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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Aircraft

Airlines Mull Use Case For Supersonic Jet Still Seeking Engines

Boom

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

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.

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.

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.

Accidents

NTSB Cites Weather as Issue in Yute Alaska Crash

Although the probable cause has yet to be released, the NTSB's factual report details flights by the VFR airline in IFR weather.

Airlines

Air Astana Resumes Growth after Pivot from Russia

After suspending six lucrative routes to Russia in March, Air Astana has turned its attention to domestic and alternative international markets.

Airlines

U.S. Regional Airline ExpressJet Declares Bankruptcy

A day after ceasing operations, ExpressJet filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Accidents

Civil Aviation Sees Big Drop in Accident Rate in 2021

The International Civil Aviation Organization reports a 9.8 percent drop in the rate of accidents and a 66 percent decline in fatalities last year.

Airlines

UK Software Startup Helping Pilots Fly More Efficiently

Virgin Atlantic has saved some 1,000 tonnes of fuel over six months thanks to a new behavioral economics and data science app from London-based Signol.