AERO UPDATE ARCHIVE

 

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May 2010 Boeing Completes First 787 GEnx Engine Runs The first General Electric GEnx engines on a Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner came to life Monday with initial engine starts...[continue] Commercial
April 2010 Sikorsky targets third quarter for 250kt X2 flight Sikorsky is targeting the third quarter to achieve the 250kt (460km/h) goal for its X2 high-speed prototype, after several delays in the flight-test programme.....[continue] Experimental
May 2010 Air force launches US military's first spaceplane The successful launch to orbit from Cape Canaveral on 22 April of the US Air Force's X-37B marked the flight debut of the US military's first-ever spaceplane - and the USA's first....[continue] USAF X-37B, USAF Other
May 2010 EADS to offer KC-45 tanker to US Air Force as prime contractor EADS North America has informed the Department of Defense the company will compete for the KC-X tanker deal as a prime contractor against Boeing....[continue] Transport
April 2010 Royal Thai Air Force Helicopters to Receive Obstacle Warning System Three additional helicopters for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will be equipped with obstacle warning systems under a new contract with EADS Defence & Security....[continue] Helicopter
April 2010 FAA grants expanded TIA to 787 flight test programme The US FAA granted Boeing expanded type inspection authorisation (TIA) yesterday for its Boeing 787 flight test programme. The move will pave the way for FAA...[continue] Commercial
April 2010 Flight disruptions costing Thai 100m baht daily Thai Airways International has estimated its financial losses at 100 million baht ($3.1 million) a day from flight disruptions due to the volcanic ash cloud in Europe....[continue] Commercial
April 2010 Elbit to build F-16I training centre for Israel Elbit Systems is to begin construction work soon on a new networked simulator building for the Israeli air force's Lockheed Martin F-16I strike aircraft. To be built at Hazor air base...[continue] Fighter
April 2010 Malaysia aims to upgrade air force with new fighters, AEW aircraft Malaysia's air force suffers from too many aircraft types and aircraft that fail to keep up with recent purchases by its neighbours. But government and air force officials are working to upgrade the air force's capability...[continue] Fighter
April 2010 China Eastern decides to join SkyTeam China Eastern Airlines has chosen SkyTeam as its alliance partner, and plans to formally join the group by mid-2011.The decision will come as a disappointment to Star Alliance...[continue] Commercial
April 2010 ICELAND VOLCANO: Latest on airspace disruption European airline operations remain seriously disrupted by the eruption of the Icelandic Eyjafjallajokull volcano, and there is uncertainty over the duration of the airspace...[continue] Other
April 2010 Saab to Further Develop the Reconnaissance System for GripenDefence and security company Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration for upgrade and further development of the reconnaissance system in Gripen...[continue] Saab to Further Develop the Reconnaissance System for Gripen Fighter
April 2010 Virgin Blue orders CFM56-7BE engines for new 737s Australia's Virgin Blue has ordered the CFM InternationalCFM56-7BE engine as part of last week's deal for 50 Boeing 737 aircraft. The purchase of 50 CFM56-7BE powerplants...[continue] Commercial
April 2010 Cessna Skycatcher China factory to open in 2011 Shenyang Aircraft's plans to have a new manufacturing plant and flight-test centre for the Cessna 162 Skycatcher light sport aircraft have been delayed until 2011...[continue] Cessna Skycatcher 162 Cessna Commercial
April 2010 Solar plane first flight Plane powered by sunshine completes its first test flight from Payerne Air Base Switzerland on April 7 2010....[continue] Experimental
April 2010 Malaysia Airlines Orders 17 A330s (March 31, 2010) -- Malaysia Airlines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 17 A330 widebody aircraft. The contract firms up a previously announced Memorandum of Understanding for 15 A330-300 passenger aircraft...[continue] Commercial
April 2010 First F-15SGs arrive in Singapore Singapore has flown home its first Boeing F-15SG fighters, just under a year after taking delivery of the first examples. Republic of Singapore Air Force pilots started training...[continue] Fighter
April 2010 Lockheed reveals USAF's first HC-130J tanker The US Air Force will take delivery of its first HC-130J combat rescue tanker later this year, with the aircraft having emerged at Lockheed Martin's Marietta production plant in Georgia on 3 April....[continue] Transport
April 2010 Struggling JAL to cut 50 routes TOKYO, April 3, 2010 (AFP) - Struggling Japan Airlines expects to cut about 50 routes including international and domestic flights this financial year in its bid to return to profitability...[continue] Commercial
April 2010 BA, Iberia merger held up by 'technical issues'MADRID, April 1, 2010 (AFP) - The signing of a merger agreement between British Airways and Iberia, initially planned for the first quarter, has been delayed for "technical issues"...[continue] Commercial
April 2010 China, Bolivia to build communications satellite LA PAZ, April 1, 2010 (AFP) - Chinese and Bolivian officials Thursday signed an agreement to build Bolivia's first communications satellite, intended for domestic security, for launch in 2013. The document was signed by....[continue] Other
March 2010 Success for hypersonic outback flightit soared through the atmosphere at more than 5,000 kilometres per hour after taking off from the Woomera Test Range in outback South Australia.

It was the second test flight, after one last May....[continue]

