

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer sees an opportunity to eventually develop a larger business jet to help it retain customers looking to upgrade from midsize Praetor 500s and 600s.

CP-140

News

Bombardier and General Dynamics team up on Canada’s CP-140 replacement

Canada’s largest jet manufacturer is pairing with defence contractor General Dynamics to challenge Boeing for a deal to produce the replacement for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CP-140 maritime patrol aircraft.

Airline Business Insight web

News

Airline Business Index shows industry close to 2019 size amid soaring revenue

The latest Airline Business Index shows the global airline industry’s revenue soared even further above 2019 levels in the first quarter of 2023, as the sector moved to within touching distance of its pre-Covid size.

Fedex 777F

News

Pilots’ strike authorisation vote to have ‘no impact’ on operations: FedEx

US-based logistics specialist FedEx is downplaying its pilots’ vote to authorise a potential strike as a collective bargaining tactic that will have ”no impact on our service”.

AFRL THOR Anti swarm weapon

News

USAF tests anti-drone swarm energy weapon

The Air Force Research Laboratory says it successfully defeated a so-called “drone swarm” in recent tests using a microwave energy system.

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News

US airlines gearing up for busy Memorial Day travel weekend

US airlines are gearing up for a busy Northern Hemisphere summer travel season that kicks off in 10 days with the first long weekend – marking US national holiday Memorial Day.

Flydubai Air Canada codeshare-c-Flydubai

News

Flydubai enhances UAE-Canadian links with Air Canada codeshare

Closer air transport ties between Canada and the United Arab Emirates are being further tightened with a codeshare agreement between Air Canada and Flydubai.

FA-50

In depth

Raytheon to outfit FA-50 fighters with PhantomStrike radar

The industrial giant will install its latest active electronically scanned array radar in the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 light attack fighter, which is bound for service in Poland and Malaysia.

Archer_Midnight_Rear_3quarter

News

US government seeks input to help define air taxi ‘national strategy’

The US government has kicked off an information-gathering effort to help it prepare for a future that could include widespread operation of regional and intra-city small electric aircraft.

WJ115_21Jan2021_first Max reveune flight in Canada following grounding

News

WestJet pilots threaten strike as airline responds with lockout notice

WestJet and its pilots are ratcheting up their labour conflict ahead of what is anticipated to be a busy travel weekend – the first of the upcoming travel season.

Aerovironment Switchblade

In depth

Ukraine war proves case for loitering munitions and counter-UAS defences

Early investments into offensive and defensive unmanned aerial vehicle technologies are paying off for first movers in the space, as the systems prove valuable on the battlefields of Ukraine.

Airline Business Insight web

Analysis

Airline Business performance tracker: Americas Q1 2023

Key data from the most-recent Americas earnings period – the January-March 2023 quarter – and the equivalent periods stretching back to the last pre-Covid year, powered by Airline Business Insight

Airline Business Insight web

In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: May 2023 update

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

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News

UK cargo start-up One Air hints at eventual migration to 777F

UK start-up cargo carrier One Air has disclosed that it could look to modernise with Boeing 777 freighters as its business develops.

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Podcast

Airline Business Podcast: Q1 earnings, Ryanair order, Go First woes, Joyce's Qantas legacy

Graham and Lewis discuss how European and North American carriers performed during the recent earnings season, which saw a degree of ‘normalisation’ and plenty of positivity about the summer

Rouge-A321-2

News

Air Canada’s Q1 passenger revenue more than doubles

Air Canada achieved a first-quarter record revenue of C$4.9 billion ($3.6 billion), up 88% from the same period a year ago as travel demand boomed following the global pandemic.

New E-11 BACN

News

First aircraft arrives at new USAF E-11 squadron

The US Air Force is in the process of more than doubling its fleet of the specialised battlefield communication aircraft, based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet.

AT-802U Sky Warden c Air Tractor

News

Armed Overwatch special-ops turboprop enters low-rate production

The head of acquisitions at US Special Operations Command say the low-altitude, close-air-support Sky Warden turboprop being built by L3Harris and Air Tractor is now in first-run low-rate initial production, after being selected for the Armed Overwatch programme in 2022.

Flydubai 737 suite-c-Flydubai

News

Boeing seeks US approval for mini-suite installations on 737 Max

Boeing is seeking authorisation to fit mini-suites to its 737 Max range, similar to those already approved in other aircraft types.

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Newsletter

How strong is the corporate air travel recovery?

As airline quarterly earnings ‘normalise’ in the Covid-19 recovery, many large European and US carriers are beginning to quantify how strongly – or not – corporate travel is coming back.

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News

Archer posts first-quarter loss of $113m; progressing toward certification of Midnight

Start-up electric air taxi company Archer Aviation says it continues to progress toward certification of its four-person vertical take-off and landing vehicle “Midnight”, and a commercial entry-into-service date of 2025.

NetJets-P500-2

News

NetJets to purchase up to 250 Embraer Praetor 500s

Fractional aircraft ownership company NetJets has signed a deal with Embraer that includes options to order 250 of the Brazilian manufacturer’s Praetor 500 super-midsize jets.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737

News

Southwest Airlines pilots vote to authorise strike

Roughly 10,000 pilots represented by Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) have voted emphatically in favour of authorising a strike as negotiations with the airline on a new contract have stalled. 

Alice debut flight

News

UK lessor Monte signs for up to 30 of Eviation’s all-electric Alice

US company Eviation has lined up another potential buyer for its in-development electric aircraft Alice, with UK firm Monte Aircraft Leasing signaling its intent to acquire the type.

Midnight_Maker_FINAL

News

Archer reveals Midnight prototype, certification-test variant still incomplete

Start-up Archer Aviation has finished assembling a prototype of its in-development electric air taxi Midnight and aims to begin flight testing the aircraft this summer.

V280 speed new

News

SOCOM yet to decide on acquiring Future Vertical Lift aircraft

The US Army is investing billions of dollars to develop its next generation of air assault and reconnaissance rotorcraft, but the Pentagon’s Special Operations Command remains unsure it needs such aircraft.

mammoth 777-c-mammoth freighters

News

Mammoth 777 conversions to feature personnel area behind cockpit

US aerospace firm Mammoth Freighters has detailed plans for a supernumerary personnel area behind the cockpit of its converted Boeing 777 cargo aircraft.

dash 8-400at and CL-415-c-aero-flite

News

US operator to put Dash 8-400 firefighters into service after FAA approval

US aerial firefighting specialist Aero-Flite has been cleared to conduct De Havilland Dash 8-400 tanker operations following regulatory approval of the type.

GlobalX A320

News

Long aircraft maintenance turnaround times contribute to GlobalX’s Q1 loss

South Florida start-up carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) reported a modest first-quarter loss of $6 million as long turnaround times for heavy maintenance kept some of its aircraft grounded throughout the period. 

Wheels Up King Air 350i

News

Wheels Up overhauls business and leadership team as losses mount

US private-aviation services company Wheels Up is overhauling its business and considering selling assets in a bid to improve efficiency and stem significant financial losses.

Virgin Orbit 747-c-Virgin Orbit

News

Several prospective bidders for Virgin Orbit aim to maintain company’s operations

Over 30 expressions have interest have been submitted for troubled air-launch specialist Virgin Orbit, with several looking to continue the company’s operations.

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News

Mesa Airlines posts $35m fiscal Q2 loss amid ‘tough’ transition

US regional carrier Mesa Airlines reported a loss of $35.1 million during its fiscal second quarter of 2023, as the airline worked to cut ties with longtime partner American Airlines in favour of a new deal to fly on behalf of United Airlines. 

