AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,861 news found

IndustryIrkut takes over Yakovlev
Moscow, Russia - The Yak-130 programme in the centre of interest
Irkut, an important Russian aerospace group, announced in August 2003 the acquisition of Yakovlev. A completed operation now, at least within participation share (more than a 75%) which reinforces Irkut... more

AerospaceCrews hold station change of command ceremony (2): a spacewalk is at planning phase
Moscow, Russia – The Russian flight suite seems to be larger for American module hatches
On the ground, flight controllers are planning a spacewalk by the expedition 9 crew (see AVIONEWS article) to replace a faulty Remote Power Controller Module (RPCM) that caused one of the ISS’ Control M... more

IndustryEads-Airbus forecasts a notable selling increase by the end of this year
Paris, France - USA market's no-go has so far retarded but not stopped company's trend
A joint estimation by both Eads and Airbus would have revealed very good forecasting in terms of selling by the end of 2004. At least a total amount of some 250-300 airplanes could be in fact ordered all... more

AccidentsUstica affair sentence in Rome on next Wednesday
Rome, Italy - Lawyers consider investigation misleading accusation as simply absurd
Rome Third Court competent on such matter will decide about Ustica disaster’s responsibilities. This court has adjourned in its own council but before doing it, has granted defendants’ lawyers the pos... more

AerospaceCrews hold station change of command ceremony
Moscow, Russia – The eight ISS crew will land on Friday
The two ISS (International Space Station) crews, expedition 8 and 9 (see AVIONEWS article), held on Monday just after 17:00 GMT a ceremonial change of command between U.S. Commander Michael Foale of expedition... more

AirlinesAlitalia (2): Lombardia Region President Formigoni
Milan, Italy - Reassessing northern Italy's airports means a more competitive carrier
Lombardia Region President, Roberto Formigoni, has commented today Alitalia's situation. According to Formigoni, an important step towards a revaluation of this carrier would be that of strengthening international... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on Narco Avionics Inc. AT150 transponders
Washington, Usa - To prevent loss of aircraft airspace separation and the possibility of mid-air collision
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register Information [Federal Register: April 26, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 80)] [Page 22386-22387] Header Information Header... more

AirlinesAlitalia: Cub Trasporti's protest
Rome, Italy - 150 employees against company liquidation danger
Italian Cub Trasporti trade union has organized a protest this morning with the attending of some 150 employees in front of Alitalia's headquarter in Rome. This event, trade union's representatives explained,... more

AerospaceTechnical problems delay launch of Russian military satellite
Moscow, Russia - Even this time there were problems with the rocket
The Russian military space service had indefinitely postponed a new attempt to launch the Kosmos military satellites 2407 for electronic reconnaissance (see AVIONEWS article). The satellite should leave... more

HelicoptersFormation flight testing for Italian Army's helicopters
Rome, Italy - Waiting for 143rd foundation celebration next week
Waiting for the performance on next Tuesday (May 4) in which several Italian Army helicopters will participate on the occasion of 143rd Army foundation celebration, many aircraft have flown exercising... more

AirlinesSas: US Airways to became full member of Star Alliance
Stockholm, Sweden - From the next May 4
Star Alliance yesterday announced that US Airways will become a full member effective May 4, 2004, further enhancing US Airways' and Star Alliance's global reach and expanding the breath of service available... more

Latest newsStatic load tests for the F-35
El Segundo, USA - Also Royal Air Force's representatives have been invited to attend
Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have decided to provide their international partner for the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) programme with an important opportunity in order to appraise some characteristics... more

DefenseTopol-M testing is going to be concluded
Moscow, Russia - This ballistic missile to be ready soon if next week test has a good result
Russia wants to conclude during next week tests regarding the new Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile. This weapon system represents the most modern one this country has produced in the last years... more

AirlinesContinental Airlines relocates Senior Executive to UK to oversee transatlantic expansion
Houston, Usa - Jim Summerford, 44, Vice-President International, will be the head office from June 1 this year
Continental Airlines yesterday announced that Jim Summerford, Vice President International, will relocate from the airline's Houston headquarters to the United Kingdom to oversee the airline's continuing... more

AccidentsA Russian MI-24 has been hit in Chechnya
Moscow, Russia - It has been forced to land but no one among crew members has been wounded
A Russian Mi-24 combat helicopter has been hit in Chechnya today nearby Vedeno. This aircraft was performing an air-close support mission for troops on the ground in an attempt to facilitate detecting... more

HelicoptersChina to purchase new helicopters for its own Police
Beijing, China - Such decision refers to security exigencies for 2008 Olympics Games
China wants to purchase new helicopters for Beijing Police, waiting most of all for 2008 Olympics Games. It is what local Law Enforcement authorities have confirmed, adding that, even if there is such... more

Latest newsBAe for the 767 Tanker
London, UK - This British company is cooperating with Boeing for its programme though recent problems exist
Even if critical situation concerning the new US Air Force’ air tanker programme exist (see for details AVIONEWS), Boeing is carrying on its own 767 Tanker project, by granting British Aerospace the t... more