 Experimental
March 2010 China's AC313 has first flight and secures launch customerChinese state-owned helicopter manufacturer Avicopter flew its AC313 helicopter on 18 March from its Jingdezhen facility in eastern China's Jiangxi province. The triple-engined 13.8t....[continue] Helicopter
March 2010 CFM opens Hyderabad maintenance training centreCFM International's fourth CFM56 maintenance training centre has opened in Hyderabad in India to support its customers in the country and the region....[continue] Other
March 2010 Korea Utility Helicopter makes first flight(March 16, 2010) -- Korea Aerospace Industries has conducted the first flight of its Korea Utility Helicopter (KUH), which it developed with Eurocopter. Also known as the Surion, the KUH ....[continue] Helicopter
March 2010 Boeing reveals NewGen Tanker for KC-X contract Boeing has revealed a 767-based NewGen Tanker to offer the US Air Force for the KC-X contract to build 179 tankers....[continue] Transport
March 2010 Indian AF Signs EUR 560 M Contract For 12 AW101 HelicoptersAgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government transport duties....[continue] Helicopter
March 2010 Saab receives order for development of GripenDefence and security company Saab has received an order from FMV (the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) concerning development of the existing Gripen fleet. The order value amounts to SEK 2 billion for Saab, split over a period of four years.....[continue] Fighter
March 2010 India to Buy Additional Fighter Jets from RussiaIndia is negotiating a new military contract with Russia to buy 42 additional Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).....[continue] Fighter
Febuary 2010 Republic orders 40 CSeries and options 40 moreUS-based Republic Airways Holdings has ordered 40 Bombardier CSeries aircraft and placed options on 40 more....[continue] Commercial
Febuary 2010 BA to use biofuel from planned new conversion plant British Airways is to assist in establishing a biofuel plant from which it has tentatively agreed to acquire all the fuel the project produces.....[continue] Commercial
February 2010 Vietnam to buy 12 Russian Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets Vietnam has signed a deal to buy 12 Russian Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets from Russia for about $500 million, Russian media reported on Thursday, citing industry sources....[continue] Fighter
February 2010 STOVL Jet is 5th LM F-35 to Enter Flight Testing (Fort Worth, Texas, February 2, 2010) -- A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter today became the fifth F-35 to....[continue] Fighter
February 2010 Hong Kong Airlines to Order 6 A330-200s (February 4, 2010) -- Hong Kong Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for six A330-200 aircraft. The latest commitment will increase the number of A330s ordered by the airline to 23....[continue] Commercial
February 2010 Shanghai Engine Center Delivers 1st Heavy CFM56 Engine Overhaul (Singapore, February 4, 2010) -- The Shanghai Engine Center, a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp...[continue] MRO
February 2010 Boeing Moves 787 Dreamliner Fatigue Test Airframe to Testing Rig (Everett, Wash., February 2, 2010) -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) on Sunday moved the 787 Dreamliner fatigue test airframe to its structural test rig...[continue] Commercial
January 2010 Indonesia Plans to Buy Super Tucano Fighters The Indonesian Air Force plans to buy 16 Brazilian-made Super Tucano jet fighters to upgrade its fleet....[continue] Fighter
January 2010 Sukhoi's PAK FA fighter completes first flight  Sukhoi has conducted the first flight of its prototype PAK FA fifth-generation fighter, with the aircraft having conducted a 47min sortie this morning...[continue] Fighter
January 2010 Airbus to Showcase Latest Products at Singapore Airshow Airbus will have a major presence at this year's Singapore Airshow, showcasing both its commercial and military transport products. The highlight will be the first public presentation of the new A330-200F Freighter....[continue] Commercial
January 2010 Lockheed Performs First F-35B In-Flight STOVL Test Lockheed's fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II aircraft has successfully performed its first short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) propulsion system in-flight test....[continue] Fighter
January 2010 China to build world's highest airport in 2011  China plans to build a commercial airport at an altitude of 4,436m (14,544ft) in Tibet, making it the world's highest airport. Construction at Nagqu prefecture in northern Tibet is due to commence in 2011....[continue] Commercial
January 2010 Mechanical fault forces A380 to be grounded A new Airbus A380 super jumbo has been grounded at a South Korean airport due to a mechanical fault, the latest in a series of glitches for the world's largest airliner....[continue] Commercial
January 2010 Airbus lays groundwork for A320 re-engining  Airbus has moved closer to launching a revamped A320 family after signing agreements with CFM International and Pratt & Whitney which will lay the groundwork for re-engining the twinjet....[continue] Commercial
January 2010 USA issues new security directives for inbound flights  The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has mandated new security measures covering inbound flights to the USA effective 4 January....[continue] Commercial
December 2009 Boeing Delivers Four Next-Generation 737-900ERs to Lion Air Boeing delivered four Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes to Lion Air in December....[continue] Commercial
December 2009 World air travel falls record 3.1 percent in 2009 MONTREAL, Dec 18, 2009 (AFP) - World airline passenger traffic fell 3.1 percent in 2009, the biggest drop in aviation industry history, fueled by the global financial....[continue] Other
December 2009 Hong Kong airport posts 0.4% dip in passenger traffic Hong Kong airport posted a 16.4% growth in cargo traffic in November, but passenger numbers fell 0.4%. Total passenger numbers dropped 0.4% to 3.8 million from 3.81 million a year ago, says the airport...[continue] Commercial
December 2009  Jetstar and AirAsia in talks for JV Australia's Jetstar and Malaysia's AirAsia are in talks about a potential cost-saving joint venture between the two low-cost carriers. "Qantas confirms that its wholly owned subsidiary...[continue] Commercial
December 2009 CFM International to provide engines for Comac's C919 The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has chosen CFM International to provide the engines for its new C919 aircraft, confirms a source close to Comac.....[continue] Commercial
December 2009 A400M, world's most advanced airlifter, completes first flight The first Airbus Military A400M military airlifter has landed back in Seville, Spain today at 14:02 local time (13:02 UTC) after completing a successful maiden flight lasting 3h 47min....[continue] Transport
December 2009 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Completes First Flight 787 Dreamliner took to the sky for the first time today, ushering a new era in air travel as it departed before an estimated crowd of more than 12,000 employees.....[continue] Commercial
December 2009 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Program Completes Static Test Analysis (Everett, Wash., December 10, 2009) -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today completed the review and analysis of the static test that was conducted Nov. 30 to validate the side-of-body modification made to the 787 Dreamliner. "I am happy to report that the program has validated the airplane structure for the 787 Dreamliner," said Scott Fancher.....[continue] Commercial
December 2009 Thais detain plane with weapons from North Korea Thai authorities seized a cargo aircraft carrying tons of weapons from North Korea during a refueling stop in Bangkok, a government official said. The pilot told Thai authorities the aircraft was headed to Sri Lanka, but its final destination was unknown, according to Panitan Wattanayagorn, a spokesman for the Thai PM...[continue] Other
December 2009 Thai saves 10.3bn baht on non-fuel expenses Thai Airways International has saved 10.3 billion Thai baht ($310 million) on non-fuel expenses in the first three quarters of this year, as the airline works to reduce its debt. It expects to achieve 11.84 billion Thai baht in savings, or a 15% reduction in costs, in the whole of 2009, says the carrier....[continue] Commercial
December 2009 New Thai Joint Venture  (December 3, 2009) -- Saab has entered into a partnership with Thai company Avia Satcom Co. Ltd., to form a joint venture for developing high technology products within aviation and defence. The new company, Avia Saab Technologies, will initially focus on the development of a National Tactical Datalink....[continue] Other
December 2009 Air Force To Expand PlayStation-Based Supercomputer The U.S. Air Force is looking to buy 2,200 Sony PlayStation 3 game consoles to build out a research supercomputer, according to an document posted on the federal government's procurement Web site...[continue] Other
December 2009 Alenia Aermacchi delivers MB-339CM trainers to Royal Malaysian Air Force Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company controlled by Alenia Aeronautica, officially delivered the eight MB-339CM to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in a ceremony held yesterday...[continue] Fighter
November 2009 IAI, EADS discuss adapting A320 for airborne early warning Israel Aerospace Industries and EADS are in advanced discussions on teaming up to offer an airborne early warning system installed on a member of the Airbus A320 family...[continue] Transport
November 2009 First Flight for Airbus A400M in 2 Weeks Airbus’ long-delayed A400M military transport will make its first test flight during the week beginning Dec. 7, “weather permitting”...[continue] Transport
November 2009 Thai to replace 4-6 747s with leased 777-300ERs  Thai Airways International plans to get four to six Boeing 777-300ERs to replace its older 747...[continue] Commercial
November 2009 Thai Airways reported third quarter loss of $119. million Thai Airways reported a THB4.03 billion ($119.5 million) loss in the third quarter, reversed from a THB426.2 million profit in the year-ago period that was the product of a large foreign exchange gain. Revenue dropped 27.7% year-over-year ...[continue] Commercial
November 2009 First Air France A380 reaches New York The world's largest airliner, an Air France A380, touched down in New York on Friday after completing the superjumbo jet's first Atlantic crossing from Europe to the United States. The Airbus plane, carrying 538 passengers, left Paris earlier in the day and landed ...[continue] Commercial
November 2009 P&W Delivers 1st F100-229 EEP Engine Pratt & Whitney has delivered the first ever F100-229 Engine Enhancement Package (EEP) Engine for installation in a Republic of Korea Air Force F-15..[continue] Fighter
November 2009 Saab Signs Contract with United Arab Emirates for Airborne Surveillance System Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract for the sale of an airborne surveillance system to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The contract is worth approximately 1.5 billion SEK..[continue] Transport
November 2009 Airbus launches A320 wingtips to cut fuelburn European aircraft manufacturer Airbus launched on Sunday its fuel-saving "Sharklet" large wingtip devices for its A320 family....[continue] Commercial
November 2009 Sikorsky and Tata Create JV in India to Manufacture Aerospace Components Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) today announced the signing of an agreement creating a joint venture that will manufacture aerospace components for Sikorsky in India, including components for S-92(r) helicopter cabins...[continue] MRO
November 2009 Air India must cut costs to qualify for bailout minister NEW DELHI, Nov 13, 2009 (AFP) - A panel of Indian ministers has told flagship state-run airline Air India that it must cut costs in order to qualify for a government bailout. "If the recovery (in the airline's performance) is visible, the support from the government will also be visible," Civil Aviation Minister Praful...[continue] Commercial
November 2009 Boeing Receives Contract to Develop Miniature Weapon Technology The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] received a $500,000 U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory contract on Sept. 30 for the first phase of a program to demonstrate miniature weapon technology for use on unmanned airborne vehicles (UAV)...[continue] UAV
November 2009 UK could arm its Watchkeeper UAVs The UK could integrate a lightweight weapon with its Thales UK/Elbit Systems Watchkeeper 450 tactical unmanned air vehicles, operations of which should begin from late next year. "We are conducting analysis to investigate the contribution that an armed Watchkeeper UAV system could make in current and future...[continue] UAV