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News

US aviation unions blast SkyWest Charter, ask government to reject application

Ten US aviation unions have called on the US government to prevent SkyWest Airlines’ new charter unit, SkyWest Charter, from gaining Department of Transportation (DOT) approval.

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News

Boeing lands 17 787 orders in April

Boeing last month landed new orders for 17 787 widebodies as demand for the long-haul jets continued to rebound.

Jazz Air Canada Express CRJ900-c-Bombardier

News

Chorus Aviation posts C$32m Q1 profit on strong demand for regional jets

Canada’s Chorus Aviation reported a profit of C$32 million ($23.9 million) during the first quarter of 2023, boosted by parts sales and strong demand for its regional aircraft leasing business. 

Bell's high-speed vertical take-off and landing (HSVTOL) concept

News

SOCOM looking for new high-speed vertical take-off and landing aircraft

The USA’s Special Operations Command is partnering with the Pentagon’s secretive technology development agency to develop a prototype for a clean sheet aircraft with fixed wing speeds and VTOL capability.

Boeing_Ryanair_2

News

Ryanair’s O’Leary has ‘high’ confidence in Boeing’s recovery

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary thinks Boeing is well on its way to recovering from supply chain troubles and expresses confidence the manufacturer will deliver newly ordered 737 Max 10s on time.

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News

Airlines criticise Biden Administration’s airline customer-rights plan

The air transport industry has criticised the US government’s plan to require compensation for flight delays and cancellations.

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News

Wisk and Japan Airlines partner to certificate and operate air taxis

US air taxi developer Wisk and Japan Airlines (JAL) have partnered to bring Wisk’s in-development air taxi through certification in Japan, with a goal of eventually launching passenger flights there.

XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator in 2019 flight

News

Kratos confident of ‘leadership position’ in developing autonomous jet aircraft

While the American technology developer is much smaller than massive competitors in the defence sector, Kratos executives say they enjoy a sizeable lead over legacy aerospace manufacturers in developing a cheap, pilotless jet aircraft.

Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 2 domestic

News

United vehemently rejects Delta’s request for flexibility on Haneda slots

United Airlines has come out swinging against Delta Air Lines’ request to the US government for “gateway flexibility” for flights to Tokyo Haneda from the USA.

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News

Northrop completes fifth successful test of AARGM-ER

The Extended Range variant of the Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile is meant to help the US Navy and Marine Corps target and destroy enemy radars critical to air defence.

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News

Porter Airlines adds new transcontinental route from Ottawa to Vancouver

Canadian regional carrier Porter Airlines is further expanding westward with a new transcontinental route from Ottawa to Vancouver starting 26 July. 

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News

Pilots flying for Canada’s Lynx Air request to join ALPA

An “overwhelming majority” of pilots with Canadian start-up carrier Lynx Air have filed membership cards requesting to join the world’s largest pilots’ union – the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). 

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News

Textron Aviation delays Denali’s certification until 2025

Textron Aviation has again delayed certification of its clean-sheet single-prop Beechcraft Denali, saying slower-than-planned certification of the type’s GE Aerospace Catalyst engine forced another timeline push back.

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News

US seeks to require airlines compensate passengers for some delays and cancellations

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to require airlines to provide certain accommodations to passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations caused by factors within airlines’ control.

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News

New regional carrier Bermudair plans to launch Bermuda-to-USA operation

Start-up regional airline Bermudair is planning to fly from Bermuda to three US cities in Florida, Massachusetts and New York, starting with two Embraer 175s.

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News

FAA adds 169 faster high-altitude routes along US East Coast

The Federal Aviation Administration has added 169 new high-altitude aviation corridors along the east coast of the USA designed to save time and fuel.

F-35 factory

News

Lockheed prepares to bring undisclosed country into F-35 programme

Lockheed Martin, producer of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, was recently awarded a $25 million contract to integrate an undisclosed country into the advanced multinational jet programme.

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News

Frontier launches its ‘largest expansion’ with eight new routes from Puerto Rico

Frontier Airlines is launching direct flights from Puerto Rico to eight major cities in the US and Mexico, expanding its Puerto Rican network to 20 destinations.

Joby Aviation

News

Joby reports Q1 loss, will issue $180m in stock to long-term investor

Electric air taxi start-up Joby Aviation has entered an agreement to issue $180 million of common stock to long-term Joby investor Baillie Gifford, providing a cash infusion as the company pushes to certify its aircraft. 

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News

American Airlines vice-chair Derek Kerr to retire

American Airlines vice-chair and president of regional subsidiary American Eagle Derek Kerr will retire in September.

A321-Montreal (1)

News

Air Canada raises profit expectations for 2023

Air Canada has raised its earnings expectations for the full year as passenger demand remains strong and jet fuel prices fall.

GoAir Airbus (2016)

News

P&W letter to Go First reveals detail about strained supply chain

A recent letter from Pratt & Whitney (P&W) to Indian airline Go First reveals more detail about the tight supply of PW1100G spare engines and related equipment.

MC-130 take off

News

USAF commandos land MC-130, A-10s on Wyoming highway

Special operations commandos and pilots with the US Air Force successfully landed UAVs, fighter aircraft and a multi-purpose tactical transport on a rural stretch of roadway during recent exercises.

Atlas Air 747-8F

News

Atlas CEO Dietrich retires; to be replaced by CCO Michael Steen

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has said chief commercial officer Michael Steen will succeed retiring CEO John Dietrich next month.

US capitol

News

Defence leaders in Washington warn of debt default

As lawmakers and the Biden Administration debate raising the US government’s borrowing limit, civilian and uniformed military leaders say unpredictable budgets will set back critical modernisation and procurement programmes.

Pilots in cockpit

News

Flightcrew unions seek to squash talk of ‘reduced-pilot’ operations

Pilot unions have come out swinging against what they call a campaign by Airbus and other manufacturers to promote regulatory changes allowing a single pilot to be alone in commercial aircraft cockpits during certain flight phases.

Air Lease A321neo-c-Airbus

News

Supply-chain hitches ‘no excuse’ for aircraft delivery delays: Air Lease

US lessor Air Lease is not prepared to let airframers blame the supply chain for aircraft delivery delays, with executive chairman Steve Udvar-Hazy insisting that the manufacturers’ problems are “self-inflicted”.

Jetcraft CRJ200-c-Jetcraft

News

Jetcraft division acquiring 25 ‘sought-after’ CRJ200s for fleet placement

Aircraft trading specialist Jetcraft Commercial is to acquire 25 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets, and is placing 10 of them with an undisclosed buyer.

Archer_Midnight_Side_Tip

News

FAA publishes updated airspace changes for air taxi operations

The Federal Aviation Administration has released what it calls an “updated blueprint” for airspace and procedure changes to safely accommodate urban air mobility (UAM) operations in the national airspace system.

frontier100thaircraftdelivery

News

Frontier loses $13m in Q1, shifts strategy to peak travel periods

Frontier Airlines is tweaking its network strategy to focus more on peak periods for leisure travel and “reducing under-performing flying”. 

GoAir Airbus (2016)

News

India’s Go First replaced 510 GTFs, takes case against P&W to US court

Indian airline Go First has replaced 510 Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofans (GTFs) in recent years, and last month had 64 of what it calls “defective” GTFs, citing combustor and other issues.

An Allegiant 737 Max over Florida

News

Allegiant reports $56m Q1 profit on strong demand, ancillary revenue

Ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant Air’s leisure-oriented business is humming along smoothly and shows no sign of slowing. 

Boeing 737 Max fuselages

News

Spirit loses $281m in Q1 as supply chain and quality problems drive up costs

Spirit AeroSystems expects a recently revealed fuselage problem affecting Boeing 737s will cost it $31 million in 2023, including a $17 million hit in the first quarter.

