AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,360 news found

Press releaseTap Portugal prized by "World Travel Awards"
Rome, Italy - As a world airline leader for South-America
"Tap Portugal, airline member of Star Alliance, is awarded 'World Travel Awards' prize as an air world Leader for South America. The prize was given to Luiz Mór, CEO of Tap Portugal, during the gala... more

Civil aviationOfficial Gazette: ratification and execution of the EuroMediterranean agreement on air transport, between the European Community and its Member states, and the Kingdom of Morocco, signed in Brussels on 12th December 2006
Rome, Italy - Law 13th October 2009, n.158 (GU n. 264 of 12-11-2009) -(Ordinary supplement n.207)
"The Chamber of deputies and the Senate of the Republic have approved; The President of the Republic Promulgates the following law: Article 1 Authorisation of ratification 1) The president... more

Airlines"El Pais" announced that Iberia and British Airways will be based shortly
Rome, Italy - According to the Spanish daily newspaper, the Board of directors of the two airlines would have already deliberated
According to the news, which is as yet neither confirmed nor official, the title of the two airlines have gained, respectively, 12.64% of Iberia, and 10.5% of British Airways. According to what is reported... more

AirportsFlorence Airport: results of the third quarter of 2009
Florence, Italy - The salient details
The Airport of Florence communicates the results of the third quarter of 2009 The highlights are as follows: · In the third quarter of 2009 (July-September): - Proceeds equal to 9,8 million Euro... more

AccidentsVietnamese MiG-21 explodes in mid-air
Hanoi, Vietnam - The two pilots have been killed
A Vietnamese MiG-21 fighter aircraft yesterday crashed at about 2:00 pm 200 km north-west of Hanoi, as reported by an unnamed source from the provincial military command of Yen Bai base. The airplane would... more

AirlinesTar on Alitalia: the "Legge Scajola" will not be taken to Constitutional Court
Rome, Italy - The appeal of the Codacons was rejected by the III Section of the administrative court of the Lazio Region
Following today's decision of the administrative court of the Lazio Region, the Constitutional Court will not have to pronounce itself about the constitutional legitimacy of the law thanks to which the... more

AerospaceBoeing to supply large spare parts for the ISS
Cape Canaveral, USA - 12 elements out of 15 are built or provided by the company
When Space Shuttle Atlantis launches from Kennedy Space Center on November 16 (see AVIONEWS) to begin its journey to the International Space Station (ISS), it will carry more than 14 tons of large spare... more

HelicoptersJoint venture between Sikorsky and Tata in India
Mumbai, India - To produce aerospace components
Sikorsky Aircraft (United Technologies) and Tata Advanced Systems (Tata Sons) yesterday announced the signing of an agreement creating a joint venture that will manufacture aerospace components for Sikorsky... more

AirlinesEurofly has joined IATA
Rome, Italy - International Air Transport Association
The airline Eurofly officially entered in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on November 10, allowing it to pursue the development of its accounts with the associate airlines, making the... more

AirlinesEurofly: interim management report to September 30 approved yesterday
Milan, Italy - Results in line with the expected 2009 budget
Eurofly's board of directors yesterday approved the interim management report to September 2009. Here are the main points in detail. - Sales and performance related revenues of € 237,501 thousand (... more

AirlinesFilt-Cgil and other trade unions announced a 4 hour strike for pilots and assistants of the Alitalia CAI-Air One group
Rome, Italy - Also IPA, AVIA, and ANPAC
The pilots and flight assistants belonging to FILT-CGIL, IPA, AVIA, and ANPAC, announced a 4 hour strike on the next 25th November from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Alitalia CAI-AirOne group due to the... more

AirlinesCodacons on Alitalia: the authorisation law for the sale of Alitalia is unconstitutional
Rome, Italy - Confirmed by a press release from thee Codacons consumer association
A press release by the Codacons stated yesterday that the law on the basis of which the sale of Alitalia was authorised is unconstitutional. Codacons today affirmed their reasons in front of the Lazio... more

AerospaceEstonia is the fifth ESA European Cooperating State
Tallinn, Estonia - To develop shared programs with the Agency
Estonia, thanks to an agreement signed in Tallinn between ESA’s Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations, Peter Hulsroj, and Estonian Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications, Juhan Parts, h... more

AirlinesBoards approved British-Iberia merger
Madrid, Spain - EU asks for competition to be guaranteed
Confirming recent anticipations issued by AVIONEWS, the boards of directors of British Airways and Iberia yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out the basis for a proposed merger... more

Military aviationFrench defense approves contract for further 60 Rafales
Paris, France - Destined to both navy and air force
French defense minister Hervé Morin today approved an investment plan linked to a contract for 60 Rafale fighter aircraft destined to both navy and air force; the investment had already been inserted... more