November 2009 ANA and Continental sign alliance agreement  Star Alliance carriers All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Continental Airlines have signed an alliance agreement. The deal covers codesharing, lounge access and frequent flyer programmes, says ANA. Continental joined Star on 27 October.
ANA says its passengers will be able to earn and redeem points on Continental flights and vice versa, and that Star Alliance gold members will have complete access to the lounges of both carriers...[continue]		 Commercial
November 2009 Australian competition watchdog targets Thai for alleged price-fixing Australia's competition watchdog has taken legal action against Thai Airways International for alleged price-fixing of cargo services. A hearing in the country's federal court has been set for 26 November, says the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC)...[continue] Commercial
November 2009 Thai AirAsia to increase focus on international markets Thai AirAsia plans to increase its proportion of international services due to relatively few growth opportunities within Thailand. The low-cost carrier has a 50:50 split between international and domestic services, but that will increase to 70:30 in favour of the international services within the next five years, says CEO Tassapon Bijleveld. This is because the domestic market is saturated, he adds....[continue] Commercial
November 2009 Gripen NG Demo Returns to the Skies he Gripen NG Demonstrator has been modified with a number of tactical systems: AESA radar, a new satellite communication system, an electro-optical missile warning system as well as activation of the increased internal fuel...[continue] Fighter
November 2009 Continental officially joins Star  Continental in a ceremony later today at its Newark hub will formally enter into the Star Alliance, completing an 18 month transition from the SkyTeam Alliance, and becoming the 25th airline to join first global airline alliance. The impetus for Continental's move was the merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines that was unveiled in April 2008...[continue] Commercial
November 2009 The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master makes its 1,000th flight The new M-346 Master advanced trainer designed by Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, has reached the symbolic 1,000-flight milestone....[continue] Fighter
November 2009 KLM to make demonstration flight on bio-fuel  KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be the first airline in the world to make a demonstration flight on bio-kerosene with a select group of passengers. This will also be the first ever flight in Europe on bio-kerosene. On 23 November 2009...[continue] Experimental
October 2009 Boeing plunges into the red in 3Q, reiterates 787 will fly by year-end Costs and charges associated with Boeing's delayed 787 and 747-8 programmes pushed the airframer deep into the red for the third quarter. For the three months ended 30 September, the manufacturer incurred a net loss of $1.6 billion compared to a $695 million profit in the year-earlier period...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 USAF approves auto-GCAS for fighters Controlled flight into terrain could be virtually eliminated as a mishap category for US Air Force fighters by loading a new set of algorithms into the flight computer. Two months ago, the Air Combat Command erred when responding to a query about the status of the decade-old automatic ground collision avoidance system (auto-GCAS)..[continue] Fighter
October 2009 AirAsia defers eight more A320s  Malaysian low-cost carrier group AirAsia will defer eight Airbus A320s it was due to receive in 2011, bringing its total A320 deferrals to 16. The carrier is also accelerating the phasing out of its Boeing 737s, AirAsia CEO Tony...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Boeing's Shanghai MRO opens new hangar Shanghai maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firm Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services has opened a new hangar and reiterated its plan to move into work on widebodies. The MRO does line maintenance...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi passenger traffic up 22.4% in September Total passenger traffic at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport grew by 22.4% year-on-year in September to 3.1 million. Aircraft movements at Suvarnabhumi, Thailand's main gateway, grew 9.7% to 20,636, says Airports of Thailand. The airport's freight traffic fell 4.9% to 96,580 tonnes...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 China's United Eagle to buy ARJ21s once Comac buys the airline  Chinese airframer Comac plans to become the largest shareholder in Sichuan-based carrier United Eagle Airlines, which in turn plans to sign for 30 Comac ARJ21 regional jets. Sichuan Airlines Group currently owns 76% of United Eagle but a source there says that Comac plans to buy a 48% stake which will leave Sichuan Airlines Group with 40.97%...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Garuda signs on with SR Technics for component support Garuda Indonesia has extended its component support agreement with maintenance, repair and overhaul firm SR Technics...[Continue] MRO
October 2009 First Flight Of SkyEye 350 Aerial Surveillance Aircraft Aerial Surveillance Systems has announced the SkyEye 350 Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350-based aerial surveillance aircraft successfully completed its first flight on September 30th...[Continue] Transport
October 2009 Thai Airways' new president outlines challenges ahead Thai Airways International's new president Piyasvasti Amranand has called on the struggling national carrier to be more dynamic, customer-orientated and cost-effective. Piyasvasti says the loss-making carrier "must continue to cut costs, radically improve our operational performance and enhance the efficiency...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Spain to grant 359 mln euros to A350 subcontractors MADRID, Oct 16, 2009 (AFP) - Spain's socialist government Friday approved up to 359 million euros (521 million dollars) in loans for subcontractors of the Airbus A350 long-haul passenger aircraft. The companies must be "subcontractors for top-level programmes of its new A350 XWB Airbus....[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Goodrich Selected by Rolls-Royce to Develop Fuel Nozzles for Next Generation Aircraft Engines Goodrich Corporation has signed a research agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop the next generation of fuel nozzles for “lean burn” combustion technology systems...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Ailing JAL seeks tie-up with low-cost carriers in Asia Struggling Japan Airlines is seeking a tie-up with low-cost carriers for its Asian operations, a report said Saturday. JAL, looking for another public bailout to keep flying, is putting together an emergency turnaround plan under the supervision of a government task force...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Envelope Expansion Continues as Sikorsky X2 Technology Demonstrator Tops 100-Knot Speed Milestone Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 TechnologyTM demonstrator achieved a maximum speed of 106 knots in a recent test flight at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center...[continue] Experimental
October 2009 EMBRAER SELLS SECOND ERJ 135 JET TO THE ROYAL THAI NAVY Embraer has signed a contract with the Royal Thai Navy for the sale of its second ERJ 135 jet. Added to the other two orders made by the Royal Thai Army...[continue] Transport
October 2009 Lufthansa, Panasonic hook up for in-flight Internet German flag carrier Lufthansa and Japanese electronics giant Panasonic have teamed up to offer passengers wireless Internet on long-haul flights from 2010...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Malaysia's CTRM in 1.03 billion deal with Goodrich Malaysia's government-owned Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) has sealed a multi-billion deal to provide parts for global aerospace supplier Goodrich...[continue] MRO
October 2009 Airlines Say Fuel Price Instability is Their Most Vexing Problem Volatile fuel prices have replaced exorbitant fuel costs as a major focus for airlines, followed by yield and revenue management. Those were the top priorities identified by carriers surveyed by Sabre Airline Solutions. Roughly 192 participants from 90 airlines...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Qatar Airways makes world’s first gas-to-liquid-fuelled revenue flight Qatar Airways has achieved a world first today by operating an Airbus A340-600 on a revenue flight powered by gas-to-liquid (GTL) kerosene...[continue] Experimental
October 2009 ‘Green’ aircraft will look different, use less fuel NASA’s X-48 is an example of a “blended wing” aircraft that might be a picture of the future, as aircaft makers strive to save fuel and shrink greenhouse emissions by using cutting-edge technology and exotic form factors...[continue] Experimental
October 2009 World Turbofan Engine Market forecast at $292 Bn through 2018 A credit crisis and the resulting slowdown in the world economy has exacerbated the turbine engine industry's normal downcycle. The exuberance of the three-year period prior to the fourth quarter of 2008 saw annual aircraft sales growing at an unsustainable pace...[continue] Commercial
October 2009 HK introduces shorter flight routes to help airlines save fuel Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has shortened the flight routes to Hong Kong's airport which means aircraft arriving from Europe, China, the Middle East and southeast Asia save 14mins on the fight time....[continue] Commercial
October 2009 Lockheed starts building new version of the C-130J Lockheed Martin officially launched production on 5 October of the first C-130 Hercules acquired by the US Air Force to support search and rescue missions since the Vietnam War...[continue] Transport
October 2009 China to build, launch satellite for Laos China will build and launch a communications satellite for Laos, Chinese media reported Saturday, following similar ventures for Nigeria and Venezuela. China would also build a satellite control centre for Laos, according to an agreement signed Friday, reports said, citing an official at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT)....[continue] Others
October 2009 ATR Presents the 1st ATR '-600' Series Aircraft Today, ATR officially presented the first aircraft of its new '-600' series. The aircraft, an ATR 72-600 prototype, was unveiled during a ceremony, which took place in Toulouse....[continue] Commercial
October 2009 UOP Renewable Jet Fuel Technology to be Used for Military Testing and Certification UOP process technology will be used to produce up to 600,000 gallons of renewable jet fuel from algae, animal fats and camelina for the U.S. Navy and Air Force....[continue] Experimental
October 2009 Bangkok Airways implements cost-cutting measures Bangkok Airways is offering staff a voluntary redundancy package and suspending several international services to help it cut costs. "During this critical stage, the airline will restructure the entire company in order to enable it to respond to market situations in a more timely fashion," says Bangkok Airways....[continue] Commercial
October 2009 US' Trans States orders up to 100 Mitsubishi MRJs Mitsubishi Aircraft has signed a deal with US regional carrier Trans States Airlines for 100 aircraft in the MRJ regional jet family....[continue] Commercial
September 2009 Airbus Welcomes 50 Per Cent Synthetic Fuel Milestone Airbus welcomes the latest steps towards the approval by ASTM International, one of the largest voluntary standards developing organizations in the world, for the use of a 50 per cent synthetic jet fuel in commercial aviation...[continue] Experimental
September 2009 China's AVIC reveals plans for new general aviation aircraft Aviation Industry Corporation of China General Aircraft plans to build a small business jet as well as small piston-engined aircraft....[continue] Commercial
September 2009 Gripen plans to invest in Thailand Giant fighter manufacturer Gripen International of Sweden has expressed its interest to invest in Thailand, according to Industry Minister Charnchai Chairungrueng. After meeting with senior executive of Gripen International, Mr. Charnchai stated that the firm had set plans....[continue] 1st Flight for Royal Thai Air Force Gripen Fighter
September 2009 Airlines vow to halve carbon emissions by 2050 The aviation industry Tuesday will make a dramatic pledge to slash carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2050, as key climate change talks get underway at the United Nations, a report said......[continue] Commercial
September 2009 Indian govt to infuse equity into Air India India's civil aviation ministry will shortly seek cabinet approval to infuse equity into ailing state-owned carrier Air India. The civil aviation minister Praful Patel told reporters after in New Delhi that the aim is to reduce Air India's high debt levels, according to Indian media reports. A time frame for the move was not specified.....[continue]