Hexwave-c-Liberty Defense

News

Los Angeles becomes latest airport to test Hexwave threat-detection system

Los Angeles airport’s operator is the latest to conduct tests of security technology firm Liberty Defense’s Hexwave artificial-intelligence screening system, which will be used to scan employees.

B-2 refuelling

News

USAF now targets early 2030s for fielding stealthy aerial tanker

Speaking during budget hearings in Washington, the top civilian administrator for the US Air Force says he wants to begin production of the still-conceptual Next Generation Air-refuelling System in the early 2030s.

Perlan 2 sailplane

News

Perlan aims to fly glider to 90,000ft this summer before ending test programme

High-altitude aerospace research nonprofit Perlan Project plans this year to take another shot at flying its Perlan 2 glider to a record 90,000ft, after which it intends to terminate that flight-test programme.

C-FGAJ_(7733720520)_Cargojet_Wikimedia Commons

News

Canada’s Cargojet posts $30.5m Q1 profit amid ‘softer economic conditions’

Canadian operator Cargojet Airways posted a C$30.5 million ($22.5 million)profit amid “softer economic conditions” during the first three months of 2023, compared with a C$56.4 million loss during the first quarter of last year. 

Rouge-A319

News

Air Canada’s pilots vote to join pilot union ALPA

Air Canada’s pilots have decided to join much larger pilot union Air Line Pilots, International (ALPA).

ZeroAvia Q400 turboprop

News

Alaska Airlines, ZeroAvia to develop ‘world’s largest’ zero-emission aircraft

Alaska Airlines has delivered a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop to be retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system by powertrain developer ZeroAvia. 

RAIDER X missile bay open

News

Industrial base concerns not a factor in FARA decision

The US Army’s top aviation procurement officer says any potential impacts to the USA’s rotary-wing industrial base will not factor into the service’s eventual choice between Sikorsky and Bell designs for its next-generation scout helicopter.

A350-900 MSN115 Delta Taxiing

News

Delta asks US government for ‘gateway flexibility’ on Tokyo slots

Delta Air Lines has asked the US government to relax slot rules for flights between the USA and Tokyo’s Haneda International airport due to a “fundamentally changed” demand environment.

Breeze

News

Breeze Airways plans first international flights, to Mexico

US start-up carrier Breeze Airways has applied for permission to begin operating international flights as it plans a route from Los Angeles to popular Mexican vacation destination San Jose del Cabo. 

737-800 WestJet

News

WestJet completes acquisition of competitor Sunwing

Canadian airline company WestJet Group has acquired competing discount carrier Sunwing Airlines, completing a deal that had raised competitive concerns but that WestJet insists will benefit travellers.

UH-60M-c-Sikorsky

News

US Army grounds pilots pending training following deadly crashes

Excepting critical missions, the US Army has ordered its aircraft and aviators grounded pending completion of training and safety reviews in response to recent helicopter crashes.

F-35 factory

News

Lockheed awarded $7.8bn contract for multinational F-35 production

The deal covers 126 of the advanced fighter aircraft under Lot 17 and represents the final instalment of a 2022 agreement with the Pentagon covering 398 F-35s for the USA and allies.

E175 SkyWest

News

Pilots’ union accuses SkyWest of launching ‘alter-ego charter’ service

As SkyWest Airlines plans to roll out a new charter service, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is decrying the new business line as an attempt to “roll back the clock and skirt the aviation safety rules”. 

Boeing 2022 ecoDemonstrator 777-200ER

News

Boeing adds 787-10 to 2023 ecoDemonstrator technology programme

Boeing intends this year to operate a 787-10 under its “ecoDemonstrator” programme, using that jet and a 777-200ER to evaluate technologies intended to improve aircraft efficiency.

AH-64 Apache Alaska

News

Three dead in Alaska AH-64 crash

Two US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters collided during a training flight in Alaska, killing three soldiers and injuring a fourth.

CH-47F Block II Chinook

News

US Army to decide future of heavy-lift fleet by year-end

The US Army plans this year to settle details about the future composition of its cargo fleet, a plan that may include purchasing the latest version of Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook.

Gulfstream fleet 2022

News

Too few Honeywell turbofans hold up Gulfstream’s Q1 deliveries

Shortages of Honeywell turbofans kept Gulfstream from delivering two G280 super-midsize business jets in the first quarter, as supply chain troubles persisted – and in some cases worsened.

SkyWest

News

SkyWest misses Q1 profit, ‘making good headway’ on pilot shortage

The carrier may have turned a corner on losing pilots to major US carriers – many of which it contracts with. 

Sun-Country-Livery_02-1500x844

News

Charter business helps drive Sun Country's first-quarter profit

Sun Country Airlines posted a $38 million profit in the first quarter of 2023, driven partly by the increasing strength of its charter business.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737

News

Southwest loses $159m in Q1, cuts 2023 capacity expectations

Southwest Airlines still feels lingering effects from its December 2022 operational meltdown and is now feeling squeezed by Boeing aircraft delivery delays.

06_Joby Aviation_Aircraft

News

Toyota and Joby Aviation deepen their partnership

Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation will supply Joby Aviation with “key powertrain and actuation components” for Joby’s in-development electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Southwest-737-Max-grounded_resize

News

Southwest cuts expected 2023 Max 8 deliveries by 20 jets

Southwest Airlines is now expecting 20 fewer new Boeing 737 deliveries in 2023 than previously estimated. 

Media-Center-Images-07

News

Spirit to soon take delivery of first of 41 A321neos

Spirit Airlines will accept delivery of the first of 41 Airbus A321neo aircraft it has on order sometime “over the next week”.

American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER 2020

News

American posts Q1 profit of $10m amid ‘dynamic’ air travel demand

American Airlines posted a profit of $10 million – its first first-quarter profit in four years – as demand for air travel remained “dynamic”.

ITA A330 EI-EJL-c-Anna Zvereva Creative Commons

News

ITA A330 departed JFK after crew did not notice taxi collision with 777

US investigators have concluded the crew of an ITA Airways Airbus A330-200 misjudged the available space while taxiing past an Air France Boeing 777-200ER, colliding with the parked aircraft and then proceeding to take off despite both jets’ sustaining damage.

Air China 737 Max-c-Boeing

News

Boeing encouraged by China’s signals on 737 but keeps conservative outlook

Boeing is taking a conservative view on the Chinese market but is encouraged by the gradual return to service of 737 Max jets in the country.

Spirit A319 Max KJ FG

News

Spirit loses $104m as first quarter costs outpace surging revenue

US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines reports a $104 million loss for the first quarter of 2023, compared with a $195 million loss during the same period last year.

ALE launch Black hawk

News

Collins developing digital brain for autonomous air-launched UAVs

Aviation systems producer Collins Aerospace is testing flight software that will control the US Army’s developmental Air Launched Effects concept, including collaborative teaming between pilots in the air and the uncrewed autonomous vehicles.

737 Max 9-c-Boeing

News

Boeing confident of overcoming 737 fuselage issue within months

Boeing is confident that it will recover within months from the recent 737 manufacturing process snag affecting aft fuselage sections, having understood the situation and the rework required.

S-97 Raider Test Flight

News

Sikorsky stands by X2 coaxial technology following FLRAA loss

After reviewing feedback from the US Army in its failed bid to provide a new long-range troop carrying helicopter, Sikorsky says it remains confident that its radical X2 line of coaxial compound rotorcraft are the right fit for the army’s needs.

Charles Bolden-c-NASA

News

FAA unveils high-profile aerospace line-up to carry out independent safety review

Six individuals including a former astronaut and representatives from the airline pilot, accident investigation and air traffic control sectors have been named in the line-up of the US FAA’s independent safety review team.