Military aviationCanada ready to replace its fleet of CF-18s
Paris, France - Their operational life will end in 2017
According to the French newspaper "Le Devoir", Ottawa's government would be ready to launch (perhaps already next month) a tender to renew the fleet of 80 CF-18 fighters of the Canadian Air Force, purchased... more

Fair and showsItalian companies present at the "Dubai Air Show 2009"
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - In the United Arab Emirates from November 15 to 19
These are the Italian companies that are going to take part in the "Dubai Air Show 2009", that will take place from November 15 to 19. To-date information from dubaiairshow.aero. In brackets, when present,... more

AirportsMalta Airport denies hampering Efly
Luqa, Malta - MIA: "We have simply adhered to regulations"
MIA-Airport of Malta yesterday denied Efly airline's statements reporting that the airport operator would have hampered the carrier's operations. MIA said that it has simply adhered to its regulations,... more

SecurityEASA approved the A-330 for ETOPS rules "Beyond 180 minutes"
Cologne, Germany - The first aircraft to achieve this certification
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved all Airbus A-330 models for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) rules “Beyond 180 minutes”. This award makes the... more

SecurityFAA AD on Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems model SAAB 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes (2008-09-06R1)
Washington, Usa - To identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register: [Page 57405-57408] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part... more

SecurityFAA AD on Cessna Aircraft Company 150 and 152 series airplanes (2009-10-09R1)
Washington, Usa - To prevent the rudder from traveling past the normal travel limit
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register: [Page 57408-57411] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part... more

HelicoptersItalian Navy to gradually receive NH-90 helicopters
La Spezia, Italy - First deliveries scheduled for next Autumn
The Italian Navy (MMI) has accepted to gradually receive NH-90 helicopters, in the naval NFH version, built by NH Industries (NHI), as stated by rear admiral Paolo Treu, chief of the Navy's air force,... more

SecurityFAA AD on 328 Support Services GmbH Dornier model 328-300 airplanes (2009-01-06R1)
Washington, Usa - To reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register: [Page 57411-57414] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part... more

SecurityFAA AD on Fokker model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes (2008-05-18R1)
Washington, Usa - To identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register: [Page 57402-57405] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part... more

AccidentsAirplane crashes against VIP lounge in Rwanda. 1 victim
Kigali, Rwanda - The aircraft likely auto-accelerated while taxiing
A Canadair Regional Jet CRJ/100ER operated by Rwandair Express yesterday crashed against the VIP lounge at Kigali airport, in Rwanda, as the pilot wasn't able to stop the engines following an emergency... more

Fair and showsAirbus at the "Dubai Air Show 2009"
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Highliting the European manufacturer's corporate jet family
Airbus corporate jetliner (ACJ) family will be a highlight of the "Dubai air show", that will take place from November 15 to 19, giving important businessmen, companies and governments in the region the... more

Civil aviationReinforcements installed on the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Everett, USA - First flight scheduled within the end of the year
Boeing yesterday announced that it has completed installing reinforcements within the side-of-body section on the first 787 Dreamliner, which first flight, initially scheduled in June, had been delayed... more

CuriositiesContinental Airlines announces results of expanded recycling program
Houston, Usa - The US prepares to observe "America Recycles Day" on Sunday
Continental Airlines announced a major increase in the effectiveness of its recycling programs after the company put special emphasis on recycling projects in support of its ongoing commitment to the environment. As... more

Civil aviationAci Europe: European passenger traffic down -4.1% during September 2009
Brussels, Belgium - Also freight decreased -7.8%
The overall passenger traffic at European airports decreased by -4.1% in September 2009 compared with September 2008. The overall freight traffic among European airports decreased -7.8% in September 2009... more

CargoThe first 747/8 Freighter leaves the factory
Everett, USA - Destined to launch customer Cargolux
Boeing yesterday towed the first 747/8 Freighter out of the factory in Everett, USA. The airplane, ultimately destined for launch customer Cargolux, will be painted and begin preparations for flight test. This... more

HelicoptersThe AW-159 prototype Lynx Wildcat took off
Yeovil, UK - The new multi-role military helicopter of the industry belonging to Finmeccanica Group
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced yesterday that the first AW-159 multi-role military helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility with AgustaWestland C... more

DiscussionsHistoric maiden flight for the AW-159 of the British Army
Yeovil, UK - Designed and developed to meet the UK MoD’s requirements
As anticipated (see AVIONEWS), AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica subsidiary, has successfully performed the maiden flight of its AW-159 Lynx Wildcat multirole helicopter for the British Army, at its facility... more

AirlinesContinental Airlines auctions trip to 8 wonders of the world
Houston, USA - To celebrate its entrance in Star Alliance
Continental Airlines announced the opportunity for its Frequent Flyers to bid their miles on a premium around-the-world trip to visit eight wonders of the world in an online auction at the company's web... more

SecurityFAA AD on Hawker Beechcraft Corporation model 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes (2009-23-01)
Washington, Usa - To detect and correct leaking and cracks in the MLG actuators, which could result in loss of hydraulic fluid
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register [Page 56710-56713] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part... more

