Air Transport
News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.
Aircraft
Boeing Preaches Safety Ethic as Work on Max 7, Max 10 Persists
As year-end deadline approaches for certification of Max 7 and Max 10, Boeing hangs its hopes on a possible extension by act of Congress.
Airlines
Lufthansa Technik Taps into the Electronic Logbook Market
Following a rollout of its application with Hungary's Wizz Air, the German company seeks to become a “main player” in the growing e-logbook market.
Aircraft
WestJet Orders Up to 64 Boeing 737 Max 10s
The firm order from WestJet calls for delivery of 42 Boeing 737-10s.
Aircraft
Comac Wins Certification of C919
After 14 years of development, China's C919 narrowbody airliner appears nearly ready to enter service.
Airlines
IATA Demands ICAO States Back Net Zero Carbon Commitments
IATA's director general Willie Walsh said the 41st ICAO Assembly will be a failure it doesn't end with agreement and government action over net zero goals.
Aircraft
Boeing Marks Opening of Its Washington Additive Facility
Boeing held an opening ceremony for its new 3D printing facility in Auburn, Washington, on September 23.
Aircraft
Airbus Maintains Outlook of 700 Commercial Deliveries This Year
The European OEM will need to deliver some 320 airplanes over the last four months of the year to meet its target of 700.
Airlines
Mesa Airlines Buys 29 Pipistrel Trainers for Pilot Development
A purchase order from Mesa Airlines for 29 Pipistrel Alpha Trainer 2 aircraft comes with options for another 75 of the two-seaters over the next year.
Aircraft
Kremlin Proposes Russian Airlines Buy Seized Western Jets
Russian authorities have asked for consultations with local airlines over the possible purchase of Western airplanes that remain in Russia.
Training and Workforce
AINsight: The 1,500-hour Rule is Ridiculous
Getting new pilots to the 1,500-hour threshold so they can fly for airlines is not the best way to develop future flight crew.
Aircraft
Airbus Wins Order for 40 A320neos from Xiamen Airlines
A new 40-aircraft order for A320neos adds to a previous contract for 96 from Xiamen parent China Southern Airlines.
Aircraft
Air India "Transformation Plan" Will Refresh Network and Fleet
Following privatization in early 2022, Air India now intends to add new narrowbody and widebody aircraft through leasing arrangements.
Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines Captain Quits During Probe into Sleep Incident
During an investigation into the August 15 incident in which both Ethiopian Airlines pilots fell asleep during a flight, the captain has resigned.
Airlines
FAA Denies Republic’s Proposed Exemption from 1,500-hr Rule
Republic Airways’ proposal to reduce its first officer flight time requirements from 1,500 to 750 hours meets with stiff resistance from the FAA.
Aircraft
New Saudi Airline Plans Gain Momentum
The perception is that that existing flag carrier Saudia has been unsuccessful in matching the quality of service of the ‘Big Three’ Middle East airlines.
Airlines
French ATC Strike Inflicts More European Flight Disruption
French air traffic controllers are striking over pay demands and allegations of insufficient recruitment, prompting Ryanair to repeat demands for reforms.
Aircraft
Air Belgium Expands Services In the Face of Market Challenges
After a difficult start, the Belgian airline is betting on scheduled passenger services and cargo operations to reach profitability.
Aircraft
Heart Unveils Plans for 30-seat Electric Regional Airliner
Air Canada and Saab are investing in the Swedish start-up's plans to bring the 30-seat ES-30 model to market in 2028.
Aircraft
United Airlines Invests in Eve, Signs for 200 eVTOL Aircraft
A $15 million investment by United Airlines in Eve Air Mobility accompanies a conditional purchase agreement for 200 four-seat electric aircraft.
Aircraft
Aeroflot Signs for 339 Russian-made Jets
An agreement between Aeroflot and the United Aircraft Corporation calls for delivery of $16.3 billion worth of Russian airplanes starting next year.
Aircraft
As Boom Seeks Engine, Airlines Mull Supersonic Use Case
The most recent Boom Overture customer, American Airlines, says it will work with the manufacturer to determine route scenarios for the supersonic jet.
Airlines
U.S. Dispute over Pilot Shortages, Flight Disruptions Ratchets Up
ALPA stages nationwide picketing campaign in U.S. ahead of expected holiday travel crunch.
Aircraft
VoltAero Says Its Parallel Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Can Turn Air Transport Green
VoltAero Says Its Parallel Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Can Turn Air Transport Green
Airlines
China's Covid Policy Curbs Traffic Rebound in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific airlines seek new market opportunities to compensate for the loss of the Chinese market.
Aircraft
China Airlines Orders 16 Boeing 787-9s
An order for 16 Dreamliners by China Airlines calls for first delivery in 2025.
Airlines
European Commission Seeks Return to Normal 80:20 Slot Rule
Brussels argues that the recovery of air traffic to pre-Covid levels no longer warrants the relief from the usual 80:20 slot use requirement.
Aircraft
UPS Orders Eight Boeing 767 Freighters
An order for eight 767 Freighters brings UPS’s order total for the widebody cargo haulers to 108.
Engines
Pratt Canada’s PW127XT-M Gains Transport Canada Approval
The newly certified PW127XT-M will power all new-build ATR turboprops.
Aircraft
Engine Delay, Sanctions Threaten Sino-Russian CR929 Program
Funding shortages in Russia have delayed the PD-35 engine by as many as three years while relations between UAC and Comac deteriorate.