KC-46A

News

Boeing announces fresh $245m charge against KC-46A after delivery disruption

Boeing Defense, Space & Security incurred a fresh $245 million pre-tax charge against the KC-46A tanker programme in the first quarter, as manufacturing issues disrupted deliveries of the 767-based type.

Boeing 737 max

News

Boeing maintains 737 delivery target despite near-term production hitch

Boeing is still expecting to deliver 400 to 450 737 aircraft over the course of this year, and is planning to reach a monthly production rate of 38 aircraft from the current 31.

Hawaiian Airlines

News

Hawaiian posts $98m Q1 loss amid ‘challenging revenue environment’

Hawaiian Holdings, parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, posted a loss of $98 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared with a loss of $133 million last year.

Pratt & Whitney GTF test stand

News

Commercial engines lead strong 2023 start for Raytheon

Led by a resurgence of commercial air travel, engine maker Pratt & Whitney and aviation systems producer Collins Aerospace posted double-digit percentage increases in sales.

A321_Maui_Fuse_4C_6f4bb3c0-4ac4-4501-a9b7-254e5f96b1aa-prv

News

Five Hawaiian Airlines A321neos grounded, waiting for engines

Five Airbus A321neo aircraft operated by Hawaiian Airlines are grounded due to engine supply chain issues affecting customers of Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G engines.

JetBlue-A321neo-LR-In-Flight

News

JetBlue daily flights to Amsterdam will launch in August

JetBlue Airways will launch daily flights from New York’s John F Kennedy International airport and Boston Logan International airport to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport beginning in August and September, respectively.

Joby Aviation_Aircraft_3

News

Joby signs $55m extension to Agility Prime contract with USAF

Electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation has disclosed a $55 million extension to its Agility Prime contract with the US Air Force (USAF) to deliver and operate up to nine of its yet-to-be-certificated aircraft.

JetBlue Embraer E190

News

JetBlue posts $192m Q1 loss, but ‘very prepared’ for busy summer

JetBlue Airways generated record revenues but still posted a $192 million loss during the first quarter of 2023, compared with a $255 million loss during the same three months last year.

A 737 Max CFM Leap engine in Boeing's Renton assembly site

News

GE Aerospace first-quarter profits jump on higher Leap deliveries

GE Aerospace succeeded in ramping engine deliveries in the first quarter of 2023, a period during which it also logged notable gains in revenue and profit.

Emirates 777-300ER-c-Emirates

News

Emirates to open services to second Canadian city

Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is to complement its Canadian service to Toronto with a new route to the city of Montreal from July.

A220 Air Canada tail close-up

News

Canada proposes to strengthen air passenger rights

The government of Canada is proposing to strengthen air passengers’ rights in the event of disruptions to their travel plans.

Delta Air Lines 767

News

Leaky lavatory caused Delta 767 flight control problem in 2022

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that water leaking from lavatories formed ice that jammed the controls of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 last July.

H125-c-Brazilian air force

News

Airbus reveals new military H125 variants produced in USA

Airbus Helicopters will add two militarised variants of the H125 civil helicopter to the company’s production line in Mississippi, with the goal of securing foreign military sales.

Harbour_Air_ePlane_2021Apr_5296

News

Harbour Air delays electric DHC-2 effort amid ‘ever-changing’ certification standards

Canadian regional airline Harbour Air has again delayed plans to begin passenger flights using an all-electric-powered De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, citing “ever-changing path to certification for an all-electric aircraft”.

2019-10-01 Bell 360 Invictus 2

News

Raytheon reveals AI-powered target identification sensor

Dubbed “intelligent sensing” technology, Raytheon says its new Raiven system will pair artificial intelligence with electro-optical and infrared imaging to rapidly identify objects from the air in real time.

GlobalX A320

News

GlobalX takes seventh A320, expects eight more aircraft in 2023

US charter carrier Global Crossings Airlines (GlobalX) has taken delivery of its seventh Airbus A320 for passenger operations through a lease with Irish lessor Airborne Capitol.

modular tower 3-c-PAU

News

Standardised adaptable control tower design selected for US municipal airports

Over 30 smaller US airports are initially in line to receive new air traffic control towers which are based on a standardised and sustainable design that adapts to the tower height required.

United ERJ N14162 incident-c-Tomas Del Coro Creative Commons

News

Birdstrike damages both engines on United ERJ-145

US regulators have disclosed that an Embraer ERJ-145XR received damage to both engines from a birdstrike while operating a domestic service from Houston.

FAA interim administrator Billy Nolan

News

Billy Nolen to step down as acting administrator of FAA

Billy Nolen, acting administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration, will step down from the position this summer as the regulatory agency continues searching for his permanent replacement.

Condor

News

Alaska Airlines and Condor, American and JetSmart pursue separate codeshares

A pair of major US carriers – Alaska Airlines and American Airlines – have engaged in separate codeshare agreements with Condor and JetSmart, respectively.

A220-c-Airbus

News

Airbus and P&W to study SAF production and plan to fly A220 with 100% SAF

Airbus and Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) have joined together to study the feasibility of establishing a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production site in Quebec, and to fly an A220 powered by 100% SAF.

737 Max assembly

Opinion

Why Boeing must halt its recent run of production hiccups

Boeing must hope the latest manufacturing quality issue to hit its commercial portfolio is the last – and not a continuing trend.

Toronto Pearson airport-c-Toronto Pearson airport

News

Container with gold and valuables stolen after being offloaded at Toronto Pearson

Canadian police are investigating the theft of a container upon arrival at Toronto Pearson airport, the contents of which – including a gold shipment – are valued at some C$20 million ($15 million).

Newsletter

Newsletter

US carriers see revenues surge, but challenges remain

While US giants Delta Air Lines and United Airlines both reported small losses for the first quarter, it is their positive narrative on the demand and revenue picture that stands out.

REGENT Viceroy 2

News

Electric Power Systems joins Regent’s all-electric ‘seaglider’ development programme

Utah battery company Electric Power Systems has joined an effort by start-up Regent Craft to develop a wing-in-ground effect passenger vehicle.

avelo

News

Avelo plans to add 737, nine new routes to Delaware base

US discounter Avelo Airlines is planning to add a second Boeing 737NG to its base at Delaware’s Wilmington airport – and nine new non-stop routes.

Mammoth 777-200LR freighter-c-Mammoth Freighters

News

Mammoth Freighters builds 777 order backlog, now aims for 2024 certification

Mammoth Freighters, a US company developing cargo-converted Boeing 777s, expects to complete its first 777-200LR modification by year-end and to achieve an initial regulatory certification by April 2024.

Starship SN15 High-Altitude Flight Test

News

SpaceX Starship, largest rocket ever built, explodes minutes after take-off

SpaceX’s Starship system – a heavy-lift rocket and reusable flight vehicle designed to ferry crew and cargo beyond Earth’s orbit – exploded over the Gulf of Mexico 4min after a test launch on Thursday.

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737. Alaska Airlines

News

Surging costs and slower demand leave Alaska with $142 million Q1 loss

Alaska Air Group on 20 April become the latest US airline to report a first-quarter loss, swinging $142 million into the red during the three months ending in March.

DHL 777

News

DHL orders nine of Mammoth Freighters’ cargo-converted 777s

Package delivery company DHL Express has ordered nine of Mammoth Freighters’ cargo-converted Boeing 777-200LRs from US aircraft services company Jetran.

American A320 cockpit upgrade-c-Airbus

News

Large batch of American A320s to receive cockpit-display upgrades

Airbus is to upgrade the cockpit displays of more than 100 A320-family jets operated by US carrier American Airlines.