Commercial
September 2009 Air France and Lufthansa Prepare for A380 Service Introduction The A380's first two European operators - French flag carrier Air France, and Germany's national airline Lufthansa - are building the excitement as they prepare for upcoming service introductions of the 21st century Airbus flagship jetliner. Air France will be the first operator to offer A380 transatlantic travel between Europe and the U.S.....[continue] Commercial
September 2009 Airbus Military to receive delayed A400M FADEC software 'this week'  Airbus Military expects to accept flightworthy engine control software for its delayed A400M transport this week, putting it on track to achieve first flight by the end of the year...[continue] Transport
September 2009 1st Flight for Royal Thai Air Force Gripen The first Gripen fighter for Thailand completed its maiden flight in Linkoping, Sweden, today. The flight took off at 14:50 local time and lasted for 80 minutes with Saab test pilot Mats Thorbiornsson at the controls....[continue] 1st Flight for Royal Thai Air Force Gripen Fighter
September 2009 Russian University Orders 12 Skyhawk Planes from Cessna Russia's Saint-Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation will purchase 12 new 172S Skyhawks from Cessna for its flight training programme...[continue] Others
September

2009

 Airbus raises 20-year industry forecast European aerospace giant Airbus on Thursday increased its 20-year forecast for aircraft, citing the impact of emerging countries, low-cost air travel and demand for more fuel-efficient planes. Airbus forecast around 25,000 passenger and cargo planes will be sold for a total of 3.1 trillion dollars (2.1 trillion euros) between 2009 and 2028.....[continue] Commercial
September

2009

 Cathay signs largest aircraft leaseback deal to raise cash Cathay Pacific said Wednesday it had signed its largest aircraft sale and leaseback agreement and planned to sell almost half of its stake in an engineering affiliate to preserve cash in the downturn. The embattled Hong Kong carrier said in a statement it had signed an agreement with BOC Aviation, Bank of China's aircraft leasing company, for the sale and leaseback of six of the 19 Boeing 777-300ER....[continue] Commercial
September

2009

 JAL offered lifeline by American Airlines, BA, Qantas Japan Airlines (JAL) has received a joint offer of assistance from American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas to help it through its financial difficulties, the Nikkei business daily reported Friday. Executives from the three carriers visited JAL's headquarters on Wednesday to present an offer including debt guarantees....[continue] Commercial
September

2009

 BAE Systems and Quest International UK Lead the Way in Setting New Cabin Air Standards BAE Systems has joined forces with Quest International UK of Cheadle, Cheshire (a Small Medium Enterprise - SME) to introduce to the world’s airlines the AirManager, a radical new active air management system, which sets a new standard for exceptionally clean air on board aircraft...[continue] Commercial
September

2009

 IATA forecasts deeper losses for airlines Airlines this year would lose $11 billion due to rising fuel prices and exceptionally weak yields, the International Air Transport Association has said.
This is $2 billion worse than the previously projected $9 billion.
According to IATA's revised global financial forecast on airline losses....[continue]		 Others
August

2009

 Goodrich to Provide Carbon Brakes and Boltless Wheels to USAF C-130's Goodrich Corporation (NYSE:GR) has been awarded a contract by the Defense Logistics Agency - Ogden to provide new carbon brakes and boltless wheels for the Air Force's fleet of C-130 transport aircraft. The selection is expected to generate up to $400 million....[continue] Transport
September

2009

 Lufthansa Technik eyes Asian market opportunities Lufthansa Technik (LHT) is at the show aiming to broaden its Asian customer base after sinking significant investment into its Beijing-based Ameco joint venture with Air China....[continue] MRO
September

2009

 Vietnam's set for first foreign aircraft parts plant A subsidiary of Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will Monday become the first foreign firm to open an aircraft related manufacturing facility in Vietnam...[continue] MRO
September