Civil aviationUSA and EU appraise alternatives to "air sheriffs"
Brussels, Belgium - A hypothesis for stolen passports records has been suggested
The United States and the European Union have met concerning matters related to flight security in fighting international terrorism. The most important newness would appear to be that referred to alternative... more

People50 new Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner purchased by All Nippon Airways
New York, USA – The aircraft will be delivered starting from 2008
The air company, All Nippon Airways, has ordered 50 new Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner aircraft, the last model that is going to be produced since 2006. This order represents the largest one ever received in just... more

Latest newsStrategic exercise in Siberia by Russian Air Force
Moscow, Russia - Young crews prove skillful during their first military exercise
Russian Air Force has performed an important exercise in the north-eastern part of the country by employing the Tu-95 Bear and the Tu-22 Blinder long-range strategic bombers, escorted by several fighters.... more

Press releaseIn Tallil a HH-3F transports the two wounded soldiers
Rome, Italy - More than 2000 hours of flight carried out by 6 ROA from last July to date
"The activity of 6th Independent Operating Unit (ROA) continues at full speed also in these days of particular difficulty, due to the not favorable weather conditions that hit in the South area of the... more

AirlinesThreats of attempts against asiatic airlines
Bangkok, Thayland – An unknown group is the sender.
Four Asiatic and Middle-East airlines offices in Bangkok has received threats, in relation to the coalition presence in Iraq. It has been announced by the local police. An high police officer declared... more

PeopleSars: warnings to Canadian airports
Ottawa, Canada – Canada intensifies controls on travellers
After new cases of Sars in China (see AVIONEWS article), the canadian health authorities invited international airport managers to intensify the vigilance especially on travellers with problems on breathing... more

Fair and showsThe Pope in Switzerland in June to land at a military airport
Bern, Switzerland - A helicopter to carry him to Bern
On next June 5 and 6 John Paul II should visit Switzerland. Details related to such travel are well known for a very long time even because the city destinated to host him (Bern) is preparing also in these... more

Weather forecastsRussia at Sofex 2004
Amman, Jordan - Fight against terrorism at the centre of attention for Russian military industry
Russia participates to the great Sofex 2004 aerospace and defence exhibition occurring nearby Amman (Jordan) from April 26 to 29. Rosoboronexport, as the public agency which takes care of promoting abroad... more

Science and technologyBologna airport out of order for runway extension
Bologna, Italy – It will stay closed from May the 3rd to July the 2nd
The "Marconi" airport of Bologna will be closed to permit to make the runway longer, from May the 3rd to July the 2nd. During this period the airflights traffic will be diverged to Forli and Rimini Airports.... more

Latest newsEven women as Italian acrobatic patrol members
Rome, Italy – Even the high Italian air force commanders are positive
During the presentation in Rome of the 2004 program of the national acrobatic patrol, with the new formation, the new pilots and the collaboration with County Friuli-Venezia Giulia, it has been found the... more

AirlinesAlitalia (3): Italian Government's intervention risks to be insufficient
Rome, Italy - It is maintained by Financial Times
According to Financial Times, Alitalia would risk to fail even in case remarkable aids can be granted by Italian Government. Minister of Infrastructures, would have put forward two hypotheses for an intervention... more

AirlinesAir One summer flights to Sardinia
Rome, Italy – New line Albenga-Olbia
Next summer, from 19 th of June to 12 of September, the airport of Villanova di Albenga will be linked to Olbia every Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the flight will depart at 12:25 and will arrive to... more

AerospaceRussia to make new try at launching military satellite
Moscow, Russia – The launch is foreseen for today
Russia was on Monday to make a new attempt to launch the Kosmos 2407 military communications satellites from a base in Kazakhstan, the Russian military space service said. The craft is thought to be an... more

Latest newsSwedish rapid reaction force's Gripens conclude their first exercise
Stockholm, Sweden - Other joint exercises to follow this year
The JAS-39 Gripens of the Swedish Flygvapnet F-17 Wing have completed the joint exercise between Sweden and Norway called Joint Winter. This can be defined as the first military exercise by the Swafrap... more

Civil aviationFAA is visiting UFAC in Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland - Inspections about safety standard are under way in this country
US FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) representatives are in Bern in order to verify the situation regarding Swiss civil aviation's safety standard. This operation involves such American authority as... more

AirlinesIata warns of travel chaos if US deadline for biometrics in passport is not extended
Washington, USA – The economical implications of a traffic block would be serious
International Air Transport Association (Iata) urges the House Judiciary Committee to extend the October 26 deadline for requiring the 27 countries in the US Visa Waiver Program to start issuing passport... more

Civil aviationNuclear wastes in the depths
Rome, Italy - A US report would reveal several air accidents in which many atomic bombs had been lost
Italian Green Party's national executive coordinator, Angelo Bonelli, has made know a report related to a survey carried out by the Center for Defence Information. Such study would have put into evidence... more