1615173468960

News

Silver Airways narrowly avoids lease termination at South Florida base

US regional carrier Silver Airways has struck a last-minute deal to avoid eviction from its base at South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood international airport due to owing more than $1.4 million in back rent and late fees. 

170605_alaska_124 (1)

News

Momentum grows in Washington for changes to 1,500h pilot-experience rule

A push is underway in Washington for lawmakers or regulators to tweak a controversial rule requiring new commercial airline pilots have 1,500h of flight time.

SB-1 Defiant - distributed 12 October 2021

News

Sikorsky moving on from FLRAA loss

The long-time supplier of helicopters to the US Army will not attempt to further challenge the service’s decision to award rival Bell a multi-billion dollar contract for the next-generation Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.

United_737

News

Corporate customers are back: United Airlines

United Airlines executives say corporate travel has fully returned following an almost-three-year downturn due to Covid-19.

Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engines on SLS

News

Pentagon to fund expansion of rocket motor production at Aerojet Rocketdyne

The US Department of Defense (DoD) will provide rocket engine manufacturer Aerojet Rocketdyne with some $215 million to modernise facilities and expand production at three sites across the USA.

United Airlines' first Boeing 737 Max 8

News

United Airlines loses $194m in Q1, international travel demand returns

United Airlines lost $194 million during the first quarter of 2023, in line with previous estimates, as the carrier’s post-Covid-19 recovery continues.

F35 factory crane denmark

News

Testing on 5G upgrade for F-35 in ‘very late innings’: Lockheed

Defence aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin says there will be only a slight impact to the 2023 delivery schedule for F-35 fighter jets, as the company completes airworthiness tests on the latest software update for the fifth-generation aircraft.

Lift Academy Diamond simulator

News

Former FAA administrators call for pilot training regime overhaul

Two former FAA administrators are calling on the US government to overhaul training requirements for airline pilots amid a shortage of flight deck professionals that threatens to hinder the industry’s growth for years to come.

WJ115_21Jan2021_first Max reveune flight in Canada following grounding

News

WestJet pilots vote to strike as contract talks continue

WestJet pilots have voted to strike if needed as they continue to negotiate a new contract with the airline.

737 Max 8-c-Boeing

News

Boeing’s new 737 quality issue to affect 9,000 seats this summer

Boeing’s latest 737 quality problem will leave airlines with roughly 9,000 fewer seats than planned this summer.

A350-900 MSN115 Delta Taxiing

News

’Demand has never been higher’: Delta CEO Bastian

Delta Air Lines recorded its “10 highest sales days” over the past couple of months as the major US carrier anticipates a robust summer travel season. 

Southwest Airlines

News

Technology breakdown temporarily grounds Southwest flights

Southwest Airlines has resumed normal operations after a technology issue once again temporarily grounded all flights nationwide.

United Dreamliner

News

United plans broad expansion to Australia and New Zealand

United Airlines plans late this year to significantly ramp its flying to Australia and New Zealand, including launching new flights to Auckland, Christchurch and Brisbane.

ZeroAvia Do228-c-Oliver Kay

News

ZeroAvia embarks on effort to develop infrastructure for liquid hydrogen aircraft fuel

Hydrogen-powertrain developer ZeroAvia has joined French company Absolut Hydrogen to tackle tricky challenges associated with widespread adoption by the aviation industry of ultra-cold liquid-hydrogen fuel.

Defiant-c-Sikorsky-Boeing

News

Sikorsky’s FLRAA design was cheaper but ‘unacceptable’: GAO

The DefiantX coaxial helicopter bid submitted by Sikorsky and Boeing to replace the US Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk fleet was deemed “unacceptable” by service evaluators, primarily due to a lack of detail in the designs.

737 Max 8 title-c-Boeing

News

New 737 issue makes Boeing production and delivery goals uncertain

Boeing’s ability to meet its 2023 delivery and production goals are more uncertain after it revealed on 13 April having halted some 737 deliveries due to a newly disclosed quality problem.

American regional jets

Analysis

Nearly 500 regional jets parked in USA: Cirium fleets data

The figures starkly illustrate the widespread struggles of the regional airline industry, which, according to the Regional Airline Association (RAA) has been at risk of “collapse” in recent months. 

regent seaglider

News

Regent produces full-scale mock-up of passenger-carrying ‘seaglider’

Electric “seaglider” developer Regent Craft has produced a full-scale mock-up of its “Viceroy” passenger-carrying prototype craft, which the company aims to begin flight testing in 2024. 

737-8_Livery

News

Boeing pauses some 737 deliveries due to manufacturing error

Boeing has paused deliveries of some 737s due to a manufacturing error that will likely affect “a significant number” of in-production aircraft.

A320neo CFM Leap-c-Airbus

News

US and European regulators warn more GE and CFM engines may have component defects

Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have warned that more GE Aerospace and CFM International engines than previously thought may be susceptible to premature failure due to a manufacturing defect.

Cargo_United

News

United and ground-service workers’ union tentatively agree to contract for 29,000 employees

United Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), the union which represents 29,000 ground service workers, have come to a tentative agreement on a new contract.

A321LR-transat-c-Airbus-2-970

News

Canada’s Air Transat now flying year-round to Marseille

Canada’s Air Transat is firming its foothold in France by extending its seasonal service to the Mediterranean city of Marseille to a year-round flight.

An Air Canada Boeing 787-9

News

Air Canada to launch non-stop Vancouver-Dubai flights

Air Canada plans to fly non-stop between Vancouver to Dubai four times weekly using Boeing 787 Dreamliners beginning on 28 October. 

United LAS-DEN coronavirus 042420

News

FAA referred 17 ‘unruly’ passenger cases to the FBI in first quarter of 2023

The Federal Aviation Administration referred 17 “unruly” passenger cases to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for criminal prosecution during the first quarter of 2023.

fll

News

Airlines nix hundreds of flights as Fort Lauderdale extends closure until Friday

US airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights due to the flood-induced and ongoing closure of South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport.

52679220986_535aee94ed_o

News

Delta expects ‘strong operational summer’ after misery of 2022: CEO

Delta Air Lines expects its operations during the Northern Hemisphere’s busy summer travel season will improve compared to last year, when airlines struggled with massive disruptions resulting from lower staffing coupled with unpredictable weather and strong demand following the Covid 19 pandemic.

Lockheed_Martin_200th_F_35_Center_Wing_Assembly (1)

News

Lockheed starts producing F-35s for Poland

Advanced strike fighter manufacturer Lockheed Martin has begun production of F-35s bound for Poland.

FLL airport cature

News

Flooding shuts South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport in Florida remains closed this morning following storms last night that left parts of the airport submerged under floodwater.

Atlantic Airways Airbus-c-Atlantic Airways

News

Faroese carrier Atlantic Airways plans transatlantic service to New York

Faroe Islands carrier Atlantic Airways is to open a transatlantic service to New York later this year, for a short period.

Delta A350 Delta-1

News

Delta loses $363m in first quarter as revenue and costs surge

Delta Air Lines swung to a $363 million loss in the first quarter of 2023 amid surging costs and despite generating record-high revenue.

Silver Airlines ATR 72-600 - 2

News

Regional carrier Silver Airways could lose lease in Fort Lauderdale

US regional carrier Silver Airways could lose its lease at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport for failing to pay rent and late fees for at least a year beginning in 2021.

Air India Boeing 787

News

Global airline fleet will grow by one-third over next decade: Oliver Wyman

The global airline fleet has reached 98% of its pre-pandemic size and is projected to grow by one-third more by 2033, according to management consulting firm Oliver Wyman. 

SeaGlider Flight

News

‘Seaglider’ start-up Regent adds Muilenburg and Neeleman to its board of advisors

”Seaglider” developer Regent Craft has added former Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg and serial aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman to its board of advisors.