2009

 Chinese MRO providers gear up for expansion Maintenance, repair and overhaul firms in China are expanding by opening new hangars and capability ...[continue] MRO
September
2009
 Air cargo upturn 'fragile': IATA An upturn in air cargo demand this year has been driven by companies restocking inventories which have run low, industry group IATA said on Thursday. But this pick up would remain "fragile" as long as economic recovery is driven by the inventory cycle, and not by increased consumption and business investment, the International Air Transport Association added. ...[continue] Others
September
2009
 Vast majority of road warriors want in-flight Wi-Fi: survey   A whopping 76% of road warriors would choose an airline based on the availability of in-flight Wi-Fi, a new study finds. According to poll results released today by industry association the Wi-Fi Alliance in conjunction with Wakefield Research, in-flight Wi-Fi access is fast becoming a highly valued airline amenity for frequent fliers and business travellers, "who value it more than meal service ...[continue] Others
September
2009
 Lufthansa Completes Austrian Takeover Lufthansa today finally took control of Austrian Airlines closing a deal that has been pending for nine months. Following all European Commission approvals, the airline bought a share in excess of 90% of Austrian and is expected to take over the remaining shares....[continue] lufthansa_logo Commercial
September
2009
 Air France announces 1,500 job cuts Air France said Friday it was about to launch a voluntary redundancy scheme to shed 1,500 jobs due to a decline in both passenger and cargo business....[continue] Commercial
September
2009
 1st A400M Moved Outdoors for Outside Ground Tests The first A400M (MSN1) has left the Final Assembly Line (FAL) on 2nd September, to be moved to the next ground test station which now is outdoors...[continue] Transport
September
2009
 China and Taiwan start scheduled services after 60 years Chinese and Taiwanese carriers earlier today launched much-awaited scheduled services across the Taiwan Strait, marking the first time in 60 years there have been scheduled non-stop flights between China and Taiwan. Taiwanese carrier China Airlines (CAL) says....[continue] Others
September
2009
 Air Works to provide MRO services for Sukhoi Superjet in India Russia's SuperJet International has signed Indian MRO firm Air Works to be the authorized service partner for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft in India. "Under the agreement, Air Works will perform the maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the SSJ100 aircraft series at its MRO facility in Hosur, near Bangalore," says Air Works.....[continue] MRO
September
2009
 Malaysia Airports H1 net profit up 9.4% Malaysia Airports' net profits rose 9.4% in the first six months of the year to 192.7 million ringgit ($54.7 million). Revenues at the national airports operator, which runs Kuala Lumpur International Airport, grew by 9.42% to 782.8 million ringgit.....[continue] Others
August
2009
 Iberia flies into the red Spanish airline Iberia said Friday it plunged into the red in the second quarter as the economic crisis battered the industry, recording a net loss of 72.8 million euros (103.4 million dollars). The airline made a net profit of 21.2 million euros in the same period in 2008.....[continue] Others
August
2009
 Boeing Announces New 787 Schedule and Third-Quarter Charge The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) today announced that the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner is expected by the end of 2009 and first delivery is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2010. The new schedule reflects the previously announced need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft, along with the addition of several weeks of schedule margin to....[continue] Commercial
August
2009
 EU clears Lufthansa bid for Austrian Airlines on conditions The European Commission on Friday conditionally approved Lufthansa's takeover of Austrian Airlines (AUA), saying the German flag carrier must make promised changes to resolve competition concerns. Lufthansa has offered remedies to concerns voiced by Brussels that the deal could leave consumers with reduced choice and higher prices on five routes, most of them between Vienna and German cities.....[continue] Others
August
2009
 Boeing displays manned F/A-XX concept jet Boeing Phantom Works has released a new concept image for a "sixth-generation" fighter to replace the F/A-18E/F fleet after 2025. The two-seat, twin-engined tailless concept jet is being offered for F/A-XX, a notional US Navy strategy that has not yet become a formal requirement...[continue] Experimental
August
2009
 Brazil's Gol posts Q2 net income of R$354 million Brazilian carrier Gol had net income of R$354 million ($192 million) in the second quarter and it has reduced its cost base. Gol says the second quarter's net income of R$354 million compares to a net loss of R$167 million the corresponding period last year....[continue] Others
August
2009
 US forces plot new role for unmanned cargo resupply The US Marine Corps has selected two bidders - the Boeing A160T Hummingbird and the Lockheed Martin/Kaman K-Max - to demonstrate the ability to move 2,722 kg (6,000 lb) in less than 6h for three consecutive days. If either the Hummingbird or K-Max proves acceptable, the USMC is likely to sign the aircraft for a services contract and deploy it immediately to Afghanistan to reduce the need for truck convoys....[continue] UAV
August
2009
 AirAsia X has no plans for merger with AirAsia  Malaysia long-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X says there are no plans for a merger with parent AirAsia. "As far as AirAsia X is concerned, nobody here is looking at [a merger]," says AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani. "We've received no proposal from AirAsia." In early June, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes....[continue] Others
August
2009
 US Senate axes F-35 alternate engine  Senators today voted to freeze spending on the General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136, the second engine under development for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme. The Senate voted to reject an amendment that would have restored more than $600 million to continue development of the F136 and buy the first four production units.....[continue] Others
August
2009
 Qantas Announces Profit Result - Year Ended 30 June 2009  Qantas today announced a profit before tax of $181 million for the full-year ended 30 June 2009, down 87 per cent on the prior year. Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr.Alan Joyce, said the diversity of the Qantas Group's operations had contributed to it being one of the few airline operators worldwide to produce a full-year profit, despite the impact of the global economic downturn....[continue] Commercial
August
2009
 Cathay traffic in July down 8%   Cathay Pacific Airways posted an 8.2% fall in passenger traffic in July with traffic from North America the most adversely affected. The Oneworld carrier says RPKs in July dropped 8.2% year-on-year and it cut ASKs by 7.5% so the passenger load factor fell 0.6 percentage points to 83.5%....[continue] Others
August
2009
 Fuel Team Plans Super Hornet Biofuels Flight Test  Patuxent River, Md. (NNS) — The Naval Air Systems Command fuels team is gearing up for biofuels flight tests in an F/A-18 Super Hornet at Patuxent River, Md., by next spring or summer, according to NAVAIR’s fuel expert. Rick Kamin, Navy fuels lead, explained that before “biofueling” the plane, the team will first conduct laboratory and rig tests at Pax River...[continue] Experimental
August
2009
 Aurora Launches Development of Optionally Piloted Vehicle  Aurora Flight Sciences announced today the launch of an Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) based on the popular Diamond Aircraft DA42M. The DA42M is a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified twin-engine aircraft that seats four people. Its diesel engines run on a range of heavy fuels...[continue] Experimental
August
2009
 AirAsia posts Q2 profit of 139m ringgit  Malaysian low-cost carrier group AirAsia recorded a 139 million ringgit ($40 million) increase in second quarter profit but warned it is likely to delay more aircraft on order. In the three months ending 30 June it made a 139 million ringgit net profit compared to 9 million ringgit the corresponding period last year, AirAsia says to the Malaysia stock exchange....[continue] Others
August
2009
 Asiana posts Q2 profit on sale of IT unit  South Korea's Asiana Airlines posted a second quarter 2009 net profit of 47.1 billion Korean won ($38 million) between April-June, up from a 19.2 billion won loss a year earlier. The increase in net profit stemmed from an exceptional item, the sale of an IT unit....[continue] Others
July
2009
 Senate votes to stop F-22 production  The US Senate today voted to end production of Lockheed Martin F-22s after 2011, overturning a challenge to the Obama Administration's defence budget priorities with a surprising 18-vote majority. The Senate voted 58-40 to strip $1.75 billion for buying seven more F-22s beyond the 187 funded in the current programme of record. The money had been added in June by the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee....[continue] Fighter
July
2009
 India to have 230 Sukhoi Su-30s by 2015 The Indian air force plans to more than double the size of its Sukhoi Su-30 fleet to 230 aircraft by 2015 as part of a plan to accelerate its fighter modernization. Defence minister A K Antony told the Indian parliament's upper house that the air force "feels that the Su-30 - one of the advanced fighter aircraft in the world - is best suited for Indian conditions"....[continue] Fighter
July
2009
 Indonesia eyes additional military transport capabilityIndonesia is looking to buy new and refurbished transports, with the country's defence minister saying that it is in talks with the USA about a loan to finance the purchase of one Lockheed Martin C-130H. "We are still assessing and discussing the possibility," Juwono Sudarsono told...[continue] Transport
July
2009
 Korea - MH-60S Multi-Mission HelicoptersOn July 17, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government Korea of eight MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters with 16 T700-GE-401C Turbo shaft engines and associated Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM) Sensors, eight AN/AQS-20A Towed Sonar Mine Countermeasure Systems, eight AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection Systems....[continue] Helicopter