SecurityFAA AD on Boeing model 747-200C and 747-200F series airplanes (2009-22-14)
Washington, Usa - To prevent water contamination in the electrical/electronic units in the main equipment center, which could result in an electrical short and potential loss of several functions essential for safe flight
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register: [Page 56717-56719] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part... more

SecurityFAA AD on ATR model ATR-42 and ATR-72 airplanes (2008-04-19R1)
Washington, Usa - To identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Federal Register: [Page 56713-56717] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part... more

DefenseNew success for the JASSM-ER missile
Orlando, USA - The sixth positive test out of six performed
Lockheed Martin yesterday announced that its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) successfully completed its sixth flight demonstration in a recent test at White Sands Missile... more

Press releaseItalian ENAC: remains licence of air transport of the ai company Vallée remains suspended
Rome, Italy - Decided by the Authority a week ago
"The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) explains that up until now the suspension of the licence for air transport exercise of the Air Vallée SpA carrier, suspended last November 5th, remains valid. Yesterday... more

SecurityOn average 12 pilots are stopped because of their drunken state
Washington, USA - The commander arrested in London is not an isolated case
About 12 pilots, like Erwin Washington from the United States (see AVIONEWS), are stopped every year for going to work with alcoholic levels higher than what is allowed (0.02% in England, 0.04% in the... more

Civil defenseSigned yesterday the agreement between World Bank and the Italian civil Defense for the sharing of emergency procedures
Rome, Italy - A delegation visited the zone hit by the Aquila earthquake
"A delegation of World Bank, represented by vice-president Katherine Sierra, reached yesterday the zones hit by the earthquake to sign an agreement with the Department of the civil Defense aimed to undertake... more

AerospaceRosetta ready to the last fly-by of the Earth
Rome, Italy - Then the probe restarts its travel towrds Churyumov Gerasimenko comet that will reach in 2014
When Europe's comet chaser Rosetta swings by Earth tomorrow for a critical gravity assist, tracking data will be collected to precisely measure the satellite's change in orbital energy. The results could... more

AerospaceLast preparations underway for Intelsat 14 satellite's launch
Cape Canaveral AFB, USA - Lift off is scheduled for Saturday night
Lockheed Martin is in the final stages of preparation for Saturday’s launch of a commercial telecommunications satellite for Intelsat, one of the world’s leading providers of fixed satellite services, abo... more

Military aviationFirst air refuelling for Swedish Gripen pilots
Stockholm, Sweden - They will attend a one-week course for these operations
For the first time ever, Swedish unit pilots have successfully refuelled the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft in mid-air. Air refuelling has been possible ever since the C/D version of the Gripen fighter... more

IndustrySELEX Galileo secures contract from BAE Systems in excess of GBP 350 million
Rome, Italy - For Captor radar and DASS support services for the Eurofighter aircraft
"SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica company, and its partner companies have been awarded a five-year contract worth more than GBP 350 million by BAE Systems for support services for Captor radar and Praetorian... more

SecurityThe FAA has had problems with 6100 pilots in the past 10 years
Washington, USA - Many of these are still in service
Following some recent inconveniences due to lack of professionally and attention of line pilots (see AVIONEWS 1 and 2), an inquiry conducted by "News 8" has brought to light a FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)... more

OccurrenceseasyJet aircraft diverted for its wrong reading of fuel level
Hamburg, Germany - Maybe a loss or a breakdown of the indicator
An easyJet Airbus A-319/100 aircraft, flying from London-Stansted to Tallin (Estonia) with 128 passengers on board (flight U23445) was redirected today on Hamburg-Fuhlsbuettel (Germany) airport due to... more

ReportMike Tyson arrested at Los Angeles airport
Los Angeles, USA - Following a row with a paparazzi
The ex-boxer, heavy weight world champion, Mike Tyson, was arrested at Los Angeles airport yesterday following a row with a paparazzi, who at the end of the confrontation (at no surprise) reported head... more

Civil aviationACI Europe asks for competitive relief measures
Brussels, Belgium - An intervention from the governments and the EU is needed to back the recovery
ACI (Airports Council International) Europe today released a fresh report on the impact of the crisis on the airport sector, entitled "Renewed Call for Competitive Relief Measures". With 82% of European... more

Military aviationThe new Chinese stealth fighter will be ready within 10 years
Beijing, China - The words by the vice-commander of the air force
China may complete the realization and enter its fifth generation fighter stealth into service within the next 8-10 years. The announcement was made by Ho Weirong, the vice-commander of the Chinese air-force,... more

Military aviationNorway foresees USD 3.6 bn contracts with F-35
Oslo, Norway - The work opportunities will have to correspond to the investments made in the project
Norway expects to obtain up to USD 3.6 billion in contracts for its companies thanks to air programme F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. These expectations were made even more valid with recent encounters... more