Airbus

News

Storage rates of GTF-powered jets in double-digits, analysis shows

Airbus A320neo-family aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines are presently experiencing significantly higher storage rates than those equipped with the rival CFM International Leap-1A, analysis of Cirium data reveals. 

American Airlines Airbus A321neo

News

American expects to report first-quarter revenue of $12.2 billion

American Airlines expects to report $12.2 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2023 later this month as it flew 9.2% more capacity than during the same period last year.

A321XLR debut

News

Airbus seeks A321XLR rapid-descent approval based on A321neo performance

Airbus is asking US regulators to approve A321XLR emergency descent performance based on that for the basic A321neo, arguing that aerodynamic changes to the long-range variant will only have a limited effect.

Airline Business Insight web

In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: April 2023 update

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

E-3 retirement take off

News

First E-3s retired as USAF prepares for E-7 purchase

The US Air Force plans to retire 13 of the Boeing E-3 airborne warning and control system jets, which Congress allowed in exchange for procurement of the more advanced Boeing E-7.

An Air Canada Airbus A220-300

News

Longtime Air Canada executive Amos Kazzaz to retire

Longtime Air Canada executive Amos Kazzaz will retire as executive vice-president and chief financial officer on 30 June and be succeeded by John Di Bert – a former member of the C-suite teams for Bombardier and Pratt & Whitney Canada. 

1200px-Fairchild_Republic_A-10A_Thunderbolt_II_cockpit_2_USAF

News

USAF begins long-sought A-10 retirements

The service has for years sought to phase out the iconic ground attack jet in favour of more modern platforms, but only received congressional approval to do so this year.

JetBlue-A321neo-LR-In-Flight

News

JetBlue finally set to launch flights from New York to Amsterdam

JetBlue Airways will launch operations between New York and Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport “late this summer” as the carrier finally gains a long-sought foothold at one of Europe’s busiest airports.

Iraqi 737 Max day-c-Iraqi Airways

News

Boeing deliveries bounce back in March as orders also rise

Boeing’s commercial aircraft orders and deliveries bounced back in March as it once again began delivering 787s and 767s following a pause to address quality issues.

Bell 505

News

Textron names Lisa Atherton CEO of Bell as Mitch Snyder retires

Textron has appointed Lisa Atherton as president and CEO of Bell as current chief of the vertical flight specialist Mitch Snyder retires.

Metroliner mid-air collision-c-NTSB

News

Cirrus hit Metroliner after overshooting approach during high-speed turn

US investigators have determined that a Cirrus SR22 pilot’s high speed while turning from base leg to final caused the aircraft to overshoot the centreline and stray into a parallel approach path, where it collided with a Swearingen Metroliner.

V-280 takeoff c Bell

News

Government auditor upholds Bell’s FLRAA win, denies Lockheed protest

More than three months after the US Army chose Bell to produce its new fleet of medium-lift helicopters, and independent auditor has denied a protest by rival Lockheed Martin, clearing Bell to proceed.

FFeSwsXWUAUiNdG

News

United cuts frequencies in Northeast USA for summer travel season

United Airlines has cut “some frequencies” from its schedule in the New York and Washington, DC metropolitan areas during the busy northern hemisphere summer travel season.

cesnna-winglet-c-Tamarack Aerospace

News

Cessna 525B lost Tamarack wing extension prior to 30 March emergency landing

The pilot of a Cessna Citation 525B who made an emergency landing in Tampa last week did so after the aircraft suffered substantial damage to its left wing, including loss of an aftermarket winglet supplied by Tamarack Aerospace.

Xwing Cessna-c-Xwing

News

Xwing submits certification plan for 100% pilotless flight technology

Autonomous aviation company Xwing is a step closer to certification of its ‘Superpilot’ technology – and to launching pilotless cargo operations.

twosims

News

CAE inaugurates business jet training centre in Las Vegas

Canadian pilot training specialist CAE inaugurated its first US West Coast business aviation training centre in Las Vegas earlier this week, as demand for private jet travel – and flight crew to pilot general aviation jets - surpasses pre-pandemic levels.

FedEx 767F. FedEx

News

Boeing is again delivering 767s

Boeing is again delivering 767s, having restarted handovers after a pause due to quality issues affecting commercial and military versions of the widebody jets.

F-18 carrier launch

News

US Navy aims for majority of carrier-based aircraft to be pilotless

Service leaders speaking at the Sea Air Space conference near Washington, DC say the US Navy aims for its future carrier air wings to be made up of 60% unmanned aircraft.

JAL 737-800

News

Global passenger traffic in February hit 85% of pre-pandemic levels: IATA

Global airline passenger traffic in February was significantly higher year-on-year amid “continued strong growth in travel demand” – particularly in the Asia-Pacific region – but still lagged pre-pandemic levels.

Flying Whales

News

Airship developer Flying Whales picks Honeywell 1MW generator for power system

French-Canadian airship developer Flying Whales intends to power its conceptual cargo-hauling hybrid-electric dirigible using Honeywell’s 1MW generator.

Sun Country

News

Sun Country to ‘opportunistically acquire’ leases for five Boeing 737-900ERs

Ultra-low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines plans to acquire five Boeing 737-900ERs that are currently being leased to Oman Air.

Delta Air Lines JFK

News

DOT vows to ‘use authority’ to hold US airlines accountable this summer

As airlines brace for the expected peak of air travel during summer 2023 in the northern hemisphere, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is pressuring carriers to avoid the congestion and confusion that marred airports during recent passenger surges. 

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News

Insitu debuts vertical take-off system for Integrator UAV

The Flying Launch and Recovery System enables the Integrator unmanned aerial vehicle to take off vertically, without adding extra weight and reducing flight endurance.

USAF KC-46A

News

FAA addresses another Boeing torque issue with new 767 order

The Federal Aviation Administration has identified another bolt-torque issue involving Boeing jets – this time affecting the military version of the company’s 767.

LRASM

News

Lockheed moves to double production of Pacific-focused long-range missiles

Lockheed Martin recently began production at a second facility that will churn out the advanced, precision munitions as the US government prepares to expand stockpiles of those weapons.

JetBlue Airbus A321neo 2

News

Airlines expected to cut New York flights due to ATC shortage

JetBlue Airways plans to reduce its summer flight schedule in New York – with more airlines expected to follow – in response to the FAA’s concession that it lacks enough air traffic controllers to handle the expected seasonal air travel peak. 

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 2020

News

American slows China expansion by scrapping two planned flights

American Airlines has stripped from its flight schedule two planned China routes – one to Beijing and another to Shanghai.

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News

Sikorsky still eyeing Germany for CH-53K sale, despite Chinook deal

The Connecticut helicopter manufacturer is still pursuing a potential sale of its heavy-lift helicopter to the German air force, even after Berlin opted to buy the tandem-rotor Boeing CH-47.

REGENT Technical Demonstrator 1

Interview

Regent looks to shake up military logistics with ‘wing-in-ground’ effect craft

Backed by Lockheed Martin, the Rhode Island start-up thinks the time is right to expand its “seaglider” developmental vehicle from commercial users into the defence realm.

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320

News

Four new states join US lawsuit against JetBlue-Spirit deal

Four more US states have joined the federal antitrust lawsuit against JetBlue Airways’ proposed acquisition of competitor Spirit Airlines.

KC-46A Pegasus connects with an F-15 Strike Eagle for an aerial refueling test over California in 2018 - 970

News

Boeing to upgrade KC-46 fleet with anti-jamming, better encryption

The US Air Force will pay Boeing $184 million for a package to upgrade communication systems on the KC-46A refuelling jet, including for better encryption and anti-jamming capability.