July
2009
 C-130J Delivery Continues U.S. Air Force Build-Up Of Super Hercules FleetLockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] yesterday delivered the 14th of 16 C 130J Super Hercules to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The aircraft will be assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron, the first active-duty combat C-130J squadron in the U.S. Air Force. This latest C-130J Super Hercules was accepted by Major General Winfield W. Scott III, Commander 18th Air Force, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.....[continue] Transport
July
2009
 G8 Supports Global Sectoral Approach for AviationThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the G8 leaders' support for a global sectoral approach in dealing with aviation's emissions in the post-2012 period on the way to a 50% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050....[continue] Others
July
2009
 Roll-Out of the 1st G.222 Aircraft for Afghanistan
Alenia Aeronautica held a ceremony at its Capodichino (Naples) location for the roll-out of the first G.222 aircraft, ordered by the United States Air Force (USAF), to be restored to airworthiness, and modernized with new systems and avionics.....[continue]		 Transport
July
2009
 Thai Air Asks Airbus To Delay Delivery Of A380s Or Change Model
Thai Airways International PCL (THAI.TH) Thursday said it has asked Airbus to delay the delivery of six A380 aircraft or allow a change to other models after Airbus rebuffed its efforts to cancel the order. The airline has sought to revise its order after finding that the super jumbo jets are too costly and may be hard to fill sufficiently to return a profit at a time when it is burdened with liquidity constraints....[continue]		 Commercial
July
2009
 Boeing cutting 1,000 more jobs Boeing will slash about 1,000 jobs from its Integrated Defense Systems department because of funding cuts by the Pentagon, according to a memo to employees. These cuts are in addition to previously announced job cuts at the aerospace giant.....[continue] Commercial
July
2009
 Swine flu bringing Thai Airways down The swine flu outbreak has caused Thai Airways International’s passenger numbers from eastern Asia to steeply drop, its executive board chairman said yesterday. Chairman Wallop Bhukkanasut told Bangkok Post that the carrier was suffering from the effects of Influenza A (H1N1) with drops of up to 20 percent in passenger numbers from Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea......[continue] Others
July
2009
 F-35 Radar's Electronic Protection Capabilities Validated During Exercise Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced that it successfully demonstrated key electronic protection capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II's AN/APG-81 radar during the recent Northern Edge 2009 (NE09) joint military exercise......[continue] Experimental
July
2009
 Successful 1st Operational NATO Assessment of a Eurofighter Wing Excellent results were achieved after the first operational evaluation made by NATO of a Eurofighter Typhoon Wing. A NATO evaluation team certified the Italian Air Force's 4th Fighter Wing at the Grosseto Base as a NATO Quick Response Force.....[continue] Fighter
July
2009
 Rolls-Royce Wins $470 M Trent Order from Turkish Flag Carrier Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has won a $470m order, at list prices, for Trent engines to power seven aircraft from Turkish Airlines (Turk Hava Yollari). The contract includes long-term TotalCarea service support.....[continue] Commercial
July
2009
 Tiny reconnaissance aircraft has industry in a flap A tiny ‘nano air vehicle’ (NAV) that hovers by flapping its wings has impressed its developers – and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - with AeroVironment receiving a Phase II contract extension worth $2.1 million for its NAV program.....[continue] Experimental
July
2009
 First glimpse of solar-powered plane draws big crowd After six long years of planning, talking and hard work, the world finally got its first look at the 100% solar-powered Solar Impulse HB-SIA on June 26th. This remarkable feat of engineering, with the wingspan of a Boeing 747 but only the weight of an average family car, has over 12,000 solar cells powering four electric motors.....[continue] Experimental
June
2009
 Jet Aviation Singapore now offers base MRO for Bombardier and Cessna Jet Aviation Singapore has recently expanded its base and line maintenance service offerings to include base maintenance for Bombardier Challenger 601/604/605 and Cessna 560XL aircraft under the company's EASA 145 maintenance approval.......[continue]   MRO
June
2009
 Airbus gears up for Chinese A350 push As the first A320s assembled at Airbus's Tianjin plant enter service, the airframer is gearing up to push composite component manufacturing for its forthcoming A350 XWB widebody into China.
Plans to procure 5% of the A350 from China are on track......[continue]		 Commercial
June
2009
 Boeing delays 787 first flight as it prepares structural modification  Boeing's 787 customers are urgently waiting to hear when they can expect to see their first Dreamliners after the programme suffered another major delay. The latest interruption is due to the need for structural reinforcement to the wing/body attachment structure......[continue] Commercial
July
2009
Saab Receives Development Order for the Gripen System Defence and security company Saab has received an order valued at approx. MSEK 350 from FMV (the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) for development of the Gripen system.....[continue]
 Fighter
June
2009
NGC and USAF Unveil Next-Gen of High-Flying Global Hawk Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the U.S. Air Force unveiled the next-generation of high-flying unmanned aircraft - the RQ-4 Block 40 Global Hawk - in a ceremony today at Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif., manufacturing facility.....[continue]
 Experimental
June
2009
Rolls-Royce Delivers ADVENT Technology Milestone Rolls-Royce has achieved a significant milestone in the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) research program, delivering the adaptive fan system rig on schedule to the U.S. Air force Compressor Research Facility (CRF)....[continue]
 Experimental
June
2009
Aurora Demos Autonomous Landings on General Aviation Aircraft Aurora Flight Sciences announced today that it has successfully demonstrated fully autonomous takeoffs and landings (ATOL) on a General Aviation aircraft...[continue]
 Experimental
June
2009
 Bombardier studies wireless IFE for CSeries Bombardier believes there is "a good chance" that wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) may be a viable solution for its CSeries when the aircraft enters into service in 2013....[continue] Commercial
June
2009
 Advanced Tactical Laser Aircraft Fires High-Power Laser in Flight (Kirtland AFB, N.M., June 19, 2009) -- Members of the 413th Flight Test Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., and contractor Boeing recently successfully fired the high-power laser aboard the Advanced Tactical Laser aircraft for the first time in flight.....[continue] Experimental
June
2009
 A400M first flight could take place this year EADS expects the delay-hit A400 military transport to make its first flight in late 2009 or in the early weeks of 2010, and says the programme could proceed even if the UK were to withdraw. Speaking at the company's pre-show media seminar, chief executive Louis Gallois hailed....[continue] Transport
June
2009
 USAF Selects Cavotec Systems to Power F-22 Maintenance Ground support innovator, Cavotec MSL, is to supply a range of in-ground electrical systems to power F-22 fighter aircraft during maintenance operations at the United States Air Force (USAF) base at Elmendorf, Alaska.....[continue] Fighter
June
2009
 Boeing Projects Resilient Long-Term Commercial Airplane Market  Boeing forecasts a $3.2 trillion market for new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years and takes into account the industry's near-term realities, including a global economic recession, declining passenger and cargo traffic, and unpredictable fuel prices. The Boeing 2009 Current Market Outlook (CMO), which was released in London today, foresees a market for 29,000.....[continue] Commercial
June
2009
 Malaysia to phase out troublesome MiG-29 fighters Malaysia has announced plans to phase out its RSK MiG-29N fighters over the next few years, with the fleet having been plagued by problems since it bought the type in the early 1990s.
"I have decided that from next month, the aircraft will be phased out and we should find a way to sell them to certain companies or countries approved by the United Nations.....[continue]		 Fighter
June
2009
 Research Officials Study Energy Harvesting for Future Unmanned Aircraft The University of Washington's Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative project team is working on airborne solar cells that are dye-sensitized solar cells and expected to power Air Force unmanned aircraft in the future because they are an optimum energy harvesting source that may lead to longer flight times without refueling.....[continue] Experimental
June
2009
 Russia Looking to Restore Military Transport Fleet RIA Novosti recently quoted Lt. Gen. Viktor Kachalkin, commander of Russia’s 61st Air Army,as saying that Russia intends to step up buys of modern military transports beginning in 2012. Meanwhile, the current strategic fleet of AN-22 “Cock” turboprops, IL-76 “Candids”, and the huge AN-124 Ruslans...[continue] Transport
June
2009
 Biofuel Test Flight Report Shows Significant Fuel Saving  Scientific testing has found that up to 1.4 tonnes of fuel can be saved on a twelve-hour long haul flight powered by a 50/50 blend of second generation jatropha sustainable biofuel and traditional Jet A1.....[continue] Experimental
June
2009
 The Airbus Military A330 MRTT has successfully performed first contacts using a new generation of under-wing hose and drogue refuelling pods  The Airbus Military A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) has completed another major milestone performing successfully a series of dry contacts using the new generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods, located under the wings. The receiver aircraft was a Spanish Air Force F/A-18A+ fighter......[continue] Experimental