Civil aviationSouthwest Airlines flight is evacuated over bomb note
St. Louis, USA – An hoaxer but a threatining note on an in-flight magazine
The 121 passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Lambert Field to Orlando, were evacuated early Friday after a passenger found a reference to a bomb scrawled on an in-flight magazine. No explosives... more

Science and technologyItaly for the rebuilding of Iraqi airports
Rome, Italy - Two contracts have already been published on Enac's web site
Italian Government intends to perform an important role regarding infrastructures and related services reconstruction in Iraq. With reference to such purpose, ENAC (Civil Aviation National Agency) and... more

Science and technologyInstrumental landing for Zurich-Kloten Airport by October 2005
Zurich, Switzerland - Airplanes will be able to land with real all-weather capabilities
By October 2005, Zurich-Kloten Airport will be provided with an ILS (Instrumental Landing System) apparatus. Approval by UFAC (Ufficio Federale dell’Aviazione Civile/Civil Aviation Federal Office) gets a... more

IndustryEads at the top for selling by 2007
Paris, France - It is the major goal of such European group
The Eads European group appears firmly willing to achieve the top for producing and exporting aviation products at a worldwide level by 2007. It is what analysts and CEO, Rainer Hertrich, reveal. The goal... more

Press releaseAlitalia (2): all AN Party in defense of national carrier
Rome, Italy - Press-conference of AN in the provincial office located in Via Po 44, Rome
AN (member of the Italian center-right governmental coalition) calls for a press-conference about Alitalia issue, on April 26th Monday at 1:00pm. The meeting with the press will be held in Roman federation... more

Science and technologyDuty free services have been extended for Italian national airports
Rome, Italy - Tourism as an impulse for such provision
Customs Office has decided to extend ruling related to Circular 44/D, with reference to tax exemption for purchases in the large hubs, also to national air stations which simply provide routes for Schengen... more

HelicoptersInvestigation on Menatep administrator’s helicopter explosion
London, UK – Suspicious coincidences resulting to Briton investigators
A UK police investigation should be in progress to determine air crash causes, where attorney and administrator of Menatep company, Stephen Curtis died. He managed Menatep, that even holds control of oil... more

AirlinesBritish Airways' employees fear job cuts
London, UK - However, this carrier firmly gives the lie to such hypothesis
British Airways is trying to significantly lower its own management costs and this fact has scarred the trade unions which have immediately hypothesized the possibility of new job cuts, even if some rumors... more

AerospaceXCOR gets FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) license to fly
Phoenix, USA – The launch license is for a technology test vehicle
Friday the 23rd, XCOR Aerospace company located in Mojave, California, announced it has received a Reusable Launch Vehicle mission license from the U.S. FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. T... more

Civil aviationChina: new control activities in the country's airports after the two new SARS cases
Beijing, China - According to WHO this state is more prepared to face such problem today
After the confirmation of two new Sars cases in China (even if during last days other three new cases have been added), Beijing Government has immediately given instructions for facing the possibility... more

DefenseThe US Air Force is in the process of consolidating its operations in Iraq
Baghdad, Iraq – An operational transfer to Balad base has been foreseen
Operations at Baghdad international airport and Tallil air base will ultimately be transferred to Balad, northwest of Baghdad. When complete, Balad will be the primary location for air force activities... more

AirlinesAlitalia: Rome and Naples' employees protesting
Rome, Italy - Negotiations have started again at 10:30am
As a consequence of the new industrial plan shown by Alitalia’s representatives last week and based on some 1100 redundancies (see for details AVIONEWS), trade unions which defend carrier’s employees at... more

DefenseIntegrated testing of first airborne ray gun completed
Sunnyvale, Usa – The system will be housed in a rotating 1.5 meter telescope
Lockheed Martin has completed factory testing of the optical benches for the airborne laser’s beam control/fire control system. The airborne laser (ABL) is the first megawatt-class laser weapon system t... more

AccidentsA small tourism airplane crashed in Germany
Altheim, Germany - It fell headlong on the ground not far from an amusement park
A small tourism airplane with three persons on board fell headlong nearby Altheim, in the Baden-Wurtemberg, yesterday afternoon crashing on the ground. This aircraft fell on a street not so far from an... more

Science and technologyGermany and Switzerland towards an agreement for Zurich Airport
Berlin, Germany - These two countries could share noise pollution for such air station
German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, has recently met Swiss Confederation President, Joseph Deiss, in Berlin. During this meeting, a particular importance has been recognized for air transport, and the... more

Weather forecastsAir shows and exhibitions in April 2004
Rome, Italy -
PROP SEMINAR SERIES… April 30-May 1, Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World, Orlando, Fla.; May 14-15, Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Scottsdale, Ariz. Info: (915) 486-9113; www.turbineair.com. RAA C... more