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News

WestJet pilots plan vote to authorise strike

WestJet Airlines pilots represented by Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) will vote to authorise a strike on 3 April as the union warns of a lockout “that could extend into the summer months”. 

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737. Alaska Airlines

News

Alaska Air Cargo to convert two 737-800s into freighters

Alaska Air Cargo plans to boost its fleet supporting the state of Alaska in 2023 by converting two Boeing 737-800s into freighters, with the first jet expected to start hauling cargo this summer.

B-52H ARRW missile

News

USAF to drop Lockheed hypersonic weapon programme after failed test

The Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon had a mixed record, with numerous technical challenges early in development and a recent failed test.

Global Crossing A320 N276GX, Global Crossing

News

New US charter carrier Red Way plans to launch operations in June

A new discount charter carrier called Red Way plans to launch in June from Lincoln, Nebraska with nonstop flights to seven US cities.

Universal Dash 8 first fight 2 March 2023

News

US aerospace leaders disagree on best path to ’net-zero’ carbon emissions

Executives at some aerospace companies clashed on 29 March about which technologies can best help wean the sector off its reliance on fossil fuels.

Black Hawk nigh flight

News

Nine dead in double Black Hawk crash

Two US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Kentucky during a night training exercise, killing nine soldiers.

US Air National Guard F-16

News

USAF adds 54 AESA radars to F-16 modernisation order

The $128 million contract adds to a similar order last November aimed at modernising the US Air Force’s fleet of multirole Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters.

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News

Pacific Air Charters orders two Tecnam P2012s, takes 23 options

Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has secured orders for two of its P2012 Traveller commuter aircraft from Hawaii’s Pacific Air Charters.

787_7Dec2021

News

United Airlines invests $15m in carbon-capture company Svante

United Airlines is investing $15 million in carbon-capture technology firm Svante, which is researching how to convert carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Breeze Airways' first A220-300 aircraft

News

Breeze to connect underserved West Virginia airport to ‘at least’ five cities

US discounter Breeze Airways plans to boost air service to the underutilised West Virginia International Yeager airport in Charleston by connecting it to at least five cities over the next two years. 

Seminole

News

Piper to deliver 55 new trainer aircraft to US flight school

Piper Aircraft has a deal to deliver a fleet of 55 new trainer class aircraft to Blue Line Aviation – a flight school headquartered in Smithfield, North Carolina – with options for a further 60 trainers. 

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Podcast

Airline Business Podcast: Consolidation challenges, Riyadh Air, C-suite diversity

Graham and Lewis talk through the growing list of consolidation moves within the global industry, discussing why deals take such a long time to get over the line.

Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora

News

Canada moves towards replacing CP-140s with P-8As

Canada has moved closer to the possible acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for its Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) requirement.

DART

News

Pentagon selects Australia’s Hypersonix for reusable hypersonic test platform

The Australian firm Hypersonix was selected by the US military’s technology accelerator to produce a reusable, low-angle vehicle capable of flight speeds at or above Mach 5.

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News

Archer’s ‘Midnight’ aircraft completes wind-tunnel testing campaign

Electric air taxi developer Archer Aviation recently completed wind-tunnel testing of a scaled-down model of its in-development “Midnight” aircraft.

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News

Unions form coalition against ‘unsafe’ single-pilot commercial flights

Pilots’ unions are putting their combined weight against single-pilot operation of commercial aircraft, calling concepts leaning more heavily on automation a “profit-driven scheme that poses a significant safety risk”.

A 737 Max wing tip in Boeing's Renton production site on 15 June 2022

News

Boeing tightens procedures to address bolt-torque issue at Renton 737 factory

Boeing recently found improperly torqued bolts in several areas of new-build 737 Max jets, indicating a quality problem similar to that revealed by the Federal Aviation Administration on 23 March.

FAA federal aviation administration

News

Biden pick to lead FAA withdraws nomination after Republican criticism

Former Denver International Airport chief executive Phil Washington withdrew from consideration to oversee the US aviation regulator after being criticised by the opposition Republican party for lack of experience.

Frontier

News

Lawmakers push for increased regulation of US carriers

Some US lawmakers and consumer advocates are calling for expansion of the US government’s role in overseeing airlines, while others are warning that regulatory expansion will only erode airline competition.

A 3D printed model of the GE T901 engine hangs from its sling waiting to be installed in an UH-60M c US Army

News

First flight of FARA prototypes slip to 2024 amid further engine delay

The US Army says GE Aerospace will not deliver the new Improved Turbine Engine until the autumn of 2023 – affecting the first flight of Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft prototypes being developed by Sikorsky and Bell.

GlobalX A320

News

GlobalX to operate nine weekly passenger flights from Miami to Cuba

US charter carrier Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has signed a long-term agreement with tour operator Cubamax Travel for nine weekly passenger flights to two Cuban cities – Havana and Santa Clara.

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News

Boeing and US Navy locked in dispute over lack of order for 20 F/A-18s

Congress has allocated funding for 20 additional Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in the 2022 and 2023 defence budgets, but the US Navy wants Boeing to relinquish additional data rights on the type before it awards a production contract.

Bombardier's Global 8000

News

Bombardier lifts production and revenue targets

Bombardier has hiked its two-year revenue projections and now expects in the coming years to significantly increase the pace at which it delivers business jets.

Boeing Center for Aviation Aerospace Safety

News

Boeing donates $5.1 million to Embry-Riddle aviation safety centre

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has landed a $5.1 million donation from Boeing to support an aviation safety centre at the school’s campus in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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News

Archer and United plan downtown Chicago-to-O’Hare air taxi route

US urban air mobility start-up Archer Aviation has added Chicago to its list of 2025 launch cities with an airport-to-downtown route planned to be operated by its in-development ”Midnight” aircraft. 

Airline Business Insight web

Analysis

Airline Business performance tracker: Americas Q4 2022

Key data from the most-recent Americas earnings period – the fourth quarter of 2022 – and the equivalent periods stretching back to the last pre-Covid year, powered by Airline Business Insight

Air China 737 Max-c-Boeing

News

Chinese airlines return more 737 Max to service as Boeing eyes delivery restart

Boeing’s 737 Max is making a slow but steady comeback in China, with carriers returning more of the jets to service and Boeing thinking about when it might restart deliveries to Chinese customers.

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News

Losses on Boeing defence business expected to continue

The aerospace giant’s chief financial officer says while he is optimistic about returning Boeing’s beleaguered defence portfolio to profitability, the business will continue to post losses in the near term.

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News

FAA allows airlines to temporarily return 10% of slots in Northeast USA

The Federal Aviation Administration will allow airlines operating out of four major airports in the Northeast US to leave up to 10% of assigned slots unused through the summer travel season due to staffing bottlenecks at air traffic control (ATC) facilities.

Lufthansa 787-c-Lufthansa

News

Boeing maintains 2023 delivery goals despite 787 halt and supply headaches

Boeing is sticking to its 2023 aircraft delivery goals despite hiccups early this year, including a weeks-long 787 delivery halt, a 767 quality issue and ongoing supply chain struggles.

American regional jets

News

Airlines welcome ‘crucial legislation’ that would raise US pilot retirement age

The latest effort by US lawmakers to allow commercial airline pilots to work until age 67 – rather than forcing them to retire at 65 – is drawing praise from airline industry groups.

737 Max 10

News

Boeing executive defends ‘next decade’ timeline for launching new narrowbody

A top Boeing executive has reiterated that the company will wait until next decade to bring a new single-aisle jetliner to market, saying Boeing needs that much time to mature technologies.