May 2009 AgustaWestland Opens New Dedicated T129 Facility  AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the opening of its new T129 facility in Cascina Costa, Italy. The official opening ceremony was attended by delegates from the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM), Turkish Land Force Command and Turkish General Staff as well as industry representatives from Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) and Aselsan.....[continue] MRO
May 2009 Alenia Aeronautica Completes Deliveries of C-27js to Italian AF  Today, at its Caselle South facility, Alenia Aeronautica completed deliveries to the Italian Air Force (AMI) with the delivery of the twelfth C-27J. The aircraft was delivered to the 46th Air Wing based in Pisa.Today's ceremony completes the deliveries of aircraft that began....[continue] Transport
May 2009 Boeing B-52 With Combat Network Communications Upgrade Makes 1st Flight  Boeing today announced the successful first flight of a B-52 Stratofortress upgraded with Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT), a modification that equips the legendary B-52 with 21st-century situational awareness and mission flexibility...[continue] Experimental
May 2009 Boeing Completes First 787 Dreamliner Engine Runs  Boeing [NYSE: BA] continued to make steady progress toward the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner, completing the first engine runs on the all-new airplane. The occasion marks the first all-electric start of a commercial jetliner engine on a twin-aisle commercial jetliner....[continue] Commercial
May 2009 GE Honda Aero Engines Readies for HF120 Engine Certification Testing  The second half of 2009 will be filled with significant certification testing milestones for the GE Honda Aero Engines' HF120 engine. "The majority of the hardware for the first HF120 development engine has arrived...[continue] Experimental
May 2009 USA wants UK Zephyr in Afghanistan and Iraq   The UK-designed solar-powered, high-altitude, long-endurance Zephyr unmanned air vehicle is to fly in Afghanistan and Iraq....[continue] UAV
May 2009 1st A320 Assembled in China Performs Maiden Flight  The first A320 aircraft assembled outside Europe in the Airbus Final Assembly Line China (FALC) successfully completed its first flight today. The aircraft took off from Tianjin International Airport at 10:42 am and landed at 14:56....[continue] Commercial
May 2009 Boeing could offer all-new 777 replacement to rival A350 within four years   Boeing says that it could respond to any threat from the A350 XWB family with an "overwhelmingly superior" new airliner to replace the 777 before the end of the next decade. Airbus marketeers believe that they have their rival on the ropes....[continue] Commercial
May 2009 USAF Could Lose Next Tanker Duel Oversight  Pentagon officials have not yet decided whether an upcoming KC-X competition between Boeing and a Northrop Grumman/EADS North America team to build new aerial refueling tankers will be managed by the U.S. Air Force....[continue] Others
May 2009 Pentagon Budget Provides A Short-term View  U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was not in the room when the Pentagon unveiled its first budget request under the Obama administration on May 7, but he did not need to be as his fingerprints are all over its themes of reform and unconventional warfare, as well as its omissions....[continue] Others
May 2009 Boeing BBJ convertible is available  Boeing announced this afternoon the availability of the newest member of its business jet portfolio. The airframer is providing a multi-role convertible BBJ aircraft and is touting a transition time from an all-passenger to all-cargo configuration of less than 8h....[continue] Commercial
May 2009 Boeing, Rolls-Royce, RUAG to Investigate Open-Fan Propulsion Technology Boeing, Rolls-Royce, RUAG Aerospace and Deharde Maschinenbau have entered into a collaborative research agreement to explore the potential of fuel-efficient open-fan (open rotor) propulsion technology for future commercial airplanes...[continue] Experimental
May 2009 Boeing to Develop, Fly ‘Phantom Ray’ Technology Demonstrator The Boeing Company plans to develop and demonstrate an unmanned flying test bed for advanced air system technologies. The internally funded program, called Phantom Ray, will use the prototype vehicle that Boeing originally developed for...[continue] Experimental
May 2009 Airbus changes A380 delivery schedule for 2009/2010 Due to the current economic and aviation crisis and following specific customer requests for deferrals, Airbus is adapting its A380 aircraft delivery schedule for 2009/2010...[continue] Commercial
April 2009 CFM Launches CFM56-7B Evolution Engine Program to Power Next-Gen 737 CFM International today launched the new CFM56-7B Evolution engine enhancement program scheduled to enter airline service in mid-2011 to coincide with Boeing Next-Generation 737 airframe improvements also announced today...[continue] Commercial
April 2009 Boeing Unveils Performance, Comfort Changes to Next-Generation 737s Boeing today announced that seven airlines will be the first to incorporate the new, spacious 737 Boeing Sky Interior ...[continue] Commercial
April 2009 Boeing Assembles First Set of 747-8 Wings The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has completed major assembly of the first set of wings for the 747-8 Freighter. The new 135-foot 3-inch g(41.2 m) wings....[continue] Commercial
April 2009 Jet-powered Predator C makes first flight and gains funding support General Atomics Aeronautical Systems flew its jet-powered Predator C unmanned aircraft system for the first time in early April....[continue] UAV
April 2009 Korean Air Boosts Citation Fleet for Pilot Training Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today Korean Air has ordered two Citation CJ1+ aircraft to boost its advanced pilot training capability....[continue] Commercial
April 2009 USAF considers upgrades for next stand-in jammer  The US Air Force has tasked Raytheon with studying the feasibility of two key upgrades for a jammer platform now in development....[continue] Experimental
April 2009 USAF selects datalink to bridge communications gap between F-22 and F-35   The US Air Force has cleared a five-year upgrade project to allow the Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor to communicate with....[continue] Fighter
April 2009 Pentagon proposes to revamp spending priorities, shut down F-22    Secretary of Defense Robert Gates today proposed the most radical reshaping of the Pentagon’s spending priorities since the end of the Cold War....[continue] Fighter
April 2009 India's Hyderabad aims to be centre for aerospace manufacturing   Indian conglomerate GMR Group, which built and is the major owner of Hyderabad's new airport, is speaking to European and US aerospace companies....[continue] MRO
April 2009 Moving Beyond the F-22  The debate over whether to continue production of the F-22 Raptor has been one of the most politically charged and controversial budget issues in recent memory....[continue] Fighter
April 2009 Airbus develops wing fairing to reduce larger engine drag penalty  Airbus engineers have applied for a US patent on a wing root fairing technology the company says can reduce the drag penalty that comes from installing larger engines on existing airframes.....[continue] Commercial
April 2009 Boeing to Adjust 2010 Twin-Aisle Airplane Production Plan  Boeing to Adjust 2010 Twin-Aisle Airplane Production Plan First-Quarter 2009 Results to Reflect Impacts of Production Decisions and Lower Price Escalation....[continue] Commercial
April 2009 Downturn forces Cirrus to delay aircraft development  The global economic meltdown has forced Cirrus Design to delay its new aircraft development timetable while it awaits the signs of recovery....[continue] Experimental
March 2009 Embraer's Phenom 300 Executive Jet Program Progresses  Embraer moves steadily forward in its Phenom 300 light jet program, with the first flight of the fourth test aircraft at the end of February 2009....[continue] Commercial
March 2009 X-51A programme admits facing long odds  Boeing X-51A programme officials acknowledge that they face long odds for completing a successful flight-test programme for the hypersonic vehicle with only four experiments funded....[continue] Experimental
March 2009 P&W Begins Production of Next Gen F100 Series Engines  Pratt & Whitney, maker of the F100 engine family that powers the F-16 and F-15 military fighter jets operated by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the Air Forces of 22 allied nations, have begun production....[continue] Fighter
March 2009 Boeing to co-develop 910kg JDAM ER wing kit with Korea  Boeing and Times Aerospace Korea to are to jointly develop a wing assembly for the 910kg (2,000lb) Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM ER) bomb....[continue] Experimental
March 2009 Corrosion issue grounds one-third of Russian air force MiG-29 fleet  A third of the Russian air force's RSK MiG-29 fighters have been rendered non-flightworthy, due to corrosion found during ongoing safety inspections.....[continue] Fighter
March 2009 Northrop Grumman Takes Delivery of First F-35 Parts From Key Turkish Supplier  Composite Parts From Turkish Aerospace Industries Will be Used On First Production Jets - Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), a major supplier to Northrop Grumman Corporation on the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program....[continue] Fighter
March 2009 A330 MRTT Production Marks Milestone With 1st Wing Set Deliveries  EADS' ability to build and deliver highly capable tanker/transport aircraft for NATO air forces and allied countries was underscored by a recent delivery of the first wing set for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) to be operated by the U.K.'s Royal Air Force...[continue] Experimental
March 2009 F-35 Production, Testing and Participation Shift Into Higher Gear in 2009  In a single calendar year, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II program will complete all remaining System Development and Demonstration aircraft, deliver the first production-model F-35s to the armed services and initiate full-scale flight test operations at Edwards Air Force Base....[continue]

Fighter
March 2009 MiG-23s Phased Out of IAF at AF Station Halwara  The MiG-23 BN of Indian Air Force retired today on 06 Mar 09, after 28 years of glorious service to the Nation. A befitting farewell in the form of a ‘phasing out ceremony’ was held at its last home, No. 221 Squadron at Air Force Station Halwara....[continue]

Fighter
March 2009 AgustaWestland Unveils the DA VINCI Project Helicopter  AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has unveiled the DA VINCI helicopter to Swiss air-rescue operator....[continue] Helicopter
February 2009 High-Maintenance F-22 Stealth Features Keeping It in the Shop  The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) has learned from internal Pentagon sources that stealth maintenance on the F-22 fighter aircraft is the primary cause of its maintenance headaches, which are in turn undermining its mission capability.POGO believes that this may be the primary reason for Defense Department Acquisition Chief John Young’s findings that the F-22’s mission....[continue] Fighter
February 2009 NASA Awards Rotorcraft Technology Development Contract  NASA has selected three companies to receive a subsonic rotary wing technology development contract valued at $40 million. The companies sharing the award are Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. of Hurst, Texas; The Boeing Company of Chicago; and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. of Stratford, Conn....[continue] Experimental
February 2009 Airbus Revises Production Rates  Airbus is adapting production rates of its A320 Family programme from 36 to 34 a month from October 2009 onwards. Production rates of the A330/A340 family will be paused at the current level of 8.5 a month, and not increased further as previously planned. This decision reflects Airbus' current view on market demand in times of airlines adapting their capacities and of continuing uncertainties caused by the worldwide economic crisis....[continue] Commercial
February 2009 Boeing Delivers 1st 777 Freighter to Air France  Boeing today celebrated the delivery of the company's first 777 Freighter to launch customer Air France in a ceremony at the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour  near Paine Field...[continue] Commercial
February 2009 Air France GP7200-Powered A380 Takes First Flight   The first Air France A380, powered with Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, successfully completed a 4-hour inaugural test route flight...[continue]

Commercial
February 2009  AgustaWestland And Tata Sons Sign MoU For AW119 Helicopter Final Assembly In India   AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Tata Sons are announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the formation of an Indian joint venture...[continue]

Helicopter
February 2009 Sikorsky Readies X2 Helo Flight Test   Sikorsky is preparing to take the next step in its X2 technology high-speed helicopter program, having tested the coaxial-rotor demonstrator for the first time...[continue] 

Experimental
February 2009 H3 Aerospace Acquires Grob Aircraft   H3 AEROSPACE  GmbH & Co. KG (Munich) will acquire major parts of Grob Aerospace GmbH (Mindelheim) as of 1 February 2009 and continue operations under the new company name "Grob Aircraft AG"....[continue]

Commercial
February 2009 Lockheed Martin Delivers C-5M Super Galaxy    Lockheed Martin today delivered the second of three fully modernized developmental test C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft to the U.S. Air Force....[continue]

Transport
February 2009 JAL Flight Brings Aviation One Step Closer to Using Biofuel      Japan Airlines (JAL) Today, Japan Airlines (JAL)  became the first airline to conduct a demonstration flight using a sustainable biofuel primarily refined from the energy crop, camelina. It was also the first demo flight using a combination of three sustainable biofuel feedstocks, as well as the first one using Pratt & Whitney engines.....[continue]

Experimental
February 2009 Cessna Celebrates Grand Opening of Newest Citation Service Center in Mesa    Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. company, today marked the grand opening of its Mesa Citation Service Center adjacent to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona ....[continue]

MRO
February 2009 AFRL Picks Industry Team as Phase II Integrator for Automated Aerial Refueling    The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded an industry team led by Boeing a four-year contract worth $49 million to continue developing technology that will enable an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to autonomously rendezvous with a tanker aircraft and refuel. ....[continue]

Experimental
February 2009 Cessna Delivers Citation X to MJets in Thailand      Cessna Aircraft Company announced today it has delivered a Citation X to Bangkok-based MJets Limited, a leader in business aviation across Southeast Asia. The Citation X joins a Citation CJ3 already in the MJets fleet and it is the second Citation X operating in Thailand.....[continue] Commercial
February 2009 Airbus Signs JV to Establish a Manufacturing Centre in Harbin    Airbus  and a group of Chinese industrial partners today signed a contract to establish a Joint Venture Manufacturing Centre in Harbin, China to manufacture composite material parts and components for the  Airbus A350 XWB programme....[continue] MRO
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