SeaGlider Flight

News

Sea glider maker Regent secures investment from Lockheed Martin

Lockheed’s venture capital fund will make a “strategic investment” in Regent, which is currently developing an all-electric, wing-in-ground-effect maritime vehicle for commercial customers, potentially expanding the company into the defence realm.

JFK tower-c-Shutterstock

News

FAA urges pilots review safety procedures to prevent airport accidents

The US Federal Aviation Administration is urging pilots and other airline workers to review safety protocols to prevent aircraft collisions during take-offs and landings.

JetBlue Airbus A321neo

News

JetBlue secures ‘commercially questionable’ slots in Amsterdam

JetBlue Airways has secured “commercially questionable slot times” at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport weeks after filing a complaint about the government of the Netherlands’ repeated rejections of its slot requests.  

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News

Court trial set for October in US case against JetBlue-Spirit deal

A US judge set an 16 October trial date for the federal government’s antitrust case against JetBlue Airways’ proposed acquisition of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines.

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News

Frontier plans to step up flights from Atlanta this summer

Frontier Airlines is planning a seasonal expansion of its Atlanta operations, which will become the ultra-low-cost carrier’s third largest operation by this summer.

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News

Conair networks simulators to train co-ordination in aerial firefighting

Aerial firefighting specialist Conair Group has expanded a mission training system which networks simulators to allow pilots to practice and co-ordinate flights over wildfires.

Boeing 737 Max 8

News

Flydubai seeks approval for United Airlines codeshare in Gulf region

Middle Eastern carrier Flydubai is formally seeking authorisation for a codeshare arrangement with US carrier United Airlines.

E-7 usaf

News

Northrop will supply MESA sensors to planned USAF E-7 fleet

Northrop Grumman will provide its Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array long-range sensor for the fleet of Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control jets the US Air Force plans to purchase.

carrier launch f-18

News

US military aviators see substantially higher rates of cancer than general population

A congressionally-mandated investigation found, when compared to the general population, US military aviation personnel see significantly elevated rates of cancer, including 87% greater incidence of melanoma for aircrew and 19% higher rates of brain and nervous system cancer for ground crew over a 25 year period.

737-800 WestJet

News

WestJet to launch 737 freighter flights on 22 April

Canadian carrier WestJet intends to begin flying Boeing 737-800 cargi aircraft next month after having received the required regulatory approvals.

B787-9 OE-LNM Landing

In depth

Norse Atlantic plans pivot to sun destinations next winter

In the coming northern hemisphere’s winter, Norse Atlantic Airways is planning to broaden its long-haul offer to sun-thirsty vacationers looking for a break from the cold, wet weather.

Atlas Air 747-8F

News

Investment group completes Atlas Air acquisition

An investment group led by Apollo Global Management has completed its acquisition of US cargo and charter airline Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, closing a deal announced last August.

A220 cockpit-c-Airbus

News

‘Defies common sense': regional airline group fires back at ALPA pilot-shortage stance

The US Regional Airline Association (RAA) is pushing back against assertions made during a 16 March Senate hearing that the airline industry is not short of pilots.

ATR-FedEx-2

News

Cost-cutting FedEx reduces flight operations amid ‘demand weakness’

FedEx is trimming its air delivery business to be “more agile and nimble” following a challenging fiscal third quarter. 

F-35A

News

Lockheed pleased with F-35 numbers in proposed US defence budget

The manufacturer of the advanced fifth-generation jet says the Pentagon’s current proposal for F-35 purchases in the next budget cycle would allow the company to meet its 2023 production target of 156 aircraft.

F-35B

Analysis

How SAF experimentation is fuelling change for military operators

Compared to commercial aviation, the defence sector has been trailing in taking action to mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions – but change is afoot.

Ukraine livery F-16s

Analysis

Is Ukraine’s Western fighter request a flight of fancy?

Ukraine is trying to convince NATO nations that donated Western fighters would give Kyiv a decisive edge in its war against Russian invaders. We assess whether the proposal has wings.

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Newsletter

Passenger demand steps up in encouraging start to 2023

Global demand for passenger travel has undoubtedly stepped up in the early months of 2023, as the recovery from Covid-19 continues.

Los Angeles International airport

News

FAA moves to require 25h of cockpit voice recording

The Federal Aviation Administration has moved to extend the required timeframe for cockpit voice recordings to be preserved in light of numerous recent serious runway incursion incidents in the USA.

Lufthansa 787-c-Lufthansa

News

Boeing resumes 787 deliveries but faces catch-up to meet 2023 delivery goal

Boeing’s most recent Dreamliner delivery pause came to an end on 15 March when the airframer handed over a 787-9 to German carrier Lufthansa.

Canada Jetlines_First Aircraft__0110

News

Canada Jetlines exploring potential partnership with Qatar Airways

Start-up leisure specialist Canada Jetlines is exploring a potential partnership with Qatar Airways that could include non-stop flights between Toronto and Qatar’s capital city of Doha.

Avianca A320. Avianca

News

Avianca to launch routes from Boston and Orlando to El Salvador

 Colombia’s Avianca will launch flights from Boston and Orlando to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, bginning in June.

Rq-7b shadow

News

US Army advances five rapid prototype developers for RQ-7B replacement

Following a competitive evaluation by the US Army, AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Textron, Sierra Nevada and Northrop Grumman have all received funding to support rapid prototyping of a replacement for the service’s RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle.

A-10 elephant walk

Analysis

Why Western air forces are taking fresh aim at their ‘carbon problem’

The defence world is fast waking up to the profound influence climate change will have on warfare. How will this impact play out and can the sector manage its greenhouse gas emissions?

su-27-grab

News

US releases video footage of Russian Su-27 colliding with Reaper over Black Sea

The US military has released video footage of a Black Sea incident during which a Russian air force Sukhoi Su-27 repeatedly harassed a US Air Force (USAF) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper, culminating in a collision which resulted in the remotely piloted air vehicle’s loss.

Boeing 787-c-Boeing

News

Boeing sees shift in delivery finance mix as air transport market recovers

Boeing is expecting expanding use of export credit and debt to finance aircraft deliveries, as it predicts that recovering production and travel will drive the need for financing almost back to pre-crisis levels this year.

Flair Airlines Boeing 737-800

News

Flair sues lessor Airborne over ‘unlawful’ aircraft repossessions

Flair Airlines has taken lessor Airborne Capital to court over what it alleges were “unlawful and immeasurably destructive actions” relating to the repossession of four aircraft, as the airline stresses that it is “here to stay” despite the operational snags.

A220-300-4 (1)

News

Air Canada pilots’ union to vote on combining with ALPA

The union representing more than 4,500 Air Canada pilots has reached an agreement in principal that would allow a combination with the much larger labour group, Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).

avelo1

News

Avelo Airlines adding second 737NG to new base in Raleigh-Durham

Start-up discount carrier Avelo Airlines plans to add a second Boeing 737NG to its new operational base at Raleigh-Durham International airport in North Carolina.

Atlas Air 747. Atlas

News

US regulators approve deal to take Atlas Air private

US cargo carrier Atlas Air has received regulatory approval to be acquired by an investor group led by Apollo Global Management, which would de-list Atlas from the Nasdaq stock exchange.

C-130H

News

Pacific Propeller wins ‘urgent’ overhaul work for USAF’s C-130H fleet

Washington state-based MRO provider Pacific Propeller International has received what it describes as an “urgent contract” from the US Air Force to replace propeller barrels on the service’s fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130H transports still equipped with a legacy propulsion system.

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In depth

Airline Business Covid-19 recovery tracker: March 2023 update

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

F-35 factory

News

Pentagon and Lockheed resume F-35 deliveries following engine fix

The US military is accepting new deliveries of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters for the first time since December, when a previously unidentified engine issue caused the crash of an F-35B undergoing certification at the company’s assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas.